Latest news with #sensitivities
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India not ‘tariff king', says Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal on Friday said that India can face competition and is not the 'tariff king', as India's average tariffs for the UK following the trade deal are set to drop to 3 per cent compared to the current levels of 15 per cent. Barthwal said at a press briefing that India and the UK have managed to strike the 'right balance between strengths and sensitivities', and that the government will begin capacity-building of exporters to make full use of the tariff concessions achieved in the UK trade deal. 'FTAs are done, but the gains from the concessions can only come through stakeholder involvement. We have got concessions in textiles, leather footwear and processed footwear sectors, where tariffs were as high as 70 per cent. Now, the Commerce and Industry Ministry will begin capacity-building of our exporters,' Barthwal said. Barthwal said that fears of dumping are unfounded, as the trade deal has rules of origin and product-specific rules in place to address such concerns, adding that the deal is expected to be ratified by the UK government within a year, as it must pass through both Houses of the British Parliament. 'The regulatory ecosystem between the two countries will also be improved. In this FTA, there are timelines as to when the mutual recognition agreement is supposed to be completed. This will improve certainty for businesses operating in both countries,' Barthwal said. Government officials said that India's major exports — from labour-intensive sectors like textiles, gems & jewellery, leather and footwear, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods — are set to gain a major edge with zero-duty access to the UK, improving the competitiveness of Indian goods in the UK market. 'The UK market opens up duty-free for nearly all Indian agri-exports, with just a few limited exceptions like pork, chicken, eggs, rice, and sugar. A golden opportunity for our farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to shine on a global stage,' the Commerce and Industry Ministry said. The ministry said India has safeguarded its sensitive sectors — dairy, cereals and millets, pulses, and vegetables to high-value items like gold, jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and certain essential oils. 'Strategic exclusions also cover critical energy fuels, marine vessels, worn clothing, and critical polymers and their monofilaments, smartphones, optical fibres — a strong stand to protect farmers, MSMEs, and national interests,' the ministry said. Notably, India has opened 89.5 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 91 per cent of the UK's exports, and only 24.5 per cent of the UK's export value will enjoy immediate duty-free market access. 'Strategically important products — particularly those where domestic capacity is being built under flagship initiatives like Make in India and PLI — will see concessions over periods of 5, 7, or even 10 years with gradual tariff reduction,' the ministry said. Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Darpan Jain, said that the UK has offered its best FTA deal to India compared to all its trade partners in services adding that the UK has provided comprehensive and deep market access in 137 sub-sectors. India has a trade surplus of around $6.6 billion with the UK, with exports of $19.8 billion and imports of $13.2 billion in FY25. Jain said the UK's commitments on mobility are comprehensive and the best in any FTA. 'The UK has provided an assured mobility regime for various categories of natural persons: Business Visitors (BV) for all sectors — 90 days in any six-month period; Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICT) for all sectors including partner and dependent — three years.' The ministry said that the UK has accorded Indian suppliers a legal guarantee to participate in the UK procurement market — worth approximately $122 billion — for procurements conducted at the Central level of government and certain utilities. India, similarly, opens up a market opportunity of $114 billion. 'For the first time, the UK agreed to take a binding commitment to provide non-discriminatory treatment to our suppliers under the UK's Social Value regime. The UK's threshold for goods and services is approximately Rs 1.6 crore; India's threshold is approximately Rs 5.5 crore. For procurement related to construction services, both sides have agreed to a similar threshold of Rs 60 crore,' the ministry said. A government official said that India has taken a complete carve-out for its MSME preferential procurement policy. 'With respect to the Make in India policy, access to UK suppliers is restricted to eligibility to participate as deemed 'Class-II local suppliers' in domestic tenders above the agreed thresholds. Indian suppliers will continue to receive preferential treatment as 'Class-I local suppliers' in the UK,' the official explained.
Free Malaysia Today
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Kelantan open to talks with AIDS council, cops over LGBT event
Kelantan deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan said programmes touching on sensitivities must be approved by the relevant authorities. PETALING JAYA : The Kelantan government has expressed its willingness to meet with police and the Malaysian AIDS Council regarding the recent organisation of a programme related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in Kota Bharu. Deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan said they were seeking to discuss and gain a clearer understanding of the event so the matter can be resolved diplomatically, and to dispel any unfounded allegations. 'Perhaps the mistake was not the organiser's. That's why it needs to be investigated first so that police are not wrongly blamed by the public. 'The police have their job, the AIDS council also has its responsibilities. 'Any programme that goes against the state government's policies and the customs of Kelantan's people is something we simply cannot accept,' Bernama reported him as saying at the Kota Darulnaim Complex today. Fadzli said programmes touching on sensitivities, especially when held within village communities, require permission from the relevant authorities such as the Kelantan Islamic religious affairs department, police and others. He said the state government can also take appropriate action if any event is found to have violated any of its regulations In mid-June, Kelantan police raided an LGBT-related event involving more than 20 men at a bungalow on Jalan Kemumin in Kota Bharu. Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat was reported as saying the operation was conducted based on tip-offs and intelligence gathered by a special task force, following complaints. A search of the premises uncovered hundreds of condoms and several boxes of HIV medication stored in a special room believed to be used as a storage place by the organisers. The Malaysian AIDS Council said it had conducted an outreach session on June 17 in Kemumin to engage with high-risk communities as part of HIV prevention efforts before the police raid. The programme, which ran from 8pm to 2am, was part of a strategic approach by the health ministry to deliver more inclusive and community-centred HIV treatment services.
