Dubai(PTI): UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan passed away on Friday, local media reports quoting the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said. He was 73.

"The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nation and the world over the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE, a WAM news agency said in a statement.

Sheikh Khalifa served as the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has announced 40 days of mourning for the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Khaleej Times reported.

Flags will be flown at half-mast and ministries, departments, federal and local institutions will suspend work starting Friday, it said.

He was elected to succeed his father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the UAE's first president since the union in 1971 until he passed away on November 2, 2004.

Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa was the second President of the UAE and the 16th Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He was the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed.

Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the Federal Government and the government of Abu Dhabi.

Under his reign, the UAE witnessed an accelerated development that ensured decent living for the people calling the country home.

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Bengaluru (PTI): The KMF on Tuesday announced that its brand Nandini has partnered with RCB for the 2026 edition of the IPL T-20 cricket, which is scheduled to begin from March 28.

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) is the state's leading dairy cooperative brand and second-largest dairy co-operative in India.

"KMF-Nandini is partnering with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League T-20 cricket, which is scheduled to begin from 28 March-2026. RCB, the defending champions of the tournament, are one of the league's most popular franchises with a worldwide fan presence," KMF said in a statement.

Speaking about the association, B Shivaswamy, Managing Director, KMF said, "KMF and RCB represent the coming together of two great national brands rooted in Karnataka and we are looking forward to interacting with the passionate fans of RCB during the league this season."

According to him, KMF-Nandini has been designated as the "Official Dairy Partner' of this League and will be entitled to various activations as part of the association.

"We are delighted to be partnering with the RCB team. It is a reiteration of our continued support of sport," it added.

Rajesh Menon, Chief Operating Officer, RCB, said: "We are delighted to partner with KMF (Nandini) for this season. As two iconic brands rooted in Karnataka, this partnership is built on shared values of excellence, trust and a deep connection with our community. Nandini's legacy and household presence across the state make this association truly special, and we look forward to creating meaningful moments for fans together throughout the season."