MORE Indians are becoming obese while the number of undernourished people in the country have declined, according to a report by the UN that said that globally over 820 million people are suffering from hunger.
The report titled the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019 was issued Monday (15) by United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report said that an estimated 820 million people across the world did not have enough to eat in 2018, up from 811 million in the previous year, which is the third year of increase in a row, underscoring the immense challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030.
In India, the number of undernourished people declined from 253.9 million in 2004-06 to 194.4 million in 2016-18. However the number of adults (18 years and older) who are obese grew from 24.1 million in 2012 to 32.8 million in 2016.
The number of children (under 5 years of age) who are overweight stood at 2.9 million in 2018.
In percentage terms, prevalence of undernourishment in the total population in India was 22.2 per cent in 2004-06 and 14.5 per cent in 2016-18. Prevalence of wasting in children (under 5 years of age) was 20.8 per cent in 2018, while the Prevalence of obesity in the adult population was three per cent in 2012, increasing to 3.8 per cent in 2016
The report said that globally, hunger is increasing in many countries where economic growth is lagging, particularly in middle-income countries and those that rely heavily on international primary commodity trade.
The annual UN report also found that income inequality is rising in many of the countries where hunger is on the rise, making it even more difficult for the poor, vulnerable or marginalised to cope with economic slowdowns and downturns.
"We must foster pro-poor and inclusive structural transformation focusing on people and placing communities at the centre to reduce economic vulnerabilities and set ourselves on track to ending hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition," the UN report said.
It noted that poverty rates have declined between 3 per cent and 6 per cent per year in El Salvador, Ghana, India, Tunisia and Uganda.
"China and India have enjoyed significant economic growth in recent years. Between 1990 and 2017, the two countries had an average GDP per capita growth rate of 8.6 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively. However, the effects of growth within each country have been different," it said.
The report noted that increase in the GDP per capita in both countries has been accompanied by poverty reduction. China's poverty rate declined from 88 per cent in 1981 to 0.7 in 2015.
In comparison, India's poverty reduction "seems relatively more modest” - moving from 48.9 per cent in 1987 to 21.2 per cent in 2011, it said.
“The unique growth patterns and inequality levels in each country may help explain the differences observed in the countries in terms of poverty and food security and nutrition trends,"
"The pattern of economic growth in China, especially in the 1980s, shows that the primary sector, where most of the poor derive their livelihoods, was one of the most dynamic sectors behind the GDP growth. On the other hand, in India the rate of growth has been higher in the industrial and services sectors than in agriculture," it said.
The report said that the impacts of economic slowdowns on food security and nutrition are demonstrated in Haiti, Nepal and the Niger.
Amid a global financial crisis coupled with high food prices, households' food security, as measured by dietary diversity, reduced by 5 per cent in Nepal, 8 per cent in the Niger, and 23 per cent in Haiti due to increased food prices.
In the Indian Himalayas, economic slowdown coupled with natural resource depletion and climate change negatively impacted on food production and employment opportunities. This resulted in increased threats to food security due to lower purchasing power, it added.
The report also took note of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), introduced by India in 2005, the largest public works programme in the world.
"Unlike the previous cases, the MGNREGS was not designed to address employment problems arising from an economic downturn or to rebuild infrastructure damaged by a natural disaster.
Building on the experience of the state of Maharashtra, the MGNREGS instead guarantees up to 100 days of unskilled manual work on public projects during the lean seasons, at the statutory minimum wage, to all rural households.
"In this way, the programme helps rural households to stabilise their earnings and to smooth their consumption all along the year," it said.
Met Office says UK climate has become 'notably different' due to global warming
2024 saw record-breaking heat, rainfall and early spring indicators
UK warming at rate of 0.25°C per decade; sea levels rising faster than global average
Wildlife, trees and seasonal patterns under pressure from climate shifts
Met Office confirms UK's climate is changing rapidly
The UK’s national weather service, the Met Office, has said extreme weather events are becoming the norm as the country’s climate continues to warm. Its annual State of the UK Climate report highlights a clear and accelerating trend, showing that the nation is experiencing hotter days, milder winters, and more intense rainfall than in previous decades.
Heat and rainfall records tumbling
The year 2024 brought some of the warmest conditions on record in the UK, including the warmest May and spring ever documented. February 2024 was the second warmest on record, and both December and the winter season ranked among the top five warmest since records began in 1884.
These trends are already being surpassed in 2025, with much of the country enduring a third heatwave, prompting a hosepipe ban in Yorkshire following the warmest June on record. The region, along with north-west England, was declared in drought by the Environment Agency in June.
According to the Met Office, the UK is now warming at a rate of approximately 0.25°C per decade. Between 2015 and 2024, the average temperature was 1.24°C higher than the 1961–1990 baseline.
