In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This has been called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence".

The landmark report was released on Tuesday. The investigation took two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide. 
&nbsp; 
This is tip of an iceberg as when sexual abuse by lower members of the Church like teachers at Catholic schools are included, number of child abuse victims over seven decades climbs up to 330,000.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-social-democrats-show-signs-of-life-but-france-poses-a-roadblock-417473">Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock</a>

"Until the early 2000s the Catholic Church showed a profound and even cruel indifference towards the victims," the president of the investigative committee, Jean-Marc Sauve, said at a press conference.

He denounced the "systemic character" of efforts to shield clergy from paedophilia claims.

Meanwhile, French Catholic bishops have asked for forgiveness from victims of the sexual abuse. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-wants-calming-down-in-algeria-relations-418305">Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations</a>

Monsignor Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French conference of bishops, said he and his fellow bishops wanted to express to victims their shame at the abuse revealed in the report.

The report of the inquiry,&nbsp;at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds.

"The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020.

In a shocking development, an independent inquiry has found that sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and other clergymen has had 216,000 victims between 1950 and 2020. This has been called a "massive phenomenon" that was hushed up by a "veil of silence". The landmark report was released on Tuesday. The investigation took two and a half years. It was launched after widespread outrage over string of paedophilia claims and prosecutions against Church officials worldwide. This is tip of an iceberg as when sexual abuse by lower members of the Church like teachers at Catholic schools are included, number of child abuse victims over seven decades climbs up to 330,000. Also Read | Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock "Until the early 2000s the Catholic Church showed a profound and even cruel indifference towards the victims," the president of the investigative committee, Jean-Marc Sauve, said at a press conference. He denounced the "systemic character" of efforts to shield clergy from paedophilia claims. Meanwhile, French Catholic bishops have asked for forgiveness from victims of the sexual abuse. Also Read | Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations Monsignor Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French conference of bishops, said he and his fellow bishops wanted to express to victims their shame at the abuse revealed in the report. The report of the inquiry, at nearly 2,500 pages, found that the "vast majority" of victims were pre-adolescent boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds. "The Catholic Church is, after the circle of family and friends, the environment that has the highest prevalence of sexual violence," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Inquiry reveals 216,000 cases of paedophilia by Catholic priests since 1950

For many people Barbie doll is memory of a toy neatly decked up in the most fashionable attires. The standards appeared unachievable and look of the dolls things seemed too stereotypical of still-held views on how a woman 'should be'.

A generation and a lot of hue and cry for decades later, things seem to be heading in a better direction. The toymaker Mattel made a Barbie doll version of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.&nbsp;

Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is currently in training for her mission to International Space Station (ISS). Her Barbie lookalike is also undergoing training as the doll jetted off on a flight in near-zero gravity on October 4.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-has-captured-image-of-eye-in-the-sky-418294">NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'</a>

It couldn't have come on a better day as October 4 marks the start of Space Week.

The doll has been made to inspire yound girl to consider careers in science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM).

"Well as astronauts one thing that we all really care about is inspiring the next generation, inspiring young boys and girls to take up careers in space exploration or in general in science and technology. We think and I think that it's really important," Christoforetti told Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/winds-on-jupiter-are-speeding-up-and-no-one-knows-why-416727">Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why</a>

"...this year's space week is specifically dedicated to inspiring more women to take up a career in space and so I thought that a partnership with Mattel and the project with the Barbie doll would be a suitable addition to all the work that will be done in that space week," she said further. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
For the astronaut Barbie doll, Mattel teamed up with European Space Agency (ESA).

For many people Barbie doll is memory of a toy neatly decked up in the most fashionable attires. The standards appeared unachievable and look of the dolls things seemed too stereotypical of still-held views on how a woman 'should be'.

