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Brigitte Bardot to Be Laid to Rest in Saint-Tropez by the Sea

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French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot, who died last month at the age of 91, will be buried on Wednesday in the Riviera resort town of Saint-Tropez. Her funeral service will take place at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, followed by a private burial in a local cemetery overlooking the sea, in the town where she spent much of her later life away from the public eye.

A public tribute open to residents and fans will be held at the Pré des Pêcheurs in La Ponche, the historic quarter of Saint-Tropez. Bardot rose to international fame in the 1950s with And God Created Woman, becoming a defining symbol of liberated femininity and a global pop culture icon. She was also the first celebrity to model for a bust of Marianne, emblem of the French Republic.

After retiring from films in 1973, Bardot withdrew from public life to focus on animal welfare, becoming one of France’s most prominent animal rights activists. In later years, her outspoken support for the far-right National Front and controversial remarks on social issues led to multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred. Several political figures, including Marine Le Pen and Equality Minister Aurore Bergé, are expected to attend the funeral.

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Nestle Recalls Infant Formula in 25 Countries Over Toxin Risk

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Nestle announced a major recall of some batches of its infant nutrition products, including SMA, BEBA, and NAN formulas, across Europe, Turkey, and Argentina due to potential contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. The recall, which began on a smaller scale in December, comes after testing revealed an issue with an ingredient supplied by a leading vendor. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products.

The Swiss food giant is activating alternative suppliers for the affected ingredient, ramping up production at multiple factories, and accelerating the distribution of unaffected products to maintain supply. Cereulide cannot be destroyed by boiling water or typical formula preparation, and can cause rapid-onset food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps, according to the UK Food Standards Agency.

Austria’s health ministry stated that the recall involves over 800 products from more than 10 factories, marking the largest recall in Nestle’s history. The company’s investigation traced the contaminated ingredient back to a factory in the Netherlands, though it was used across multiple production sites internationally. Nestle is working to minimize supply disruption while ensuring safety.

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Pournami Murali from Kerala Wins the Title Miss India Glam World 2026

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The grand finale held on January 6th in Kerala, India, became a vibrant celebration of culture and elegance as Pournami Murali from Kerala was crowned Alcazar Watches Miss India Glam World 2026. Organized with distinction by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, the national pageant brought together exceptional women from across the country, highlighting diversity, talent, and beauty with purpose.

Accompanying the winner on the podium were Soumya S Thomas from Kerala, who was named first runner-up, and Sanjana Akasam from Telangana as second runner-up. The title winner was crowned by former Miss India Glam World Shwetha Jayaram, while the first runner-up was crowned by Deepthi Vijayakumar, Managing Director of Aiswaria Advertising, and the second runner-up was crowned by Preethi Parakkat, Managing Director of Parakkat Jewels, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd.

Presiding over the judging process were a distinguished panel of experts from around the world: Archana Ravi (Model and Actress), Harmeet Singh Gupta (Managing Director, U&I Entertainment), Ankita Kharat (Miss Queen of India 2016, Singer & Model), and Nikita Thomas (Miss South India 2019 & Model).

Regional Titles:

Miss India Glam World North – Saumya Shukla (UP)

Miss India Glam World West – Aditi Tambe (Maharashtra)

Miss India Glam World South – Srushti S (Karnataka)

Subtitle Winners:

1. Miss India Glam World Solidarity – Aiswarya Padmakumar (Kerala)

2. Miss India Glam World Fashionista – Shrutika Rathod (Maharashtra)

3. Miss India Glam World Popularity – Juhi Singh (Telangana)

4. Miss India Glam World Congeniality – Ritu Jaiswar (Maharashtra)

5. Miss India Glam World Humaneness – Meenakshi Unnikrishnan (Kerala)

6. Miss India Glam World Inspiring – Meenakshi Unnikrishnan (Kerala)

7. Miss India Glam World Vivacious – Nishita Tahilramani (Kerala)

8. Miss India Glam World Talent – Sanjana Akasam (Telangana)

9. Miss India Glam World Ramp Walk – Aditi Tambe (Maharashtra)

The crown worn by the winners was handcrafted by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, symbolizing beauty with cultural depth. The event was powered by FICF, SAJ Group, Unique Times, Parakkat Resorts, JVK Motors, DQ, DQUE Watches, and Vedha Architects, while the main partner was Alcazar Watches.

Co-partners who contributed to the event’s grandeur included DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Aiswaria Outdoor Media, Europe Times, UT World, Times New, uniquetimes.org, Kalpana International Salon & Spa, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, and Green Media.

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Alcazar Watches Mrs India Global 2026: Dr. Varna Sampath from Karnataka Takes Home the Crown

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Carrying an aura of poise, self-assurance, and rich cultural heritage, Dr. Varna Sampath from Karnataka claimed the prestigious title of Alcazar Watches Mrs India Global 2026. The glittering grand finale, hosted on January 6th in Kerala, India, showcased a national celebration of womanhood. Curated by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., the event featured outstanding contestants from across the country, highlighting inclusivity, excellence, and meaningful beauty.

