French parliamentary polls to begin

The first round of voting in parliamentary elections takes place in France tomorrow, with polls showing President Emmanuel Macron's new centrist party within reach of a clear majority in the national assembly.

The second and final round of voting takes place on June 18.

Qatar's Foreign Minister visits Moscow

Qatar's Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani travels to Moscow today amid a diplomatic row with fellow Arab states that have accused Doha of supporting terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not expected to receive Mr Al-Thani. Moscow has refrained from taking sides after Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Yemen and Libya cut ties with Qatar.

Blood donors to be honoured today

More than 1,200 blood donors will be recognised for their donations today on World Blood Donor Day by the National Blood Programme. Thirteen donors will receive awards for having made at least 200 donations.

Every year, the lives of 30,000 patients are saved by the contributions of the nation's blood donors.