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Tom Hayes Has Libor Conviction Overturned by UK Supreme Court

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Tom Hayes, the first trader ever jailed for rigging interest rates, has had his conviction overturned by the UK Supreme Court after nearly a decade of legal battles. The former Citigroup and UBS trader was found guilty in 2015 of conspiring to manipulate the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor), receiving a 14-year prison sentence, later reduced to 11 years. The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Hayes’ trial was unfair due to misdirection by the trial judge, stating that the legal instructions given to the jury were inaccurate and deprived him of a fair opportunity to present his defence.

The court said there was “ample evidence” for a jury to conclude Hayes conspired with others, largely based on his own interviews with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). However, Supreme Court Judge George Leggatt noted that Hayes should have been allowed to argue that his actions were honest and that his defence deserved proper consideration. Declaring the conviction “unsafe,” the court also overturned the conviction of Carlo Palombo, a former Barclays trader convicted in 2019 of manipulating the euro equivalent of Libor, known as Euribor.

The SFO announced that it would not seek a retrial, stating it would not be in the public interest. Both Hayes and Palombo had challenged the legal foundation of their convictions, arguing that their actions did not violate a clear legal rule. Their victories follow a significant 2022 U.S. court decision that overturned the Libor-rigging convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders, and come after the complete phasing out of Libor in 2023.

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25 Western Nations Demand Immediate End to Gaza War, Condemn Civilian Deaths Near Aid Sites

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A coalition of 25 Western countries, including Britain, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, has called on Israel to end its war in Gaza immediately and condemned the “inhumane killing” of Palestinians—particularly the deaths of over 800 civilians near food distribution sites. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers criticized Israel’s “drip feeding of aid,” describing it as a “dangerous” model that undermines stability and strips Gazans of their dignity.

The nations also expressed grave concern over the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has replaced the U.N.-led aid distribution network. While the United States and Israel support the GHF’s approach, critics, including the U.N., have warned that it bypasses humanitarian standards and puts civilians at risk. The countries behind the statement urged Israel to lift aid restrictions and allow the safe, unrestricted operation of humanitarian agencies and the United Nations.

Israel dismissed the statement as “disconnected from reality” and accused the international community of ignoring Hamas’s role in prolonging the conflict. As diplomatic tensions rose, Israeli tanks advanced further into Deir al-Balah, intensifying the 21-month war that has killed over 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Meanwhile, the U.K. announced a new £60 million ($80.9 million) humanitarian aid package for Gaza, signaling growing international pressure on Israel to change course.

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Britain Launches Inquiry into 1984 Battle of Orgreave Clashes

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The UK government has announced a formal inquiry into the “Battle of Orgreave,” a violent and controversial clash between striking coal miners and police in 1984. The confrontation, which took place near the Orgreave coking plant in South Yorkshire, involved over 5,000 miners and a similar number of police officers brought in from across the country during a year-long strike against pit closures by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Footage from the scene on June 18, 1984, captured police charges on horseback and miners being beaten with batons, sparking decades of allegations of police brutality and excessive force. Over 120 people were injured, and 95 miners were arrested and charged—only for the charges to be dropped later due to lack of evidence. Campaigners have long demanded transparency regarding the deployment of such a large police force, their tactics, and access to withheld government documents.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that an inquiry, led by the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, would seek to uncover the full truth behind the events. “We must now establish what happened,” Cooper said. Kate Flannery of the Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign welcomed the move but stressed the need for full access to official records, saying, “We have waited a long time for this day and this is really positive news.”

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India’s Travel Tech Horizon Discussed at Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2025

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On July 17th, the Gokulam Park Convention Centre in Kochi witnessed a pioneering convergence of minds at the Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2025, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, led by visionary founder Dr Ajit Ravi. Themed “Revolutionizing Travel Through Technology: The Role of AI and Virtual Reality,” the summit spotlighted the transformative role of emerging technologies in reshaping mobility.

Moderated by Dr. K. A. Kuriachan, Former District Governor of Rotary International District 3200, the panel included Prasanna Patwardhan, V.C. Praveen, Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Babu Panicker, Manu G, Loknath Behera, Dr Jolly Antony—each a key player in India’s transport evolution. The Business Summit was organized as a joint initiative by Manappuram Finance Ltd, Unique Times, and the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).

Their dialogue delved into predictive analytics, AI-enhanced operations, and virtual experiences redefining travel behavior. The summit stood as a benchmark in integrating international perspectives with India’s rapidly advancing tech-driven transit goals.

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Unique Times Mobility Innovator Awards 2025 Celebrate India’s Travel Visionaries

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In a remarkable celebration of innovation and service in India’s travel sector, the Unique Times Mobility Innovator Awards took place on July 17 at Gokulam Park Convention Centre, recognizing key players shaping the nation’s mobility future. A joint initiative of Manappuram Finance Ltd., Unique Times, and the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), the awards honored five outstanding contributors.