Sharing the spotlight with the winner were Milenta Mariam Chacko from Karnataka, who earned the first runner-up title, and Dr. Deepikha Krishnaraj from Tamil Nadu, who was declared the second runner-up. The title winner was crowned by Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., while the first runner-up was crowned by Preethi Parakkat, Managing Director of Parakkat Jewels, and the second runner-up was crowned by Deepthi Vijayakumar, Managing Director of Aiswaria Advertising, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd.

Overseeing the competition was an esteemed panel of judges featuring Archana Ravi (Model & Actress), Harmeet Singh Gupta (Managing Director, U&I Entertainment), Ankita Kharat (Miss Queen of India 2016, Singer & Model), and Nikita Thomas (Miss South India 2019 & Model).

Regional Titles:
Mrs India Global East – Satadipa Sarkar (West Bengal)
Mrs India Global West – Ramneet Kaur Saini (Maharashtra)
Mrs India Global South – Sheena V Kunnuth (Kerala)

Subtitle Winners:
1. Mrs India Global Solidarity – Ramneet Kaur Saini (Maharashtra)
2. Mrs India Global Fashionista – Sheena V Kunnuth (Kerala)
3. Mrs India Global Popularity Queen – Dr. Deepikha Krishnaraj (Tamil Nadu)
4. Mrs India Global Congeniality – Anjela Francis (Kerala)
5. Mrs India Global Humaneness – Sheena V Kunnuth (Kerala)
6. Mrs India Global Inspiring – Satadipa Sarkar (West Bengal)
7. Mrs India Global Vivacious – Dr. Varna Sampath (Karnataka)
8. Mrs India Global Talent – Dr. Varna Sampath (Karnataka)
9. Mrs India Global Ramp Walk – Milenta Mariam Chacko (Karnataka)

The crown worn by the winners was handcrafted by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, symbolizing beauty with cultural depth. The event was powered by FICF, SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, Unique Times, Parakkat Resorts, JVK Motors, DQ, DQUE Watches, and Vedha Architects, with Alcazar Watches as the main partner.

Co-partners who contributed to the event’s grandeur included DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Aiswaria Outdoor Media, Europe Times, UT World, Times New, uniquetimes.org, Kalpana International Salon & Spa, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, and Green Media.

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Leaders & Changemakers Felicitated at the Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award

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The Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award took place on January 6, honoring exceptional women achievers who have made remarkable contributions across diverse professional arenas, driving leadership, growth, and social transformation. Awards were presented by business leaders including Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Chairman, Sree Gokulam Group of Companies and FICF; Dr. A. V. Anoop, Managing Director, AVA Group of Companies; Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing Director, ERAM Holdings; and Dr. Suresh Kumar Madhusudhanan, Secretary General, INMECC in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd.

Sheela Kochouseph, Founder & CMD of V-Star Creations Pvt. Ltd., received the Excellence in Business Expansion & Brand Building Award, recognizing her visionary leadership in steering brand growth and establishing a powerful business legacy.

Sherly Regimon, Founder & Creative Lead of Milan Design, was honored with the Excellence in Boutique Innovation Award for redefining creative expression in boutique design and craftsmanship.

Television personality Lakshmi Nakshathra received the Excellence in Television & Digital Innovation Award, celebrating her dynamic influence across entertainment and digital media platforms.

Adv. Maneesha Radhakrishnan was recognized with the Excellence in Social Impact Media & Legal Awareness Award for her dedicated efforts in legal advocacy and socially responsible communication.

Aishwarya Nandilath, Director of Nandilath G-Mart, received the Excellence in Next-Gen Business Innovation Award, highlighting her role in driving modernization and futuristic business strategies.

Dr. Gigi Samsheer, Founder of Dr. Gigi’s Clinic for Women, was honored with the Excellence in Women’s Healthcare Award for her commitment to advancing compassionate, accessible, and specialized healthcare for women.

Unique Times Editor Dr Ajit Ravi emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a platform that motivates women to pursue leadership, innovation, and social responsibility across industries. The awards not only celebrate the achievements of these distinguished honorees but also reflect their collective role in inspiring future generations and reshaping the path of progress for women in society.

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Dr Siddeek Ahmed Receives Manappuram Unique Times MBA Award

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The 20th edition of the Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award was conferred upon Dr Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman and Managing Director of ERAM Holdings, on 6th January. The honour was presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Chairman, Sree Gokulam Group of Companies and FICF, Dr A V Anoop, Managing Director of AVA Group of Companies, in the presence of Dr Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, the MBA Award, and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).

Dr Siddeek Ahmed, a visionary leader who has transformed innovation into impact. From humble beginnings to leading a global conglomerate across 16 countries, he has championed initiatives in technology, sustainability, skill development, healthcare, and education — guided by a core belief that true progress empowers communities and inspires future generations.