Wetter winters, rising seas
In addition to higher temperatures, the UK is also experiencing more rainfall, particularly during the winter months. From October to March, rainfall between 2015 and 2024 increased by 16% compared to 1961–1990.
Sea levels around the UK are now rising faster than the global averageUS EPA
The period from October 2023 to March 2024 marked the wettest winter half-year in over 250 years. Flooding and storms during this period caused widespread damage, with regions such as eastern Scotland, Derbyshire, and the West Midlands receiving several times their usual monthly rainfall.
Sea levels around the UK are now rising faster than the global average, further heightening the risk of coastal flooding.
Natural world under strain
The impact of climate change on UK wildlife is increasingly visible. Spring 2024 began earlier than average, affecting 12 out of 13 seasonal events recorded by Nature’s Calendar. Frogspawn and blackbird nesting were both recorded at their earliest points since 1999.
These seasonal shifts pose serious challenges for native species such as dormice and hedgehogs. Warmer weather causes fruits and nuts to ripen earlier, leaving fewer food resources available in autumn when animals prepare for hibernation.
Adapting to future extremes
Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office Chief Scientist, said: “The climate is likely to continue to change, and we need to prepare for the impacts this will have on the weather we experience.”
At Alice Holt forest research centre, scientists are examining which tree species may thrive in the future. Some, including California’s coastal redwoods, show promise in adapting to the UK’s evolving climate. However, many native trees are already showing signs of stress, such as reduced growth and leaf damage following droughts.
Dr Gail Atkinson, head of Climate Change Science at the centre, warned that many trees currently common in the UK may not survive the changing conditions.
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The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration
On 13 July 2025, Dr Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi as part of the Guru Purnima celebrations.
He was received by Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the Mandir, who provided an overview of the Mandir’s history, architecture and purpose. The visit took place during a significant spiritual period for the BAPS community, with devotees from around the world gathering to honour their spiritual guide.
During his tour, Dr Yadav explored an exhibition highlighting the role and significance of a true Guru. According to organisers, he expressed appreciation for the values presented and reflected on the importance of selfless service to society.
The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Mandir’s shrines and was particularly moved by the presence of sacred soil from Jabalpur – the birthplace of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader and creator of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Commenting on the experience, Dr Yadav described the Mandir as a global symbol of spiritual harmony, cultural unity and timeless values.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which opened earlier this year, has been noted for its intricate design and its role in promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding in the UAE. The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration.
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inspired by the popular melas of the 1980s and 1990s
South Asian celebration returns: The first Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will take place at Lister Park on 19–20 July 2025, reviving the city’s historic mela tradition after a 13-year gap.
Free family event: Open to all, the mela will feature live music, street food, cookery demos, fashion stalls, and a funfair, celebrating Bradford’s cultural diversity.
Headline performances: Artists including Apache Indian, B21, and Girls Like You will perform alongside community acts and cultural showcases.
Fashion show with a message: The weekend’s highlight is Threads of Grace: Power of You on 20 July, a ticketed fashion show promoting body positivity and resilience, with proceeds supporting UK charities.
Part of City of Culture 2025: Organised in partnership with Lala’s Restaurant and local organisations, the mela supports Bradford’s programme as UK City of Culture.
Bradford is set to celebrate its cultural heritage with the return of a South Asian mela at Lister Park on 19 and 20 July. The newly launched Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will revive the city’s long-standing tradition of melas, combining food, fashion, music and community in a two-day open-air event.
Inspired by the popular melas of the 1980s and 1990s, which once drew crowds of up to 100,000, the event aims to reintroduce the atmosphere of celebration and cultural unity that made the original festivals so memorable. Bradford was the first UK city to host a traditional South Asian mela in 1988, but the last of the city’s original melas was held in 2012.
This year’s event is organised by the team behind the Bradford Curry Mela, in partnership with Lala’s Restaurant, and supported by sponsors including Bombay Stores, SAVECO, Elephant Atta and Bradford City of Culture 2025.
Junior Rashid of Lala’s Restaurant said the goal was to revive a treasured tradition for a new generation. “We know there’s a real desire in the community for the mela to return. It’s more than just an event, it’s a celebration of culture, diversity and heritage. We hope this will bring back fond memories while creating new ones, with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Weekend entertainment and attractions
A cookery theatre presented by television chef Parveen the Spice QueenRFMP
The mela will run from 11 am to 7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will feature a packed schedule of activities:
A main stage hosting live music performances from Apache Indian, girl group Girls Like You, fusion act Silverfinger, Maz Bonafide, XLNC, and a range of local community performers
A musical line-up that includes Qawwali, Naat, Bollywood hits and Bhangra, with a performance by Bhangra group B21
A cookery theatre presented by television chef Parveen the Spice Queen, offering live demonstrations and workshops
More than 50 stalls selling street food, crafts, fashion and lifestyle goods
A funfair and family-friendly activities across the park
Fashion with purpose
The standout event of the weekend will be the Threads of Grace: Power of You fashion show, taking place from 8pm to 10pm on Sunday 20 July in the gardens of Cartwright Hall.
