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Unique Times Conclave 2024: A Focus on Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment

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The Unique Times Conclave 2024, in partnership with Manappuram Finance Ltd, recently convened a prestigious panel to explore “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Women’s Empowerment” during an event on May 13th. The conclave brought together leading figures from various industries, with notable opening remarks and a speech by Mr. Jiji Mammen, Executive Director & CEO of Sa-Dhan. His insights shed light on significant trends and obstacles within the industry, providing a meaningful context that enhanced the dialogues throughout the day.

Moderated by Dr. Fathima Nilufer Sheriff, founder and CEO of Therefore I’m, the panel discussions delved into the complexities of entrepreneurship faced by women and explored strategies for empowerment and success. The panel included powerful voices like Mrs. Nazneen Jehangir (CEO NeST Digital), Ms. Devika Shreyams Kumar, (Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi Group) and other notable figures such as Mrs. Parveen Hafeez (Sunrise Group of Hospitals Chairperson and Managing Director), Adv Anna Linda Eden (High Court of Kerala), Dr. Lekshmi Nair,  Director (Center for Advanced Legal Studies), Dr. Radha P Thevannoor (Director & Group Director, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions) and Dr. Elizabeth Chacko (CEO & Managing Director, Kalpana Beauty Salon) who shared their experiences and insights, illustrating the resilience and innovation required to thrive. The event also included a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Thomas Varghese, head of the Cancer Department at St. Joseph Hospital, addressing the critical issue of breast cancer which added a significant dimension to the discourse on women’s health and leadership.

The conclave concluded on an inspirational note that encouraged continuous engagement and dialogue among the participants. It reinforced the conclave’s aim to not only honor but actively support the growth and empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Through the combined efforts of its esteemed speakers and organizers, the event successfully highlighted the essential role of entrepreneurship in advancing women’s roles both in business and in wider societal contexts.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Mrs Kerala Global 2024: Revathy Mohan Takes the Crown

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Revathy Mohan clinched the prestigious title of Mrs Kerala Global 2024, an event presented by Unique Times and DQUE Soap. This grand pageant, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, was held at Le Meridien in Kochi on May 13th. Ashitha P S was named the first runner-up, and Julia Mariam Vijobi took home the second runner-up honor. Pegasus Chairman Ajit Ravi and Managing Director Jebitha Ajit crowned the winners.

12 skilled contestants, chosen through an intense audition process, demonstrated their talents at the grand finale. The event was a magnificent exhibition of elegance and composure.

Subtitle Winners

Mrs Kerala Solidarity – Gopika K

Mrs Kerala Fashionista – Viji K Viswanathan

Mrs Kerala Diligent – Ashitha P S

Mrs Kerala Inspiring – Thushara George

Mrs Kerala Vivacious – Roshni Vinodkumar

Mrs Kerala Shining Star – Pooja

Mrs Kerala Ramp Walk – Anagha P John

Mrs Kerala Tenacious – Sangeetha Sanal

Mrs Kerala Renaissance – Ramya P

Mrs Kerala Congeniality – Julia Mariam Vijobi

Mrs Kerala Talent – Revathy Mohan

Mrs Kerala Humaneness –  Sheena V Kunnuth

The judging panel consisted of distinguished individuals, including Reshma George (Bharatnatyam Dancer), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Aries Group of Companies), Renju Renjimar (Celebrity Makeup Artist), and Nisha Mathew (entrepreneur, actor, and producer).

Subtitles winners were selected by a panel of prominent figures, heightening the event’s excitement. Winners received exquisitely crafted gold crowns presented by Preeti Prakash from Parakkat Jewelers.

