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UK Challenger 2 Tanks Deployed in Ukraine’s Bold Russian Incursion

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UK-donated Challenger 2 tanks have been confirmed as part of Ukraine’s unexpected incursion into Russian territory, a UK source has disclosed. While the UK Ministry of Defence has not specified which weapons are used by Ukraine, it reiterated that the equipment is intended for self-defense against Russian aggression. The use of these tanks in Russia represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military strategy, which has also seen the deployment of other Western-supplied armaments such as US Bradley and Stryker vehicles and German Marders.

The use of UK-supplied tanks in this offensive is part of a broader strategy that includes various Western weapons, though Storm Shadow missiles are excluded from targeting within Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously called for the removal of restrictions on long-range weapon use to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The UK Defence Secretary has indicated ongoing discussions about these limitations, but specifics remain undisclosed.

Ukraine’s incursion has caught both Russia and its allies off guard, with Russia declaring states of emergency in affected regions and evacuating thousands of civilians. The operation appears aimed at diverting Russian forces from Ukraine’s borders. The involvement of Western weapons in the attack has intensified debates about international support and potential escalations in the conflict, as Russia accuses the West of involvement in the assault.

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Mrs South India 2024 Title Bagged by Telangana’s Varsha Reddy

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In a dazzling celebration of grace and empowerment, Varsha Reddy from Telangana emerged as the radiant victor of Mrs. South India 2024, a prestigious title presented by Alcazar Watches and DQUE Soap. Held amidst the grandeur of Le Meridien, Coimbatore, on August 13th, the event saw fierce competition, with Kerala’s own Revathy Mohan and Drishya D Nair capturing the first and second runner-up spots, respectively. The evening shimmered with elegance, as these remarkable women showcased their beauty, talent, and poise, leaving an indelible mark on the South Indian pageant scene.

The winner was crowned by Jebitha Ajit, MD of Pegasus Global Private Limited; the First Runner-Up by Dr. Leema Rose Martin; and the Second Runner-Up by Nalini Periyaswamy, Operations Director of Le Meridien. The results announcement and crowning ceremony were conducted under the leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Mrs South India and Chairman of Pegasus. 12 contestants were selected from around the South Indian states for the Mrs South India competition. The winners of Mrs South India were presented with a gold crown designed by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewelers.

Regional Title Winner

Mrs Kerala Global – Revathy Mohan (Kerala)

Mrs Karnataka – Salma Sultana (Karnataka)

Mrs Tamilnadu – Deepikha Krishnaraj (Tamilnadu)

Mrs Telangana – Varsha Reddy (Telangana)

Mrs Andhra – Namratha Nitish (Andhra)

Subtitle Winners

Mrs Congeniality – Drishya D Nair (Kerala)

Mrs Ramp Walk – Varsha Reddy (Telangana)

Mrs Adorable – Salma Sultana (Karnataka)

Mrs Talent – Revathy Mohan (Kerala)

Mrs Humaneness – Varsha Reddy (Telangana)

Mrs Diligent – Ashitha P S (Kerala)

Mrs Solidarity – Revathy Mohan (Kerala)

Mrs Vivacious – Namitha K Bhaskaran (Kerala)

Mrs Inspiring – Sheena V Kunnuth (Kerala)

Mrs Fashionista – Anagha P John (Kerala)

Jaya Mahesh (Model, and Fitness Therapist), Dr K A Kuriachan (Former Rotary Governor and International Corporate Trainer), Rinky Shah (Influencer & Entrepreneur), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Aries Group of Companies) and Reji Bhaskar (Fashion Photographer) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons. The competition took place in three rounds: Royal Blue Indian Ethnic Wear, Black Cocktail, and Red Gown.

Manappuram Finance Ltd, Saj Group Hotels and Resorts, Naturals Salon, Unique Times and Parakkat Resorts are the Powered by Partners of the event. Aishwarya Advertising, UTWorld, FICF, UT TV, Times New, Kalpana International, Europe Times, DQUE Watches, Crystal, Green Media, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, JD Institute of Fashion and Technology are the co-partners.

Anagha P John from Kerala, Ananthi M from Tamil Nadu, Ashitha P S from Kerala, Deepikha Krishnaraj from Tamilnadu, Drishya D Nair from Kerala, Namitha K Bhaskaran from Kerala, Namratha Nitish from Andhra, Revathy Mohan from Kerala, Salma Sultana from Karnataka, Shagarika Pasupathi from Tamilnadu, Sheena V Kunnuth from Kerala and Varsha Reddy from Telangana were the contestants.

