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Ferrari Unveils First Fully-Electric Model ‘Luce’ Amid Industry-Wide EV Skepticism

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Ferrari stepped into a new automotive era on Monday with the unveiling of its first fully-electric car, the “Luce,” in Rome, betting it can captivate drivers without its signature combustion engine roar. The four-door model boasts a top speed of 310 kph (193 mph) and carries a hefty price tag of more than €500,000 ($586,000). Developed in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive’s studio, LoveFrom, the Luce is described as a large, distinctive vehicle designed to define luxury electrification before its global and Chinese competitors can dominate the space.

The launch comes at a time when many of Ferrari’s sports car rivals are scaling back or scrapping their electric transition plans due to weak market demand. While Lamborghini abandoned its 2030 EV rollout and Ferrari itself delayed a second electric model until at least 2028, the company is positioning the Luce as a bold strategic statement rather than a mass volume seller. To maintain its iconic visceral appeal, Ferrari has integrated a specialized sound system into the Luce that amplifies powertrain vibrations to create an authentic, distinct electric Ferrari sound rather than a simulated petrol engine noise.

Under CEO Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari has heavily invested in electrification infrastructure, including a new “e-building” at its Maranello headquarters, with client deliveries for the Luce scheduled to begin in October. Facing heavy batteries and changing consumer habits, the automaker has scaled back its 2030 product lineup goal for fully electric cars from 40% down to 20%, choosing to continue producing hybrid and traditional internal combustion models alongside EVs. Ultimately, Ferrari hopes the Luce will appeal to a younger generation of wealthy buyers and tech-forward collectors, especially as high fuel prices driven by regional conflicts alter market dynamics.

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Turkish Riot Police Storm Opposition Headquarters Following Court-Ordered Leadership Ouster

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Turkish riot police used tear gas to force their way into the Ankara headquarters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Sunday, executing a contentious court order that dismissed the party’s current leadership. Clashes erupted as party members blockaded entrances with makeshift barricades, throwing objects and spraying hoses at advancing security forces. The raid was initiated after representatives of 77-year-old party veteran Kemal Kilicdaroğlu requested police assistance to take over the premises, claiming they were barred entry by loyalists of the ousted leader, Özgür Özel.

The escalation follows an appellate court decision on Thursday that declared Özel’s previous election null and void, effectively dismantling the party’s entire executive committee. The court ordered that Özel be replaced by Kilicdaroğlu—who lost the 2023 presidential election to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—by overturning a 2025 lower court ruling that had dismissed allegations of vote-buying. In a video message recorded during the raid, Özel declared the party was “under attack” and later led hundreds of supporters on a march toward the Turkish parliament, vowing to take their movement to the streets.

Critics and international observers, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that Erdoğan’s government is utilizing “abusive tactics” to eliminate political rivals and tighten its grip on power. Özel accused the ruling AK party of orchestrating the judicial upheaval, especially as Erdoğan faces constitutional term limits unless early elections are called before 2028. Conversely, Justice Minister Akin Gürlek defended the appellate court’s ruling, asserting that it reinforces public trust in democracy, despite his own history of spearheading investigations against key opposition figures.

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Anthropic Co-Founder Urges Outside Scrutiny of AI Development at Vatican Event

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Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah stated on Monday that the development of artificial intelligence cannot be left entirely to technology companies, calling for increased oversight from religious leaders, civil society, and governments. Speaking at the Vatican alongside Pope Leo XIV during the presentation of the pope’s first encyclical on AI, Olah warned of “a real possibility” that AI could displace human labor on a massive scale. He emphasized that if widespread job displacement occurs, supporting those affected will become a moral imperative of historic proportions.

Olah acknowledged that frontier AI laboratories operate under intense commercial, geopolitical, and personal pressures that can conflict with the broader interests of society. He noted that even well-intentioned researchers are influenced by these constraints, making independent outside scrutiny absolutely essential to steer the technology safely. As the creator of the Claude AI tools, US-based Anthropic has previously clashed with President Donald Trump’s administration by insisting on guardrails that restrict its models from being utilized for autonomous weapons targeting or domestic surveillance.

Welcoming the Catholic Church’s engagement, Olah highlighted three critical areas requiring urgent global attention: the risk of widespread job losses, the challenge of interpreting complex and opaque AI system behaviors, and the need to ensure AI benefits are shared globally rather than remaining concentrated in a handful of wealthy nations. He asserted that the ethical questions raised by AI extend far beyond the engineering community, calling for earnest critics to help guide the creation of these powerful systems. The event marked a unique convergence between the tech sector and the Church, which is actively positioning itself as a moral authority on AI advancement.

