Itâs been a week of shifting alliances, escalating tensions and political drama. NATO leaders gathered in Turkey for another pivotal summit, where President Trump arrived questioning the allianceâs loyalty before leaving in a markedly warmer mood, as attention also turned to his relationship with President Zelensky and the future of Western support for Ukraine. In the Middle East, Iran held days of public mourning for its late Supreme Leader while fresh exchanges with the United States cast further doubt over hopes for a lasting ceasefire. In France, Marine Le Pen's political fortunes were transformed by a landmark appeal court ruling that reignited her presidential ambitions, while on the football pitch Les Bleus moved a step closer to a third World Cup title as Kylian MbappĂ© forcefully responded to racist abuse from a Paraguayan senator.
Spain booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals on Friday after Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late winner at the 88th minute to secure a 2-1 victory over Belgium. Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring before Charles De Ketelaere restored parity during the first half, but Luis de la Fuente's side found the decisive goal just two minutes from time.
Police on Friday arrested a 26-year-old, White British man on suspicion of killing former Conservative minister and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe. Police so far say they have no information to suggest the killing was politically motivated or an act of terror.
First, the European Parliament calls on EU member states to officially designate the  Rapid Support Forces in Sudan a terrorist organisation. Then, Kenya's Rastafarian community waits with bated breath as the country's high court gears up to deliver a ruling on the legalisation of marijuana. And, Morocco is still reeling from a heartbreaking 2-nil defeat to France, ending the Atlas Lions' historic World Cup journey.
King Charles III hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years on Friday as they try to repair a rift that has persisted since a public, high-profile falling out that saw his youngest son and wife quit royal life and move to America six years ago.
As the week draws to a close following the NATO summit in Ankara, a clearer picture is emerging of what was happening behind closed doors inside the Presidential Compound as the alliance's 32 leaders met. Among the revelations, reports from The Wall Street Journal and The Times of Israel suggest President Trump's team was rapidly adjusting plans amid what appeared to be an ongoing Iranian assassination threat. Away from the main sessions, the summit was also shaped by a series of side meetings, including talks between the Baltic leaders and President Zelensky, while President Erdogan's controversial gifts to visiting leaders â ceremonial pistols presented with ammunition enclosed â prompted an unexpected diplomatic and ethical dilemma over whether to accept them. France 24's Gavin Lee spoke to Joakim Klementi, European correspondent for Estonian Public Broadcasting, ERR.
With the French team having just won their quarter-final against Morocco, they are set to face the winner of the Spain-Belgium match in the semi-finals. We asked French fans who they would prefer to face.
Spain and Belgium clashed in a tasteful quarter-final encounter on Friday, with both European nations seeking to reach the World Cup semi-finals in a 1986 rematch. Both teams scored during the first half, but Merino's late winner helped La Roja advance to face France in the final four. Relive our liveblog to see how things unfolded.Â
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. Â
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 2026â27 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:Â AP EAPCET 2026 Results to Be Released on July 2 Instead of Scheduled Date Â
Iranâs Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said âthe face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemyâs point of view.â 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.
