Rain is easing in Thailand’s capital, but flooding continues in several low-lying areas. Thousands of people have been forced into temporary shelters after the government declared Bangkok a disaster zone on Saturday. At least eight people have died over the past 10 days as heavy rains caused widespread disruption. Juliette Brown reports.
It has been a deadly night in South Africa, with 27 people killed in two separate shooting incidents. Police say 17 people were shot dead at a tavern outside Johannesburg by suspects armed with assault rifles, while another 10 were killed near Cape Town when gunmen opened fire at a venue selling grilled meat. No arrests have been made as police search for the attackers. Initial investigations suggest one shooting may have been linked to a turf war between illegal miners, while the other could have stemmed from a business rivalry. France 24 correspondent Eurice Masson reports the latest from South Africa.
Tensions are running high in Northern Ireland after the High Court in Belfast approved a controversial parade. Around 2,000 protesters have blocked the route into a Catholic area where the Protestant march was due to pass. It is the first time in nearly 30 years that the Orange Order has been allowed to march along this route, which was a notorious flashpoint before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement largely brought an end to the bloodshed of the Troubles. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appealed for calm on all sides, saying he does not want to see Northern Ireland “go backwards.”
Two more women have been found dead in Johannesburg this weekend, bringing the number of women killed in a single municipality to 11 in just two months. Most of the other victims were in their 20s and 30s, with some found partially undressed and showing signs of sexual assault, raising fears that a serial killer could be responsible. Police have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspected killer or killers. The deaths have sparked a national outcry over violence against women in South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence. Tegan Snayman, Research, Campaigns and Communications Assistant at Amnesty International South Africa, shares further insights.
British police have evacuated homes near an air force base in Gloucestershire, as army bomb disposal experts examined several vehicles in what authorities described as a major incident. Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and offences under the Explosives Act. RAF Fairford, the base involved, is also being used by the US for strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Air Force personnel at the base have been told to remain vigilant, while police say the incident is now contained. Caroline Baum reports.
You'll have seen the coverage of Céline Dion's return from illness and her Paris residency. But here's a different angle: the audio technology keeping her stage quiet, and the artificial intelligence isolating her voice from the noise of a 30,000-seat stadium.
At least 27 people were killed in separate mass shootings in Cape Town and Johannesburg, police said Sunday. No suspects have been arrested in either shooting, and the motives for the attacks remain unknown.
Pope Leo XIV continued his visit to France in Lourdes, at the major Catholic pilgrimage site in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where he celebrated mass before around 150,000 people. Hendro Munstermann, a Vatican correspondent for the Dutch newspaper Nederland Dagblad, joins us from Lourdes to share his impressions and tell us more about the Pope’s visit.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Spanish capital on Saturday to call for greater protection for tenants. The protest was sparked by the eviction of an elderly woman who was forced out of her lifelong home after her rent nearly quadrupled. Her case has resonated with many Spaniards who say rising rents, partly driven by tourism, are making cities increasingly unaffordable. Morgan Ayre reports.
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.
