Heatwave continues in various parts of Europe. In France, fan sales are on the rise due to increasing temperatures. However, 1700 people have been evacuated from 13 villages in Spain due to wildfires.

Extreme heat wave affects Western Europe, wildfires rage across Spain

Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures.

Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave,&nbsp;that has sparked forest fires&nbsp;and many other concerns.

This&nbsp;weekend's temperatures were at the peak of the&nbsp;June&nbsp;heatwave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heat-wave-in-us-know-when-will-this-end-488455">Historic heatwave scorches US: When is it expected to end?</a>

Scientists have predicted that&nbsp;such phenomena will now strike earlier in the year due&nbsp;to global warming.

According to a report by the weather service, "many parts of the region surpassed 40 degrees Celcius. Although storms were expected on the Atlantic coast on Sunday evening,&nbsp;the first signs that the stifling temperatures will gradually regress to concern only the eastern part of the country."

Biarritz, a city in southwestern France, saw its highest all-time temperature Saturday afternoon of 42.9 degrees Celsius (109.2 degrees Fahrenheit), according to state forecaster Meteo France.

Queues of hundreds of people and traffic jams formed outside aquatic leisure parks in France, with people seeing water as the only refuge from the devastating heat.

Watch |&nbsp;Heat wave results in hottest May in Spain, firefighters struggle to control fire

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And at Vincennes Zoo, the staff constantly checked the animals for signs of dehydration.

Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Meteo France said that, " This is the earliest&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;ever recorded in France&nbsp;since 1947."&nbsp;He even called the weather&nbsp;a&nbsp;"marker&nbsp;of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change."

Forest fires in Spain on Saturday had burned nearly 20,000 hectares&nbsp;of land.&nbsp;Many people were forced to leave their homes and move to safe places because of the fires. Fourteen&nbsp;villages were evacuated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-forecast-department-anticipates-heatwave-to-hit-france-early-this-year-487803">France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year</a>

There have also been fires in Germany where temperatures&nbsp;reached 36 degrees Celcius.

UK also&nbsp;recorded its hottest day of the year on Friday, with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celcius&nbsp;in the early afternoon.&nbsp;Italy is also one of the countries.&nbsp;Experts warned the high temperatures were caused by worrying&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;trends. &nbsp;

Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organization in&nbsp;Geneva said that "as a result of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, heatwaves are starting earlier."

"What we're witnessing today is unfortunately a foretaste of the future",&nbsp;she further added.

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Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures. Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave, that has sparked forest fires and many other concerns.

Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures. Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave, that has sparked forest fires and many other concerns. This weekend's temperatures were at the peak of the June heatwave. Also read | Historic heatwave scorches US: When is it expected to end? Scientists have predicted that such phenomena will now strike earlier in the year due to global warming. According to a report by the weather service, "many parts of the region surpassed 40 degrees Celcius. Although storms were expected on the Atlantic coast on Sunday evening, the first signs that the stifling temperatures will gradually regress to concern only the eastern part of the country." Biarritz, a city in southwestern France, saw its highest all-time temperature Saturday afternoon of 42.9 degrees Celsius (109.2 degrees Fahrenheit), according to state forecaster Meteo France. Queues of hundreds of people and traffic jams formed outside aquatic leisure parks in France, with people seeing water as the only refuge from the devastating heat. Watch | Heat wave results in hottest May in Spain, firefighters struggle to control fire And at Vincennes Zoo, the staff constantly checked the animals for signs of dehydration. Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Meteo France said that, " This is the earliest heatwave ever recorded in France since 1947." He even called the weather a "marker of climate change." Forest fires in Spain on Saturday had burned nearly 20,000 hectares of land. Many people were forced to leave their homes and move to safe places because of the fires. Fourteen villages were evacuated. Also read | France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year There have also been fires in Germany where temperatures reached 36 degrees Celcius. UK also recorded its hottest day of the year on Friday, with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celcius in the early afternoon. Italy is also one of the countries. Experts warned the high temperatures were caused by worrying climate change trends. Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva said that "as a result of climate change, heatwaves are starting earlier." "What we're witnessing today is unfortunately a foretaste of the future", she further added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Marker of climate change': Europe swelters in record-breaking June heatwave

Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy. The fresh exports come as Europe is looking to cut its crude imports from Russia in the wake of war against Ukraine.

A 650,000-barrel-cargo of Venezuela’s oil chartered by Italy’s Eni is about to take off, Reuters news agency reported citing Refinitiv Eikon data on Friday.

Apart from that, a second tanker chartered by Eni, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pantanassa, is currently sailing towards Venezuela and expected to load 2 million barrels of the same grade, diluted crude oil (DCO), and take it to Europe, according to the Eikon data.

That cargo is expected to be delivered by Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA later this month with an option for Eni to sell a portion of the crude to Spain’s Repsol for its Cartagena and Bilbao refineries, according to the document and sources.

In May, the US State Department sent letters to Eni and Spain’s Repsol authorising them to resume Venezuelan crude imports as a way to settle billions of dollars of unpaid debt and dividends owed by the OPEC-member nation.

The oil exports is likely to provide a major relief to the Venezuelan economy which is burdened with debt as its inflation rate reached stratospheric levels in 2018.

According to British oil and gas company BP, Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves.

In 2019, the US imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration due to ongoing human rights violations by President Nicolás Maduro. Under President Biden, there were discussions about reopening some trade links by allowing crude-for-diesel exchanges on humanitarian grounds, although this never came to fruition.

The White House announced in May that it was reconsidering its restrictions on Venezuelan oil, entering discussions with Maduro.

(With imports from agencies)

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Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy.

