Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space?

For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder. Philosophers call the type of sensory and aesthetic stimuli that provoke it the sublime.

On its face, the kind of short flight to the edge of space that looks set to be the predominant mode of space tourism, at least in the short term, seems the very definition of what the psychologist Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience.” The kinetic thrill of rocketing to an altitude of over 50 miles, combined with the astonishing perspective it affords of our planet, invites us to believe that few adventures could be more profound.

But picture the millionaire awe chaser when the big day comes around, and the capsule he has booked a seat on hurtles skyward into the deep blue of the upper mesosphere. The whole escapade is being recorded by HD cameras. A dulcet computer-generated voice provides the commentary. The chair is uncannily comfortable. The ride, controlled by cutting-edge A.I. technology, is disconcertingly smooth. Champagne is waiting for the passengers on the landing pad.

Under such contrived conditions, awe will always be a chimera. That which we explicitly pursue will always, to a greater or lesser extent, remain out of reach.

The appeal of the sublime has been a subject of conjecture and interpretation for as long as humans have pondered the stars. Existing at the intersection of joy and fear, the feelings it can elicit are best understood as a paradox: the sensation of feeling enriched by way of feeling diminished. A person might experience it while standing on a mountainside when a storm rolls in or peering down the gullet of a thunderous waterfall. The transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson memorably called it his “transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all.” The writer Shannon Stirone described it as “the simultaneous shrinking and expanding of our hearts.”

We covet the experience of sublimity because it hints at mysteries and forces beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding. And it is good for us. Neuroscientists discovered that regular doses of awe can boost critical thinking, physical health and emotional well-being. Studies have also shown that it makes us kinder and more empathetic.

But chasing it misses an essential element of awe, which is that so much of its potency depends on factors that commercial spaceflight seems custom designed to negate.

In many years of working as a travel writer — which I’ve often thought of as working the awe beat — I’ve come to understand that awe cannot be easily choreographed.

Some of the times I have experienced awe: An hour of avalanches rumbling down the south face of Annapurna under a full moon. Fork lightning strobing across the empty deck of a cargo ship on Lake Victoria. An eagle hovering 20 feet above my shoulder in the Chilean tundra.

These were the sort of transcendental moments we might hope to enjoy when we book a trip for adventure. But what they all had in common was some unanticipated ingredient. They relied on serendipity, whether in the form of weather conditions or animal idiosyncrasy. The high-flown emotions they triggered — the sorts that manifest in goose bumps, sometimes even tears — came unbidden.

Some occasions, by contrast, when I didn’t feel awe: gorilla tracking in Uganda, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre amid a jostling crowd of people taking photos of it with their mobile phones, every safari I’ve ever been on. These experiences were certainly noteworthy. But they were far from sublime.

Space tourism belongs to this subset of ostensibly awesome experiences that often feel anticlimactic precisely because they come with a promise of awe factored in.

For one thing, space tourists probably embark with a pretty good simulation of the experience already imprinted on their minds. Westernized and space curious, clients of the new space tourism outfits will have watched the modern canon of astronautical drama, including “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” In preflight training, they will have been drilled and prepped for every moment they will spend in suborbit. The sense of surprise that is arguably the most vital precondition for experiencing awe will have been watered down by the months of forethought and demystification.

Often, the problem is simply one of context. Do you have any preconceived expectations about the experience? How exposed are you to the thing you’re observing? Is the activity ethically fraught? These potential distractions might seem incidental. But they all have the potential to obstruct our ability to enjoy an authentic communion with the sublime.

It’s the difference between joining a 20-strong organized tour to see the Northern Lights and, say, camping alone in some Scandinavian wilderness and being roused from your tent by the aurora’s spectral green ripples illuminating the canvas. The first will be nice, even memorable. You will take pretty photos and get lots of hearts on Instagram. The second could make you feel that you have been touched by grace.

The scientific study of awe is still in its infancy, but this awe junkie’s intuition is supported by a growing body of research. “One of the most striking discoveries in our 15 years of studying awe is how often it involves finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: a friend’s generosity to a homeless person in the streets, looking at a leafy tree’s play of light and shadow on a sidewalk,” said Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley and the author of a book on awe set for release next year.

“The best way to access this everyday awe is by allowing yourself to wander, to avoid following a schedule each moment of the day. We didn’t evolve to feel awe about hurtling through space.”

Oh, most of the space tourists will say it was awesome, as the billionaire and space tourism entrepreneur Richard Branson did: “How you feel when you look down on Earth is impossible to put into words. It’s just indescribable beauty.” But how could they say it was anything less than the best moment of their life, having shelled out hundreds of thousands for the experience? In the age of performative experientialism, in which those with economic means can be seduced by gold-wrapped steaks not because they taste good but merely because they are exclusive, this conflation of expectations with lived sensation — the mistaking of bragging rights for joy — is nothing new.

Consider, again, our millionaire astronaut in his cushioned revolving chair, as the indigo sky fades to black. The thrusters shut off, their roar giving way to the profound silence and weightlessness of the cosmic void.

While he is up there, gazing down at this godlike overview of metastasizing deserts and receding ice, the best he might hope for is a moment of clarity.

“When you get up above it,” Jeff Bezos said of the atmosphere after his inaugural flight on New Shepard in July, “it’s this tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet, we’re damaging it.”

Perhaps he and other amateur astronauts are fated to recognize, in that quiet knot of bathos, that to be the Midas of an ailing planet is the ultimate spiritual impoverishment. That an act of hubris can never truly buy humility, let alone wonderment.

Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space? For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder.

Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space? For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder. Philosophers call the type of sensory and aesthetic stimuli that provoke it the sublime. On its face, the kind of short flight to the edge of space that looks set to be the predominant mode of space tourism, at least in the short term, seems the very definition of what the psychologist Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience.” The kinetic thrill of rocketing to an altitude of over 50 miles, combined with the astonishing perspective it affords of our planet, invites us to believe that few adventures could be more profound. But picture the millionaire awe chaser when the big day comes around, and the capsule he has booked a seat on hurtles skyward into the deep blue of the upper mesosphere. The whole escapade is being recorded by HD cameras. A dulcet computer-generated voice provides the commentary. The chair is uncannily comfortable. The ride, controlled by cutting-edge A.I. technology, is disconcertingly smooth. Champagne is waiting for the passengers on the landing pad. Under such contrived conditions, awe will always be a chimera. That which we explicitly pursue will always, to a greater or lesser extent, remain out of reach. The appeal of the sublime has been a subject of conjecture and interpretation for as long as humans have pondered the stars. Existing at the intersection of joy and fear, the feelings it can elicit are best understood as a paradox: the sensation of feeling enriched by way of feeling diminished. A person might experience it while standing on a mountainside when a storm rolls in or peering down the gullet of a thunderous waterfall. The transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson memorably called it his “transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all.” The writer Shannon Stirone described it as “the simultaneous shrinking and expanding of our hearts.” We covet the experience of sublimity because it hints at mysteries and forces beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding. And it is good for us. Neuroscientists discovered that regular doses of awe can boost critical thinking, physical health and emotional well-being. Studies have also shown that it makes us kinder and more empathetic. But chasing it misses an essential element of awe, which is that so much of its potency depends on factors that commercial spaceflight seems custom designed to negate. In many years of working as a travel writer — which I’ve often thought of as working the awe beat — I’ve come to understand that awe cannot be easily choreographed. Some of the times I have experienced awe: An hour of avalanches rumbling down the south face of Annapurna under a full moon. Fork lightning strobing across the empty deck of a cargo ship on Lake Victoria. An eagle hovering 20 feet above my shoulder in the Chilean tundra. These were the sort of transcendental moments we might hope to enjoy when we book a trip for adventure. But what they all had in common was some unanticipated ingredient. They relied on serendipity, whether in the form of weather conditions or animal idiosyncrasy. The high-flown emotions they triggered — the sorts that manifest in goose bumps, sometimes even tears — came unbidden. Some occasions, by contrast, when I didn’t feel awe: gorilla tracking in Uganda, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre amid a jostling crowd of people taking photos of it with their mobile phones, every safari I’ve ever been on. These experiences were certainly noteworthy. But they were far from sublime. Space tourism belongs to this subset of ostensibly awesome experiences that often feel anticlimactic precisely because they come with a promise of awe factored in. For one thing, space tourists probably embark with a pretty good simulation of the experience already imprinted on their minds. Westernized and space curious, clients of the new space tourism outfits will have watched the modern canon of astronautical drama, including “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” In preflight training, they will have been drilled and prepped for every moment they will spend in suborbit. The sense of surprise that is arguably the most vital precondition for experiencing awe will have been watered down by the months of forethought and demystification. Often, the problem is simply one of context. Do you have any preconceived expectations about the experience? How exposed are you to the thing you’re observing? Is the activity ethically fraught? These potential distractions might seem incidental. But they all have the potential to obstruct our ability to enjoy an authentic communion with the sublime. It’s the difference between joining a 20-strong organized tour to see the Northern Lights and, say, camping alone in some Scandinavian wilderness and being roused from your tent by the aurora’s spectral green ripples illuminating the canvas. The first will be nice, even memorable. You will take pretty photos and get lots of hearts on Instagram. The second could make you feel that you have been touched by grace. The scientific study of awe is still in its infancy, but this awe junkie’s intuition is supported by a growing body of research. “One of the most striking discoveries in our 15 years of studying awe is how often it involves finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: a friend’s generosity to a homeless person in the streets, looking at a leafy tree’s play of light and shadow on a sidewalk,” said Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley and the author of a book on awe set for release next year. “The best way to access this everyday awe is by allowing yourself to wander, to avoid following a schedule each moment of the day. We didn’t evolve to feel awe about hurtling through space.” Oh, most of the space tourists will say it was awesome, as the billionaire and space tourism entrepreneur Richard Branson did: “How you feel when you look down on Earth is impossible to put into words. It’s just indescribable beauty.” But how could they say it was anything less than the best moment of their life, having shelled out hundreds of thousands for the experience? In the age of performative experientialism, in which those with economic means can be seduced by gold-wrapped steaks not because they taste good but merely because they are exclusive, this conflation of expectations with lived sensation — the mistaking of bragging rights for joy — is nothing new. Consider, again, our millionaire astronaut in his cushioned revolving chair, as the indigo sky fades to black. The thrusters shut off, their roar giving way to the profound silence and weightlessness of the cosmic void. While he is up there, gazing down at this godlike overview of metastasizing deserts and receding ice, the best he might hope for is a moment of clarity. “When you get up above it,” Jeff Bezos said of the atmosphere after his inaugural flight on New Shepard in July, “it’s this tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet, we’re damaging it.” Perhaps he and other amateur astronauts are fated to recognize, in that quiet knot of bathos, that to be the Midas of an ailing planet is the ultimate spiritual impoverishment. That an act of hubris can never truly buy humility, let alone wonderment.