For many people Barbie doll is memory of a toy neatly decked up in the most fashionable attires. The standards appeared unachievable and look of the dolls things seemed too stereotypical of still-held views on how a woman 'should be'. A generation and a lot of hue and cry for decades later, things seem to be heading in a better direction. The toymaker Mattel made a Barbie doll version of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is currently in training for her mission to International Space Station (ISS). Her Barbie lookalike is also undergoing training as the doll jetted off on a flight in near-zero gravity on October 4. Also Read | NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky' It couldn't have come on a better day as October 4 marks the start of Space Week. The doll has been made to inspire yound girl to consider careers in science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM). "Well as astronauts one thing that we all really care about is inspiring the next generation, inspiring young boys and girls to take up careers in space exploration or in general in science and technology. We think and I think that it's really important," Christoforetti told Reuters. Also Read | Winds on Jupiter are speeding up and no one knows why "...this year's space week is specifically dedicated to inspiring more women to take up a career in space and so I thought that a partnership with Mattel and the project with the Barbie doll would be a suitable addition to all the work that will be done in that space week," she said further. For the astronaut Barbie doll, Mattel teamed up with European Space Agency (ESA).

Astronaut Barbie jets to zero-gravity to inspire young girls

We all are used to looking at pictures of galaxies with less-than-impressive galactic centre. But NASA has now shared a brilliant image of a galaxy that looks like a celestial eye.&nbsp;

The galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre. But the galactic nucleus emits large amount of electromagnetic radiation.&nbsp;

The galaxy is called Seyfert Galaxy. In the scientific circles, it is identified as NGC 5728.

Seyfert galaxy looks like a normal galaxy but it has an active galactic nucleus that has unusually high luminosity.

This galaxy comes under the class of galaxies that are known to be most luminous source of electromagnetic radiation.

The image shared by NASA has been captured by Hubble Space telescope

It is estimated that luminosity of Seyfert galaxy is 10^8 to 10^11 times solar luminosity. The stunning image of the galaxy was captured by Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) of Hubble Space telescope.

We all are used to looking at pictures of galaxies with less-than-impressive galactic centre. But NASA has now shared a brilliant image of a galaxy that looks like a celestial eye.

We all are used to looking at pictures of galaxies with less-than-impressive galactic centre. But NASA has now shared a brilliant image of a galaxy that looks like a celestial eye. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre. But the galactic nucleus emits large amount of electromagnetic radiation. The galaxy is called Seyfert Galaxy. In the scientific circles, it is identified as NGC 5728. Seyfert galaxy looks like a normal galaxy but it has an active galactic nucleus that has unusually high luminosity. This galaxy comes under the class of galaxies that are known to be most luminous source of electromagnetic radiation. The image shared by NASA has been captured by Hubble Space telescope It is estimated that luminosity of Seyfert galaxy is 10^8 to 10^11 times solar luminosity. The stunning image of the galaxy was captured by Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) of Hubble Space telescope.

NASA has captured image of 'eye in the sky'

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

"I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe.

"Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics.

Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines.

The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger.

- 'It's on me' -

Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law".

"It's on me, not on you," Duterte said.

"I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison."

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability".

The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said.

Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man".

"He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP.

"He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable."

- Upcoming election -

Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency.

But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts.

Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later.

Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go.

Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors.

So far, she has denied plans to run for president.

Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate. ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians. "I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe. "Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics. Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger. - 'It's on me' - Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law". "It's on me, not on you," Duterte said. "I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison." Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability". The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said. Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man". "He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP. "He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable." - Upcoming election - Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency. But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts. Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later. Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go. Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors. So far, she has denied plans to run for president. Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.

During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said.

Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources.

Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said.

His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added.

Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24.

He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government.

The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets.

More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. &nbsp;

It says 48 are still in detention.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country. He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence. During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said. Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail. It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources. Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said. His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added. Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24. He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets. More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. It says 48 are still in detention.

US journalist held in Myanmar hit with second charge: lawyer

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

"We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks)&nbsp;in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November.

Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies.

President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically.

"The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not."

Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said.

However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry.

"We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said.

"The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming."

The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years."

However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues."

"We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity. "We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks) in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November. Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday. Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies. President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically. "The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not." Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said. However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry. "We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said. "The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming." The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years." However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues." "We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

US hopes to restart Iran talks but cites 'alarming' nuclear progress

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said.

A total of 29,639 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,50,886. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.93 per cent - the highest since March 2020, the Ministry data said.

The active caseload is presently 2,52,902, which is the lowest in 201 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.75 per cent of the country`s total positive cases.

While the weekly positivity rate at 1.66 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 102 days now, the daily positivity rate is 1.61 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 36 days and below 5 per cent for 119 consecutive days now.

