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Siri H S Wins the Coveted Unique Times and DQUE Watches Miss South India 2026 Crown

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The 24th edition of Unique Times and DQUE Watches Miss South India 2026, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Siri H S (Karnataka) was crowned the winner, while Nidhika Sonu Augustine (Kerala) secured the First Runner-Up position and Harini Anand (Karnataka) was named the Second Runner-Up.

The winners were announced and the crowning ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global. The winner was crowned by Ashwarea Ulhas, 2025 Miss Glam Universe First Runner-Up, along with Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, and Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd.

Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar Resort & Spa, and Annie Varghese, Director of SAJ Group of Hotels, crowned the First Runner-Up, while Preethi Parakkat, Managing Director of Parakkat Jewels, and Deepthi Vijayakumar, Managing Director of Aiswaria OOH Media, crowned the Second Runner-Up. The winners were presented with golden tiaras specially designed by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels. Contestants selected through various stages from numerous applicants across South India competed for the prestigious title.

The esteemed judging panel included Rinky Shah (Entrepreneur, Fashion Icon and Beauty Influencer), Punam Chetry (Fashion Influencer, Designer and Model), Ashwarea Ulhas (First Runner-Up, Miss Glam Universe 2025; Second Runner-Up, Miss Asia Global 2025; First Runner-Up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025), Pournami Murali (Miss India Glam World 2026), and Rashmi Thakur (Miss Planet India 2016, Humanitarian Leader, Cultural Advocate and Social Activist).

Regional title winners

  1. Miss Tamil Nadu – Nikhithaa Prabhuram
  2. Miss Queen Kerala – Nidhika Sonu Augustine
  3. Miss Queen Karnataka – Jaanvi Mishra
  4. Miss Queen Andhra – Madhura Sahithi
  5. Miss Queen Telangana – Sana Qaiyum

Subtitle winners:

  1. Miss Popularity Queen – Siri H S
  2. Miss Talent – Gayathri Govindaraaj
  3. Miss Inspiring – Harini Anand
  4. Miss Vivacious – Evangelin Sona
  5. Miss Ramp Walk – Jaanvi Mishra
  6. Miss Congeniality – Niveditha Sadasivam
  7. Miss Fashionista – Nidhika Sonu Augustine

The powered by partners were FICF, SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, and Bright Outdoor Media Ltd, whose support contributed to the success of the event. The event’s co-partners included DQUE 78 TFM Grade One Soap, Aiswaria Outdoor Media, Europe Times, UT World, Times New, uniquetimes.org, Vikas VKS Make-Up Artist, Roopesh Mokeri Photography and Snapshot Wedding Company, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshay Inco, and VKS Beauty and Bridal Lounge.

Bringing together talent from across South India, the pageant provided a platform for young women to showcase their grace, confidence, and individuality, making this edition a truly unforgettable event.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2026 Puts Healthcare and Wellness Tourism in Focus

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The Unique Times Business Summit 2026, presented by Manappuram Finance Ltd and organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., was successfully held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Powered by FICF, INMECC, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar and DQUE T-Shirts, the summit brought together distinguished leaders from the healthcare, hospitality, tourism and business sectors to deliberate on the theme, “Transforming Tourism Through Hospitality, Healthcare & Wellness.”

The function was inaugurated by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd. The discussion was moderated by M. P. Joseph IAS, former IAS officer and former United Nations civil servant.

The summit featured an eminent panel comprising Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd.; Dr. S. Sajikumar, Chief Physician and Managing Director of Dhathri Ayurveda Hospital & Panchakarma Centre; Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, Founder and Chairman of Heart Care Foundation; Shri James Mathew, CEO and Managing Partner of UHY James; Prof. (Dr.) Suresh H. Advani, Chairman of Smita Memorial Hospital and Research Centre; Shri Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); and Shri Rajesh Malik, Promoter of Carnoustie Ayurvedic & Wellness Resort.

The panel discussion explored the growing synergy between tourism, hospitality, healthcare and wellness, highlighting Kerala’s potential as a global destination for medical tourism and holistic wellness experiences. The speakers collectively emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainable development and strategic collaborations in enhancing the tourism ecosystem and strengthening the state’s position on the international stage.