The pageant was bolstered by major partners like Unique Times and DQUE 78 TFM Grade One Soap, and was further supported by Manappuram Finance Ltd, SAJ Group, VIBE, Mr Light, and Parakkat Resorts as powered by partners. Co-partners included Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, Kalpana International Salon & Spa, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Vee Kay Vees Caterers, Gireesh Photography, Alcazar, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, St Joseph Hospital, Akshay Inco, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

Anagha P John, Ashitha P S, Gopika K, Julia Mariam Vijobi, Pooja, Ramya P, Revathy Mohan, Roshni Vinodkumar, Sangeetha Sanal, Sheena V Kunnuth, Thushara George and Viji K Viswanathan were the contestants. The exclusive pageant celebrated the beauty, talent, and grace of women from Kerala, inspiring empowerment and equal opportunities. With distinguished guests in attendance, a deserving winner was crowned, leaving the audience in awe of the participants’ remarkable achievements.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography

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Armenia Reports Exodus of 100,000 Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh Region

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Armenia has reported that more than 100,000 people have fled the Nagorno-Karabakh region since Azerbaijan’s recent seizure, essentially causing the entire population of this ethnic Armenian enclave to evacuate. While Azerbaijan has expressed its intention to reintegrate the area and treat its residents equally, Armenian officials have dismissed these claims as false.

For three decades, Nagorno-Karabakh, recognized as part of Azerbaijan, had been under the control of ethnic Armenians and received support from Armenia and Russia. The recent conflict resulted in casualties on both sides, with at least 200 ethnic Armenians and dozens of Azerbaijani soldiers killed.

As part of a ceasefire agreement, separatists have agreed to surrender their weapons. The leader of the self-declared Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh has announced that the region will cease to exist in the new year.

Armenia’s prime minister’s spokesperson, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, stated that over 100,000 refugees have entered Armenia in the past week, out of Nagorno-Karabakh’s estimated population of 120,000. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has also confirmed that 100,000 people have fled and are in need of immediate assistance.

While some residents, mainly officials, emergency services employees, volunteers, and individuals with special needs, remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, they are expected to leave shortly.

In addition to casualties resulting from the conflict, a massive explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh took the lives of at least 170 people. The cause of the explosion near the main city of Khankendi (known as Stepanakert by Armenians) remains unclear.

The UN plans to send a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh to assess the humanitarian situation, with Azerbaijan’s approval. Armenia has stressed the importance of UN officials witnessing the plight of ethnic Armenians who have been displaced but has criticized Azerbaijan’s assurances as propaganda and false claims.

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‘August 27’: Filmic Masterpiece Resonating Beyond Borders

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In the ever-evolving realm of global cinema, ‘August 27’ has emerged as a remarkable triumph, enchanting audiences with its riveting storyline and impeccable performances. The film is directed by the illustrious Dr. Ajit Ravi Pegasus, a celebrated name in the fashion industry, who has seamlessly transitioned into the world of cinema. Produced under the banner of Pegasus Global Private Limited, ‘August 27’ has recently concluded a triumphant 20-day theatrical run, making an indelible mark on the global film landscape.

Director Dr Ajit Ravi Pegasus

What truly sets ‘August 27’ apart is its exceptional ensemble cast, comprising gifted individuals who breathe life into their characters with extraordinary finesse. The harmonious narrative, borne out of the creative synergy between screenwriter Kumbalathu Padmakumar and director Dr. Ajit Ravi, exemplifies cinematic brilliance. As the film continues to gain momentum, it is poised to captivate an even wider international audience with upcoming releases in multiple languages, in addition to its availability on the OTT platform.

Top Left to Right – Rishad N K, Jaseela Parveen ; Bottom Left to Right – Director Dr Ajit Ravi Pegasus, Shiju Rasheed

As the festive season approaches, ‘August 27’ stands as a must-watch for European cinephiles, emphasizing the potent blend of storytelling and artistic innovation on the silver screen. Its meteoric success underscores the universal resonance of captivating narratives, transcending geographical boundaries and striking a chord with global audiences, firmly establishing ‘August 27’ as a cinematic masterpiece that has taken the industry by storm.

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International Relations News Trending

Polish inquiry into “Russian influence” infuriates the EU

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After Polish lawmakers established a new commission that might prevent persons with ties to Russia from holding public office, the EU threatened to take action against Poland.