Why space tourists won’t find the awe they seek

EU and NATO leaders on Sunday vowed to counter "hybrid threats" on visits to Lithuania and Latvia dominated by the Belarus migrant crisis and Russia's military build-up near Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also repeated his call on Russia to "de-escalate" its military build-up on the border with Ukraine and warned of "consequences" if it used force.

The visit by Stoltenberg and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Latvia this week.

Stoltenberg and von der Leyen both accused Belarus of orchestrating the migrant crisis on its border as a "hybrid" threat against the European Union -- a charge that the regime has denied.

A hybrid threat is a security challenge combining traditional military means and non-military tactics such as disinformation.

"To respond to such events, it is important that the European Union and NATO work hand in hand," von der Leyen said at a joint news conference with Stoltenberg and Lithuanian leaders in Vilnius.

Stoltenberg said: "We discussed how we could step up our joint work between NATO and the EU".

- Russian actions 'very concerning' -

Von der Leyen also said the EU had decided to triple to 200 million euros ($226 million) its funding for border management in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland for 2021 and 2022.

She said the money would go on patrol vehicles and electronic surveillance, including drones.

Thousands of migrants -- mostly from the Middle East -- have crossed or tried to cross the Belarus border in recent months into the eastern members of the EU and NATO: Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

Referring to the situation on the Belarus border, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that "if the security situation gets even worse, we do not rule out consultations under NATO's Article 4".

Under the article in NATO's founding treaty, any member can convene a meeting of the alliance to consult when it feels its security threatened.

Poland has also said it may invoke this article.

The two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers starting in Latvia on Tuesday is also expected to address Russia's military build-up near Ukraine.

Stoltenberg said the "unusual" build-up of tanks, artillery, drones and thousands of combat-ready troops was "very concerning for many reasons", also "because it is unprovoked and unexplained".

"The message to Russia is that they should de-escalate, reduce tensions and be transparent" he said, adding that "if they decide to use force, then of course, there will be consequences".

"We stand ready to defend all our allies and we will continue to provide our partner Ukraine with political and practical support," he said.

EU and NATO leaders on Sunday vowed to counter "hybrid threats" on visits to Lithuania and Latvia dominated by the Belarus migrant crisis and Russia's military build-up near Ukraine.

EU and NATO leaders on Sunday vowed to counter "hybrid threats" on visits to Lithuania and Latvia dominated by the Belarus migrant crisis and Russia's military build-up near Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also repeated his call on Russia to "de-escalate" its military build-up on the border with Ukraine and warned of "consequences" if it used force. The visit by Stoltenberg and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Latvia this week. Stoltenberg and von der Leyen both accused Belarus of orchestrating the migrant crisis on its border as a "hybrid" threat against the European Union -- a charge that the regime has denied. A hybrid threat is a security challenge combining traditional military means and non-military tactics such as disinformation. "To respond to such events, it is important that the European Union and NATO work hand in hand," von der Leyen said at a joint news conference with Stoltenberg and Lithuanian leaders in Vilnius. Stoltenberg said: "We discussed how we could step up our joint work between NATO and the EU". - Russian actions 'very concerning' - Von der Leyen also said the EU had decided to triple to 200 million euros ($226 million) its funding for border management in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland for 2021 and 2022. She said the money would go on patrol vehicles and electronic surveillance, including drones. Thousands of migrants -- mostly from the Middle East -- have crossed or tried to cross the Belarus border in recent months into the eastern members of the EU and NATO: Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Referring to the situation on the Belarus border, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that "if the security situation gets even worse, we do not rule out consultations under NATO's Article 4". Under the article in NATO's founding treaty, any member can convene a meeting of the alliance to consult when it feels its security threatened. Poland has also said it may invoke this article. The two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers starting in Latvia on Tuesday is also expected to address Russia's military build-up near Ukraine. Stoltenberg said the "unusual" build-up of tanks, artillery, drones and thousands of combat-ready troops was "very concerning for many reasons", also "because it is unprovoked and unexplained". "The message to Russia is that they should de-escalate, reduce tensions and be transparent" he said, adding that "if they decide to use force, then of course, there will be consequences". "We stand ready to defend all our allies and we will continue to provide our partner Ukraine with political and practical support," he said.

EU, NATO vow action against hybrid threats on Baltic visit

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, said that the world was in "race against time", to understand the new Covid variant. She hinted that if situation required, vaccines would need to be modified to counter the threat of Omicron variant.

"We know we are now in a race against time," von der Leyen said. She was on a visit to Riga, Latvia. She called for the public to take precautions in order to give scientists time to understand the new variant.

"The scientists and manufacturers need two to three weeks to have a full picture about the quality of the mutations of this Omicron variant," she said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-432552">Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association&nbsp;</a>

"We need to buy time," she added, urging people to vaccinate, wear masks and practise social distancing.

She said that a contract struck in the summer by the European Commission with BioNTech-Pfizer for 1.8 billion vaccine doses included a clause in case of an "escape variant" -- a strain that can evade vaccine immunity.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

A clause in the contract states "that if a variant turns into an escape variant... BioNTech-Pfizer is able to adapt its vaccine within 100 days," she said.

