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India’s Travel Tech Horizon Discussed at Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2025

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On July 17th, the Gokulam Park Convention Centre in Kochi witnessed a pioneering convergence of minds at the Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2025, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, led by visionary founder Dr Ajit Ravi. Themed “Revolutionizing Travel Through Technology: The Role of AI and Virtual Reality,” the summit spotlighted the transformative role of emerging technologies in reshaping mobility.

Moderated by Dr. K. A. Kuriachan, Former District Governor of Rotary International District 3200, the panel included Prasanna Patwardhan, V.C. Praveen, Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Babu Panicker, Manu G, Loknath Behera, Dr Jolly Antony—each a key player in India’s transport evolution. The Business Summit was organized as a joint initiative by Manappuram Finance Ltd, Unique Times, and the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).

Their dialogue delved into predictive analytics, AI-enhanced operations, and virtual experiences redefining travel behavior. The summit stood as a benchmark in integrating international perspectives with India’s rapidly advancing tech-driven transit goals.

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Unique Times Mobility Innovator Awards 2025 Celebrate India’s Travel Visionaries

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In a remarkable celebration of innovation and service in India’s travel sector, the Unique Times Mobility Innovator Awards took place on July 17 at Gokulam Park Convention Centre, recognizing key players shaping the nation’s mobility future. A joint initiative of Manappuram Finance Ltd., Unique Times, and the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), the awards honored five outstanding contributors.

Kallada Tours & Travels, under the leadership of Suresh Kallada, received the Innovator in Mobility Infrastructure Award. The Heritage Excellence in Tourism Award was awarded to Panicker’s Travels India Pvt. Ltd., represented by Babu Panicker. Neo Classic Cruise and Tours Pvt. Ltd., led by Nishyjith K John, was honored with the Innovative Travel Experience Award. Ramesh Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., headed by Ramesh Babu Gopal, received the Leader in Personal Mobility Services Award, while Padikkal Travels Pvt. Ltd. and Manoj Padikkal were celebrated for Excellence in School Transportation Services.

The honors were presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan (Sree Gokulam Group of Companies) during the formal ceremony, with Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus, also in attendance. The event reaffirmed the sector’s crucial role in building a more connected and sustainable India.

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Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia Triumphs as SAJ DQUE Miss Glam World 2025

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Kochi turned into a beacon of cultural celebration as Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia was crowned SAJ DQUE Miss Glam World 2025 at the much-anticipated grand finale held on July 17th at the Gokulam Park Convention Centre. This international pageant, organized with finesse by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, brought together remarkable women from 19 countries to celebrate diversity, brilliance, and beauty with purpose.

Accompanying the winner on the podium were Michal Hana Iofedov from Israel, who was named first runner-up, Karla Pejic from Serbia as second runner-up, and Shwetha Jayaram from India, who earned the title of third runner-up. The winner was crowned by the 2024 title holder, Man-Jung Kao. Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group of Hotels, Annie Reji, Director of SAJ Group of Hotels, and Dr Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., crowned the first runner-up, second runner-up, and third runner-up.

Presiding over the judging process were a distinguished panel of experts from around the world: Dr. G D Singh, founder and managing director of Unified Brainz Group Holdings Inc.; model and pageant winner Debasmita; Marcia Leonar Brito Machado Marques, an international model and mentor; Dr. Fong Toh Jeng, CEO and founder of UR Klinik; and TangLe Hsu, Mrs Glam World Asia 2024.

Continental Titles:

  • Miss Glam World Asia – Meru Saito (Japan)
  • Miss Glam World Africa – Melissa Ayanda Moyani (South Africa)
  • Miss Glam World Europe – Kateryna Voitovych (Ukraine)
  • Miss Glam World South America – Artieres Lydia (French Guiana)
  • Miss Glam World North America – Ingrid Michelle De La Rosa Galaviz (Mexico)

Subtitle Winners:

  • Miss Glam World National Costume – Esther Udoka Nmor (Nigeria)
  • Miss Glam World Fashionista – Odonchimeg Davaanyambuu (Mongolia)
  • Miss Glam World Talent – Aakriti C K (Nepal)
  • Miss Glam World Congeniality – Shwetha Jayaram (India)
  • Miss Glam World Diligent – Miss Pattarawadee Palakul (Thailand)
  • Miss Glam World Inspiring – Nikola Botosova (Czech Republic)
  • Miss Glam World Vivacious – Melissa Ayanda Moyani (South Africa)
  • Miss Glam World Shining Star – Artieres Lydia (French Guiana)
  • Miss Glam World Ramp Walk – Alina Farkhutdinova (Russia)
  • Miss Glam World Tenacious – Michal Hana Iofedov (Israel)