With this remarkable achievement, Dr Siddeek Ahmed joins the elite ranks of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF) — one of the world’s most prestigious business clubs. FICF membership is exclusive to business leaders who possess a minimum of ₹1,000 crore in assets and demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility. The forum represents excellence in business accomplishments and encourages its members to channel their innovative ideas and leadership to promote societal progress. FICF aims to be a platform where entrepreneurial success meets impactful social contributions.

The MBA Award, instituted to recognize exceptional business leaders with significant social involvement, has previously been bestowed upon a number of iconic entrepreneurs, including 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 and Dr Vijay Sankeshwar.

The MBA Award stands as a distinguished symbol of recognition, celebrating visionary entrepreneurs who drive transformative change in both business and society.

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Macron Brings Ukraine and Allies Together to Push Security Guarantees

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French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from more than 30 allied nations in Paris as efforts intensify to secure long-term security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The meeting includes members of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” as well as US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, amid claims from Zelensky that a US-backed peace plan is largely agreed.

While around 90% of the proposed framework is said to be settled, the remaining disagreements centre on territorial concessions Ukraine is being asked to consider. Russia currently controls most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine and has shown little willingness to compromise, while continuing intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during winter. Ukraine, meanwhile, has stepped up drone strikes inside Russia, including on energy facilities.

Talks in Paris are focused on defining post-war security arrangements, including the possibility of a multinational reassurance force, long-term military and economic support for Ukraine, and guarantees in case of renewed Russian aggression. European allies are also seeking a clear US commitment to act if Russia breaches a future peace deal, though broader geopolitical tensions involving recent US actions abroad and disputes over Greenland risk overshadowing the discussions.

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Pope Leo Closes Holy Year, Calls for Compassion Toward Foreigners

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Pope Leo on Tuesday formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging Christians around the world to show greater kindness to those in need, especially foreigners and migrants. Speaking at a Vatican ceremony, he reflected on the record 33.5 million pilgrims who visited Rome during the jubilee, calling on them to recognise humanity in strangers rather than viewing people as commodities.

Highlighting themes that have defined the early months of his papacy, Leo criticised what he described as a distorted global economy that seeks to profit from everything, including human movement and aspiration. Dressed in gold-trimmed vestments, the pope shut the bronze Holy Door at 9:41 a.m., officially ending the jubilee year, which traditionally symbolises peace, forgiveness and renewal for Catholics.

The 2025 Holy Year was notable as a rare historical event, having been opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, following Francis’ death in April after 12 years as pontiff. Vatican officials said pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, led by Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland. The next jubilee is not expected before 2033, when the Church may mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

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Swiss Ski Bar Fire Exposes Safety Lapses After Years Without Inspection

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Authorities in Switzerland have revealed that Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a devastating fire killed 40 people and injured 116 on New Year’s Day, had not undergone a safety inspection for five years. Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the council could not explain the lapse but expressed deep regret, acknowledging responsibility and apologising to the victims’ families.

The mayor announced that sparklers, believed to have ignited the blaze after being held too close to the ceiling, would be banned from all local venues. An external contractor will be appointed to inspect and audit all 128 establishments in the area. Feraud admitted that a small inspection team was responsible for overseeing more than 10,000 buildings, but said he had no explanation for why the bar had not been checked since 2019.

Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation, placing the two managers of the bar under scrutiny for suspected manslaughter and arson by negligence. While Feraud said it would be up to judges to determine whether local officials would also face investigation, the tragedy has raised wider questions about Switzerland’s decentralised safety enforcement system and whether warning signs were overlooked.

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Greek Airspace Blackout Raises Alarm Over Ageing Aviation Systems

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Greece’s air traffic control system suffered a major communications outage on Sunday, cutting contact between controllers and aircraft across much of the country and forcing authorities to suspend flights into and over Greek airspace. Controllers described radios falling silent mid-operation, replaced by a high-pitched noise, while internet systems also failed, disrupting coordination nationwide. The outage, which lasted several hours, stranded thousands of passengers before systems inexplicably came back online.

Officials have ruled out a cyberattack but admitted they do not yet know what caused the blackout or how it resolved itself. Controllers managed to find a limited number of functioning radio frequencies, but not enough to ensure safe operations, prompting the unprecedented shutdown. Neighbouring countries assisted using telephone communication, with aviation experts describing the episode as a “black hole” in Greek airspace that could have caused chaos during peak tourist season.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of Greece’s ageing and underfunded air traffic infrastructure, much of which dates back to the 1990s. Unions and experts warn that outdated equipment and staffing shortages pose ongoing safety risks, despite government assurances that modernisation plans meeting EU standards are underway and scheduled for completion by 2028. Critics argue that human expertise can no longer compensate for systemic weaknesses, warning of further disruptions if upgrades are delayed.

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