Singapore calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, immediate hostage release
Singapore: Singapore has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and to unconditionally release all hostages. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed the nation’s “deep concern” over the Israeli Parliament's recent legislation that prohibits the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, a law passed on October 28.
Balakrishnan highlighted that this legislation could impede the essential work of UN agencies providing relief in Gaza. He commended the contributions of UNICEF, UNRWA, and other agencies for their critical support to those in need.
At a ceremony, Singapore announced a humanitarian assistance package of SGD700,000, the fifth tranche of aid to Gaza. This funding comes from the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation’s ongoing fundraising campaign, supplemented by a US$200,000 contribution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To date, Singapore has committed approximately SGD18 million in humanitarian support to the affected populations in Gaza.
Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s stance, conveying to the Israeli government that its military response has exceeded acceptable limits. He affirmed that Singapore remains dedicated to offering humanitarian assistance, working closely with international partners to ensure timely delivery.
The Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, remarked on the emotional toll of the conflict on Singaporeans, noting the collective efforts of various community groups to provide aid to those affected. He highlighted the Harmony-in-Action fundraising campaign launched by interfaith groups to support the relief efforts.
In collaboration with Egypt and Jordan, Singapore has successfully delivered previous aid tranches, including food supplies. Balakrishnan indicated that further assistance is being explored, promising continued support for Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
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Karnataka Milk Federation enters Delhi-NCR, offers competitive pricing on Nandini products
New Delhi, Nov 21: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched the Karnataka Milk Federation's (KMF) Nandini brand milk products in the Delhi-NCR market, pricing them marginally lower than competitors to gain a foothold in the region.
The cooperative will retail four cow milk variants, curd, and buttermilk from Friday, with competitive pricing that undercuts established players like Mother Dairy and Amul.
Cow milk will be sold at Rs 56 per litre, full Cream Milk at Rs 67 per litre, Standardised Milk at Rs 61 per litre, Toned Milk at Rs 55 per litre, and curd at Rs 74 per kg.
"We have surplus milk in the state. KMF along with Mandya Milk Union will market surplus milk of 3-4 lakh litres per day in Delhi-NCR," Siddaramaiah told reporters after launching the products.
The federation currently collects 100 lakh litres of milk daily, with local consumption at 60 lakh litres, leaving a surplus of 40 lakh litres for expansion into new markets.
However, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges of transporting milk over 2,500 km, which takes 50-54 hours.
There is a need to find new markets for surplus milk and gradually the KMF should be able to sell 5-6 lakh litres per day in Delhi-NCR, he added.
KMF Chairman LBP Bheemanaik assured that milk quality would be maintained during transit.
The federation has already partnered with 40 dealers in the Delhi-NCR region to facilitate sales, he added.
With a robust infrastructure of 26.76 lakh milk producers, 15,737 dairy cooperative societies, and 15 district milk unions, KMF has a turnover of Rs 25,000 crore and exports dairy products to over 25 countries.
State Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh and Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy were present at the product launch.
ದೇಶದ ಹಾಲು ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಜರಾತ್ ಮೊದಲ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದರೆ, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಎರಡನೇ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 21, 2024
ದೆಹಲಿ ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆ.ಎಂ.ಎಫ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಡ್ಯ ಹಾಲು ಒಕ್ಕೂಟಗಳು ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡು ವಿವಿಧ ಶ್ರೇಣಿಯ ಹಾಲನ್ನು ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಗೆ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿವೆ. ದೆಹಲಿಯ ನಿವಾಸಿಗಳಿಂದ ನಂದಿನಿ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಸ್ಪಂದನೆ ದೊರೆಯಲಿದೆ ಎಂಬ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸ ನನಗಿದೆ.… pic.twitter.com/yUmTQknGzD
