<a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121">European</a> regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft.

The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which formalises an instruction from the manufacturer itself, covers part of the outer wing on the 25 oldest aircraft, which first went into service in 2007 with <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/singapore-high-court-orders-freezing-of-accounts-of-nirav-modis-sister-brother-in-law-232328">Singapore</a> Airlines.

The company confirmed that small cracks have been found on the outer rear wing spars of early production A380 aircraft.

"We have identified the issue and designed an inspection and repair scheme," Airbus said in a statement, adding that the ongoing airworthiness of the A380 fleet was not affected.

In 2012, Airbus was forced to carry out A380 inspections and devise a costly repair program after cracks were found on part of the wings, the world's largest for a passenger plane.

European regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft.

European regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 superjumbo aeroplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft. The European Aviation Safety Agency directive, which formalises an instruction from the manufacturer itself, covers part of the outer wing on the 25 oldest aircraft, which first went into service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines. The company confirmed that small cracks have been found on the outer rear wing spars of early production A380 aircraft. "We have identified the issue and designed an inspection and repair scheme," Airbus said in a statement, adding that the ongoing airworthiness of the A380 fleet was not affected. In 2012, Airbus was forced to carry out A380 inspections and devise a costly repair program after cracks were found on part of the wings, the world's largest for a passenger plane.

Inspections ordered on some Airbus A380 airplanes after wing cracks found

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in <a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-president-emmanuel-macrons-advisor-heads-to-iran-to-calm-nuclear-tensions-234122">France</a> to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.

The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within <a href="http://wionews.com/world/europe-needs-to-find-candidate-to-head-imf-france-233585">Europe</a>, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said.

The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said.&nbsp;

It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added.&nbsp;

A similar tax was introduced in <a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-aap-rockys-europe-tour-in-jeopardy-after-sweden-arrest-233121">Sweden</a> in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday. The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within Europe, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said. The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said. It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added. A similar tax was introduced in Sweden in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

France to impose green tax on plane tickets

Four hundred thousand people turned out on the streets of Madrid Saturday for a Gay Pride parade dedicated this year to pioneers of the LGBT+ cause, amid growing fears of fresh repression with the rise of the far-right in Europe.

The marchers converged on the Spanish capital's main Atocha train station for the start of the festivities. The 400,000 figure was later given by police.

The slogan for this year's march was "History, struggle and memory" and participants marked 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 which were the foundation of the gay rights movement worldwide.

Catholic Spain at the time was controlled by dictator General Francisco Franco and homosexual acts were illegal. Thousands of gay people were shipped off to rehabilitation centres or even jailed.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1978, three year's after Franco's death, since when Spain has become one of the most LGBT-tolerant countries in the world, authorising gay marriage and adoptions by gay couples in 2005.

"I'm 53 years old and I have suffered," said Manuel Carmona, carrying a large rainbow flag for Saturday's march.

"But those who are 63-years-old suffered more and those who are 73-years-old even more and I want us to recognise these people who have helped us," added Carmona, who has been attending the pride march for 30 years.

Resurgent homophobia

Madrid's city hall swung to the right in June after a conservative candidate was elected mayor with the support of newly-emerged far-right party Vox, in a move that has caused concern in Spain.

Vox has said that the Madrid Gay Pride Parade should be moved to a park in the suburbs and opposes public subsidies for the event.

"They do not want to understand that when we talk about LGBT rights, we are talking about human rights," said Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who is himself gay and took part in the march.

Activists say organised opposition against LGBT rights is growing across the continent, with populist politicians in Poland, Hungary and other European countries presenting gay rights as a threat to family values.

Resurgent homophobia made the headlines in Britain recently after a lesbian couple became the high-profile victims of a homophobic attack after refusing to kiss for a gang of youths on a London night bus.

The couple joined the annual Pride march through the heart of the British capital Saturday, which organisers said drew hundreds of thousands.

In the Hungarian capital Budapest, marchers carried rainbow banners and flew balloons at a rally that passed from parliament through the city centre.

Meanwhile, bishops in conservative, Catholic-majority Poland on Saturday denounced Swedish furniture giant Ikea for what they called "LGBT indoctrination" after an employee was sacked for refusing to take down a homophobic comment he had posted on the firm's internal website.

The bishops congratulated the man -- who had quoted passages from the Old Testament in the post -- on his "courage" in defending his faith in everyday life in an "exemplary" way.

Four hundred thousand people turned out on the streets of Madrid Saturday for a Gay Pride parade dedicated this year to pioneers of the LGBT+ cause, amid growing fears of fresh repression with the rise of the far-right in Europe.

Four hundred thousand people turned out on the streets of Madrid Saturday for a Gay Pride parade dedicated this year to pioneers of the LGBT+ cause, amid growing fears of fresh repression with the rise of the far-right in Europe. The marchers converged on the Spanish capital's main Atocha train station for the start of the festivities. The 400,000 figure was later given by police. The slogan for this year's march was "History, struggle and memory" and participants marked 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 which were the foundation of the gay rights movement worldwide. Catholic Spain at the time was controlled by dictator General Francisco Franco and homosexual acts were illegal. Thousands of gay people were shipped off to rehabilitation centres or even jailed. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1978, three year's after Franco's death, since when Spain has become one of the most LGBT-tolerant countries in the world, authorising gay marriage and adoptions by gay couples in 2005. "I'm 53 years old and I have suffered," said Manuel Carmona, carrying a large rainbow flag for Saturday's march. "But those who are 63-years-old suffered more and those who are 73-years-old even more and I want us to recognise these people who have helped us," added Carmona, who has been attending the pride march for 30 years. Resurgent homophobia Madrid's city hall swung to the right in June after a conservative candidate was elected mayor with the support of newly-emerged far-right party Vox, in a move that has caused concern in Spain. Vox has said that the Madrid Gay Pride Parade should be moved to a park in the suburbs and opposes public subsidies for the event. "They do not want to understand that when we talk about LGBT rights, we are talking about human rights," said Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who is himself gay and took part in the march. Activists say organised opposition against LGBT rights is growing across the continent, with populist politicians in Poland, Hungary and other European countries presenting gay rights as a threat to family values. Resurgent homophobia made the headlines in Britain recently after a lesbian couple became the high-profile victims of a homophobic attack after refusing to kiss for a gang of youths on a London night bus. The couple joined the annual Pride march through the heart of the British capital Saturday, which organisers said drew hundreds of thousands. In the Hungarian capital Budapest, marchers carried rainbow banners and flew balloons at a rally that passed from parliament through the city centre. Meanwhile, bishops in conservative, Catholic-majority Poland on Saturday denounced Swedish furniture giant Ikea for what they called "LGBT indoctrination" after an employee was sacked for refusing to take down a homophobic comment he had posted on the firm's internal website. The bishops congratulated the man -- who had quoted passages from the Old Testament in the post -- on his "courage" in defending his faith in everyday life in an "exemplary" way.