The show will feature collections by designers including IK Collections, Bombay Stores and Shiffonz, but with a message that goes beyond style. Models will walk the runway while sharing personal stories, highlighting themes of resilience, body positivity and self-acceptance.
Among those participating will be Dr Amir Khan, ITV’s resident GP; Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire for Policing and Crime; former councillor Richard Dunbar; Fatima Patel, managing editor of RF Media & Publishing Ltd; Rubina Niazi from BBC’s The Bradford Aunties; and PR consultant Sian Karia, who will represent plus-size women.
The mela will feature live music, street food, cookery demos, fashion stalls, and a funfairRFMP
“This show is about empowerment, embracing who we are, including our differences and so-called imperfections,” said Fatima Patel. “In a world where young people are bombarded by filtered ideals on social media, we want to send the message that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience.”
Tickets for the fashion show cost £10, with 15 per cent of proceeds donated to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Ovacome, the UK ovarian cancer charity.
Interactive highlights and media opportunities
A crowd-pleasing feature of the weekend will be the BoomGappa Challenge, a gol gappa eating competition hosted by Heera Foods. Participants will attempt to eat as many of the crisp, chickpea-filled snacks as possible in 60 seconds. The contest will run throughout the weekend, and members of the media are invited to try it themselves during a preview session on Friday 18 July.
Community celebration for all
Organisers hope this year’s event will mark the return of an annual tradition that celebrates Bradford’s cultural diversity during its year as UK City of Culture 2025.
Councillor Mohammed Amran, who has supported the mela’s revival, said: “This is a fantastic and much-needed event and a chance for people from all communities to come together and enjoy one of the best parks in Europe. A mela like this should be a regular celebration in Bradford.”
The Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela is free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, explore the stalls, and enjoy a weekend of music, food and community spirit.
Event details Location: Lister Park, Bradford Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025 Time: 11am to 7pm (both days) Entry: Free Fashion show: Sunday 20 July, 8–10pm (ticketed, £10) Website:www.foodandlifestylemela.co.uk Tickets: Available via the event website or onEventbrite
Media contact Alison Bellamy – Press Officer Mobile: 07719 487704 Email: alisonbellamynews@gmail.com Image link (valid until 14 July):https://we.tl/t-D4AaR0xjQ6 For additional photography, interviews or filming opportunities, please contact Alison directly.
I was five years old when my parents first signed me up for a mini marathon. They were both keen runners and wanted me to follow in their footsteps. At the time, I hated it. Running felt like punishment — exhausting, uncomfortable, and something I never imagined I’d do by choice.
But one moment changed everything. I was 12, attending a gymnastics competition, and had gone to the car alone to grab my hula hoop. As I walked back, a group of men started shouting at me. They moved closer. I didn’t wait to hear what they had to say — I ran. Fast. My heart was pounding. It was the first time I felt afraid simply for existing in public as a young girl. I never told anyone. But I remember feeling thankful, strangely, that my parents had taught me how to run.
That was my first experience of harassment. Sadly, it wouldn’t be my last.
In school, I was a fast runner. I even won races. But I gave it up — until lockdown. My mum encouraged me to start again. We went for walks, and one day I had to jog to catch up with her. That simple moment reminded me that running didn’t have to be painful. It could be freeing. It could be joyful.
But that joy was short-lived. The more I ran, the more I noticed the dangers. As a south Asian woman, I was reminded that public spaces are not always made for us.
When I ran with my mum or friends, I felt safe. Alone, I felt exposed. On quiet canal paths, I’ve been catcalled — told to “go on, sexy,” or had comments made about my body. I’ve had racist abuse shouted at me from passing cars: “Go back home, p***.” Some men — including from within our own community — have rolled down their windows to yell disgusting things in Punjabi, honk their horns, or make obscene gestures. I’ve been called a “b****” just for running past someone, and told to “get out of the way, b****.” The verbal violence is constant, and always unprovoked.
It’s exhausting. It makes you hyperaware of every step, every corner, every man you see.
Yet, in places like the Isle of Skye, I experienced what running should feel like. People greeted you with smiles. Drivers slowed down and waved. There were no shouts, no stares. Just peace.