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16th Manappuram MBA Award Celebrates 15 Years, Highlights Tamil Nadu’s Leading Business Figures

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The 16th edition of the prestigious Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award ceremony, conceptualized by Dr. Ajit Ravi Pegasus, was held on 13th August 2024 at Le Meridien, Coimbatore, honoring exceptional business leaders for their significant financial accomplishments and contributions to social welfare. The event, led by Pegasus Chairman and MBA Award FICF Founder, Dr. Ajit Ravi was graced by Padma Shri Dr. D R Karthikeyan, President of the Foundation for Peace, Harmony and Good Governance (Age Care India) and Former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation as the Chief Guest, with Dr. E Balagurusamy, Chairman of the EBG Foundation and Academic Adviser to the Governor of Jharkhand serving as the Guest of Honour and Dr Kuriachan K A, Former District Governor, Rotary International & International Corporate Trainer. The award winners are Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy (Chairman, Suguna Foods and Suguna Holdings), Shri C K Kumaravel (Co-founder and CEO, Groom India Salons), Shri V C Praveen (Vice Chairman, Sree Gokulam Group of Companies), Dr. Arun N Palaniswami (Executive Director, KMCH group of hospitals), and Shri V R Muthu (Chairman & Co-founder, Idhayam Group).

Marking the MBA Award’s 15-year milestone the initiative has now expanded to other states to recognize 15 outstanding business leaders . As part of this expansion, five leaders from Tamil Nadu has been honored this time, with an additional ten recipients to be recognized in the coming months, as announced by Dr. Ajit Ravi, FICF founder and Chairman of Pegasus. He also mentioned that moving forward, only one recipient will be selected annually for the MBA Award. The MBA Award, which celebrates individuals with assets surpassing Rs 1000 crore, proudly inducted five new laureates from Tamil Nadu into its prestigious ranks. These distinguished winners are now members of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), an exclusive network of industry leaders with significant assets. The FICF provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, focusing on impactful causes beyond financial achievements.

This year’s awardees join an illustrious group of previous MBA Award recipients, including luminaries such as Shri V P Nandakumar of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Shri Joy Alukkas of Joy Alukkas Group, Shri M A Yusuf Ali who heads the EMKE Group, Shri T S Kalyana Raman of Kalyan Jewellers, Shri P N C Menon of Sobha Developers, Shri Gokulam Gopalan of Gokulam Group, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Founder & MD, R P Group of Companies, Shri M P Ramachandran, Managing Director and Chairman of Jyothy Laboratories, Shri Kochouseph Chitilappilly, Founder, Chairman & CEO of V-Guard Industries Ltd, Shri Sabu M Jacob, MD, Kitex Garments Ltd, Shri Viju Jacob, Managing Director of Synthite Industries Ltd, Dr. A V Anoop, Managing Director, AVA group of companies, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Chairman, VKL Holdings and the Al Namal Group of Companies, Adv Dr P Krishnadas, Chairman & Managing Trustee, Nehru Group of Institutions and Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman, Sunrise Hospitals.

Each member of this esteemed group embodies entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on both the business world and society. As the MBA Award enters its 16th year, the ceremony continues to celebrate business excellence and societal contribution, inspiring future generations of business leaders to follow in the footsteps of these visionaries.

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22nd Alcazar Watches and DQUE Soap Miss South India 2024 Title won by Cinda Padamadan

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The 22nd Miss South India 2024 title organized by Pegasus Global Private Limited in a joint venture of DQUE Soap and Alcazar Watches belongs to Cinda Padamadan from Kerala. Harsha Haridas from Kerala became the first runner-up and Anu Singh from Tamil Nadu became the second runner-up. Former Miss South India winner Harsha Sreekanth crowned the winner. The first runner-up was crowned by Dr Leema Rose Martin and Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd MD, Jebitha Ajit crowned the second runner-up at Miss South India 2024 held at Le Meridien, Coimbatore on August 13.

The results announcement and crowning of Miss South India were conducted under the principal stewardship of Dr Ajit Ravi, Founder of Miss South India and Chairman of Pegasus. The winners were presented with golden tiaras encased in one gram of gold designed by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels. 14 contestants selected through various stages from numerous applicants from South India have lined up in the Miss South India 2024 pageant. The competition featured three rounds: Royal Blue Indian Ethnic Wear, Black Cocktail, and Red Gown.

Manappuram Finance Ltd, Saj Group Hotels and Resorts, Naturals Salon, Unique Times and Parakkat Resorts are the Powered by Partners of the event. Aishwarya Advertising, UTWorld, FICF, UT TV, Times New, Kalpana International, Europe Times, DQUE Watches, Crystal, Green Media, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, JD Institute of Fashion and Technology are the co-partners.