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Greek Police Arrest 20 in Crete Amid Mounting EU Farm Subsidy Fraud Scandal

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Greek authorities arrested 20 individuals on the island of Crete on Monday, dismantling a criminal network suspected of defrauding the European Union of agricultural subsidies. Operating since 2019, the gang allegedly generated more than €3 million ($3.49 million) in illegal revenue by submitting fraudulent fund applications based on false land declarations. The group’s suspected leadership included two accountants and state employees who actively assisted farmers in executing the scheme.

This operation is the latest development in a broader investigation spearheaded by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office into crimes targeting the bloc’s financial interests in Greece. The widening probe follows charges laid last year against dozens of Greek stock-breeders who allegedly faked grazing land ownership with the assistance of state employees and conservative politicians. The systemic fraud has deeply shaken the country’s political landscape, previously triggering inconclusive parliamentary probes and ministerial resignations.

The escalating scandal has placed severe political pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government as opposition parties demand early elections. In April, the Greek parliament voted to lift the immunity of 13 lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy party to allow for investigations into their suspected involvement in separate cases. With the next parliamentary election on the horizon for spring 2027, Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to fast-track their indictment decisions to contain the ongoing political fallout.

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Mass Protests in Madrid Demand Resignation of Spain’s Prime Minister

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Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Madrid on Saturday, demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following a series of high-profile corruption scandals. Organized by the Spanish Civil Society association and backed by leaders from the opposition People’s Party and the far-right Vox party, the “March for Dignity” drew between 40,000 and 80,000 participants. The unrest deepened following a Spanish court’s announcement that former Socialist prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a key ally of Sanchez, is being investigated for an alleged influence-peddling and money-laundering network.

While the large-scale demonstration was otherwise peaceful, it escalated into clashes between a small group of protesters and law enforcement near the Moncloa Palace, the official prime ministerial residence. Masked individuals attempted to break through security barriers on the main road leading to the palace, prompting police intervention. Officials confirmed that at least seven police officers were injured in the ensuing altercations, and three individuals were arrested.

Prime Minister Sanchez, who previously contemplated resigning in April 2024 over a corruption probe into his wife, Begoña Gomez, continues to defend his inner circle against the growing backlash. He maintains that the ongoing legal investigations and public demonstrations are politically motivated actions driven entirely by his far-right opponents. Despite the escalating pressure and the latest investigation targeting Zapatero, both the current government and those accused have firmly denied any wrongdoing.

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Nidhika Sonu Augustine Takes Home the Miss Queen Kerala 2026 Crown

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Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. successfully organized the 14th edition of Alcazar Watches & DQUE Watches Miss Queen Kerala 2026, one of Kerala’s most prestigious beauty pageants. Nidhika Sonu Augustine won the coveted title, while Isha Harish and Sai Pooja secured the positions of first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.

The grand finale was held at Le Meridien Kochi on May 23, 2026, in the presence of distinguished guests, celebrities, business leaders, and pageant enthusiasts. The reigning Miss Queen Kerala 2025, Durga Surendran, along with Sajan Varghese, CMD of SAJ Group of Hotels, crowned the title winner. Preethi Parakkat, MD of Parakkat Jewels, and Jebitha Ajit, MD of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., crowned the first runner-up, while Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar, and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd crowned the second runner-up. The coronation ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, each winner was adorned with a dazzling gold crown specially crafted by Preethi Prakash of Parakkat Jewels, symbolizing excellence, achievement, and grace.

The judging panel comprised renowned titleholders and beauty queens including Cinda Padamadan (Miss Queen Kerala & Miss South India 2024), Lakshmi Menon (Miss South India & Miss Queen of India 2018), Pournami Murali (Miss India Glam World 2026), Nikita Thomas (Miss South India 2019), and Soumya S. Thomas (Second Runner-up, Miss Queen Kerala 2025 & First Runner-up, Miss India Glam World 2026). The contestants were evaluated through three competitive rounds that showcased their elegance, confidence, communication skills, stage presence, and overall personality.

Subtitle Winners
• Miss Talent: Thamanna Pramod
• Miss Popularity Queen: Thamanna Pramod
• Miss Fashionista: Daliya Lalu
• Miss Congeniality: Sandhra Satheesh
• Miss Ramp Walk: Varsha K Manoj
• Miss Humaneness: Thamanna Pramod
• Miss Inspiring: Denia Biju
• Miss Vivacious: Daliya Lalu

Alcazar Watches and DQUE Watches were the main partners of Miss Queen Kerala 2026. The event was powered by Unique Times, Medimix, Parakkat Resorts, SAJ Earth Resort & Convention Centre, Klamy New York, and Green Media. Co-partners included Aiswaria Advertisements, VKS Beauty & Bridal Lounge, Europe Times, Times New, UT World, uniquetimes.org, DQUE Soap, Vikas VKS Make-Up Artist, Akshay Inco, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

Conceptualized by Dr. Ajit Ravi, Miss Queen Kerala continues to provide a platform for young women to showcase their talent, confidence, and aspirations while promoting empowerment, personality development, and social responsibility. The successful completion of the 14th edition once again reinforced the pageant’s reputation as a stepping stone for aspiring models and beauty queens from across the state.

