A century-old postcard showing a French country lane has helped researchers paint a picture of the final hours before Vincent van Gogh committed suicide 130 years ago.

Tree roots tell story of Van Gogh's final hours after lockdown discovery

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain, speaking ahead of the arrival of Rafale fighter jets has said it shows "strong partnership between our 2 countries." Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Delhi's Palam airport where French Military Plane landed with COVID medical aid, envoy Lenain said, "India is a world leader in the production of the vaccine" and " it is going to be like this for COVID." France sent 120 ventilators, along with 50,000 serological test kits 50,000 nose and throat swabs to India on Tuesday. This the French envoy said is in "reciprocation" of Indian help to France when it was hit by COVID.

WION exclusive conversation with French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain

Ukrainian government and Russia backed rebel forces have begun a full and comprehensive ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. This attempt is the latest in the series of peace efforts between the two sides. Watch report.

Ukraine-Russia ceasefire: Germany and France welcome the decision

A volunteer assistant suspected of setting a French cathedral on fire was rearrested, then indicted and detained in pre-trial custody by prosecutors overnight Saturday to Sunday.

The man, already held and released by police last week, was indicted "on charges of destruction and damage by fire" of the gothic cathedral of Nantes, the public prosecutor for the western city said.

The fire broke out on July 18, hours after the volunteer altar server had closed up the building for the night.

Prosecutors launched an arson investigation into the blaze, which they said appeared to have hit three different parts of the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul.

Police investigating the incident had arrested the 39-year-old Rwandan national and then released him last week.

His lawyer said at the time there was nothing directly linking his client to the fire.

But following developments in the inquiry, the man was rearrested on Saturday and later appeared before a judge in the city, prosecutor Pierre Sennes said in a statement.

The blaze came just 15 months after a devastating fire tore through the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

It destroyed the Nantes congregation's famed organ, which dated from 1621 and had survived the French revolution and World War II bombardment.

Also lost were priceless artefacts and paintings -- including a work by 19th-century artist Hippolyte Flandrin -- and stained glass windows which contained remnants of 16th-century glass. 
&nbsp;

A volunteer assistant suspected of setting a French cathedral on fire was rearrested, then indicted and detained in pre-trial custody by prosecutors overnight Saturday to Sunday.

A volunteer assistant suspected of setting a French cathedral on fire was rearrested, then indicted and detained in pre-trial custody by prosecutors overnight Saturday to Sunday. The man, already held and released by police last week, was indicted "on charges of destruction and damage by fire" of the gothic cathedral of Nantes, the public prosecutor for the western city said. The fire broke out on July 18, hours after the volunteer altar server had closed up the building for the night. Prosecutors launched an arson investigation into the blaze, which they said appeared to have hit three different parts of the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Police investigating the incident had arrested the 39-year-old Rwandan national and then released him last week. His lawyer said at the time there was nothing directly linking his client to the fire. But following developments in the inquiry, the man was rearrested on Saturday and later appeared before a judge in the city, prosecutor Pierre Sennes said in a statement. The blaze came just 15 months after a devastating fire tore through the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. It destroyed the Nantes congregation's famed organ, which dated from 1621 and had survived the French revolution and World War II bombardment. Also lost were priceless artefacts and paintings -- including a work by 19th-century artist Hippolyte Flandrin -- and stained glass windows which contained remnants of 16th-century glass.

Volunteer indicted over French cathedral fire

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP Saturday that a preliminary investigation was opened after Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in the suburbs of the city of Orleans, about 100 kilometres south-west of Paris.

French investigative news site Mediapart tracked down the former Rwandan spy chief, who was identified by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as one of the architects of the genocide.

Neither the ICTR, Interpol, France nor Rwanda were actively seeking him now and had dropped arrest warrants years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-orders-rwanda-genocide-suspect-be-tried-at-un-tribunal-302986">Also read:&nbsp;French court orders Rwanda genocide suspect be tried at UN tribunal</a>

The revelation of his whereabouts comes barely two months after another suspected genocide architect, Felicien Kabuga, was arrested on the fringes of Paris.

