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First Post
a day ago
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: How diet, sleep and gut health impact GLP-1 and weight regulation
As GLP-1-based drugs like semaglutide gain popularity, new insights highlight how gut health, diet, protein, and sleep can naturally support GLP-1 hormone function. Firstpost presents expert views on how lifestyle changes can aid metabolic health and weight management. read more In recent years, GLP-1-based medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide have captured global attention for their remarkable effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. But beyond the pharmaceutical spotlight, growing research is now linking lifestyle factors such as gut health, protein intake and sleep quality to natural regulation of GLP-1 and other hormones that influence appetite and metabolism. To understand the science behind GLP-1, its connection to gut health and how diet and lifestyle can support its function, Firstpost spoke to Dr Pankaj Puri, Director, Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla (New Delhi) to shed light on the broader implications of this hormone and its role in modern metabolic health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What exactly is GLP-1, and why is it gaining attention in both medical research and mainstream conversations around weight management? Dr Puri: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the L-cells in the small intestine in response to food intake. It plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide have garnered significant interest due to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, and even showing promise in treating conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. These wide-ranging benefits have brought GLP-1 into the spotlight in both medical and mainstream circles. Beyond medications like semaglutide or liraglutide, how can everyday habits or dietary choices naturally support GLP-1 function in the body? Dr Puri: Several lifestyle choices can naturally boost GLP-1 levels. A balanced diet rich in protein, fibre, and unprocessed foods helps promote GLP-1 secretion. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and a healthy gut microbiome also play a role. On the other hand, ultra-processed foods and high-sugar diets may impair GLP-1 function and overall hormone balance. Nurturing gut health is key to enhancing GLP-1 activity. What is the connection between gut health and appetite regulation? Can fermented foods and prebiotics really influence hormone levels like GLP-1? Dr Puri: Absolutely. The gut-brain axis is central to appetite control, with hormones like GLP-1 playing a significant role in this communication. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by fibre-rich diets, fermented foods, and prebiotics promotes the release of beneficial hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, along with prebiotics like garlic, onions and bananas help maintain gut diversity which in turn supports GLP-1 function. How important is protein in regulating satiety hormones, and what are the best sources to include in a daily diet? Dr Puri: Protein is one of the most satiating macronutrients. It triggers the release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and peptide YY, helping to curb appetite and reduce calorie intake. Consistently incorporating high-quality protein sources like eggs, lean meats (chicken, fish), dairy products (paneer, yogurt), legumes, and pulses into meals can help maintain appetite control and metabolic balance. Can you explain how soluble fibre impacts digestion and appetite hormones? How much fibre should one ideally consume each day? Dr Puri: Soluble fibre slows down gastric emptying and digestion, which prolongs feelings of fullness and stabilises blood sugar levels. It also nourishes the gut microbiome, indirectly enhancing GLP-1 activity. Good sources include oats, psyllium husk, chia seeds, and legumes. Ideally, adults should aim for at least 10–15 grams of soluble fibre daily as part of their overall dietary fibre intake (25–30 grams per day). What role do omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado play in insulin sensitivity and appetite control? Dr Puri: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds, possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing systemic inflammation, they improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. Similarly, healthy fats such as those from olive oil and avocado help regulate satiety hormones and promote cardiovascular health, making them valuable components of a balanced diet. How does poor sleep affect appetite hormones and glucose metabolism, and what lifestyle practices can help restore hormonal balance? Dr Puri: Sleep deprivation disrupts key appetite-regulating hormones—namely increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreasing leptin (satiety hormone)—leading to increased cravings and risk of weight gain. Poor sleep also impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Restoring sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and reducing screen time before bed can significantly help rebalance these hormones and support metabolic health. Some studies suggest that walking after meals can aid glucose regulation. Can you elaborate on how this simple habit affects metabolic and hormonal health? Dr Puri: Yes, walking after meals especially for 10–15 minutes can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by promoting glucose uptake in muscles. It also improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates digestive processes. Incorporating this habit consistently can have a long-term positive impact on glucose control and weight management. How do irregular meal timings or skipping breakfast impact appetite-regulating hormones like GLP-1 and ghrelin? Dr Puri: Irregular meal patterns, including skipping breakfast, can disrupt the normal rhythm of hunger and satiety hormones. This often leads to increased ghrelin levels and reduced GLP-1 activity, triggering overeating later in the day. Adopting regular meal times and consuming a protein- and fibre-rich breakfast can help maintain hormonal balance and prevent excessive hunger throughout the day.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Why is India not falling into the trap of Russia and China..., taking cautious steps while joining RIC because...
