Armenia sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. While in much of the European Union, the drag scene is mainstream, in Armenia it remains underground. Performers face threats of violence, stigma, police pressure and even rejection by their own families. Despite this, drag queens have built a vibrant, bustling community that has attracted both local Armenians and international crowds. They make up a passionate and determined microculture challenging ultraconservative norms. And this avant garde scene is, in turn, being influenced by Armenia’s evolving political landscape.
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard's Visma-Lease a Bike outfit came first in the opening team time-trial of this year's Tour de France in Barcelona on Saturday. Slovenian rival Tadej Pogacar, who put in a strong performance, is hoping to become the fifth cyclist to win the Tour de France five times.
This weekend, the United States marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, one of the most influential political texts in modern history. Its assertion that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and that all people are endowed with the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, has inspired democratic movements around the world.
The shockwave following the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in May has continued to echo across France, with tens of thousands of people across the country marching on Saturday in support of what organisers call a comprehensive law against sexual violence.
The Malian army said Saturday that several northern towns, including Gao and Sévaré, were targeted by rebels. The statement came as a rebel group announced a new offensive to capture a town in the country's north. Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow at Clingendael's Conflict Research Unit, said some of the targets were intended more as "diversions" than as primary objectives, unlike strategically important towns such as Anefis.
A doctor who was being treated for Ebola in France after having tested positive following a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo has recovered and is out of hospital, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said in a statement Saturday. It was the first time that French authorities had detected the deadly fever in France.
The US is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country's independence on Saturday under sweltering temperatures, with a massive fireworks show planned in Washington following a speech by US President Donald Trump.
France are bracing for furnace-like temperatures when they face Paraguay in Philadelphia in the World Cup's last 16 on Saturday as co-hosts Canada prepare for a daunting date with African giants Morocco in Houston. With a brutal heatwave roasting swathes of the United States as it celebrates July 4th, Les Bleus take on Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field against a backdrop of extreme heat warnings.
Jihadists and their separatist Tuareg allies hit Mali with fresh coordinated attacks Saturday, striking multiple towns and a prison just months after hobbling the country's military junta with a similar wave of assaults. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle explains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
