Bussiness featured News

Decade of Distinction: Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2025 Honours Icons of Excellence

By 98 0

The Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2025 illuminated Kochi’s Gokulam Convention Centre on September 23 with a star-studded ceremony celebrating a decade of honouring excellence. Established in 2015 by Dr. Ajit Ravi in gratitude to his mentor V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman & MD of Manappuram Finance Ltd., the award debuted in Sri Lanka and has since become a distinguished symbol of recognition.

The 2025 edition brought together leaders from varied fields, with the awards presented by V. P. Nandakumar; and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus.

Among the evening’s distinguished honourees were:

  • Dr. K. Paul Thomas, MD & CEO of ESAF Group of Social Enterprises – Beacon of Inclusive Banking Excellence Award.
  • S.K. Abdulla, MD of Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Ltd. – Exemplary Leader in Healthcare and Philanthropy Award.
  • Dr. Varghese Kurian, Group Chairman & MD of VKL Group – Business Luminary in Real Estate, Hospitality, and Philanthropy Award.
  • Dr. Gokulam Gopalan, veteran film producer and media leader – Lifetime Achievement Award in Indian Cinema.

The evening, hosted by Dr. Ajit Ravi, concluded with standing ovations for the honourees. With glamour, inspiration, and heartfelt tributes, the VPN IBE Awards 2025 reinforced its legacy as a platform spotlighting visionaries shaping industries and society at large.

Pic Courtesy: pegasus photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

NATO Warns Russia After Airspace Violations Over Estonia and Poland

By 117 0

NATO issued a stern warning to Russia on Tuesday, vowing to use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend its allies after Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets crossed into its territory for 12 minutes before being escorted out by NATO Italian fighter jets. The incident, seen as a deliberate test of NATO’s resolve, prompted Estonia to invoke Article 4 of NATO’s founding treaty, leading to a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.

The airspace breach over Estonia followed another serious violation the previous week, when around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace. NATO jets intercepted some of the drones, and the alliance subsequently strengthened defenses along Europe’s eastern flank. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Russian aircraft had not been shot down as they posed no immediate threat, but stressed that commanders had the authority to take “the ultimate decision” if future intrusions were deemed dangerous.

In a statement, NATO accused Russia of “escalatory” actions that risk miscalculation and endanger lives, while reaffirming its support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense against Moscow’s war. This marks only the ninth invocation of Article 4 in NATO’s 76-year history, and the second time this month following the incidents over Poland and Estonia. Russia, however, rejected the allegations, dismissing them as attempts by Tallinn and Warsaw to fuel tensions with the West.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Dockworkers Block Ports as Protests Over Gaza Flare Across Italy

By 146 0

Striking dockworkers blocked access roads to major ports in Italy on Monday as unions staged a nationwide protest against Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Demonstrators said they aimed to prevent Italy from serving as a transit hub for arms and supplies to Israel, which is at war with Hamas. The action disrupted schools, public transport, and regional train services, while thousands joined rallies in cities including Genoa, Livorno, Trieste, and Naples.

Violence broke out in Milan, where police in riot gear clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators near the central station, using tear gas to disperse crowds. In Naples, protesters forced their way into the main railway station and briefly occupied tracks, delaying trains. Meanwhile, dockside protests saw Palestinian flags waved at port entrances, with the Autonomous Port Workers’ Collective calling the action an act of solidarity with Palestinians.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has stood firmly behind Israel and rejected recognition of a Palestinian state, unlike several other Western nations. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini downplayed the impact of the strikes, saying only a limited number of trains had been cancelled and accusing “far-left trade unionists” of trying to politicise the country’s workforce.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Cyberattack Disrupts Check-In Systems at Major European Airports

By 117 0

A cyberattack targeting a service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems has disrupted operations at several major European airports, including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attack has forced airports to rely on manual check-in and boarding procedures, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations. Brussels Airport confirmed that its automated systems were inoperable, causing widespread disruption for travelers.

Airport operators have urged passengers to check with airlines before traveling, as delays are expected to continue throughout Saturday. “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” said Brussels Airport in a statement. Berlin Airport also highlighted extended waiting times, posting a banner on its website urging passengers to allow extra time due to the technical issue.

Heathrow Airport reported delays caused by a “technical issue” at a third-party supplier, while Frankfurt Airport stated it was not affected. Officials confirmed that the service provider is actively working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, but travelers are being advised to anticipate disruptions and plan accordingly.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Starmer Secures Record U.S. Investment as Trump Makes Historic UK Visit

By 120 0

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s high-risk gamble of extending Donald Trump an unprecedented second state visit appears to have paid off, with the former U.S. president announcing £150 billion ($203 billion) of corporate investment in the UK’s technology, finance, and energy sectors. The move provided Starmer with a much-needed political boost after weeks of domestic challenges and showcased his ability to manage a mercurial Trump without public fallout.

The centrepiece of the visit was a commitment from U.S. giants, including private equity firm Blackstone pledging £100 billion over the next decade and Microsoft announcing a £22 billion investment. Trump, determined to secure America’s lead in the global AI race against China, pushed for Britain to align closely with U.S. firms in developing AI infrastructure. “We’re committed to ensuring that the UK has a secure and reliable supply of the best AI, hardware and software on Earth,” Trump said during a joint press event.

