Kyiv and Moscow on Wednesday agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange as the final day of peace talks in Abu Dhabi came to an end, though neither side gave a concrete figure. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.
In tonight's edition, A new law expanding the conditions for a constitutional referendum has ignited political tensions in the DRC. Also, Kenya has officially declared the end of its latest Ebola outbreak. And at COP31, environmental advocates are warning against waste incineration, arguing that it risks locking African cities into expensive and polluting infrastructure.
Millions of workers in Spain shut down businesses and public transport on Wednesday, as part of the country's first general strike in 14 years. Following a peaceful march in Barcelona over soaring rents and property prices, and the rising cost of living, protesters smashed storefronts, set off small bonfires, burned bins and launched fireworks towards police. The unrest comes just weeks before snap elections, called by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris reports from Madrid.
Prints from the personal collection of renowned photographer Bert Stern, including his celebrated series The Last Sitting of Marilyn Monroe, are set to be auctioned at Gros & Delettrez in Paris, marking the first such sale of Stern's private archives. At the heart of the Dec. 2 auction is The Last Sitting, a series of photographs taken in June and July 1962 at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, just weeks before Monroe's death. FRANCE 24's Olivia Bizot reports.
French authorities forced Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan to leave the country after he landed at a Paris airport last week, his office said in a statement on Wednesday. The French foreign ministry did not confirm his deportation, only saying that Dagan was banned from French territory due to his involvement in Israel's illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
After being detained for almost 500 days in Algeria, Christophe Gleizes is no closer to being freed. Those close to him, as well as his fellow sports journalists have campaigned tirelessly for his release with the affair even attracting the attention of Zinedine Zidane, manager of the French football team. FRANCE 24's Mark Owen speaks with Thibault Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Without Borders. He says that Gleizes has probably become "a token in a diplomatic game that we don't totally understand, that we don't totally master, up to the point where we are asking ourselves 'has he become a state hostage?'".
Tens of thousands of protesters marched across Spain on Wednesday during a general strike over housing affordability and purchasing power just weeks before an early general election. Unions reported a significant response in some sectors in Spain's first nationwide 24-hour stoppage since 2012, but business leaders played down the participation. Braving heavy rain, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through central Madrid carrying placards shaped like houses and chanting "We have no home" as they called for more affordable housing. FRANCE 24's Sarah Morris reports from Madrid.
Turns out that the new masters of the universe are human, all too human. China accused of exploiting a vulnerability at the heart of the Silicon Valley giant that reigns supreme over two-thirds of the planet’s AI computing power production, the Nvidia co-founder tempted by the flesh. Jensen Huang admitting to an extramarital affair with Singapore-based Chinese tech CEO Alice Huang - no relation. She’s under scrutiny over the purchase of Nvidia state-of-the-art chips that may have been smuggled back to the mainland illegally. We’ll ask about the rise and possible fall of the Taiwan-born leather-clad AI world icon.
Tens of thousands of Polish nationalist sympathisers gathered in Warsaw Wednesday for an annual Independence Day March, just days after a deadly shooting spree in Krakow that shook the country. The event is held each November 11 to commemorate the ending in 1918 of 123 years of partition by Russia, Prussia and Austria. The event is a magnet for all shades of Poland's right wing -- from conservative-nationalists aligned with its Law and Justice (PiS) party to far-right and radical groups. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland 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.
Healthy Ragi Paniyaram: A Crispy & Nutritious South Indian Breakfast Why Choose Ragi Paniyaram? Ragi (finger millet) is one of the healthiest grains, packed with calcium, iron, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. It helps improve digestion, supports bone health, and keeps you feeling full for longer. Ragi Paniyaram is an excellent breakfast or evening snack that's both healthy and delicious. Ingredients For the Batter 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour 1 cup semolina (Bombay rava) 1 cup yogurt (curd) 1½ cups water Salt to taste A pinch of baking soda For the Tempering ½ teaspoon chana dal ½ teaspoon urad dal ½ teaspoon mustard seeds ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 green chilies, finely chopped ½ cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons grated carrot 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves Oil as required Step 1: Prepare the Batter In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, semolina, yogurt, salt, and water. Mix well until smooth and free of lumps. Cover the batter and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. Step 2: Prepare the Tempering Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the chopped green chilies, onions, grated carrot, and coriander leaves. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Step 3: Mix Everything Together Add the tempered vegetables to the batter and mix well. Finally, add a pinch of baking soda and stir gently. Step 4: Cook the Paniyaram Heat a paniyaram (appe) pan and lightly grease each cavity with oil. Pour the batter into each cavity until about three-fourths full. Cover and cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Flip each paniyaram carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot. Best Served With Ragi Paniyaram tastes delicious with: Coconut chutney Peanut chutney Tomato chutney Mint chutney Ginger chutney Sambar Health Benefits Rich in calcium for stronger bones. High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion. Keeps you full for longer, helping with weight management. A healthier alternative to refined flour-based breakfasts. Provides sustained energy throughout the day. Suitable for both children and adults. Cooking Tips Allow the batter to rest for at least 20 minutes for softer paniyaram. Add vegetables like spinach, cabbage, sweet corn, or capsicum for extra nutrition. Cook on medium heat for an evenly crisp exterior and soft interior. Use minimal oil for a healthier version. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste. Preparation Details Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4 Cuisine: South Indian Meal Type: Breakfast / Evening Snack Difficulty Level: Easy
