DR Congo's opposition rejects president's dialogue offer and calls for demonstration

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
DR Congo's opposition rejects president's dialogue offer and calls for demonstration
DR Congo's opposition rejects president's dialogue offer and calls for demonstration
In DR Congo, managing the spread of Ebola is made all the more difficult as the country is juggling simultaneous security crises including untangling a peace deal with M23 rebels. President Felix Tshisekedi offered to convene a national dialogue which opposition parties call a smoke screen hiding an attempted power grab.

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Controversial designer John Galliano cancels Met exhibition after backlash
Controversial designer John Galliano cancels Met exhibition after backlash

John Galliano has cancelled an upcoming major exhibition celebrating his work as a fashion designer after it prompted criticism due to his previous conviction for making antisemitic remarks. In 2011, a French court found the designer guilty of antisemitic and racist rants at a Parisian bar. He was also fired by Dior as creative director that same year after a video surfaced of him declaring a love for Hitler.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
French astronaut takes third spacewalk outside ISS in all-female mission
French astronaut takes third spacewalk outside ISS in all-female mission

French astronaut Sophie Adenot is taking her third spacewalk in two weeks and is leading rare all-female excursion outside ISS. The main mission is to replace a retroreflector, a device that align modules when they arrive towards the space station. Other maintenance operations are planned. The whole excursion is supposed to last between six and six and a half hours. It is only the sixth all-female excursion in space history.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
After the floods, Nepal works to bury hundreds of washed-up unidentified bodies
After the floods, Nepal works to bury hundreds of washed-up unidentified bodies

Nepal is burying dozens of bodies in multiple trenches as Nepal’s disaster agency said that 1,003 deaths had been counted there, with 3,916 people missing, including 583 foreign nationals. In its latest update, China reported 16 deaths and 546 missing, including 261 foreigners. Crews faced challenging conditions as they searched unstable terrain and piles of debris. FRANCE 24's Shahzaib Wahlah tells us more.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
Ghana cocoa farmers reject new 'punitive' land conversion law
Ghana cocoa farmers reject new 'punitive' land conversion law

Ghanaian cocoa farmers are ramping up their pushback against a new law preventing them from using their land for anything else without permission. President Mahama says supporting local processing is the key to economic growth. Cocoa chiefs say that the changes still leave the sector resting on an outdated colonial model.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
Nepal's rescuers navigate mud-swamped tunnels for hundreds of missing workers
Nepal's rescuers navigate mud-swamped tunnels for hundreds of missing workers

The death toll in Nepal has crossed 1,000 from the deadly floods that tore through an area on the border with Tibet on August 26, and nearly 4,000 people remain missing. six days on hopes for survivors are dimming, but rescuers focused on a network of hydropower sites along the Trishuli River are holding out hope. Of the roughly 900 workers missing, some 500 people are believed to be trapped in the tunnels, according to Nepalese authorities.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
From sexual violence to mobile phones, what's changing for French pupils?
From sexual violence to mobile phones, what's changing for French pupils?

Millions of French students are heading back to school this week and with that comes a host of new rules for what will be the last school year of Emmanuel Macron's presidency. From phone bans to exam schedules, Camille Knight takes a look at what's changing in the French school system, and why those changes are being put in place.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
Jury convicts former gang member of rapper Tupac Shakur's murder
Jury convicts former gang member of rapper Tupac Shakur's murder

Twelve jurors found former gangster Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of the murder of Tupac Shakur in Nevada's Clark County court on August 31. Although the 63 year-old is not thought to have fired the deadly shots himself, he is the only man still alive out of those who were in the car at the time. Under Nevada law, someone who helps another person commit murder can be convicted of the crime.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
Russia's G20 US invitation severely criticised by European countries
Russia's G20 US invitation severely criticised by European countries

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the group of 20 major economies are meeting for two days in Asheville, North Carolina. With the United States holding the rotating G20 presidency, Washington is trying to rally partners towards greater economic pressure on Iran and find ways to boost growth. But an unexpected attendee drew fierce criticism.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
DR Congo's opposition rejects president's dialogue offer and calls for demonstration
DR Congo's opposition rejects president's dialogue offer and calls for demonstration

In DR Congo, managing the spread of Ebola is made all the more difficult as the country is juggling simultaneous security crises including untangling a peace deal with M23 rebels. President Felix Tshisekedi offered to convene a national dialogue which opposition parties call a smoke screen hiding an attempted power grab.

