France are through to the World Cup semi-finals, and freelance journalist Francis Collings, based in Paris, analyses Les Bleus’ chances of going all the way. He says France have shown they can withstand pressure when matches become difficult, a key strength in their bid to lift the trophy.
Statues of 17th-century kind Shivaji have been erected across various Indian cities over the past few years by Hindu nationalist groups, who view him as a symbolic defender of Hindus against Muslims. The campaign marks another act of intolerance toward Muslim and Christian minorities, who have been targeted since the Bharatiya Janata Party took power 12 years ago.
Paris has been hosting its autumn-winter couture collections amid simmering temperatures, with celebrities sporting parasols and fans as they watch the shows. Fashion journalist Alice Pfeiffer tells us why "Blazymania" has taken hold, as Chanel's new artistic director continues his winning streak with designs inspired by Coco Chanel herself. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presents an accessible, floral collection, while Pierpaolo Piccioli draws stars including Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore and Teyana Taylor to the front row for his Balenciaga debut.
At least 12 people have died in one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, with many victims killed while trying to flee the flames by car or on foot in southern Almeria. Sarah Morris reports from Madrid, where authorities say the fire may have started after a power cable fell onto the road and ignited dry vegetation, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze amid extreme heat.
Health officials say DR Congo is facing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever, with nearly 1,800 confirmed cases and at least 600 deaths. In the epicentre of the crisis, children who have lost their parents to the virus are left to rebuild their lives while communities struggle to contain the disease.
The UN has raised the alarm over a worsening humanitarian crisis in El-Obeid, a city besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, where many civilians are dying amid relentless attacks. FRANCE 24 correspondent Bastien Renoul spoke to residents trapped inside, who describe bombed water infrastructure, constant strikes and growing fears of famine as food supplies run out.
After a NATO summit focused on Iran, Ukraine and ties with Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surprised leaders with an unusual gift: engraved vintage revolvers with live ammunition. The unexpected presents created diplomatic and logistical challenges, with several leaders saying the weapons would be decommissioned or donated to museums.
Nearly 1,000 years after chronicling the Norman conquest of England, the Bayeux Tapestry is making history once again. The fragile 11th-century embroidery has arrived in London on an unprecedented loan to the British Museum, prompting delight and concern in equal measure. Celebrated as one of Europe's greatest medieval treasures, its journey has reignited debates over heritage, diplomacy and the risks of moving delicate cultural artefacts.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s diplomatic motorcade hit the road shortly after his appointment. From Riyadh to Beirut, Washington to Moscow, Shaibani has been at the forefront of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s bid to open a new chapter in Mideast history. But the rebel official-turned-diplomat may find Damascus does not hold all the cards in a volatile region.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
