French connections

Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement

Florence VILLEMINOT October 29, 2026
Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement
Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement
In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 18th arrondissement. The district is famous for landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge, but in this show we step away from the picture-postcard version of Montmartre and take you to see the rest of the 18th. We visit the vibrant multicultural neighbourhood called the Goutte d'Or, then take you to the largest fabric store in the world and introduce you to some of the 18th's most famous residents over the years. Join us as we explore the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement.

France 24

View more
Spain's train crash kills 69 people: What exactly happened?
Spain's train crash kills 69 people: What exactly happened?

In Spain, the deadly train accident that killed 69 people and injured scores has once again brought national railway safety under the spotlight. Spain’s transport minister reported an "error" and "inexplicable circumstances" that led to one of Europe's deadliest train disasters this century.

FRANCE24 October 29, 2026
US 2026: Georgia’s African Americans mobilise for the midterms
US 2026: Georgia’s African Americans mobilise for the midterms

This is one of the key states in the US midterms. In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff’s seat is on the line – and with it, perhaps, the Senate majority. African Americans, who make up around a third of Georgia’s electorate, are being urged to vote early. 

FRANCE24 October 29, 2026
USA: Barack Obama slams Donald Trump in final midterm push
USA: Barack Obama slams Donald Trump in final midterm push

Just five days before the US midterm elections, former president Barack Obama came to Georgia in a show of support to Senator Jon Ossoff in tthe midterm elections. Obama commented on the reaction of Trump's administration to a joke he had made the day before. "He was very upset about the Cheesecake Factory comments", Obama said. "They mobilized a whole-of-government response to that joke. Not to inflation, but to that joke." As the election is getting closer, polls point to a possible Democratic majority in the House. 

FRANCE24 October 29, 2026
'Feels like being hit by a bus': Rib remodelling beauty surgery on the rise
'Feels like being hit by a bus': Rib remodelling beauty surgery on the rise

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, October 29: Spanish papers discuss Wednesday's deadly train collision. The New York Times investigates whether a "safest seat" in the event of a train crash exists. Next, we look at a report about "the shocking rise of rib remodelling". We end with some photos from the Arctic and Antarctica.

Elitsa GADEVA October 29, 2026
At least 13 killed in 'horrific' Russian drone strike at Ukraine train station
At least 13 killed in 'horrific' Russian drone strike at Ukraine train station

At least 13 people were killed when a Russian drone struck a busy railway station in Ukraine's Dnipro on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, describing the attack as "horrific" and urging Kyiv's allies not to ease sanctions on Moscow.

FRANCE 24 October 29, 2026
Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement
Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement

In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in the 18th arrondissement. The district is famous for landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge, but in this show we step away from the picture-postcard version of Montmartre and take you to see the rest of the 18th. We visit the vibrant multicultural neighbourhood called the Goutte d'Or, then take you to the largest fabric store in the world and introduce you to some of the 18th's most famous residents over the years. Join us as we explore the lesser-known side of the 18th arrondissement.

Florence VILLEMINOT October 29, 2026
REPLAY: French anti-terrorism prosecutor gives press conference on racist attack
REPLAY: French anti-terrorism prosecutor gives press conference on racist attack

The French anti-terrorism prosecutor, Olivier Christen, gave a press conference on Thursday about the recent racist terrorist attack that killed one man and wounded five others, including a 12-year-old girl, in Trappes. Watch our replay.

FRANCE24 October 29, 2026
France reclaims title as Europe's champion of tax and social charges
France reclaims title as Europe's champion of tax and social charges

New data shows that France has the EU's highest tax burden at 46 percent of GDP, while its national debt continues to grow. Amid new street protests over lack of education funding and falling purchasing power, the government is proposing a meagre hike in the minimum wage. Also in this edition: US tech giants see their shares diverge as the AI boom pushes massive capital expenditures.

Bryan QUINN October 29, 2026
Kenya's female athletes make their mark as Youth Olympic Games approach
Kenya's female athletes make their mark as Youth Olympic Games approach

Senegal is preparing to host the Youth Olympic Games, which begin this weekend. The young athletes who hope to showcase their talents on the international stage have their sights set on the Games, and Kenya has made sure that its young boxers remain on their toes and are ready to take on opponents of a higher calibre. FRANCE 24's Bastien Renouil reports from the ground.

FRANCE24 October 29, 2026
Popular post
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.

AP EAPCET 2026 Results to Be Released on July 2 Instead of Scheduled Date

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.

Voting poll

Who will win the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections in 2029?