Kallada Tours & Travels, under the leadership of Suresh Kallada, received the Innovator in Mobility Infrastructure Award. The Heritage Excellence in Tourism Award was awarded to Panicker’s Travels India Pvt. Ltd., represented by Babu Panicker. Neo Classic Cruise and Tours Pvt. Ltd., led by Nishyjith K John, was honored with the Innovative Travel Experience Award. Ramesh Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., headed by Ramesh Babu Gopal, received the Leader in Personal Mobility Services Award, while Padikkal Travels Pvt. Ltd. and Manoj Padikkal were celebrated for Excellence in School Transportation Services.

The honors were presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan (Sree Gokulam Group of Companies) during the formal ceremony, with Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus, also in attendance. The event reaffirmed the sector’s crucial role in building a more connected and sustainable India.

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Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia Triumphs as SAJ DQUE Miss Glam World 2025

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Kochi turned into a beacon of cultural celebration as Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia was crowned SAJ DQUE Miss Glam World 2025 at the much-anticipated grand finale held on July 17th at the Gokulam Park Convention Centre. This international pageant, organized with finesse by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, brought together remarkable women from 19 countries to celebrate diversity, brilliance, and beauty with purpose.

Accompanying the winner on the podium were Michal Hana Iofedov from Israel, who was named first runner-up, Karla Pejic from Serbia as second runner-up, and Shwetha Jayaram from India, who earned the title of third runner-up. The winner was crowned by the 2024 title holder, Man-Jung Kao. Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group of Hotels, Annie Reji, Director of SAJ Group of Hotels, and Dr Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., crowned the first runner-up, second runner-up, and third runner-up.

Presiding over the judging process were a distinguished panel of experts from around the world: Dr. G D Singh, founder and managing director of Unified Brainz Group Holdings Inc.; model and pageant winner Debasmita; Marcia Leonar Brito Machado Marques, an international model and mentor; Dr. Fong Toh Jeng, CEO and founder of UR Klinik; and TangLe Hsu, Mrs Glam World Asia 2024.

Continental Titles:

  • Miss Glam World Asia – Meru Saito (Japan)
  • Miss Glam World Africa – Melissa Ayanda Moyani (South Africa)
  • Miss Glam World Europe – Kateryna Voitovych (Ukraine)
  • Miss Glam World South America – Artieres Lydia (French Guiana)
  • Miss Glam World North America – Ingrid Michelle De La Rosa Galaviz (Mexico)

Subtitle Winners:

  • Miss Glam World National Costume – Esther Udoka Nmor (Nigeria)
  • Miss Glam World Fashionista – Odonchimeg Davaanyambuu (Mongolia)
  • Miss Glam World Talent – Aakriti C K (Nepal)
  • Miss Glam World Congeniality – Shwetha Jayaram (India)
  • Miss Glam World Diligent – Miss Pattarawadee Palakul (Thailand)
  • Miss Glam World Inspiring – Nikola Botosova (Czech Republic)
  • Miss Glam World Vivacious – Melissa Ayanda Moyani (South Africa)
  • Miss Glam World Shining Star – Artieres Lydia (French Guiana)
  • Miss Glam World Ramp Walk – Alina Farkhutdinova (Russia)
  • Miss Glam World Tenacious – Michal Hana Iofedov (Israel)

This year’s finalists represented a vibrant blend of cultures and languages. The contestants included Abinamba Jeanne D’Arc from Cameroon, Nikola Botosova from the Czech Republic, Peltier Coline from France, Artieres Lydia from French Guiana, Edwina Duho from Ghana, Shwetha Jayaram from India, Michal Hana Iofedov from Israel, Meru Saito from Japan, Ingrid Michelle De La Rosa Galaviz from Mexico, Odonchimeg Davaanyambuu from Mongolia, Aakriti C K from Nepal, Esther Udoka Nmor from Nigeria, Irina Nicoleta Tudorache from Romania, Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia, Karla Pejic from Serbia, Melissa Ayanda Moyani from South Africa, Li Ying Ying from Taiwan, Pattarawadee Palakul from Thailand, and Kateryna Voitovych from Ukraine.

The crown worn by the winners was handcrafted by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, symbolizing beauty with cultural depth. The event was powered by Manappuram Finance Ltd, Alcazar Watches, Unique Times, VIBE Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, and DQUE T-Shirts, while the main partners were SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE.

Co-partners who contributed to the event’s grandeur included Kalpana International, Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Unique Times, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, Padikkal Travels, Snapshoot, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and WRV Gold & Diamonds.