This year’s finalists represented a vibrant blend of cultures and languages. The contestants included Abinamba Jeanne D’Arc from Cameroon, Nikola Botosova from the Czech Republic, Peltier Coline from France, Artieres Lydia from French Guiana, Edwina Duho from Ghana, Shwetha Jayaram from India, Michal Hana Iofedov from Israel, Meru Saito from Japan, Ingrid Michelle De La Rosa Galaviz from Mexico, Odonchimeg Davaanyambuu from Mongolia, Aakriti C K from Nepal, Esther Udoka Nmor from Nigeria, Irina Nicoleta Tudorache from Romania, Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia, Karla Pejic from Serbia, Melissa Ayanda Moyani from South Africa, Li Ying Ying from Taiwan, Pattarawadee Palakul from Thailand, and Kateryna Voitovych from Ukraine.

The crown worn by the winners was handcrafted by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, symbolizing beauty with cultural depth. The event was powered by Manappuram Finance Ltd, Alcazar Watches, Unique Times, VIBE Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, and DQUE T-Shirts, while the main partners were SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE.

Co-partners who contributed to the event’s grandeur included Kalpana International, Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Unique Times, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, Padikkal Travels, Snapshoot, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and WRV Gold & Diamonds.

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Bellefontaine Marie from France Clinches the SAJ DQUE Teen Glam World 2025 Title

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Bellefontaine Marie from France has emerged victorious as SAJ DQUE Teen Glam World 2025, joined by Kao Peichieh from Taiwan as the first runner-up and Prinsu Gurung from Nepal as the second runner-up. Hosted at the Gokulam Park Convention Centre, Kochi, on July 17th, the dazzling finale brought together promising talents aged 13 to 18 from around the globe. The event was orchestrated by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, continuing its tradition of transforming young lives through empowerment and recognition. Ishani Laiju, the reigning Teen Glam World 2024 titleholder, crowned the Teen Glam World 2025 winner. The first runner-up was crowned by Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, while the second runner-up was crowned by Gokulam Gopalan of the Gokulam Group and Pegasus MD Jebitha Ajit, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder & Chairman of Pegasus.

Judging the finale were Dr G D Singh (Founder & Managing Director, Unified Brainz Group Holdings Inc.), Debasmita (Pageant Winner & Model), Marcia Leonar Brito Machado Marques (Model & Mentor), Dr. Fong Toh Jeng (CEO and Founder, UR klinik), and TangLe Hsu (Mrs Glam World Asia 2024).

Continental Titles:

  • Teen Glam World Asia – India (Aditya Nair)
  • Teen Glam World Africa – South Africa (Candy Sithole)
  • Teen Glam World Europe – Ireland (Niranjana Jithesh)
  • Teen Glam World Oceania – Australia (Aradhana Thomas)

Subtitle Winners:

  • Teen Glam World Fashionista – South Africa (Candy Sithole)
  • Teen Glam World National Costume – Ireland (Niranjana Jithesh)
  • Teen Glam World Talent – Taiwan (Kao Peichieh)
  • Teen Glam World Congeniality – Nepal (Prinsu Gurung)
  • Teen Glam World Ramp Walk – UAE (Shrika Satheesan)

Competing this year were Aradhana Thomas (Australia), Bellefontaine Marie (France), Aditya Nair (India), Niranjana Jithesh (Ireland), Noa Nardea (Israel), Prinsu Gurung (Nepal), Candy Sithole (South Africa), Kao Peichieh (Taiwan), and Shrika Satheesan (UAE).

The event’s main partners were SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE. Powered by partners included Manappuram Finance Ltd, Alcazar Watches, Unique Times, VIBE Munnar, Parakkat Resorts, Green Media, and DQUE TShirts.

Co-partners comprised Kalpana International, Aiswaria Advertisements, FICF, DQUE Soap, VeeKayVees Caterers, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Unique Times, VPS Lakeshore, Akshay Inco, Padikkal Travels, Snapshoot, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and WRV Gold & Diamonds.

Pegasus once again delivered an inspiring and impactful celebration of global youth, emphasizing individuality, talent, and cultural harmony.

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India’s VRL Group Chairman Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar Honoured with 19th MBA Award

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At a grand ceremony held on July 17 in Kochi, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman and Managing Director of VRL Group, was conferred with the 19th Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award. The award was jointly presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan, in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd and architect of both the MBA Award and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).

This year’s honor is particularly noteworthy, as Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar becomes the first recipient from Karnataka, recognized for revolutionizing the Indian transport sector and building VRL into a national logistics powerhouse. With this award, he also earns a place in the FICF—an exclusive club of business leaders with ₹1,000 crore+ net assets and a solid track record of giving back to society. Unlike any other, FICF is the world’s one and only business club that does not require any membership or registration fees.

The MBA Award has previously celebrated leading Indian entrepreneurs such as 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, and Sir Sohan Roy SK.