The new, heavily mutated Covid-19 variant has spread across the globe, shutting borders, renewing curbs and sparking fears for the fight against the nearly two-year-old coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, said that the world was in "race against time", to understand the new Covid variant. She hinted that if situation required, vaccines would need to be modified to counter the threat of Omicron variant.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, said that the world was in "race against time", to understand the new Covid variant. She hinted that if situation required, vaccines would need to be modified to counter the threat of Omicron variant. "We know we are now in a race against time," von der Leyen said. She was on a visit to Riga, Latvia. She called for the public to take precautions in order to give scientists time to understand the new variant. "The scientists and manufacturers need two to three weeks to have a full picture about the quality of the mutations of this Omicron variant," she said. Also Read | Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association "We need to buy time," she added, urging people to vaccinate, wear masks and practise social distancing. She said that a contract struck in the summer by the European Commission with BioNTech-Pfizer for 1.8 billion vaccine doses included a clause in case of an "escape variant" -- a strain that can evade vaccine immunity. Also Read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron A clause in the contract states "that if a variant turns into an escape variant... BioNTech-Pfizer is able to adapt its vaccine within 100 days," she said. The new, heavily mutated Covid-19 variant has spread across the globe, shutting borders, renewing curbs and sparking fears for the fight against the nearly two-year-old coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

World in 'race against time' to tackle Omicron Covid variant, says EU chief

US retailers and luxury shop owners are adding security as spate of flash mob robberies have left such establishments stunned especially in San Francisco and beyond. That these robberies would take place just as festive season of Christmas approaches has become an issue of concern.

In the most shocking of recent thefts, around 80 masked people in 25 cars raided a high-end Nordstrom department store in Walnut Creek, California east of San Francisco on Saturday, plundering its first-floor luxury goods counters in just a few minutes before fleeing.

That took place one day after 40 people drove up and swarmed a Louis Vuitton store in San Francisco's Union Square, emptying its shelves in seconds before jumping in cars to speed away.

Areas around Chicago are hit by such robberies as well. A gang of 14 crooks swept into a Louis Vuitton store in the Oak Brook suburb, snatching more than $100,000 worth of luxury bags and garments. It was the third such attack on a Chicago-area Vuitton outlet in a month.

Retailers around the country are taking notice and precautions against possible copycat hits as the sheer size of the robbery gangs and their ability to plan secretly have made them nearly impossible to halt.

"The level of organized retail theft we are seeing is simply unacceptable," California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.

"Businesses and customers should feel safe while doing their holiday shopping."

Thursday is Thanksgiving, and the day after the holiday has been nicknamed "Black Friday," the traditional kickoff to America's frenzied Christmas shopping season.

(With inputs from agencies)

US retailers and luxury shop owners are adding security as spate of flash mob robberies have left such establishments stunned especially in San Francisco and beyond.

US retailers and luxury shop owners are adding security as spate of flash mob robberies have left such establishments stunned especially in San Francisco and beyond. That these robberies would take place just as festive season of Christmas approaches has become an issue of concern. In the most shocking of recent thefts, around 80 masked people in 25 cars raided a high-end Nordstrom department store in Walnut Creek, California east of San Francisco on Saturday, plundering its first-floor luxury goods counters in just a few minutes before fleeing. That took place one day after 40 people drove up and swarmed a Louis Vuitton store in San Francisco's Union Square, emptying its shelves in seconds before jumping in cars to speed away. Areas around Chicago are hit by such robberies as well. A gang of 14 crooks swept into a Louis Vuitton store in the Oak Brook suburb, snatching more than $100,000 worth of luxury bags and garments. It was the third such attack on a Chicago-area Vuitton outlet in a month. Retailers around the country are taking notice and precautions against possible copycat hits as the sheer size of the robbery gangs and their ability to plan secretly have made them nearly impossible to halt. "The level of organized retail theft we are seeing is simply unacceptable," California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday. "Businesses and customers should feel safe while doing their holiday shopping." Thursday is Thanksgiving, and the day after the holiday has been nicknamed "Black Friday," the traditional kickoff to America's frenzied Christmas shopping season. (With inputs from agencies)

As Christmas approaches, flash mob robberies trouble US retailers 

Widow of last South Korean military dictator expressed 'deep apology' for her departed husband's brutal rule. She said the words as dozens of relatives and former aides paid final respects to Chun Doo-hwan, the former dictator.

Chun, who took power in a 1979 coup and violently crushed pro-democracy protests a year later before being jailed for treason in the 1990s, died at his Seoul home Tuesday at the age of 90.

Chun's family held a funeral service at Seoul's Severance Hospital before his cremation.

Chun's widow, Lee Soon-ja, said during the service at the hospital that her husband had wished to be cremated and that his ashes be spread in border areas near North Korea.

"As we wrap up the funeral procession today, I would like to offer a deep apology on behalf of our family toward the people who suffered pains and scars during my husband's time in office," said Lee, without specifying Chun's misdeeds.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-little-known-cult-is-at-the-heart-of-south-koreas-latest-covid-19-outbreak-431712">A little known cult is at the heart of South Korea's latest COVID-19 outbreak</a>

Chun never apologised for his atrocities, which included overseeing a massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy protesters in the southern city of Gwangju in 1980, one of the darkest moments in the country's modern history that came as he attempted to solidify his rule following the coup.

Cho Jin-tae, a senior official at a foundation representing Gwangju victims, said Lee's vague expression of remorse rang hollow and called for Chun's family to back her words with action, including cooperating with truth-finding efforts into Chun's major wrongdoings. 
"I don't think anyone will be consoled by Lee Soon-ja's comments today," Cho told The Associated Press by phone.

Chun was an army major general when he seized power in December 1979 with his military cronies, including Roh Tae-woo, who later succeeded Chun as president after winning the country's first democratic election in decades. The two died nearly an exact month apart, with Roh's death coming on Oct. 26.

While Roh was given a state funeral, there has been much less sympathy for Chun, who had been nicknamed the "butcher of Gwangju." Although Roh never directly apologized over the crackdown, his son repeatedly visited a Gwangju cemetery to pay respects to the victims and apologised on behalf of his father, who was bed-ridden in the 10 years before his death.