According to the Health Ministry data, the testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded, and the last 24 hours saw a total of 11,41,642 tests being conducted, taking the total to 57,53,94,042.

With the administration of 72,51,419 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, vaccination coverage crossed the 91 crore mark, as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

India has thus administered more than 70 per cent of its eligible population with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said.

India on Tuesday reported 18,346 Covid cases in the last 24 hours - the lowest tally in 209 days, while there were another 263 deaths, taking the death toll to 4,49,260, the Union Health Ministry said. A total of 29,639 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,31,50,886. Consequently, India`s recovery rate stands at 97.93 per cent - the highest since March 2020, the Ministry data said. The active caseload is presently 2,52,902, which is the lowest in 201 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.75 per cent of the country`s total positive cases. While the weekly positivity rate at 1.66 per cent remains less than 3 per cent for the last 102 days now, the daily positivity rate is 1.61 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 36 days and below 5 per cent for 119 consecutive days now. According to the Health Ministry data, the testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded, and the last 24 hours saw a total of 11,41,642 tests being conducted, taking the total to 57,53,94,042. With the administration of 72,51,419 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, vaccination coverage crossed the 91 crore mark, as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Tuesday. India has thus administered more than 70 per cent of its eligible population with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

India logs 18,346 fresh Covid cases, 263 deaths

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers.

"My wish is for a calming down because I think it's better to talk and to make progress," Macron told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that his relations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune were "truly cordial".

Algeria over the weekend recalled its ambassador from Paris and banned French military planes from its airspace, which France regularly uses to reach its forces battling jihadists in the Sahel region.

That came after a bitter row over visas, followed by media reports that Macron had told descendants of Algeria's war of independence that the North African country was ruled by a "political-military system" that had "totally re-written" its history.

Algeria said the reported remarks were an "interference" in its internal affairs.

Algiers was also angered last week after France said it would sharply reduce the number of visas it grants to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

Paris said the decision had been made necessary by the former colonies' failure to do enough to allow illegal migrants in France to be returned.

The latest row came two weeks after Macron apologised on behalf of his country for abandoning Algerians who fought alongside France in their country's war of independence, which was waged on both sides with extreme brutality, including widespread torture.

During his presidency, Macron has taken steps to defuse lingering tensions with Algeria linked to their colonial history, and face up to France's methods to retain control of its north African colony, which won independence in 1962.

In 2018, he admitted that France had created a "system" that facilitated torture during the war and acknowledged that French mathematician Maurice Audin, a Communist pro-independence activist, was murdered in Algiers.

In July last year, he tasked French historian Benjamin Stora with assessing how France has dealt with its colonial legacy in Algeria.

"We've said things that are not easy to hear. I have not sugarcoated our own history," Macron told France Inter.

More than 60 years since France started its nuclear tests in Algeria, their legacy also continues to poison relations between the North African nation and its former colonial ruler. &nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers. "My wish is for a calming down because I think it's better to talk and to make progress," Macron told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that his relations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune were "truly cordial". Algeria over the weekend recalled its ambassador from Paris and banned French military planes from its airspace, which France regularly uses to reach its forces battling jihadists in the Sahel region. That came after a bitter row over visas, followed by media reports that Macron had told descendants of Algeria's war of independence that the North African country was ruled by a "political-military system" that had "totally re-written" its history. Algeria said the reported remarks were an "interference" in its internal affairs. Algiers was also angered last week after France said it would sharply reduce the number of visas it grants to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Paris said the decision had been made necessary by the former colonies' failure to do enough to allow illegal migrants in France to be returned. The latest row came two weeks after Macron apologised on behalf of his country for abandoning Algerians who fought alongside France in their country's war of independence, which was waged on both sides with extreme brutality, including widespread torture. During his presidency, Macron has taken steps to defuse lingering tensions with Algeria linked to their colonial history, and face up to France's methods to retain control of its north African colony, which won independence in 1962. In 2018, he admitted that France had created a "system" that facilitated torture during the war and acknowledged that French mathematician Maurice Audin, a Communist pro-independence activist, was murdered in Algiers. In July last year, he tasked French historian Benjamin Stora with assessing how France has dealt with its colonial legacy in Algeria. "We've said things that are not easy to hear. I have not sugarcoated our own history," Macron told France Inter. More than 60 years since France started its nuclear tests in Algeria, their legacy also continues to poison relations between the North African nation and its former colonial ruler.

Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito.

Saito, the newly appointed minister for land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, also said at his inaugural news conference that the government would stand by its goal of reaching 60 million inbound tourists by 2030 as a key source of economic growth, NHK said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida`s new cabinet, which formed on Monday, is looking to revitalise an economy hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the service industry as tourism dried up under state-of-emergency restrictions and closed borders.

The "Go To Travel" programme that began in July last year helped boost domestic travel but was put on hold by the end of the year amid fears it would help the virus spread&nbsp; "It is important to balance the prevention of contagion and the promotion of tourism," Saito said, according to NHK.

A ministry official said he could not immediately confirm the minister`s reported comments. 
The subsidised programme offered various travel-related discounts and vouchers to prop up regional economies.

Japan as a whole emerged from a state of emergency on October&nbsp;1 for the first time in about six months, although some governors are lifting restrictions in stages to prevent a rebound.

Data showed on Tuesday that Japan`s services sector activity shrank for a 20th straight month in September because of the pandemic.

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito.

The Japanese government will look into the right timing to restart a popular subsidised travel programme that was suspended late last year as coronavirus infections spread, broadcaster NHK reported on Tuesday, citing tourism minister Tetsuo Saito. Saito, the newly appointed minister for land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, also said at his inaugural news conference that the government would stand by its goal of reaching 60 million inbound tourists by 2030 as a key source of economic growth, NHK said. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida`s new cabinet, which formed on Monday, is looking to revitalise an economy hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the service industry as tourism dried up under state-of-emergency restrictions and closed borders. The "Go To Travel" programme that began in July last year helped boost domestic travel but was put on hold by the end of the year amid fears it would help the virus spread "It is important to balance the prevention of contagion and the promotion of tourism," Saito said, according to NHK. A ministry official said he could not immediately confirm the minister`s reported comments. The subsidised programme offered various travel-related discounts and vouchers to prop up regional economies. Japan as a whole emerged from a state of emergency on October 1 for the first time in about six months, although some governors are lifting restrictions in stages to prevent a rebound. Data showed on Tuesday that Japan`s services sector activity shrank for a 20th straight month in September because of the pandemic.

Japan to gauge timing for restarting subsidised travel programme

US President Joe Biden on Monday (US time) spoke with new Japenese PM Fumio Kishida. Both leaders expressed their commitment for the US-Japan alliance and a free Indo-Pacific. After the call, Kishida said that he received "strong" message from President Joe Biden about the United States' commitment to defending the disputed East China Sea islets known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan The phone call lasted for about 20 minutes.

Kishida was voted in by Japanese lawmakers on Monday as Japan's new prime minister.

Kishida's conversation with Biden came a day after he called parliamentary elections for October 31 and vowed to bolster the country's response to Covid&nbsp;pandemic. He was voted in by lawmakers on Monday as the nation's new prime minister.

"We confirmed that we would work together toward the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance and free and open Indo-Pacific," Kishida said. "We also confirmed we would work closely on issues related to China and North Korea."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-56-warplanes-into-taiwans-defence-zone-in-largest-ever-air-incursion-418264">China sends 56 warplanes into Taiwan's defence zone in largest-ever air incursion</a>

"Especially, the president made a strong comment on the US&nbsp;commitment to defend Japan, including the Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan security treaty," Kishida added, referring to US&nbsp;defence obligations to Japan, which cover the uninhabited island.

Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese activity in the East China Sea, including incursions into waters around the disputed islands, known as the Diaoyus in China.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday (US time) spoke with new Japenese PM Fumio Kishida. Both leaders expressed their commitment for the US-Japan alliance and a free Indo-Pacific.