While the deal was hailed as a landmark win for Britain’s economy, critics warned it risks leaving the UK dependent on U.S. technology and vulnerable to Trump’s unpredictable politics. Analysts argued that heavy reliance on U.S. infrastructure could undermine Britain’s leverage with both Washington and Brussels, its largest trading partner. Still, observers noted Starmer’s diplomatic finesse had won Britain favourable treatment from Trump compared to other countries, with the former president praising him: “I just want to thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for the great job I think you’re doing.”

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Mass Protests Erupt Across France Against Austerity Plans

By 121 0

Hundreds of thousands of people across France took to the streets on Thursday in nationwide protests against looming austerity measures, demanding President Emmanuel Macron and his new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu scrap planned budget cuts. Teachers, train drivers, hospital staff, and pharmacists joined the strikes, while students blocked dozens of high schools, calling for more public spending and higher taxes on the wealthy.

Union leaders warned the government to heed the anger on the streets, with CGT chief Sophie Binet declaring, “It’s the streets that must decide the budget.” The Interior Ministry had anticipated up to 800,000 demonstrators, and major disruptions were reported in schools and regional train services. Sporadic clashes broke out in cities including Nantes and Lyon, where police used tear gas and several people were injured.

Macron’s administration faces mounting pressure between protesters demanding social fairness and investors alarmed by France’s deficit, which nearly doubled the EU’s ceiling last year. Lecornu, who replaced ousted prime minister François Bayrou after his failed €44 billion budget squeeze plan, has signaled openness to compromise but must navigate a divided parliament. Over 80,000 security personnel were deployed nationwide, with police confirming more than 90 arrests by evening.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Merz Accuses Putin of Murder, Warns Against Russian Destabilisation Efforts

By 136 0

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of murder and attempting to destabilise the West through sabotage, espionage, and border violations. Speaking during a heated parliamentary debate, Merz cited recent Russian incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace as part of a long-running campaign to test NATO’s limits.

Merz warned against any Ukrainian surrender, stressing that a “dictated peace” without freedom would embolden Moscow to pursue further aggression. He said Russia’s strategy was aimed at unsettling democratic societies, adding, “Putin has long been testing the borders, he is sabotaging. He is spying, he is murdering, he is trying to unsettle us.” The Kremlin has previously dismissed Merz’s remarks, rejecting allegations of war crimes and denying involvement in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The debate saw sharp exchanges with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Party leader Alice Weidel accused Merz of “posing as a global politician and warlord,” while Merz ally Jens Spahn hit back, calling Weidel a “fifth column” for Russia. The row highlights Germany’s deepening political divides over support for Ukraine as the war grinds on.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Ajit Ravi’s 100 Life Challenge: A Global Call for Selfless Giving

By 82 0

From Cochin to the world, Ajit Ravi’s 100 Life Challenge is a remarkable model of personal commitment to humanity. Introduced in 2015 while serving at Cochin International Airport Limited, the initiative aimed to save 100 lives and gradually expanded to empower people through healthcare, education, and essential aid.

Ravi donated 100% of his post-tax salary for eight hours of work every month for 100 months. His devotion never wavered — not during the pandemic, not during financial uncertainties, and not even when he went without pay. For him, the concept of Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) is more than an idea; it is a way of life.

Sadly, despite its noble vision, no one else has stepped forward to join this mission. Ravi argues that true charity often goes unnoticed because it does not bring fame or limelight. His challenge, however, remains a timeless call to humanity — urging individuals worldwide to act selflessly for the greater good.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

UK to Invest £1.1 Billion in Maritime Sector to Boost Jobs and Green Growth

By 140 0

The UK government announced plans on Monday to jointly invest more than £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) with industry partners in the maritime sector. Officials said the initiative will create new jobs and drive growth in coastal communities across the country, with a particular focus on engineering, green technology, and construction.

The funding package includes £700 million in private investment earmarked for major UK ports, alongside £448 million in public funding to cut carbon emissions from shipping. According to the government, this represents one of the largest ever commitments to strengthening the nation’s maritime infrastructure while accelerating its transition to greener operations.

The announcement, set to be formally unveiled on September 15 at the start of London International Shipping Week, underscores the UK’s ambitions to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. “We’re committing almost half a billion to cut carbon emissions from shipping – steering us towards net zero by 2050,” UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Fitch Downgrade Puts Pressure on New French PM Lecornu Amid Budget Talks

By 153 0

France’s credit rating has been cut by Fitch to A+ from AA-, its lowest on record, casting a shadow over newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu as he begins budget negotiations. Fitch cited political instability and rising debt for the downgrade, which comes just days after President Emmanuel Macron named Lecornu as his fifth prime minister in two years. While markets reacted calmly, analysts warned the move raises fresh risks ahead of upcoming reviews by Moody’s and S&P.

The downgrade complicates the government’s efforts to present a draft 2026 budget to parliament by early October. Lecornu faces the daunting challenge of balancing investor demands for spending cuts with pressure from unions, who have called nationwide strikes this week, and political blocs divided over tax and reform strategies. In his first interviews, Lecornu scrapped unpopular holiday cuts but left the door open to higher taxes on the wealthy, a move opposed by business groups and conservatives but supported by the Socialists as a condition for backing his government.

With France’s deficit at 5.4% of GDP, Lecornu has pledged to put public finances on a “healthy trajectory,” though he admitted the budget may not fully reflect his own convictions. Employers’ federation MEDEF has threatened mass mobilization against any wealth tax, while the far-right National Rally renewed calls for fresh elections. Analysts warn that continued political gridlock could lead to another downgrade, increasing borrowing costs and straining Macron’s already fragile government.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright