Business

UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover

Charles PELLEGRIN July 9, 2026
UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover
UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover
Italy's second biggest bank, Unicredit, is closing in on a takeover of Germany's second biggest bank Commerzbank after saying it secured 47.6% of the lender's shares on Wednesday. The move is facing widespread opposition in Germany, notably from the federal government, which has a 12% stake in the company. Also, new "freedom fuel" filling stations are appearing across the United States, offering cheaper petrol and receiving strong backing from the White House.

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Iran to bury slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as week-long funeral ceremonies draw to a close
Iran to bury slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as week-long funeral ceremonies draw to a close

Iran's slain ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday will be buried at the country's holiest shrine in Mashhad after a week of mass funeral processions, rallies and mourning ceremonies that has coincided ​with a flare-up in conflict with the US. Khamenei's son and successor, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has still not made any public appearances. 

FRANCE 24 July 9, 2026
The darkside of 10-minute delivery: Inside India's quick commerce revolution
The darkside of 10-minute delivery: Inside India's quick commerce revolution

India’s rapid-delivery apps have transformed everyday life in its biggest cities, promising almost anything at your doorstep in 10 minutes or less. But behind the convenience lies a fast-growing gig economy that is reshaping jobs, wages and expectations for millions of young Indians. Supriya Kumar and Sacha Desmaiziùres report.

Sacha DesmaiziĂšres July 9, 2026
UK pop singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75
UK pop singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75

Welsh ​pop ​singer Bonnie Tyler, famed for ​1980s ‌power ⁠ballads ‌such as "Total ⁠Eclipse of the Heart" ​and "Holding ‌Out for a  Hero", ​has died at the age ​of 75, ​BBC ​News reported ​on Thursday. 

FRANCE 24 July 9, 2026
UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover
UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover

Italy's second biggest bank, Unicredit, is closing in on a takeover of Germany's second biggest bank Commerzbank after saying it secured 47.6% of the lender's shares on Wednesday. The move is facing widespread opposition in Germany, notably from the federal government, which has a 12% stake in the company. Also, new "freedom fuel" filling stations are appearing across the United States, offering cheaper petrol and receiving strong backing from the White House.

Charles PELLEGRIN July 9, 2026
Israel kills one child per day on average in Gaza since the October ceasefire
Israel kills one child per day on average in Gaza since the October ceasefire

PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, July 9: In Gaza, despite the ceasefire, civilians continue to die – many of them children. Next, newspapers examine whether Ukraine can realistically manufacture Patriot missiles. Also, new research sheds light on the impact of war on wildlife. And finally, Gen Z is changing the narrative around hangovers...

Elitsa GADEVA July 9, 2026
World Cup: France face Morocco for a place in the semi-finals
World Cup: France face Morocco for a place in the semi-finals

France and Morocco meet again this Thursday in the World Cup quarter-finals, four years after their semi-final clash in Qatar in which Les Bleus won 2-0. France are targeting their third consecutive World Cup semi-final, while Morocco will look to repeat their historic 2022 run.

L'Equipe TV July 9, 2026
Oil prices stabilise after renewed US-Iran strikes rock peace hopes
Oil prices stabilise after renewed US-Iran strikes rock peace hopes

Oil prices fell on Thursday after a surge the previous day triggered by US President Donald Trump's declaration that the ceasefire with Iran was "over" following the country's renewed attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump later said that he expected the latest military flare-up to end quickly and left the door open to more talks.

FRANCE 24 July 9, 2026
South Korea's top court upholds 7-year sentence for ex-president Yoon
South Korea's top court upholds 7-year sentence for ex-president Yoon

South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a seven-year prison sentence handed down to former president Yoon Suk Yeol o charges of obstruction and other crimes tied to his botched 2024 martial law declaration. The disgraced former president has insisted his martial law declaration was motivated by the public interest.

FRANCE 24 July 9, 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.  

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  

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.

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.

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.

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