Kabuga, who evaded police in several countries for 25 years, is accused of financing the genocide.

Kabuga had asked for a trial in France, citing frail health and claiming the United Nations court in Africa would be biased against him, and possibly hand him over to Rwandan authorities.

France has long been known as a hiding place for wanted genocide suspects and French investigators currently have dozens of cases underway.

A plane carrying President Juvenal Habyarimana, from Rwanda's Hutu majority, was shot down in Kigali on April 6, 1994, unleashing the killing spree that would leave mainly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus dead.

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives.

France has opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the country's 1994 genocide which claimed 800,000 lives. Anti-terrorism prosecutors told AFP Saturday that a preliminary investigation was opened after Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in the suburbs of the city of Orleans, about 100 kilometres south-west of Paris. French investigative news site Mediapart tracked down the former Rwandan spy chief, who was identified by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) as one of the architects of the genocide. Neither the ICTR, Interpol, France nor Rwanda were actively seeking him now and had dropped arrest warrants years ago. Also read: French court orders Rwanda genocide suspect be tried at UN tribunal The revelation of his whereabouts comes barely two months after another suspected genocide architect, Felicien Kabuga, was arrested on the fringes of Paris. Kabuga, who evaded police in several countries for 25 years, is accused of financing the genocide. Kabuga had asked for a trial in France, citing frail health and claiming the United Nations court in Africa would be biased against him, and possibly hand him over to Rwandan authorities. France has long been known as a hiding place for wanted genocide suspects and French investigators currently have dozens of cases underway. A plane carrying President Juvenal Habyarimana, from Rwanda's Hutu majority, was shot down in Kigali on April 6, 1994, unleashing the killing spree that would leave mainly Tutsis but also moderate Hutus dead.

France opens probe into Rwandan genocide suspect

An orange-brown chemical sheet spread over 15 acres (6 hectares) in a nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean Sea on Friday, the local fire service said Friday.

French refinery leak toxic chemicals in 15 acres marine life area

Traces of COVID-19 are being monitored in sewage water in Paris which French scientists hope will help track the evolution of the outbreak. At a treatment plant in the suburbs of the city, the sewage water of some 350,000 residents in the east of Paris comes to be cleaned.

Paris sewage tests reveal COVID-19 still not flushed away

A crowd below a burning building saved the life of two young brothers who jumped 33ft from a window to escape the fire.

The children, aged ten and three, were caught as they fell towards the pavement in the south-eastern French city of Grenoble on Tuesday. They both were unharmed by the fall.

The dramatic footage from the incident shows one of the boys hanging from the window as black smoke emerges out from his home.

He then drops down to a crowd following which a second boy leaps from the apartment block and gets caught by the group.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In France apartment fire two boys 3&amp;10 were caught after being thrown out of a window 😳 <a href="https://t.co/1ODTwqMPfr">pic.twitter.com/1ODTwqMPfr</a>
— LADYSTAR🌷💜🌷🇱🇷🆘 (@DianaBubby729) <a href="https://twitter.com/DianaBubby729/status/1286142318786097152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The boys, aged three and 10, were taken to hospital along with 17 of the building's residents.

There was no immediate word about the condition of the boys or anyone else affected by the fire.

A 25-year-old student suffered a broken wrist from helping catch the children.

A crowd below a burning building saved the life of two young brothers who jumped 33ft from a window to escape the fire. The children, aged ten and three, were caught as they fell towards the pavement in the south-eastern French city of Grenoble on Tuesday.

A crowd below a burning building saved the life of two young brothers who jumped 33ft from a window to escape the fire. The children, aged ten and three, were caught as they fell towards the pavement in the south-eastern French city of Grenoble on Tuesday. They both were unharmed by the fall. The dramatic footage from the incident shows one of the boys hanging from the window as black smoke emerges out from his home. He then drops down to a crowd following which a second boy leaps from the apartment block and gets caught by the group. In France apartment fire two boys 3&10 were caught after being thrown out of a window 😳 pic.twitter.com/1ODTwqMPfr — LADYSTAR🌷💜🌷🇱🇷🆘 (@DianaBubby729) July 23, 2020 × The boys, aged three and 10, were taken to hospital along with 17 of the building's residents. There was no immediate word about the condition of the boys or anyone else affected by the fire. A 25-year-old student suffered a broken wrist from helping catch the children.