Venezuela is all set to start its oil exports to Europe two years after the US announced sanctions on the South American country on charges of undermining democracy. The fresh exports come as Europe is looking to cut its crude imports from Russia in the wake of war against Ukraine. A 650,000-barrel-cargo of Venezuela’s oil chartered by Italy’s Eni is about to take off, Reuters news agency reported citing Refinitiv Eikon data on Friday. Apart from that, a second tanker chartered by Eni, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pantanassa, is currently sailing towards Venezuela and expected to load 2 million barrels of the same grade, diluted crude oil (DCO), and take it to Europe, according to the Eikon data. That cargo is expected to be delivered by Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA later this month with an option for Eni to sell a portion of the crude to Spain’s Repsol for its Cartagena and Bilbao refineries, according to the document and sources. In May, the US State Department sent letters to Eni and Spain’s Repsol authorising them to resume Venezuelan crude imports as a way to settle billions of dollars of unpaid debt and dividends owed by the OPEC-member nation. The oil exports is likely to provide a major relief to the Venezuelan economy which is burdened with debt as its inflation rate reached stratospheric levels in 2018. According to British oil and gas company BP, Venezuela has the world's biggest oil reserves. In 2019, the US imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration due to ongoing human rights violations by President Nicolás Maduro. Under President Biden, there were discussions about reopening some trade links by allowing crude-for-diesel exchanges on humanitarian grounds, although this never came to fruition. The White House announced in May that it was reconsidering its restrictions on Venezuelan oil, entering discussions with Maduro. (With imports from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Venezuela resumes oil exports to Europe as Russia-Ukraine war triggers high gas prices: Report

Covid cases are once again on the rise in the UK, Portugal, Israel and the United States. They are now witnessing surge in covid-19 cases and BA.4, BA.5 variant are responsible for the surge.

Covid cases surge in Europe: BA.4, BA.5 variant drive rise in cases

Europe's lab CERN said that they are planning to terminate all cooperation and contracts with Russia and Belarus over their roles in the war in Ukraine.

War in Ukraine: European lab CERN to halt cooperation with Russia

Heatwave continues in various parts of Europe. Concerts and other large gatherings have been called off. On another side, Spain is battling the hottest early summers.

A record-breaking heatwave sweeps Europe as it braces for a sweltering weekend

Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe. The factory in Belgium can reopen conditionally after a clean-up by owner Ferrero.

The food health safety agency "has decided to give Ferrero conditional authorisation for its production factory in Arlon," in the country's southeast, it said in a statement. The permission was given for three months, during which all the products will be analysed before they can be distributed and sold, it added.

Ferrero was forced to withdraw more than 3,000 tonnes of Kinder products worth tens of millions of euros after the Salmonella cases were traced to Kinder chocolates made in its Arlon factory. AFSCA ordered the factory closed in early April, just before the Easter period that usually sees Kinder products fly off supermarket shelves. 
Nearly 400 Salmonella cases ended up being detected across the EU and Britain, many of them in children.

There were no deaths. &nbsp;Salmonella contamination symptoms can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting that are particularly dangerous for children under 10.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mariupol-horrors-inflicted-on-civilian-population-will-leave-indelible-mark-says-un-rights-chief-488824">Mariupol: Horrors inflicted on civilian population will leave ‘indelible mark’, says UN rights chief</a>

Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant that also makes the Nutella chocolate spread in other sites, said it had started the process of reopening the Arlon plant and expected production to restart in a few weeks.

It stressed that it had carried out a "deep clean" of the factory, which has around 1,000 workers, and taken steps so that such contamination would never happen again. It said the contamination likely was from a filter in a dairy milk tank.

"We are truly sorry for what happened and want to apologise once more to all people who were affected," Ferrero CEO Lapo Civiletti said.

The company is under several probes by Belgian authorities, who are notably investigating whether it was slow to respond to a hygiene problem that might have come to its attention months earlier. Officials are seeing if Ferrero met obligations for tracing products in its food chain and if the Salmonella incident put human lives in danger.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe.

Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe. The factory in Belgium can reopen conditionally after a clean-up by owner Ferrero. The food health safety agency "has decided to give Ferrero conditional authorisation for its production factory in Arlon," in the country's southeast, it said in a statement. The permission was given for three months, during which all the products will be analysed before they can be distributed and sold, it added. Ferrero was forced to withdraw more than 3,000 tonnes of Kinder products worth tens of millions of euros after the Salmonella cases were traced to Kinder chocolates made in its Arlon factory. AFSCA ordered the factory closed in early April, just before the Easter period that usually sees Kinder products fly off supermarket shelves. Nearly 400 Salmonella cases ended up being detected across the EU and Britain, many of them in children. There were no deaths. Salmonella contamination symptoms can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting that are particularly dangerous for children under 10. Also Read: Mariupol: Horrors inflicted on civilian population will leave ‘indelible mark’, says UN rights chief Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant that also makes the Nutella chocolate spread in other sites, said it had started the process of reopening the Arlon plant and expected production to restart in a few weeks. It stressed that it had carried out a "deep clean" of the factory, which has around 1,000 workers, and taken steps so that such contamination would never happen again. It said the contamination likely was from a filter in a dairy milk tank. "We are truly sorry for what happened and want to apologise once more to all people who were affected," Ferrero CEO Lapo Civiletti said. The company is under several probes by Belgian authorities, who are notably investigating whether it was slow to respond to a hygiene problem that might have come to its attention months earlier. Officials are seeing if Ferrero met obligations for tracing products in its food chain and if the Salmonella incident put human lives in danger. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening

The World Health Organization’s European regional office said on Wednesday that the continent is currently at the “epicentre” of a major monkeypox outbreak. The last few months has seen a serious increase in cases all around Europe and although there have not been many deaths, the infection rate has caused a lot of concern among the authorities. According to the official WHO data, around 85 per cent of the total number of cases in the world – roughly 1500 – is currently present in 25 countries across Europe. &nbsp;Originating from Africa, the monkeypox virus has been spreading at an alarming rate and WHO will decide whether to categorise it as an international health emergency.

