Ukraine has scaled back its participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko leading the delegation instead of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The decision comes as Kyiv and Warsaw navigate renewed diplomatic friction linked to historical disputes and recent political tensions.
The two-day forum in Gdańsk is expected to focus on reconstruction deals for Ukraine, including agreements to restore energy infrastructure damaged by ongoing Russian strikes and to expand international economic cooperation. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Zelenskiy’s absence could help reduce tensions and keep discussions more productive, while still emphasizing the scale of investments tied to Ukraine’s recovery.
The diplomatic strain intensified after disagreements over World War Two-era history and symbolic political gestures, prompting exchanges of criticism between officials on both sides. Despite this, both countries continue to underline the importance of cooperation, with the forum still expected to advance hundreds of proposed agreements involving international partners.
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The 21st edition of the Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award was conferred upon Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bright Outdoor Media Limited, at a grand function held on June 23, 2026, at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, Kochi. The prestigious honour was handed over by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Founder & Chairman, Sree Gokulam Group and Chairman, FICF, and Dr. Viju Jacob, Executive Chairman, Synthite Industries Limited and 11th MBA award recipient in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, the MBA Award, and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).
Dr. Yogesh Lakhani is a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader whose inspiring journey from a humble single-room office in Mumbai to building one of India’s most respected outdoor advertising companies reflects extraordinary resilience, innovation, and determination. Under his leadership, Bright Outdoor Media Limited became the first outdoor advertising company in India to be listed on the BSE and earned recognition in the Guinness World Records for installing the largest number of solar panels on a single billboard in Mumbai. Today, the company stands as a leading 360-degree media and advertising powerhouse, renowned for executing high-impact campaigns for leading brands, blockbuster films, and globally celebrated events.
With this remarkable achievement, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani joins the elite ranks of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), one of the world’s most prestigious business forums. FICF membership is exclusive to business leaders possessing a minimum of ₹1,000 crore in assets and demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility. The MBA Award, instituted to recognize exceptional business leaders with significant social involvement, has previously been bestowed 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, and Dr. Siddeek Ahmed. The MBA Award stands as a distinguished symbol of recognition, celebrating visionary entrepreneurs who drive transformative change in both business and society.
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SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts and DQ Watches is thrilled to announce Kristina Kuralenok from Russia as the winner of Miss Glam World 2026! The first runner-up title goes to Pournami Murali from India, followed by Ana Carolina Henrich Lucatelli from Brazil as the second runner-up, and Garaikhanova Elina from Bashkortostan as the third runner-up.
The grand finale of Miss Glam World 2026 was held on June 23rd at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, Kochi. The event was flawlessly executed by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, a name synonymous with excellence in event production. With their hallmark precision and creativity, Pegasus once again proved why they’re considered leaders in the industry—delivering a spectacular experience that captivated every guest and participant alike.
Reigning queen Alina Farkhutdinova crowned the winner of the title. Sajan Varghese, CMD of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, crowned the First Runner-Up. Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, crowned the Second Runner-Up, while Annie Varghese, Director of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, crowned the Third Runner-Up. The coronation ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. Ashwaria Ullas (First Runner-Up, Miss Glam Universe 2025; Second Runner-Up, Miss Asia Global 2025; First Runner-Up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025), Rita Mathan (Owner, Pro Nail Studio), Alina Farkhutdinova (Miss Glam World 2025), Maeva Balan (Model) and Ambika S Nair (Actress) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons. Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels crafted the exquisite gold crown presented to the winners of Miss Glam World.
Continental Titles
Miss Glam World Asia –Indonesia (Catherine Joan Ayu Nurlita Wesi)
Miss Glam World Africa – Cameroon (Dai Ndouve Mvroumsia Pamela)
Miss Glam World Europe – France (Serena Silva)
Miss Glam World South America – Brazil (Ana Carolina Henrich Lucatelli)
Miss Glam World North America – Mexico (Susana Ortiz Jaramillo)
Sub Title Winners
Miss Glam World National Costume – Russia (Kristina Kuralenok)
Miss Glam World Congeniality – Mexico (Susana Ortiz Jaramillo)
Miss Glam World Fashionista – Philippines (Czarline Cheska Syl Mercado)
Miss Glam World Talent – Serbia (Marina Milenkovic)
Miss Glam World Diligent – Indonesia (Catherine Joan Ayu Nurlita Wesi)
Miss Glam World Inspiring – Bashkortostan (Garaikhanova Elina)
Miss Glam World Vivacious – France (Serena Silva)
Miss Glam World Shining Star – Nepal (Nandani Sharma)
Miss Glam World Ramp Walk – Brazil (Ana Carolina Henrich Lucatelli)
SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQ are the main partners of Miss Glam World 2026 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Unique Times, Alcazar Watches, Parakkat Resorts, Vibe Munnar, and Green Media are powered by Partners.
Co-partners are DQUE Soap, Aiswaria Outdoor Media, Europe Times, UT World, Times New, uniquetimes.org, Vikas VKS Make-Up Artist, Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshay Inco, and VKS Beauty and Bridal Lounge.
The primary goal of this competition is to celebrate and showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of each participating country, while also boosting tourism and global connections. Their pageants focus on talent, intelligence, and personality, ensuring that true substance shines on stage.
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The Netherlands has agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and coordinating artificial intelligence supply chains among allied nations. The move marks a significant boost for Washington’s technology diplomacy efforts, even as the two countries continue to disagree over certain chip equipment exports to China.