Watch: Brothers, 10 and three, caught by crowd after jumping from burning building

Seven women announced Wednesday that they would seek leadership roles in the French Catholic Church

Your Story: France | Women demand to play bigger role in Church

The United States say the company's equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage - a charge denied by Huawei and Beijing - and has pressed its allies to ban it.

French authorities have told telecoms operators planning to buy Huawei 5G equipment that they won’t be able to renew licences for the gear once they expire, effectively phasing the Chinese firm out of mobile networks, three sources close to the matter said. Like other countries in Europe, France is laying the ground for its next-generation 5G mobile market in the middle of a growing geopolitical storm between two global superpowers.

The United States say the company’s equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage - a charge denied by Huawei and Beijing - and has pressed its allies to ban it.

France’s cybersecurity agency ANSSI said this month it would allow operators to use equipment, including Huawei’s, under licences of three to eight years. But it added it was urging telcos not currently using the Chinese company’s gear to avoid switching to it. Operators must each apply for dozens of licences for equipment to cover different parts of the country. The sources said ANSSI had informed operators of most licence decisions for large cities. They said the bulk of authorisations for Huawei gear were for three or five years, while most of those for equipment from European rivals Ericsson or Nokia received eight-year licences. ANSSI’s decisions have not been made public, either by the agency or by the companies.

The sources added that operators had also been told by French authorities during informal conversations in recent months, not stated formally in documents that licences granted for Huawei equipment would not be renewed thereafter. ANSSI declined to comment. Such restrictions, though, would amount to a de facto phase-out of Huawei within France’s 5G networks by 2028, given the short time-frame of the licenses, according to the sources, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. Huawei declined to comment.

The United States say the company's equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage - a charge denied by Huawei and Beijing - and has pressed its allies to ban it.

The United States say the company's equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage - a charge denied by Huawei and Beijing - and has pressed its allies to ban it. French authorities have told telecoms operators planning to buy Huawei 5G equipment that they won’t be able to renew licences for the gear once they expire, effectively phasing the Chinese firm out of mobile networks, three sources close to the matter said. Like other countries in Europe, France is laying the ground for its next-generation 5G mobile market in the middle of a growing geopolitical storm between two global superpowers. The United States say the company’s equipment could be used by the Chinese government for espionage - a charge denied by Huawei and Beijing - and has pressed its allies to ban it. France’s cybersecurity agency ANSSI said this month it would allow operators to use equipment, including Huawei’s, under licences of three to eight years. But it added it was urging telcos not currently using the Chinese company’s gear to avoid switching to it. Operators must each apply for dozens of licences for equipment to cover different parts of the country. The sources said ANSSI had informed operators of most licence decisions for large cities. They said the bulk of authorisations for Huawei gear were for three or five years, while most of those for equipment from European rivals Ericsson or Nokia received eight-year licences. ANSSI’s decisions have not been made public, either by the agency or by the companies. The sources added that operators had also been told by French authorities during informal conversations in recent months, not stated formally in documents that licences granted for Huawei equipment would not be renewed thereafter. ANSSI declined to comment. Such restrictions, though, would amount to a de facto phase-out of Huawei within France’s 5G networks by 2028, given the short time-frame of the licenses, according to the sources, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. Huawei declined to comment.

France imposes de facto ban on Huawei 5G equipment, says report 

France's new prime minister Emmanuel Macron laid out 100 billion euros ($110 billion) in new spending to rescue the virus-battered economy

Your Story: Emmanuel Macron announced aid package of $110 Billion

Used and discarded phones have been a concern for environmentalists since phones became an intrinsic part of human lives.

Many opt for recycling, or simply exchanging their old phone for a new phone which also saves money.

Mail it in!

