The South African-born jurist and former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, who is currently an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her efforts to promote peace and international law. Her win is sure to be seen as a high-profile rebuke to US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who have both rejected the findings of a UN commission she led that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Both leaders also have been highly critical of the institutions where Pillay has worked. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Philip Turle tells us more.
A big win for Zimbabwean literature: Harare-based author Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza has claimed the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story "The Blue Fighter". The award is given to the best short story by an African writer published in English and comes with a £10,000 pounds cash prize. FRANCE 24's Sharon Mazingaizo met with the writer.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday opened its hearing into Senegal's appeal against being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in favour of Morocco. The hearing in Lausanne comes almost 10 months after Pape Gueye's extra-time goal gave Senegal victory over the tournament hosts following a chaotic finish to normal time. But in March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned that result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory, and the title.
A Kenyan national who had been living in Congo before returning to Nairobi has become Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola case and the country’s first fatality from the disease in the rapidly evolving outbreak. The Kenya Red Cross is supporting the government’s efforts to prevent a public health crisis. FRANCE 24’s Bastien Renouil met with Paul Olala, the NGO’s head of health security and emergencies.
The fight against Ebola poses a challenge in the Central African Republic. In Zemio, in the country’s south-east, proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised fears that the virus could spread across the border. But health screening remains difficult. The repeated absence of health workers at checkpoints is hampering surveillance, while residents continue to cross the border through unofficial crossing points, as FRANCE 24's team on the ground reports.
The first US military execution in more than 65 years will be livestreamed, announced the Pentagon on Thursday, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it would be "public". Former Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas in 2009, killing 13 people. His execution will take place at the military base on December 3, 2026. "The livestreaming of an execution is tantamount to a public execution and would breach the absolute prohibition of torture," the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday.
Ten months after the explosive AFCON final, Senegal and Morocco are still fighting over the title, this time at sport's highest court. A verdict on Senegal's appeal against Morocco's victory by default is expected within days. Also, it's a race against time in Kenya. Health officials are tracing dozens of contacts after an Ebola patient died following a journey from DR Congo. Plus Zimbabwean author Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza wins the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story "The Blue Fighter".
The US will livestream the Army's upcoming firing squad execution on December 3 of Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in a 2009 shooting spree, a Pentagon official said, in what would be an unprecedented move. Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, is set to become the first person to be executed by firing squad by the US military since 1945.
French student unions vowed on Friday to keep up protests after scoring their first win in a campaign that is increasingly supported by Paris's elite universities, with 141 schools still shut around the country, according to the education ministry. Student and teacher unions have called for another round of nationwide school strikes next Tuesday. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon reports.
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.
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.