(With inputs from agencies)

Widow of last South Korean military dictator expressed 'deep apology' for her departed husband's brutal rule. She said the words as dozens of relatives and former aides paid final respects to Chun Doo-hwan, the former dictator.

Widow of last South Korean military dictator expressed 'deep apology' for her departed husband's brutal rule. She said the words as dozens of relatives and former aides paid final respects to Chun Doo-hwan, the former dictator. Chun, who took power in a 1979 coup and violently crushed pro-democracy protests a year later before being jailed for treason in the 1990s, died at his Seoul home Tuesday at the age of 90. Chun's family held a funeral service at Seoul's Severance Hospital before his cremation. Chun's widow, Lee Soon-ja, said during the service at the hospital that her husband had wished to be cremated and that his ashes be spread in border areas near North Korea. "As we wrap up the funeral procession today, I would like to offer a deep apology on behalf of our family toward the people who suffered pains and scars during my husband's time in office," said Lee, without specifying Chun's misdeeds. Also Read | A little known cult is at the heart of South Korea's latest COVID-19 outbreak Chun never apologised for his atrocities, which included overseeing a massacre of hundreds of pro-democracy protesters in the southern city of Gwangju in 1980, one of the darkest moments in the country's modern history that came as he attempted to solidify his rule following the coup. Cho Jin-tae, a senior official at a foundation representing Gwangju victims, said Lee's vague expression of remorse rang hollow and called for Chun's family to back her words with action, including cooperating with truth-finding efforts into Chun's major wrongdoings. "I don't think anyone will be consoled by Lee Soon-ja's comments today," Cho told The Associated Press by phone. Chun was an army major general when he seized power in December 1979 with his military cronies, including Roh Tae-woo, who later succeeded Chun as president after winning the country's first democratic election in decades. The two died nearly an exact month apart, with Roh's death coming on Oct. 26. While Roh was given a state funeral, there has been much less sympathy for Chun, who had been nicknamed the "butcher of Gwangju." Although Roh never directly apologized over the crackdown, his son repeatedly visited a Gwangju cemetery to pay respects to the victims and apologised on behalf of his father, who was bed-ridden in the 10 years before his death. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean dictator's widow offers 'deep apology' for brutal regime

Karnataka government took stringent precautionary measures in border districts of the state to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, informed the Chief Minister Office on Sunday.

Speaking to media persons today, Bommai said, "An increase in COVID-19 cases had been noticed among the paramedical staff and students who arrived from Kerala. So, stringent precautions were being taken in Dakshina Kannada, Madikeri, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts bordering Kerala."

"Those arriving from Kerala would be allowed only with RTPCR negative report. It is also mandatory for them to have a double dose of vaccination before entering Karnataka," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the fear of the new COVID-19 variant `Omicron`, Bommai said, "the new variant has been reported in South Africa, Hongkong and Botswana. WHO has also issued an alert about the new strain of the virus."

He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also issued guidelines to prevent and control the new variant, however, no cases of the new strain have been reported in Karnataka.

Speaking about the spike in Covid cases reported in student hostels in Dharwad, Mysuru and Bengaluru districts, Bommai said that these hostels and colleges had been declared as containment zones and students along with doctors and nurses were being subjected to the Covid test.&nbsp;

"We have requested the Union Government to ban the arrival of passengers from the three countries which have reported the new strain," Bommai added.

Replying to a question about the proposal on booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination for frontline workers, the Chief Minister said, "the state government had already written to the Centre seeking permission for administering the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine."

"The state government had made double dose of vaccination compulsory for those working in government offices, malls, cinema halls and other public places. Testing has been intensified in border districts, students who have arrived in the last 16 days from Kerala would be tested again seven days after they get a negative report," Bommai added.

Meanwhile, the state Chief Minister said that a suitable decision would be taken on guidelines for New Year celebrations in the next few days depending on the situation.

"Instructions had been issued to follow covid guidelines in the campaign meetings of Legislative Council election. The state has 80 lakh doses of the vaccine and about 91 per cent of the eligible population has been covered for the first dose, a target of 70 per cent for the second dose by December end has been set," he added.

Karnataka government took stringent precautionary measures in border districts of the state to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, informed the Chief Minister Office on Sunday.

Karnataka government took stringent precautionary measures in border districts of the state to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, informed the Chief Minister Office on Sunday. Speaking to media persons today, Bommai said, "An increase in COVID-19 cases had been noticed among the paramedical staff and students who arrived from Kerala. So, stringent precautions were being taken in Dakshina Kannada, Madikeri, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts bordering Kerala." "Those arriving from Kerala would be allowed only with RTPCR negative report. It is also mandatory for them to have a double dose of vaccination before entering Karnataka," the Chief Minister said. Referring to the fear of the new COVID-19 variant `Omicron`, Bommai said, "the new variant has been reported in South Africa, Hongkong and Botswana. WHO has also issued an alert about the new strain of the virus." He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also issued guidelines to prevent and control the new variant, however, no cases of the new strain have been reported in Karnataka. Speaking about the spike in Covid cases reported in student hostels in Dharwad, Mysuru and Bengaluru districts, Bommai said that these hostels and colleges had been declared as containment zones and students along with doctors and nurses were being subjected to the Covid test. "We have requested the Union Government to ban the arrival of passengers from the three countries which have reported the new strain," Bommai added. Replying to a question about the proposal on booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination for frontline workers, the Chief Minister said, "the state government had already written to the Centre seeking permission for administering the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine." "The state government had made double dose of vaccination compulsory for those working in government offices, malls, cinema halls and other public places. Testing has been intensified in border districts, students who have arrived in the last 16 days from Kerala would be tested again seven days after they get a negative report," Bommai added. Meanwhile, the state Chief Minister said that a suitable decision would be taken on guidelines for New Year celebrations in the next few days depending on the situation. "Instructions had been issued to follow covid guidelines in the campaign meetings of Legislative Council election. The state has 80 lakh doses of the vaccine and about 91 per cent of the eligible population has been covered for the first dose, a target of 70 per cent for the second dose by December end has been set," he added.