But France has come up with a solution of its kind. Now, people can send their phones via mail to get it recycled and/or refurbished by a charity group to be later put on sale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-upcoming-neuralink-will-let-you-beam-music-directly-into-the-brain-314879" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain</a>

According to AFP estimates, over 50 to 110 million phones are simply sitting in the France. Recycling still remains elusive to many, and fears of data theft loom large in today’s time.

The NGO - Ecosystem claims that anybody can ship their phones to them in a paid-for envelope which can be procured from their website. Additionally, they may print out a pre-paid label.

To encourage reuse

Once mailed, the phones are kept in a processing centre, and assessed. The pilot step is erasing its data before it fixed or moved for sale.

The phones are mostly sold at charity shops. However, the majority of the phones (over 83 percent) are first disassembled and then recycled. This is done to rid the device of all polluting articles.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/drivers-approach-court-demanding-uber-to-disclose-algorithm-314772" hreflang="en">Drivers approach court demanding Uber to disclose algorithm</a>

As part of its redistribution scheme, the NGO will give away 100 refurbished phones during each of the 35 stages part of the 2020 Tour de France cycling race, which is set to begin on August 29.

Ecosystem collected over 62,000 tonnes of discarded material after people cleared their homes during the COVID-19 lockdown.&nbsp;

This move may encourage reusing old devices instead of simply discarding them, which produces a lot of waste.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/kfc-will-start-testing-its-environment-friendly-3d-printed-chicken-in-russia-by-end-of-2020-314872" hreflang="en">KFC will start testing its environment friendly 3D-printed chicken in Russia by end of 2020</a>

Used and discarded phones have been a concern for environmentalists since phones became an intrinsic part of human lives. Many opt for recycling, or simply exchanging their old phone for a new phone which also saves money.

Used and discarded phones have been a concern for environmentalists since phones became an intrinsic part of human lives. Many opt for recycling, or simply exchanging their old phone for a new phone which also saves money. Mail it in! But France has come up with a solution of its kind. Now, people can send their phones via mail to get it recycled and/or refurbished by a charity group to be later put on sale. Also read: Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain According to AFP estimates, over 50 to 110 million phones are simply sitting in the France. Recycling still remains elusive to many, and fears of data theft loom large in today’s time. The NGO - Ecosystem claims that anybody can ship their phones to them in a paid-for envelope which can be procured from their website. Additionally, they may print out a pre-paid label. To encourage reuse Once mailed, the phones are kept in a processing centre, and assessed. The pilot step is erasing its data before it fixed or moved for sale. The phones are mostly sold at charity shops. However, the majority of the phones (over 83 percent) are first disassembled and then recycled. This is done to rid the device of all polluting articles. Also read: Drivers approach court demanding Uber to disclose algorithm As part of its redistribution scheme, the NGO will give away 100 refurbished phones during each of the 35 stages part of the 2020 Tour de France cycling race, which is set to begin on August 29. Ecosystem collected over 62,000 tonnes of discarded material after people cleared their homes during the COVID-19 lockdown. This move may encourage reusing old devices instead of simply discarding them, which produces a lot of waste. Also read: KFC will start testing its environment friendly 3D-printed chicken in Russia by end of 2020

France may have found the perfect way to deal with discarded phones

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged "all foreign actors to end their increasing interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council" in a joint statement issued by the French presidency after meeting in Brussels.

"We are ready to consider the possible use of sanctions if the breaches of the embargo at sea, on land or in the air continue, and look forward to the proposals that the High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy will make in this regard," they said

Turkey has intervened decisively in recent weeks in Libya, providing air support, weapons and allied fighters from Syria to help the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli repel a year-long assault by the forces of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar.

Haftar is backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia, which have also been accused by the U.N. of breaking the embargo.

The Tripoli-based government on Saturday moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gateway to Libya`s main oil terminals, which the government says it plans to recapture from Haftar's forces.

France has itself faced criticism for its ambiguity with regard to Haftar, having previously backed him in the fight against Islamist militants.

