Uncategorized

Manappuram Minnalai Television Awards Honours Television Excellence

By 87 0

The 22nd Manappuram Minnalai Television Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of television artists who have captivated audiences with their exceptional performances and dedication to the entertainment industry. The prestigious ceremony was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi, honoring personalities whose talent and commitment have significantly enriched the world of television. Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, and Managing Director Jebitha Ajit jointly presented the awards to the winners at the grand ceremony.

Nithin Jake Joseph was honored with the Best Serial Hero Award for his outstanding contribution to television, while Haritha G. Nair received the Best Serial Heroine Award in recognition of her exceptional performances. Arathy Sojan was presented with the Anti-Heroine Excellence Award, acknowledging her remarkable portrayal of challenging and memorable characters on screen.

The Minnalai Television Awards continue to recognize and celebrate extraordinary talents who have left a lasting impact on the television industry. The 22nd edition of the awards once again highlighted the dedication, hard work, and artistic excellence of performers who continue to entertain audiences and elevate the standards of television entertainment.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Italian Scientists Prepare New Solar Instrument for Crucial Eclipse Test

By 73 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

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

By 119 0

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.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award Celebrates Media Icons

By 70 0

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.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Fire at Russian Oil Refinery Extinguished After Drone Attack

By 103 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Rare Serbian Eagle Feliks Freed After Rescue From Poachers

By 70 0

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.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Bus Driver Knocks Explosive Drone Away at German Airport

By 96 0

A bus driver at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany reportedly kicked an explosive-laden drone out of the air after spotting it flying at low altitude, potentially preventing a major attack, a senior German lawmaker said. The drone crashed nearby and was later found to have been equipped with professional explosives and a detonator. Authorities have launched a counterterrorism investigation into the incident.

Leipzig/Halle is an important cargo and military logistics hub, serving as the main operational base for NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution and handling operations for companies including DHL. German media reported that the drone was found close to Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. Authorities have not identified the drone’s origin or explained how it entered the airport’s restricted area.

Officials praised the driver’s bravery but warned that his actions were extremely dangerous and should not be repeated. Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster said alerting authorities would have been sufficient. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also discussed the incident with senior government officials as investigators examine whether the drone was part of a planned attack.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Spain Pressures Italy to Lift Border Controls Amid Ceuta Migration Crisis

By 94 0

Spain has threatened to impose restrictions on travellers from Italy unless Rome removes border controls introduced after a mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid called the Italian measures unjustified and discriminatory, giving Italy until Sunday to reverse the restrictions. Italy, however, rejected what it described as ultimatums from Spain and said the controls would remain in place for now.

Italy suspended parts of the EU’s Schengen free-travel rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, citing concerns over a possible new migration wave. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government said it would reconsider the decision only after receiving assurances that there would be no fresh influx, security or terrorism threats, or movement of irregular migrants towards other parts of Europe. Spanish authorities have warned of online calls for another attempted border crossing into Ceuta on August 15.

The dispute has deepened tensions between the two EU allies, whose governments have taken different approaches to migration policy. Spain argues that migrants who entered Ceuta cannot simply access the wider Schengen area, while Italy maintains that the controls are necessary as a precaution. The crisis has also highlighted the growing political divide between Meloni’s tougher immigration stance and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s comparatively more liberal approach.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Heatwaves Worsen Europe’s Prison Overcrowding Crisis

By 94 0

Europe’s intense summer heatwaves are exposing severe overcrowding and poor conditions in ageing prisons across France, Italy, and Belgium. Inmates, prison officials, and rights groups say extreme temperatures inside overcrowded cells have made living conditions increasingly unbearable, with many facilities lacking proper ventilation, air conditioning, or cooling equipment.

Prison occupancy rates have reached 141.3% in France, 139.7% in Italy, and 121% in Belgium, placing additional strain on ageing infrastructure. Authorities have introduced temporary measures such as increased access to water, extra showers, fans, and sun cream, while prison directors report rising tensions, more inmate clashes, and greater stress among staff during heatwaves.

Governments and prison rights groups say long-term solutions require reducing overcrowding and modernising prison facilities. Italy has pledged to expand prison capacity and introduced measures allowing some inmates with addiction issues to serve sentences under rehabilitation programmes, while officials across Europe acknowledge that ageing prison infrastructure remains a major challenge as climate change intensifies heatwaves.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

US Ski Resort Giants Face Price-Fixing Lawsuit

By 90 0

Major U.S. ski resort operators, including Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company, have been sued in a federal court in Colorado over allegations of price-fixing. The proposed class-action lawsuit claims the companies worked with a ski industry association and a research firm to coordinate prices for lift tickets and multi-mountain season passes, affecting thousands of customers.

The lawsuit alleges the resort operators shared confidential pricing, revenue, and cost data with research firm RRC Associates, which then produced reports that helped guide pricing strategies across the industry. Plaintiffs also claim the widespread use of a shared dynamic-pricing platform contributed to coordinated pricing and reduced competition.

The defendants have not yet responded to the latest lawsuit. This is the second major antitrust case filed against Vail and Alterra in recent months, following an earlier lawsuit accusing the companies of unfairly bundling access to multiple ski resorts through season pass programmes.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright