Grenfell Tower fire victims fear final report may not deliver justice
The sight of Grenfell Tower engulfed in flames in one of London’s wealthiest areas in June 2017 highlighted the deep inequalities in Britain.
A woman pushes a stroller past a graffiti wall dedicated to Grenfell Tower, ahead of the publishing of the second report of the UK public inquiry into the deadly 2017 Grenfell fire, in London. (Photo: Reuters)
SEVEN years after the Grenfell Tower fire, Shah Aghlani vividly recalls the late-night call from his aunt, who was trapped with his disabled mother in the burning 23-storey social housing block in west London.
Both women, in their late 50s and 60s, died in the fire along with 70 others. The Grenfell Tower fire, Britain’s deadliest residential blaze since World War Two, is the subject of an inquiry set to release its final report on Wednesday.
The fire's rapid spread was attributed to flammable cladding, and the sight of Grenfell Tower engulfed in flames in one of London’s wealthiest areas in June 2017 highlighted the deep inequalities in Britain.
Since the tragedy, survivors and victims’ families have campaigned to have similar cladding removed from buildings across Britain and Europe, where fires have occurred, including one in Valencia, Spain, earlier this year.
While focusing on this cause, they have also faced frustration over the lack of justice, with the inquiry delaying criminal proceedings. In May, police announced that any charges would not be disclosed until late 2026, with trials possibly beginning in 2027, a decade after the fire.
"It’s very painful for us, who lost a loved one, to see their death going in vain. It actually stops us from coming to a closure," Aghlani, 55, said, standing near a mural by the tower bearing the message: "truth will not be hidden."
The report expected on Wednesday is likely to address the choice of cladding materials used during the tower’s 2016 refurbishment by the council of Kensington & Chelsea, where the building was located. Witnesses included representatives from the architects, contractors, and sub-contractors involved in the refurbishment, as well as the makers and sellers of the cladding.
The government has stated that the inquiry will uncover the truth and provide justice for the community.
The fire led to widespread outrage in Britain, resulting in a ban on the highly flammable aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding. The former Conservative government initiated efforts to remove and replace ACM panels, which use polyethylene in their core, but progress has been slow.
As of July 2024, 4,630 buildings 11 metres or higher still had unsafe cladding, with remediation work yet to begin on half of them, according to government data.
Following a recent fire in a multi-storey building in east London, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the government needed to accelerate its efforts.
Guillermo Rein, a fire science professor at Imperial College London, emphasised the importance of learning from Grenfell, noting that the UK is the only country that has identified buildings using ACM cladding, while others have not taken action.
The Grenfell Next of Kin group has called for a global ban on unsafe cladding after the fire in Valencia, which killed 10 people. Rein also suggested that criminal prosecutions could serve as a warning to the construction industry.
Kimia Zabihyan, from the Grenfell Next of Kin group, acknowledged that the inquiry would provide valuable information but argued that it had delayed justice. "It actually got in the way of criminal prosecution," she said, noting that while an inquiry looks into the facts and causes of an incident and often makes recommendations, it is not a criminal court.
Aghlani expressed fatigue in his pursuit of justice for his mother and aunt but still hoped that authorities would not "water down the prosecution" when the time comes.
Local resident Marcia Robinson, who runs Hope Gardens, a community space that serves as a memorial site for Grenfell’s victims, echoed these concerns: "The first thing everyone cried out for still remains: accountability."
She added that more than just seeing suspects in court, she wanted assurance that "we are now in an area where that will never happen again."
An inspiring evening of sport, solidarity, and celebration unfolded on Friday (13) as Her Excellency Nimisha J Madhvani, High Commissioner of Uganda to the UK, hosted a dynamic fundraising event for the Tritons Uganda Rugby Tour 2025. The fundraiser drew attention to a groundbreaking moment in UK and Ugandan rugby relations, the first ever UK women’s rugby team set to tour Uganda.
The high-energy evening included guest appearances by celebrated rugby personalities Simon Shaw, a former England lock and British & Irish Lion, and Shaunagh Brown, an inspirational former England Red Roses international.
Set to take place from 19th to 23rd November 2025, the Tritons Uganda Tour will see both a men’s and women’s UK team travel to the "Pearl of Africa" to face the Uganda Club Select and National Select XVs. The tour, organised by Tritons Sports in collaboration with the Uganda Rugby Union, is poised to make history, marking the first ever UK women’s rugby team to play in Uganda.
Last year’s men’s match against the Ugandan National Veterans XV left an indelible mark. The 2025 tour is expected to build on that legacy with renewed purpose, inviting players and supporters alike to “Play. Explore. Make History.”
