Milk federation from India to sponsor Ireland, Scotland cricket teams
The milk federation has confirmed the news, stating that the teams would display the Nandini brand during matches as part of efforts to promote it globally.
A milk federation from the Indian state of Karnataka has decided to sponsor the Scotland and Ireland cricket teams. The Karnataka Milk Federation, known for its 'Nandini' brand, will sponsor the teams during the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
The federation has confirmed the news, stating that the teams would display the Nandini brand during matches as part of efforts to promote it globally. Jagadish highlighted the federation's existing presence in regions like the Middle East and Singapore, as well as its product sales in the United States.
“Yes, we are sponsoring them. They are going to display our brand during the matches,” KMF Managing Director MK Jagadish told PTI on Sunday.
“We already have stores in the Middle East. Our presence is in Singapore as well. We are selling our sweets in America,” he said.
Information technology industry veteran and former Chief Financial Officer of Infosys T V Mohandas Pai criticised the move.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said: “What a big shame! Why are they using the money belonging to the farmers of Karnataka, paid by consumers who are Kannadigas, to sponsor foreign teams? What value will it deliver? Pay poor farmers better. @siddaramaiah @DKShivakumar this is a waste for a largely Karnataka-based co/op!”
Responding to Pai's tweet, Jagadish said: “85 percent of our revenue goes to the farmers only. We are sponsoring it for the promotion of our product.
“We need to go global,” he said.
The Karnataka Milk Federation is a dairy cooperative that sells products such as milk, curds, ghee, butter, ice cream, chocolates, and sweets under the brand name Nandini. It is a federation of milk producers under the ownership of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of Karnataka.
The T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States from June 1-29.
Mourners carry the coffins of victims who died in the Air India Flight 171 crash, for funeral ceremony in Ahmedabad on June 21, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
AUTHORITIES in Gujarat said on Tuesday they had identified 259 out of the 260 victims recovered after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was heading to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after take-off on June 12.
The aircraft, which had 242 people on board, lost height moments after taking off from Ahmedabad and crashed into a medical college hostel, leading to a fire.
One person on the plane survived. The crash also killed 19 people on the ground.
The current death toll stands at 260, lower than the earlier estimate of 270, though officials said the final number could still change.
"We have identified 259 victims. They include 240 passengers and 19 non-passengers. DNA test result of one passenger is still awaited," said Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of Ahmedabad civil hospital.
Search and clearance operations ongoing
Joshi added, "The site of the crash is still being cleared. Unless we are certain that no additional victims are going to be found, we cannot declare the final death toll."
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Emergency personnel work at an impacted residential site, following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, amid the Israel-Iran conflict, in Be'er Sheva, Israel June 24, 2025.
ISRAELI defence minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday he had instructed the military to strike targets in Tehran after Iran fired missiles, violating a ceasefire that had come into effect following 12 days of war.
"In light of Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States — through the launch of missiles toward Israel — and in accordance with the Israeli government's policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)... to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran," Katz said.
The Israeli military confirmed it was working to intercept Iranian missiles after detecting a launch. The attack came hours after Israel had announced a ceasefire, stating it had achieved its objectives in the bombing campaign launched against Iran on June 13.
"In light of the achievement of the operation's goals, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel agreed to the President's proposal for a mutual ceasefire," prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
"Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defence and their participation in eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat," Netanyahu added.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier that Iran would stop its retaliatory strikes provided Israel ceased attacks by 4:00 a.m. Tehran time.
Trump declares truce, urges both sides to hold fire
US president Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire was in effect, urging both Iran and Israel not to violate the agreement. "THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
The US president had earlier stated that the ceasefire would be a phased 24-hour process starting around 0400 GMT Tuesday. Under the plan, Iran would first halt its operations, with Israel following 12 hours later.
Despite the announcement, Israeli emergency services reported that four people were killed in an Iranian missile strike. State media in Iran had earlier reported that waves of missiles were heading toward Israel.
Neither Iran nor Israel confirmed the agreement referenced by Trump. Shortly before his announcement, foreign minister Araghchi had said: "as of now, there is NO 'agreement' on ceasefire or cessation of military operations".
"However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards," he said on social media.
Sirens were activated in northern Israel around the same time Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported incoming missile waves.
At least four people were killed in a multi-wave Iranian missile attack just before the truce was expected to take effect. The Magen David Adom rescue service said three people were declared dead in Beersheba, while a fourth fatality was later added to its figures.
