A joint statement by Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and Italy has cautioned against a major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon, warning it could trigger severe humanitarian consequences and prolong the conflict. The countries emphasized the need to avoid further escalation as violence intensifies in the region.
Tensions escalated after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel earlier this month, drawing a strong military response. The ongoing clashes have reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths and forced over a million people to flee their homes, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
The five nations expressed deep concern over the growing crisis and called for immediate de-escalation through dialogue. They also backed efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah and urged both Israeli and Lebanese representatives to engage in meaningful negotiations toward a lasting political solution.
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Ukraine and Russia exchanged 300 prisoners of war each on Friday during the second day of a two-day swap, with several of the released soldiers having been held since the early stages of the war in 2022. The exchange followed Thursday’s swap of 200 POWs from each side, marking the second such prisoner exchange between the two countries in 2026.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the returning soldiers had fought in key war zones including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mariupol, with many spending more than a year in captivity. He also confirmed that two Ukrainian civilians were returned as part of the exchange.
Russia’s defence ministry said the United States and the United Arab Emirates helped mediate the swap. The exchange came after recent peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, though a planned new round of negotiations was postponed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
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An Albanian film and theatre actor has filed a lawsuit against the government, claiming her face and voice were used without consent to create an AI-generated “virtual minister.” The case centres on Anila Bisha, whose likeness was used for an avatar named Diella, unveiled when Prime Minister Edi Rama began his fourth term last September. The AI figure was presented as a cabinet member overseeing government contracts, a move billed as part of efforts to combat corruption.
Bisha says she had agreed for her likeness to be used only as a virtual assistant on a government website to help citizens access documents, not as a political figure. She told Reuters the unexpected transformation has led to online abuse and unwanted attention in public, with people referring to her as a government minister. The government denies wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit baseless and saying it is prepared to resolve the matter in court.
The dispute comes as Albania’s government faces heightened scrutiny following corruption allegations involving senior officials. Diella’s image appears prominently alongside cabinet members on the official website, adding to the controversy. A court in Tirana is expected to rule on whether the government must stop using Bisha’s image, while her lawyer says she is seeking €1 million in damages for the alleged violation of her personal data rights.
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Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine’s two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early Saturday, resulting in one confirmed death and at least 15 injuries. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires in multiple districts along the Dnipro River, as power, heating, and water supplies were disrupted. Both drones and missiles were used in the assault, damaging a medical facility among other buildings.
In Kharkiv, approximately 30 km from the Russian border, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones struck several districts over a two-and-a-half-hour period, hitting a dormitory for displaced persons, a hospital, and a maternity ward. At least 11 people were injured during the attacks. Emergency services continued working to restore essential utilities in freezing overnight temperatures.
The strikes came shortly after Ukraine, Russia, and US negotiators concluded the first day of talks in the UAE aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the attacks underscore the continuing volatility and human toll in the conflict zones.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the frontline town of Kupiansk after Kyiv said its forces had retaken parts of the northeastern city and encircled Russian troops. In a video shared on social media, Zelenskiy appeared in a bulletproof vest near a sign marking the town, praising the operation and saying battlefield successes were crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s position in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian military officials said troops had liberated several northern districts of Kupiansk, cutting off Russian supply routes and surrounding hundreds of enemy soldiers. The Khartiia Corps of Ukraine’s National Guard claimed Russian forces in the city were now completely isolated. These battlefield reports could not be independently verified, and Russia has not commented on the claims.
The developments come amid conflicting narratives over control of eastern Ukrainian towns, with Moscow asserting continued advances and Kyiv denying key losses. Open-source battlefield maps indicate Ukrainian control over multiple villages near Kupiansk and suggest Russian troops may be encircled in the city centre. The situation remains fluid as fighting continues across the region.