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"The magnitude of this outbreak poses a real risk; the longer the virus circulates, the more it will extend its reach, and the stronger the disease’s foothold will get in non-endemic countries," said the regional director for Europe Hans Kluge according to a report by AFP.

The latest guidelines from WHO about Monkeypox asked patients to isolate if they think that they are infected with the virus. Kluge once again repeated the same and urged patients to follow rules.

In a number of countries, the emergency workers are being vaccinated with smallpox vaccines and Kluge said that there are "limited amounts of vaccines and antivirals for monkeypox and limited data on their use", according to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-back-russia-on-sovereignty-and-security-xi-jinping-tells-vladimir-putin-488469">China to back Russia on 'sovereignty and security', Xi tells Putin</a>

"Mass vaccination is not recommended or needed at this time,"

"I beseech governments to tackle monkeypox without repeating the mistakes of the pandemic – and keeping equity at the heart of all we do," he added.

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The World Health Organization’s European regional office said on Wednesday that the continent is currently at the “epicentre” of a major monkeypox outbreak. The last few months has seen a serious increase in cases all around Europe and although there have not been many deaths, the infection rate has caused a lot of concern among the authorities.

The World Health Organization’s European regional office said on Wednesday that the continent is currently at the “epicentre” of a major monkeypox outbreak. The last few months has seen a serious increase in cases all around Europe and although there have not been many deaths, the infection rate has caused a lot of concern among the authorities. According to the official WHO data, around 85 per cent of the total number of cases in the world – roughly 1500 – is currently present in 25 countries across Europe. Originating from Africa, the monkeypox virus has been spreading at an alarming rate and WHO will decide whether to categorise it as an international health emergency. Also read | Biden announces weapons worth $1 billion for Ukraine "The magnitude of this outbreak poses a real risk; the longer the virus circulates, the more it will extend its reach, and the stronger the disease’s foothold will get in non-endemic countries," said the regional director for Europe Hans Kluge according to a report by AFP. The latest guidelines from WHO about Monkeypox asked patients to isolate if they think that they are infected with the virus. Kluge once again repeated the same and urged patients to follow rules. In a number of countries, the emergency workers are being vaccinated with smallpox vaccines and Kluge said that there are "limited amounts of vaccines and antivirals for monkeypox and limited data on their use", according to AFP. Also read | China to back Russia on 'sovereignty and security', Xi tells Putin "Mass vaccination is not recommended or needed at this time," "I beseech governments to tackle monkeypox without repeating the mistakes of the pandemic – and keeping equity at the heart of all we do," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Europe remains at 'epicentre' of Monkeypox virus outbreak, says WHO

Scientists say they have found the origins of the black death, the health catastrophe that killed tens of millions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the 14th century. What did the researchers find and where did they find it?

Did scientists find origins of black death, bubonic plague after 675 years?

During the first 100 days of the war - the EU & China bought up most of Russian energy exports. Russia has also become India's second-largest crude supplier. The West wants the world to shun Russian oil. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how few have heeded the call.

Gravitas: How Europe, China fund Russia's war on Ukraine

French IT company Atos spooked investors on Tuesday with a plan to split its operations and sell assets as well as the departure of CEO Rodolphe Belmer, sending its shares plunging by more than 25 per cent.

The departure of Belmer, who took over in January, follows weeks of reports of board divisions over revamping the company.

Belmer and the board clashed over the fate of cybersecurity unit BDS, sources close to the matter have said, as he was willing to sell the business while the board wanted to retain it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-to-open-metaverse-academy-in-collaboration-with-french-digital-training-firm-487461">Meta to open 'metaverse academy' in collaboration with French digital training firm</a>

Atos is deemed strategic by the French government for its high-tech assets such the manufacture of supercomputers and software used by the army and the finance ministry to manage tax collection. Former prime minister Edouard Philippe sits on its board.

Belmer's departure was announced just an hour before a capital market day that investors hoped could restore confidence after a series of setbacks that has wiped out two-thirds of Atos's market value over the past year.

Belmer, the former boss of satellite company Eutelsat, will leave Atos on September 30. Atos shares fell as much as 27 per cent&nbsp;in early Paris trading, and were down almost 20 per cent&nbsp;as of 0742 GMT.

Watch |&nbsp;France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight

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SPLIT-UP Atos plans to split into two publicly listed entities and said it had appointed two deputy CEOs, Nourdine Bihmane and Philippe Oliva, to lead each of these.

The split would be aimed at "unlocking value" as part of a broader plan that would cost an estimated 1.6 billion euros in 2022-2023, the company said.

Atos will sell assets worth about 700 million euros, Belmer said on Tuesday in a call with reporters.

It has already sold its 2.5 per cent&nbsp;stake in payments company Worldline as part of its disposals plan, raising 220 million euros.

As part of split-up, Atos is considering spinning off and combining BDS with its services operations, notably those aimed at helping customers move to the cloud.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-france-reach-555-million-euro-settlement-deal-487133">Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal</a>

Dubbed Evidian, these operations combined generated 4.9 billion euros in revenue in 2021, up by 5 per cent&nbsp;from the previous year, and an operating margin of 7.8 per cent.

The remaining part of Atos will include its declining and loss-making IT infrastructure management services, which had sales of 5.4 billion euros last year.

Atos said it aimed to return to growth and profits for these activities by 2026.

Asked if he would benefit from the two-year severance pay approved by shareholders in case of an abrupt departure of the CEO within two years, Belmer said he had proposed to leave with 9 months worth of salary.

Previously the boss of Vivendi-owned pay-TV station Canal+, Belmer had promised a new start for Atos after accounting errors and a failed attempt to acquire a U.S. company hit investor confidence.