Hundreds of thousands march across Europe for Gay Pride

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-says-some-users-facing-outage-on-its-platforms-232843">Facebook</a> said it was "back at 100 per cent" Wednesday evening after an outage on all of its services affected users in various parts of the world.

Online monitoring service DownDetector reported earlier the outage began around 1200 GMT and affected Facebook as well as its Instagram and WhatsApp services.

"The issue has since been resolved and we should be back at 100% for everyone," the company tweeted at 0006 GMT Thursday, adding they were sorry for "any inconvenience."

A Facebook spokesperson, also speaking on behalf of Instagram and WhatsApp, explained that a "routine maintenance operation" accidentally triggered a bug that made it difficult for users to upload or send photos and videos, US media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-inc-chief-executive-mark-zuckerberg-says-delay-in-flagging-fake-pelosi-video-was-execution-mistake-230784">#Facebookdown and #instagramdown</a> were trending on Twitter as users around the world reported these apps were not functioning.

According to DownDetector, thousands of users around the world were reporting outages, with Europe and North America most impacted. Both individual users, as well as businesses and organizations, were affected.

"Yes, we are affected by #instagramdown, too," the CIA tweeted during the outage.

"No, we didn't cause it. No, we can't fix yours. Did you try turning it off and back on again?"

Earlier this year, an outage lasting as long as 24 hours that hit Facebook services was blamed on a "server configuration change."

The March 13 outage was believed to be the worst ever for the internet giant, which reaches an estimated 2.7 billion people with its core social network, Instagram and messaging applications.

The company did not immediately respond to an AFP query on Wednesday's outage. 
&nbsp;

Facebook said it was "back at 100 per cent" Wednesday evening after an outage on all of its services affected users in various parts of the world. Online monitoring service DownDetector reported earlier the outage began around 1200 GMT and affected Facebook as well as its Instagram and WhatsApp services.

Facebook said it was "back at 100 per cent" Wednesday evening after an outage on all of its services affected users in various parts of the world. Online monitoring service DownDetector reported earlier the outage began around 1200 GMT and affected Facebook as well as its Instagram and WhatsApp services. "The issue has since been resolved and we should be back at 100% for everyone," the company tweeted at 0006 GMT Thursday, adding they were sorry for "any inconvenience." A Facebook spokesperson, also speaking on behalf of Instagram and WhatsApp, explained that a "routine maintenance operation" accidentally triggered a bug that made it difficult for users to upload or send photos and videos, US media reported. #Facebookdown and #instagramdown were trending on Twitter as users around the world reported these apps were not functioning. According to DownDetector, thousands of users around the world were reporting outages, with Europe and North America most impacted. Both individual users, as well as businesses and organizations, were affected. "Yes, we are affected by #instagramdown, too," the CIA tweeted during the outage. "No, we didn't cause it. No, we can't fix yours. Did you try turning it off and back on again?" Earlier this year, an outage lasting as long as 24 hours that hit Facebook services was blamed on a "server configuration change." The March 13 outage was believed to be the worst ever for the internet giant, which reaches an estimated 2.7 billion people with its core social network, Instagram and messaging applications. The company did not immediately respond to an AFP query on Wednesday's outage.

Facebook services back online after worldwide outage

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States.

"China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA," he said on Twitter.

Trump also implied that the Federal Reserve should likewise ease monetary policy, something he has called for in the past.

"We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games -- as they have for many years!" the president said.&nbsp;

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China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA. We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games - as they have for many years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146423819906748416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States. "China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA," he said on Twitter. Trump also implied that the Federal Reserve should likewise ease monetary policy, something he has called for in the past. "We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games -- as they have for many years!" the president said. China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA. We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games - as they have for many years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019 ×

Trump accuses China, Europe of currency manipulation, stimulus

This past June was recorded as the hottest in the history of Europe, with regional heat records in France and Spain surpassing 40 degree Celsius in the past week. The heatwave and near-record temperatures across Europe are the face of climate change

European heatwave sets new records

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-former-spy-chief-says-nicolas-maduro-could-yet-fall-230214">Nicolas Maduro</a>'s government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement that ambassador Daniel Kriener would return to Venezuela with the German government's permission, in the context of a process "to normalise the diplomatic relations between both states."

The German embassy did not respond to a request for comment.

Kriener went to the airport with other European ambassadors to welcome Guaido upon his return to Venezuela from a tour of Latin America to muster support for his campaign to oust Maduro.

In February, the German government publicly said it recognized Guaido as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/venezuelas-power-struggle-reaches-a-tense-stalemate-as-human-suffering-deepens-208171">Venezuela</a>'s legitimate head of state.

Guaido, a member of the National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to declare himself interim president, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election last year in a vote that was widely viewed as fraudulent.

Maduro, who retains control of the state and the military, calls Guaido a US-controlled puppet trying to foment a coup.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President Nicolas Maduro's government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said on Monday it had agreed to the return of the German ambassador whom President Nicolas Maduro's government expelled in March after he had gone to Caracas airport to greet opposition leader Juan Guaido. Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said in a statement that ambassador Daniel Kriener would return to Venezuela with the German government's permission, in the context of a process "to normalise the diplomatic relations between both states." The German embassy did not respond to a request for comment. Kriener went to the airport with other European ambassadors to welcome Guaido upon his return to Venezuela from a tour of Latin America to muster support for his campaign to oust Maduro. In February, the German government publicly said it recognized Guaido as Venezuela's legitimate head of state. Guaido, a member of the National Assembly, invoked the Venezuelan constitution in January to declare himself interim president, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election last year in a vote that was widely viewed as fraudulent. Maduro, who retains control of the state and the military, calls Guaido a US-controlled puppet trying to foment a coup.

Ambassador Daniel Kriener to return with German government's permission: Venezuela

Rising heat due to climate change could lead to the loss of 80 million jobs by 2030, with poor countries worst hit, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chief-antonio-guterres-urges-iran-to-stick-to-nuclear-deal-after-breaching-cap-232148">United Nations</a> said on Monday, as Europe sweltered in record temperatures.