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The 20th Unique Times Minnalai Film Awards took place on May 13th at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi, marking a grand celebration of cinematic achievements. This elegant evening, expertly organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, honored some of the film industry’s most notable figures, showcasing a year of outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
Vijayaragavan clinched the Best Actor award for his stellar performance in “Pookalam,” while Navya Nair was celebrated as Best Actress for her role in “Janaki Jaane.” Both actors were recognized for their captivating portrayals that resonated deeply with audiences, further cementing their statuses as leading figures in the industry. The event highlighted their significant impact and the nuanced depth they brought to their characters.
The Best Director award was rightfully earned by Nahas Hidhayath for his innovative direction in “RDX.” The evening also honored “2018,” produced by Venu Kunnappilly, C K Padmakumar and Anto Joseph, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, as the Best Movie. Directors Salam Bappu and Roy Mathew Manappallil distributed the awards. SAJ Group MD Sajan Varghese and Pegasus Chairman Ajit Ravi were present. The ceremony not only commemorated the winners but also set a high standard for the coming years in the film industry.
Recently, the Le Meridien Convention Center in Kochi was the venue for the prestigious Unique Times Women’s Excellence Awards, an event sponsored by Manappuram Finance Ltd. Held on May 13, the ceremony honored a distinguished group of women who have made remarkable contributions in various professional fields, significantly influencing industry norms and enhancing community development. The awards were presented by several prominent figures, including Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO of Sa-Dhan; Jebitha Ajit, MD of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd; and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Head of the Cancer Department at St Joseph Hospital.
Nazneen Jehangir was celebrated with the Excellence in Tech Entrepreneurship and Mentorship Award for her influential role in technology and mentorship. Sherly Regimon was recognized for Excellence in Couturier of Culture, celebrating her impact on fashion and cultural expression. Devika Shreyams Kumar received accolades for her strategic vision in Integrated Media Operations, marking her as a leader in media management.
Additional honorees included Parveen Hafeez, who received an award for her pioneering contributions to Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Bissy Boss was recognized for Excellence in Sustainable Travel Innovations, while Dr. Lekshmi Nair was honored for Excellence in Multifaceted Career Achievement, and Dr. Radha P Thevannoor for Excellence in Educational Leadership. Preethi Parakkat earned accolades for her innovative work in jewelry design, receiving the Excellence in Artisanal Mastery and Innovation Award. Deepthi Vijayakumar was celebrated with the Excellence in Digital Integration in OOH Advertising. Elizabeth Chacko was recognized for her pioneering work in the beauty industry, receiving the Excellence in Innovative Beauty and Wellness Services. Additional accolades went to Girija Sethunath, honored for her Excellence in Literary and Cinematic Leadership.
Unique Times Chief Editor Ajit Ravi Pegasus emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a catalyst for encouraging women across diverse sectors to aspire to and reach leadership positions, thus inspiring a new generation of women to pursue and achieve excellence. These awards not only celebrate the individual accomplishments of each of these trailblazing women but also highlight their collective impact on reshaping the landscape of their respective industries.
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.
Unique Times has declared the recipients of its Women’s Excellence Awards presented by, which recognize distinguished women across different sectors.
The awardees include Sheila Kochouseph Chittilappilly (Managing Director, V-Star Creations Pvt Ltd), Nazneen Jehangir (CEO, NeST Digital), Sherly Regimon (CEO, Milan Design), Devika Shreyams Kumar (Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi Group), Dr. Lekshmi Nair (Director, Center for Advanced Legal Studies), Parveen Hafeez (Chairperson and Managing Director, Sunrise Group of Hospitals), Dr. Radha Thevannoor (Director & Group Director, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions), Bissy Boss (Director, Osaka Air Travels), Girija Sethunath (Malayalam Writer), Deepthi Vijayakumar (Managing Director, Aishwarya OOH Media Owners Pvt Ltd), DrElizabeth Chacko (CEO & Managing Director, Kalpana Beauty Salon), and Preethi Parakkat (Managing Director, Parakkat Jewels), each honored for their contributions in their respective fields.
The awards ceremony is set for Monday, May 13, at the Le Meridien Convention Center in Kochi. The event will be graced by Manappuram Finance Ltd MD VP Nandakumar and Sa-Dhan Executive Director & CEO, Jiji Mammen as the chief guests, announced Unique Times Chief Editor Ajit Ravi Pegasus.
