The global airline industry faced fresh volatility on Thursday as rising jet fuel prices and widespread flight disruptions followed the escalating conflict involving Iran and joint strikes by the United States and Israel. Several Middle Eastern airspaces were closed due to missile risks, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights. Operations at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub, began slowly resuming after coming close to a halt earlier in the week.
Airline stocks showed mixed movement as the crisis affected routes and fuel costs. Shares of carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Qantas Airways recovered slightly, while others like Wizz Air dropped sharply after warning the conflict could cut about $58 million from its profits. Analysts say airlines with strong exposure to Middle Eastern routes are particularly vulnerable as jet fuel prices surge and flight paths become longer due to airspace restrictions.
Meanwhile, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have started limited services through safer corridors while governments organize evacuation flights for stranded citizens. More than 17,000 Americans have already returned home, while other countries continue repatriation efforts as the aviation sector closely watches how the conflict around Iran unfolds.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
A French appeals court has reduced the charges against a police officer accused of fatally shooting a teenager during a traffic stop in 2023. The court ruled that the officer, Florian M., will face trial for voluntary assault leading to death instead of the more serious charge of murder. The case centres on the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, who was shot after allegedly failing to comply with police orders to stop his car.
The teenager later died from his injuries, triggering widespread protests and unrest across France. Prosecutors had earlier said the officer should stand trial for murder, but the appeals court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove the officer intended to kill when he fired his weapon. Under French law, the revised charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, compared with up to 30 years for murder.
The decision has sparked strong reactions from both sides. The officer’s lawyer welcomed the reduced charge but argued that his client should not face trial at all, maintaining that the shooting was justified. Meanwhile, the victim’s family condemned the ruling, saying it prevents a jury from examining whether there was intent to kill and calling the decision deeply unjust.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
Doctors are often the quiet pillars of society — professionals who shoulder immense responsibility, make critical decisions under pressure, and devote their lives to healing others. Beyond prescriptions and procedures, they offer reassurance in moments of fear, clarity amid uncertainty, and hope when patients need it most. Their work extends far beyond hospital walls, shaping healthier families and stronger communities through dedication, skill, and compassion.
In this exclusive interview with Unique Times, we bring you the perspectives of one such accomplished medical professional whose career reflects excellence, commitment, and a passion for patient care — Dr. Vijaya Mohan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Centre of Excellence in Orthopaedics, Aster Medcity.
You’ve trained and worked across different countries and cultures. Was there a moment early in your career that truly shaped the kind of doctor you wanted to become?
I studied in a village school and grew up in a family of teachers. In that environment, the medical profession was regarded as one of the most respected careers. As a school topper, many of my teachers and family members encouraged me to pursue medicine—although a few also suggested civil services. Very early in my childhood, becoming a doctor was instilled in me almost as a romantic dream.
I still remember the mark scam that occurred in Kerala when I was in high school. Soon after that, the entrance examination system was introduced, which made the dream of becoming a doctor feel like a real and attainable possibility.
During my time at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, I was actively involved in student union activities and served as the college union chairman. This role gave me the opportunity to interact closely with eminent doctors such as Dr. Joy Philip, Dr. Akber, Dr. Soman, Dr. Sivasankarapillai, Dr. Elikkutty, and many others. These personalities shaped not only my outlook towards medicine, but also my perspective on life itself.
Later, stalwarts in surgery—Dr. Haridas in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Mohan in Kollam, and Dr. Bhaskaran in Ernakulam—guided me deeply in the art of surgery and helped mould me into the surgeon I am today.
However, I strongly believe that the values I absorbed from my childhood in a pure village atmosphere—human relationships, simplicity, and empathy—have had the greatest influence on how I view the world and my fellow human beings. And undoubtedly, my alma mater, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, played a crucial role in shaping my character as a doctor serving society.
Joint replacement surgery often gives people their mobility—and confidence—back. Is there a patient story that has stayed with you over the years?
There are many such stories, but a few stand out deeply. During one of our SSLC batch reunions, we learned that a classmate had been bedridden for nearly two years. When we visited her, I realised she was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and was undergoing treatment through local traditional medicine. After a proper evaluation, we started her on appropriate medical treatment. Collectively, our batch arranged financial support, and I performed a bilateral total knee replacement for her. Today, she has returned to an active life and is living happily.
Another case involved a 40-year-old man who had suffered a severe motorcycle accident involving a pickup van. He sustained fractures in almost all his bones. Through multiple surgeries, we were able to achieve fracture union, and with a primary knee replacement, he regained mobility. Many who witnessed the accident were certain he would not survive.
Today, he is running a successful business, and his two daughters have completed higher education and are practising professionals. We remain in close contact.
