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Formula 1 will return to Turkey in 2027, marking the comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix after a six-year absence. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park circuit under a deal that runs until at least 2031, bringing back one of the sport’s most challenging and popular tracks.

Turkey previously hosted races from 2005 to 2011 and briefly returned during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 race was particularly memorable, with Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh world championship title in wet conditions. The event’s reintroduction will not expand the current 24-race calendar but will instead rotate with other venues.

Officials highlighted Turkey’s strong fan base and infrastructure as key factors in the decision. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the return, while F1 chief Stefano Domenicali praised Istanbul as a unique global city that blends history with modern sporting appeal, making it an exciting destination for fans worldwide.

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Italy’s parliament has voted down a proposal to introduce equal parental leave for mothers and fathers, rejecting a plan that aimed to balance caregiving responsibilities. The measure, which would have provided equal, fully paid and non-transferable leave, was defeated by the ruling coalition citing financial constraints, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who called it a missed opportunity for social change.

Despite the policy setback, a growing number of Italian fathers are reshaping traditional roles through social media. Influencers like Diego Di Franco share daily caregiving routines, highlighting a more involved and equal approach to parenting. Experts say these “dad influencers” are helping shift cultural perceptions of fatherhood in a country where women still bear most childcare responsibilities.

Italy continues to face one of the widest gender employment gaps in the European Union, with many women leaving jobs after childbirth. Analysts argue that unequal parental leave policies reinforce this imbalance, affecting economic growth and demographic trends. While change at the policy level remains slow, evolving social attitudes suggest a gradual transformation in how parenting roles are shared.

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Animal rescue groups in Ukraine are working under constant danger to save pets and stray animals affected by the ongoing war. In the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone strike destroyed part of a shelter, killing more than a dozen animals and leaving others injured or scattered. Despite the risks, volunteers and local residents quickly came together to rebuild and continue caring for displaced animals.

Thousands of pets have been abandoned as civilians flee bombardment zones, while others are left behind after their owners are killed. Rescue organisations like “12 Guardians” have evacuated tens of thousands of animals from dangerous areas, often under shelling. These efforts not only save animals but also help people who refuse to leave without their pets or struggle with the emotional toll of abandonment.

Rescuers say animals suffer trauma similar to humans, making their work even more urgent despite the dangers. With frontline areas becoming increasingly unsafe, volunteers now use protective measures like drone detectors while continuing operations. Many believe saving animals also brings hope to people affected by war, reinforcing the idea that humanitarian efforts extend beyond just human lives.

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Ukraine and Russia exchanged 193 prisoners of war each on Friday in a swap facilitated with assistance from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The exchange is part of ongoing efforts to repatriate captured personnel amid the prolonged conflict, now in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the return of the captives, calling the exchanges “important” for bringing people home. Both Ukrainian and Russian officials acknowledged the role of the US and UAE in helping coordinate the operation.

The released individuals included soldiers, border guards, and police officers. Many of the Ukrainian returnees were reported to have injuries or had faced legal charges while in Russian custody. Emotional reunions were reported as freed captives arrived back in Ukraine, with some describing years of captivity before returning home.

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China has announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to seven European entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. The affected companies include Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Belgium’s FN Browning, and several Czech defence firms, with Beijing placing them on its export control list. China said the move targets organisations that “colluded with Taiwan,” which it considers part of its territory.

The restrictions apply to goods, software, and technologies with both civilian and military uses, such as components used in drones and semiconductors. Beijing stated that all related transfers must stop immediately, though it may grant case-by-case approvals in exceptional situations. China also said it had informed the European Union through its export control dialogue mechanism before announcing the measures.

European and Czech officials have sought clarification, with some companies saying they do not expect major business impacts. The Czech government has instructed its embassy in Beijing to seek explanations, while firms like Excalibur Army said they do not directly rely on Chinese dual-use imports. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own but which Taiwan’s government rejects.