The weakness of Atos's shares have made it vulnerable to takeover rumours.

On Monday, the shares fell more than 10 per cent, following a media report about its future strategy.

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French IT company Atos spooked investors on Tuesday with a plan to split its operations and sell assets as well as the departure of CEO Rodolphe Belmer, sending its shares plunging by more than 25 per cent.

French IT company Atos spooked investors on Tuesday with a plan to split its operations and sell assets as well as the departure of CEO Rodolphe Belmer, sending its shares plunging by more than 25 per cent. The departure of Belmer, who took over in January, follows weeks of reports of board divisions over revamping the company. Belmer and the board clashed over the fate of cybersecurity unit BDS, sources close to the matter have said, as he was willing to sell the business while the board wanted to retain it. Also read | Meta to open 'metaverse academy' in collaboration with French digital training firm Atos is deemed strategic by the French government for its high-tech assets such the manufacture of supercomputers and software used by the army and the finance ministry to manage tax collection. Former prime minister Edouard Philippe sits on its board. Belmer's departure was announced just an hour before a capital market day that investors hoped could restore confidence after a series of setbacks that has wiped out two-thirds of Atos's market value over the past year. Belmer, the former boss of satellite company Eutelsat, will leave Atos on September 30. Atos shares fell as much as 27 per cent in early Paris trading, and were down almost 20 per cent as of 0742 GMT. Watch | France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight SPLIT-UP Atos plans to split into two publicly listed entities and said it had appointed two deputy CEOs, Nourdine Bihmane and Philippe Oliva, to lead each of these. The split would be aimed at "unlocking value" as part of a broader plan that would cost an estimated 1.6 billion euros in 2022-2023, the company said. Atos will sell assets worth about 700 million euros, Belmer said on Tuesday in a call with reporters. It has already sold its 2.5 per cent stake in payments company Worldline as part of its disposals plan, raising 220 million euros. As part of split-up, Atos is considering spinning off and combining BDS with its services operations, notably those aimed at helping customers move to the cloud. Also read | Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal Dubbed Evidian, these operations combined generated 4.9 billion euros in revenue in 2021, up by 5 per cent from the previous year, and an operating margin of 7.8 per cent. The remaining part of Atos will include its declining and loss-making IT infrastructure management services, which had sales of 5.4 billion euros last year. Atos said it aimed to return to growth and profits for these activities by 2026. Asked if he would benefit from the two-year severance pay approved by shareholders in case of an abrupt departure of the CEO within two years, Belmer said he had proposed to leave with 9 months worth of salary. Previously the boss of Vivendi-owned pay-TV station Canal+, Belmer had promised a new start for Atos after accounting errors and a failed attempt to acquire a U.S. company hit investor confidence. The weakness of Atos's shares have made it vulnerable to takeover rumours. On Monday, the shares fell more than 10 per cent, following a media report about its future strategy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Atos CEO quits as he loses power struggle over strategy

Remains of Europe's largest dinosaur have been unearthed. Fossilised bones were found on the isle of Wight. Named the 'White Rock Spinosaurid' it lived 125 million years ago.

A dinosaur that lived 125 million years ago: Europe's largest dinosaur unearthed

Security concerns raised by Turkey in its opposition to Finland's and Sweden's NATO membership applications are legitimate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday during a visit to Finland.

"These are legitimate concerns. This is about terrorism, it's about weapons exports" , Stoltenberg told a joint news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto while visiting him at his summer residence in Naantali, Finland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

Sweden and Finland applied to join the Western defence alliance last month, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But they have faced opposition from Turkey, which has accused them of supporting and harbouring Kurdish militants and other groups it deems terrorists.

Stoltenberg said Turkey was a key ally for the alliance due to its strategic location on the Black Sea between Europe and the Middle East, and cited the support it has provided to Ukraine since Russia sent troops into its neighbour on Feb. 24.

Watch |&nbsp;Baltops 2022: NATO allies take part in military drills in Baltic sea, Russia also holds drills

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Moscow calls its actions a "special military operation".

"We have to remember and understand that no NATO ally has suffered more terrorist attacks than Turkiye", Stoltenberg said, using the Turkish pronunciation of the country's name, as preferred by Turkey and its President Tayyip Erdogan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-considers-joining-nato-summit-in-spain-report-485321">Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida considers joining NATO summit in Spain: Report</a>

Stoltenberg and Niinisto said talks with Turkey would continue but gave no indication of progress in the negotiations.

"The summit in Madrid was never a deadline", Stoltenberg said, referring to a NATO meeting in Madrid at the end of June.

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Security concerns raised by Turkey in its opposition to Finland's and Sweden's NATO membership applications are legitimate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday during a visit to Finland.

Security concerns raised by Turkey in its opposition to Finland's and Sweden's NATO membership applications are legitimate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Sunday during a visit to Finland. "These are legitimate concerns. This is about terrorism, it's about weapons exports" , Stoltenberg told a joint news conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto while visiting him at his summer residence in Naantali, Finland. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey Sweden and Finland applied to join the Western defence alliance last month, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But they have faced opposition from Turkey, which has accused them of supporting and harbouring Kurdish militants and other groups it deems terrorists. Stoltenberg said Turkey was a key ally for the alliance due to its strategic location on the Black Sea between Europe and the Middle East, and cited the support it has provided to Ukraine since Russia sent troops into its neighbour on Feb. 24. Watch | Baltops 2022: NATO allies take part in military drills in Baltic sea, Russia also holds drills Moscow calls its actions a "special military operation". "We have to remember and understand that no NATO ally has suffered more terrorist attacks than Turkiye", Stoltenberg said, using the Turkish pronunciation of the country's name, as preferred by Turkey and its President Tayyip Erdogan. Also read | Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida considers joining NATO summit in Spain: Report Stoltenberg and Niinisto said talks with Turkey would continue but gave no indication of progress in the negotiations. "The summit in Madrid was never a deadline", Stoltenberg said, referring to a NATO meeting in Madrid at the end of June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NATO chief Stoltenberg says Turkey's security concerns are legitimate

Voting has started in France for the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0600 GMT), after voters in overseas territories cast ballots earlier in the weekend.