The summit, led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., served as a significant platform for industry experts and policymakers to exchange ideas on the future of wellness-driven tourism. The event reinforced the need for integrated approaches that combine healthcare excellence, world-class hospitality and sustainable tourism practices to drive economic growth and global recognition.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award Celebrates Media Icons

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The Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award celebrated the achievements of outstanding women who have made remarkable contributions in media field. The award ceremony was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi, recognizing women who have emerged as symbols of determination, leadership, and professional excellence. The awards were presented by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd. and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd in the presence of distinguished guests and industry leaders.

RJ Neena, RJ at Radio Mango 91.9, received the Excellence in Radio Broadcasting Award for her significant contributions to the field of radio and her enduring connection with audiences. Sujaya Parvathy, Chief Editor of Big TV Malayalam, was honoured with the Excellence in Editorial Leadership Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and achievements in journalism. Arya P. Nair, Senior Sub-Editor and News Anchor at Mathrubhumi News, was presented with the Outstanding News Anchor Award for her excellence in news presentation and commitment to responsible journalism.

The Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award recognizes exceptional women who have excelled in their professions and inspired society through their dedication, perseverance, and success. The event served as a platform to honour and celebrate women who continue to break barriers and set new benchmarks in their respective domains.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Baiju Gopalan Earns the Prestigious Manappuram Unique Times MBA Award

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Baiju Gopalan, Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, was honoured with the 22nd edition of the Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award at a grand ceremony held at Le Méridien Kochi on August 9, 2026. The prestigious award was presented by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., the MBA Award, and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).

As the Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, Baiju Gopalan has played a key role in expanding the group’s presence across sectors such as finance, automobiles, hospitality, healthcare, education, real estate, media, and entertainment. Through his visionary leadership and focus on innovation, he has strengthened the conglomerate’s reputation as one of India’s leading business groups. Serving as the Global President of the Indian World Wide Chamber of Commerce, he actively promotes international trade and collaboration while championing initiatives in education, healthcare, women empowerment, environmental sustainability, disaster relief, and community development.

With this honour, Baiju Gopalan joins the elite ranks of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), an exclusive global business forum comprising business leaders with assets exceeding ₹1,000 crore and a strong commitment to social responsibility. Moreover, it is the only exclusive club for the affluent in the world that does not charge any membership fee.

Instituted to recognize visionary entrepreneurs with outstanding business achievements and social contributions, the MBA Award has previously been conferred upon Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, Shri M. A. Yusuff Ali, Shri T. S. Kalyanaraman, Shri P. N. C. Menon, Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Shri M. P. Ramachandran, Shri Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Shri Sabu M. Jacob, Dr. Viju Jacob, Dr. A. V. Anoop, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Adv. P. Krishnadas, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy, Shri V. R. Muthu, Shri V. C. Praveen, Dr. Arun N. Palaniswami, Shri C. K. Kumaravel, Shri T. K. Chandiran, Sir Sohan Roy SK, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, and Dr. Yogesh Lakhani.

The MBA Award remains one of the country’s most prestigious honours, celebrating business leaders whose entrepreneurial vision and social commitment have created a lasting impact on society.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Fire at Russian Oil Refinery Extinguished After Drone Attack

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A fire at Russia’s Ilsky oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region was extinguished on Saturday after debris from a Ukrainian drone caused a blaze at the facility, local authorities said.

Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces had targeted both the Ilsky and Syzran oil refineries overnight, reporting fires at both sites. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defences had destroyed 397 Ukrainian drones across several regions, while officials in the Samara region confirmed that drones had targeted an industrial facility without identifying it.

The attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, which Kyiv says are aimed at disrupting resources used to finance Russia’s war effort. The Ilsky refinery has an annual processing capacity of more than 6 million tonnes of crude oil, while the Syzran refinery can process around 8.5 million tonnes. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims from either side.

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Rare Serbian Eagle Feliks Freed After Rescue From Poachers

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A rare eastern imperial eagle named Feliks has been rescued from animal traffickers and released back into the wild in Serbia after months in captivity. The critically endangered bird was captured by poachers in Syria after leaving its nest last year, with the traffickers later demanding a ransom for his release. Serbian conservationists refused to pay, fearing it would support the trafficking network.