A temperature rise of 1.5C by the end of the century could lead to a 2.2 per cent drop in working hours — equal to 80 million full-time jobs — costing the global economy $2.4 trillion, according to projections by the UN International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The ILO said people would be unable to work due to the health risks posed by higher temperatures.

“The impact of heat stress on labour productivity is a serious consequence of climate change, which adds to other adverse impacts such as changing rain patterns, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity,” said ILO’s Catherine Saget.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-officially-recognises-gaming-addiction-as-mental-disorder-221949">World Health Organisation</a> has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050.

Heat stress occurs when the body absorbs more heat than is tolerable. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion, increase mortality, and exacerbate existing health conditions.

Agricultural workers — especially women, who make up the bulk of the 940 million labourers in the sector — will be most affected, the ILO said, accounting for about 60 per cent of all working hours lost due to heat stress by 2030.

If global temperatures rise as predicted, the construction industry will account for about 19pc of lost working hours, with the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa worst hit, the ILO added.

Transport, tourism, sport and industrial sectors are among those that will also be affected by rising heat, the ILO said.

“In addition to the massive economic costs of heat stress, we can expect to see more inequality between low and high-income countries and worsening working conditions for the most vulnerable, as well as displacement of people,” said Saget.

In 2015, countries signing the Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting a rise in average world surface temperatures to “well below” 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times, while “pursuing efforts” to limit rising temperatures to 1.5C (2.7F).

Temperatures have already risen about one degree Celsius since pre-industrial times. Scientists say further increases risk triggering tipping points that could make parts of the world uninhabitable, devastate farming and drown coastal cities.

The World Meteorological Organisation said last week that 2019 was on track to be among the world’s hottest years on record, which would make 2015-2019 the hottest five-year period.

Europe has been in the grip of record-breaking heatwaves, with wildfires burning tracts of land in France and Spain at the weekend, and scorching temperatures across the continent killing at least seven people.

Rising heat due to climate change could lead to the loss of 80 million jobs by 2030, with poor countries worst hit, the United Nations said on Monday, as Europe sweltered in record temperatures.

Rising heat due to climate change could lead to the loss of 80 million jobs by 2030, with poor countries worst hit, the United Nations said on Monday, as Europe sweltered in record temperatures. A temperature rise of 1.5C by the end of the century could lead to a 2.2 per cent drop in working hours — equal to 80 million full-time jobs — costing the global economy $2.4 trillion, according to projections by the UN International Labour Organisation (ILO). The ILO said people would be unable to work due to the health risks posed by higher temperatures. “The impact of heat stress on labour productivity is a serious consequence of climate change, which adds to other adverse impacts such as changing rain patterns, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity,” said ILO’s Catherine Saget. The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050. Heat stress occurs when the body absorbs more heat than is tolerable. Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion, increase mortality, and exacerbate existing health conditions. Agricultural workers — especially women, who make up the bulk of the 940 million labourers in the sector — will be most affected, the ILO said, accounting for about 60 per cent of all working hours lost due to heat stress by 2030. If global temperatures rise as predicted, the construction industry will account for about 19pc of lost working hours, with the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa worst hit, the ILO added. Transport, tourism, sport and industrial sectors are among those that will also be affected by rising heat, the ILO said. “In addition to the massive economic costs of heat stress, we can expect to see more inequality between low and high-income countries and worsening working conditions for the most vulnerable, as well as displacement of people,” said Saget. In 2015, countries signing the Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting a rise in average world surface temperatures to “well below” 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times, while “pursuing efforts” to limit rising temperatures to 1.5C (2.7F). Temperatures have already risen about one degree Celsius since pre-industrial times. Scientists say further increases risk triggering tipping points that could make parts of the world uninhabitable, devastate farming and drown coastal cities. The World Meteorological Organisation said last week that 2019 was on track to be among the world’s hottest years on record, which would make 2015-2019 the hottest five-year period. Europe has been in the grip of record-breaking heatwaves, with wildfires burning tracts of land in France and Spain at the weekend, and scorching temperatures across the continent killing at least seven people.

Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations

Opera is a form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers, but is distinct from musical theater. Such a "work" (the literal translation of Italian word "opera") is typically a collaboration between a composer and a librettist and incorporates a number of the performing arts, such as acting, scenery, costume, and sometimes dance or ballet. The performance is typically given in an opera house, accompanied by an orchestra or smaller musical ensemble, which since the early 19th century has been led by a conductor. Sparsh Bajpai making heads turn with her performance. Sparsh is one of the few Opera singers from India. Sparsh's performance has been lauded across Europe. Sparsh was 7 when she performed her first song. Now she is winning heart through her performance. Watch this video to know more.

Sparsh Bajpai's Journey To Opera, This Indian Opera Singer Wins Heart

European is facing a severe heat wave with temperatures in France breaching the 45 degree celsius mark. So what explains the heat wave in Europe? Find out in this.

Gravitas: Massive heatwave hits Europe

A four-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">heatwave across western Europe</a> that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control.

Most of the fires that had broken out Spain in recent days were stabilised, but firefighters were struggling to control a blaze in the central provinces of Toledo and Madrid that had burned more than 20 square&nbsp;kilometres since Friday.

In the northeastern town of La Almunia de Dona Godina, the temperature hit a scorching 42.4 Celsius. But five of Spain's 50 provinces were downgraded from "extreme" weather risk, leaving just two at the highest level, with 31 on weather alert.

In France, which experienced a national record of 45.9 Celsius in the south on Friday, temperatures were set to fall gradually.

In Paris, a ban imposed on older cars to counter heat-related pollution was likely to be lifted on Monday, authorities said.

Nevertheless, some 25 out of around 90 French administrative departments have restricted water use, not least for farmers.

Jerome Despey, a wine producer in France's southwestern Herault region, tweeted photos of shrivelled grapes, and complained of "widespread damage".

Meteorologists say a weakening of the high-level jet stream is increasingly causing weather systems to stall and leading summer temperatures to soar. Five of Europe's hottest summers in the last 500 years have happened in this century.

"A race against global warming"

The World Meteorological Organization said this week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

In Frankfurt, 3,000 athletes took part in an Iron Man endurance race despite the heat.

"It felt like a race against global warming - you could have fried an egg on my head," said Sebastian Kienle, who finished second in the men's race.

In the women's event, race leader Sarah True of the United States collapsed within a kilometre of the finish line of the closing marathon stage.

