Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive on Tuesday in Bihar's Madhepura. This locomotive has put India on the elite list of countries which have 12,000 hp and above capacity electric locomotives.

Here are key things to know: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>This would be the first major foreign direct investment project in the rail sector. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The total cost of the project - which includes making of the locomotive - is around Rs 1,300 crore, which includes setting up of the factory and two maintenance depots. The Railways ministry is required to contribute a maximum of Rs 100 crore as an equity participation of 26 per cent. The estimated cost of each locomotive is Rs 25 crore. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>With 12,000 horsepower, this is India’s most powerful locomotive helping India enter the elite list of countries including Russia, China, Sweden, Germany who have the same horsepower capacity electric locomotive. 
	&nbsp;</li><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tA8xgr8Yllo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
	<li>Till now, India’s most powerful locomotive was of 6,000 horsepower. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The locomotive will have a maximum speed of 110 km per hour and will help in decongesting routes by improving speed. Three locos will be pressed into service to transport coal and iron. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A team of 35 engineers worked to assemble the locomotive at Madhepura facility. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The loco factory was launched in 2007 by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After the electrification of almost all railways routes, the Indian Railways is planning to produce 800 more locomotives in the next 10 years. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Except for the first five locomotives, remaining 795 will be manufactured in the country under the Make in India initiative. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The factory will produce 100 locos every year till the target of 800 is completed. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Four more such locomotives are expected to be rolled out in 2018-19.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first high-powered electric locomotive on Tuesday in Bihar's Madhepura. This locomotive has put India on the elite list of countries which have 12,000 hp and above capacity electric locomotives. Here are key things to know: The first electric locomotive of India is developed under a joint venture signed in 2015 of the railways with France’s Alstom company. This would be the first major foreign direct investment project in the rail sector. The total cost of the project - which includes making of the locomotive - is around Rs 1,300 crore, which includes setting up of the factory and two maintenance depots. The Railways ministry is required to contribute a maximum of Rs 100 crore as an equity participation of 26 per cent. The estimated cost of each locomotive is Rs 25 crore. With 12,000 horsepower, this is India’s most powerful locomotive helping India enter the elite list of countries including Russia, China, Sweden, Germany who have the same horsepower capacity electric locomotive. Till now, India’s most powerful locomotive was of 6,000 horsepower. The locomotive will have a maximum speed of 110 km per hour and will help in decongesting routes by improving speed. Three locos will be pressed into service to transport coal and iron. A team of 35 engineers worked to assemble the locomotive at Madhepura facility. The loco factory was launched in 2007 by former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. After the electrification of almost all railways routes, the Indian Railways is planning to produce 800 more locomotives in the next 10 years. Except for the first five locomotives, remaining 795 will be manufactured in the country under the Make in India initiative. The factory will produce 100 locos every year till the target of 800 is completed. Four more such locomotives are expected to be rolled out in 2018-19.

All you need to know about 12,000 horsepower locomotive launched by PM Modi today

World's first long-distance electric bus line was inaugurated in Paris today. Chinese e-buses would operate on world's first electric routes in France.

A Germany-based bus company, FlexiBus, has invested in Chinese e-buses which will now be operated on trial on long-distance electric-routes between Paris and Amiens.&nbsp;

German low-cost company FlixBus presented its green bus at the foot of the Eiffel tower. The train service will begin on April 12, the journey between the two stations will take roughly two hours.

The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others. It is also believed to drive more smoothly than its fuel-powered counterpart.

Flixbus France general director Yves Lefranc-Morin said the vehicle may be 30 percent more expensive to buy but the maintenance and running costs are much lower than those of a diesel bus.

German FlexiBus is touted as Europe's largest long-distance bus network. According to reports, the second Flix-e-Bus is expected to operate in Germany this summer between Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg. The e-buses will be supplied by Chinese bus-maker, BYD. The German bus firm hopes to open more 100% electric lines in the future in France and Europe.