Why is India not falling into the trap of Russia and China..., taking cautious steps while joining RIC because… New Delhi: The trilateral forum between Russia, India, and China (RIC) has become the talk of the town in recent days. Moscow is trying to restart the forum, as China has also given its consent. Now, India has to decide. The Indian Foreign Ministry has been very cautious in its statements on this issue. The question arising is: why is New Delhi cautious about forming a trio with Beijing and Moscow, as it already has good bilateral relations with Russia? However, it is not as easy as it looks. Retired Indian diplomat Prabhu Dayal, in his article in Firstpost, stated that the RIC structure has been largely inactive in recent years, and the reason for this is military tension and mistrust between India and China. 'Cold War' Continues India And China Dayal said even after recent agreements, tension will remain on the India-China border. It is to be noted that after the Galwan clash of 2020, the relation of India and China deteriorated further and the situation on the India-China border remains complex. Additionally, the increasing infrastructure development near the border by China is further increasing escalating the tensions. Earlier this year, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that India will not reduce the number of soldiers deployed on the Line of Actual Control. Years Old Dispute Notably, the India-China conflict has deep historical roots. China's long-time challenge to India's sovereignty over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, including its depiction of Aksai Chin as Chinese territory on official maps and its renaming of Arunachal Pradesh as 'Jangnan,' has further escalated the tension. Additionally, China's strategic alliance with Pakistan, which includes military and intelligence support, has just intensified existing tensions, creating a major geopolitical rift between India and China. Support Of Pakistan On International Forums After the Pahalgam terror attack, China provided arms and ammunition to Pakistan like – PL-15 air-to-air missiles. During the recent clashes Beijing also provided air defence and satellite support to Islamabad. Not only that China has always backed Pakistan on the issue of terrorism at international forums such as the United Nations, blocking India's efforts. China vetoed India's UN Security Council resolution to designate five Pakistani individuals as terrorists responsible for attacks on India. India's cautious stance toward China stems from a historical perspective and concerns about China's actions and goals.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When the US women's suffrage movement began 1848
On July 19, 1848, reformers convened in Seneca Falls to demand women's rights, launching the US women's suffrage movement. Their Declaration of Sentiments, boldly modelled on the Declaration of Independence, called for equal rights — including the ballot. What began there would change American democracy over the next seven decades read more Upstream view along the Seneca River in Seneca Falls, New York, c. 1850. Wesleyan Chapel, the site of the first women's rights convention in US history, is located just north of the river and is now part of the Women's Rights National Historical Park. Image/Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC As part of Firstpost's History Today series, July 19 is a landmark in global history. In 1848, the US women's suffrage movement was launched at the historic Seneca Falls Convention — a momentous step toward gender equality. Nearly 150 years later, on July 19, 1993, the US Department of Defense announced its 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy affecting LGBT military service. And in 1980, the Summer Olympics opened in Moscow, boycotted by around 60 countries in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The birth of the US women's suffrage movement In the heat of mid‑July 1848, around 300 reform-minded Americans converged at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. Over two transformative days (July 19-20), they launched the country's first women's rights convention — a defining moment that set the stage for over seven decades of struggle until women won the vote with the 19th Amendment in 1920. More from Explainers History Today: When the #BlackLivesMatter sparked a movement to change the world The catalyst for this gathering was a rejection that resonated with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott: when Stanton, Mott, and other women were barred from speaking roles at the 1840 World Anti‑Slavery Convention in London simply due to their gender. This exclusion led to a promise to fight for women's rights — resulting in a meeting arranged in Waterloo at Jane Hunt's home on July 9, which set Seneca Falls into motion. Stanton, Mott, Martha Wright, Mary Ann M'Clintock, and Jane Hunt, influenced by Quaker ideals and abolitionist fervour, used Stanton's kitchen table as their planning ground. A notice placed in the Seneca County Courier on July 14 announced 'a convention to discuss the social, civil and religious condition and rights of woman' — resulting in an overwhelmingly local but symbolically bold event in just days. The first day was women-only, empowering them to speak freely about their frustrations under a patriarchal legal system. On July 20, men — including the pivotal abolitionist Frederick Douglass — joined the discussion. Stanton's keynote speech set the tone: 'We are assembled to protest against a form of government…without