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Electric Flying Taxi Industry Faces Turbulence Amid Financial and Technical Challenges

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The promise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transforming urban mobility has hit significant hurdles, as leading innovators struggle with funding and technical setbacks. Germany’s Volocopter, which aimed to showcase its VoloCity air taxi at the Paris Olympics, failed to launch passenger services and is now relying on a potential $95 million investment from China’s Geely, which could shift manufacturing to China. Similarly, German eVTOL pioneer Lilium has entered insolvency proceedings after failing to secure crucial loans, casting doubt on its ambitious plans to build radical electric jets.

In the UK, Vertical Aerospace has made progress with its VX4 aircraft, including recent piloted tests. However, financial instability has led to a $50 million rescue investment by US-based Mudrick Capital, leaving the creditor with a 70% stake in the company. Meanwhile, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen appears more stable, with its four-seater design progressing as a technology project backed by ample funding and expertise.

Despite enthusiasm for the industry’s potential, concerns remain over profitability, particularly due to operational costs like pilot wages and battery replacements. While startups like Joby and Archer in the US continue to push forward, the sector faces a long road before proving its commercial viability, with investors hoping to emulate the success of transformative companies like Tesla.

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Australian Senate Considers Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Industry Pushback

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Australian lawmakers are debating a groundbreaking bill to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million) for non-compliance. Sunita Bose, Managing Director of Digital Industry Group Inc., representing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), argued during a Senate committee hearing that the legislation should be delayed until the government concludes its evaluation of age-verification technologies in June 2025. She warned that rushing the bill could lead to implementation challenges, leaving both children and platforms unprepared.

Bose highlighted the broader implications of such a ban, cautioning that it could isolate children and push them toward less safe online spaces. This sparked criticism from Senator Sarah Henderson, who accused her of prioritizing corporate interests over child safety. Addressing questions about children’s exposure to harmful content, Bose stated that current algorithms already employ filters to reduce risks, though she acknowledged the industry’s shortcomings in enforcing existing age restrictions.

Research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that major platforms earned $11 billion in advertising revenue from U.S. users under 18 in 2022. However, Bose admitted she did not know how much revenue these platforms derived from Australian children. The bill, if passed, would make Australia the first country to impose such strict regulations, with the outcome likely to set a global precedent.

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Trailblazer in Digital Growth: Mayura Shreyams Kumar Receives Top Honor

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Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Director of Digital Business at Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd, was honored with the esteemed Visionary Digital Growth Leader Award at the Manappuram Unique Times Business Excellence Award ceremony. Held at the Gokulam Convention Centre, the award was presented by Shri V.P. Nandakumar, MD and CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, in a celebration of leadership and innovation.

Mayura Shreyams Kumar was lauded for her pivotal role in Mathrubhumi’s digital transformation, steering the organization through the rapidly evolving media landscape. Her forward-thinking strategies and focus on enhancing audience engagement have driven sustainable growth for the company, positioning it as a leader in the competitive digital media industry.

Expressing her gratitude, Mayura emphasized the importance of innovation in shaping the future of digital media. The event concluded with appreciation for her visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the industry.

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Manappuram MBA Award 2024: Shri T.K. Chandiran Recognized for Business Excellence

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The 17th Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award was conferred upon Shri T.K. Chandiran, Chairman and Managing Director of the Chennai Silks, Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai, and SCM Group of Companies, during a prestigious ceremony at the Gokulam Convention Centre in Kochi on 21st November 2024. The award was presented by Shri V.P. Nandakumar, Managing Director & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Hospitals and the esteemed 15th MBA Award recipient from Kerala, and Dr Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus.

The MBA Award recognizes exemplary leadership and exceptional business acumen, and the winner receives the opportunity to enter the world’s richest club, the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF). With this achievement, T.K. Chandiran will gain membership in the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), the wealthiest and most prestigious club in the world. The FICF is an exclusive network of multibillionaire business achievers, where only one individual is admitted each year, providing a platform for leveraging entrepreneurial ideas for societal betterment. As the MBA Award gains momentum, it is now expanding to a Pan-India platform, reinforcing its position as a premier recognition of business excellence nationwide. The expansion began with Tamil Nadu, where individuals from the state were honored as winners in the previous edition, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Continuing this initiative, the 17th MBA Award is also being conferred upon Tamil Nadu’s business community.

Shri T.K. Chandiran leads the Chennai Silks, Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai, and SCM Group of Companies, a prominent conglomerate with a revenue exceeding USD 1 billion and a workforce of nearly 100,000 people. His entrepreneurial journey spans textiles, jewelry, and power generation. He founded KKV Agro Powers Ltd, generating over 100 megawatts of renewable energy. His leadership sets benchmarks in human resource and financial management. He is also an author and filmmaker, with contributions to agriculture and societal progress, including a Guinness World Record for KTM Jewellery Ltd.