Explosions were also reported overnight in Tehran, with blasts in the north and central parts of the city described by AFP journalists as some of the most intense since hostilities began.
Iran, Israel trade fire since June 13 strikes
The escalation followed Israel’s strikes on June 13, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities. In response, Iran launched missiles at the largest US military facility in the Middle East — Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — just hours before Trump’s truce declaration.
Trump downplayed the attack, calling it “very weak,” and said Tehran had given advance notice. Iran’s National Security Council said the attack was in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities, calling it proportional.
"The number of missiles launched was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used," Iran’s National Security Council said.
Ali Vaez, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, told AFP: "This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off ramp for both sides."
The US had joined Israel’s campaign by striking an underground uranium enrichment facility and two other nuclear sites over the weekend.
Qatar calls Iranian strike 'blatant aggression'
Although Iran said its strike on Al Udeid was aimed at the US and not at Qatar, the Qatari government described the action as "blatant aggression" and said it reserved the right to respond proportionally.
Iran's state media quoted the Revolutionary Guard Corps as saying that six missiles had hit the base, which Qatar said had been evacuated in advance.
A US defence official said the attack involved "short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles". AFP journalists in Doha and Lusail reported explosions and saw missiles in the sky on Monday evening.
Images on Iranian state TV showed people gathering in Tehran, waving the national flag and chanting "Death to America" in response to the attack.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace and the US embassy, along with other foreign missions, advised citizens to shelter in place.
According to Iran's health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people. Official Israeli figures say 24 people have been killed in Iran’s attacks on Israel.
(With inputs from agencies)
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This year’s Qurbani campaign by Islamic Relief UK spans across the country
Islamic Relief UK partnered with Newham Community Project this Qurbani to distribute food parcels to vulnerable individuals and families affected by the rising cost-of-living crisis in the London Borough of Newham and surrounding areas.
On 20 June 2025, the organisations delivered 300 food packs to support local households, including refugees, migrants, vulnerable women, and people with no access to public funds. The initiative took place during Dhul Hijjah, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims around the world donate Qurbani — the religious tradition of sacrificing meat and sharing it with those in need.
Community efforts like those in Newham are vitalIslamic Relief UK
This year’s Qurbani campaign by Islamic Relief UK spans across the country in partnership with 39 organisations in cities such as London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and Glasgow, working with local food banks, charities, and community centres.
Newham has been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, with research from the University of East London showing that nearly half of those supported by Islamic Relief’s local partners are not even in the lowest income bracket, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
The initiative took place during Dhul HijjahIslamic Relief UK
Tufail Hussain, Director of Islamic Relief UK, said: “Qurbani is a time to reflect on those struggling to meet their basic needs. More and more parents are skipping meals so their children can eat. Community efforts like those in Newham are vital, but we need long-term action from government to reverse cuts and raise support levels.”
Newham Community Project added: “Many families we support are excluded from public help and face housing, income and legal barriers. Distributions like this meet urgent needs but also spotlight the need for real policy change.”
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Black women nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, while Asian mothers face double the risk. (Photo for representation: iStock)
HEALTH SECRETARY Wes Streeting has ordered an immediate nationwide probe into England's maternity services following a string of NHS scandals that have cost the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies.
The fast-track investigation will focus on the country's poorest-performing maternity and baby care units, with findings expected by December 2025, the BBC reported.
Streeting on Monday (23) issued an apology to families who have suffered preventable harm and said urgent action was needed.
"We must act - and we must act now," he declared, after meeting parents who lost children in various NHS maternity disasters.
The health secretary promised the inquiry would "make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve" and ensure "no parent or baby is ever let down again".
The investigation comes amid alarming statistics showing maternal death rates have worsened dramatically. Government data revealed that between 2009 and 2022, maternal mortality increased by 27 per cent, and even after accounting for Covid deaths, there was still a 10 per cent rise.
Official figures exposed stark racial inequalities, with black women nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, while Asian mothers face double the risk. Despite a 2017 government pledge to cut maternal deaths by half between 2010 and 2025, the opposite has happened.
The probe will be split into two sections. The first will examine up to 10 of the most troubling maternity and newborn units to provide answers to affected families as quickly as possible.
University Hospitals Sussex and Leeds Teaching Hospitals have already been confirmed for investigation, though it remains unclear whether these will be part of the 10 units or separate cases.
