The World This Week

Putin & The ‘Drowning Man Syndrome’ Sudan

Gavin LEE July 4, 2026
Putin & The ‘Drowning Man Syndrome’ Sudan
Putin & The ‘Drowning Man Syndrome’ Sudan
From intensifying drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia to mounting fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, anti-immigration protests in South Africa and a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court, this week has been shaped by conflicts over power, identity and international law.

France 24

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World Cup 2026: Salah's Egypt beat Australia in penalty shootout to reach last 16
World Cup 2026: Salah's Egypt beat Australia in penalty shootout to reach last 16

Mohamed Salah coolly tucked away a panenka penalty as Egypt beat Australia 4-2 on penalties to clinch their first win in a World Cup knockout match, after their round of 32 match finished even at 1-1. They will face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the last 16.

FRANCE 24 July 4, 2026
England-Mexico World Cup match could be moved earlier due to storm risk
England-Mexico World Cup match could be moved earlier due to storm risk

The round of 16 World Cup match between England and Mexico could be moved forward to noon local time on Sunday due to a risk of storms and flodding near Mexico City's Aztecaon stadium, local media reported. Fifa has yet to confirm the time change.

FRANCE 24 July 4, 2026
Putin & The ‘Drowning Man Syndrome’ Sudan
Putin & The ‘Drowning Man Syndrome’ Sudan

From intensifying drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia to mounting fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, anti-immigration protests in South Africa and a landmark ruling by the US Supreme Court, this week has been shaped by conflicts over power, identity and international law.

Gavin LEE July 4, 2026
'Not a proxy war': Sudan civil war 'would not go on like this' without role of international players
'Not a proxy war': Sudan civil war 'would not go on like this' without role of international players

Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome Jan Pospisil, Sudan Affairs Analyst at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform. He says the siege has been going on for almost a year, and the RSF seems committed to seizing el-Obeid. While Pospisil explains that Sudan's civil war is not a proxy war in the literal sense, he does make clear that "without international support, the war would not go on like this'". And yet none of the international actors, whether it be the UAE, supplying arms to the RSF, or the US or even Saudi Arabia, none have the "leverage" to lead the warring parties to a ceasefire, let alone a deal.

Gavin LEE July 3, 2026
Pope calls for 'moderation' in US public discourse on 250th anniversary of independence
Pope calls for 'moderation' in US public discourse on 250th anniversary of independence

Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, called for "moderation" in US public discourse and called on Americans to find "common ground" in a speech on Friday that coincided with the 250th anniversary of US independence.

FRANCE 24 July 3, 2026
Iran gets ready for Khamenei's funeral
Iran gets ready for Khamenei's funeral

He was assassinated in a #US-Israeli strike in February 2026. #Iran's Supreme leader Ali #Khamenei's #funerals are set to be held on July 4, with authorities expecting between 15 and 20 million people to attend.

FRANCE24 July 3, 2026
EU ‘tech sovereignty’: Uncoupling from the US and China?
EU ‘tech sovereignty’: Uncoupling from the US and China?

The EU is trying to assert its strategic independence in an unstable world – a world of bullies, as some members of the EU Parliament describe it. That means independence in matters of defence and energy supplies, but also in the whole field of tech. The European Commission says non-EU companies provide more than 80 percent of the EU’s digital products and services. One of the key proposals aimed at changing that is the “Tech Sovereignty Package”, which was presented in early June. With our guests, we dive into the initiative, explain the geopolitical context and ask what it would take for the bloc to achieve real technological sovereignty.

Armen GEORGIAN July 3, 2026
‘A joy to watch’: World Cup fans embrace Les Bleus as Deschamps finally takes the brake off
‘A joy to watch’: World Cup fans embrace Les Bleus as Deschamps finally takes the brake off

After 14 years of pragmatic football under their risk-averse manager Didier Deschamps, World Cup favourites France have unleashed their full attacking potential for his last tournament at the helm, to the delight of French and other fans in awe of a formidable armada that includes the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.

Benjamin DODMAN July 3, 2026
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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.  

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.

Diaz shines as Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1

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.

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.

Two Sisters Held for Stealing Gold Biscuit and Cash from Hyderabad Villa

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.

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