There was also a 45-year-old woman who was found almost on her deathbed by a social worker. Her husband had deserted her, and she was suffering from untreated rheumatoid arthritis. She was brought to me from Thiruvananthapuram in an autorickshaw because she could not afford proper travel. I admitted her immediately, arranged financial support with the help of the hospital, initiated appropriate treatment, and performed a bilateral total knee replacement. She, too, returned to an active and happy life.
Another memorable case was a woman from Idukki with congenital deformities of both lower limbs. She had been bedridden or crawling for years. After a complex bilateral total hip replacement, she was able to stand and walk again.
Similarly, a man suffering from ankylosing spondylitis with both hips and spine completely stiff had lost his wife to cancer and had no one to care for him. After bilateral total hip replacement surgery, he regained his independence, remarried, and is now living a fulfilled life.
These experiences remind me that the greatest reward in medicine is not money or fame, but the profound impact we can have on human lives.
Robotic and computer-assisted surgeries sound very high-tech. How do you explain these advancements to patients who may feel anxious or overwhelmed?
Joint replacement surgery is essentially a combination of medical science, material science, physics, and mathematics. The artificial joints must be aligned accurately along the mechanical axis of the body and properly balanced for long-term success.
Robotics and machine learning are relatively new tools that help calculate and execute these alignment principles with greater precision, reducing human error. Innovations such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are gradually being integrated into orthopedic surgery.
At present, these technologies are still in their early stages, but over the next decade, I believe they will significantly enhance surgical accuracy and patient outcomes.
Revision surgeries are often more complex and emotionally challenging for patients. How do you approach these cases, both surgically and emotionally?
Revision surgeries are usually required due to infection or aseptic loosening of previously implanted joints. These situations are extremely distressing—both physically and mentally—for patients. Apart from financial concerns, patients often struggle with morale and trust issues due to their prior experiences.
It is crucial to spend adequate time with such patients, patiently explaining the reasons for failure and the corrective measures available, while restoring their confidence.
Dr. Vijaya Mohan with his wife
From a surgical perspective, revision surgery is not equivalent to a second primary surgery. Outcomes depend greatly on the surgeon’s experience and expertise. Only surgeons with adequate exposure to these complex procedures should undertake them.
You’ve worked in both public hospitals and world-class private institutions. What differences stood out to you, and what lessons did each environment teach you?
They are two very different worlds, yet in a country like ours, both must coexist in a complementary manner.
In public hospitals, quality often gets compromised due to overwhelming patient volumes, and the functioning of these institutions is heavily influenced by the geopolitical and financial status of the state. On the other hand, top-tier private institutions are able to deliver the latest advancements in modern medicine to the populations they serve.
This is a vast subject, but I strongly believe that a cohesive approach—possibly through public-private partnerships or cooperative sector models—can help ensure that the benefits of both systems reach the wider public.
Teaching and mentoring seem to be close to your heart. What do you enjoy most about training young surgeons?
I strongly believe that a good doctor must also be a good teacher. A doctor’s role extends beyond treating disease; it includes guiding and educating the public towards a healthier life.
When training juniors, we must pass on the guidance and values that our own mentors imparted to us. The best teacher, in any field, is one who produces capable and ethical students. If young doctors trained under us feel inspired and see us as role models, then I believe we have succeeded both as doctors and as teachers.
Surgery is a high-pressure profession. How do you personally handle stress and stay focused in the operating theatre?
I respectfully differ from the notion that surgery must be inherently stressful. When one chooses a profession with passion and dedication, stress transforms into engagement and fulfilment.
This applies to any profession. To reach the highest levels, hard work and perseverance are essential. Complaining about stress during this process, in my view, reflects a mismatch between expectations and commitment.
In surgery, proper training and a supportive institutional environment with adequate facilities and manpower are crucial for maintaining balance. When compromises are made—whether in passion, work ethic, environment, or intent—stress inevitably follows.
Stress is a part of life. Accepting it, and even learning to enjoy it, is the best way to overcome it.
Outside the hospital, how do you unwind and recharge after long or demanding days?
I enjoy travelling, reading, and listening to music. Travelling broadens one’s perspective and shapes personality. Long drives accompanied by soft music are particularly refreshing for me.
My reading interests include human evolution, history, Indian culture and civilisation, sociology, and human psychology.
Dr. Vijaya Mohan with his wife and children
You’re often invited to speak and perform live surgeries internationally. Do you still feel nervous before these sessions, and how do you prepare?
Live surgeries are inherently stressful, regardless of experience. One feels as though they are standing in an open arena under constant observation.