Saturday's joint statement was the first time the three major powers had threatened sanctions amid fears of a new escalation on the ground. [nL5N2EP0BU]

"We share serious concerns about the mounting military tensions in this country and the increased risk of regional escalation," they said. "We therefore call on all the Libyan parties and their foreign supporters to immediately cease the fighting and put an end to the ongoing military escalation across the country."

Diplomats have said European Union nations could also consider imposing sanctions on individuals from both Libyan sides.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy on Saturday threatened for the first time to use sanctions against countries that continued to violate a United Nations arms embargo on Libya. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte urged "all foreign actors to end their increasing interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council" in a joint statement issued by the French presidency after meeting in Brussels. "We are ready to consider the possible use of sanctions if the breaches of the embargo at sea, on land or in the air continue, and look forward to the proposals that the High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy will make in this regard," they said Turkey has intervened decisively in recent weeks in Libya, providing air support, weapons and allied fighters from Syria to help the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli repel a year-long assault by the forces of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar. Haftar is backed by the UAE, Egypt and Russia, which have also been accused by the U.N. of breaking the embargo. The Tripoli-based government on Saturday moved fighters closer to Sirte, a gateway to Libya`s main oil terminals, which the government says it plans to recapture from Haftar's forces. France has itself faced criticism for its ambiguity with regard to Haftar, having previously backed him in the fight against Islamist militants. Saturday's joint statement was the first time the three major powers had threatened sanctions amid fears of a new escalation on the ground. [nL5N2EP0BU] "We share serious concerns about the mounting military tensions in this country and the increased risk of regional escalation," they said. "We therefore call on all the Libyan parties and their foreign supporters to immediately cease the fighting and put an end to the ongoing military escalation across the country." Diplomats have said European Union nations could also consider imposing sanctions on individuals from both Libyan sides.

France, Germany, Italy threaten sanctions over arms for Libya

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-damages-cathedral-in-french-city-of-nantes-314247" hreflang="en">Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes</a>

The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/french-cathedral-catches-fire-in-nantes-contained-within-hours-314289" hreflang="en">French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours</a>

But Sennes said that "any interpretation that could implicate this person in what occurred is premature" and the questioning was part of "normal procedure".

A fire had broken out in the cathedral on Saturday. After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday.

"I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters.

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel."

As the fire raged, stained glasses and the 17th-century grand organ -- a star attraction of the cathedral was damaged.

(Inputs from AFP)

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral. Also read: Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP.

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral. Also read: Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP. Also see: French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours But Sennes said that "any interpretation that could implicate this person in what occurred is premature" and the questioning was part of "normal procedure". A fire had broken out in the cathedral on Saturday. After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay. Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday. "I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters. President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel." As the fire raged, stained glasses and the 17th-century grand organ -- a star attraction of the cathedral was damaged. (Inputs from AFP)

'To clarify elements': Investigators question a man over cathedral fire in Nantes

After Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire in Paris last year, a fire broke out inside a Gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes on Saturday morning. The fire was brought under control within hours.

France: Gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes catches fire

French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours

They were temp workers, hospitality industry employees, painters, students - now, they've become newcomers to France's food banks as the coronavirus crisis has unleashed a flood of people who had never expected to need help to meet their basic needs into distribution centres. Among them is 34-year-old Natalia scraped by during France's nearly two-month lockdown thanks to donations from a food bank after the Paris bakery she works in put her under partial unemployment.

Coronavirus crisis drives more people to French food banks, many for first time

Disneyland Paris welcomed back visitors on Wednesday after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, with face masks and social distancing the order of the day.

'A bit of magic' returns as Disneyland Paris re-opens after lockdown

France rounded off Bastille Day celebrations with an explosion of colours spewing across the sky in the capital with a traditional fireworks display around the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday (July 14) night.

France's Bastille Day concludes with annual Eiffel Tower fireworks display

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus.

France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces.

The new rule will be implemented from August 1 all over the country, President Emmanuel Macron said. Mayenne region, however,&nbsp;made it obligatory immediately in several places.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wearing-masks-can-cut-down-coronavirus-infection-risk-by-65-313450">Also read:&nbsp;Wearing masks can cut down coronavirus infection risk by 65%</a>

The rule is being imposed after French health experts said that the coronavirus was&nbsp;"coming back a bit".