Subtitle winners:

  1. Miss Congeniality – Anu Singh (Tamil Nadu)
  2. Miss Ramp Walk – Chinmayee Yoga Deepthi (Karnataka)
  3. Miss Adorable – Harsha Haridas (Kerala)
  4. Miss Talent – Sanjana Akasam (Telangana)
  5. Miss Humaneness – Cinda Padamadan (Kerala)
  6. Miss Diligent – Shreya Kalmady (Karnataka)
  7. Miss Solidarity – Anu Singh (Tamil Nadu)
  8. Miss Vivacious – Pujitha Kamala D (Andhra)
  9. Miss Inspiring – Kalyani Ajith (Kerala)
  10. Miss Fashionista – Cinda Padamadan (Kerala)

Regional title winners

  1. Miss Queen Kerala – Cinda Padamadan (Kerala)
  2. Miss Queen Karnataka – Chinmayee Yoga Deepthi (Karnataka)
  3. Miss Queen Andhra – Pujitha Kamala D (Andhra)
  4. Miss Tamil Nadu – Anu Singh (Tamil Nadu)
  5. Miss Queen Telangana – Sanjana Akasam (Telangana)

Jaya Mahesh (Model, and Fitness Therapist), Dr K A Kuriachan (Former Rotary Governor and International Corporate Trainer), Rinky Shah (Influencer & Entrepreneur), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Aries Group of Companies) and Reji Bhaskar (Fashion Photographer) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons

Anu Singh from Tamil Nadu, Chinmayee Yoga Deepthi from Karnataka, Cinda Padamadan from Kerala, Darshana R from Tamil Nadu, Gayatri Gedela from Telangana, Harsha Haridas from Kerala, Kalyani Ajith from Kerala, Nancy Lawrence L from Tamil Nadu, Pujitha Kamala D from Andhra, Rishita Marepalli from Andhra, Sanjana Akasam from Telangana, Seebal Mathew from Karnataka, Shreya Kalmady from Karnataka and Shruthakeerthi E from Tamil Nadu were the other contestants.

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Iran Rejects European Calls for Restraint, Citing International Law Violations

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Iran’s foreign ministry has strongly criticized calls from France, Germany, and Britain urging restraint in response to Israel, labeling these demands as lacking political logic and contradicting international law. The European nations issued their appeal after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political chief, in Tehran last month, an act for which Tehran and its allies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, hold Israel responsible.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, condemned the European stance, arguing that it ignores Israel’s alleged violations of Iranian sovereignty and territorial integrity. He asserted that Tehran remains committed to deterring Israel and urged the European nations to oppose the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel’s actions.

Kanaani further criticized the United Nations Security Council and Western governments, blaming their support for Israel as the primary driver behind the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He called on Paris, Berlin, and London to take a firm stand against what he described as Israel’s warmongering in the region.

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European Privacy Group Files Complaints Against X for Unauthorized Use of User Data

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Vienna-based privacy advocacy group Noyb has lodged complaints against Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) in eight European countries, alleging the company unlawfully utilized users’ personal data to train its artificial intelligence technology without their consent. The complaints come in the wake of similar legal actions by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which had previously initiated court proceedings over X’s data collection practices.

Noyb claims that X began “irreversibly feeding” the personal data of over 60 million European users into its Grok AI system without notifying them or seeking their approval. The group criticized X for failing to inform users proactively, with many learning about the new data processing practice only through a viral social media post.

In response, the DPC has reportedly secured an agreement from X to halt its controversial data processing. However, Noyb founder Max Schrems argues that the DPC’s actions address only the superficial aspects of the issue, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the legality of X’s data processing. Noyb has now requested an urgent review from data protection authorities in Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain to ensure full compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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Celebrating Excellence: The 16th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award Ceremony

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On August 13, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Coimbatore, the 16th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award will celebrate five distinguished business leaders from Tamil Nadu. This prestigious accolade grants recipients membership in the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), an elite network for the world’s wealthiest individuals, each possessing assets of at least ₹1000 crore. The FICF is known for its members’ exceptional business achievements and commitment to social responsibility, encouraging them to use their entrepreneurial prowess for social progress.

Commemorating the MBA Award’s 15-year milestone in Kerala, the initiative now extends to other regions, recognizing 15 leading business figures from each area. This year, Tamil Nadu’s honorees include Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy (Suguna Foods), Shri CK Kumaravel (Naturals), Shri VC Praveen (Sree Gokulam Group of Companies), Dr. Arun N Palaniswami (KMCH Group of Hospitals), and Shri VR Muthu (Idhayam Group). An additional ten recipients will be acknowledged in the coming months, with Dr. Ajit Ravi, FICF founder and Chairman of Pegasus, announcing a future shift to honoring one recipient annually.

Previous MBA Award winners include Shri VP Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, Shri MA Yusuff Ali, Shri TS Kalyanaraman, Shri PNC Menon, Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Shri MP Ramachandran, Shri Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Shri Sabu M Jacob, Dr. Viju Jacob, Dr. AV Anoop, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Adv. Dr. P Krishnadas, and Dr. Hafeez Rahman.