I appreciate the recent move by medical councils to ban live surgery conferences, as each patient presents unique challenges. Deviations from a pre-planned course can increase stress and potentially affect performance, which may have consequences for patient safety.
When I do agree to live or deferred-live surgeries, I ensure that I perform procedures I am routinely comfortable with. I avoid demonstrating new techniques or unfamiliar technologies in such settings.
Medicine is evolving rapidly with technology. What excites you the most about the future of orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics is a skill-intensive specialty that integrates engineering principles, metallurgy, and biomechanics. Advancements in these fields naturally influence orthopedic treatment.
Emerging developments such as artificial tissues, bone substitutes, stem cell therapies, computer navigation, robotics, augmented reality, and machine learning are reshaping the field. While we have solutions for most musculoskeletal conditions today, not all are 100% successful.
Future innovations will likely improve success rates and patient experience. The ultimate goal is faster personal, social, and vocational rehabilitation, enabling individuals to regain quality of life as early as possible. I believe we are moving in the right direction.
Looking back, were there any setbacks or difficult phases that played a crucial role in shaping your career?
Yes, definitely. Without naming individuals, I faced serious professional setbacks and opposition, often stemming from jealousy or insecurity in others. Early in my career, these experiences affected me emotionally.
However, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita, every experience serves a purpose. In hindsight, I realise that these challenges shaped my personality and resilience. Today, I am grateful for those experiences, as they contributed to the fulfilment and balance I now enjoy in life.
If you weren’t a surgeon, what other path do you think you might have chosen—and why?
I might have ventured into politics or the film industry. I enjoy scripting, directing, and acting in short plays, which I continue to do during hospital and professional association events. It serves as a creative outlet and stress reliever.
Politics also interests me deeply. I believe many of our political challenges stem from an education system that channels academically strong students exclusively into professional careers, while leadership and governance often fall to those without adequate preparation. However, I am encouraged by recent changes in Indian society, where more professionals and intellectuals are entering politics. I am confident this shift will contribute to India reclaiming its rightful global standing
Pic Courtesy: pegasus/ images are subject to copyright
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Iran’s government is undermining its own future by launching indiscriminate attacks across the region. Speaking to reporters, she accused Tehran of pursuing a strategy aimed at spreading instability and escalating conflict in the Middle East, warning that such actions could ultimately backfire on the Iranian leadership.
Tensions escalated further after Turkey reported that NATO air defence systems intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile heading toward Turkish airspace. Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s foreign minister, criticised Iran’s actions, saying the country was widening the conflict by targeting nations that were not directly involved in the war.
Kallas also warned that the growing Middle East crisis risks diverting international attention away from the war in Ukraine. While she noted that the conflict could weaken Russia by costing it a regional ally, she cautioned that Moscow might still benefit from rising global oil prices triggered by the escalating tensions.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
The White House said Spain has agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military after pressure from Donald Trump, but Spanish officials quickly denied any such agreement. Trump had earlier threatened to cut off trade with Spain over its refusal to allow U.S. forces to use military bases in the country for operations linked to strikes on Iran.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Spain had “heard the president’s message loud and clear” and had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military. However, Spain’s foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected the claim, stating that Madrid had not changed its stance and denying that any such deal had been made.
Spain has strongly criticized the U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran and has refused to allow American aircraft to use joint bases in southern Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated the country’s anti-war position, warning that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could trigger a broader global crisis.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to sever trade ties with Spain, reiterating Madrid’s opposition to war and what he described as breaches of international law. In a televised address from the Moncloa Palace, Sánchez said Spain’s position on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran could be summed up as “no to war.” Trump had warned he would cut off trade with Spain after Madrid reportedly refused to allow US forces to use the jointly operated bases at Morón and Rota for strikes on Iran, calling Spain a “terrible partner” in NATO.
Sánchez avoided directly mentioning Trump’s trade ultimatum but stressed that “you cannot answer one illegality with another,” warning that escalating military actions risked wider catastrophe. He said Spain was assessing economic measures to shield citizens from the fallout of global tensions. The Spanish leader drew parallels with the 2003 Iraq invasion, recalling the “Azores trio” meeting between former US President George W. Bush, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spain’s then-leader José María Aznar, and argued that intervention had left the world less secure.
European leaders rallied behind Madrid, with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa expressing solidarity. Domestically, Sánchez’s stance may resonate with voters, as recent polling suggests a strong majority of Spaniards hold negative views of Trump. However, uncertainty remains over whether Washington will follow through on its economic threats, adding pressure to Sánchez’s already fragile coalition government amid ongoing political and corruption challenges.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
An appeals court in Athens has upheld the landmark 2020 ruling that senior figures of the far-right Golden Dawn operated as a criminal organisation under the guise of a political party. Founder Nikos Mihaloliakos and six other top officials were again found guilty of leading the group, while another 24 defendants — including 11 former MPs — were convicted of membership. The court also reaffirmed convictions linked to the 2013 murder of left-wing musician Pavlos Fyssas and the violent assault on Egyptian fishermen in Athens.