The new e-bus comes to France in the wake a series of strikes by the country's railway workers over the government's plan to overhaul the state-run railway company SNCF.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others

World's first long-distance electric bus line was inaugurated in Paris today. Chinese e-buses would operate on world's first electric routes in France. A Germany-based bus company, FlexiBus, has invested in Chinese e-buses which will now be operated on trial on long-distance electric-routes between Paris and Amiens. German low-cost company FlixBus presented its green bus at the foot of the Eiffel tower. The train service will begin on April 12, the journey between the two stations will take roughly two hours. The bus has the capacity of 49 passengers and comes equipped with facilities like zero emissions, less noise, among others. It is also believed to drive more smoothly than its fuel-powered counterpart. Flixbus France general director Yves Lefranc-Morin said the vehicle may be 30 percent more expensive to buy but the maintenance and running costs are much lower than those of a diesel bus. German FlexiBus is touted as Europe's largest long-distance bus network. According to reports, the second Flix-e-Bus is expected to operate in Germany this summer between Hessen and Baden-Wurttemberg. The e-buses will be supplied by Chinese bus-maker, BYD. The German bus firm hopes to open more 100% electric lines in the future in France and Europe. The new e-bus comes to France in the wake a series of strikes by the country's railway workers over the government's plan to overhaul the state-run railway company SNCF. (With inputs from Reuters)

Watch: France gets world's first long-range electric bus line

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack the government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux said, France to retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

"France will retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad if evidence emerges that it was behind a recent suspected chlorine gas attack in a rebel-held enclave", Griveaux said on Tuesday.

Griveaux said to a Europe 1 radio station that, "If the red line has been crossed, there will be a response," he told Europe 1 radio while also adding that intelligence shared by President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump "in theory confirms the use of chemical weapons."

France has repeatedly warned that evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a "red line" that would prompt French strikes on Syrian government forces.

While condemning the use of chemical weapons against civilians&nbsp;in Douma, Emmanuel Macron discussed the attack with US president on call Monday.

Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security advisers, Trump also said that he would make a decision by Monday night "or very shortly thereafter" on a response, adding that the United States had "a lot of options militarily" on Syria.

At least 60 people&nbsp;were killed in the suspected chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta near the capital, Damascus. Over 1,000 people reportedly were injured.

In earlier reports rebel groups of Syria accused Damascus of carrying out the attack however, Syrian state media denied such reports saying that eastern Ghouta of Douma is in a state of collapse and spreading false news.

US State Department who is also monitoring the situation closely has so far been unable to determine conclusively what materials were used. However, Trump said that Washington is getting more clarity on who was responsible for the attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-big-price-to-pay-for-syria-chemical-attack-129188">Also read: Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464">Trump vows quick action in response to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464">suspected</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-quick-action-in-response-to-suspected-chemical-attack-in-syria-129464"> chemical attack in Syria</a>

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack

A day after France President Emmanuel Macron and the US president Donald Trump vow quick and forceful action in response to Syria over the chemical leak attack the government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux said, France to retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. "France will retaliate against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad if evidence emerges that it was behind a recent suspected chlorine gas attack in a rebel-held enclave", Griveaux said on Tuesday. Griveaux said to a Europe 1 radio station that, "If the red line has been crossed, there will be a response," he told Europe 1 radio while also adding that intelligence shared by President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump "in theory confirms the use of chemical weapons." France has repeatedly warned that evidence of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is a "red line" that would prompt French strikes on Syrian government forces. While condemning the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Douma, Emmanuel Macron discussed the attack with US president on call Monday. Speaking at a meeting with military leaders and national security advisers, Trump also said that he would make a decision by Monday night "or very shortly thereafter" on a response, adding that the United States had "a lot of options militarily" on Syria. At least 60 people were killed in the suspected chemical attack carried out on the rebel-held town in eastern Ghouta near the capital, Damascus. Over 1,000 people reportedly were injured. In earlier reports rebel groups of Syria accused Damascus of carrying out the attack however, Syrian state media denied such reports saying that eastern Ghouta of Douma is in a state of collapse and spreading false news. US State Department who is also monitoring the situation closely has so far been unable to determine conclusively what materials were used. However, Trump said that Washington is getting more clarity on who was responsible for the attack. Also read: Trump says 'big price to pay' for Syria chemical attack Also read: Trump vows quick action in response to suspected chemical attack in Syria

France targets Assad over Syria chemical attack

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups.&nbsp

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday.&nbsp

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved.&nbsp 
However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an &nbsp"an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups. After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. "Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said. Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles. Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved. However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack. As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus". Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Chemical attack row: 14 killed in Syria air base attack

France and Saudi Arabia have agreed a new intergovernmental accord to conclude weapons deals, a French defence ministry official said on Sunday.&nbsp

The agreement replaces a process that had been criticised by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the country's defence minister. Sources said the prince, who is known as MBS, wanted to make a break from past processes.

He arrived in Paris on Sunday for a three-day visit.