True, who had already completed a 3.8 kilometres swim and 185 kilometres bike ride, was carried off the course and had to be restrained by first-aid workers concerned for her wellbeing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-massive-heatwave-hits-europe-231329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a post-race news conference, she said she was feeling better, but did not remember the final kilometres of the race.

Addressing thousands of people in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis said he was praying for those suffering most from the heat wave - the sick, the old, construction workers and those who had to labour outdoors.

"May no-one be abandoned or exploited," he said.

On Saturday, one 53-year-old crashed after feeling unwell while competing in a cycling race in France's Ariege region, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and died, local public prosecutor Laurent Dumaine said on Sunday.

The race was called off after several participants were taken sick due to the heat, organisers said.

Another cyclist died on Saturday from the effects of heat in the southern region of Vaucluse, authorities said, and at least three people died the same day in central and northern Italy.

Spain had two heat-related deaths on Thursday and Friday.

A four-day heatwave across western Europe that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control.

A four-day heatwave across western Europe that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control. Most of the fires that had broken out Spain in recent days were stabilised, but firefighters were struggling to control a blaze in the central provinces of Toledo and Madrid that had burned more than 20 square kilometres since Friday. In the northeastern town of La Almunia de Dona Godina, the temperature hit a scorching 42.4 Celsius. But five of Spain's 50 provinces were downgraded from "extreme" weather risk, leaving just two at the highest level, with 31 on weather alert. In France, which experienced a national record of 45.9 Celsius in the south on Friday, temperatures were set to fall gradually. In Paris, a ban imposed on older cars to counter heat-related pollution was likely to be lifted on Monday, authorities said. Nevertheless, some 25 out of around 90 French administrative departments have restricted water use, not least for farmers. Jerome Despey, a wine producer in France's southwestern Herault region, tweeted photos of shrivelled grapes, and complained of "widespread damage". Meteorologists say a weakening of the high-level jet stream is increasingly causing weather systems to stall and leading summer temperatures to soar. Five of Europe's hottest summers in the last 500 years have happened in this century. "A race against global warming" The World Meteorological Organization said this week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. In Frankfurt, 3,000 athletes took part in an Iron Man endurance race despite the heat. "It felt like a race against global warming - you could have fried an egg on my head," said Sebastian Kienle, who finished second in the men's race. In the women's event, race leader Sarah True of the United States collapsed within a kilometre of the finish line of the closing marathon stage. True, who had already completed a 3.8 kilometres swim and 185 kilometres bike ride, was carried off the course and had to be restrained by first-aid workers concerned for her wellbeing. At a post-race news conference, she said she was feeling better, but did not remember the final kilometres of the race. Addressing thousands of people in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis said he was praying for those suffering most from the heat wave - the sick, the old, construction workers and those who had to labour outdoors. "May no-one be abandoned or exploited," he said. On Saturday, one 53-year-old crashed after feeling unwell while competing in a cycling race in France's Ariege region, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and died, local public prosecutor Laurent Dumaine said on Sunday. The race was called off after several participants were taken sick due to the heat, organisers said. Another cyclist died on Saturday from the effects of heat in the southern region of Vaucluse, authorities said, and at least three people died the same day in central and northern Italy. Spain had two heat-related deaths on Thursday and Friday.

Europe's heatwave burns on, but eases from record highs

The US is underestimating the scope of "hybrid warfare" being waged by Russia to undermine democracies in Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America, a Pentagon white paper has said.

According to the Hill, the over 150-page white paper was prepared by Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Pentagon and independent strategists. The study points to Russia's use of propaganda and disinformation to sway public opinion across Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

"Overall, Russia's influence abroad is growing, and the Kremlin has mastered the use of hybrid warfare in driving Russia's foreign policy (Lamoreaux)," reads the document entitled 'The Future of Global Competition and Conflict' prepared as part of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment.

"Russia utilizes a variety of grey zone tactics around the globe. These include the use of paramilitary forces and other proxies, interference in political processes, economic and energy exploitation (particularly in Africa), espionage, and media and propaganda manipulation," it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin "is also adept at blending military and civilian elements for maximum impact", it added.

The white paper also highlights the danger of alignment between Russia and China, both of which fear the United States' international alliances and share an affinity for "authoritarian stability".

"Russia has turned to China as a growing and necessary key strategic partner. Russia and China share a fear of, and common hostility toward the US and its system of alliances," according to it.

Beijing and Moscow share an affinity for "authoritarian stability and aligned views on opposing international norms regarding human rights, cyber and space", the paper contended.

The study recommends the State Department should spearhead "influence operations," including "sowing divisions" between Moscow and Beijing.

"The US should bilaterally engage Russia to peel them away from China's orbit. The US can work with Russia in ways that improve the US-Russia relationship without detracting from European efforts to balance and deter," it said.

Though the study does not offer any direct criticism of President Donald Trump, it has come days after Trump's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The study also said that Russia has launched "several cyber and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks".

It felt that the US should work with European allies to strengthen telecommunications and electrical infrastructure to preclude "Russian preemptive attacks".

The US is underestimating the scope of "hybrid warfare" being waged by Russia to undermine democracies in Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America, a Pentagon white paper has said.

The US is underestimating the scope of "hybrid warfare" being waged by Russia to undermine democracies in Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America, a Pentagon white paper has said. According to the Hill, the over 150-page white paper was prepared by Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Pentagon and independent strategists. The study points to Russia's use of propaganda and disinformation to sway public opinion across Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America. "Overall, Russia's influence abroad is growing, and the Kremlin has mastered the use of hybrid warfare in driving Russia's foreign policy (Lamoreaux)," reads the document entitled 'The Future of Global Competition and Conflict' prepared as part of the Strategic Multilayer Assessment. "Russia utilizes a variety of grey zone tactics around the globe. These include the use of paramilitary forces and other proxies, interference in political processes, economic and energy exploitation (particularly in Africa), espionage, and media and propaganda manipulation," it said. Russian President Vladimir Putin "is also adept at blending military and civilian elements for maximum impact", it added. The white paper also highlights the danger of alignment between Russia and China, both of which fear the United States' international alliances and share an affinity for "authoritarian stability". "Russia has turned to China as a growing and necessary key strategic partner. Russia and China share a fear of, and common hostility toward the US and its system of alliances," according to it. Beijing and Moscow share an affinity for "authoritarian stability and aligned views on opposing international norms regarding human rights, cyber and space", the paper contended. The study recommends the State Department should spearhead "influence operations," including "sowing divisions" between Moscow and Beijing. "The US should bilaterally engage Russia to peel them away from China's orbit. The US can work with Russia in ways that improve the US-Russia relationship without detracting from European efforts to balance and deter," it said. Though the study does not offer any direct criticism of President Donald Trump, it has come days after Trump's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The study also said that Russia has launched "several cyber and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks". It felt that the US should work with European allies to strengthen telecommunications and electrical infrastructure to preclude "Russian preemptive attacks".