The committee, which was approved by Poland’s parliament last week, will look into alleged Russian meddling between 2007 and 2022. However, detractors assert that the panel, which will be predominated by members of the administration, is meant to criticise opposition leader and former prime minister Donald Tusk.

Didier Reynders, the EU’s justice commissioner, stated that the panel was of “special concern.”

Anyone found guilty of acting under “Russian influence” will be subject to a 10-year ban from managing public finances, effectively preventing them from holding public office.It will look at gas agreements made with Russia in particular since the government claims they made the nation unduly dependent on Moscow.

According to sources, the 10-member panel might present its initial report as early as September and is predicted to be controlled by lawmakers from the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS).

The EU Commission “will analyse the legislation and will not hesitate to take measures if it is needed,” Mr. Reynders told reporters in Brussels.

Without actual access to justice, including the ability to challenge an administrative decision before an impartial court, he continued, “it is impossible to agree on such a system.”

MPs from the opposition Civic Platform Party are concerned that the probe, which will focus on their party’s final period in office from 2007 to 2015, will try to undermine support for Mr. Tusk, who was prime minister at the time.

Despite not being a member of parliament, Mr. Tusk is now the party’s chairman and leader. He is anticipated to run against Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in elections later this year.

Krzysztof Brejza, the parliamentary leader of Civic Platform, referred to the new committee as a “Soviet-style idea” and charged that the administration had “organised a witch hunt against Donald Tusk and eliminated him” prior to the election.

Mark Brzezinski, the US ambassador to Poland, expressed his concern that the commission would “reduce voters’ ability to vote for those they want to vote for” on Monday. However, Mr. Morawiecki has defended the bill and charged Mr. Tusk with harbouring a secret.

Nothing should be feared, Mr. Morawiecki remarked, adding: “Why is this valued opposition of ours, especially Mr. Tusk, so terrified of a commission to verify Russian influence?

An ongoing dispute between Warsaw and the EU over judicial reforms resulted in the suspension of billions of euros in aid to Poland in January. Additionally, PiS has been charged with curtailing other civil liberties, including as press freedom, and opposition lawmakers claim Poland risks becoming an authoritarian state if the government is re-elected.

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State Visit of King Charles III to France Postponed Amid Mass Strikes and Protests

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On March 24th, French President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced the postponement of King Charles III’s state visit to France. The decision was made due to the ongoing mass strikes and protests in the country. Macron cited “common sense and friendship” as the reason for the delay and stated that the visit would likely be rescheduled for the beginning of summer.

The planned celebrations of cross-Channel relations were at risk of disruption from the strikes and protests against pension reforms. The main concern was that protesters would use the occasion to further their cause against Macron’s plans to increase the retirement age. The visit was due to start on Sunday, and officials from both sides were closely monitoring the situation, with potential last-minute changes to the three-day program being considered.

The decision to postpone the visit was made with the agreement of both the French and British governments, after Macron asked the British government to postpone the visit. The visit will be rearranged as soon as possible, and Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King and Queen Consort Camilla are looking forward to the opportunity to visit France when new dates can be found. The striking trade unionists threatened to withhold red carpets for the visit, but the body responsible insisted they would still be rolled out as planned

Accidents News Trending

Boat carrying African migrants sinks off Tunisia, leaving at least five dead and 28 missing in attempt to reach Italy

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A boat carrying African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy sank off the coast of Sfax, Tunisia, resulting in the deaths of at least five people, with another 28 missing. The Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights reported the incident, and the Tunisian authorities were not immediately available for comment. The southern city of Sfax has become a major point of departure for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East.

This incident coincides with a significant increase in the number of boats departing from the Tunisian coast towards Italy, as well as Tunisian authorities’ campaign to arrest undocumented sub-Saharan African immigrants. Unofficial United Nations data revealed that 12,000 people who reached Italy this year set sail from Tunisia, compared to only 1,300 in the same period of 2022. Prior to this, Libya served as the main launchpad for migrants from the region.

In conclusion, the sinking of the boat carrying African migrants off the coast of Tunisia highlights the risks that desperate people are willing to take in pursuit of a better life. The increase in boats departing from Tunisia, combined with the crackdown on undocumented immigrants, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and compassionate response to the ongoing migration crisis.