"We were considering implementing (this measure) on August 1 because, once again, we are acting preventively and not as a matter of emergency", Prime Minister Jean Castex told the Senate.

"I have heard and understood that this deadline appeared late or raised some questions, so the decree will come into force next week."

The novel coronavirus, that earlier slowed down in the country, has taken over 30,000 people in France and has been increasing in the past few weeks.&nbsp;

In addition to this, Macron also proposed open COVID testing for all, without any doctors' prescriptions.

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus. France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces.

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus. France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces. The new rule will be implemented from August 1 all over the country, President Emmanuel Macron said. Mayenne region, however, made it obligatory immediately in several places. Also read: Wearing masks can cut down coronavirus infection risk by 65% The rule is being imposed after French health experts said that the coronavirus was "coming back a bit". "We were considering implementing (this measure) on August 1 because, once again, we are acting preventively and not as a matter of emergency", Prime Minister Jean Castex told the Senate. "I have heard and understood that this deadline appeared late or raised some questions, so the decree will come into force next week." The novel coronavirus, that earlier slowed down in the country, has taken over 30,000 people in France and has been increasing in the past few weeks. In addition to this, Macron also proposed open COVID testing for all, without any doctors' prescriptions.

France makes wearing face masks indoors compulsory

Parade, flyovers, masks: France's scaled-down celebrations on Bastille Day

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday.

In his message on the French National Day -- Bastille Day, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said that since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the two countries have shown exceptional solidarity.

"India has provided much needed equipment and drugs to French hospitals. Friendship is a two-way road and France has reciprocated," Lenain said.

The French development agency AFD has granted an exceptional loan of 200 million euros (Rs 1,600 crore) to provide social services to the most vulnerable population in India, he said.

"We are going to announce soon an exceptional package comprising serological test (kits), ventilators and some expertise," the French envoy said in the message posted on all social media handles of the French Embassy here.

Solidarity has been exceptional in the way the India government has lent support to the operation to repatriate stranded tourists, he said, thanking Indian authorities for it.

Another great way to express solidarity is the involvement of French companies in corporate social responsibility, he said.

Lenain cited the example of French firms partnering Indian companies for producing ventilators and a French firm contributing 65 ICU beds.

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday.

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday. In his message on the French National Day -- Bastille Day, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said that since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the two countries have shown exceptional solidarity. "India has provided much needed equipment and drugs to French hospitals. Friendship is a two-way road and France has reciprocated," Lenain said. The French development agency AFD has granted an exceptional loan of 200 million euros (Rs 1,600 crore) to provide social services to the most vulnerable population in India, he said. "We are going to announce soon an exceptional package comprising serological test (kits), ventilators and some expertise," the French envoy said in the message posted on all social media handles of the French Embassy here. Solidarity has been exceptional in the way the India government has lent support to the operation to repatriate stranded tourists, he said, thanking Indian authorities for it. Another great way to express solidarity is the involvement of French companies in corporate social responsibility, he said. Lenain cited the example of French firms partnering Indian companies for producing ventilators and a French firm contributing 65 ICU beds.

France to announce 'exceptional package' boosting India's COVID-19 fight, says Envoy

France marked its Bastille Day on July 14 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The invited foreign dignitaries were replaced by guests who helped fight the virus. Watch report.

France Marks its national day: President Macron presides over Bastille day parade

The interior ministers of France and Britain on Sunday signed an agreement creating a new joint police intelligence unit to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the "unsustainable" numbers crossing the Channel illegally.&nbsp;

France's new Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and his British counterpart Priti Patel met on Sunday in Calais in northern France, a regio where migrants have traditionally gathered in a bid to find a way to get to Britain.

"We signed a new agreement to create a joint intelligence cell which will crack down on gangs behind vile people smuggling operation," Patel wrote on Twitter after the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pleased to meet newly appointed French Interior Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/GDarmanin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GDarmanin</a> to discuss the unsustainable levels of illegal migration across the Channel. 
 
