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20th Unique Times Minnalai Film Awards: A Night of Cinematic Excellence

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The 20th Unique Times Minnalai Film Awards took place on May 13th at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi, marking a grand celebration of cinematic achievements. This elegant evening, expertly organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, honored some of the film industry’s most notable figures, showcasing a year of outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.

Vijayaragavan clinched the Best Actor award for his stellar performance in “Pookalam,” while Navya Nair was celebrated as Best Actress for her role in “Janaki Jaane.” Both actors were recognized for their captivating portrayals that resonated deeply with audiences, further cementing their statuses as leading figures in the industry. The event highlighted their significant impact and the nuanced depth they brought to their characters.

The Best Director award was rightfully earned by Nahas Hidhayath for his innovative direction in “RDX.” The evening also honored “2018,” produced by Venu Kunnappilly, C K Padmakumar and Anto Joseph, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, as the Best Movie. Directors Salam Bappu and Roy Mathew Manappallil distributed the awards. SAJ Group MD Sajan Varghese and Pegasus Chairman Ajit Ravi were present. The ceremony not only commemorated the winners but also set a high standard for the coming years in the film industry.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Unique Times Manappuram Women’s Excellence Awards: A Night of Recognition for Female Achievers

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Recently, the Le Meridien Convention Center in Kochi was the venue for the prestigious Unique Times Women’s Excellence Awards, an event sponsored by Manappuram Finance Ltd. Held on May 13, the ceremony honored a distinguished group of women who have made remarkable contributions in various professional fields, significantly influencing industry norms and enhancing community development. The awards were presented by several prominent figures, including Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO of Sa-Dhan; Jebitha Ajit, MD of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd; and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Head of the Cancer Department at St Joseph Hospital.

Nazneen Jehangir was celebrated with the Excellence in Tech Entrepreneurship and Mentorship Award for her influential role in technology and mentorship. Sherly Regimon was recognized for Excellence in Couturier of Culture, celebrating her impact on fashion and cultural expression. Devika Shreyams Kumar received accolades for her strategic vision in Integrated Media Operations, marking her as a leader in media management.

Additional honorees included Parveen Hafeez, who received an award for her pioneering contributions to Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Bissy Boss was recognized for Excellence in Sustainable Travel Innovations, while Dr. Lekshmi Nair was honored for Excellence in Multifaceted Career Achievement, and Dr. Radha P Thevannoor for Excellence in Educational Leadership. Preethi Parakkat earned accolades for her innovative work in jewelry design, receiving the Excellence in Artisanal Mastery and Innovation Award. Deepthi Vijayakumar was celebrated with the Excellence in Digital Integration in OOH Advertising. Elizabeth Chacko was recognized for her pioneering work in the beauty industry, receiving the Excellence in Innovative Beauty and Wellness Services. Additional accolades went to Girija Sethunath, honored for her Excellence in Literary and Cinematic Leadership.

Unique Times Chief Editor Ajit Ravi Pegasus emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a catalyst for encouraging women across diverse sectors to aspire to and reach leadership positions, thus inspiring a new generation of women to pursue and achieve excellence. These awards not only celebrate the individual accomplishments of each of these trailblazing women but also highlight their collective impact on reshaping the landscape of their respective industries.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Josef Fritzl: Court approves move to normal prison

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A court in Austria has ruled that Josef Fritzl, infamous for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her in a dungeon beneath his home, can be transferred to a regular prison. The court in Krems an der Donau cited Fritzl’s advancing age, progressive dementia, and physical frailty as reasons why he no longer posed a serious danger requiring him to be held in a psychiatric unit within the prison system.

While this decision theoretically opens the possibility of eventual release, the court emphasized that due to Fritzl’s unprecedented criminal history and the severity of his actions, both release and conditional release are highly unlikely for “special preventative reasons.” Fritzl’s lawyer has indicated plans to apply for his release a year after the transfer, but the court’s statement suggests that such a step is improbable.

The Fritzl case, which shocked Austria when it came to light in 2008, involved Fritzl imprisoning his daughter Elisabeth in a cellar in 1984, where he repeatedly raped her and fathered seven children with her. Three of the children were confined in the cellar with Elisabeth, while the others lived upstairs with Fritzl’s unsuspecting wife. The case was discovered when one of the children became seriously ill and had to be taken to the hospital.

Fritzl initially denied the charges of murder and enslavement but later changed his plea after watching his daughter’s videotaped testimony in court. Elisabeth and her children have since been given new identities.

