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Etna Eruption Sends Ash Cloud Over Sicily, Disrupting Catania Airport

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Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended on Monday after ash from an eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the area’s airspace. Airport operator SAC said arrivals were halted until 1500 GMT, while passengers were advised to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, was continuing to erupt from vents at elevations of around 2,750 and 2,360 metres. Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the activity was producing several lava flows and extensive lava fields on the volcano’s slopes.

The volcanic ash posed a significant risk to aircraft, prompting aviation authorities to maintain their highest red alert level. SAC said airport operations and weather conditions were being closely monitored, with further changes possible depending on the development of the eruption.

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Spain Checks Italy Arrivals as Migration Dispute Triggers Border Controls

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Spain checked nearly 200 travellers arriving from Italy at six major airports on the first day of newly reinstated border controls, following a growing dispute with Rome over irregular migration. Spain’s Interior Ministry said 199 passengers on 12 flights were checked at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante and Valencia.

The controls, covering flights and ships from Italy, are scheduled to remain in place until September 7. Spain introduced the measures after Italy suspended the Schengen border-free travel arrangements with Spain, following a surge in migration to Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta. Italy has said its own controls will remain in place until at least August 15 and will mainly target non-EU nationals arriving from Spain.

The dispute has raised concerns over temporary restrictions within Europe’s passport-free Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome hopes to lift its measures soon if the risk associated with irregular migration decreases.

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AfD Leads in Eastern Germany Ahead of Elections Despite Economic Concerns

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls in two eastern states ahead of September elections, despite economists warning that some of the party’s policies could hurt the regions’ already fragile economies. The AfD is polling at around 41% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where shrinking populations, labour shortages and lower incomes remain major challenges.

Experts say economic frustration and a lingering sense of being left behind since German reunification are important drivers of AfD support in the east. Both states have lost large numbers of young people, while ageing populations have contributed to severe skilled-worker shortages. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s GDP per capita is around 76% of Germany’s national average, while Saxony-Anhalt has the country’s highest proportion of pension-age residents.

Economists argue that AfD proposals, including reducing immigration, cutting state spending and potentially leaving the euro and European Union, could further weaken the region. A DIW Berlin study estimates Saxony-Anhalt could lose around €1,600 in annual income per person and 10,000 jobs under such policies. At the same time, local initiatives such as internationalising university programmes and attracting young talent are showing alternative ways for eastern Germany to address its labour and economic challenges.

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Manappuram Minnalai Television Awards Honours Television Excellence

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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.

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Italian Scientists Prepare New Solar Instrument for Crucial Eclipse Test

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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.

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

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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.

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Manappuram Unique Times Women Excellence Award Celebrates Media Icons

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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.

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Baiju Gopalan Earns the Prestigious Manappuram Unique Times MBA Award

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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.

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Fire at Russian Oil Refinery Extinguished After Drone Attack

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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.

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Rare Serbian Eagle Feliks Freed After Rescue From Poachers

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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.

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