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Why Ukraine: Know The Back Story…..

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By invading Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has provoked one of Europe’s worst security crises since World War II, with missiles and artillery barrages accompanying troops as they entered the nation from various directions. In a video by WION YouTube Channel, Palki Sharma Upadhyay pointed out her view point about the matter ‘Why putin wants Ukraine’.

The Ukraine-Russia problem does not begin in 2021 or 2014; rather, it begins in the ninth century. Once these two countries were united. Ukraine used to hand over its nuclear weapons to Russia. But what happened now that they ready for the war.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a military assault against Ukraine. The armies entered Ukraine from multiple routes, sparking fears of a European conflict over Russia’s demands for a stop to NATO’s eastward expansion.

WHAT IS NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, often known as the North Atlantic Alliance, is a military alliance made up of 28 European and two North American countries. The organisation was founded in the aftermath of World War II to carry out the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed on April 4, 1949.

For months, Putin denied that he was plotting an invasion. In a televised statement, he said he had ordered “a special military action” to safeguard Russian citizens who had been victims of “genocide” in Ukraine.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have existed for many years. Tensions rose in 2021, however, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed US President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to join NATO. Ukraine is a democratic country with a population of 44 million people and a history dating back over 1,000 years. It is also, after Russia, the largest country in Europe by area.

It voted for independence from Moscow after the demise of the Soviet Union. Putin sees Ukraine as a man-made country ripped out of Russia by adversaries. He has also referred to Ukraine as a Western puppet. Russia was enraged by Zelensky’s request to join NATO, and it began stationing troops along the Ukraine border. The US observed unexpected Russian army movements near the Ukrainian border on November 10, 2021. On November 28, Ukraine announced that Russia has amassed about 92,000 troops in preparation for an attack in late January or early February.

Moscow, on the other hand, denied it and accused Kyiv of conducting its own military build-up. President Biden warned in December that if Russia invaded Ukraine, he would face heavy consequences. Putin has insisted on assurances from the West and Ukraine that the country will not join NATO.

This isn’t the first time that relations between Russia and Ukraine have risen. In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied the Crimean peninsula. President Putin’s backed rebels captured significant swaths of eastern Ukraine and fought the army. When its pro-Russian president was overthrown, the attack began. Since then, the battle has taken the lives of over 14,000 people.

He claims that contemporary Ukraine was totally built by communist Russia and that it is now a puppet state under Western influence. President Putin has also said that if Ukraine joins NATO, the alliance will attempt to reclaim Crimea.

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News Technology Trending

Ukraine Invasion: Facebook Access Restricted by Russia

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During the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has restricted access to Facebook due to the platform’s stance on the accounts of several Moscow-backed news outlets. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, accused the network of “censorship” and violating “Russian citizens’ rights and freedoms.”

Facebook stated that it would not stop fact-checking and labelling content from state-owned news outlets. The announcement came just one day after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine. It’s unclear what the regulator restrictions mean or how much Facebook parent company Meta’s other platforms – WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram – are affected. The regulator had demanded that Facebook remove the restrictions it imposed on state news agency RIA, state TV channel Zvezda, and pro-Kremlin news sites Lenta.Ru and Gazeta.Ru on 24th February.

Many state-owned Russian media outlets have painted a largely positive picture of Russia’s military advances in Ukraine, describing the invasion as a “special military operation” forced on Moscow. On 24th February, Meta announced the establishment of a “special operations centre” to monitor content related to the Ukrainian conflict.

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Joe Biden supports Israel’s right to self defence, in a phone call with Netanyahu

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As per the sorces, in a telephonic call with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden, supported Israel’s “right to defend itself” against indiscriminate rocket attacks and encouraged him to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians.

Biden welcomed efforts to address inter-communal violence and to bring calm to Jerusalem, the White House said in a readout of the call. As per the sources He encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians.

Joe Biden also expressed his concern that the current period of conflict has tragically claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children.

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