French firefighters are grappling for the first time with immense fire clouds, known as pyrocumulonimbus clouds, created by extreme wildfires, as they struggle to bring a forest inferno in southwest France under control. French wildfire researcher Jean-Baptiste Filippi says the phenomenon is yet another consequence of human-related climate change.
Jean-Emile Jammine is pleased to welcome Christopher Rassi, IFRC Chief of Staff and Under Secretary General for People and Strategy. He offers a rare on-the-ground perspective from southern Lebanon, to reveal the harrowing realities of the humanitarian crisis. He presents a compelling paradox: while ceasefires and pilot return zones might seem promising, recovery is not simply about returning people to their homes, but about rebuilding dignity, restoring public services, addressing invisible psychological wounds, and sustaining international solidarity over the long term. Rassi argues that resilience depends as much on sustained commitment, protection of humanitarian workers, and community trust as it does on immediate relief.
French firefighters continued to battle wildfires in the country's southwest on Monday (July 27) as many hoped favourable weather conditions could ease the blazes that have scorched through more than 40,000 hectares of land. About 220,000 people, including tourists and local residents, have been evacuated in France due to the wildfires.
A dense blanket of smoke has hung over Bordeaux since last Friday as a massive wildfire burns its way through southwestern France. As the flames creep closer to the city, FRANCE 24 met residents stunned by the scale of the disaster and fearful of what comes next.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones launched by Iran-backed militias from Iraq targeting oil facilities and Riyadh on Monday, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed separate drone strikes on the kingdom's oil infrastructure. The attacks mark a renewed escalation involving Saudi Arabia despite a recent lull in fighting between the United States and Iran.
Spain has two crucial days in front of it to bring wildfires under control before weather conditions worsen, authorities said Monday, as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on citizens to "exercise extreme caution" ahead of a new heatwave. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris reports.
Raging wildfires have forced the evacuation of over 220,000 people from the Gironde department in southwestern France as the devastating flames continue to spread. Thousands of evacuees are now packed into emergency shelters, with no timeline given as to when they may be able to return as firefighters battle to bring the blaze under control. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports from Bordeaux.
France’s interior minister said Monday that a monster wildfire has stopped growing after forcing 220,000 people out of their homes in the country’s southwest but cautioned that it isn’t yet beaten. He spoke after French President Emmanuel Macron held a crisis meeting Monday focusing on the massive firefighting effort in the Gironde region and on wildfires elsewhere. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Angela Diffley tells us more.
While the focus still remains containing the forest fires blazing through the Gironde department, the challenge of rebuilding and replanting has already begun. And it is likely to be a costly one coming in, according to the government, at between 5 and 10 thousand euros a hectare.
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.
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.
