François Picard and Selina Sykes are pleased to welcome New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. As the National Football League expands its international ambitions to Paris, FRANCE, Kamara offers a unique perspective that reaches well beyond the spectacle of American football's arrival in the French capital. Just days before the Saints' anticipated encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kamara describes the occasion as "an opportunity unlike any other," while reflecting on his remarkable career, his interest in representing his country in flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and his ambitions to develop sporting opportunities in Liberia, his parents' country of birth.
François Picard and Selina Sykes are pleased to welcome New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. As the National Football League expands its international ambitions to Paris, FRANCE, Kamara offers a unique perspective that reaches well beyond the spectacle of American football's arrival in the French capital. Just days before the Saints' anticipated encounter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kamara describes the occasion as "an opportunity unlike any other," while reflecting on his remarkable career, his interest in representing his country in flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and his ambitions to develop sporting opportunities in Liberia, his parents' country of birth.
The Palestinian Authority has called for international pressure on Israel after a Palestinian official said around 1,200 Palestinians in Hebron in the West Bank were forced to leave their homes following an attack on Friday which killed two Israeli soldiers. The head of Hebron's municipality said an additional 1,300 may also be forced to leave.
A coalition of the “Yellow Vests” movement, trade unions and students will march across France on Saturday with demands over studying conditions and purchasing power. Some 70,000 police are expected to be deployed as authorities fear looting and vandalism similar to last Saturday's unrest.
Adding to the tensions, France is reeling from a shooting that authorities are investigating as a potentially racist and Islamophobic terrorist attack. One person was killed and five others wounded in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière, including a 12-year-old girl who was shot eight times. Police arrested the suspected gunman, and investigators reportedly found three gas cylinders rigged to a timer in his apartment, as well as a submachine gun in his car. The French president has condemned the attack, while the mayor of Saint-Denis has denounced the impact of hate speech.
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is officially launching her presidential campaign this weekend at the National Rally’s two-day party congress in Orléans, where thousands of supporters are expected to attend. Local authorities have put exceptional security measures in place as anti-far-right demonstrations take place in the city.
France is bracing for another day of cost-of-living protests, with extra police deployed nationwide to prevent a repeat of the violence that followed last Saturday’s demonstrations. In Lyon, where protests have been banned, police used tear gas to disperse around 150 people who had gathered to demonstrate. Government figures put last weekend’s turnout at more than half a million, and similarly large crowds could take to the streets again today. The movement grew out of high school students’ protests over poor conditions and a lack of resources, and cities across the country have stepped up security. In Paris, the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums are closed, while many luxury boutiques have also shut their doors and boarded up their windows following last weekend’s looting. France 24 Journalist Elitsa Gadeva reports the latest.
“You can't police yourself into social cohesion. You can't police yourself into a political future,” explains Andrew Smith, historian of modern France at Queen Mary University of London. He identifies a central paradox confronting the French Republic: the state may possess the means to impose public order, yet lack the political capacity to address the demands and grievances driving mass mobilisation. Smith examines the tensions between social protest, presidential authority and democratic legitimacy amid renewed unrest in France: “500,000 people on the streets of France doesn't happen by chance.”
Thousands of anti-fascist protesters took to the streets of Orléans on Saturday to demonstrate against a congress held by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. Marchers criticised both Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron, chanting slogans and carrying banners opposing the far right. The protest came amid renewed nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living, a week after rallies descended into street violence. The two-day congress also marked a major campaign event for Le Pen ahead of France’s presidential election in six months’ time. Antonia Kerrigan reports the latest from Orleans.
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
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: 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.
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.
Amaravati: The release of the AP EAPCET 2026 results, eagerly awaited by lakhs of students across Andhra Pradesh, has been postponed. Instead of the previously scheduled date, the results will now be announced on July 2 (Thursday), officials confirmed. According to the authorities, the decision was taken as the revised CBSE Class 12 results and the Intermediate Advanced Supplementary examination results are yet to be fully available. Officials also considered requests from students before finalizing the revised schedule. The AP EAPCET 2026 examinations were conducted from May 12 to May 20, with more than 3.29 lakh candidates appearing for the entrance test. As per the original schedule, the results were expected to be declared on June 1. However, since 25% weightage is given to Intermediate marks while preparing the final ranks, the authorities decided to wait until all qualifying examination results are available to ensure that no student is placed at a disadvantage. Officials stated that the final AP EAPCET 2026 ranks will be prepared only after incorporating the updated Intermediate and CBSE marks. The revised results are now scheduled to be released on July 2, allowing all eligible students to receive fair and accurate rankings.