Running is supposed to be my outlet. As a full-time carer for my mum, it’s the one thing that helps me manage stress and anxiety. But now, running itself causes stress. I drive 20 to 30 minutes to find a busy park where I might feel safe — and even then, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder.
I've lost count of the number of times I’ve stopped mid-run just because a group of men were approaching. I cross the road. I walk. I pretend to check my phone. It’s not paranoia — it’s self-preservation.
I’ve been hit by a drink thrown from a bus. I’ve been called “sexy legs” for wearing shorts. I’ve had to stop wearing certain clothes, change my routes, avoid specific times of day — all because men can’t keep their comments to themselves.
And I’ve started carrying personal protection. Something no woman should have to do — but many of us do, silently. I truly believe we should be allowed to carry pepper spray. If we’re not being protected by the system, we should be able to protect ourselves.
Even when I’ve gone out with mum for a walk or a run, men driving past whistle and blow their horn. I’ve seen men stare at mum and one even blew a kiss at her; it’s shocking and disturbing to experience.
This is not just my experience. It’s far too common. When I created Asian Women Run, I wanted to build a safe space where south Asian women could run together and feel empowered. But even in our group, women share their fears. Some won’t run outdoors at all because of how unsafe they feel. It’s heart-breaking. Running — a sport that supports mental and physical health — has become inaccessible for so many because of harassment.
Why is it that in countries like Singapore or the UAE, women can run freely, but in the UK — a country that prides itself on equality — we still feel afraid?
This isn’t just about running. It’s about ownership of public space. It’s about safety. It’s about respect. And it’s about change.
We need more than hashtags. We need action — from local councils, from police, from community leaders, and from men. We need more well-lit areas, safer routes, education in schools, and stronger consequences for street harassment. We need cultural change, and it starts by listening to women when we say: this is happening.
I don’t want to give up something I love. I want to keep running. I want to feel the wind on my face without fear. I want to wear what’s comfortable, not what’s “safe.” I want to stop looking over my shoulder.
I want to run — just like anyone else.
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Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft
Annabel Croft spotted courtside in statement Gucci trainers during Wimbledon
Paired the footwear with a pleated blue dress by Boss for a sporty yet polished look
The platform sole offered subtle height without compromising on comfort
White trainers remain a key smart-casual trend, suitable for a wide range of outfits
Annabel Croft embraces sporty style at Wimbledon
Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft made a notable appearance at Wimbledon this weekend, combining elegance with comfort through a smart-casual ensemble. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress by Boss, she completed the look with Gucci platform trainers, blending classic tennis aesthetics with modern fashion.
The knife-pleat design of the dress referenced traditional tennis skirts, while the fitted T-shirt silhouette gave the outfit a distinctly athletic feel. Her trainers featured Gucci’s red and green web stripe, offering a designer twist on the classic white trainer trend.
Statement trainers with added comfort
Annabel’s shoes included a platform sole, providing extra height while maintaining the comfort expected from trainers. This style aligns with the ongoing sports-luxe trend, which combines fashion and function, and shows how white trainers can elevate polished outfits without relying on heels.
White trainers, in particular, have become a wardrobe staple, known for their versatility. Their neutral base makes them ideal for dressing down occasionwear or adding a casual element to otherwise formal outfits.
How to replicate the look
Annabel’s exact pair is the Gucci Ace Sneaker with Web, featuring a sleek white base and the brand’s signature red and green stripes. While her specific version includes a platform sole, Gucci offers several variations:
Gucci Ace Leather Low-Top Trainers: A timeless option with the same colour detailing and classic silhouette.
Gucci Re-Web Supreme Canvas Trainers: A subtle alternative with the brand’s stripe on the tongue and a sportier profile.
For similar looks at more accessible prices, other options include:
Reebok Club C 85: A retro-style low-top trainer with subtle red, white and green accents.
Gola Mark Cox Tennis Trainers: With off-white and green tones, this pair reflects a traditional tennis shoe aesthetic.
Veja Urca Trainers: Sustainable and minimalist, featuring the brand’s signature “V” for a pop of colour.
Fairfax & Favor Alexandra Platform: A more understated take with navy and tan detailing on a crisp white base.
White trainers: a year-round staple
White trainers continue to dominate fashion trends in 2025, especially as a go-to for smart-casual dressing. Their clean look pairs effortlessly with summer dresses, tailored trousers, or casual denim.
Although Croft’s Gucci pair makes a bold statement, the predominantly white design remains understated enough to be worn with a variety of outfits. The key to maintaining the look is regular cleaning and proper storage, as worn-in trainers can undermine their smart appeal.
Whether for a day at the tennis or a relaxed weekend outing, Annabel Croft’s Wimbledon footwear choice reinforces the timeless versatility of white trainers.