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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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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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Indian Tycoon Dr Vijay Sankeshwar to Be Honoured with MBA Award

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Indian logistics magnate Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman and Managing Director of VRL Group, has been named the recipient of the 19th MBA (Multibillionaire Business Achiever) Award, a prestigious honour celebrating extraordinary business impact and social commitment. The award, conceptualized by Dr. Ajit Ravi, is presented by Unique Times in partnership with Manappuram Finance Ltd. The grand recognition ceremony will take place on July 17th at the Sree Gokulam Park Convention Centre, Kochi.

A pioneering figure in India’s transport sector, Dr Vijay Sankeshwar becomes the first-ever recipient from Karnataka, marking a milestone in the award’s pan-India expansion. His leadership has transformed VRL Group into one of India’s most prominent logistics and fleet enterprises.

The award also grants him induction into the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF)—a global forum for high-impact business leaders, envisioned by Dr Ajit Ravi and reserved exclusively for MBA Awardees.

The MBA Award continues to highlight Indian entrepreneurship on a global platform, emphasizing values of responsibility, ethics, and nation-building.

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Hungarian PM Warns of Legal Consequences Over Banned Budapest Pride March

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned of “clear legal consequences” for those organizing or participating in the Budapest Pride march, following a police ban on the event. The march, scheduled for this weekend, has been deemed illegal under new legislation passed in March, which allows authorities to prohibit LGBTQ parades on the grounds of child protection and use facial recognition technology to identify attendees and impose fines.

Orban defended the ban during a state radio interview, urging citizens to respect the law while stating that Hungary remains a “civilised country” where police should aim to convince people, not confront them. “We are in the world not to make each others’ lives more difficult but easier,” he said, calling this principle the essence of Christianity.

The ban has drawn criticism from human rights groups and Western allies, with over 30 countries, including Britain, France, and Germany, expressing support for Hungary’s LGBTQ community. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also urged the Hungarian government to allow the march. Orban compared her intervention to Cold War-era Soviet control, accusing Brussels of trying to dictate how Hungarians should live.

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NATO Leaders Convene in The Hague for Historic Summit as Defence Spending Target Rises to 5%

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NATO leaders gathered in The Hague for a landmark summit that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described as “historic,” with all 32 member nations expected to commit to raising defence spending to 5% of national GDP. US President Donald Trump attended his first NATO summit since 2019, receiving public praise from Secretary General Mark Rutte for his “decisive action in Iran” and efforts in securing alliance consensus. The summit opened with a royal dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander, with working sessions scheduled to be brief but significant

The 5% defence investment goal, more than double NATO’s long-standing 2% benchmark, marks a dramatic shift in alliance priorities, spurred by growing concerns over Russian aggression. While 3.5% will be allocated to core defence, the remaining 1.5% covers infrastructure and cybersecurity. Despite initial resistance, major players including Germany and the UK pledged to meet the target by 2029 and 2035 respectively. However, nations like Spain and Belgium voiced concerns, with Madrid seeking an exemption—an idea firmly rejected by Rutte, threatening alliance unity.

Meanwhile, the summit takes place under the shadow of renewed violence in Ukraine, with Russian missile strikes killing 20 and injuring over 160 civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is set to meet Trump during the summit, arrives amid growing calls for NATO members to scale up support for Kyiv. As train services from Schiphol Airport faced suspected sabotage, Dutch authorities are investigating the incident, emphasizing the tense geopolitical climate surrounding the high-stakes summit.

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Labour MPs Rebel Against Government’s Welfare Reform Plans Amid Poverty Concerns

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More than 100 Labour MPs have backed a move to block the government’s controversial welfare reform bill, which aims to cut disability and sickness-related benefits to save £5bn annually by 2030. The MPs have signed a reasoned amendment that could potentially halt the bill’s progress if selected by the Commons Speaker and supported by a majority. Critics argue the proposed changes, which would tighten eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (Pip), could push an additional 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into relative poverty.

Despite mounting dissent, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden defended the reforms, citing the projected doubling of people on long-term sickness and disability benefits by the end of the decade. He stressed the need for action to manage rising costs, which are forecast to reach £70bn annually by 2030. The government maintains that £1bn will be invested to support people back into work, though Labour MPs argue the impact assessments are inadequate and the consultation process insufficient.

Labour’s internal rift deepened after several MPs, including select committee chairs and recently elected members, joined the rebellion. The resignation of whip Vicky Foxcroft and the backlash over earlier votes on winter fuel cuts have galvanized support for the amendment. As the vote looms next week, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with rebel MPs determined to send the government “back to the drawing board” and reconsider the reforms’ long-term consequences.

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Met Police Chief Condemns Planned London Protest Backing Palestine Action

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London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has expressed his “shock and frustration” over a planned protest in support of Palestine Action, set to take place in central London on Monday. The protest, backed by 35 groups including the Stop the War Coalition and MEND, follows a high-profile break-in by Palestine Action activists at RAF Brize Norton, where red paint was sprayed on military aircraft in protest against the UK’s support for Israel.

With Home Secretary James Cleverly reportedly preparing to formally proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, Sir Mark described the group as an “organised extremist criminal group”. He stressed that while the Met currently lacks the legal authority to prevent the protest, conditions under the Public Order Act have been imposed. Protesters will only be allowed to gather between 12:00 and 15:00, and not within the designated exclusion zone covering much of Westminster.

Palestine Action confirmed on social media that the protest will be held at Trafalgar Square, outside the restricted zone. Meanwhile, human rights groups including Amnesty International and figures like Baroness Shami Chakrabarti have voiced concerns over the proposed ban, warning it could criminalise peaceful dissent. The move to proscribe the group has drawn both praise and criticism across the political spectrum amid ongoing debates over protest rights and the war in Gaza.

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