The second phase will take a broader view of the entire maternity system, combining lessons from previous investigations to create national improvements across all NHS maternity services.
At Morecambe Bay between 2004 and 2013, mothers and babies died unnecessarily due to what investigators called a "dysfunctional culture" with poor clinical skills and failure to learn from mistakes. The Shrewsbury and Telford scandal saw more than 200 mothers and babies who could have survived with better care, according to a 2022 investigation.
In another case, at least 45 babies might have lived if given proper treatment at East Kent, a review found in October 2022.
Meanwhile, an ongoing review at Nottingham examining around 2,500 cases is set to be the largest maternity scandal investigation yet.
Adding to concerns, inspectors found that not a single one of 131 maternity units checked in 2024 received the highest safety rating.
Dr Clea Harmer from baby loss charity Sands called the national investigation "much-needed and long-overdue", stressing the need for "lasting systemic change".
Rhiannon Davies, who lost her daughter Kate at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust in 2009, welcomed the inquiry but argued it should cover the entire UK, not just England.
Anne Kavanagh from Irwin Mitchell solicitors, representing many affected families, said the scandals "all pointed to deep-rooted problems nationally" and stressed the need for decisive action.
She warned that "sadly many recommendations from previous reports and investigations had not been fully implemented, missing crucial opportunities to improve patient safety and learn from mistakes".
The government has also announced plans for an anti-discrimination programme aimed at addressing the unequal treatment of black, Asian and other underserved communities in maternity care.
Streeting acknowledged that while most births are safe and the majority of NHS staff want the best outcomes, "it's clear something is going wrong".
"What they have experienced is devastating – deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion – caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened," he said of the bereaved families.
The investigation will begin this summer, with affected families given a voice in how the inquiry is conducted.
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India's Hardeep Singh Puri, who is leading a 7-member delegation, meets Irish prime minister Micheal Martin. The delegation paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Kanishka bombing at the Ahakista Memorial, on the 40th anniversary of the incident, in County Cork, Ireland. (Photo: PTI Photo)
INDIAN minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday (23) called for ending funding channels to terrorists and separatists and urged collective action to counter global terrorism, as he paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing on its 40th anniversary.
The Montreal–London–New Delhi Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded mid-air on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board. The flight was 45 minutes away from landing at London’s Heathrow Airport. Most of those killed were Canadians of Indian origin.
Commemoration held at Ahakista Memorial
Puri, who is the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, attended the memorial event at the Ahakista Memorial in County Cork, Ireland. He was joined by Irish prime minister Micheál Martin and Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree. County Cork is about 260 kilometres from Dublin.
“On behalf of the people and Government of India, a 7-member delegation led by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas @HardeepSPuri paid tributes to the victims at the Ahakista Memorial in County Cork, Ireland,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X.
‘Need to be united against terrorism’
In his speech, Puri thanked the “wonderful community of Ahakista and the people of Ireland,” saying they had responded with compassion when the tragedy occurred 40 years ago.
“This memorial stands testimony to the tragedy of that crash on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean not far from here,” Puri said.
He added, “Irrespective of the differences in ideologies and political differences, we need to be vigilant about terrorism and united in combating the menace.”
Calling for an end to terrorism financing, Puri said in another post on X, “We need to double our efforts to ensure that what happened on June 23, 1985 is not repeated anywhere in the world in future.”
329 lives lost in mid-air explosion
Irish prime minister Micheál Martin wrote on X, “It was a privilege to attend the commemoration to mark 40 years since the Air India disaster in West Cork. 329 innocent people lost their lives over the skies of Ireland that morning, and the passing of time does not dim the scale of loss and of this atrocity.”
According to The Air India Flight 182 Archive, maintained by McMaster University, the Ahakista Memorial was unveiled on June 23, 1986, during the first anniversary of the bombing. The site includes a garden, a sundial, and a curved stone wall bearing the names of all those who died.
Relatives of victims attend memorial
Every year, families of the passengers and crew gather at various memorials dedicated to the victims.
According to Irish public broadcaster RTÉ, about 60 relatives of the victims attended the annual ceremony in Ahakista, which is the closest point on land to the crash site.
“The ceremony at the memorial monument began with a minute’s silence at 8.13 am, the exact time the explosion occurred on Air India Flight 182. It was followed by tributes from the families and Hindu and Christian readings,” RTÉ reported.