the consent of the governed,' confronting the systemic disenfranchisement of women's voices in public and legal spheres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Drafted almost overnight, the Declaration of Sentiments was a rhetorical masterpiece — mirroring the Declaration of Independence, yet boldly asserting gender equality: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.' This document catalogued 16 legal, educational and civil grievances — from wage injustice to constrained marital rights — highlighting women's subordinate standing. Among 12 resolutions, the ninth — calling for the elective franchise for women — stirred heated debate. Initially narrow in acceptance, the suffrage resolution passed only after Douglass spoke in its favour — tilting the vote meter. Ultimately, 68 women and 32 men affixed their names — all 100 signatories daring to envision radical equality. National newspapers covered the event. Some repelled it as 'insane,' while others praised the call for equality. The St Louis Republic ridiculed the idea of men washing dishes; The North Star, by contrast, lauded it as a 'foundation of a grand movement.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though suffrage advocates like Susan B Anthony were not present, they leveraged the event as a rallying point for impassioned advocacy. Within two weeks, supporters held a second convention in Rochester. Regular conventions formed a sustained campaign strategy: Worcester in 1850, followed by gatherings nationwide and the creation of local suffrage societies. Seneca Falls did not initiate public conversations about women's rights — it propelled them. Legal reforms enabling married women to own property, educated women, took legislative action, and pushed for marital autonomy over decades. Icons such as Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Alice Paul and Sojourner Truth will later carry forth the torch, hosting parades, hunger strikes and civil disobedience . Seneca Falls could not perhaps foresee its own fragmented legacy. While Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others prioritised white women's suffrage, Black activists like Truth, Wells, and Mary Church Terrell continued the fight — often independently and into the Jim Crow era. The Birth of the Movement at Seneca Falls was formal, symbolic, and foundational — but not comprehensive. The gender and race dynamics that started there retained tension through Jim Crow and beyond. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Charlotte Woodward Pierce, the only surviving signer to live to see the 19th Amendment ratified in 1920, was a living link between origin and outcome. Seneca Falls inspired waves of activism globally — Britain, Canada, across Europe — showed that what began as a local answer to gender bias would echo across borders . Modern scholarship complicates the Seneca Falls narrative. Historians like Lisa Tetrault argue that its prominence was constructed only decades later to establish origins for fractured factions of the suffrage movement. Meanwhile, Black suffragist history predates 1848. These activists are finally being recognised through initiatives honouring Black women voters under Jim Crow and the long tail of disenfranchisement culminating in the VRA (1965) and ongoing battles on voter suppression. Efforts following Seneca Falls included state suffrage victories — Wyoming in 1869, Colorado in 1893 — culminating in the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, DC. These campaigns led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920 . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet, hope proved partial. Native Americans and Black women continued struggling — barriers persisted well into and beyond the Civil Rights era . The site is today part of the Women's Rights National Historical Park, anchored by landmarks like the Wesleyan Chapel and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House. Schools, museums, and essays mark the passing of Seneca Falls as both inauguration and testament. Seneca Falls' legacy resonates today amid fights for transgender rights, reproductive justice, equal pay and civil rights. Its shining principle — 'all women are created equal' — still demands constant loud reiteration amid modern pressures. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' announced On July 19, 1993, US Secretary of Defense Les Aspin unveiled the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) policy. Sponsored by the Clinton administration, it allowed LGBTQ‑identified individuals to serve only if they remained discreet about their identity, and prohibited discrimination — but enforced dismissal if they disclosed it. A compromise to balance demands for inclusion with military resistance, DADT sparked mixed reactions. LGBTQ groups criticised its forced secrecy as psychologically damaging, while opponents insisted it threatened unit cohesion. Over its 17‑year lifecycle, 13,500 service members were discharged under DADT . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD DADT was ultimately repealed on September 20, 2011, enabling open LGBTQ service, a landmark victory in civil‑military equality. 1980 Summer Olympics open in Moscow amid boycott On July 19, 1980, the Summer Olympics began in Moscow — the first Games hosted by a communist nation. However, nearly 60 countries, led by the USA, boycotted the event in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Still, 5,179 athletes from 80 countries competed, including Bulgaria and East Germany. The Soviet Union topped medal tallies. Controversial performances — like US gymnast Cathy Rigby's absence and New Zealand's tainted gold — defined the competition. The boycott marked a high-water point in Cold War sports diplomacy, raising questions about politicising athletic events. With inputs from agencies