The first round is for the&nbsp;577 seats in the lower-house National Assembly.&nbsp;It is a two-round process and&nbsp;the second round will begin on June 19.&nbsp;These elections will determine the future of the country for the next 5 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-frances-parliamentary-elections-are-important-to-macron-487378" hreflang="en">Why France’s parliamentary elections are important to Macron</a>

Nupes, an&nbsp;alliance of&nbsp;left-wing parties, comprised of&nbsp;La France Insoumise,&nbsp;Socialist, Green&nbsp;and Communist parties,&nbsp;is expected to mount a serious challenge to President Emmanuel Macron's&nbsp;Ensemble&nbsp;alliance.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight

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Projections&nbsp;show that Macron and his allies, including the new party of his former prime minister Edouard Philippe, could fall short of a majority of 289 by as many as 40 seats.

Some 14 of Macron's ministers are competing in local races and could lose their job if they fail to win a seat.

On the other hand, Marine Le Pen, the right-leader could win a seat in her northern constituency from the first round, by gaining over 50 per cent&nbsp;of the votes.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Voting has started in France for the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0600 GMT), after voters in overseas territories cast ballots earlier in the weekend.

Voting has started in France for the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0600 GMT), after voters in overseas territories cast ballots earlier in the weekend. The first round is for the 577 seats in the lower-house National Assembly. It is a two-round process and the second round will begin on June 19. These elections will determine the future of the country for the next 5 years. Also read | Why France’s parliamentary elections are important to Macron Nupes, an alliance of left-wing parties, comprised of La France Insoumise, Socialist, Green and Communist parties, is expected to mount a serious challenge to President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble alliance. Watch | France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight Projections show that Macron and his allies, including the new party of his former prime minister Edouard Philippe, could fall short of a majority of 289 by as many as 40 seats. Some 14 of Macron's ministers are competing in local races and could lose their job if they fail to win a seat. On the other hand, Marine Le Pen, the right-leader could win a seat in her northern constituency from the first round, by gaining over 50 per cent of the votes. (with inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Polls open in French parliamentary election

On 13th November 2015&nbsp;Paris, the capital of France was under a&nbsp;series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin&nbsp;at 9:15&nbsp;pm and were on the&nbsp;Stade de France stadium,&nbsp;bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan&nbsp;concert hall.

As the biggest criminal trial&nbsp;ever held in France has entered its final weeks,&nbsp;French prosecutors have demanded&nbsp;life sentences for the 12 men at trial for the attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-attacks-suspect-says-he-changed-his-mind-at-last-moment-470966">Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment</a>

All the evidences are reviewed but still many questions remain unanswered.&nbsp;

The attacks killed 130 people and injured more than 490.

The key accused, Salah Abdeslam, is believed to be the last survivor from the 10 men who struck the city. Most of them killed themselves or were killed by police.

Watch |&nbsp;Paris attack suspect in trial

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The prosecutor Camille Hennetier told the court of the “cruelty of the terrorists who fired again and again and took pleasure in killing”, and said the attacks were mostly prepared outside France.

Abdeslam, 32, a Brussels-born French citizen, who is also alleged to be a part of the attack, told the court that he had backed out of the attack at a bar, however the&nbsp;prosecutors said his explosive belt simply malfunctioned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-accused-of-stealing-banksy-tribute-to-bataclan-victims-go-on-trial-486280">Also read |&nbsp;Eight accused of stealing Banksy tribute to Bataclan victims go on trial</a>

Many prosecutors believe that many things "still remain in the dark".

Mohammed Abrini, another accused had also been part of the group in Paris, after which he returned to Belgium.&nbsp;He was later arrested after the March 2016 attacks in the Brussels airport and subway.&nbsp;

“Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini made no mystery of their jihadi engagement, but both tried to cover the tracks about their ideas”, the Paris prosecutor Nicolas Le Bris told the court.

The verdict is expected on 29 June.

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On 13th November 2015 Paris, the capital of France was under a series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin at 9:15 pm and were on the Stade de France stadium, bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall.

On 13th November 2015 Paris, the capital of France was under a series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin at 9:15 pm and were on the Stade de France stadium, bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall. As the biggest criminal trial ever held in France has entered its final weeks, French prosecutors have demanded life sentences for the 12 men at trial for the attack. Also read | Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment All the evidences are reviewed but still many questions remain unanswered. The attacks killed 130 people and injured more than 490. The key accused, Salah Abdeslam, is believed to be the last survivor from the 10 men who struck the city. Most of them killed themselves or were killed by police. Watch | Paris attack suspect in trial The prosecutor Camille Hennetier told the court of the “cruelty of the terrorists who fired again and again and took pleasure in killing”, and said the attacks were mostly prepared outside France. Abdeslam, 32, a Brussels-born French citizen, who is also alleged to be a part of the attack, told the court that he had backed out of the attack at a bar, however the prosecutors said his explosive belt simply malfunctioned. Also read | Eight accused of stealing Banksy tribute to Bataclan victims go on trial Many prosecutors believe that many things "still remain in the dark". Mohammed Abrini, another accused had also been part of the group in Paris, after which he returned to Belgium. He was later arrested after the March 2016 attacks in the Brussels airport and subway. “Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini made no mystery of their jihadi engagement, but both tried to cover the tracks about their ideas”, the Paris prosecutor Nicolas Le Bris told the court. The verdict is expected on 29 June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Prosecutors ask for life sentences for 12 men at trial for Paris terror attack

Europe's summer travels have been disrupted due to the ongoing labour strife at the airport. Many flights have been delayed or cancelled.