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Unique Times Conclave 2024: A Focus on Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment

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The Unique Times Conclave 2024, in partnership with Manappuram Finance Ltd, recently convened a prestigious panel to explore “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Women’s Empowerment” during an event on May 13th. The conclave brought together leading figures from various industries, with notable opening remarks and a speech by Mr. Jiji Mammen, Executive Director & CEO of Sa-Dhan. His insights shed light on significant trends and obstacles within the industry, providing a meaningful context that enhanced the dialogues throughout the day.

Moderated by Dr. Fathima Nilufer Sheriff, founder and CEO of Therefore I’m, the panel discussions delved into the complexities of entrepreneurship faced by women and explored strategies for empowerment and success. The panel included powerful voices like Mrs. Nazneen Jehangir (CEO NeST Digital), Ms. Devika Shreyams Kumar, (Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi Group) and other notable figures such as Mrs. Parveen Hafeez (Sunrise Group of Hospitals Chairperson and Managing Director), Adv Anna Linda Eden (High Court of Kerala), Dr. Lekshmi Nair,  Director (Center for Advanced Legal Studies), Dr. Radha P Thevannoor (Director & Group Director, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions) and Dr. Elizabeth Chacko (CEO & Managing Director, Kalpana Beauty Salon) who shared their experiences and insights, illustrating the resilience and innovation required to thrive. The event also included a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Thomas Varghese, head of the Cancer Department at St. Joseph Hospital, addressing the critical issue of breast cancer which added a significant dimension to the discourse on women’s health and leadership.

The conclave concluded on an inspirational note that encouraged continuous engagement and dialogue among the participants. It reinforced the conclave’s aim to not only honor but actively support the growth and empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Through the combined efforts of its esteemed speakers and organizers, the event successfully highlighted the essential role of entrepreneurship in advancing women’s roles both in business and in wider societal contexts.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Georgia to vote on controversial law that sparked mass protests

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Georgia’s parliament is on the verge of passing a highly controversial “foreign agent” law, despite facing significant opposition from both within and outside the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics of the proposed legislation, often referred to as the “Russia law,” argue that it poses a severe threat to civil liberties within the country.

The bill has sparked weeks of mass protests, with thousands of people gathering near the parliament building to voice their opposition. Protesters fear that if the law is enacted, it could be exploited by the government to suppress dissenting voices and undermine Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has remained steadfast in his support for the bill, vowing that it will pass despite the ongoing protests. He has issued warnings about the consequences of not implementing the law, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine without providing specific details.

President Salome Zurabishvili, although an opponent of Kobakhidze, has expressed her intention to veto the law. However, Georgian Dream holds sufficient parliamentary support to override her veto, indicating that the bill is likely to be approved.

The proposed legislation would require NGOs and independent media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as organizations with foreign interests. They would be subject to government monitoring and could face significant fines if they fail to comply with the regulations outlined in the law. Critics argue that this would create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civil society in Georgia.

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Mrs Kerala Global 2024: Revathy Mohan Takes the Crown

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Revathy Mohan clinched the prestigious title of Mrs Kerala Global 2024, an event presented by Unique Times and DQUE Soap. This grand pageant, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, was held at Le Meridien in Kochi on May 13th. Ashitha P S was named the first runner-up, and Julia Mariam Vijobi took home the second runner-up honor. Pegasus Chairman Ajit Ravi and Managing Director Jebitha Ajit crowned the winners.

12 skilled contestants, chosen through an intense audition process, demonstrated their talents at the grand finale. The event was a magnificent exhibition of elegance and composure.

Subtitle Winners

Mrs Kerala Solidarity – Gopika K

Mrs Kerala Fashionista – Viji K Viswanathan

Mrs Kerala Diligent – Ashitha P S

Mrs Kerala Inspiring – Thushara George

Mrs Kerala Vivacious – Roshni Vinodkumar

Mrs Kerala Shining Star – Pooja

Mrs Kerala Ramp Walk – Anagha P John

Mrs Kerala Tenacious – Sangeetha Sanal

Mrs Kerala Renaissance – Ramya P

Mrs Kerala Congeniality – Julia Mariam Vijobi

Mrs Kerala Talent – Revathy Mohan

Mrs Kerala Humaneness –  Sheena V Kunnuth

The judging panel consisted of distinguished individuals, including Reshma George (Bharatnatyam Dancer), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Aries Group of Companies), Renju Renjimar (Celebrity Makeup Artist), and Nisha Mathew (entrepreneur, actor, and producer).

Subtitles winners were selected by a panel of prominent figures, heightening the event’s excitement. Winners received exquisitely crafted gold crowns presented by Preeti Prakash from Parakkat Jewelers.