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Ukrainians Underground: How Zla Mavka wields art as armour and paints hope in occupied cities
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In several cities captured by Russian forces since, an underground Ukrainian struggle keeps the hopes of reunification alive. This is the story of Zla Mavka, a women's resistance group: Firstpost exclusive read more Firstpost speaks to an activist from the Ukrainian Women's Resistance group Zla Mavka, who shared the challenges of living in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Firstpost via Zla Mavka Amid the grave war that has been raging on between Russia and Ukraine for three years, one would find beautiful artworks on the streets of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. The artworks will symbolise resistance and hope to countless Ukrainians living in the region that one day the war will be over and their homes will be free from any form of occupation. These artworks featured women standing their ground and 'fighting the evil'. When the need for discretion arises, the streets of occupied territories get filled with a tiny symbol, a circle over a triangle, once again representing a woman standing on her ground. The creator of these artworks is an all-woman non-violent resistance group, Zla Mavka. The name draws inspiration from a mythological story. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the first part of the Ukrainian Underground Series, we got to know about a resistance group called Yellow Ribbon, which has been raising its voice against Russia's occupation by tying yellow ribbons in different occupied territories. For the second part of the series, Firstpost's Bhagyasree Sengupta spoke to an activist from Zla Mavka. For safety reasons, the activist requested anonymity. The conversation was insightful as she spoke about the group, and what it takes to resist the Russian occupation. One of the posters of the Ukrainian resistance group Zla Mavka reads, 'I don't want flowers. I want my Ukraine'. Image Source: Firstpost via Zla Mavka Angry Mavkas Zla Mavka is an all-woman Ukrainian non-violent resistance movement, which was started in the occupied city of Melitopol in early 2023. When Moscow started its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, three Ukrainian women decided to stand against the Russian aggression. When asked by Firstpost why they call themselves Zla Mavka, the activist shared the story behind the name. 'The Mavka is a character from the Ukrainian mythology. It was a fairy tale about female spirits who protect the forest from bad guys, who try to come to their home,' she said. 'So, when we created our movement, we decided that it would be like a good state of this character.' The group also has a name for Russian soldiers who are deployed in the occupied territory. They often referred to the Russian troops as 'orcs', the brutish fighters from JRR Tolkien's famous series 'The Lord of the Rings'. 'It was fun, you know, like Mavka against orcs. And the only thing that we added was 'Zla' in the beginning, which means angry. So, it's like angry Mavka,' she said. A Zla Mavka poster is attached to a pole in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Firstpost via Zla Mavka The group started creating posters based on the mythological character, which they discreetly put on walls and lamp posts across the street in occupied territories. One of the posts of the Ukrainian group that garnered attention in India was a video that paid homage to the 'Nitingal on India' Sarojini Naidu, who resisted the British colonisers in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked about the inspiration behind the post, the activist from the Ukrainian group said that they initially didn't have the skill for resistance, but later on, they took inspiration from around the world. 'We weren't prepared for this. It's just regular women with different kinds of professions, and we didn't have the skills. So when our movement started, we started to learn about experiences all over the world and especially the experiences of strong women in history. It was very inspiring,' she said. "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind." #GandhiJayanti 100 years ago Sarojini Naidu protested, today @MavkaZla resist. #NonViolenceDay is an important reminder against what we fight. Times are changing – the women's resistance continues@kavita_krishnan — Зла Мавка (@MavkaZla) October 2, 2024 'So we decided to include her character in the video to tell her story, also because it can be a good example to other women here.' The story behind the artworks One of the USPs of the Zla Mavka movement is the fact that the group uses beautiful artworks as a symbol of resistance. They create beautiful illustrations of Mavaka (The Ukrainian mythological character) fighting Russian soldiers. While speaking to Firstpost, the Zla Mavka activist emphasised that these artworks are extremely important for the group. 