Europe summer travels disrupted? Labour strife causes chaos at the airport

Taiwan has got support from Europe. French lawmakers visited Taiwan. However, China has denounced the French lawmakers' visit.

Taiwan draws support from Europe as French lawmakers visit Taiwan

Labour strife and staffing shortages have&nbsp;European&nbsp;airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season.

Workers at France's Charles De Gaulle&nbsp;airport&nbsp;are striking on Thursday for more pay, with a quarter of flights cancelled. In Italy, crews from budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet and Volotea walked off the job on Wednesday.

On Wednesday evening, German flag carrier Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings said they were scrapping over 1,000 flights in July, or 5 per cent&nbsp;of their planned weekend capacity, due to staff shortages amid the busy vacation period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

Ryanair cabin crew could strike in Europe this summer, after talks ended with two Spanish unions, according to a statement by unions SITCPLA and USO.

Airport&nbsp;managers are struggling to quickly recruit and process new hires, as a rebound in air travel from a pandemic-induced slump leads to cancelled flights and hours-long lines.

Airlines, battered by slumping travel during the pandemic, have been counting on a strong summer, as fares rise to offset higher fuel costs. Some countries are also banking on tourism to revive hard-hit economies.

The head of airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said heavy congestion also occurred before the pandemic and is now limited to certain&nbsp;airports, aggravated by delays to get security badges required for newly-hired staff.

In North America, Canada's busiest&nbsp;airport&nbsp;is allowing some staff who have not yet obtained their badges to work temporarily under supervision by vetted employees, said Tori Gass, a spokeswoman for the Greater Toronto&nbsp;Airports Authority.

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding the Pros &amp; Cons of EU's 'Universal Charger' move

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The temporary pass was recently introduced at Toronto Pearson International&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;in response to the large volume of appointments for restricted area identity cards (RAIC), Gass said. It takes roughly 45 days to get the cards.

Transport Canada said it received 13,722 applications nationally for clearances required for employees like&nbsp;airport&nbsp;ramp agents or baggage handlers in the first quarter of 2022, up from 5,968 requests during the same period in 2021.

Pearson is wrestling with planes stuck at gates and hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages.

Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Wednesday said he is working with partners to bring in more screening officers.

"We're acting", Alghabra told reporters.

In Europe, Dublin and Heathrow&nbsp;airports are recruiting screeners, while Schipol&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;in Amsterdam is raising wages for staff.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-new-petrol-diesel-cars-by-2035-486537">European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035</a>

Spain on Tuesday announced the hiring of 500 additional police to staff passport controls at busy&nbsp;airports and tourist destinations including Madrid.

In the United States,&nbsp;airports are generally avoiding such heavy congestion. Still, a staffing crunch has forced airlines to cancel flights and trim summer schedules.

Alaska Air Group Inc last month was forced to cancel 4 per cent&nbsp;of its flights because of staffing woes. Delta Air Lines, which cancelled about 700 flights over the four-day Memorial Day holiday, plans to cut flights through August.

Spain's interior minister attributed reports of congestion at border controls to multiple flights arriving at the same time. But CEHAT, the country's largest business group for hotels and lodging, said the delays could have been prevented since they are related to the end of free travel of British citizens to Spain due to Brexit.

"This situation should not have caught us off guard", CEHAT president Jorge Marichal said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Labour strife and staffing shortages have European airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season.

Labour strife and staffing shortages have European airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season. Workers at France's Charles De Gaulle airport are striking on Thursday for more pay, with a quarter of flights cancelled. In Italy, crews from budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet and Volotea walked off the job on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening, German flag carrier Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings said they were scrapping over 1,000 flights in July, or 5 per cent of their planned weekend capacity, due to staff shortages amid the busy vacation period. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey Ryanair cabin crew could strike in Europe this summer, after talks ended with two Spanish unions, according to a statement by unions SITCPLA and USO. Airport managers are struggling to quickly recruit and process new hires, as a rebound in air travel from a pandemic-induced slump leads to cancelled flights and hours-long lines. Airlines, battered by slumping travel during the pandemic, have been counting on a strong summer, as fares rise to offset higher fuel costs. Some countries are also banking on tourism to revive hard-hit economies. The head of airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said heavy congestion also occurred before the pandemic and is now limited to certain airports, aggravated by delays to get security badges required for newly-hired staff. In North America, Canada's busiest airport is allowing some staff who have not yet obtained their badges to work temporarily under supervision by vetted employees, said Tori Gass, a spokeswoman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Watch | Decoding the Pros & Cons of EU's 'Universal Charger' move The temporary pass was recently introduced at Toronto Pearson International Airport in response to the large volume of appointments for restricted area identity cards (RAIC), Gass said. It takes roughly 45 days to get the cards. Transport Canada said it received 13,722 applications nationally for clearances required for employees like airport ramp agents or baggage handlers in the first quarter of 2022, up from 5,968 requests during the same period in 2021. Pearson is wrestling with planes stuck at gates and hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages. Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Wednesday said he is working with partners to bring in more screening officers. "We're acting", Alghabra told reporters. In Europe, Dublin and Heathrow airports are recruiting screeners, while Schipol Airport in Amsterdam is raising wages for staff. Also read | European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035 Spain on Tuesday announced the hiring of 500 additional police to staff passport controls at busy airports and tourist destinations including Madrid. In the United States, airports are generally avoiding such heavy congestion. Still, a staffing crunch has forced airlines to cancel flights and trim summer schedules. Alaska Air Group Inc last month was forced to cancel 4 per cent of its flights because of staffing woes. Delta Air Lines, which cancelled about 700 flights over the four-day Memorial Day holiday, plans to cut flights through August. Spain's interior minister attributed reports of congestion at border controls to multiple flights arriving at the same time. But CEHAT, the country's largest business group for hotels and lodging, said the delays could have been prevented since they are related to the end of free travel of British citizens to Spain due to Brexit. "This situation should not have caught us off guard", CEHAT president Jorge Marichal said in a statement on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European airport labour strife, staff shortages disrupt summer travel

Looking for the cleanest bathing waters in Europe? Save this list for your next trip

Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers Ryanair has hit turbulence over its bizarre nationality test for South Africans . The test has triggered massive public outrage on social media, several users are calling it shocking, discriminatory and humiliating.