Notable previous award recipients include Shri V P Nandakumar, Managing Director & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Shri Joy Alukkas of Joy Alukkas Group, Shri M A Yusuf Ali of 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 of R P Group of Companies, Shri M P Ramachandran, MD of Jyothy Laboratories, Shri Kochouseph Chitilappilly, Founder & CEO of V-Guard Industries Ltd, Shri Sabu M Jacob, MD of Kitex Garments Ltd, Shri Viju Jacob, MD of Synthite Industries Ltd, Dr. A V Anoop, MD of AVA Group of Companies, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Chairman of VKL Holdings and Al Namal Group, Adv Dr P Krishnadas, Chairman & Managing Trustee of Nehru Group of Institutions, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Hospitals, Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy, Chairman of Suguna Foods and Suguna Holdings, Shri V R Muthu, Chairman & Co-founder of Idhayam Group, Shri V C Praveen, Vice Chairman of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, Dr. Arun N Palaniswami, Executive Director of KMCH Group of Hospitals, and Shri C K Kumaravel, Co-founder & CEO of Groom India Salons.

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Manappuram Unique Times Conclave 2024: Navigating the Digital Media Landscape in Business

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The Manappuram Unique Times Conclave 2024, held at the Gokulam Convention Centre in Kochi, brought together industry leaders and experts to explore a pressing issue in today’s business landscape: the influence of digital media on modern business. Organized by Pegasus under the leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi, the conclave served as a platform for insightful discussions on how digital media is reshaping business strategies and operations.

The conclave featured an impressive panel of thought leaders, including V P Nandakumar, MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Director of Digital Business at Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd, Dr Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Group of Hospitals, and Dr Fathima Nilufer Sheriff, Founder & CEO of Therefore I’m. Other distinguished panelists included Deepak L Aswani, Chairman & Managing Director of Aswani Lachmandas Group, Sajeev Nair, Serial Entrepreneur & Transformation Coach, and Aishwarya Nandilath, Director of Nandilath G Mart.

The engaging discussion, moderated by Dr K A Kuriachan, Former District Governor of Rotary International District 3200 & International Corporate Trainer, explored the transformative impact of digital media on business strategies, consumer engagement, and operational efficiency. Panelists shared valuable insights into leveraging digital platforms to boost brand visibility, access global markets, and enhance customer experiences. The event, supported by Pegasus, left participants inspired and empowered, with a deeper understanding of how digital tools are driving innovation and growth in the business world.

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Czech Republic’s Tereza Zakova Wins Miss Glam Universe 2024

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Tereza Zakova from the Czech Republic was announced as the Miss Glam Universe 2024 title winner. Kawane Bueno from Brazil secured the first runner-up position and Sofia Pavlikova from Slovakia was the second runner-up. The inaugural edition of Miss Glam Universe was held on 21st November at the Gokulam Convention Centre, Kochi. Known for their expertise in event production, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, under the visionary leadership of Dr Ajit Ravi, delivered an extraordinary and memorable event. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd reaffirmed its esteemed reputation in the industry. Driven by Dr Ajit Ravi’s passion for innovation and quality, the team curated an event that surpassed expectations and left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Sajan Varghese, CMD of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, crowned the winner and the first runner-up of Miss Glam Universe 2024. The second runner-up was crowned by Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group, and Preethi Parakkat, MD of Parakkat Jewels. Dr Ajit Ravi, the founder of the Miss Glam Universe competition and Chairman of Pegasus, officiated the prize announcement and coronation. The event showcased 13 stunning contestants from around the globe.

Lara Vitoria Gama De Oliveira E Silva (Model & Pageant Winner, Brazil), Dr Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik, Malaysia), Meghna Alam (Model & Actress, Bangladesh), Kanika Kapur (Model & Actress, India) and Rita Mathen (Owner, Pro Nails Studio, Russia) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons. Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels crafted the exquisite gold crown presented to the winners of Miss Glam Universe 2024.