United States underestimating Russia's 'hybrid warfare': Pentagon white paper

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-burns-on-but-eases-from-record-highs-231887">heatwave alert across the city</a> as the temperature began to ease slightly.

The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23.

The World Meteorological Organisation said last&nbsp;week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record,&nbsp;World Meteorological Organisation further added.

It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

Around seven people have died across Europe due to hot temperature.

Although temperatures have eased mostly in the north of the country, Meteo France says average temperatures remain high in the south, with several administrative regions still on the 'level three amber' heatwave alert.

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the heatwave alert across the city as the temperature began to ease slightly. The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23.

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the heatwave alert across the city as the temperature began to ease slightly. The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23. The World Meteorological Organisation said last week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, World Meteorological Organisation further added. It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said. Around seven people have died across Europe due to hot temperature. Although temperatures have eased mostly in the north of the country, Meteo France says average temperatures remain high in the south, with several administrative regions still on the 'level three amber' heatwave alert.

Paris no more under heatwave alert: French authorities

Thousands <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-chinese-protest-against-bbva-in-madrid-saying-bank-blocked-their-accounts-197687">protested in Madrid</a> on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May.

Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010.

"Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke".

"We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress.

She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks.

People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution.

Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade.

Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows.

The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs".

"As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano.

The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe.

Thousands protested in Madrid on Saturday against the suspension of curbs on polluting cars by the new conservative city hall, raising fears that environmental rollbacks seen in the United States may be spreading to Europe. The first reversal of environmental policies by a major European city comes despite soaring global environmental concerns and is a fresh sign of growing divisions in Spain after a series of inconclusive elections in April and May. Last November Madrid's then far-left government banned most petrol and diesel cars from its centre to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The policy was known as "Madrid central" and it was intended to bring Madrid into line with EU clean air rules which it had been violating since 2010. "Yes we can, I do want Madrid central," chanted the protesters. Some were holding banners that read "I want to breathe free" and "We aspire to have a Madrid without smoke". "We have to save (the planet) starting at the local and small level, the first thing is Madrid's centre," said Laura Martin, a 39-year-old actress. She added that she was concerned that the new Madrid government might have some similar ideas to US President Donald Trump's rollback of environmental policies, such as weakening rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants and standards on harmful gas emissions from cars and trucks. People of all ages rallied despite a scorching heatwave in Spain and most of Europe, which had already forced the city of Paris to ban more than half of all registered cars from its roads earlier this week because the heat worsens pollution. Various European cities including Paris, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London and Oslo have started to penalise or ban older polluting cars as they seek to phase out all fossil fuel cars in the coming decade. Environmental groups including Greenpeace say the "Madrid central" measure slashed air pollution levels from car emissions in the centre to record lows. The new city hall run by the conservative People's Party suspended fines on cars entering the currently restricted area of around five sq km (two sq miles) from July 1, while it reviews the plan to make it "compatible with citizens' mobility needs". "As far as I know at the European level there's no precedent in ending a car traffic restriction," said Lara Lazaro, researcher of the Real Instituto Elcano. The European Commission has warned Spain that it would face sanctions and a possible lawsuit if it fails to meet air quality standards in its largest cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

Protest in Madrid as conservatives suspend ban on most polluting cars

Wildfires and power cuts plague Europe as heatwave breaks records

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-chinas-army-to-be-handed-prime-harbour-in-hong-kong-231230">Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong</a>

The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is&nbsp;rocked by anti-Beijing protests&nbsp;and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service</a>

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an&nbsp;early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-will-target-root-of-terrorism-inside-pakistan-balakot-strikes-not-a-fluke-home-minister-amit-shah-in-lok-sabha-231174">We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha</a>

After PM Modi lashed out at&nbsp;Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&amp;K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf</a>

Even by diplomatic standards,&nbsp;the first day of the G20 Summit&nbsp;was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN</a>

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China.

Amid protests, China's Army to be handed prime harbour in Hong Kong The Chinese military will be handed prime Hong Kong waterfront land on Saturday, even as the city is rocked by anti-Beijing protests and just days before the anniversary of its return to China. All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. We will target root of terrorism inside Pakistan, Balakot strikes not a fluke: Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha After PM Modi lashed out at Congress in Parliament, Home minister Amit Shah today hit out at Congress over the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) issue in Lok Sabha. "Congress weakened democracy in J&K," India's home minister said, adding, "separatists have hurt democracy". In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings. Europe's heatwave consistent with climate change, more to come: UN This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Countries including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal are experiencing a massive heat wave that began on Wednesday.

Spain on high alert as heatwave sweeps across the country

Germany recorded its highest-ever June temperature on Wednesday, as much of continental Europe contends with a major heatwave. The German Weather Service said the mercury hit 38.6 degrees Celsius in Coschen, on the country's border with Poland.

Germany's temperature record smashed as Europe's heatwave intensifies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">Iran</a> is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-224862">deal with major powers</a> but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said.

Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord.

"They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months.

Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say.

Iran is still short of the maximum amount of enriched uranium it is allowed to have under its deal with major powers but it is on course to reach that limit at the weekend, the latest data from UN nuclear inspectors shows, diplomats, say. On Wednesday, the UN nuclear watchdog verified that Iran had roughly 200 kg of low-enriched uranium, below the deal's 202.8 kg limit, three diplomats who follow the agency's work said. Two of the diplomats said Iran was producing at a rate of around 1 kg a day, suggesting it will not make good on its announcement that it would reach the limit on Thursday. It could, however, go over the line soon after a meeting with other signatories of the deal in Vienna on Friday that is aimed at saving the accord. "They haven't reached the limit... It's more likely to be at the weekend if they do it," one diplomat said on condition of anonymity. The 2015 deal, which lifted international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, is aimed at extending the time Iran would need to produce a nuclear bomb, if it chose to, to a year from roughly 2-3 months. Washington pulled out of the deal last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to unravel, but it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions.