Low Water, High Profits: Top Crops Farmers Can Grow in Water-Scarce Areas Across India Water Shortage No Longer Means Low Income: Experts Recommend Climate-Resilient Crops for Better Returns New Delhi: Water scarcity has emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing Indian agriculture. With irregular monsoons, declining groundwater levels, rising temperatures, and increasing climate variability, farmers across several states are being encouraged to shift from water-intensive crops to drought-tolerant and climate-resilient alternatives. Agricultural experts believe that choosing the right crop based on water availability and soil type can help farmers reduce production costs while maintaining stable yields. Traditionally, crops such as paddy and sugarcane require significant amounts of irrigation. However, in areas where water availability is limited, these crops often become economically risky. Experts recommend adopting crops that require less water, mature quickly, and are capable of withstanding dry weather conditions. Why Water-Efficient Crops Are Becoming Essential Climate experts warn that rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Delayed monsoons and prolonged dry spells have affected sowing in many parts of the country, prompting governments and agricultural departments to encourage farmers to diversify toward water-efficient farming systems. Low-water crops offer several advantages: Lower irrigation costs Reduced dependence on groundwater Better drought tolerance Lower cultivation expenses Stable yields during erratic rainfall Improved soil sustainability Best Crops for Low-Water Farming 1. Millets Millets are among the most drought-resistant crops and are gaining popularity due to increasing consumer demand for healthy foods. Popular varieties include: Pearl Millet (Bajra) Sorghum (Jowar) Finger Millet (Ragi) Foxtail Millet Little Millet Barnyard Millet These crops require substantially less water than rice and perform well under rain-fed conditions. 2. Pulses Pulse crops consume relatively less water while improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Recommended pulses include: Red Gram (Pigeon Pea) Green Gram (Moong) Black Gram (Urad) Chickpea Cowpea Horse Gram Apart from offering good market prices, pulses also enhance soil health for future crops. 3. Oilseed Crops Oilseeds remain a profitable option in dryland farming. Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Sunflower Castor Safflower Many of these crops require moderate irrigation only during critical growth stages. 4. Horticulture Crops With drip irrigation, several fruit crops can provide long-term income. Popular choices include: Pomegranate Guava Custard Apple Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Drumstick (Moringa) Several state governments have also promoted drumstick cultivation in drought-prone regions because of its low water requirement and export potential. 5. Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Farmers seeking diversification may consider: Aloe Vera Ashwagandha Lemongrass Vetiver Senna These crops generally require less irrigation and have growing demand from pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Crop Selection Based on Soil Type Sandy Soil Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Watermelon Muskmelon Guava Cashew Black Cotton Soil Recommended crops: Cotton Pigeon Pea Sorghum Chickpea Sunflower Red Soil Suitable options include: Groundnut Millets Pulses Mango Guava Drumstick Choosing crops according to soil characteristics significantly improves productivity and reduces cultivation risks. Modern Water-Saving Techniques Agricultural scientists recommend integrating crop selection with efficient water management. Key practices include: Drip irrigation Mulching Rainwater harvesting Soil moisture conservation Organic matter incorporation Micro-irrigation systems Scientific nutrient management These techniques can substantially reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity. Climate Change Driving New Farming Practices Experts note that climate change is making traditional farming methods increasingly difficult. Several states have already started promoting drought-resistant crops, natural farming, and water-efficient cultivation practices to improve farmers' resilience against uncertain rainfall. Experts' Advice Agricultural experts recommend that farmers should not choose crops solely based on market prices. Instead, they should consider: Annual rainfall Groundwater availability Soil type Local climate Market demand Production cost Water availability throughout the season A scientific crop selection strategy can significantly improve profitability while reducing cultivation risks. Conclusion Water scarcity is expected to remain one of the biggest agricultural challenges in the coming years. However, adopting climate-resilient crops, efficient irrigation methods, and scientific farming practices can help farmers sustain productivity and increase profitability. As climate conditions continue to evolve, experts believe that water-efficient agriculture will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and long-term farm sustainability across India. Disclaimer This article is intended for informational purposes only. Crop suitability may vary depending on local climate, soil characteristics, water availability, and market conditions. Farmers are advised to consult their nearest agricultural extension office or qualified agriculture experts before making cultivation decisions.
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.
Amaravati: The release of the AP EAPCET 2026 results, eagerly awaited by lakhs of students across Andhra Pradesh, has been postponed. Instead of the previously scheduled date, the results will now be announced on July 2 (Thursday), officials confirmed. According to the authorities, the decision was taken as the revised CBSE Class 12 results and the Intermediate Advanced Supplementary examination results are yet to be fully available. Officials also considered requests from students before finalizing the revised schedule. The AP EAPCET 2026 examinations were conducted from May 12 to May 20, with more than 3.29 lakh candidates appearing for the entrance test. As per the original schedule, the results were expected to be declared on June 1. However, since 25% weightage is given to Intermediate marks while preparing the final ranks, the authorities decided to wait until all qualifying examination results are available to ensure that no student is placed at a disadvantage. Officials stated that the final AP EAPCET 2026 ranks will be prepared only after incorporating the updated Intermediate and CBSE marks. The revised results are now scheduled to be released on July 2, allowing all eligible students to receive fair and accurate rankings.