FRANCE24 September 1, 2026
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TG EAPCET 2026 Qualified Students Can Apply for FCRI Forestry Course

Hyderabad: The Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI), Mulugu, Siddipet district, has started the application process for admissions into the B.Sc (Hons) Forestry programme for the 2026–27 academic year. College Dean Praveen announced that applications will be accepted from July 1 to July 25. Students who have qualified in TG EAPCET 2026 and passed Intermediate or its equivalent with BiPC, MBiPC, or MPC streams are eligible to apply for the four-year undergraduate programme. The B.Sc (Hons) Forestry course offers comprehensive academic and practical training in areas such as forest conservation, biodiversity, wildlife management, environmental protection, agroforestry, and natural resource conservation. Students will also receive extensive field training and hands-on practical exposure as part of the curriculum. The Dean stated that graduates of the programme will have promising career opportunities in forest departments, environmental organizations, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector companies. Eligible candidates are advised to submit their applications on or before July 25. For detailed admission guidelines and the application process, students can visit the official FCRI website. They may also contact the institute at 63038 271100, 08454-211939, or 08454-211930 for further information. Also Read: AP EAPCET 2026 Results to Be Released on July 2 Instead of Scheduled Date  

NTR's 'God of War' Buzz Grows After Official Project Announcement

Tollywood has received one of its biggest announcements of the year as  NTR and acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas officially reunite for a grand mythological action epic. The prestigious project will be produced under the Haarika & Hassine Creations banner by S. Radha Krishna (Chinababu) and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. The makers unveiled the project's official announcement along with a striking concept poster carrying the powerful tagline, "The Son of Shiva. The Pride of Parvathi. The Eternal Commander." The poster has gone viral across social media, fueling speculation about the film's storyline and  NTR's character. According to industry reports, NTR is expected to portray a powerful divine warrior inspired by Lord Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya/Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, and the commander of the celestial army. The film is said to blend mythology with high-octane action, rich storytelling, and modern commercial elements, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Trivikram's career. Reports also suggest that the makers are considering the title "God of War" for the film, although an official confirmation is still awaited. At present,  NTR is busy shooting for his upcoming film Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. Once that project is completed, this mythological spectacle is expected to go on floors. The production house is likely to reveal more details, including the first glimpse, cast, and technical crew, in the coming weeks.  