Iran still short of nuclear deal's enriched uranium cap: Diplomats

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday the US central bank will be closely scrutinizing Facebook's newly announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creating-g7-task-force-to-ensure-facebooks-libra-governed-by-regulations-france-229231">cryptocurrency Libra</a> with an eye toward potentially regulating the virtual coin.

Powell became the latest official to voice concern over the global virtual currency unveiled last week by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-world-first-facebook-to-give-data-on-hate-speech-suspects-to-french-courts-230477">Facebook</a> and an array of partners which aims to lower transaction costs and bring more services to people without access to the banking system.

"We're looking at it very carefully," Powell said at an event sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations. "Given the possible scale of it, I think that our expectations from a consumer protection standpoint, from a regulatory standpoint, are going to be very, very high."

The Libra coin plan, backed by financial and nonprofit partners, represents an ambitious new initiative for the world's biggest social network with the potential to bring crypto-money out of the shadows and into the mainstream.

But the plan has already prompted calls in Europe for close regulatory scrutiny and several US lawmakers have said they more information from Facebook.

Several analysts have said the new currency could create a regulatory conundrum due to the global reach of Facebook, which has more than two billion users.

Powell, speaking at the forum in New York, said that "authority for overseeing Libra is going to be in a number of places but I think the big picture is we're going to be looking really carefully at it."

Facebook said the new virtual coin would be overseen by a nonprofit Libra Association based in Geneva which would maintain a real-world asset reserve to keep its value stable.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday the US central bank will be closely scrutinizing Facebook's newly announced cryptocurrency Libra with an eye toward potentially regulating the virtual coin.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday the US central bank will be closely scrutinizing Facebook's newly announced cryptocurrency Libra with an eye toward potentially regulating the virtual coin. Powell became the latest official to voice concern over the global virtual currency unveiled last week by Facebook and an array of partners which aims to lower transaction costs and bring more services to people without access to the banking system. "We're looking at it very carefully," Powell said at an event sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations. "Given the possible scale of it, I think that our expectations from a consumer protection standpoint, from a regulatory standpoint, are going to be very, very high." The Libra coin plan, backed by financial and nonprofit partners, represents an ambitious new initiative for the world's biggest social network with the potential to bring crypto-money out of the shadows and into the mainstream. But the plan has already prompted calls in Europe for close regulatory scrutiny and several US lawmakers have said they more information from Facebook. Several analysts have said the new currency could create a regulatory conundrum due to the global reach of Facebook, which has more than two billion users. Powell, speaking at the forum in New York, said that "authority for overseeing Libra is going to be in a number of places but I think the big picture is we're going to be looking really carefully at it." Facebook said the new virtual coin would be overseen by a nonprofit Libra Association based in Geneva which would maintain a real-world asset reserve to keep its value stable.

United States Federal to look 'carefully' at Facebook virtual coin Libra

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bombings-death-toll-from-terror-attack-rises-to-310-40-people-arrested-212788">Sri Lanka</a> is likely to raise $2 billion through 5-year and 10-year sovereign bonds launched on Monday, two government officials told Reuters, as the Indian Ocean island nation tapped global capital markets for the second time in three months.

The South Asian nation's decision to capitalise on favourable market conditions comes two months after suicide bombers killed more than 250 people in attacks at churches and luxury hotels on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-in-sri-lanka-churches-hit-during-easter-sunday-mass-212200">Easter Sunday</a>.&nbsp;

That attack has badly dented the Sri Lankan economy, in particular deterring many thousands of foreign tourists from coming to the island.

"We are planning to raise $500 million from 5-year bonds and $1.5 billion through 10-year bonds," said a senior government official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorised to talk to media.

"Both bonds have been oversubscribed three times during the day's book building process in Asia and Europe alone. We are waiting for US markets to finalise the deal."

A senior finance ministry official also said the total size of the bond borrowing will be $2 billion.

A source who is aware of the deal said the price of 5-year bonds had tightened to near 6.4% from the initial price guidance of 6.6%, while 10-year bond price also got tightened to 7.6% from the initial price guidance of 7.8%.

The sale is part of plans to raise funds via sovereign bonds, as the government seeks new funds to repay loans that are maturing.

In March, Sri Lanka sold $1 billion in five-year bonds with a coupon of 6.85 per cent and $1.4 billion in 10-year bonds with a coupon of 7.85 per cent and the borrowing costs were lower than originally predicted.

The 10-year bond sold in March last traded at 7.302% and the five-year bond last traded at 6.258%, Refinitiv data showed.

BOC International, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, JPMorgan, SMBC Nikko and Standard Chartered Bank, who were the lead managers for the $2.4 billion borrowings in March, are the joint book runners for the bond sale.

The sale of new global sovereign bonds comes as Sri Lanka is struggling to repay foreign loans, with a record $5.9 billion due this year, including $2.6 billion in the first quarter and more than $1.2 billion in the second, central bank data showed.

All three major rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka's debt after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-mps-defy-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-resume-easter-attack-probe-226346">President Maithripala Sirisena</a> sacked his prime minister in October and replaced him with pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, though that decision was later reversed.

But the seven-week-long crisis hurt the rupee and drove sovereign bond yields higher, straining state finances.

Sri Lanka is unlikely to hit its full-year economic growth target of 3-4% following the bombings, junior finance minister Eran Wickramaratne told Reuters last month. A Reuters poll has forecast growth to slump to its lowest in nearly two decades this year.

Sri Lanka is likely to raise $2 billion through 5-year and 10-year sovereign bonds launched on Monday, two government officials told Reuters, as the Indian Ocean island nation tapped global capital markets for the second time in three months.