Karnataka issues fresh curbs in districts bordering Kerala amid rise in Covid cases

South African Medical Association (SAMA) said that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus resulted in mild disease without prominent syndromes and slammed the hype around it as several countries imposed bans on flight from African countries.

"Yes, it is transmissible, but for now, as medical practitioners, we do not know why so much hype is being driven as we are still looking into it,"&nbsp;Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of SAMA was quoted as saying by Sputnik news agency.

"We will only know after two to three weeks as there are some patients admitted and these are young people aged 40 and younger," Coetzee added. 
 
She criticised the decision by some countries to ban flights from South Africa as premature as there is not enough information on how dangerous it is.

World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday identified the new strain of coronavirus as Omicron. The WHO said that the new strain was 'a variant of concern.' The new strain was detected in South Africa. The virus has been seen to show more mutations - over 30 - than previous variants and is feared to be more dangerous.

"It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well. So far, we have detected that those infected do not suffer loss of taste or smell. They might have a slight cough. There are no prominent symptoms. Of those infected some are currently being treated at home," Coetzee said.

South Africa on Sunday said that it was being punished for reporting the virus.

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South Africa has some of the best virology facilities in the world. 
Graeme Codrington said this months ago when a previous variant was identified by South African virologists. A note to journalists who peddle myths on South African variants. These words still hold true.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Omicron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Omicron</a> <a href="https://t.co/KtYzlleX2r">pic.twitter.com/KtYzlleX2r</a>
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesMelville/status/1464615233964716040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As facts about the spread surfaced, governments throughout the world banned travel from southern Africa, prompting the foreign ministry to issue the announcement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in a statement urged world leaders not to implement "knee-jerk" policy decisions in response to the detection of the Omicron variant. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest round of travel bans is "akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and the ability to detect new variants quicker. Excellent science should be applauded and not punished," it said.&nbsp;

Just hours after such a reaction, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">praise for South Africa came from the US</a>.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised South Africa for quickly identifying the virus and presenting the details to the world so that precautions could be taken.

"The Secretary expressed appreciation for the longstanding public health cooperation between the United States and South Africa. Secretary Blinken specifically praised South Africa’s scientists for the quick identification of the Omicron variant and South Africa’s government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve as a model for the world," read the statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South African Medical Association (SAMA) said that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus resulted in mild disease without prominent syndromes and slammed the hype around it as several countries imposed bans on flight from African countries.

South African Medical Association (SAMA) said that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus resulted in mild disease without prominent syndromes and slammed the hype around it as several countries imposed bans on flight from African countries. "Yes, it is transmissible, but for now, as medical practitioners, we do not know why so much hype is being driven as we are still looking into it," Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of SAMA was quoted as saying by Sputnik news agency. "We will only know after two to three weeks as there are some patients admitted and these are young people aged 40 and younger," Coetzee added. She criticised the decision by some countries to ban flights from South Africa as premature as there is not enough information on how dangerous it is. World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday identified the new strain of coronavirus as Omicron. The WHO said that the new strain was 'a variant of concern.' The new strain was detected in South Africa. The virus has been seen to show more mutations - over 30 - than previous variants and is feared to be more dangerous. "It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two not feeling well. So far, we have detected that those infected do not suffer loss of taste or smell. They might have a slight cough. There are no prominent symptoms. Of those infected some are currently being treated at home," Coetzee said. South Africa on Sunday said that it was being punished for reporting the virus. South Africa has some of the best virology facilities in the world. Graeme Codrington said this months ago when a previous variant was identified by South African virologists. A note to journalists who peddle myths on South African variants. These words still hold true.#Omicron pic.twitter.com/KtYzlleX2r — James Melville (@JamesMelville) November 27, 2021 × As facts about the spread surfaced, governments throughout the world banned travel from southern Africa, prompting the foreign ministry to issue the announcement. Also Read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in a statement urged world leaders not to implement "knee-jerk" policy decisions in response to the detection of the Omicron variant. The latest round of travel bans is "akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and the ability to detect new variants quicker. Excellent science should be applauded and not punished," it said. Just hours after such a reaction, praise for South Africa came from the US. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised South Africa for quickly identifying the virus and presenting the details to the world so that precautions could be taken. "The Secretary expressed appreciation for the longstanding public health cooperation between the United States and South Africa. Secretary Blinken specifically praised South Africa’s scientists for the quick identification of the Omicron variant and South Africa’s government for its transparency in sharing this information, which should serve as a model for the world," read the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid: Omicron variant causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association, slams hype 

French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Sunday that Omicron variant of coronavirus may already be spreading in France. He said that government was taking measures to contain spread of the variant. Omicron variant had been first detected in South Africa and is potentially more contagious than previous variants.

Experts however, are yet to fully determine whether Omicron will cause &nbsp;more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains

"There is no identification yet, but it's a matter of hours," Olivier Veran told reporters at a vaccination centre in Paris.

