The Gulf nation of Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup, even as human rights groups document the colossal loss of life among migrant labourers working on the country's massive construction programme. Moreover, Qatar's attitude to same-sex relationships has prompted calls for the Emirate to be shunned.

Universities in Iran have turned into a battleground between authorities and student demonstrators. The latest protests mirror the experiences of earlier generations.

Business ties are high on the agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan. The countries represented are huge potential markets for Russian energy, and Vladimir Putin has been pushing for closer ties. China and India in particular have increased their imports of Russian oil, natural gas and coal since the invasion of Ukraine. Also on the show: US railworkers reach a deal to avoid a costly strike, and the owner of Patagonia donates the retailer to a climate charity.

From a film on abortion rights to a biopic about Marilyn Monroe, there's plenty in store at this year's Deauville American Film Festival. The mistress of ceremonies, FRANCE 24's very own Genie Godula, speaks to Eve Jackson at the Normandy beach town about what to look out for during this annual celebration of US cinema.

With record-high temperatures in Northern Africa and food security worries from Egypt to Morocco, agrivoltaic projects in the region are getting more and more attention.

Wars and natural disasters tear families apart worldwide. The German Red Cross tries to put them back in touch.

Just over a week before the first round of voting, candidates for France's presidential election are campaigning on marketplaces across France. The so-called smaller candidates are trying to close the gap with the top contenders. FRANCE 24's Campaign Commentator Philip Turle tells us why Marine Le Pen has been eating into Emmanuel Macron's lead in the polls. Plus, our reporters dive into the world of French Trotskyists.

The United States has withdrawn from Afghanistan. Turkey, in particular, is preparing to take over its role on the ground. However, many Turks have been angered by their president's overtures to the Taliban.

China has opened the doors on what it bills as the world's largest planetarium, a new Shanghai facility that showcases the nation's recent extra-terrestrial exploits while notably downplaying those of space pioneers like the United States.

Iran is home to a colourful array of ethnicities: Persians, Arabs, Azeris, Kurds, Baluchis, Lurs and a group that's less talked about: the Black African community. While we have no verified figures, according to some reports, there are more than tens of thousands of Black Iranians living in a number of cities. To talk more about the Iranian-African community both in and out of the country, we speak to Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda, one of the founders of the Collective for Black Iranians.

Gero von Boehm's documentary on fashion photographer Helmut Newton is out in French cinemas. It features interviews from his famous muses including Claudia Schiffer, Anna Wintour and Charlotte Rampling, but also delves into some of the controversies surrounding his provocative style.

The country's poor ranking in the WEF's gender gap index has caused embarrassment and triggered calls for change to support female empowerment.