'First of all, before the war started, one of us was an artist, and she started creating these posters and designs herself. Because you can't make a resistance here openly, for example, like going to the meeting hall or on the street. We decided that art will be very good for showing our messages on the streets, in the media, online and offline.' Zla Mavka put out their artworks, expressing their angst against Russian occupiers. Image Source: Firstpost via Zla Mavka 'So we also make jokes, we just laugh at the occupiers and this is what piss them,' she said. However, the Ukrainian activist pointed out that it is becoming difficult, year after year, to resist by putting out artworks due to intense Russian scrutiny. 'It's a huge problem because Russian occupiers are searching for activists. They put a huge number of cameras, patrols and so on and so on,' she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite this, the resistance does not stop for Zla Mavkas as they find other ways to express their discontent with the draconian Russian regime. 'So we have to be creative and find new ideas to resist. 'For example, we use pumpkins and candles, you know, some stuff that everybody can find, just not to get caught by the occupiers and still spread the message,' the Zla Mavka explained. Due to heavy Russian surveillance, Zla Mavka's have to find innovative ways to resist. Firstpost So, how does the group work amid the Russian scrutiny Crackdown on dissenters and heavy surveillance have been a common theme in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. In the midst of this, adding people to a resistance movement and ensuring their safety can be a hard task. When asked about how the group recruits its members, Zla Mavka activist emphasises that they always stay on alert. 'Recruit would not be the right word because we don't ask somebody to do something. We just do what we do, and women come to us themselves, saying they would like to join. It doesn't mean that they will go, for example, tomorrow to burn the Russian flag or to make graffiti,' she said. 'Some of them are scared to do such things, so we ask them to sometimes write for our 'Diaries From Occupation'. So, women are writing their stories of a regular life in occupation. Some of them make graffiti and burn Russian flags.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zla Mavka activists burn Russian flags in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Image Source: Zla Mavka 'We have a chatbot, Telegram and a few other places where people can write, and we will answer them. But, of course, we never meet them, like, personally, you know, and we don't know each other,' she said. And that is where the key component of the movement lies. Not knowing each other, their names or any kind of information about each other is an extremely important component of the Zla Mavka movement. This ensures the safety and anonymity of all the members. The Ukrainian activist mentioned that the group has certain safety rules for all its members. When asked more about what those rules are, she said: 'We learn them from ourselves, it's like from our experiences. First of all, it's, of course, online safety, how to clean your phone, because your phone can be checked on the street or hacked. How to make calls and messaging safe. How to share information safely.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We also have safety rules on the ground. How not to be caught on the cameras, for example, there are some we can't share,' she averred, ensuring the safety of other activists. How locals are reacting to it Does the existence of such groups raise the morale of the Ukrainian people living in occupied territories? The Ukrainian activist emphasised that the existence of resistance groups like these is important not only to break the Russian propaganda but also to make Ukrainians feel that they are not alone. 'We are receiving a lot of messages from people, even those who are not in the group, saying 'thank you, I saw your poster, I feel so good because I know that I am not alone',' she said. Talking about the dire circumstances in the region, the Zla Mavka activist emphasised that these days Ukrainians in the region can't even speak to their friends or even sometimes their families. 'So when they see these resistance signs, they see that they are not alone, you know, and this is very important for them. They see that, while resistance is continuing, it means that the Russians haven't won yet. Because there is still resistance, and this gives them hope,' she said. In light of this, Zla Mavka has initiated a solidarity campaign in which people all over the world can join the resistance. 'People from all over the world, from India, also started to send us photos with their hands with the logo of the movement. We show them to activists. It's inspiring for them to know that people all over the world don't forget about them,' she furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A woman with the Zla Mavka logo drawn on her hand. Firstpost via Zla Mavka She emphasised that a lot of Ukrainians who are still living in the region because they don't have choices. 'Movements like these show that people who are here didn't accept Russia; they are here because they just couldn't leave their homes.' Zla Mavka up against a mighty state The Zla Mavka activist told Firstpost that while there are no huge bombings in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, the lives of people who live here can be extremely hard. Some of these challenges are as follows: ### **The Russian 'misinformation machine'** In May, there were reports of a sabotage of a Russian military train in Meltiopol. When asked if Zla Mavka had anything to do with it, as some reports suggested, the Ukrainian activist made it clear that the reports were 'huge disinformation', and they just reported on the incident. 