We signed a new agreement to create a joint intelligence cell which will crack down on gangs behind vile people smuggling operation. <a href="https://t.co/t60e60sxP9">pic.twitter.com/t60e60sxP9</a>
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/pritipatel/status/1282329647150247936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She said they had discussed "the unsustainable levels of illegal migration across the Channel."

The Franco-British unit will allow services to share intelligence quickly and will consist of six British and six French police officers based in Coquelles outside Calais, Darmanin told reporters.

Traffickers "are those who take advantage of the human distress of people who want to cross the English Channel and who, no doubt, are not being punished sufficiently at the moment," said Darmanin.

Channel crossing attempts have increased over the last year despite the danger of heavy maritime traffic, strong currents and low water temperatures.

"Together, we must strengthen our security cooperation, in particular in fight against the illegal crossings of the English Channel by migrants risking their lives," Darmanin wrote on Twitter as he hosted Patel.

In 2019, 2,758 migrants were rescued by the French and British authorities while trying to make the crossing -- four times more than in 2018, according to French officials.

The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced the trend, with the reduced number of trucks going through the Channel Tunnel leading migrants to opt for small boats instead.&nbsp;

French emergency services rescued 21 migrants in three operations on Saturday after their bids to reach Britain floundered in the Channel, officials said.

Darmanin said he had told Patel that more resources were needed to combat the migrant trafficking.

"The British government has done a lot to protect the coast but we still need more resources both in terms of equipment and human resources."

The interior ministers of France and Britain on Sunday signed an agreement creating a new joint police intelligence unit to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the "unsustainable" numbers crossing the Channel illegally.

The interior ministers of France and Britain on Sunday signed an agreement creating a new joint police intelligence unit to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the "unsustainable" numbers crossing the Channel illegally. France's new Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and his British counterpart Priti Patel met on Sunday in Calais in northern France, a regio where migrants have traditionally gathered in a bid to find a way to get to Britain. "We signed a new agreement to create a joint intelligence cell which will crack down on gangs behind vile people smuggling operation," Patel wrote on Twitter after the meeting. Pleased to meet newly appointed French Interior Minister @GDarmanin to discuss the unsustainable levels of illegal migration across the Channel. We signed a new agreement to create a joint intelligence cell which will crack down on gangs behind vile people smuggling operation. pic.twitter.com/t60e60sxP9 — Priti Patel (@pritipatel) July 12, 2020 × She said they had discussed "the unsustainable levels of illegal migration across the Channel." The Franco-British unit will allow services to share intelligence quickly and will consist of six British and six French police officers based in Coquelles outside Calais, Darmanin told reporters. Traffickers "are those who take advantage of the human distress of people who want to cross the English Channel and who, no doubt, are not being punished sufficiently at the moment," said Darmanin. Channel crossing attempts have increased over the last year despite the danger of heavy maritime traffic, strong currents and low water temperatures. "Together, we must strengthen our security cooperation, in particular in fight against the illegal crossings of the English Channel by migrants risking their lives," Darmanin wrote on Twitter as he hosted Patel. In 2019, 2,758 migrants were rescued by the French and British authorities while trying to make the crossing -- four times more than in 2018, according to French officials. The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced the trend, with the reduced number of trucks going through the Channel Tunnel leading migrants to opt for small boats instead. French emergency services rescued 21 migrants in three operations on Saturday after their bids to reach Britain floundered in the Channel, officials said. Darmanin said he had told Patel that more resources were needed to combat the migrant trafficking. "The British government has done a lot to protect the coast but we still need more resources both in terms of equipment and human resources."

Britain, France agree joint unit to fight migrant traffickers

A French court has sentenced jail terms to two former agents from the foreign intelligence service after convicting them of "sharing intelligence" with China. The trial was conducted in Paris in the utmost secrecy.