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Putin Promises Retaliation After Deadly Strike on Dormitory in Occupied Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed retaliation after accusing Ukraine of carrying out a deadly drone strike on a student dormitory in the Russian-occupied town of Starobilsk in eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk region. Russian-backed officials said at least 10 people were killed, dozens injured and several others remained missing after the overnight attack.

Ukraine’s military said it had targeted the headquarters of Russia’s elite Rubicon drone unit in Starobilsk, accusing the group of conducting repeated strikes on civilians and infrastructure inside Ukraine. However, Putin rejected claims that the site was linked to military activity, stating there were no military or intelligence facilities nearby and ordering Russia’s military to prepare response measures.

The incident marks another escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of targeting civilians. Russia also reported fresh drone attacks overnight in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, where falling debris sparked a fire at an oil depot and injured two people. Meanwhile, Ukraine said its strikes were carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law.

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Mussolini-Style Ads Targeting Meloni Trigger Political Storm in Italy

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A political advertising campaign in Italy comparing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to fascist dictator Benito Mussolini has sparked heated debate and drawn major attention online. The posters, displayed in train stations in cities including Rome and Milan, used typography and slogans inspired by 1930s fascist propaganda to criticize Meloni’s government over issues like train delays, inflation and youth migration.

One of the most controversial ads read, “When she was around, trains arrived late,” a twist on a phrase often used nostalgically by Mussolini supporters. The campaign was launched by the small opposition party Italia Viva, led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, as part of a fundraising effort. Some ads were later removed after railway advertising operators said they harmed the company’s image.

The campaign also reignited discussions about Meloni’s political roots, as her Brothers of Italy party traces its origins to a post-war movement founded by fascist veterans. While Italia Viva accused the government of censorship, Meloni denied involvement and even praised Renzi for the campaign idea. The controversy has boosted visibility for Italia Viva, which currently holds a small share in opinion polls.

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Death Toll Rises to 12 After Dorm Strike in Russian-Controlled Luhansk

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The death toll from a drone strike on a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine has climbed to 12, according to Russia’s emergency ministry. The attack took place in the town of Starobilsk, where rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors.

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of carrying out a deliberate strike on the dorm building, with reports saying many of the victims were young students. Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-installed head of the region, released a preliminary list of victims, most of whom were reportedly 19-year-old girls. Officials also said several people remained trapped beneath the debris.

Ukraine denied targeting the dormitory, stating its forces had struck an elite Russian drone command unit operating in the area and insisting that military operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law. Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly instructed the military to prepare possible retaliatory measures.

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Unique Times Business Conclave 2026 Showcases the Future of Intelligent Business Decisions

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The Manappuram Unique Times Business Conclave 2026, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd in association with FICF and INMECC, was successfully held on 23rd May 2026 at Le Méridien Kochi. Powered by Lexus, Alcazar Watches, DQ T-Shirts, and Klamy New York, the conclave brought together leading business personalities and industry experts to discuss the theme, “How AI is Transforming Everyday Business Decisions.” The event was founded and conceptualised by Dr Ajit Ravi. The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. N M Sharafudeen, Chairman, INMECC, who welcomed the distinguished guests, speakers, and delegates, and highlighted the growing significance of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of businesses across industries.

The insightful panel discussion was moderated by Shri Rajesh Nair, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, who guided the conversation on the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping business operations, customer engagement, strategic planning, and decision-making processes across industries. The session highlighted how AI is increasingly becoming an essential tool for organizations seeking efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The distinguished panel featured Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Chairman & Managing Director, Sree Gokulam Group; Dr. A. V. Anoop, Managing Director, AVA Group; Shri Dinesh P. Thampi, Vice President & Head, TCS Kerala; Shri Deepak L. Aswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Aswani Lachmandas Group; Dr. Jolly Antony, Chairman, Vibe Munnar Resort & Spa, Managing Director, The Fog Resort & Spa, Munnar, Chairman, Alsafina Travel Group (UAE & India), and Growvia.biz; and CA Vivek Krishna Govind, Senior Partner, Varma & Varma. The panelists shared valuable insights from their respective sectors, discussing both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI-driven transformation.

The conclave served as an important platform for knowledge sharing and industry collaboration, enabling business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and stakeholders to gain practical perspectives on integrating AI into everyday business functions. The event reaffirmed the growing importance of technology-driven decision-making and highlighted the need for organizations to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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