Latest news with #Shaila
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
African swine fever outbreak devastates pig farmers in Karnataka's Kodagu district
African swine fever has decimated pig farming in Kodagu district and other regions, causing significant financial losses for farmers and a surge in pork prices. MADIKERI: African swine fever devastated the pig farming industry across various regions of the state, including Kodagu district, in recent years. The virus, which affects pigs similarly to Corona, resulted in hundreds of pig deaths throughout the district. Pig farmers near Kushalnagar town and rural areas experienced substantial financial losses, forcing many to consider abandoning their operations. The mysterious illness created anxiety and business losses in villages across Gudde Hosur, Hebbale Yadavanad, and neighbouring district borders. Previously, numerous low-income and middle-class families earned substantial income through pig farming. Pork has become scarce and increasingly expensive. The virus, which exclusively affects domestic pigs, caused hundreds of casualties. According to veterinary hospital experts, the virus originated in Africa and entered other states via Kerala three years ago, subsequently spreading statewide. Pig farming, once a profitable venture around Kushalnagar's rural areas, supported rapid rural development. Pork dishes are popular at weddings, tourist centres, and homestays, creating high demand. The virus typically spreads through human movement and potentially through hotel waste used as pig feed, although experts confirm it cannot infect humans. The Kudige Pig Breeding Centre near Kushalnagar implemented strict precautions for three years, restricting public access. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Shaila said that the centre houses over 150 pigs of various breeds and maintains enhanced safety measures, suggesting biological control as a solution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sindhe from Kushalnagar Veterinary Hospital confirmed virus-related deaths of pigs around Kushalnagar, emphasising prevention as the key defence. Experts note that samples from deceased pigs are being tested at a Bhopal laboratory. The virus, which causes death within four days of infection, poses risks to all exposed pigs, according to retired veterinary officer Dr Motaiah. He explained that 100-150 pig deaths occurred near Kushalnagar recently, noting similarities to coronavirus transmission. Pork prices have tripled in three years due to demand, reaching Rs 360 per kg in Kushalnagar and even higher in Somwarpet. The virus significantly impacted pig farmers' livelihoods, causing widespread concern in the industry.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gender Agenda newsletter: Troll toll
Troll toll In just the course of a week, Himanshi Narwal has received an outpouring of love as well as a groundswell of hate from many Indians. Himanshi became the face of the Pahalgam tragedy after she was clicked sitting beside the body of her husband, 26-year-old Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, moments after he was shot dead by terrorists in the Baisaran meadows. The couple had been married for less than a week and were on their honeymoon. Her stunned face became a symbol of the carnage on April 22. But days later, the sympathy quickly turned into rage. The attack in Pahalgam, which had been targeted at Hindu men, triggered Islamophobia and anti-Kashmiri sentiments — some Hindu right-wing groups attacked Muslim shawl sellers in Kashmir and some threatened Kashmiri vendors and students in other regions across India. Himanshi, resisting the weaponisation of her husband's death, asked people not to target Muslims and Kashmiris. For pleading for peace, she was viciously trolled. Around the same time, following the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl, communal tensions spread in Nainital and protesters began vandalising the shops of the Muslim community. As a Newslaundryreport pointed out, after a brave woman, Shaila Negi, stood in the midst of the mob pleading for peace while also protesting against the 'misogynistic slogans being raised against the victim', she began to be targeted on social media. The patriarchy toolkit dictates that when a woman says something unpalatable, inconvenient, or contrary to an aggressive narrative, she must be personally attacked. And so on cue, abusers swarmed over social media, accusing Himanshi of 'being Hindu woke pro max' and of 'having many Kashmiri M friends'; and demanding that Shaila be raped. With the storm of hatred only growing, the National Commission of Women put out a statement in support of Himanshi saying, 'It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life.' While men too get abused online, the nature of abuse of women is different and seeks to dehumanise them. As Manish Tiwari points out here, 'While men may encounter misinformation and disinformation regarding their actions or duties, women face objectification, sexually explicit content and body shaming.' This has been the case for years, yet Big Tech's continuing failure to curb the deluge of abuse against women is dismaying. As a result, even though the digital gender divide has narrowed in India, 'a surge in gender-based violence (GBV), particularly tech-facilitated GBV, threatens to overshadow gains,' points out this piece. Writer and Karla Mantilla called this the 'gender trolling' of women. In her book Gendertrolling: How Misogyny Went Viral, she says it is becoming an increasingly common strategy of right-wing movements to keep women 'in their place'. But Himanshi and Shaila refused to be cowed down. Supported by countless women and men, they sought to double down on what they said and prevent the fanning of flames. As Gurmehar Kaur, the author of Small Acts of Freedom, said