'We always say that Zla Mavaka is a non-violent resistance group. This is very important because we don't want to cause sabotage, especially with the military. We don't want to put women who joined us at risk,' she said. 'We just reported that some activists did this, some partisans and some media just picked this information, starting to say that this was our movement. But this is not true.' The Zla Mavaka activist emphasised that disinformation like this is often useful for Russians to accuse the group of doing something violent. Zla Mavka activist holding a botched 200 rouble. The real Crimea-themed 200 rouble note was issued by the Bank of Russia in 2017. Image Source: Zla Mavka ### **The wrath of Russian spies** While the war is being played out in regions that are still under Ukraine, the locals in Russia-occupied territories have to navigate throught Russian wrath and intelligence. 'The hard thing here is Russian intelligence, FSB and other military groups that try to search all activists and not even activists,' the Zla Mavaka told Firstpost. 'They are hunting pro-Ukrainian people. So, you can be arrested here for a post. In social media, if you say Putin is bad or anything pro-Ukraine, you can be arrested just for this.' The Ukrainian activist noted that the group is to give its activists support in the form of tips and rules on how to be safe. The group is also writing down and documenting a lot of violence and sexual abuse against women in the region by the Russian occupiers. Zla Maka poster in Russian Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Firstpost via Zla Mavka 'I think it will be very important to document all these things, to report, to collect all information about their crimes in the occupied territories. But even to do this, you have to create a lot of safety rules for all activists who even want to share information,' she said. ### **Adapting to a still evolving crisis** With the rise of the Ukrainian resistance group in Russian-occupied territories, the Russian authorities have to change their tactics to curb the voices of the dissenters. The groups then have to adapt themselves to stay underground. 'There are more agents deployed in the region, and there are more searches and cases. So they have become angrier,' she said. 'We are a problem for their propaganda. They are saying that people here are happy with Russia and happy to have a Russian passport. Then, when you go to the internet, you see different groups making resistance, you get a different image,' the Ukrainian activist explained. Burned newspaper featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. Image Source: Zla Mavka 'They try to find, arrest, and deport people from these territories,' she added. The Ukrainian activist warned that if these territories continue to remain under Russian occupation, the Russian forces will become 'freer' when it comes to unleashing their wrath. 'The resistance won't stop' Throughout the interview, the Ukrainian activist made it clear that her group would not stop resisting until the Russians leave the Ukrainian territories. Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to Rome to garner support from Kyiv's Western allies. While the idea of a peace deal has been floating for a while, the hope for Russia's leaving the already occupied territories looks bleak. When Firstpost asked about the grim prospects, the Zla Mavka activist said, 'Resistance will not stop here because the only option that we will accept is that we will be part of Ukraine again. We are Ukrainians, we would like to see Russians out of our homes. Because people will not stop resisting until then.' Zla Mavka conducting its sabotage operation in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. Image Source: Zla Mavka 'People here are listening to our president Zelensky a lot on the internet, for them, what he is saying is very important. They are seeing that our president is on our side, and he is doing everything he can.' 'The thing is that we need more support. The world should unite to kick out the Russians and put them in their place. Because the Russian invasion will not stop here in Ukraine. It will go to different countries,' she said. What Zla Mavka wants to tell the world When asked about what Zla Mavka's message to the world is, the group's activist first started off by thanking people around the world for their support. 'I want to thank all of them, we hear them, we see how the international community supports Ukraine and supports people in occupied territories. We received all their messages. A lot of people all over the world, from America to India, write us messages with solidarity, with supportive words, asking how they can help,' she said. 'The only message I can send is that people really have power, and if we are all united, we can win against any evil. So, good guys have to win. We will continue to fight. The Ukrainian activist also had a message for US President Donald Trump, who threatened 100% sanctions against Russia earlier this week. Zla Mavka posters. Image Source: Zla Mavka 'We really hope that finally he understands who Putin is and that Putin is just a big liar. Maybe he just doesn't have enough information about things that are going on here, especially the occupation with all the crimes of Russians here. We don't have any messages, just hope,' she concluded.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Christian Cooke on playing chess legend Garry Kasparov in ‘Rematch': ‘He was a very aggressive player…'