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The couple were married from 2003 to 2016 and have two children
The sudden death of billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has raised questions over the future of his vast wealth and who stands to inherit it. Best known in the public eye for his marriage to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Kapur leaves behind a family spread across three marriages — including two children with Kapoor.
Global business, personal fortune
Kapur was the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd, commonly known as Sona Comstar, a global automotive components firm headquartered in Gurugram, India. He took charge of the company after the death of his father Dr Surinder Kapur in 2015 and steered it to significant success, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company was listed on the Indian stock exchange in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2.95 billion, according to Bloomberg.
At the time of his death on 13 June in London, Kapur's personal net worth was estimated at around £980 million ($1.2 billion), with most of it tied to his stake in the company.
Family and children
Kapur was married three times. His first marriage, to designer Nandita Mahtani, ended in 2000. From 2003 to 2016, he was married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira, now 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple have a six-year-old son, Azarias.
Inheritance and past settlements
There has been no official word from the family or company about the contents of Kapur’s will or the structure of his estate. However, reports suggest that under Indian inheritance law, his current wife Priya Sachdev would manage the estate unless otherwise specified in a will.
According to earlier reports from ANI in 2016, during divorce proceedings with Karisma Kapoor, Kapur had purchased bonds worth around £1.3 million (₹14 crore) each for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds reportedly generate a monthly income of around £9,400 (₹10 lakh) for each child — a move seen as part of his legacy planning.
As part of the divorce settlement, a family property in Mumbai was also transferred to Karisma Kapoor, who retains full custody of the two children.
Uncertain future
While the details of Kapur’s current estate plan are not public, Indian media reports suggest his sisters may take on management roles within Sona Comstar. The company has said that business operations remain unaffected and pledged to uphold his legacy.
For now, it remains unclear how his estimated £980 million fortune will be distributed among his heirs.
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Veeraswamy was opened in 1926 by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and retired British Indian Army officer.
VEERASWAMY, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant, is locked in a legal battle with the Crown Estate, which is seeking to evict it from its home at Victory House on Regent Street, where it has operated since 1926.
The Crown Estate wants to take back the building to renovate the upper-floor offices, which have remained empty since a flood in late 2023.
According to The Times, the plans include removing the wall that separates the restaurant’s entrance from the office entrance to create a larger reception area. The restaurant’s co-owner, Ranjit Mathrani of MW Eat, has said this would block access to Veeraswamy, effectively shutting it down.
Mathrani told The Times he had proposed several alternatives, such as sharing the entrance or giving up the first floor and retaining only the basement and mezzanine levels, but none had been accepted. “My dealings with the [Crown Estate] have been characterised by an uncompromising refusal to consider any change to their design plan,” he said in a court filing.
Veeraswamy pays around £205,000 in annual rent, and Mathrani has said he is willing to match the rent paid by future office tenants after renovation. Though initially open to relocating, he said the Crown Estate's claim of helping find a new site was “disingenuous”. “They’ve made no real attempt to find alternative sites for us,” he told The Times.
Veeraswamy’s lease expires at the end of June. However, MW Eat can continue to trade until the court hearing, expected in spring or early summer next year. If the court rules in its favour, the restaurant’s protected tenancy could allow a 14-year extension. If not, Mathrani hopes for a two-year lease to allow time for relocation. “If we lost, that would be our fallback, but moving sites will cost us about £5 million and therefore it is not our preferred option,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Crown Estate said: “We need to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of Victory House to bring the building back into full use. We appreciate how upsetting this is for Veeraswamy and have offered to help find new premises elsewhere on our portfolio, having explored other options to accommodate the restaurant’s needs. We thank Veeraswamy and their customers for their contributions to the West End.”
Nearly a century on Regent Street
Veeraswamy was opened in 1926 by Edward Palmer, an Anglo-Indian and retired British Indian Army officer.
Located at 99-101 Regent Street, the restaurant has served regional Indian cuisine for decades, with dishes from Punjab, Lucknow, Kashmir and Goa.
It has long attracted royalty, political leaders and celebrities. Past diners include Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, and King Gustav VI of Sweden.
Ownership and Michelin recognition
In 1997, the restaurant was acquired by Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi. They restored its interiors and integrated it into their MW Eat group.
In 2016, Veeraswamy received a Michelin star. Inspectors noted that it continued to serve “classic dishes from across the country” with care and professionalism.
Historical roots
Before opening Veeraswamy, Edward Palmer had started EP Veeraswamy & Co. in 1896 to promote Indian food in Britain.
In 1924, he advised the Indian Government Pavilion restaurant at the British Empire Exhibition, which served around 500 curries a day.