After lengthy negotiations, Feliks was transferred to a wildlife centre in Beirut, Lebanon, where he spent more than six months recovering. Serbian peacekeepers later transported him to Palic Zoo on a military aircraft, where his health was closely monitored following the difficult journey. After more than a month of rehabilitation, Feliks was released into the wild on Thursday.

The rescue is significant for Serbia’s conservation efforts, which have helped increase the country’s eastern imperial eagle population from just one breeding pair in 2017 to 29 pairs this year. Conservationists hope Feliks will regain his strength, establish a territory and eventually breed, helping support the recovery of the endangered species.

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Trump Administration Pays $1.2 Billion to Halt RWE US Wind Projects

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German energy company RWE will abandon its offshore wind projects in the United States after reaching a $1.2 billion payout agreement with President Donald Trump’s Department of the Interior. The company will relinquish leases off the coasts of California, Louisiana and the New York Bight, saying there was no foreseeable path to securing permits for the projects.

RWE plans to redirect the investment toward conventional energy projects, including about $900 million for a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Louisiana. Despite ending the wind projects, the company said it expects to invest around €17 billion in the US over the next six years to expand its generation capacity.

The deal is the latest move by the Trump administration to curb offshore wind development and encourage fossil fuel investment. Similar agreements have been reached with TotalEnergies and Duke Energy this year, with the companies redirecting planned offshore wind investments toward LNG and conventional oil and gas projects.

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Bus Driver Knocks Explosive Drone Away at German Airport

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A bus driver at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany reportedly kicked an explosive-laden drone out of the air after spotting it flying at low altitude, potentially preventing a major attack, a senior German lawmaker said. The drone crashed nearby and was later found to have been equipped with professional explosives and a detonator. Authorities have launched a counterterrorism investigation into the incident.

Leipzig/Halle is an important cargo and military logistics hub, serving as the main operational base for NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution and handling operations for companies including DHL. German media reported that the drone was found close to Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. Authorities have not identified the drone’s origin or explained how it entered the airport’s restricted area.

Officials praised the driver’s bravery but warned that his actions were extremely dangerous and should not be repeated. Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster said alerting authorities would have been sufficient. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also discussed the incident with senior government officials as investigators examine whether the drone was part of a planned attack.

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Spain Pressures Italy to Lift Border Controls Amid Ceuta Migration Crisis

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Spain has threatened to impose restrictions on travellers from Italy unless Rome removes border controls introduced after a mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid called the Italian measures unjustified and discriminatory, giving Italy until Sunday to reverse the restrictions. Italy, however, rejected what it described as ultimatums from Spain and said the controls would remain in place for now.

Italy suspended parts of the EU’s Schengen free-travel rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, citing concerns over a possible new migration wave. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government said it would reconsider the decision only after receiving assurances that there would be no fresh influx, security or terrorism threats, or movement of irregular migrants towards other parts of Europe. Spanish authorities have warned of online calls for another attempted border crossing into Ceuta on August 15.

The dispute has deepened tensions between the two EU allies, whose governments have taken different approaches to migration policy. Spain argues that migrants who entered Ceuta cannot simply access the wider Schengen area, while Italy maintains that the controls are necessary as a precaution. The crisis has also highlighted the growing political divide between Meloni’s tougher immigration stance and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s comparatively more liberal approach.

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Heatwaves Worsen Europe’s Prison Overcrowding Crisis

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Europe’s intense summer heatwaves are exposing severe overcrowding and poor conditions in ageing prisons across France, Italy, and Belgium. Inmates, prison officials, and rights groups say extreme temperatures inside overcrowded cells have made living conditions increasingly unbearable, with many facilities lacking proper ventilation, air conditioning, or cooling equipment.

Prison occupancy rates have reached 141.3% in France, 139.7% in Italy, and 121% in Belgium, placing additional strain on ageing infrastructure. Authorities have introduced temporary measures such as increased access to water, extra showers, fans, and sun cream, while prison directors report rising tensions, more inmate clashes, and greater stress among staff during heatwaves.

Governments and prison rights groups say long-term solutions require reducing overcrowding and modernising prison facilities. Italy has pledged to expand prison capacity and introduced measures allowing some inmates with addiction issues to serve sentences under rehabilitation programmes, while officials across Europe acknowledge that ageing prison infrastructure remains a major challenge as climate change intensifies heatwaves.

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