"In conjunction with the Saudi authorities, France has initiated a new arms export strategy with Saudi Arabia, which until now has been managed by ODAS," the official said, referring to the organisation that currently handles French defence interests in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp

"It will now be covered by an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries. The ODAS company will only provide for the termination of existing contracts." The official did not elaborate.&nbsp

France, the world's third-biggest arms exporter, counts Saudi Arabia among its biggest purchasers, and defence firms including Dassault and Thales have major contracts there.&nbsp

In recent years, Riyadh has bought French tanks, armoured vehicles, munitions and artillery and navy ships.

In 2016, licenses potentially worth 18 billion euros ($22.11 billion) to Saudi were approved, with deliveries worth about 2 billion euros.

The crown prince's visit comes amid growing pressure on Macron at home from lawmakers and rights groups over France's weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

A private letter sent to Macron from 12 international non-governmental organizations last week urged him to pressure MBS to ease a blockade on Yemeni ports and suspend French arms sales.

French daily newspaper Les Echos on Friday said a deal could be signed for navy patrol boats from CMN, while Le Telegramme reported a possible deal for Caesar artillery canons from Nexter.&nbsp

Neither company responded to requests for comment, and the French presidency has played down possible contracts.&nbsp

A Saudi offical said Riyadh would continue to buy military equipment despite public criticism, especially for its navy.&nbsp

In recent years, Riyadh has bought French tanks, armoured vehicles, munitions and artillery and navy ships

France and Saudi Arabia have agreed a new intergovernmental accord to conclude weapons deals, a French defence ministry official said on Sunday. The agreement replaces a process that had been criticised by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the country's defence minister. Sources said the prince, who is known as MBS, wanted to make a break from past processes. He arrived in Paris on Sunday for a three-day visit. "In conjunction with the Saudi authorities, France has initiated a new arms export strategy with Saudi Arabia, which until now has been managed by ODAS," the official said, referring to the organisation that currently handles French defence interests in Saudi Arabia. "It will now be covered by an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries. The ODAS company will only provide for the termination of existing contracts." The official did not elaborate. France, the world's third-biggest arms exporter, counts Saudi Arabia among its biggest purchasers, and defence firms including Dassault and Thales have major contracts there. In recent years, Riyadh has bought French tanks, armoured vehicles, munitions and artillery and navy ships. In 2016, licenses potentially worth 18 billion euros ($22.11 billion) to Saudi were approved, with deliveries worth about 2 billion euros. The crown prince's visit comes amid growing pressure on Macron at home from lawmakers and rights groups over France's weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. A private letter sent to Macron from 12 international non-governmental organizations last week urged him to pressure MBS to ease a blockade on Yemeni ports and suspend French arms sales. French daily newspaper Les Echos on Friday said a deal could be signed for navy patrol boats from CMN, while Le Telegramme reported a possible deal for Caesar artillery canons from Nexter. Neither company responded to requests for comment, and the French presidency has played down possible contracts. A Saudi offical said Riyadh would continue to buy military equipment despite public criticism, especially for its navy.

France, Saudi Arabia agree new defence contracts strategy

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday accused France of abetting terrorists by "hosting them" at the Elysee Palace, amid a diplomatic row between the NATO allies over Paris`s support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

"France is abetting terrorists by hosting them at the presidential palace... as long as you nurture these terrorists, the West will drown," Erdogan told his supporters in the southwestern province of Denizli.

Last month, Turkey said a French pledge to help stabilise a region of northern Syria controlled by Kurdish-dominated forces amounted to support for terrorism and could make France a "target of Turkey".

'France is abetting terrorists by hosting them at the presidential palace... as long as you nurture these terrorists, the West will drown,' Erdogan told his supporters in the southwestern province of Denizli

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday accused France of abetting terrorists by "hosting them" at the Elysee Palace, amid a diplomatic row between the NATO allies over Paris`s support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). "France is abetting terrorists by hosting them at the presidential palace... as long as you nurture these terrorists, the West will drown," Erdogan told his supporters in the southwestern province of Denizli. Last month, Turkey said a French pledge to help stabilise a region of northern Syria controlled by Kurdish-dominated forces amounted to support for terrorism and could make France a "target of Turkey".

Turkey's Erdogan says France is abetting terrorists

France urged Israel on Sunday to show restraint following its military response to Palestinian demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border that killed at least 15.

"France reminds the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect civilians and urges them to show the greatest restraint," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in a statement.

"France also highlights the Palestinians'&nbspright to peacefully demonstrate," she added.

Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres, Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, and other leaders.

Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

France urged Israel on Sunday to show restraint following its military response to Palestinian demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border that killed at least 15. "France reminds the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect civilians and urges them to show the greatest restraint," a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said in a statement. "France also highlights the Palestinians'&nbspright to peacefully demonstrate," she added. Israel's defence minister rejected calls for an independent investigation by UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres, Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, and other leaders.

France urges Israeli restraint after Gaza deaths

French state railway operator SNCF warned Sunday of major disruption caused by strikes this week that analysts say will be a major test of how much weight the country's once fearsome trade unions still carry.

Train drivers and other staff are set to walk off the job from Monday night at the start of three months of planned stoppages against reform plans announced by President Emmanuel Macron and his government.

From Tuesday, rubbish collectors, some staff in the electricity and energy sector and employees of Air France are also set to strike in the biggest wave of industrial unrest since Macron's election last May. Flight crews and ground staff for Air France also announced a further two-day strike for April 10 and 11.

In an update on Sunday, the SNCF said travel would be "very disrupted" on Tuesday, with one in eight high-speed TGV trains operating, around one in five regional trains and major cancellations on suburban commuter trains.

SNCF chief Guillaume Pepy warned that some train lines might be closed due to the walkouts and that problems might accumulate over time because stoppages have been announced for two out of every five days until June 28.

"Three days after normal services resume, another strike sequence will start. It'll completely disorganise our work," he told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, warning the network's 4.5 million daily users to brace for problems. Unions are reacting to government plans to revamp the debt-laden and loss-making SNCF which they believe -- despite consistent denials from the government -- is a first step toward privatisation.

Under the proposed changes, new rail employees will not benefit from a special status historically given to railway workers, which guarantees them a job for life and early retirement.

Forty-eight percent of staff are set to join the strike Tuesday and a second day on Wednesday, including 77 percent of drivers, the SNCF said.

Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne, interviewed in Sunday's edition of the Parisien newspaper, took a harder line than in previous statements, calling the industrial action "incomprehensible".

The government has so far had public opinion on its side over the rail reform, but a survey on Sunday showed sympathy growing for SNCF staff.

A new poll by the Ifop group showed that 46 percent of respondents found the strike "justified", up four points from two weeks ago.

Only a slim majority, 51 percent, thought the government "should complete the reform as it has been announced".

Unions have so far failed to block any of the changes proposed by Macron since his election last year, a victory that virtually swept away the Socialist Party, long the political champion of the labour movement.

But by taking on the SNCF, a totem of French unionism, Macron has inevitably drawn comparisons to a previous turning point in Europe's industrial relations: Margaret Thatcher's showdown with British coal mine unions in 1984.

The 40-year-old centrist appears to be seizing the opportunity provided by his surprise victory in presidential and parliamentary elections last May and June when he stood as a reformist candidate promising to transform France.

Like controversial labour market reforms last October, he has promised to push through the SNCF overhaul by executive order to avoid a lengthy debate in parliament, while also pressing ahead in other areas.

"His tactical approach is working. By constantly opening new fronts, he renders opposition to the previous one obsolete," said political expert Philippe Braud.

With French opinion divided between "resignation" and "deep conviction that things must move forward," Braud said, "the planets were aligned: So many reforms have been aborted over the past 20 years".France`s union landscape has also shifted markedly, with the hardline CGT recently dethroned as the biggest player by the more moderate CFDT, which has refused calls for a "convergence" of the various protests.

Union membership has also plummeted, with just over 11 percent of French workers unionised according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, one of the lowest levels in the EU.

However unions continue to punch above their weight and even CFDT chief Laurent Berger has warned Macron against "knocking over everything", describing his method as "You discuss, I decide".

Hot on the heels of loosening France's strict labour rules to make hiring-and-firing easier, Macron appears eager to take advantage of his momentum.

CGT head Philippe Martinez, whose union is the biggest at the SNCF, said last week that France was poised for another May 1968, when a series of strikes snowballed into a social revolution.

Fifty years ago, "there was no general call for a strike, but a chain reaction of mobilisations that came together," Martinez told L'Humanite newspaper.