US President Joe Biden on Monday (US time) spoke with new Japenese PM Fumio Kishida. Both leaders expressed their commitment for the US-Japan alliance and a free Indo-Pacific. After the call, Kishida said that he received "strong" message from President Joe Biden about the United States' commitment to defending the disputed East China Sea islets known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan The phone call lasted for about 20 minutes. Kishida was voted in by Japanese lawmakers on Monday as Japan's new prime minister. Kishida's conversation with Biden came a day after he called parliamentary elections for October 31 and vowed to bolster the country's response to Covid pandemic. He was voted in by lawmakers on Monday as the nation's new prime minister. "We confirmed that we would work together toward the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance and free and open Indo-Pacific," Kishida said. "We also confirmed we would work closely on issues related to China and North Korea." Also Read | China sends 56 warplanes into Taiwan's defence zone in largest-ever air incursion "Especially, the president made a strong comment on the US commitment to defend Japan, including the Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan security treaty," Kishida added, referring to US defence obligations to Japan, which cover the uninhabited island. Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese activity in the East China Sea, including incursions into waters around the disputed islands, known as the Diaoyus in China. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden congratulates Japan's new PM Kishida on phone call, both confirm strong alliance

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach. The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil. Beaches are now empty and an airshow has been cancelled.

An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles of the Pacific Ocean since it was first reported on Saturday morning. The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill.

The spill was caused by a breach connected to the Elly oil rig and stretched from the Huntington Beach Pier down to Newport Beach, a stretch of coast popular with surfers and sunbathers.

The oil rig is opearted by Beta Offshore a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation .

Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher said at a press conference in Long Beach that the pipeline had now been shut off and remaining oil suctioned out. He said divers were still trying to determine where and why the spill occurred.

Oceana, an ocean conservation group, called for an end to offshore oil and gas drilling.

Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana's chief policy officer, said in a statement: "This is just the latest tragedy of the oil industry. It's well past time to prevent future oil spills by permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling."

The US Coast Guard, working with local and state agencies, flew airplanes to assess the spill and had hired contractors to clean it up.

Officials said they were investigating the cause of the spill and the type of oil involved.

(With inputs from agencies)

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach.

A breach of oil rig pipeline caused a large oil spill off southern California coast and was described as an "environmental catastrophe" by the mayor of Huttington Beach. The oil spill left dead fish and birds strewn on the sand and offshore wetlands were clogged with oil. Beaches are now empty and an airshow has been cancelled. An estimated 126,000 gallons, or 3,000 barrels, had spread into an oil slick covering about 13 square miles of the Pacific Ocean since it was first reported on Saturday morning. The beachside city, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, was bearing the brunt of the spill. The spill was caused by a breach connected to the Elly oil rig and stretched from the Huntington Beach Pier down to Newport Beach, a stretch of coast popular with surfers and sunbathers. The oil rig is opearted by Beta Offshore a California subsidiary of Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation . Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher said at a press conference in Long Beach that the pipeline had now been shut off and remaining oil suctioned out. He said divers were still trying to determine where and why the spill occurred. Oceana, an ocean conservation group, called for an end to offshore oil and gas drilling. Jacqueline Savitz, Oceana's chief policy officer, said in a statement: "This is just the latest tragedy of the oil industry. It's well past time to prevent future oil spills by permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling." The US Coast Guard, working with local and state agencies, flew airplanes to assess the spill and had hired contractors to clean it up. Officials said they were investigating the cause of the spill and the type of oil involved. (With inputs from agencies)

Oil spill due to pipeline leak hits California shores

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds. The Evergrande crisis is at the center of jitters in China's financial system.

Hong Kong stock exchange did not say why stock trading had been halted. It was unclear who had initiated the suspension.

Evergrande's liabilities make it the most indebted property firm in the world. The debts stretch into hundreds of billions of dollars. This makes it equal to 2 per cent of Chinese GDP. &nbsp;Initial worries have eased somewhat after China's central bank vowed to protect homebuyers' interests.

Shares in Evergrande have plunged 80% so far this year, while its property services unit has dropped 43% as the group scrambles to raise funds to pay its many lenders and suppliers.

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds.

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds. The Evergrande crisis is at the center of jitters in China's financial system. Hong Kong stock exchange did not say why stock trading had been halted. It was unclear who had initiated the suspension. Evergrande's liabilities make it the most indebted property firm in the world. The debts stretch into hundreds of billions of dollars. This makes it equal to 2 per cent of Chinese GDP. Initial worries have eased somewhat after China's central bank vowed to protect homebuyers' interests. Shares in Evergrande have plunged 80% so far this year, while its property services unit has dropped 43% as the group scrambles to raise funds to pay its many lenders and suppliers.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares

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