Recognizing not just wealth but transformative leadership, the MBA Award has become a hallmark of impactful entrepreneurship in India.

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Ukrainian Man Detained for Bomb Threats to Czech and Slovak Schools, Suspected Russian Ties

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A Ukrainian man has been detained by a joint investigation team comprising Ukrainian, Czech, and Slovak police on suspicion of sending bomb threats to hundreds of schools across the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Authorities say the threats began in 2024 and disrupted the start of the school year for tens of thousands of students in September. The suspect was apprehended in a coordinated security operation in the early hours in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine.

According to the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), initial findings suggest that the suspect may have also targeted schools in other European countries and that his actions were “most likely financed by an actor from Russia.” Although further details have not been released, the case is being closely examined as part of wider concerns over alleged Russian hybrid warfare tactics involving cyber disruption and sabotage—accusations that Moscow has consistently denied.

Slovak police confirmed via Facebook that the three countries had established a joint investigative team, which also carried out home searches related to the case. Authorities have withheld additional information as the investigation is ongoing, but emphasized the international collaboration behind the arrest and its significance in countering cross-border threats.

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Miss Glam World 2025 Grooming Sessions Begin

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The prestigious Miss Glam World 2025 beauty pageant, hailed as one of the most elite global competitions, has officially commenced its intensive grooming sessions at SAJ Earth Resort, Kochi, and Vibe Munnar.

Organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi Pegasus, the event has brought together contestants from across the globe for a week-long program of personality development, cultural exchange, and empowerment.

The participants will undergo rigorous training in etiquette, communication, stage presence, and social impact, all curated to bring out the best in each delegate. The initiative not only focuses on external beauty but also celebrates inner strength, leadership, and purpose.

The much-anticipated grand finale is scheduled to take place on July 17 at Gokulam Park, Kochi, where contestants will showcase their grace, talent, and global camaraderie in a spectacular evening of glamour and inspiration.

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Indian Tycoon Dr Vijay Sankeshwar to Be Honoured with MBA Award

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Indian logistics magnate Dr Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman and Managing Director of VRL Group, has been named the recipient of the 19th MBA (Multibillionaire Business Achiever) Award, a prestigious honour celebrating extraordinary business impact and social commitment. The award, conceptualized by Dr. Ajit Ravi, is presented by Unique Times in partnership with Manappuram Finance Ltd. The grand recognition ceremony will take place on July 17th at the Sree Gokulam Park Convention Centre, Kochi.

A pioneering figure in India’s transport sector, Dr Vijay Sankeshwar becomes the first-ever recipient from Karnataka, marking a milestone in the award’s pan-India expansion. His leadership has transformed VRL Group into one of India’s most prominent logistics and fleet enterprises.

The award also grants him induction into the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF)—a global forum for high-impact business leaders, envisioned by Dr Ajit Ravi and reserved exclusively for MBA Awardees.

The MBA Award continues to highlight Indian entrepreneurship on a global platform, emphasizing values of responsibility, ethics, and nation-building.

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Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Defense Plant in Izhevsk, Killing Three

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A Ukrainian drone strike targeted a factory in the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, resulting in three fatalities and 35 injuries, according to regional governor Alexander Brechalov via his Telegram channel. Although Brechalov did not disclose the facility’s name, Ukrainian security sources informed Reuters that the attack was carried out by long-range drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The reported target, the Kupol plant, is known for manufacturing drones and air defense systems and is part of the state-owned Almaz-Antey defense conglomerate. Videos shared by a Ukrainian official showed black smoke rising from what appeared to be a cluster of buildings, reportedly the plant’s production and storage facilities. The strike also caused a significant fire at the site.

Governor Brechalov stated that he had briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin about the incident. Izhevsk is a major defense hub and also houses the globally recognized Kalashnikov arms manufacturing enterprise. Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the claims made by the Ukrainian official.

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Hungarian PM Warns of Legal Consequences Over Banned Budapest Pride March

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned of “clear legal consequences” for those organizing or participating in the Budapest Pride march, following a police ban on the event. The march, scheduled for this weekend, has been deemed illegal under new legislation passed in March, which allows authorities to prohibit LGBTQ parades on the grounds of child protection and use facial recognition technology to identify attendees and impose fines.

Orban defended the ban during a state radio interview, urging citizens to respect the law while stating that Hungary remains a “civilised country” where police should aim to convince people, not confront them. “We are in the world not to make each others’ lives more difficult but easier,” he said, calling this principle the essence of Christianity.

The ban has drawn criticism from human rights groups and Western allies, with over 30 countries, including Britain, France, and Germany, expressing support for Hungary’s LGBTQ community. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also urged the Hungarian government to allow the march. Orban compared her intervention to Cold War-era Soviet control, accusing Brussels of trying to dictate how Hungarians should live.

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