Sri Lanka is likely to raise $2 billion through 5-year and 10-year sovereign bonds launched on Monday, two government officials told Reuters, as the Indian Ocean island nation tapped global capital markets for the second time in three months. The South Asian nation's decision to capitalise on favourable market conditions comes two months after suicide bombers killed more than 250 people in attacks at churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. That attack has badly dented the Sri Lankan economy, in particular deterring many thousands of foreign tourists from coming to the island. "We are planning to raise $500 million from 5-year bonds and $1.5 billion through 10-year bonds," said a senior government official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorised to talk to media. "Both bonds have been oversubscribed three times during the day's book building process in Asia and Europe alone. We are waiting for US markets to finalise the deal." A senior finance ministry official also said the total size of the bond borrowing will be $2 billion. A source who is aware of the deal said the price of 5-year bonds had tightened to near 6.4% from the initial price guidance of 6.6%, while 10-year bond price also got tightened to 7.6% from the initial price guidance of 7.8%. The sale is part of plans to raise funds via sovereign bonds, as the government seeks new funds to repay loans that are maturing. In March, Sri Lanka sold $1 billion in five-year bonds with a coupon of 6.85 per cent and $1.4 billion in 10-year bonds with a coupon of 7.85 per cent and the borrowing costs were lower than originally predicted. The 10-year bond sold in March last traded at 7.302% and the five-year bond last traded at 6.258%, Refinitiv data showed. BOC International, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, JPMorgan, SMBC Nikko and Standard Chartered Bank, who were the lead managers for the $2.4 billion borrowings in March, are the joint book runners for the bond sale. The sale of new global sovereign bonds comes as Sri Lanka is struggling to repay foreign loans, with a record $5.9 billion due this year, including $2.6 billion in the first quarter and more than $1.2 billion in the second, central bank data showed. All three major rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka's debt after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his prime minister in October and replaced him with pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, though that decision was later reversed. But the seven-week-long crisis hurt the rupee and drove sovereign bond yields higher, straining state finances. Sri Lanka is unlikely to hit its full-year economic growth target of 3-4% following the bombings, junior finance minister Eran Wickramaratne told Reuters last month. A Reuters poll has forecast growth to slump to its lowest in nearly two decades this year.

Sri Lanka likely to raise $2 billion via sovereign bonds: Government officials

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungarians-protest-at-state-tv-to-demand-independent-public-media-courts-185137">Hungarian court</a> jailed four human traffickers for life on Thursday for the deaths of 71 migrants whose decomposing bodies were found crammed inside a truck dumped on an Austrian motorway.

The deaths in August 2015 of 59 men, eight women and four children from Syria, Iraq, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Afghanistan</a> shocked Europe as it was struggling to cope with an influx of more than one million refugees and migrants that year.

It was the worst incident of its kind on the overland route across the Balkans and into central Europe taken by hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

"The suffering in that truck is beyond imagination, as is the utmost indifference the perpetrators showed toward the deaths of these 71 people.&nbsp;

Therefore for those who played a core part, there is no doubt that the only punishment commensurate with their crime is the maximum one, which is life in jail without parole," presiding Judge Erik Mezolaki said.

One of the four defendants received a minimum of 30 years in prison - legally a life term in Hungary - but with the possibility of parole afterwards.

The Afghan ringleader of the gang and three Bulgarian accomplices were found guilty of manslaughter for refusing to stop the refrigerated truck to open the doors and let air in, despite the frantic pleas of that inside.

The passengers realized they were in danger of suffocating, so they banged on the doors, screamed and shouted to get the driver's attention, an investigating judge told an earlier court hearing last year.

Mezolaki said Yahoo Samsooryamal, the Afghan, had ordered the driver not to open the airtight doors of the truck as it headed from Hungary via Austria towards Germany, the preferred destination of many of the migrants who entered Europe in 2015.

He was in contact with Bulgarians Metodi Georgiev, Vencislav Todorov, and Ivaylo Stoyanov by phone during the journey - one of whom drove the truck while the other two followed in cars.

The temperature inside rose quickly after the truck was abandoned on an Austrian highway and the air began to run out, Mezolaki said. The driver had stopped on the motorway to check the truck's engine coolant but left the back doors locked.

All the victims - including children and infants - suffocated within two hours after the traffickers departed.

"They stopped first at about 6 a.m., but the victims made so much noise that (Georgiev) instructed (Todorov and Stoyanov) to keep going," Mezolaki said at the trial in Szeged near Hungary's southern border with Serbia.

"They tried to get away with trafficking even at the cost of the victims' lives ... At 7 a.m., the instruction was to see if they were still screaming so hard, and if not, stop and get lost. By that time, 68 of the victims had died."

Mezolaki said the traffickers had several opportunities to relieve the suffering of the victims. They had even purchased a steel cutter - but opted not to use it to open the truck.

Thursday's sentencing was a final ruling that increased an earlier court verdict of 25 years in jail against the four traffickers reached last year. It also included jail terms of several years for 10 more members of the trafficking ring who were not charged with manslaughter.

The truck was dumped near the town of Parndorf just after it crossed into Austria from Hungary and its rear doors were found wrapped in the wire as a secondary fastener to seal them shut.

Though the truck was left on Austrian territory, the trial was held in Hungary as it was the starting point of the deadly journey.

As Europe's migrant crisis peaked in 2015, the defendants stepped up their operation to maximize profits, smuggling up to 100 people a day from Hungary into Austria or Germany, prosecutors said in an earlier hearing.

A Hungarian court jailed four human traffickers for life on Thursday for the deaths of 71 migrants whose decomposing bodies were found crammed inside a truck dumped on an Austrian motorway.

A Hungarian court jailed four human traffickers for life on Thursday for the deaths of 71 migrants whose decomposing bodies were found crammed inside a truck dumped on an Austrian motorway. The deaths in August 2015 of 59 men, eight women and four children from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan shocked Europe as it was struggling to cope with an influx of more than one million refugees and migrants that year. It was the worst incident of its kind on the overland route across the Balkans and into central Europe taken by hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. "The suffering in that truck is beyond imagination, as is the utmost indifference the perpetrators showed toward the deaths of these 71 people. Therefore for those who played a core part, there is no doubt that the only punishment commensurate with their crime is the maximum one, which is life in jail without parole," presiding Judge Erik Mezolaki said. One of the four defendants received a minimum of 30 years in prison - legally a life term in Hungary - but with the possibility of parole afterwards. The Afghan ringleader of the gang and three Bulgarian accomplices were found guilty of manslaughter for refusing to stop the refrigerated truck to open the doors and let air in, despite the frantic pleas of that inside. The passengers realized they were in danger of suffocating, so they banged on the doors, screamed and shouted to get the driver's attention, an investigating judge told an earlier court hearing last year. Mezolaki said Yahoo Samsooryamal, the Afghan, had ordered the driver not to open the airtight doors of the truck as it headed from Hungary via Austria towards Germany, the preferred destination of many of the migrants who entered Europe in 2015. He was in contact with Bulgarians Metodi Georgiev, Vencislav Todorov, and Ivaylo Stoyanov by phone during the journey - one of whom drove the truck while the other two followed in cars. The temperature inside rose quickly after the truck was abandoned on an Austrian highway and the air began to run out, Mezolaki said. The driver had stopped on the motorway to check the truck's engine coolant but left the back doors locked. All the victims - including children and infants - suffocated within two hours after the traffickers departed. "They stopped first at about 6 a.m., but the victims made so much noise that (Georgiev) instructed (Todorov and Stoyanov) to keep going," Mezolaki said at the trial in Szeged near Hungary's southern border with Serbia. "They tried to get away with trafficking even at the cost of the victims' lives ... At 7 a.m., the instruction was to see if they were still screaming so hard, and if not, stop and get lost. By that time, 68 of the victims had died." Mezolaki said the traffickers had several opportunities to relieve the suffering of the victims. They had even purchased a steel cutter - but opted not to use it to open the truck. Thursday's sentencing was a final ruling that increased an earlier court verdict of 25 years in jail against the four traffickers reached last year. It also included jail terms of several years for 10 more members of the trafficking ring who were not charged with manslaughter. The truck was dumped near the town of Parndorf just after it crossed into Austria from Hungary and its rear doors were found wrapped in the wire as a secondary fastener to seal them shut. Though the truck was left on Austrian territory, the trial was held in Hungary as it was the starting point of the deadly journey. As Europe's migrant crisis peaked in 2015, the defendants stepped up their operation to maximize profits, smuggling up to 100 people a day from Hungary into Austria or Germany, prosecutors said in an earlier hearing.