In an interview with Firstpost's Lachmi Deb Roy, for 'Not Just Bollywood', English actor Christian Cooke shares how he prepared to play Garry Kasparov in 'Rematch'. He talks about the process that went behind approaching the part and how he tried hard not to mimic him. read more In 1997, the world watched as chess legend Garry Kasparov took on IBM's Deep Blue in a battle that blurred the line between man and machine. Christian Cooke captures Kasparov's brilliance and inner turmoil, while Sarah Bolger brings heart to the emotional storm behind the scenes. This was more than just a match; it was a test of pride, intelligence, and what it means to be human. As pressure mounts and trust falters, the game turns into something far bigger. Rematch dives deep into a defining moment where logic met legacy, and the clock never stopped ticking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Firstpost, Christian Cooke talks about Rematch now showing on Lionsgate Play and how it was a challenge to him playing a real person. Edited excerpts from the interview: How much pressure was there to play the role; since you are playing a real person? I guess there's always pressure when it's you're playing a real person, a real historical figure. And it's an event, a lot of people know about, though it happened 30 years ago. If it was an event that happened five or ten-years ago, then it would be fresh in people's minds. I don't really look a lot like Garry, so I think that helps because obviously a lot of the audience maybe don't know what exactly Garry Kasparov looks like, so they can sort of get lost in the character a bit more. I didn't really want to imitate him, his voice or, you know, like, try and mimic him. I just wanted to sort of capture the essence of who he was as a person, the spirit of Garry Kasparov, which was someone who's very focused, single-minded and driven. If I did any sort of mimicry, it was how he was at the chessboard. When he was at the chessboard, it was his sort of posture, the way he moved the pieces, the way he leaned over the board. People used to say that he was a very aggressive player which I didn't know much about. Well, I find it quite odd that someone could be an aggressive chess player. Because it's you we see it as such a civilized game where people are just using their hands to move pieces. But I think it would I think, obviously, it's his style of play, how sort of, the speed at which he advances. There's always pressure, but I think we need that to thrive sometimes. For me that pressure is very important to do a good job. Christian Cooke on playing chess legend Garry Kasparov in 'Rematch': 'He was a very aggressive player…' How pro did you get with the game? To be honest, I'm probably not much better at all than when I started, I think, because a lot of what I was doing is playing. I was actually learning the actual chess moves that he played as opposed to sort of, like, learning to become a better chess player myself. It was more like we know, the chess games in the show are exact games and moves that were played in real life. It was another learning exercise, really. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You would sort of have to learn your dialogue and whatever, but then also learn these moves. And the way that Yan shot the chess games, he would do these long continuous takes where he would want to shoot sort of 30 moves at a time. So, we would be meeting up in each other's hotel rooms on an evening to practice the chess games, just so that we really remembered where the pieces went. I am not sure my chess actually improved that much at all, really. Since he's a Russian, just wanting to know from you, he has an accent which is very Russian, so his English was very different right. How did you learn that accent and his mannerisms? He spoke with a Russian accent. Garry studied English at university. He travelled a lot. He spent a lot of time in America. I think he's lived in New York now and since the eighties, I believe. He is now anglicised or Americanised. So, the Russian accent was tough. I worked with a dialect coach. I just wanted to sort of have a convincing Russian accent, but one that wasn't sort of insanely strong. Because I think that can be quite distracting. And as I mentioned, I didn't want it to sound like I am mimicking him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think anytime you're doing a strong accent, but you're still using the English language, it's like if you were doing well, if you were speaking with an Indian accent or if you were speaking with a French accent, they're very strong accents in the English language. And I think that sometimes that can be, you know, when the audience might know that the actor is not from that place, that can be sometimes quite distracting. So, I wanted it to flow and be sort of believable, but not be too pronounced. I think that was true to Garry as well because Gary was so sort of Americanised, he didn't he, you know, he didn't sound like a Bond villain. A still from 'Rematch' How difficult was it to get inside the mind of this chess grandmaster? I think one of the things was he was quite like an athlete, I think. He approached the match like an athlete. I'm into boxing, and I watch a lot of boxing, and I used to train in boxing. I think when you have these disciplines and these sports like boxing, tennis, chess, there's a huge psychological element to it. It's not a skill playing the game, but also getting into the mind of the opponent and the mentality when you're on the back foot being able to bring yourself back and stay in the present. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