Continental Titles

  1. Miss Glam Universe Asia – India
  2. Miss Glam Universe Africa – Mauritius
  3. Miss Glam Universe Europe – Slovakia
  4. Miss Glam Universe South America – Brazil
  5. Miss Glam Universe Eurasia – Russia

Sub Titles

  1. Miss Glam Universe Fashionista – Czech Republic
  2. Miss Glam Universe Talent – Malaysia
  3. Miss Glam Universe Inspiring – Israel
  4. Miss Glam Universe Vivacious – Taiwan
  5. Miss Glam Universe Shining Star – India
  6. Miss Glam Universe Ramp Walk – India
  7. Miss Glam Universe Adorable – Slovakia
  8. Miss Glam Universe National Costume – Czech Republic

SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE Watches were the main partners of Miss Glam Universe 2024 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Manappuram Finance Ltd, Green Media, Parakkat Resorts, VIBE and Alcazar Watches were the powered by Partners. Co-partners were Kalpana International, FICF, Unique Times, Aiswaria Advertisements, Padikkal Travels Private Ltd, Image Factory, St Joseph Hospital Trust, VeeKayVees Caterers, Akshay Inco and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

The primary goal of organizing this competition is to celebrate and highlight the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country while actively promoting tourism. Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd stands out as the only company globally to eliminate the widely recognized Bikini round from its pageants. Instead, the focus is placed on evaluating talent and personality, making these the central pillars of judgment.

Jesrin Hossain Toma (Bangladesh), Carlette Anna Barbara (Belgium), Kawane Bueno (Brazil), Tereza Zakova (Czech Republic), Jade Morcrette (France), Shailja Sharma (India), Ortal Sima Ben Shimshon (Israel), Vanessa Cruez Aloysious Cruez (Malaysia), Roshnee Priyadarshi Dowlut (Mauritius), Pan La Yaung (Myanmar), Daria Ianicheva (Russia), Sofia Pavlikova (Slovakia) and Li Chih-Yi (Taiwan) were the contestants.

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India’s Tamanna Bharat Clinches Miss Asia Global 2024 Title

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Tamanna Bharat from India wins the Miss Asia Global 2024 title, with Tereza Zakova from the Czech Republic as the first runner-up, Christine Glory Balboa from the Philippines as the second runner-up, and Vitoria Gale Amorim Pedro Da Silva from Portugal as the third runner-up. The 6th edition of the pageant, held on 21st November at the Gokulam Convention Centre, Kochi, was impeccably organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi, delivering a memorable and extraordinary celebration of beauty, talent, and cultural diversity.

Sajan Varghese, CMD of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, presented the Miss Asia 2024 title to the winner. Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group, crowned the first runner-up, while Kanika Kapur, former Miss Asia 2015, crowned the second runner-up. Preethi Parakkat, MD of Parakkat Jewels, crowned the third runner-up. Dr Ajit Ravi, founder of the Miss Asia Global competition and Chairman of Pegasus, presided over the prize announcement and coronation ceremony, which showcased 18 contestants from across the globe.

Lara Vitoria Gama De Oliveira E Silva (Model & Pageant Winner, Brazil), Dr Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik, Malaysia), Meghna Alam (Model & Actress, Bangladesh), Kanika Kapur (Model & Actress, India) and Rita Mathen (Owner, Pro Nails Studio, Russia) were on the judging panel. The winners of the subtitles were selected by a panel of eminent persons. Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewelers crafted the exquisite gold crown presented to the winners of Miss Asia Global.

SUBTITLES

  1. Miss Asia Global Solidarity – India
  2. Miss Asia Global Fashionista – Indonesia
  3. Miss Asia Global Talent – Japan
  4. Miss Asia Global Sensational – Indonesia
  5. Miss Asia Global Diligent – Philippines
  6. Miss Asia Global Inspiring – Portugal
  7. Miss Asia Global Vivacious – Portugal
  8. Miss Asia Global Shining Star – Israel
  9. Miss Asia Global Ramp Walk – Czech Republic
  10. Miss Asia Global Adorable – Taiwan
  11. Miss Asia Global National Costume – Malaysia

SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and Alcazar Watches were the main partners of Miss Asia Global 2024 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Manappuram Finance Ltd, Green Media, Parakkat Resorts, VIBE, and DQUE Watches were powered by Partners.

Co-partners were Kalpana International, FICF, Unique Times, Aiswaria Advertisements, Padikkal Travels Private Ltd, Image Factory, St Joseph Hospital Trust, VeeKayVees Caterers, Akshay Inco and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

The main objective behind organizing this competition is to showcase the rich and diverse cultural values of the country, while also promoting tourism. Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd distinguishes itself as the only company in the world that has chosen to eliminate the widely recognized Bikini round from their pageants. Instead, they prioritize talent and personality as the key criteria for evaluation.

Jesrin Hossain Toma (Bangladesh), Carlette Anna Barbara (Belgium), Kawane Bueno (Brazil), Tereza Zakova (Czech Republic), Jade Morcrette (France), Tamanna Bharat (India), Raden Ayu Belva Elora Nuro Iryadi (Indonesia), Michal Hana Iofedov (Israel), Mizuki Kase (Japan), Vanessa Cruez Aloysious Cruez (Malaysia), Roshnee Priyadarshi Dowlut (Mauritius), Pan La Yaung (Myanmar), Christine Glory Balboa (Philippines), Vitoria Gale Amorim Pedro Da Silva (Portugal), Daria Ianicheva (Russia), Miljana Mitov (Serbia), Sofia Pavlikova (Slovakia) and Li Chih-Yi (Taiwan) were the contestants.