Four jailed for life over death of 71 migrants in Hungarian truck

Two children, four women and a man <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-migrants-die-as-boat-sinks-off-turkey-coastguard-215755">drowned when a boat carrying</a> them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece.

Another 57 people were rescued in the operation northeast of the port of Lesbos, the coast guard added.

It did not provide further details on the incident or the nationality of the victims.

Greece became one of the main gateways for refugees flowing into Europe in recent years, many of them fleeing conflict in countries like Syria and Afghanistan, in the continent's worst migration crisis since World War Two.

The influx of migrants was drastically curtailed by a 2016 accord between Turkey and the EU after hundreds died crossing to Greek islands a few miles off the Turkish shore. Many migrants still attempt the short but perilous trip.

"This tragedy is a painful reminder that people continue to take perilous journeys to reach the Greek Aegean islands," said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Greece.

"Redoubled efforts are needed to ensure safe and legal ways to reach Europe, so people stop risking their lives in the hands of ruthless traffickers and smugglers."

Nearly 10,700 refugees and migrants have reached Greece so far this year by sea, and 39 people have lost their lives while attempting the journey, the UNHCR said.

Two children, four women and a man drowned when a boat carrying them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece.

Two children, four women and a man drowned when a boat carrying them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece. Another 57 people were rescued in the operation northeast of the port of Lesbos, the coast guard added. It did not provide further details on the incident or the nationality of the victims. Greece became one of the main gateways for refugees flowing into Europe in recent years, many of them fleeing conflict in countries like Syria and Afghanistan, in the continent's worst migration crisis since World War Two. The influx of migrants was drastically curtailed by a 2016 accord between Turkey and the EU after hundreds died crossing to Greek islands a few miles off the Turkish shore. Many migrants still attempt the short but perilous trip. "This tragedy is a painful reminder that people continue to take perilous journeys to reach the Greek Aegean islands," said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Greece. "Redoubled efforts are needed to ensure safe and legal ways to reach Europe, so people stop risking their lives in the hands of ruthless traffickers and smugglers." Nearly 10,700 refugees and migrants have reached Greece so far this year by sea, and 39 people have lost their lives while attempting the journey, the UNHCR said.

Seven drown after migrant boat overturns off Greek island of Lesbos

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences.

President Donald Trump last year withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Trump has condemned a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its role in conflicts around the Middle East.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denounces-latest-us-sanctions-targetting-petrochemical-sector-225586">Iran denounces latest US sanctions targetting petrochemical sector</a>

The European signatories to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - share the same concerns as the United States over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities.

However, they have defended the nuclear accord saying that at least it puts curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme and can be the basis for future talks. 
"Europeans are not in a position to criticise Iran for issues outside the JCPOA," Zarif was quoted as saying by the state broadcaster, using the acronym for the nuclear deal.

"The Europeans and other signatories of the JCPOA should normalise economic ties with Iran... We will halt our commitments or will take action in accordance to their measures."

Iran last month stopped some commitments under the nuclear deal and warned that in 60 days it would scale back more commitments if Europeans fail to shield it against the US sanctions.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will visit Iran this week, during which he will explore options for preserving the fraying nuclear non-proliferation pact.

Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for saying last week in a meeting with Trump that they shared the same objectives on Iran.&nbsp;

Macron said France wanted to make sure Tehran will not get nuclear weapons: "We had an accord until 2025 and we want to go further and have full certainty in the long run... (Then) reduce ballistic activity and contain Iran regionally."

"The recent remarks by the French president in a meeting with Trump were shameful and inept," Larijani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.&nbsp; 
"Macron`s comments did not match what he has been telling our president, Mr (Hassan) Rouhani, in their meetings and on the phone."&nbsp;

Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, and has repeatedly refused to discuss its missile programme.&nbsp;

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences.

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences. President Donald Trump last year withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Trump has condemned a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its role in conflicts around the Middle East. Also read: Iran denounces latest US sanctions targetting petrochemical sector The European signatories to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - share the same concerns as the United States over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities. However, they have defended the nuclear accord saying that at least it puts curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme and can be the basis for future talks. "Europeans are not in a position to criticise Iran for issues outside the JCPOA," Zarif was quoted as saying by the state broadcaster, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "The Europeans and other signatories of the JCPOA should normalise economic ties with Iran... We will halt our commitments or will take action in accordance to their measures." Iran last month stopped some commitments under the nuclear deal and warned that in 60 days it would scale back more commitments if Europeans fail to shield it against the US sanctions. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will visit Iran this week, during which he will explore options for preserving the fraying nuclear non-proliferation pact. Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for saying last week in a meeting with Trump that they shared the same objectives on Iran. Macron said France wanted to make sure Tehran will not get nuclear weapons: "We had an accord until 2025 and we want to go further and have full certainty in the long run... (Then) reduce ballistic activity and contain Iran regionally." "The recent remarks by the French president in a meeting with Trump were shameful and inept," Larijani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency. "Macron`s comments did not match what he has been telling our president, Mr (Hassan) Rouhani, in their meetings and on the phone." Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, and has repeatedly refused to discuss its missile programme.

Iran urges Europe to normalise economic ties with it or face consequences

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