Systemic use of 'goons' in Kenya amplifies political repression

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
Systemic use of 'goons' in Kenya amplifies political repression
Systemic use of 'goons' in Kenya amplifies political repression
With one year to go before Kenya's 2027 presidential election, human rights organizations are sounding the alarm. They are denouncing the rise of “goons”—henchmen recruited by political leaders to infiltrate rallies, sow chaos, and intimidate opponents. This is a long-standing phenomenon that has worsened significantly since the large-scale protests against William Ruto’s government.

France 24

View more
DR Congo's Ebola outbreak becomes fastest ever recorded
DR Congo's Ebola outbreak becomes fastest ever recorded

The number of deaths in the current Ebola epidemic in the DRC has now topped 1,000, and the number of confirmed cases is around 2500. Experts are calling for more funding to help tackle the crisis as it becomes the fastest spreading outbreak ever recorded.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
How the student 'Cockroach' movement grew its influence across India
How the student 'Cockroach' movement grew its influence across India

Young Indians are keeping up the pressure - continuing their demands for the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan - to step down. This as their online satirical group the "Cockroach People's Party" grows in stature and support. It won millions of followers on social media and tens of thousands of sign-ups since its launch in May.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
US rhetoric 'all about amping up' but strategy for a deal with Iran unclear
US rhetoric 'all about amping up' but strategy for a deal with Iran unclear

After a twelfth night of US strikes, Iran has hit US bases in Jordan and Kuwait, claiming several military assets were destroyed. This also comes after rebel Houthis in Yemen struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, further expanding the conflict. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani tells us more.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
How Houthi strikes on oil tankers will impact the Middle East war
How Houthi strikes on oil tankers will impact the Middle East war

Yemen's Houthi rebels say they have attacked two Saudi oil tankers. The Houthis are supported by Iran, and the attacks in the Red Sea could be a new front for the war between the US and Iran. But how will this affect the conflict?

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
India's 'Cockroach' movement spreads to Mumbai after violence in New Delhi
India's 'Cockroach' movement spreads to Mumbai after violence in New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally broken his silence on the student protest movement known as the “Cockroach Janta Party”. The protests have spread from the capital New Delhi to other large cities including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Clashes with the police have occurred in several cities as well.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
In pictures: Wildfires ravage parts of southern France
In pictures: Wildfires ravage parts of southern France

Thousands of people were evacuated in southwest France on Thursday, as a wildfire ravaged a seaside pine forest. Hundreds of firefighters were battling the fire, which started around midday on Wednesday. FRANCE 24 looks at some of the most striking images of the fire. 

FRANCE 24 July 23, 2026
Spain battles spreading wildfires fuelled by climate-change driven heat
Spain battles spreading wildfires fuelled by climate-change driven heat

Wildfires in Spain have forced authorities to evacuate several districts around the city of Toledo, 75 miles from the Spanish capital Madrid. It's one of many wildfires ravaging across western Europe as parts of southern France and Italy are also ablaze. In 2025, more than 393,000 hectares had been consumed by flames in Spain, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. It is the worst toll in the country's recent history, fuelled by extreme temperatures cause by climate change.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
Open AI models go rogue, ecape and and hack online AI sharing hub
Open AI models go rogue, ecape and and hack online AI sharing hub

In the world of artificial intelligence, frontier models are displaying ever-more sophisticated autonomous behaviour. Industry giant OpenAI has revealed that one of its new agentic models managed to escape what should have been an isolated testing environment to access the internet where it then proceeded to hack a popular AI sharing and testing hub as it sought answers that would help it to pass its OpenAI test. The incident, once again underlining the growing threat advanced AIs pose to cybersecurity.

FRANCE24 July 23, 2026
India's police accused of exercising 'absolute brutality' against peaceful protesters
India's police accused of exercising 'absolute brutality' against peaceful protesters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed "stringent punishment" for those involved in exam fraud that fuelled student anger. Those are his first direct comments tied to the major protests challenging his government. Meanwhile, the movement has spread from the capital city to other major cities. FRANCE 24's Sarah Jacob tells us about the latest.

FRANCE24 July 23, 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.  

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.

Voting poll

Who will win the Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections in 2029?