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AfD Leads in Eastern Germany Ahead of Elections Despite Economic Concerns

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls in two eastern states ahead of September elections, despite economists warning that some of the party’s policies could hurt the regions’ already fragile economies. The AfD is polling at around 41% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where shrinking populations, labour shortages and lower incomes remain major challenges.

Experts say economic frustration and a lingering sense of being left behind since German reunification are important drivers of AfD support in the east. Both states have lost large numbers of young people, while ageing populations have contributed to severe skilled-worker shortages. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s GDP per capita is around 76% of Germany’s national average, while Saxony-Anhalt has the country’s highest proportion of pension-age residents.

Economists argue that AfD proposals, including reducing immigration, cutting state spending and potentially leaving the euro and European Union, could further weaken the region. A DIW Berlin study estimates Saxony-Anhalt could lose around €1,600 in annual income per person and 10,000 jobs under such policies. At the same time, local initiatives such as internationalising university programmes and attracting young talent are showing alternative ways for eastern Germany to address its labour and economic challenges.

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Italian Scientists Prepare New Solar Instrument for Crucial Eclipse Test

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Italian scientists are preparing to put a new solar instrument through a crucial test during the August 12 total solar eclipse in Spain. The Circular Slit Spectrometer (CISS), developed over 2½ years, will be tested at the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory to determine whether it can study the Sun’s corona faster than existing instruments.

Unlike conventional spectrometers that scan the corona line by line, CISS uses a circular slit to capture the spectrum of the entire corona at a specific distance from the Sun in a single photograph. Scientists say this could provide a major advantage because the corona can change significantly within minutes, making slower observations less effective.

If the test succeeds, the technology could eventually be used in a future space mission to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere. The team travelled by road from Italy to Spain, carrying the instrument in a van to avoid dismantling it and reduce the risk of delays caused by possible flight disruptions. The researchers now face a brief window of totality where weather, coordination and precise execution will be critical.

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Aditri Gouri Crowned Unique Times and DQUE Watches Teen India Glam World 2026

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The Unique Times and DQUE Watches Teen India Glam World 2026 celebrated the spirit of young talent, confidence, and determination, bringing together aspiring achievers from across the country to showcase their personality, intelligence, and charisma. The grand event was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd.

Aditri Gouri (Kerala) was crowned the winner of Teen India Glam World 2026, while Bhanu Bhaskaran (Kerala) secured the First Runner-Up position and Aishwarya Asheed was named the Second Runner-Up. Last year’s winner, Alona Angel James, crowned the winner. The First Runner-Up was crowned by Ishani Laiju, Teen India Glam World 2023, while the Second Runner-Up was jointly crowned by SAJ Group of Hotels Director Annie Varghese and Parakkat Jewels Managing Director Preethi Parakkat. The crowning took place in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd.

The contestants were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising Geethu Christy, pageant winner and personality development mentor; Pooja Mohan, Mrs India Global and Mrs Glam World 2023; Dr. Varna Sampath, Mrs India Global 2026; and Reji Bhaskar, celebrity fashion photographer. Their expertise and experience played a vital role in selecting the winners of the prestigious competition.

Teen India Glam World serves as a platform where talent meets determination and confidence takes center stage, inspiring young individuals to pursue their dreams while celebrating excellence, grace, and leadership. The event once again highlighted the commitment of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. to empowering the next generation of achievers.

Sub Titles

  1. Teen India Popularity Queen – Ameya P D
  2. Teen India Talent – Aishwarya Asheed
  3. Teen India Inspiring – Anaya Teres Biju
  4. Teen India Vivacious – Kanchana S
  5. Teen India Ramp Walk – Ritu Rakesh
  6. Teen India Congeniality – Sanjana S
  7. Teen India Fashionista – Bhanu Bhaskaran

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, Snapshot Wedding Company, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshay Inco, and VKS Beauty and Bridal Lounge.

More than just a beauty pageant, the platform encourages participants to embrace confidence, develop their individuality, and strive for excellence. The event concluded on a high note, celebrating the achievements, aspirations, and remarkable potential of young talents from across India.

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Kerala’s Sruthy K Bags the Mrs South India 2026 Crown

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The prestigious Unique Times and DQUE Watches Mrs South India 2026 was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Sruthy K (Kerala) was crowned the winner, while Sharanya R (Tamil Nadu) secured the First Runner-Up position and Surya Suresh (Kerala) was named the Second Runner-Up.

Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global, crowned the winner with a golden crown. Parakkat Jewels Managing Director Preethi Parakkat crowned the First Runner-Up, while SAJ Group of Hotels Director Annie Varghese crowned the Second Runner-Up. Bringing together talented contestants from across the South Indian states, the pageant celebrated beauty, confidence, elegance, and individuality. Organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., Mrs South India serves as a prestigious platform for married women to showcase their talent, grace, and inspiring personalities.

The judging panel comprised Geethu Christy (Pageant Winner and Personality Development Mentor), Pooja Mohan (Mrs India Global and Mrs Glam World 2023), Dr. Varna Sampath (Mrs India Global 2026), and Reji Bhaskar (Celebrity Fashion Photographer). The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons.

Regional Title Winners
• Mrs Tamilnadu – Sharanya R
• Mrs Kerala Global – Viviya Santh B
• Mrs Karnataka – Swati
• Mrs Andhra – Kiran Kalsi
• Mrs Telangana – Ritu Agarwal

Subtitle Winners
• Mrs Popularity Queen – Swati
• Mrs Talent – Viviya Santh B
• Mrs Inspiring – Kiran Kalsi
• Mrs Vivacious – Rini Mary Jose
• Mrs Ramp Walk – Sharon Aimeida
• Mrs Congeniality – Dhivya G
• Mrs Fashionista – Swati

The powered by partners were FICF, SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, 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, Snapshot Wedding Company, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshay Inco, Green Media, and VKS Beauty and Bridal Lounge.

With its blend of glamour, talent, and empowerment, Mrs South India reaffirmed its legacy as one of South India’s most prestigious pageants, recognizing women who embody grace, strength, and excellence.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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