A French court has sentenced jail terms to two former agents from the foreign intelligence service after convicting them of "sharing intelligence" with China. The trial was conducted in Paris in the utmost secrecy. Officers from France's Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) were convicted of sharing state secrets with a foreign power. Also read: Russia's Sechenov University completes trials of world's first COVID-19 vaccine 69-year-old Pierre-Marie has been imprisoned for 12 years, whereas, 73-year-old Henry M. has been handed a jail-term for 8 years. Pierre-Marie's wife has been convicted of concealment and sentenced to four years, with two suspended. Both men, now retired, were charged and detained in December 2017, although they were allowed out on bail. In 1997, Henri was appointed as DGSE's man in Beijing and worked as the second secretary at the embassy. He was recalled in 1998 after having an affair with the ambassador's Chinese interpreter. Henri retired a few years later and went back to China in 2003 and married the interpreter, setting up a home on Hainan island in southern China. According to media reports, Pierre-Marie H was arrested at Zurich airport carrying cash after meeting a Chinese contact on an Indian Ocean island. A popular TV drama "Le Bureau des Legendes" (known as "Le Bureau" outside France) has helped in surge f interest in DGSE's work. The series contains some characters working for the DGSE who it turns out are sharing secrets with foreign powers. (Inputs from AFP)

French court sentences prison terms for ex-spies for 'sharing intelligence' with China

The Eiffel Tower has opened a Summer terrace where visitors can relax 57 meters (187 feet) above ground, listen and dance to music while taking in great views of the French capital.

Eiffel Tower: the summer spot to chill with music and a view

With masks mandatory and advance booking required, Disneyland Paris will gradually reopen from July 15 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus crisis. Like other major Paris attractions, such as the Versailles palace and the Louvre museum, Europe's most visited theme park will limit capacity and impose a minimum distance of one metre between visitors on its rides to prevent infection risk.

Masks mandatory at Mickey's - Disneyland Paris re-opens with limited capacity

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.3 million) every six months until all the conditions are fulfilled.&nbsp;

The State Council, said in a statement, the amount is the highest it has ever fined to "oblige the state to implement a decision taken by the administrative judiciary," reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-rules-out-total-lockdown-in-case-of-new-covid-19-spike-311595">France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of new COVID-19 spike</a>

Earlier, the court had said three years ago that the state was not fulfilling its commitments to reduce nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particulates in 13 areas to comply with EU limits agreed upon in 2008.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-picks-new-prime-minister-to-reinvent-presidency-310524">France's Macron picks new prime minister to reinvent presidency</a>

Many NGOs including Friends of the Earth later filed suit, urging the court to force the government to curb pollution.&nbsp;

The court said the fine reflected the seriousness of a public health risk that leads to nearly 50,000 premature deaths in the country every year.

The fined would be given to plaintiffs, as well as other independent bodies, or activists who are working on the field to reduce pollution.&nbsp;

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.

France's top administrative court asked the government to take concrete steps to control air pollution in many cities and town or face fines of 10 million euros ($11.3 million) every six months until all the conditions are fulfilled. The State Council, said in a statement, the amount is the highest it has ever fined to "oblige the state to implement a decision taken by the administrative judiciary," reported AFP. Also read | France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of new COVID-19 spike Earlier, the court had said three years ago that the state was not fulfilling its commitments to reduce nitrogen dioxide and PM10 particulates in 13 areas to comply with EU limits agreed upon in 2008. Also read | France's Macron picks new prime minister to reinvent presidency Many NGOs including Friends of the Earth later filed suit, urging the court to force the government to curb pollution. The court said the fine reflected the seriousness of a public health risk that leads to nearly 50,000 premature deaths in the country every year. The fined would be given to plaintiffs, as well as other independent bodies, or activists who are working on the field to reduce pollution.

Top court warns French government of fine if it fails to curb air pollution

Thousands of Airbus workers marched alongside an airport runway in the south of France and gathered in front of a plant in the country's west on Wednesday (July 8) to protest against plans to cut up to 15,000 jobs.

Thousands of Airbus workers in France march in protest over job cuts

July 9 in history: First Prime Minister of France, first Wimbledon and more

No more hugs as schools all over the world reopen in 'new normal'

france

France, News on France, stories on France, articles on France, France stories at Wion, France news, France latest news