"Once the variant is circulating in England, in Italy, in Belgium, it is probable that there are already cases in circulation here. We will identify them and (...) we will slow down its spread as much as possible."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-432552">Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association&nbsp;</a>

France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus.

The Health Ministry recommended on Saturday the isolation of any contact person at risk of a possible case or a confirmed case of the Omicron variant, even vaccinated, in documents sent to establishments and health professionals.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

Those people should be considered "high risk" and quarantined, the document said.

Until now, contact cases of an infected person had to be isolated only when they were not fully vaccinated or when they had weak immune systems.

(With inputs from agencies)

French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Sunday that Omicron variant of coronavirus may already be spreading in France. He said that government was taking measures to contain spread of the variant.

French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Sunday that Omicron variant of coronavirus may already be spreading in France. He said that government was taking measures to contain spread of the variant. Omicron variant had been first detected in South Africa and is potentially more contagious than previous variants. Experts however, are yet to fully determine whether Omicron will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains "There is no identification yet, but it's a matter of hours," Olivier Veran told reporters at a vaccination centre in Paris. "Once the variant is circulating in England, in Italy, in Belgium, it is probable that there are already cases in circulation here. We will identify them and (...) we will slow down its spread as much as possible." Also Read | Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus. The Health Ministry recommended on Saturday the isolation of any contact person at risk of a possible case or a confirmed case of the Omicron variant, even vaccinated, in documents sent to establishments and health professionals. Also Read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron Those people should be considered "high risk" and quarantined, the document said. Until now, contact cases of an infected person had to be isolated only when they were not fully vaccinated or when they had weak immune systems. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant is likely circulating in France: Health minister

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Israel also said that it would use counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology in order to contain the spread of the Omicron variant.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the ban would last 14 days of approval by the government. Officials are hoping for more information on Omicron variant to trickle in during this period.

Omicron variant, a new variant of Covid-19, was first detected in Sourth Africa and has been dubbed a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-432552">Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association&nbsp;</a>

Israelis entering the country, including those who are vaccinated, will be required to quarantine, Bennett said. The ban will come into effect at midnight between Sunday and Monday (November 29). A travel ban on foreigners coming from most African states was imposed on Friday (November 26).

The Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency's phone-tracking technology will be used to locate carriers of the new variant in order to curb its transmission to others, Bennett said.

Israel will host the Miss Universe beauty pageant on Dec 12 despite imposing travel restrictions, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

He said participants in the contest, to be held in the Red Sea resort of Eilat, will be granted waivers from the curbs while possibly being subject to PCR testing every 48 hours and other precautionary measures.

Israel has so far confirmed one case of Omicron, with seven suspected cases. The Health Ministry has not said whether the confirmed case was vaccinated. Three of the seven suspected cases were fully vaccinated, the ministry said on Saturday, and three had not returned from travel abroad recently.

Around 57% of Israel's 9.4 million population is fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry, which means they have either received a third shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or it has not yet been five months since they received their second dose. Israel has recorded 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 8,000 fatalities since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Israel also said that it would use counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology in order to contain the spread of the Omicron variant. Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the ban would last 14 days of approval by the government. Officials are hoping for more information on Omicron variant to trickle in during this period. Omicron variant, a new variant of Covid-19, was first detected in Sourth Africa and has been dubbed a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Also Read | Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association Israelis entering the country, including those who are vaccinated, will be required to quarantine, Bennett said. The ban will come into effect at midnight between Sunday and Monday (November 29). A travel ban on foreigners coming from most African states was imposed on Friday (November 26). The Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency's phone-tracking technology will be used to locate carriers of the new variant in order to curb its transmission to others, Bennett said. Israel will host the Miss Universe beauty pageant on Dec 12 despite imposing travel restrictions, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said on Sunday. Also Read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron He said participants in the contest, to be held in the Red Sea resort of Eilat, will be granted waivers from the curbs while possibly being subject to PCR testing every 48 hours and other precautionary measures. Israel has so far confirmed one case of Omicron, with seven suspected cases. The Health Ministry has not said whether the confirmed case was vaccinated. Three of the seven suspected cases were fully vaccinated, the ministry said on Saturday, and three had not returned from travel abroad recently. Around 57% of Israel's 9.4 million population is fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry, which means they have either received a third shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or it has not yet been five months since they received their second dose. Israel has recorded 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 8,000 fatalities since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant: Israel may become first country to ban entry of all foreigners

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get&nbsp;sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of&nbsp;world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement. The negotiations are to begin on November 29 in Vienna.

"Israel is very worried about the readiness to remove the sanctions and to allow a flow of billions (of dollars) to Iran in exchange for unsatisfactory restrictions in the nuclear realm," Bennett told his cabinet in televised remarks.

"This is the message that we are relaying in every manner, whether to the Americans or to the other countries negotiating with Iran."

US and other world powers had entered into nuclear deal with Iran in 2015. The deal was hailed as a landmark event. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal in 2018. This put crippling sanctions back on Iran.

Negotiations have been going on in Vienna to revive the deal but no significant progress has been made till now.

Israel, which is not a party to the talks, opposed the original 2015 pact as too limited in scope and duration. Israeli leaders have long threatened military action against Iran if they deem diplomacy a dead end for denying it nuclear weaponry.

The Islamic Republic says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Few expect a breakthrough in the talks as Iran's uranium enrichment activities have escalated in an apparent bid to gain leverage against the West.