The pageant was bolstered by major partners like Unique Times and DQUE 78 TFM Grade One Soap, and was further supported by Manappuram Finance Ltd, SAJ Group, VIBE, Mr Light, and Parakkat Resorts as powered by partners. Co-partners included Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, Kalpana International Salon & Spa, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Vee Kay Vees Caterers, Gireesh Photography, Alcazar, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, St Joseph Hospital, Akshay Inco, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

Anagha P John, Ashitha P S, Gopika K, Julia Mariam Vijobi, Pooja, Ramya P, Revathy Mohan, Roshni Vinodkumar, Sangeetha Sanal, Sheena V Kunnuth, Thushara George and Viji K Viswanathan were the contestants. The exclusive pageant celebrated the beauty, talent, and grace of women from Kerala, inspiring empowerment and equal opportunities. With distinguished guests in attendance, a deserving winner was crowned, leaving the audience in awe of the participants’ remarkable achievements.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Kerala’s Harsha Sreekanth Clinches DQUE Soap Miss Queen of India 2024

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Harsha Sreekanth of Kerala was crowned DQUE Soap Miss Queen of India 2024, with Tamanna Bharat from Punjab finishing as the first runner-up and Himanshi Chhallani from Maharashtra securing the second runner-up position. The pageant took place on May 13th at Le Meridien in Kochi.

The winners were crowned by SAJ Hotels MD Sajan Varghese, while Pegasus Chairman Dr. Ajit Ravi crowned the first and second runners-up. 10 contestants were selected from around the nation for the Miss Queen of India competition. The contestants also had grooming session led by experts.

Regional Title Winners

Miss Queen North – Himanshi Chhallani

Miss Queen West – Tamanna Bharat

Miss Queen East – Anju Pandey

Miss Queen South – Aishwarya Pundlik Magdum

Subtitle Winners

Miss Congeniality – Akshatha Das

Miss Ramp Walk – Aishwarya Pundlik Magdum

Miss Fashionista – Anuradha Kumari

Miss Talent – Tamanna Bharat

Miss Shining Star – Swati Kumari

Miss Tenacious – Harsha Sreekanth

Miss Vivacious – Livya Liffy

Miss Solidarity – Himanshi Chhallani

Miss Diligent – Anju Pandey

Miss Inspiring – Meenakshi Unnikrishnan

The competition progressed in three rounds, Traditional (Lehenga), western wear and evening gown. The pageant organisers, Pegasus event Production Company is the only company in the nation which exempted the bikini round for the competition. The company has made a unique position for itself in the fashion industry. Miss Queen of India is a pathway to countable international pageants including Miss Asia, Miss Asia Global and Miss Glam World.

Hari Anand (Fashion Designer), Lakshmi Menon (Model and Actress), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Aries Group of Companies) and Rinky Shah (Influencer & Entrepreneur) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons. The winners of Miss Queen of India were presented with a gold crown designed by Preeti Prakash of Parakkat Jewellers.

DQUE 78 TFM Grade One Soap is the main partner of Miss Queen of India 2024 organized by Pegasus. Manappuram Finance Ltd, Unique Times, Parakkat Resorts, Ryoto Electrix and SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts are the powered by Partners.

Co-partners are Kalpana International Salon & Spa, Aiswaria Advertisements, Vee Kay Vees Caterers, Gireesh Photography, Europe Times, Times New, UT World, FICF, Alcazar, FICF, Green Media, Neenu Pro, Akshay Inco, St Joseph Hospital, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

Aishwarya Pundlik Magdum from Karnataka, Akshatha Das from Tamil Nadu, Anju Pandey from West Bengal, Anuradha Kumari from Bihar, Harsha Sreekanth from Kerala, Himanshi Chhallani from Maharastra, Livya Liffy from Kerala, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan from Kerala, Swati Kumari from Jharkhand and Tamanna Bharat from Punjab were the contestants.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Cinda Padamadan Bagged the DQUE Soap Miss Queen Kerala 2024 Crown

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Pegasus Event Production Company has impeccably organized the 12th edition of Miss Queen Kerala, sponsored by DQUE Soap. Cinda Padamadan emerged as the winner, while Lekha Unnikrishnan Nair and Harsha Haridas achieved the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

The ceremony took place at Le Meridian Kochi on May 13th, 2024, where the winners were honored by SAJ Hotels MD, Sajan Varghese. Dr Ajit Ravi Pegasus, the Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd was present during the ceremony. A dazzling gold crown specially crafted by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels graced the heads of each and every triumphant winner, in a truly befitting tribute to their remarkable achievements.