to Himanshi in an open letter: 'In your darkest moment, you have protected what is most sacred about India: its soul.' And India's soul is feminine: emotionally responsive, nurturing, and collaborative. Toolkit In her latest fictional work, Dream Count, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie focuses on the interlocking lives of four middle-aged African women. The book, 10 years in the making, explores various strands of the female experience — the beauty of female friendships, the mother-daughter relationship, of financial empowerment, but also the pain of childbirth and the horror of sexual abuse experienced by some — all with Adichie's trademark humour and satire. Read a review here. Wordsworth Sex selection: The practice of influencing or determining the sex of an offspring. According to UNICEF, sex selection can take place before a pregnancy is established by pressurising a woman to birth a boy, during pregnancy through prenatal sex detection and selective abortion, or following birth through infanticide or child neglect. In the last week of April, the Hong Kong police arrested 10 people for allegedly providing illegal sex selection and surrogate services. Somewhere someone said something stupid I just think if you were a senator, it would be hard for the kids. Boyfriend of Sophia Kianni (best friend of Phoebe Gates, Bill Gates' daughter ) when she told him she wanted to become a senator People we met Satchit Puranik, a theatre activist, found inspiration in the 'Why Loiter' campaign to cross-dress and walk the streets to find out what women experience. His play, 'Loitering', challenges gender roles. About cross-dressing, he says, 'I am broadly built, I have long hair and a beard. So, I am a strong presence in a public place. But when I wear a woman's clothes, everyone starts saying cross-dressers should be walking a certain way, looking a certain way, waxing their legs, etc. The whole act is strangely discomforting.'
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Meet mother-son taxi drivers who share special bond working, fasting together during Ramadan
For a mother and son duo, working together at the same company is a true blessing. Both taxi drivers, they not only look after each other but also share tips and advice on how to go about their work. During Ramadan, this bond becomes even more special as they fast, pray, and prepare meals together. After finishing a day's work, Dubai mum Shaila Thayil Kunju Muhammad, 53, would be home by half past three to prepare the day's iftar. Her son, Shafeek, 31, who has the same work hours, would also be home to help in the kitchen. 'It's a special kind of bonding for us,' Shaila told Khaleej Times during a phone call early this week from their home in Muhaisnah, where she was busy preparing biryani, samosa, pakora and other light meals, with help from Shafeek. 'We fast together, then we prepare our meals together, and we also pray together,' she added. In many families, it's typically the father who influences the career choices of his son. However, for Shaila, who has been with the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) for nearly two decades, she took the lead in guiding her son into the same profession, encouraging him to get behind the wheel as well. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Family's sole breadwinner Shaila, who is originally from Kerala, first arrived in the UAE in 1999, four years after her husband passed away. She had to pick up the cudgels and become the family's sole breadwinner. With two young sons — Shafeek, who was just a year old at the time, and her older son Shajudeen — she took on the responsibility of supporting her family. To ensure their well-being, she left her children in the care of her family back home. She began her career as domestic staff for an Arab family in Sharjah, sending money regularly to support her sons. Determined to improve her situation, Shaila also consistently saved money to pay for enrolment in a driving school. Her determination paid off, and she earned her driving licence in 2002 on her first attempt. She initially worked as a family driver, with a salary higher than her previous employment. But her career took a turn when she saw an advertisement from DTC looking for Pink Taxi drivers. She applied and was accepted. 'Role model for my sons' Shaila's warm and friendly demeanour proved essential for her role, especially in Dubai, where taxi drivers encounter people from all walks of life. She learned conversational Arabic and polished her English, which helped her navigate the multicultural environment. Shaila takes pride in having raised her sons well. Her eldest, Shajudeen, is a graphic designer for a sales company in Dubai, while Shafeek, who holds a diploma, joined her at DTC three years ago. Having built a reputation for herself at DTC, Shaila made it easy for Shafeek to follow in her footsteps. Shafeek credits his mother for teaching him how to efficiently navigate Dubai's streets. 'Mama knows Dubai like the back of her hand,' he said. Throughout her 19 years with DTC, Shaila has maintained an impeccable record, never being involved in any accidents or committing major traffic violations. 'I drive safely and responsibly,' she proudly stated. 'I always wanted to be a role model for my sons.' In terms of health, Shaila doesn't suffer from any major ailments, though she does need to monitor her blood sugar levels regularly due to her diabetes. Despite this, she sees herself continuing to work until she's 60 or even longer, especially now that her work has become less hectic after transitioning to a limo driver position at DTC. Days before Eid, Shaila and Shafeek traveled home to Kerala to spend the holidays with their family. Shaila said she was excited to see her three grandchildren (two from Shajudeen and one from Shafeek) again.