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Bellefontaine Marie from France Clinches the SAJ DQUE Teen Glam World 2025 Title

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Bellefontaine Marie from France has emerged victorious as SAJ DQUE Teen Glam World 2025, joined by Kao Peichieh from Taiwan as the first runner-up and Prinsu Gurung from Nepal as the second runner-up. Hosted at the Gokulam Park Convention Centre, Kochi, on July 17th, the dazzling finale brought together promising talents aged 13 to 18 from around the globe. The event was orchestrated by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, continuing its tradition of transforming young lives through empowerment and recognition. Ishani Laiju, the reigning Teen Glam World 2024 titleholder, crowned the Teen Glam World 2025 winner. The first runner-up was crowned by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, while the second runner-up was crowned by Gokulam Gopalan of the Gokulam Group and Pegasus MD Jebitha Ajit, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus.

Judging the finale were Dr G D Singh (Founder & Managing Director, Unified Brainz Group Holdings Inc.), Debasmita (Pageant Winner & Model), Marcia Leonar Brito Machado Marques (Model & Mentor), Dr. Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik), and TangLe Hsu (Mrs Glam World Asia 2024).

Continental Titles:

  • Teen Glam World Asia – India (Aditya Nair)
  • Teen Glam World Africa – South Africa (Candy Sithole)
  • Teen Glam World Europe – Ireland (Niranjana Jithesh)
  • Teen Glam World Oceania – Australia (Aradhana Thomas)

Subtitle Winners:

  • Teen Glam World Fashionista – South Africa (Candy Sithole)
  • Teen Glam World National Costume – Ireland (Niranjana Jithesh)
  • Teen Glam World Talent – Taiwan (Kao Peichieh)
  • Teen Glam World Congeniality – Nepal (Prinsu Gurung)
  • Teen Glam World Ramp Walk – UAE (Shrika Satheesan)

Competing this year were Aradhana Thomas (Australia), Bellefontaine Marie (France), Aditya Nair (India), Niranjana Jithesh (Ireland), Noa Nardea (Israel), Prinsu Gurung (Nepal), Candy Sithole (South Africa), Kao Peichieh (Taiwan), and Shrika Satheesan (UAE).

The event’s main partners were SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE. Powered by partners included Manappuram Finance Ltd, Alcazar Watches, Unique Times, VIBE Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, and DQUE TShirts.

Co-partners comprised Kalpana International, Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Unique Times, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, Padikkal Travels, Snapshoot, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and WRV Gold & Diamonds.

Pegasus once again delivered an inspiring and impactful celebration of global youth, emphasizing individuality, talent, and cultural harmony.

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India’s VRL Group Chairman Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar Honoured with 19th MBA Award

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At a grand ceremony held on July 17 in Kochi, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman and Managing Director of VRL Group, was conferred with the 19th Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award. The award was jointly presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd and architect of both the MBA Award and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).

This year’s honor is particularly noteworthy, as Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar becomes the first recipient from Karnataka, recognized for revolutionizing the Indian transport sector and building VRL into a national logistics powerhouse. With this award, he also earns a place in the FICF—an exclusive club of business leaders with ₹1,000 crore+ net assets and a solid track record of giving back to society. Unlike any other, FICF is the world’s one and only business club that does not require any membership or registration fees.

The MBA Award has previously celebrated leading Indian entrepreneurs such as 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, and Sir Sohan Roy SK.

Recognizing not just wealth but transformative leadership, the MBA Award has become a hallmark of impactful entrepreneurship in India.

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Ukrainian Man Detained for Bomb Threats to Czech and Slovak Schools, Suspected Russian Ties

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A Ukrainian man has been detained by a joint investigation team comprising Ukrainian, Czech, and Slovak police on suspicion of sending bomb threats to hundreds of schools across the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Authorities say the threats began in 2024 and disrupted the start of the school year for tens of thousands of students in September. The suspect was apprehended in a coordinated security operation in the early hours in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine.

According to the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), initial findings suggest that the suspect may have also targeted schools in other European countries and that his actions were “most likely financed by an actor from Russia.” Although further details have not been released, the case is being closely examined as part of wider concerns over alleged Russian hybrid warfare tactics involving cyber disruption and sabotage—accusations that Moscow has consistently denied.

Slovak police confirmed via Facebook that the three countries had established a joint investigative team, which also carried out home searches related to the case. Authorities have withheld additional information as the investigation is ongoing, but emphasized the international collaboration behind the arrest and its significance in countering cross-border threats.

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Miss Glam World 2025 Grooming Sessions Begin

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The prestigious Miss Glam World 2025 beauty pageant, hailed as one of the most elite global competitions, has officially commenced its intensive grooming sessions at SAJ Earth Resort, Kochi, and Vibe Munnar.

Organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi Pegasus, the event has brought together contestants from across the globe for a week-long program of personality development, cultural exchange, and empowerment.

The participants will undergo rigorous training in etiquette, communication, stage presence, and social impact, all curated to bring out the best in each delegate. The initiative not only focuses on external beauty but also celebrates inner strength, leadership, and purpose.

The much-anticipated grand finale is scheduled to take place on July 17 at Gokulam Park, Kochi, where contestants will showcase their grace, talent, and global camaraderie in a spectacular evening of glamour and inspiration.

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