At least eight people were killed as two rare tornadoes wrought devastation in central China's Hubei province state media said on Tuesday, with winds of up to 149 kph (92.58 mph) ripping through buildings and overturning cars.
Former world champion Mads Pedersen took the fourth stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday after a breakaway of more than 150 kilometres in sweltering 40C heat while Torstein Traeen claimed the coveted yellow jersey.
French President Emmanuel Macron is the first Western European leader to have met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, in a landmark visit for the country's post-Assad era. A question is at the centre of the visit: How can Syria build itself back after years of wars? Marc Pierini, Visiting Scholar and former EU ambassador to Syria and Turkey speaks to FRANCE 24 from Brussels.
The NATO summit has opened on July 7, with many topics to be discussed. Trump has opened the possibility of the US selling F35 fighter jets after Turkey was booted out of the programme in 2019 over Ankara's purchase of a Russian system. Trump has also expressed annoyance at European Nato allies for not "helping" the US in Iran. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani tells us more on the summit.
Marine Le Pen's conviction was a long-awaited decision as it will decide who will be representing the far-right party National rally in the 2027 presidential election. Following the announcement of her sentence, FRANCE 24's Carys Garland went to the National Assembly to see what MPs from the left, right and centre thought of the decision. She tells us more.
From being a political scapegoat, the far-right party National Rally has managed to become the most popular political force in France under the reign of Marine Le Pen, the founder's daughter - and that despite not dropping its anti-immigration and far-right rhetoric. FRANCE 24's Solange Mougin tells us how the party managed to do so.
At least 18 people have been wounded after a bomb went off near the Four Seasons in Damascus, the attack targeting the hotel where French president was staying, but had already left. A year after al-Sharaa's visit to Paris, the two leaders are eager to boost economic ties.
Nearly 20 years after taking power in Gaza, Hamas said on Monday it would hand over control of the territory to a committee of Palestinian technocrats. The move is a bid to get the ball rolling on the second phase of a peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump and wrest some control of the territory from Israel's grasp, Middle East expert Jean-Paul Chagnollaud told FRANCE 24.
France has pulled all its diplomats from Burkina Faso, the foreign ministry has said, after the military-led African nation broke off diplomatic ties with its former colonial power. French authorities also demanded Burkinabese diplomatic staff leave the country by July 6. Laurent Berstecher takes a look back at four years of souring ties.
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.
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.
Colombia next face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan play Portugal in Houston. MEXICO CITY: Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday (Jun 17). Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
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.
Hyderabad: Police have solved a theft case involving a 100-gram 24-carat gold biscuit and ₹1 lakh in cash at a villa in Indu Fortune Fields, KPHB Colony. Two sisters employed as housemaids at the residence were arrested for allegedly committing the theft, and the stolen gold biscuit was recovered from their possession. According to police, the case was registered at KPHB Police Station under Crime No. 810/2026. The accused, Konala Ramya and her younger sister Karri Nagalakshmi, were working as domestic helpers and staying at Villa No. 253, where the complainant, Uddagiri Tatarao, was residing as a tenant. The theft occurred on May 19 after the homeowner's wife reportedly left a second-floor wardrobe unlocked in a hurry. The sisters allegedly noticed a 100-gram 24-carat gold biscuit and ₹1 lakh in cash inside the wardrobe. Taking advantage of the situation, they are accused of stealing both the gold and the cash. During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to sharing the stolen cash and spending it on personal expenses. They also confessed to hiding the gold biscuit in the room allotted to them inside the villa, intending to sell it at a later date. Acting on credible information, KPHB Police conducted a search on June 30 and detained the two women. The 100-gram gold biscuit was recovered from their room. The arrested accused, Konala Ramya (36) and Karri Nagalakshmi (34), are natives of Chagallu village in West Godavari district and were employed as housemaids in the villa. The case was investigated under the supervision of DCP Ritheeraj (IPS) and ACP E. Ravikiran Reddy. The investigation was carried out by KPHB SHO S. Rajashekar Reddy, DI K.S. Ravi, DSI Abdul Samad, and the KPHB Crime Team. Police officials stated that the officers involved in cracking the case would be commended for their prompt investigation.