Racist nationality test: Europe's largest airline Ryanair faces outrage

Europe's largest airline Ryanair has hit turbulence over its bizarre nationality test for South Africans. the test has triggered massive public outrage on social media. Several users are calling it shocking, discriminatory and humiliating.

Europe's largest Airline Ryanair faces outrage over test in Afrikaans for South Africans

The West has accused Russia of committing war crimes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The European Council president has cornered Russia for the crisis.

West accuses Russia of war crimes: European council prez corners Russia

Airlines in Europe have been hit by a string of problems amid a challenging operating environment. European airline Easy jet cancelled 5% of its flights.

Challenging operating environment: European airline Easy jet cancelled 5% of its flights

Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention.

Schools were on a half-term break and the country also had a long public holiday weekend to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne.

Shapps, who said earlier this week airlines should stop selling tickets for flights they could not staff, said the industry had to sort out the problem.

"The industry itself needs to solve it," he told BBC TV. "The government doesn't run airports, it doesn't run the airlines. The industry needs to do that."

Airlines had hoped for a bumper summer for passengers after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

But they have struggled to recruit staff after the turmoil of the pandemic, and complain it is taking longer to recruit new employees and vet them for security clearance.

Shapps said staff cuts during the pandemic had gone too deep.

"We'll work with the industry very hard ... to make sure we don't see a repeat of those scenes," he said.

A change in the law was making it easier to deal with the administration needed for security clearance, he said, adding he did not envisage a need for the army to be called in to help speed up the security checks.&nbsp;

[With inputs from agencies]

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Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention.

Widespread flight chaos has been witnessed last week at airports across Europe, management struggled to cope with a post-pandemic rebound in demand, but British airports have been particularly hit by major disruption over the past week, which requires urgent intervention. Schools were on a half-term break and the country also had a long public holiday weekend to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne. Shapps, who said earlier this week airlines should stop selling tickets for flights they could not staff, said the industry had to sort out the problem. "The industry itself needs to solve it," he told BBC TV. "The government doesn't run airports, it doesn't run the airlines. The industry needs to do that." Airlines had hoped for a bumper summer for passengers after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions. But they have struggled to recruit staff after the turmoil of the pandemic, and complain it is taking longer to recruit new employees and vet them for security clearance. Shapps said staff cuts during the pandemic had gone too deep. "We'll work with the industry very hard ... to make sure we don't see a repeat of those scenes," he said. A change in the law was making it easier to deal with the administration needed for security clearance, he said, adding he did not envisage a need for the army to be called in to help speed up the security checks. [With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe

Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental&nbsp;migrations.

The last such effort in the summer of 2019 saw 3.3 million people and more than three quarters of a million vehicles cross the Gibraltar Strait.

The North African kingdom is just 14 kilometres (nine miles) from the coast of Spain, which has announced it will also put in place special measures for Moroccans from June 15 for two months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-host-us-uea-bharain-and-morocco-diplomats-for-three-day-historic-summit-465487">Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit</a>

Spain's government has called the seasonal&nbsp;migration&nbsp;"one of the biggest flows of people across continents in such a small time".

Resuming large-scale cross-strait travel comes not only after an easing of the pandemic threat but also following a mending of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The year-long diplomatic dispute had extended border closures originally put in place because of Covid-19, but maritime traffic resumed in April.

Watch |&nbsp;Why bees in this Moroccan village are dying?

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"Operation Marhaba (Welcome) for Moroccans living overseas begins on June 5," said a statement late Saturday from the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation which organises the effort.

More than 1,000 people including doctors, social workers and volunteers have signed up to help people arriving at ports and airports.

Most will come by boat from Spain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-rescue-workers-in-morocco-move-closer-to-save-child-trapped-in-well-450720">Pics: Rescue workers in Morocco move closer to save child trapped in well</a>

As well as at Moroccan ports, helpers will be stationed in the Spanish ports of Almeria and Algeciras, Marseille in France and Italy's Genoa, among others.

The traffic goes in both directions, as many Moroccans also head to Spanish coastal resorts for their holidays.

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Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental migrations.

Morocco on Sunday begins welcoming an influx of its citizens living in Europe after the pandemic led to a halt in what has been called one of the world's biggest cross-continental migrations. The last such effort in the summer of 2019 saw 3.3 million people and more than three quarters of a million vehicles cross the Gibraltar Strait. The North African kingdom is just 14 kilometres (nine miles) from the coast of Spain, which has announced it will also put in place special measures for Moroccans from June 15 for two months. Also read | Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit Spain's government has called the seasonal migration "one of the biggest flows of people across continents in such a small time". Resuming large-scale cross-strait travel comes not only after an easing of the pandemic threat but also following a mending of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The year-long diplomatic dispute had extended border closures originally put in place because of Covid-19, but maritime traffic resumed in April. Watch | Why bees in this Moroccan village are dying? "Operation Marhaba (Welcome) for Moroccans living overseas begins on June 5," said a statement late Saturday from the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation which organises the effort. More than 1,000 people including doctors, social workers and volunteers have signed up to help people arriving at ports and airports. Most will come by boat from Spain. Also read | Pics: Rescue workers in Morocco move closer to save child trapped in well As well as at Moroccan ports, helpers will be stationed in the Spanish ports of Almeria and Algeciras, Marseille in France and Italy's Genoa, among others. The traffic goes in both directions, as many Moroccans also head to Spanish coastal resorts for their holidays. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Huge Europe-Morocco migration begins after COVID-19 hiatus

The Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke at Globsec 2022. He called out Europe's hypocrisy amid a row over importing Russian oil & gas.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar speaks at Globsec 2022, calls out Europe's hypocrisy

The European Union agreed to stop 90% of oil imports from Russia, with exemptions for landlocked members like Hungary. Will the partial oil ban deter Putin? How dependent is Europe on Russian oil? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Europe to stop 90% of oil imports from Russia

A raging war in Ukraine has now evolved into a full-fledged economic battle with the European Union for Russia. Moscow has now further cut gas supplies to Europe as a state energy giant Gazprom turned off its taps for some companies in Denmark and Germany citing payment failures for previously made gas deliveries.

Russia cuts more gas supplies to Europe, cites payment failure

Stocks of iodine have been flying off the shelves in Europe due to fears that it may be needed to counter the risks of thyroid cancer if Russia invades Ukraine and causes a nuclear incident.

As Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl nuclear site and damaged Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear plant, France said it would send 2.5 million doses of the chemical compound to Ukraine.

The following facts about iodine will help you understand the hype around it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747" hreflang="en">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

What is iodine?&nbsp;

The thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that are crucial for brain development and vital bodily functions thanks to stable iodine -- potassium iodide. Since the body cannot produce iodine, it is essential to our diet.

Can iodine help in a nuclear accident?&nbsp;

In a catastrophic nuclear accident, radioactive iodine would be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation or consumption of contaminated iodine via food can increase the risks of thyroid cancer, as was observed after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

Iodine tablets containing stable, non-radioactive iodine prevent the thyroid gland from concentrating radioactive iodine. After becoming saturated with stable iodine, the gland can no longer capture the radioactive element, which is then flushed out of the body naturally through urine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jumping-the-gun-as-calls-for-its-expulsion-grow-russia-announces-ruxit-from-council-of-europe-462722" hreflang="en">Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit'&nbsp;from Council of Europe</a>

Is iodine effective in all circumstances?

Taking Iodine tablets will not protect you from other forms of radiation, nor will they provide immunity from it. These tablets are not permanent cures.

Are there any specialist recommendations?&nbsp;

French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) notes that iodine protects only the thyroid and that the most crucial action following a nuclear accident is to take shelter in a hard building.

In addition, the tablets must be taken at specific times -- ideally, one hour before exposure to radiation and, at the latest, six to twelve hours after exposure.

Pregnant women, babies, children, and young people are especially encouraged to use these products.

"There is no point in taking iodine tablets as a prophylactic," the ASN warned. "It's pointless and it can cause undesirable effects or allergies."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not?

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What are the possible side effects?

Too much iodine can damage the kidneys and heart and cause the thyroid to malfunction.&nbsp;

Croatian doctors warned last week against iodine consumption without proper precautions.

Are iodine pills readily available?&nbsp;

Iodine tablets must be prescribed by a physician. They are not available over the counter.

Stocks of iodine have been flying off the shelves in Europe due to fears that it may be needed to counter the risks of thyroid cancer if Russia invades Ukraine and causes a nuclear incident.

Stocks of iodine have been flying off the shelves in Europe due to fears that it may be needed to counter the risks of thyroid cancer if Russia invades Ukraine and causes a nuclear incident. As Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl nuclear site and damaged Zaporizhzhia, Europe's largest nuclear plant, France said it would send 2.5 million doses of the chemical compound to Ukraine. The following facts about iodine will help you understand the hype around it. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking What is iodine? The thyroid gland in the neck produces hormones that are crucial for brain development and vital bodily functions thanks to stable iodine -- potassium iodide. Since the body cannot produce iodine, it is essential to our diet. Can iodine help in a nuclear accident? In a catastrophic nuclear accident, radioactive iodine would be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation or consumption of contaminated iodine via food can increase the risks of thyroid cancer, as was observed after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. Iodine tablets containing stable, non-radioactive iodine prevent the thyroid gland from concentrating radioactive iodine. After becoming saturated with stable iodine, the gland can no longer capture the radioactive element, which is then flushed out of the body naturally through urine. Also read | Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe Is iodine effective in all circumstances? Taking Iodine tablets will not protect you from other forms of radiation, nor will they provide immunity from it. These tablets are not permanent cures. Are there any specialist recommendations? French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) notes that iodine protects only the thyroid and that the most crucial action following a nuclear accident is to take shelter in a hard building. In addition, the tablets must be taken at specific times -- ideally, one hour before exposure to radiation and, at the latest, six to twelve hours after exposure. Pregnant women, babies, children, and young people are especially encouraged to use these products. "There is no point in taking iodine tablets as a prophylactic," the ASN warned. "It's pointless and it can cause undesirable effects or allergies." Watch | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not? What are the possible side effects? Too much iodine can damage the kidneys and heart and cause the thyroid to malfunction. Croatian doctors warned last week against iodine consumption without proper precautions. Are iodine pills readily available? Iodine tablets must be prescribed by a physician. They are not available over the counter.

Explainer: Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet?

In the last few years Turkey has reported a steep rise in fires at its plastic recycling factories. It all started when China stopped importing plastic trash from Europe and Turkey rose to the occasion. This led to the set up of illegal factories which got more garbage import than the country could handle

Toxic smoke and suspicious plastic plant fires in Turkey

Russia has further cut off gas supplies to Europe, after state energy giant Gazprom turned off its taps for some companies in Denmark and Germany citing payment failures for previously made gas deliveries.

Russia halts gas supply to Netherland, Germany, Denmark

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