Six rounds of indirect talks were held between April and June. The new round begins after a hiatus caused by the election of a new Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement. The negotiations are to begin on November 29 in Vienna. "Israel is very worried about the readiness to remove the sanctions and to allow a flow of billions (of dollars) to Iran in exchange for unsatisfactory restrictions in the nuclear realm," Bennett told his cabinet in televised remarks. "This is the message that we are relaying in every manner, whether to the Americans or to the other countries negotiating with Iran." US and other world powers had entered into nuclear deal with Iran in 2015. The deal was hailed as a landmark event. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal in 2018. This put crippling sanctions back on Iran. Negotiations have been going on in Vienna to revive the deal but no significant progress has been made till now. Israel, which is not a party to the talks, opposed the original 2015 pact as too limited in scope and duration. Israeli leaders have long threatened military action against Iran if they deem diplomacy a dead end for denying it nuclear weaponry. The Islamic Republic says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. Few expect a breakthrough in the talks as Iran's uranium enrichment activities have escalated in an apparent bid to gain leverage against the West. Six rounds of indirect talks were held between April and June. The new round begins after a hiatus caused by the election of a new Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel worried about relief to Iran without curb on nuclear projects: Bennett

An 11-month old Chinese girl has created waves due to skateborading skills. Wang Yuji, who hasn't even turned 1-year-old can't even walk properly is seen skateboarding in videos that are being shared online.

The smallest of all the riders at a resort near Beijing, which is set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in just a few months, Yuji is clipped into tiny boots by her parents and padded out with layers of protective clothing.

Once her parents let go, she swoops smoothly down the piste on her small board, giggling and flapping her arms. 
Unlike many clumsy beginners who struggle to stay upright, her bemused parents say snowboarding somehow came naturally to their baby.

<img alt="Skateboarding" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3bfa4e3-2c91-48dc-bf49-233b7b2a312c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9TC9GJ.jpg" />

"We put her in the shoes and realized she could bring herself to stand... then we brought her to a gentle slope and watched her slide down, squatting on the board by herself," Yuji's mother Fan Xueyin tells AFP.

Yuji's first attempt at snowboarding was only two weeks ago during a family holiday. 
Each morning since then she has joined winter sports fans at the Thaiwoo Ski Resort in Chongli, Zhangjiakou -- one of the hosting cities for the Winter Olympics.

"If she had been afraid or resisted, of course we wouldn't have made her do the sport," Fan adds.&nbsp; 
But once on the board, "she would pat her legs and start giggling, so we could tell that she's not afraid at all and is enjoying herself".

As Yuji is still too small to control her direction or speed, a nearby parent is always ready to snatch her if she veers towards an obstacle.

"You're doing great!" they call at her, jogging alongside their child.

(With inputs from agencies)

An 11-month old Chinese girl has created waves due to skateborading skills. Wang Yuji, who hasn't even turned 1-year-old can't even walk properly is seen skateboarding in videos that are being shared online.

An 11-month old Chinese girl has created waves due to skateborading skills. Wang Yuji, who hasn't even turned 1-year-old can't even walk properly is seen skateboarding in videos that are being shared online. The smallest of all the riders at a resort near Beijing, which is set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in just a few months, Yuji is clipped into tiny boots by her parents and padded out with layers of protective clothing. Once her parents let go, she swoops smoothly down the piste on her small board, giggling and flapping her arms. Unlike many clumsy beginners who struggle to stay upright, her bemused parents say snowboarding somehow came naturally to their baby. "We put her in the shoes and realized she could bring herself to stand... then we brought her to a gentle slope and watched her slide down, squatting on the board by herself," Yuji's mother Fan Xueyin tells AFP. Yuji's first attempt at snowboarding was only two weeks ago during a family holiday. Each morning since then she has joined winter sports fans at the Thaiwoo Ski Resort in Chongli, Zhangjiakou -- one of the hosting cities for the Winter Olympics. "If she had been afraid or resisted, of course we wouldn't have made her do the sport," Fan adds. But once on the board, "she would pat her legs and start giggling, so we could tell that she's not afraid at all and is enjoying herself". As Yuji is still too small to control her direction or speed, a nearby parent is always ready to snatch her if she veers towards an obstacle. "You're doing great!" they call at her, jogging alongside their child. (With inputs from agencies)

Baby on a snowboard is grabbing eyeballs in China

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights.

Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite.

The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-agree-to-step-up-efforts-to-limit-channel-crossings-431979">France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings</a>

"I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome.

Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey.

Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain.

Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel.

France President Emmanuel Macron told Britain to 'get serious' about the migrant issue or be ready to remain out of the talks over curbing flow of migrants escaping war and poverty across the Channel. France has cancelled invitation to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to attend meeting on the issue in Calais. This has underlined how fraught ties between France and Britain have become. The two countries are already sparring over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights. Boris Johnson's spokesman said the British prime minister was taking the issue "extremely seriously" and said he hoped France would reconsider its decision to cancel Patel's invite. The row has erupted after the death of 27 migrants trying to cross the narrow seaway between the two countries, the worst tragedy on record in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Also Read | France, Britain agree to step up efforts to limit channel crossings "I'm surprised when things are not done seriously. We don't communicate between leaders via tweets or published letters, we are not whistle-blowers. Come on. Come on," Macron told a news conference in Rome. Macron was responding to a letter from Johnson in which the British leader told "Dear Emmanuel" what he reckoned should be done to stop migrants from making the perilous journey. Johnson urged France in his letter to agree on joint patrols on its shores and consent to taking back the migrants who make it to Britain. Infuriated by the letter, and not least by the fact that Johnson published it on Twitter, the French government cancelled an invitation to Patel to attend a meeting on Sunday to discuss with EU ministers how to tackle immigration.

Macron tells UK to 'get serious' over English Channel migrant issue

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