Train drivers and other staff are set to walk off the job from Monday night at the start of three months of planned stoppages against reform plans

French state railway operator SNCF warned Sunday of major disruption caused by strikes this week that analysts say will be a major test of how much weight the country's once fearsome trade unions still carry. Train drivers and other staff are set to walk off the job from Monday night at the start of three months of planned stoppages against reform plans announced by President Emmanuel Macron and his government. From Tuesday, rubbish collectors, some staff in the electricity and energy sector and employees of Air France are also set to strike in the biggest wave of industrial unrest since Macron's election last May. Flight crews and ground staff for Air France also announced a further two-day strike for April 10 and 11. In an update on Sunday, the SNCF said travel would be "very disrupted" on Tuesday, with one in eight high-speed TGV trains operating, around one in five regional trains and major cancellations on suburban commuter trains. SNCF chief Guillaume Pepy warned that some train lines might be closed due to the walkouts and that problems might accumulate over time because stoppages have been announced for two out of every five days until June 28. "Three days after normal services resume, another strike sequence will start. It'll completely disorganise our work," he told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, warning the network's 4.5 million daily users to brace for problems. Unions are reacting to government plans to revamp the debt-laden and loss-making SNCF which they believe -- despite consistent denials from the government -- is a first step toward privatisation. Under the proposed changes, new rail employees will not benefit from a special status historically given to railway workers, which guarantees them a job for life and early retirement. Forty-eight percent of staff are set to join the strike Tuesday and a second day on Wednesday, including 77 percent of drivers, the SNCF said. Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne, interviewed in Sunday's edition of the Parisien newspaper, took a harder line than in previous statements, calling the industrial action "incomprehensible". The government has so far had public opinion on its side over the rail reform, but a survey on Sunday showed sympathy growing for SNCF staff. A new poll by the Ifop group showed that 46 percent of respondents found the strike "justified", up four points from two weeks ago. Only a slim majority, 51 percent, thought the government "should complete the reform as it has been announced". Unions have so far failed to block any of the changes proposed by Macron since his election last year, a victory that virtually swept away the Socialist Party, long the political champion of the labour movement. But by taking on the SNCF, a totem of French unionism, Macron has inevitably drawn comparisons to a previous turning point in Europe's industrial relations: Margaret Thatcher's showdown with British coal mine unions in 1984. The 40-year-old centrist appears to be seizing the opportunity provided by his surprise victory in presidential and parliamentary elections last May and June when he stood as a reformist candidate promising to transform France. Like controversial labour market reforms last October, he has promised to push through the SNCF overhaul by executive order to avoid a lengthy debate in parliament, while also pressing ahead in other areas. "His tactical approach is working. By constantly opening new fronts, he renders opposition to the previous one obsolete," said political expert Philippe Braud. With French opinion divided between "resignation" and "deep conviction that things must move forward," Braud said, "the planets were aligned: So many reforms have been aborted over the past 20 years".France`s union landscape has also shifted markedly, with the hardline CGT recently dethroned as the biggest player by the more moderate CFDT, which has refused calls for a "convergence" of the various protests. Union membership has also plummeted, with just over 11 percent of French workers unionised according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, one of the lowest levels in the EU. However unions continue to punch above their weight and even CFDT chief Laurent Berger has warned Macron against "knocking over everything", describing his method as "You discuss, I decide". Hot on the heels of loosening France's strict labour rules to make hiring-and-firing easier, Macron appears eager to take advantage of his momentum. CGT head Philippe Martinez, whose union is the biggest at the SNCF, said last week that France was poised for another May 1968, when a series of strikes snowballed into a social revolution. Fifty years ago, "there was no general call for a strike, but a chain reaction of mobilisations that came together," Martinez told L'Humanite newspaper.

French railways warn of major disruption ahead of anti-Macron strike

Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury.

"Russia's decision to expel four French embassy staff from Russia does not surprise us. We regret this and want to point out to this day that Russia has refused to give any explanation about the attack in Salisbury," France 24 reported, citing the French foreign ministry, as saying, in a statement.

France on Monday expelled four Russian diplomats as a part of solidarity with Britain over the spy row.Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday told UK Parliament that 23 countries had expelled more than 115 Russian intelligence diplomats, which "represents an unprecedented series of expulsions that demonstrates to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate their attempts to flout international law, undermine our values or threaten our security".

Only a handful of EU countries including Austria, Portugal, Greece and Malta, have declined to take any step.Many other countries have expelled one or two diplomats, a move designed to register support for the UK.Russia on Thursday said that it will expel 60 US diplomats and close the American consulates in St Petersburg.

The Foreign Minister said Russia would not only provide a mirror response to the West`s steps but even "more than that".