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Youth coalition protests Nick Adams' US ambassador nomination to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition of youth groups, including PKR Youth, submitted a memorandum to the US Embassy opposing Nick Adams' nomination as the next US ambassador to Malaysia. The group urged the withdrawal of his candidacy, calling for a more moderate and professional diplomat. PKR Youth deputy chief Izuan Kassim confirmed that three representatives entered the embassy to deliver the document, which will be forwarded to US authorities for review. The coalition argues that an ambassador should foster bilateral ties, not strain them. 'The memorandum rejects Adams' nomination due to his divisive rhetoric, Islamophobic views, support for Zionism, and sexist remarks that contradict diplomatic professionalism,' Izuan stated. The group emphasized the need for an envoy who respects Malaysia's cultural and religious sensitivities. Around 100 participants, including members from AMANAH Youth, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY), IKRAM Muda, and Mahasiswa AMANAH, gathered to support the memorandum handover. - Bernama
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India-US Trade Talks In Advanced Stage, Agricultural Products A Hurdle: Official
New Delhi: The India-US trade negotiations are at an advanced stage and a consensus on an interim deal is within reach, a key official told NDTV on Tuesday, adding that Washington's demands on agricultural products are proving to be a hurdle. Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Executive Council Member Sunil Jain spoke to the channel on Tuesday, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was reported as having said that agriculture and dairy are "big red lines" for India in the trade talks. "The deal has progressed a lot and the chief negotiators of India are extending their stay in the US and trying to complete the deal. I think the two areas where the deal is getting stuck are related to agricultural products. Agriculture is the lifeline of the Indian GDP and Indian people. It is very difficult for us to import agricultural products. There are many difficulties and sensitivities involved," Mr Jain said in Hindi. "The second thing is that the products the US sells to us are genetically modified products, which are banned in India. Till date, no law has been enacted in India to allow these products. So, it is very difficult for us to import maize, cotton, soya, almonds, apples, etc. The US is telling us to make a deal on these products," he added. The negotiations between India and the US entered the sixth day in Washington on Tuesday. The Indian team, headed by Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in the Department of Commerce, was initially scheduled to stay for two days. The extension is important because US President Donald Trump's 26% reciprocal tariffs had been suspended for 90 days till July 9. The baseline tariffs of 10%, though, are still in place. "I think both countries can keep this obstacle aside and move forward with other products. For the US, exports of auto components, aluminium and steel from India are a problem. I think we should make a deal and keep some products out of it... We can debate and come to an agreement on these products after three to four months," he said. If this can be worked out, the executive council member said, a large part of India's exports to the US will be saved from the reciprocal tariffs, but the base tariff of 10% is likely to remain. "The zero tariff trade will be settled only after September-October. But, even if we work with 10% as the base tariff, it is fine for the country... If there is any bilateral trade agreement, it will have to involve give and take. So, we will move forward and America will move forward. Both are the largest democracies in the world and they will have to move together," Mr Jain said.
The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Feta up with 'cheese dreams'? Scientists say dairy may cause nightmares
Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!" Cheese nightmares may be real, according to scientists who say dairy products could be affecting dreams. The findings published in Frontiers in Psychology emerged after scientists investigated the links between diet, sleep problems and cultural beliefs about how they were linked. An online survey of more than 1000 students followed the quality of their sleep, eating habits and any perceived link between the two. It found healthier eating habits seemed to be linked to better sleep and better recall of dreams, whereas consuming dairy products was associated with nightmares. The study found regular nightmares were reported by a third of the respondents and one in four thought eating late at night or specific foods affected their sleep. Roughly a quarter thought particular foods could make sleep worse. Women were more likely to remember their dreams and to report poor sleep and nightmares, and nearly twice as likely as men to report a food intolerance or allergy, according to the study. Scientists then compared reports of food intolerances with reports on bad sleep and found a link between gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and low sleep quality and nightmares. "Nightmares are worse for lactose intolerant people who suffer severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is disrupted," lead author Dr Tore Nielsen from Université de Montréal said. "This makes sense, because we know that other bodily sensations can affect dreaming. Nightmares can be very disruptive, especially if they occur often, because they tend to awaken people from sleep in a dysphoric state. READ MORE: A dummy's guide to cheese: Everything you didn't know The study found that people who ate less healthily were more likely to have negative dreams and less likely to remember dreams. "These new findings imply that changing eating habits for people with some food sensitivities could alleviate nightmares. They could also explain why people so often blame dairy for bad dreams!"