The judging panel included Dalu Krishnadas (Fashion Choreographer), Cerena Ann Johnson (Miss Queen Kerala 2022), Nikitha Thomas (Miss South India 2019) and Regi Bhaskar (Fashion Photographer).

From a vast pool of candidates across the state, 14 individuals were chosen to participate in the event. The event featured three rounds, where the first round was showcased them in red ethnic wear, the second round had participants dressed in black cocktail attire and, the third round in white gown.

Subtitle Winners

Miss Talent: Nithesha C K

Miss Solidarity: Krishnendu G S

Miss Fashionista: Amrutha Lakshmi

Miss Perfect Ten: Harsha Haridas

Miss Congeniality: Dyuthi Kurian Puliyeli

Miss Ramp Walk: Shincy Prem

Miss Humaneness: Kalyani Ajith S

Miss Inspiring: Vishnupriya Rajhu

Miss Shining Star: Khulsum

Miss Vivacious: Renuka Reghu

Miss Tenacious: Athira P R

Miss Diligent: Sandhra V

The powered partners of event were Manappuram Finance Ltd, SAJ Earth Resorts, Medimix, Unique Times and Parakkat Resorts while co-partners included Kalpana International, Aiswaria Outdoor Media, St Joseph Hospital, FICF, Vee Kay Vees Caterers, Times New, Europe Times, UT World, Gireesh Photography, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Alcazar, Akshay Inco and Green Media. The competition aimed to showcase the diverse and rich cultural values and promote tourism.

Amrutha Lakshmi, Athira P R, Cinda Padamadan, Dyuthi Kurian Puliyeli, Harsha Haridas, Kalyani Ajith S, Khulsum, Krishnendu G S, Lekha Unnikrishnan Nair, Nithesha C K, Renuka Reghu, Sandhra V, Shincy Prem and Vishnupriya Rajhu were the participants of the pageant.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Vladimir Putin removes Sergei Shoigu from Russian defence ministry

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The Kremlin has announced the removal of long-time ally Sergei Shoigu from his position as defense minister, replacing him with Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov, who lacks significant military experience. Shoigu will be appointed secretary of Russia’s Security Council. This move, a rare reshuffle in Russian politics, is seen as reflecting President Putin’s decision-making authority, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Belousov’s appointment surprises many due to his background as an economist. However, analysts suggest this decision aligns with Putin’s aim to integrate the Russian economy more closely with military efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for innovation in the defense ministry, comparing Russia’s situation to the mid-1980s Soviet Union when a large portion of GDP was allocated to military spending.

The decision to appoint a civilian to such a significant military role underscores the changing priorities within the Kremlin and the necessity to improve efficiency in the armed forces amid ongoing conflicts. Recent events, including the arrest of one of Shoigu’s deputies on corruption charges and prolonged military engagement in Ukraine, likely contributed to speculation about Shoigu’s weakening position.

While Shoigu will retain influence as secretary of the Security Council, his reassignment may be interpreted as a demotion. The future of Nikolai Patrushev, the council’s current head, remains uncertain. Shoigu, who has a civil engineering background, gained prominence in the 1990s as head of the emergencies and disaster relief ministry.

Belousov, described as a staunch defender of the state who believes Russia faces numerous external threats, shares a close relationship with Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church. He has practiced martial arts, including karate and sambo, and previously served as an aide to Putin. His support for the annexation of Crimea in 2014 aligns with Putin’s policies.

Putin’s recent reelection for a fifth term with an overwhelming majority solidifies his leadership position in Russia, which he has held since 2000.

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Spain Socialists win Catalan vote as separatists lose ground

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The recent regional election in Catalonia marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Socialists, led by Salvador Illa, emerging victorious with 42 seats. This success contrasted with a drop in support for independence to 42%, down from 49% in 2017, signaling a setback for pro-independence parties.

Despite the Socialist victory, forming a government may prove challenging, as coalition negotiations are necessary. The fragmented nature of the Catalan parliament, divided by unionist-separatist allegiances and left-right divisions, is likely to prolong post-election discussions.

The amnesty law, a contentious issue benefiting nationalists and championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, played a pivotal role in securing support. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from opponents on the right, for its perceived leniency towards separatist activities.

Calls for unity among pro-independence parties have emerged, but the complexity of the political landscape suggests that negotiations will be intricate. Despite former regional president Carles Puigdemont’s suggestion for a coalition between pro-independence parties, the path to forming a government remains uncertain.

Additionally, the election saw gains for the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox, while the centrist Ciudadanos lost all representation in the parliament. A new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, also secured two seats, further diversifying the political spectrum in Catalonia.

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