featured News

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

By 71 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

Siri H S Wins the Coveted Unique Times and DQUE Watches Miss South India 2026 Crown

By 165 0

The 24th edition of Unique Times and DQUE Watches Miss South India 2026, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., was held on August 9, 2026, at Le Méridien Kochi. Siri H S (Karnataka) was crowned the winner, while Nidhika Sonu Augustine (Kerala) secured the First Runner-Up position and Harini Anand (Karnataka) was named the Second Runner-Up.

The winners were announced and the crowning ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global. The winner was crowned by Ashwarea Ulhas, 2025 Miss Glam Universe First Runner-Up, along with Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, and Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd.

Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar Resort & Spa, and Annie Varghese, Director of SAJ Group of Hotels, crowned the First Runner-Up, while Preethi Parakkat, Managing Director of Parakkat Jewels, and Deepthi Vijayakumar, Managing Director of Aiswaria OOH Media, crowned the Second Runner-Up. The winners were presented with golden tiaras specially designed by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels. Contestants selected through various stages from numerous applicants across South India competed for the prestigious title.

The esteemed judging panel included Rinky Shah (Entrepreneur, Fashion Icon and Beauty Influencer), Punam Chetry (Fashion Influencer, Designer and Model), Ashwarea Ulhas (First Runner-Up, Miss Glam Universe 2025; Second Runner-Up, Miss Asia Global 2025; First Runner-Up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025), Pournami Murali (Miss India Glam World 2026), and Rashmi Thakur (Miss Planet India 2016, Humanitarian Leader, Cultural Advocate and Social Activist).

Regional title winners

  1. Miss Tamil Nadu – Nikhithaa Prabhuram
  2. Miss Queen Kerala – Nidhika Sonu Augustine
  3. Miss Queen Karnataka – Jaanvi Mishra
  4. Miss Queen Andhra – Madhura Sahithi
  5. Miss Queen Telangana – Sana Qaiyum

Subtitle winners:

  1. Miss Popularity Queen – Siri H S
  2. Miss Talent – Gayathri Govindaraaj
  3. Miss Inspiring – Harini Anand
  4. Miss Vivacious – Evangelin Sona
  5. Miss Ramp Walk – Jaanvi Mishra
  6. Miss Congeniality – Niveditha Sadasivam
  7. Miss Fashionista – Nidhika Sonu Augustine

The powered by partners were FICF, SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts, Alcazar Watches, Vibe Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, 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, Roopesh Mokeri Photography and Snapshot Wedding Company, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Akshay Inco, and VKS Beauty and Bridal Lounge.

Bringing together talent from across South India, the pageant provided a platform for young women to showcase their grace, confidence, and individuality, making this edition a truly unforgettable event.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Baiju Gopalan Earns the Prestigious Manappuram Unique Times MBA Award

By 56 0

Baiju Gopalan, Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, was honoured with the 22nd edition of the Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award at a grand ceremony held at Le Méridien Kochi on August 9, 2026. The prestigious award was presented by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., the MBA Award, and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).

As the Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, Baiju Gopalan has played a key role in expanding the group’s presence across sectors such as finance, automobiles, hospitality, healthcare, education, real estate, media, and entertainment. Through his visionary leadership and focus on innovation, he has strengthened the conglomerate’s reputation as one of India’s leading business groups. Serving as the Global President of the Indian World Wide Chamber of Commerce, he actively promotes international trade and collaboration while championing initiatives in education, healthcare, women empowerment, environmental sustainability, disaster relief, and community development.

With this honour, Baiju Gopalan joins the elite ranks of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), an exclusive global business forum comprising business leaders with assets exceeding ₹1,000 crore and a strong commitment to social responsibility. Moreover, it is the only exclusive club for the affluent in the world that does not charge any membership fee.

Instituted to recognize visionary entrepreneurs with outstanding business achievements and social contributions, the MBA Award has previously been conferred upon 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, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, and Dr. Yogesh Lakhani.

The MBA Award remains one of the country’s most prestigious honours, celebrating business leaders whose entrepreneurial vision and social commitment have created a lasting impact on society.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Fire at Russian Oil Refinery Extinguished After Drone Attack

By 87 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 56 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 82 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 80 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 76 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 80 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

featured News Trending

Germany Investigates Suspected Drone Attack at Airport

By 87 0

German federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into a suspected drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, describing it as a potential threat to national security. Authorities said a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator was found near the runway, while another suspected drone reportedly collided with a cargo aircraft, which later landed safely with minor damage.

The incident temporarily disrupted operations at the airport, a major cargo hub used by DHL, Lufthansa Cargo, Amazon, and NATO’s Strategic Airlift programme. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as a hybrid attack, and investigators are examining whether it was an attempt to target critical transport infrastructure.

No suspects have been identified, and officials have not confirmed who was behind the incident. However, authorities have not ruled out the involvement of foreign actors, and the investigation remains ongoing as Germany assesses the security implications of the attack.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright