Latest news with #sensitivities
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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!"
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kamal Haasan Stands Firm On Language Comments Despite Karnataka Film Ban And Political Backlash
Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has firmly rejected calls for a public apology regarding his controversial statements about the Kannada language's origins, declaring he will only express regret if proven factually incorrect. The 70-year-old actor's stance has intensified a linguistic controversy that has drawn political leaders, cultural organizations, and film industry figures into a heated debate across South India. Speaking exclusively to media outlets, Haasan emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and personal integrity, stating that interference with his beliefs would not be tolerated. He stressed his faith in India's democratic framework and judicial system while dismissing threats against him as nothing new in his decades-long career. The dispute began during a promotional event for Haasan's upcoming film "Thug Life," where he made remarks that have since sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka. During his speech, which began with the Tamil phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe" (meaning "My life and my family is Tamil"), Haasan suggested that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. The actor was addressing the presence of Karnataka actor Shivarajkumar at the event, explaining their professional relationship within the context of South Indian cinema. However, his specific claim about Kannada's linguistic origins proved inflammatory, triggering immediate backlash from pro-Kannada groups and political figures. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has taken decisive action by implementing a complete ban on the release of "Thug Life" throughout the state. This decision followed an ultimatum demanding Haasan issue a public apology, which he has categorically refused to provide. The ban represents a significant economic and professional consequence for the actor, potentially affecting the film's commercial performance and his future projects in the Karnataka market. The Chamber's action demonstrates the serious nature of the linguistic sensitivities involved in this controversy. Political leaders from both major parties in Karnataka have condemned Haasan's remarks, though with varying degrees of intensity. The ruling Congress party suggested that the actor lacks awareness about Kannada's historical significance and cultural importance to the region. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded by emphasizing Kannada's extensive historical legacy, suggesting that Haasan's comments reflected ignorance rather than malicious intent. The Chief Minister's measured response contrasts with more aggressive demands from other political quarters. The opposition BJP has taken a stronger stance, demanding an immediate apology and characterizing Haasan's comments as disrespectful to the Kannada language and its speakers. State Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has been particularly vocal, arguing that such statements hurt the sentiments of all Kannadigas regardless of the speaker's stature or reputation. In contrast to the Karnataka backlash, the Tamil film industry has rallied behind Haasan, with several prominent actors defending his position. Actresses Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan have publicly supported him, contextualizing the controversy within broader discussions about Dravidian language families. These supporters argue that all South Indian languages share common Dravidian roots, suggesting that discussions about linguistic evolution should be viewed from an academic rather than emotional perspective. They have characterized the controversy as an unnecessary escalation of what should be scholarly discourse. The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding language identity in South India, where linguistic pride often intersects with regional political movements. Karnataka's strong Kannada identity movement has historically been protective of the language's distinct cultural and literary heritage. Haasan's comments touch on complex questions of linguistic evolution and historical relationships between Dravidian languages, topics that require careful scholarly treatment rather than casual public commentary. The intense reaction demonstrates how quickly academic discussions can become politically charged in India's multilingual landscape. The controversy comes at a significant time in Haasan's political career, as he is reportedly set to be nominated as the DMK's candidate for the Rajya Sabha. His political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, maintains an alliance with the DMK, which could influence how this controversy affects his broader political aspirations. The incident may impact his political standing both within Tamil Nadu, where he enjoys support, and in his efforts to build cross-regional political alliances. His handling of this controversy could set precedents for how he manages similar sensitive issues in his political career. The standoff between Haasan and his critics appears likely to continue, with neither side showing signs of compromise. The film ban in Karnataka represents a concrete consequence that may influence how other states and industry bodies respond to similar controversies. This incident may also prompt broader discussions within the South Indian film industry about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and cultural sensitivity, particularly as regional cinema continues to expand its pan-Indian reach.