The defendants face sentences of up to 15 years in prison. The appeal process began in 2022, and last December prosecutor Kyriaki Stefanatou urged judges to maintain the original verdicts, describing Golden Dawn as a “genuine child of Nazi ideology” whose actions were motivated by extremist beliefs targeting political opponents and migrants. More than 200 people gathered outside the Athens court to welcome the ruling, marking another significant moment in Greece’s long-running legal battle against the party.
Golden Dawn rose to prominence during Greece’s financial crisis, entering parliament in 2012 with 18 seats amid public anger over austerity and immigration. However, its support declined sharply after Fyssas’ murder, which led to the arrest of key members, including Mihaloliakos. Although he accepted “political responsibility” for the killing, he denied criminal liability and was released on health grounds in September 2025 before completing his 13-year sentence. The party has failed to return to parliament since 2019, while a newer far-right group, the Spartans — endorsed by former Golden Dawn spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris — has since secured two seats.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
Germany’s foreign intelligence service, Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has accused Moscow of understating the economic toll of its war in Ukraine, estimating that Russia’s 2025 budget deficit is significantly higher than officially reported. In a LinkedIn post, the BND said the actual federal deficit stood at 8.01 trillion roubles, compared with the official figure of 5.65 trillion roubles, or 2.6% of GDP. The agency claimed the shortfall was about 2.36 trillion roubles ($30.45 billion) greater than acknowledged by Russian authorities.
The BND said Western sanctions were having a “clear effect” on the Russian economy, compounded by sharply lower oil and gas revenues due to falling global energy prices. According to the agency, Russia has been forced to sell oil at steep discounts amid sanctions and pressure from the United States on key buyers. It also estimated that Russia’s consolidated budget deficit, including regional accounts, widened to 8.3 trillion roubles in 2025, or 3.9% of GDP — more than double the level recorded in 2024.
The Kremlin dismissed concerns about deteriorating public finances, describing falling revenues and a widening deficit as “routine difficulties” that could be managed thanks to overall macroeconomic stability. Russia’s Finance Ministry has not publicly responded to the BND’s assessment. Although global oil prices have recently risen following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Reuters calculations suggest the rebound remains insufficient to balance Russia’s budget.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
Services activity across the euro zone expanded at a slightly faster pace in February as demand conditions improved, according to a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey compiled by S&P Global. The HCOB euro zone services PMI rose to 51.9 from 51.6 in January, signalling continued growth, though the pace of expansion remained modest. Economists noted that while momentum improved compared with the previous month, overall performance in the sector was still subdued.
New business volumes increased modestly, extending an expansion trend that began in August, while companies continued reducing backlogs of work for a fourth consecutive month. However, hiring growth slowed to a five-month low as business confidence softened. At the same time, cost pressures intensified sharply, with firms reporting rising wages, energy prices and transportation costs pushing input inflation to its highest level in nearly three years.
The data suggests the European Central Bank may remain cautious about cutting interest rates further, as persistent price pressures remain a concern. Among major economies, Germany recorded the strongest services growth, while activity slowed in Italy and Spain, and France’s services sector continued to contract, albeit at a slower pace. The services rebound helped lift the euro zone’s composite PMI to a three-month high, extending the region’s economic expansion to 14 months.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow American forces to use its military bases for operations linked to strikes on Iran. Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said he had instructed U.S. officials to consider cutting off economic dealings with Spain, accusing the NATO ally of failing to support U.S. security objectives and defence commitments.
The dispute follows Spain’s decision to deny the use of the Rota and Moron air bases for Iran-related military missions, prompting the relocation of U.S. aircraft stationed there. Trump also criticised Spain for not meeting proposed NATO defence spending targets and argued that U.S. law could allow trade restrictions or embargoes under emergency powers. However, legal experts noted that imposing a full trade embargo would require declaring Spain an extraordinary national security threat — a move considered difficult to justify.
Spain responded by stressing respect for international law, private business autonomy, and existing European Union trade agreements with Washington. Madrid said it was prepared to manage any economic impact while continuing to support free trade. Spain exports products such as olive oil, auto parts, steel, and chemicals to the U.S., though America currently maintains a trade surplus with Spain, highlighting the broader economic stakes of the escalating diplomatic tension.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