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Eshani Laiju from India Clinches the Crown Teen Glam World 2024

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Eshani Laiju from India has been crowned the winner of Teen Glam World 2024, with Alyssa Coolens from France securing the first runner-up position and Y A A Tharushi Jayawardhana from Sri Lanka as the second runner-up. The debut edition of this much-anticipated pageant, showcasing exceptional talent among contestants aged 13 to 18 from around the world, concluded on 21st November at the Gokulam Convention Centre, Kochi. Organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi, the event redefined the celebration of youth, talent, and individuality.

Sajan Varghese, CMD of SAJ Group of Hotels & Resorts, and Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group, crowned the title winner and the first runner-up. Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, crowned the second runner-up. Dr Ajit Ravi, the founder of the Teen Glam World competition and Chairman of Pegasus, officiated the prize announcement and coronation ceremony.

The judging panel for Teen Glam World 2024 included Lara Vitoria Gama De Oliveira E Silva (Model & Pageant Winner, Brazil), Dr Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik, Malaysia), Meghna Alam (Model & Actress, Bangladesh), Kanika Kapur (Model & Actress, India) and Rita Mathen (Owner, Pro Nails Studio, Russia), all of whom brought their expertise to evaluate the contestants. Breaking away from traditional pageantry norms, Pegasus prioritizes talent and personality over conventional practices, focusing on empowering young individuals and fostering confidence. Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels crafted the exquisite gold crown presented to the winners of Teen Glam World 2024.

Subtitles

Teen Glam World National Costume – France
Teen Glam World Talent – India

SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and Alcazar Watches were the main partners of Teen Glam World 2024 organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Manappuram Finance Ltd, Green Media, Parakkat Resorts, VIBE, and DQUE Watches were the powered by Partners. Co-partners were Kalpana International, FICF, Unique Times, Aiswaria Advertisements, Padikkal Travels Private Ltd, Image Factory, St Joseph Hospital Trust, VeeKayVees Caterers, Akshay Inco and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

The event showcased Pegasus’ unparalleled commitment to innovation and quality, with its mission to promote cultural diversity and tourism while creating an empowering platform for young talent. Teen Glam World 2024 left a lasting impression with its grandeur, purpose, and celebration of youthful excellence.

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Russia Fires ICBM at Ukraine’s Dnipro in Unprecedented Escalation

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Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Thursday. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh with a range of 5,800 kilometers, was reportedly non-nuclear and accompanied by a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted. The attack injured two people and targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipro, underscoring the intensifying military hostilities.

This marks the first reported use of an ICBM in the over 1,000-day war. The RS-26, a nuclear-capable missile tested successfully in 2012, represents a significant show of force from Moscow. The move comes days after Russia warned of retaliation following Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian-held territory, signaling escalating tensions between the warring nations.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR) described the alleged ICBM deployment as “unprecedented.” Andrey Baklitskiy of the UNIDR noted that ICBMs, typically strategic nuclear deterrents, are rarely used in active military operations due to their high cost and precision capabilities. Russia has not officially commented on the Ukrainian Air Force’s claims.

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Suspected Sabotage: Undersea Cables Severed in the Baltic Sea

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has described the severing of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea as potential acts of sabotage or “hybrid action,” amid heightened tensions with Russia. A 1,170km telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Germany was severed on Monday, and a 218km internet link between Lithuania and Sweden’s Gotland Island failed on Sunday. Authorities from Germany, Finland, and Sweden have expressed concerns, noting that such incidents are unlikely to occur accidentally, with Finnish telecom firm Cinia suggesting “an outside force” was involved.

The cables, vital for telecommunications and internet connectivity, intersect in the Baltic Sea, but the damages are believed to have occurred in separate locations. The Finnish cable’s damage, near Sweden’s Oland Island, may take up to 15 days to repair, while Arelion, the operator of the Lithuanian link, estimates a two-week repair period. While some disruptions to internet capacity were reported, alternative routes have mitigated major impacts. Experts, however, remain cautious about ruling out accidental causes, such as fishing vessels or ships, even as the timing raises suspicions.

These incidents follow a series of suspected sabotage events in the Baltic, including the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion in 2022 and the October 2023 damage to a natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. Pistorius and other European leaders have linked the threats to broader security risks stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for vigilance against hybrid warfare by malicious actors. Investigations into the cable damage are ongoing.

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