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Dikec Reveals True Feelings Behind Viral Olympic Image

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Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec may have gained viral fame for his relaxed demeanor at the Paris Olympics, but internally, he felt quite differently.

Dikec’s laid-back stance, with his non-shooting hand casually tucked into his pocket, ignited a wave of memes online as he secured a silver medal alongside Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event.

The 51-year-old remarked, “People said I looked very calm, but inside, storms were raging.”

He believes his shooting posture beautifully embodied the Olympic spirit, showcasing fairness, simplicity, clarity, and authenticity, which contributed to its widespread attention.

Unlike his competitors, Dikec chose to forgo the high-tech shooting gear, opting instead for a simple yellow earplug and regular glasses.

His pose has inspired other athletes, including Sweden’s pole vault champion Armand Duplantis, who paid homage to Dikec after breaking his own world record at the Games.

Additionally, Turkey midfielder Irfan Can Kahveci appeared to mimic the pose during Fenerbahce’s 2-1 Champions League qualifying loss to Lille on Tuesday.

Having secured his first Olympic medal, Dikec is now focused on achieving gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, aiming to surpass Serbian champions Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec.

“My partner and I will claim the gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Games,” Dikec stated. “I’ve only lent this gold medal until 2028.”

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Catalan Separatist Leader Carles Puigdemont Returns to Belgium

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Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont announced on Friday that he has returned to Belgium after successfully evading arrest during a brief visit to Spain, asserting he never intended to surrender. “I’m in Waterloo after extremely difficult days,” he wrote on X. Puigdemont has lived in self-imposed exile since 2017 following a failed attempt to secure Catalonia’s independence.

His return to Spain, after seven years away, was marked by defiance against an arrest warrant as he addressed supporters at a rally on Thursday. The dramatic escape unfolded like a scene from a crime film, eliciting outrage from opposition politicians and the judiciary.

Eduard Sallent, commissioner of the Catalan regional police, Mossos d’Esquadra, explained that officers waited until after the rally to avoid a public confrontation. However, after his speech, Puigdemont slipped backstage, put on a baseball cap, and jumped into a waiting car. While police rushed toward the vehicle, around 50 supporters wearing straw hats formed a barrier, allowing Puigdemont to flee.

Sallent admitted the operation to arrest Puigdemont failed but insisted the Mossos acted according to plan and did not appear foolish. He expressed skepticism about Puigdemont’s claim of being in Belgium, stating, “I do not rule out that this man is still in Barcelona,” and emphasized that they would not rely on assumptions.

The Supreme Court judge overseeing the investigation demanded explanations from the Mossos and the national government regarding the failure to apprehend Puigdemont. While the Spanish parliament has pardoned others involved in the 2017 secession attempt, the Supreme Court ruled this does not apply to Puigdemont, who faces embezzlement charges related to funding the independence referendum deemed illegal by Spanish courts. Puigdemont argues that the vote was legitimate, thus invalidating the charges.

As blame circulated over his escape, Spain faced increased political turmoil, with the opposition People’s Party (PP) calling for the dismissal of the interior and defense ministers over Puigdemont’s evasion.

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French Wine Production in 2024 Expected to Decline Due to Wet Weather

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Wine production in France, the world’s largest producer, is anticipated to decline significantly this year due to humid weather fostering disease in vineyards, as well as hail and frost affecting certain regions, according to the farm ministry’s announcement on Friday. The overall wine output is estimated to fall between 40 million and 43 million hectolitres, which is below the five-year average of 44.2 million and substantially less than the 2023 production of 47.9 million.

Wine and spirits are among France’s most significant export products, yet the sector is grappling with decreasing domestic consumption, particularly in areas like Bordeaux, leading to recent farmer protests. The impact of the reduced output on wine prices remains uncertain. While prominent châteaux often raise prices for their limited vintages, France is currently facing stiff competition in global markets. In Champagne, producers typically blend various vintages in their bottles, although this may not prevent price increases.

The French farm ministry reported that mildew, exacerbated by the humid early summer, affected most wine-growing regions and could result in considerable losses. Additionally, many vineyards suffered a reduction in flowers, leaves, and young berries due to the cool and damp conditions during the flowering period. However, the ministry noted that wet soils following months of rain might mitigate the decline in production, with plant growth lagging one to two weeks behind last year.

While the ministry did not provide specific regional forecasts, it indicated that Champagne’s production is expected to be lower than in 2023 due to spring frosts and hail impacting its potential. In the Bordeaux region, a reduction of about 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres) from the uprooting of vines to manage excessive output, combined with potential losses from coulure, mildew, and hailstorms, is likely to lead to further decreases in production following a downturn in 2023.

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