The announcement comes as Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visits Washington to discuss trade issues, including concerns over the proposed U.S. Match Act. While both countries support restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools used for AI chip production, they remain divided on whether Dutch company ASML should be allowed to sell and maintain some less-advanced equipment in China.
Pax Silica seeks to enhance economic security and cooperation in critical technology sectors. Besides the Netherlands, members include Japan and South Korea, while Taiwan has endorsed the initiative without formally joining. The European Union is also expected to participate in the future, further expanding the alliance’s influence over global AI and semiconductor supply chains.
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France’s private sector remained in contraction during June, but the pace of decline eased significantly, according to the latest S&P Global Flash PMI survey. The Composite Output Index rose to 47.6 from 44.9 in May, indicating that business activity is still shrinking but showing signs of stabilization. Economists viewed the improvement as a positive signal after France’s first-quarter GDP was revised to reflect an economic contraction.
The manufacturing sector showed encouraging progress, with the Manufacturing PMI climbing to 50.7, returning to growth territory. Manufacturing output also improved, while the services sector remained weak but contracted at a slower rate than in previous months. The Services PMI rose to 47.4, marking its highest level in three months.
Despite the improvement, demand remained subdued as new orders declined for a seventh consecutive month and export orders continued to fall sharply. Employment levels stabilized after a significant drop in May, while business confidence improved for the first time since January. Cooling cost pressures and softer pricing trends suggested easing inflation, although uncertainties surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose risks to the outlook.
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Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive Peter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds over a 13-year period. The court heard that Murrell used the money to purchase vehicles, a luxury motorhome, and high-end consumer goods.
Murrell, the estranged husband of former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310 between 2010 and 2023. During sentencing, the judge described his actions as a serious breach of trust and a calculated act of dishonesty, emphasizing that the punishment should serve as a warning to senior officials in other organizations.
The case stemmed from a wider investigation into the SNP’s finances that also led to Sturgeon’s arrest in 2023. However, she was later cleared of any wrongdoing and has repeatedly stated that she had no knowledge of Murrell’s misuse of party funds. Authorities are now expected to pursue legal action to recover the embezzled money through proceeds-of-crime measures.
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Germany’s private sector activity contracted at its fastest pace in 18 months during June, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Composite Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped to 48.0 from 48.8 in May, falling short of market expectations and remaining below the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction.
The decline was driven mainly by the services sector, where the PMI fell to 46.8, its lowest level since November 2022. Business activity and new orders in the sector weakened further, while overall new business across the economy declined for a fourth consecutive month, marking the sharpest fall since December 2024.
Despite the slowdown, the survey highlighted easing inflationary pressures. Input costs rose at the slowest pace in four months, while output price inflation softened. However, business confidence for the next 12 months weakened slightly and remained below long-term averages, raising concerns that Germany’s economy may have slipped back into contraction during the second quarter.
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Europe is facing an intense and prolonged heatwave, with red alerts issued across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C. French weather authorities warned that the heatwave could be one of the longest in recent years, with cities like Bordeaux already recording 42°C and Paris expected to reach 41°C. Hundreds of schools have been closed, and transport services have been disrupted as governments urge residents to take precautions.
The extreme conditions have already had deadly consequences. In southern France, two young children were found dead in a family car in an incident believed to be linked to the heat. Several elderly residents have also died amid soaring temperatures, while authorities reported multiple drowning incidents as people sought relief in rivers and lakes. Across Europe, emergency services remain on high alert as hospitals prepare for heat-related illnesses.
Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by hot air moving north from the Sahara Desert, trapping unusually high temperatures across western and central Europe. Scientists point to the event as another sign of global warming, noting that most of France’s recorded heatwaves have occurred since 2000. Temperatures are expected to peak midweek before gradually easing toward the end of the week.
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Germany’s iconic Bauhaus movement has become a focal point in a growing cultural debate ahead of September’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The party has pledged a “patriotic cultural policy” and argues that Bauhaus architecture represents rootless globalism rather than nationally grounded German traditions.
Founded after World War I, the Bauhaus school revolutionized architecture and design through its minimalist use of glass, steel, and concrete, influencing buildings and household products worldwide. While the AfD criticizes modernist architecture and state support for what it calls “anti-German” culture, Bauhaus supporters say the movement reflects innovation, openness, and an important chapter of German history.
Cultural leaders and academics have expressed concern that an AfD victory could reshape cultural and educational policies in the state. Although Germany’s federal system limits sweeping changes, observers say Saxony-Anhalt could serve as a testing ground for the party’s broader cultural agenda, placing institutions such as Bauhaus and universities under increased political scrutiny.
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Russian-held Crimea has suspended tourist activities and children’s summer camps until September as a growing fuel crisis disrupts the region. Authorities say Ukrainian attacks on sea routes, supply roads, and Russian oil infrastructure have severely affected fuel deliveries, forcing petrol stations across Crimea to halt sales to the public and businesses.
The fuel shortages are part of a wider problem across Russia, where repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries have reduced gasoline and diesel production. Several Russian regions have reported supply disruptions, while some fuel stations in Moscow have also experienced shortages of certain fuel grades.
The Kremlin said officials and oil companies are working to stabilize the domestic fuel market. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has directed agencies and producers to prepare measures to boost supplies, maintain prices, and increase output as Russia faces declining fuel production and exports amid continued attacks on its energy sector.
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