Low Water, High Profits! 15 Best Crops Farmers Should Grow in Water-Scarce Areas

Low Water, High Profits: Top Crops Farmers Can Grow in Water-Scarce Areas Across India Water Shortage No Longer Means Low Income: Experts Recommend Climate-Resilient Crops for Better Returns New Delhi: Water scarcity has emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing Indian agriculture. With irregular monsoons, declining groundwater levels, rising temperatures, and increasing climate variability, farmers across several states are being encouraged to shift from water-intensive crops to drought-tolerant and climate-resilient alternatives. Agricultural experts believe that choosing the right crop based on water availability and soil type can help farmers reduce production costs while maintaining stable yields. Traditionally, crops such as paddy and sugarcane require significant amounts of irrigation. However, in areas where water availability is limited, these crops often become economically risky. Experts recommend adopting crops that require less water, mature quickly, and are capable of withstanding dry weather conditions. Why Water-Efficient Crops Are Becoming Essential Climate experts warn that rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Delayed monsoons and prolonged dry spells have affected sowing in many parts of the country, prompting governments and agricultural departments to encourage farmers to diversify toward water-efficient farming systems. Low-water crops offer several advantages: Lower irrigation costs Reduced dependence on groundwater Better drought tolerance Lower cultivation expenses Stable yields during erratic rainfall Improved soil sustainability Best Crops for Low-Water Farming 1. Millets Millets are among the most drought-resistant crops and are gaining popularity due to increasing consumer demand for healthy foods. Popular varieties include: Pearl Millet (Bajra) Sorghum (Jowar) Finger Millet (Ragi) Foxtail Millet Little Millet Barnyard Millet These crops require substantially less water than rice and perform well under rain-fed conditions. 2. Pulses Pulse crops consume relatively less water while improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Recommended pulses include: Red Gram (Pigeon Pea) Green Gram (Moong) Black Gram (Urad) Chickpea Cowpea Horse Gram Apart from offering good market prices, pulses also enhance soil health for future crops. 3. Oilseed Crops Oilseeds remain a profitable option in dryland farming. Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Sunflower Castor Safflower Many of these crops require moderate irrigation only during critical growth stages. 4. Horticulture Crops With drip irrigation, several fruit crops can provide long-term income. Popular choices include: Pomegranate Guava Custard Apple Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Drumstick (Moringa) Several state governments have also promoted drumstick cultivation in drought-prone regions because of its low water requirement and export potential. 5. Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Farmers seeking diversification may consider: Aloe Vera Ashwagandha Lemongrass Vetiver Senna These crops generally require less irrigation and have growing demand from pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Crop Selection Based on Soil Type Sandy Soil Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Watermelon Muskmelon Guava Cashew Black Cotton Soil Recommended crops: Cotton Pigeon Pea Sorghum Chickpea Sunflower Red Soil Suitable options include: Groundnut Millets Pulses Mango Guava Drumstick Choosing crops according to soil characteristics significantly improves productivity and reduces cultivation risks. Modern Water-Saving Techniques Agricultural scientists recommend integrating crop selection with efficient water management. Key practices include: Drip irrigation Mulching Rainwater harvesting Soil moisture conservation Organic matter incorporation Micro-irrigation systems Scientific nutrient management These techniques can substantially reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity. Climate Change Driving New Farming Practices Experts note that climate change is making traditional farming methods increasingly difficult. Several states have already started promoting drought-resistant crops, natural farming, and water-efficient cultivation practices to improve farmers' resilience against uncertain rainfall. Experts' Advice Agricultural experts recommend that farmers should not choose crops solely based on market prices. Instead, they should consider: Annual rainfall Groundwater availability Soil type Local climate Market demand Production cost Water availability throughout the season A scientific crop selection strategy can significantly improve profitability while reducing cultivation risks. Conclusion Water scarcity is expected to remain one of the biggest agricultural challenges in the coming years. However, adopting climate-resilient crops, efficient irrigation methods, and scientific farming practices can help farmers sustain productivity and increase profitability. As climate conditions continue to evolve, experts believe that water-efficient agriculture will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and long-term farm sustainability across India. Disclaimer This article is intended for informational purposes only. Crop suitability may vary depending on local climate, soil characteristics, water availability, and market conditions. Farmers are advised to consult their nearest agricultural extension office or qualified agriculture experts before making cultivation decisions.

US lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officials

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said “the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view.” WASHINGTON : The US on Thursday (Jun 18) lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit might have helped start talks on the next, potentially even more critical, round of negotiations between the two sides.

BJP's New Strategy: Win Hyderabad First, Then Target the Assembly

Hyderabad: With the aim of strengthening its presence in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its organizational efforts under the guidance of the central leadership. The party is treating the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections as a crucial political battle, believing that establishing a strong base in Hyderabad will pave the way for success in the next Telangana Assembly elections. As part of this strategy, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is scheduled to visit Telangana for a three-day tour. During his visit, Nitin Nabin will hold a special meeting with GHMC booth-level committee leaders this evening. He is expected to provide guidance on key aspects of election management, booth-level organization, campaign strategy, and candidate selection. Party leaders will also review the shortcomings observed in recent local elections and discuss measures to strengthen the BJP's grassroots network ahead of the upcoming polls. The BJP's immediate objective is to secure victories in the three municipal corporations. The party has already decided to contest the elections independently, without entering into any alliance. Nitin Nabin is expected to advise state leaders to establish a dedicated selection committee to identify strong candidates and ensure that the party fields capable contenders in every division. In addition, the BJP leadership is likely to emphasize the importance of voter list verification, new voter enrollment, booth-level management, and continuous engagement with voters. The party believes that a strong performance in the GHMC elections will significantly enhance its political influence in Telangana and strengthen its prospects of achieving success in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

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