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Norway plans to introduce legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with a bill expected to be presented in parliament by the end of the year. The proposal would place responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification measures, marking a significant step in regulating youth access to digital platforms.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move aims to protect childhood from excessive screen exposure and algorithm-driven content. The government emphasized the importance of preserving traditional aspects of growing up, such as play, friendships, and real-world interactions, rather than allowing them to be dominated by digital environments.

The initiative follows similar actions by other countries, including Australia, which recently introduced a comparable ban. Major tech firms like Meta Platforms, Alphabet Inc., and Snap Inc. could be affected, though Norway has not specified which platforms will be targeted. The proposal reflects growing global concern over children’s online safety and the impact of social media on young users.

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Paris hosted its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, bringing together nearly 30 designers showcasing clothing that blends style with modesty, including long, flowing dresses and headscarves. Held at Hôtel Le Marois near the Champs-Élysées, the event highlighted floral patterns, soft tones, and nature-inspired designs from global creators, reflecting a growing demand for modest fashion.

Designers from across the world presented diverse interpretations of modest wear. From romantic floral gowns by Turkish label Miha to warm-toned collections by Australian brand Asiyam, the runway featured a mix of elegance and cultural identity. Meanwhile, French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans leaned into bold, boxy streetwear influenced by Gen Z trends, even pairing berets with headscarves for a distinctive Parisian touch.

The event carried added significance in France, where religious attire such as hijabs has often been at the center of public debate and restrictions. Attendees and designers described the show as a sign of increasing inclusivity, with many expressing hope that modest fashion is gaining broader acceptance. As the global modest fashion market continues to expand rapidly, the Paris showcase underscored its growing cultural and commercial influence.

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Italian authorities have launched an investigation after at least 18 wolves and several other wild animals were found dead in and around Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Officials suspect the animals were killed using poisoned bait, marking one of the most severe attacks on protected wildlife in the country. The discovery has raised alarm not only for biodiversity but also for potential risks to public safety.

Park authorities expressed shock and “deep grief,” while Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the incident as “horrendous” and ordered intensified inspections by forestry police. Conservationists warn that such actions threaten the fragile recovery of Italy’s wolf population, which has rebounded in recent decades after nearing extinction in the 20th century.

Environmental group Legambiente reported that other animals, including foxes and a buzzard, were also found dead, pointing to a wider poisoning event. Prosecutors in Sulmona have opened a formal investigation, as authorities urge locals to report suspicious activity. The incident has reignited debate over wildlife protection and tensions between conservation efforts and rural farming communities.

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Greece is expected to lose its position as the euro zone’s most indebted country by the end of 2026, with its public debt ratio projected to fall below that of Italy. Greek debt is forecast to decline to around 137% of GDP this year, down from 145% in 2025, reflecting steady fiscal improvement following years of economic recovery efforts.

In contrast, Italy’s debt is projected to rise from 137.1% of GDP in 2025 to about 138.6% in 2026, according to its latest multi-year budget plan. This shift will place Italy at the top of the euro zone’s debt rankings, although its debt levels are expected to stabilize and gradually decline in the following years. Greek officials say the updated figures will be included in the country’s fiscal plan to be submitted to the European Commission.

Greece has significantly reduced its debt burden over the past few years, cutting it by more than 45 percentage points since 2020 after enduring a prolonged financial crisis and multiple bailout programs. The country now plans to repay about €7 billion in bailout loans ahead of schedule, signaling stronger economic footing. Meanwhile, Italy has made slower progress in reducing its debt, narrowing the gap between the two economies.

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FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, despite a proposal from U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli. The suggestion came amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation due to ongoing tensions involving the U.S. and Israel. However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will take part, emphasizing that the team has qualified and deserves to compete.

The proposal sparked strong reactions, with Iran’s embassy criticizing it as politically motivated, while Italian officials also rejected the idea. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, failed to qualify for the tournament after a play-off defeat, making them the highest-ranked team absent from the competition. Italian authorities stressed that World Cup participation must be earned through performance on the field, not through political intervention.

The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11. Under FIFA regulations, the organization holds full discretion to replace a team if necessary, but officials have given no indication this will happen. Iran remains scheduled to play its group matches in the U.S., as FIFA continues to stress that football should remain separate from political conflicts.

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