Gulf News
04-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Foods that trigger stress: Here's what to avoid for better mental health
Sugary snacks and drinks can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to a crash that leaves you feeling sluggish and fatigued Shutterstock Wouldn't life be perfect if a scoop of ice cream could melt your stress away? A comforting chocolate scoop, topped with sprinkles and gems… sigh. But here's the reality: What you eat can make stress worse— and sugar is a prime culprit. Cookies? Another. And no, caffeine won't save the day either. You know the feeling: the tightness in your chest, racing thoughts, the struggle to focus. Stress can hit anytime—whether from work, personal challenges, or the never-ending demands of life. While mindfulness and exercise help, what you eat plays a bigger role than you think. Your diet can either soothe your nerves or send your anxiety into overdrive. The stress-food connection Dubai-based Ambika Shaila, a dietician and nutritionist explains, 'When faced with stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, essential for the 'fight-or-flight' response. However, chronic elevation of cortisol can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. ' Our diet plays a pivotal role in modulating these hormone levels. So, here are the foods that increase stress, explain Dubai-based dieticians. Food that triggers stress: While that cup of coffee might give you a temporary boost of energy, caffeine can increase your stress in the long run. It stimulates the nervous system, which can raise cortisol levels, making you feel jittery and anxious. You might even feel nervous, touchy and a lot more irritable. Try cutting back on caffeinated drinks or switching to herbal teas like chamomile, which is known for its calming effects. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine demonstrated that caffeine consumption increased cortisol release in people, both at rest and during mental stress. The research found that caffeine elevated cortisol levels throughout the day, with habitual caffeine consumers showing a reduced but still significant cortisol response. We all crave a sweet treat from time to time, but sugary snacks and drinks can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to a crash that leaves you feeling sluggish and fatigued. Shaila adds, 'This crash can trigger stress responses and mood swings. Moreover, highly processed foods, such as pastries and sugary cereals, can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to manage stress.' Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, triggering increased cortisol production. A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who had flatter cortisol profiles throughout the day exhibited higher glucose levels, suggesting a link between stress, cortisol, and blood sugar levels. No, don't eye pasta, chips and white bread longingly, either. They are high in refined carbs, and can cause your blood sugar to spike and crash rapidly. This fluctuation can trigger an anxious response, as your body works to regain balance. Additionally, these foods are often low in nutrients, leaving you feeling drained and irritable. Trans fats, found in many processed and packaged foods like baked goods and fast food, can increase inflammation in the body, which is linked to heightened stress. These fats also impair the body's ability to manage blood sugar, potentially causing more energy fluctuations and stress. Instead, you can look for food that soothes your stress. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in magnesium, a mineral known to help regulate the body's stress response, suggest Shaila. Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system and can reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Try incorporating these greens into salads, smoothies, or sautés. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower cortisol levels. These healthy fats support brain health and improve mood, making them a great addition to any stress-reducing meal plan. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week for maximum benefits. Neha Patel, a Dubai-based dietician breaks it down: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds are packed with nutrients that help combat stress. They're high in vitamin E, which can protect your body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, and magnesium, which helps relax the muscles and nervous system. A handful of these as a snack or added to your morning oatmeal can help keep your stress levels in check. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress. The compounds in berries also help lower levels of cortisol, which can reduce stress and improve overall mood. Incorporate them into your diet as a snack, in smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt. Unlike refined carbs, whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are rich in fibre, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote steady energy. Whole grains also contain B vitamins, which play a key role in reducing stress and supporting brain function. That's right, they don't just make for cute merchandise. Rich in healthy fats, fibre and potassium, avocados help reduce blood pressure and promote heart health, both of which can be affected by chronic stress. The monounsaturated fats in avocados also help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the blood sugar spikes and crashes that can trigger stress. Chamomile, valerian root, and lavender tea are well-known for their calming effects. These herbal teas help relax the nervous system and can promote better sleep, making them a great option for managing stress before bedtime. Sipping on a cup of herbal tea after a stressful day can help soothe your nerves and restore balance. So, how do you build a stress-reducing meal plan? Creating a diet that helps manage stress involves focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and cutting back on those that trigger stress. Here are simple suggestions for crafting meals that support a calm and balanced mind: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast: Oats or whole grain toast topped with avocado and berries. Pair with a cup of green tea to start your day with antioxidants and stress-reducing nutrients. Lunch with leafy greens and healthy fats: A salad made with spinach or kale, topped with grilled salmon or chicken, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can provide a dose of omega-3s, magnesium, and protein. Snack smartly: Instead of reaching for sugary treats, grab a handful of nuts, a piece of dark chocolate, or a small serving of berries to keep your blood sugar stable and your mind calm. Dinner with omega-3-rich foods: A piece of baked mackerel with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli is a great way to support brain health and relax before bedtime. Hydrate with herbal tea: Swap sugary drinks for calming herbal teas like chamomile or lavender to help unwind in the evening. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