Veeraswamy was not the first Indian restaurant in the UK, but it was among the first high-end ones and has remained at its Regent Street location for 99 years.
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Aamir Khan addresses love jihad allegations and shares rare details about his family
In the lead-up to his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan has addressed a long-standing controversy that has trailed him for years: allegations that his 2014 film PK promoted ‘love jihad’ and disrespected religion. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, the actor finally offered his side of the story, calling the accusations “baseless” and “misinformed”.
“When two people fall in love and decide to marry, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a human connection,” Aamir said, firmly rejecting the label of ‘love jihad’.
‘PK’ wasn’t against religion, it warned against blind faith: Aamir clarifies intent
Back in 2014, PK sparked debate for showing a Hindu woman in love with a Pakistani Muslim man. Critics accused the film of mocking religious beliefs. Responding to this, Aamir said the film respected all faiths and was never intended to ridicule anyone’s beliefs.
“We respect every religion deeply. PK was about being cautious of those who misuse religion to exploit people. This kind of manipulation exists in all communities,” he explained. He stressed the film’s core message: don’t fall for those who use faith as a tool for fear or financial gain.
Aamir Khan defends PK and calls out misuse of religion to create divisionGetty Images
Aamir also addressed questions about his children’s names. Despite being married to Hindu women Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao, his children carry Muslim names like Ira, Junaid, and Azad. “My wives chose the names. There was no pressure from me,” he said, adding with a smile, “Husbands don’t always get their way.”
‘Humanity over headlines’: Aamir gives personal examples to challenge narrative
To further break down the ‘love jihad’ myth, Aamir pointed to his own family. “My sister Nikhat is married to Santosh Hegde, Farhat to Rajeev Dutta, and my daughter Ira to Nupur Shikhare, all Hindu men. Will you call that love jihad too?” he asked.
He urged people to look beyond religion when it comes to relationships, calling love a personal choice that transcends labels. “When two minds connect, it’s above any religion. It’s about humanity,” he said.
Aamir says real love is a human bond not a conspiracy Getty Images
Aamir also addressed criticism for delaying his response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The actor clarified that he isn’t active on social media and said the timing of his statement and the trailer release of Sitaare Zameen Par was purely coincidental.
Sitaare Zameen Par hits cinemas on 20 June.
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President Trump reported earning over $8 million in 2024 from various licensing agreements
The Trump Organization has announced the launch of Trump Mobile, a branded mobile phone service and a $499 smartphone, both expected to debut in September 2025. This marks the latest in a growing list of commercial ventures associated with President Donald Trump.
The 47 Plan: patriotic branding and telecoms offering
Trump Mobile’s service package, dubbed The 47 Plan, will cost $47.45 per month and include unlimited calls, texts, and data. Customers will also receive roadside assistance and access to a “Telehealth and Pharmacy Benefit”. Both the name and pricing of the plan are symbolic, referencing Trump’s political position as the 47th president of the United States.
A smartphone branded as the “T1” will also be available, priced at $499. Promotional images depict the phone with a gold-coloured casing etched with an American flag and the campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” displayed on the home screen.
Primarily a licensing venture
According to the Trump Mobile website, the service is not directly operated by the Trump Organization. Instead, it functions through a licensing agreement. A disclaimer states: “Trump Mobile, its products and services are not designed, developed, manufactured, distributed or sold by The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals.”
This approach follows a familiar pattern in Trump’s business dealings, where his name is licensed to products and services in exchange for royalties. Previous examples include Trump-branded watches, trainers, wine, and even Bibles.
Financial and ethical implications
President Trump reported earning over $8 million in 2024 from various licensing agreements. While these ventures present lucrative opportunities, they continue to attract ethical scrutiny due to concerns about a sitting president profiting from branded commercial activity.
Nonetheless, Trump Mobile represents another step in merging political identity with consumer branding.
How it compares in the telecoms market
At $47.45 per month, Trump Mobile’s 47 Plan is more expensive than many competitors. Verizon-owned Visible offers a similar unlimited plan for $25 per month, while Mint Mobile charges $30 for its comparable package.
T1 , priced at $499The Trump Organization
Despite this, Trump Mobile claims to provide “the same coverage as the 3 nationwide phone service carriers”, a reference to Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. It also promotes a US-based customer support centre, though representatives have declined to confirm the location for “security reasons”.
Market reception and outlook
While major wireless providers have not commented on the launch, Trump Mobile may appeal to a customer base aligned with President Trump’s brand and values. Whether the venture will gain broader traction in the competitive telecommunications market remains to be seen.
As the launch date approaches, Trump Mobile is likely to generate further attention—both for its political undertones and its attempt to reshape how presidential branding intersects with consumer technology.