Talk about doomsday scrolling. In the past week, our timelines have been alight with dark predictions of our imminent demise, including the one by a Silicon Valley engineer who puts a number on the chances of artificial intelligence wiping out humanity. Better than 10-percent. Triggering the wave of panic, the recent breach of the machine-learning programmers' site Hugging Face by AI machines who banded together to keep their nefarious deeds secret from their human overlords. Can machines actually destroy the planet on their own? In the age of technology, does problem solving always override safety?
Twelve European countries on Monday called for the European Union to step up its presence in the Arctic, as melting ice opens new maritime routes while growing tensions with Russia and the United States increasingly put the region in the geopolitical spotlight.
A new Ipsos survey reveals a country gripped by pessimism, with soaring prices the top worry for French voters ahead of the April 2027 presidential election. Candidates from far-right leader Marine Le Pen, to the far-left's Jean-Luc Mélenchon are racing to make the cost of living the defining issue of their campaigns.
Turkish authorities on Sunday launched raids on gay bars, nightclubs, LGBTQ association offices and activists' homes in a sweeping crackdown in several cities as part of the government's "My Family is Safe" operations, Turkey's justice minister said. More than 60 people were arrested, according to the state news agency, in raids condemned by human rights groups.
France's far-right veteran candidate Marine Le Pen looks set to lead in the first round of elections next year, as the country's increasingly disillusioned voters seek real change, a poll of more than 13,000 voters has suggested.
The Kremlin said on Monday it would keep striking targets across the "whole" of Ukraine, when asked about a rare drone attack on the Polish border that has rattled Warsaw and its European allies. NATO-member Poland said on Sunday that Russia had hit a railway locomotive inside Ukraine, about two kilometres (one mile) from their shared border, just days after Kyiv said it had hit a crossing at its border with Moldova.
The AI boom that has powered markets and unleashed a flood of investment is showing signs of strain. Calls to slow the development of powerful models fuel doubts over whether the sector's promised profits can justify its staggering costs.
The US-Israel war on Iran has shaken global energy markets and coal is no exception. Countries around the world are turning to the highly polluting source of power in a bid to avoid shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency, global coal demand is forecast to rise by 1.2% this year to a record 8.94 billion tonnes. FRANCE 24’s Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe has the details in this edition.
This week arts24 talks to Nigerian Blues Funk Artist Keziah Jones ahead of his Symphonic premier at la Scène Musicale on September 29 as part of Jazz & Musique du Monde season. He tells FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache about his music and about working with arranger Pierre Bertrand. Plus, we take a look at new releases by Beck, Miley Cyrus and Beabadobee.
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.
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.