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Iluza Isyandavletova from Bashkortastan has won the title of the Miss Asia 2023. Aayushma Bajracharya of Nepal achieved the first runner-up position, Cerena Ann Johnson from the UAE secured the second runner-up title, and Jinnapat Palsuea from Thailand earned the third runner-up position. The crowning ceremony was attended by former Miss Asia Winner Nguyen Thi Yen Trang, SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts CMD Sajan Varghese, Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, and Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar. Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus, was also in attendance at the event.
The contestants underwent a grooming session conducted by Pegasus, a renowned organization dedicated to fostering the growth of young talents and showcasing their modeling careers and abilities to the world. Pegasus, with its commitment to empowering emerging talents, played a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the skills of the participants, ensuring they were well-prepared for the global stage. Through these grooming sessions, Pegasus exemplifies its mission to provide a platform for aspiring individuals to step forward confidently and make a mark in the world of modeling and talent.
Out of numerous Miss Asia pageant hopefuls, 15 emerged as finalists. Unfortunately, two contestants faced unexpected challenges, including visa issues, which hindered their participation in the finals. The well-deserving winners of Miss Asia 2023 were adorned with splendid gold crowns designed by Preeti Prakash from Parakkat Jewellers. Thirteen contestants showcased their poise and elegance on the runway throughout the competition, featuring three distinct rounds: the National Costume Round, the White Cocktail Round, and the Royal Blue Gown Round.
SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, in collaboration with DQUE, played a crucial role as the primary partners in coordinating the Miss Asia 2023 event, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Unique Times, FICF, Vibe, Parakkat Resorts, and DQUE Face and Body Skin Friendly Soap provided their support as powered by Partners. Aiswaria Advertisements, Kalpana International, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Photogenic Fashion and Weddings, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, Good Day Hotels and Resorts, Akshay Inco, Alcazar, FOG, St Joseph’s Hospital Trust, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology served as co-partners. The objective of this competition was to highlight the diverse cultural heritage and profound values of the participating countries while also promoting tourism.
Sub Title Winners
Miss Asia Social Media – Nguyen Thi Kim Trang (Vietnam)
Miss Asia Fashionista – Chen Chia Pei (Taiwan)
Miss Asia Talent – Natalia Savina (Russia)
Miss Asia Diligent – Azhar Zhumabekova (Kazakhstan)
Miss Asia Inspiring – Aayushma Bajracharya (Nepal)
Miss Asia Vivacious – Risa Nakatani (Japan)
Miss Asia Shining Star – Ella Anak Apit (Malaysia)
Miss Asia Ramp Walk – Meurel Beverly Viegas (India)
Miss Asia Tenacious – Rashmi Subedra (Sri Lanka)
Miss Asia National Costume – Kalisa Putri (Indonesia)
Miss Asia Adorable – Cerena Ann Johnson (UAE)
Miss Asia Renaissance – Jinnapat Palsuea (Thailand)
The judging panel featured esteemed individuals including Rozanne Diasz (Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2005 and Grooming instructor), Mr. Alonkot Sungkahapong (CEO, Starfighter), Dr. Mahima Bhakshi (Model & Entrepreneur), Harmeet Singh Gupta (Managing Director, U&I Entertainment), and Rita Mathan (Owner, Pro Nail Studio).
Contestants in the Miss Asia 2023 lineup featured Iluza Isyandavletova representing Bashkortastan, Meurel Beverly Viegas from India, Kalisa Putri representing Indonesia, Risa Nakatani from Japan, Azhar Zhumabekova from Kazakhstan, Ella Anak Apit from Malaysia, Aayushma Bajracharya from Nepal, Natalia Savina from Russia, Rashmi Subedra from Sri Lanka, Chen Chia Pei from Taiwan, Jinnapat Palsuea from Thailand, Cerena Ann Johnson from the UAE, and Nguyen Thi Kim Trang from Vietnam.
Picture Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/images are subject to copyright