France on Monday expelled four Russian diplomats as a part of solidarity with Britain over the spy row.Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4

Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury. "Russia's decision to expel four French embassy staff from Russia does not surprise us. We regret this and want to point out to this day that Russia has refused to give any explanation about the attack in Salisbury," France 24 reported, citing the French foreign ministry, as saying, in a statement. France on Monday expelled four Russian diplomats as a part of solidarity with Britain over the spy row.Retired military intelligence officer Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury city centre on March 4. British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday told UK Parliament that 23 countries had expelled more than 115 Russian intelligence diplomats, which "represents an unprecedented series of expulsions that demonstrates to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate their attempts to flout international law, undermine our values or threaten our security". Only a handful of EU countries including Austria, Portugal, Greece and Malta, have declined to take any step.Many other countries have expelled one or two diplomats, a move designed to register support for the UK.Russia on Thursday said that it will expel 60 US diplomats and close the American consulates in St Petersburg. The Foreign Minister said Russia would not only provide a mirror response to the West`s steps but even "more than that".

Russia to expel 4 French diplomats over spy row

France on Thursday accused Iran of supplying weapons to Huthi rebels waging a three-year fight against a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and rejected Tehran's denial.

"There is a problem in Yemen: it is that the political process has not begun, that Saudi Arabia feels regularly attacked by the Huthis, who are themselves supplied with arms by Iran," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio.

Iran has said it supports the Huthis' cause in Yemen but has repeatedly denied arming them, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia of evidence of weapon shipments.

Le Drian's comments come just days before an official visit to France by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose government has threatened Iran with retaliation after Huthi rebels fired seven missiles into Saudia Arabia last weekend.

Riyadh said Iran supplied the missiles which struck the capital as well as three cities close to the Yemeni border, killing one person and injuring two.

On Tuesday Iran's Revolutionary Guards rejected the accusation, saying it would be impossible to get them through the blockade imposed against Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition.

Le Drian's bolstering of Riyadh's claims could strain ties between Iran and France ahead of an expected visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Tehran in the coming months, the first by a French head of state or government since 1976.

France has resisted international pressure to stop supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the main players in the coalition which supports Yemen's pro-government forces.&nbsp;

Amnesty International last week said the shipments by France, along with the US and Britain, had contributed to the deaths of thousands of civilians in attacks by coalition forces.

But Le Drian insisted Thursday that the weapon sales complied with international law.

"We have a very rigorous framework on weapon exports which we adhere to with great vigilance," he said.

Stepping up pressure

The conflict in Yemen, which has killed an estimated 10,000 people, comes as Iran is under increasing pressure over its role in several Middle East conflicts.

Le Drian visited Tehran in early March to lay the groundwork for Macron's coming visit, and to discuss the landmark 2015 deal with international powers that curtailed Iran's nuclear programme.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to walk away from the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran when it next comes up for renewal by the American president in May.

Although Macron along with other European leaders has made no secret of his desire to secure the deal, he has repeatedly criticised Tehran's ballistic missile programme.

He has also called on Tehran to rein in the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad after weeks of assaults by his forces against rebels in Eastern Ghouta, which has prompted tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

Iran and Russia are Bashar's main backers in his war against a rebellion launched in 2011.

Le Drian said Thursday that Macron was still planning to visit Russia in May "for the time being", despite rapidly deteriorating relations between Moscow and the West over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain.

"We want a frank discussion with Moscow, a demanding one without any ambiguity, to ask Moscow to respect international law," he said.

France on Thursday accused Iran of supplying weapons to Huthi rebels waging a three-year fight against a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and rejected Tehran's denial

France on Thursday accused Iran of supplying weapons to Huthi rebels waging a three-year fight against a Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and rejected Tehran's denial. "There is a problem in Yemen: it is that the political process has not begun, that Saudi Arabia feels regularly attacked by the Huthis, who are themselves supplied with arms by Iran," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told RTL radio. Iran has said it supports the Huthis' cause in Yemen but has repeatedly denied arming them, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia of evidence of weapon shipments. Le Drian's comments come just days before an official visit to France by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose government has threatened Iran with retaliation after Huthi rebels fired seven missiles into Saudia Arabia last weekend. Riyadh said Iran supplied the missiles which struck the capital as well as three cities close to the Yemeni border, killing one person and injuring two. On Tuesday Iran's Revolutionary Guards rejected the accusation, saying it would be impossible to get them through the blockade imposed against Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition. Le Drian's bolstering of Riyadh's claims could strain ties between Iran and France ahead of an expected visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Tehran in the coming months, the first by a French head of state or government since 1976. France has resisted international pressure to stop supplying weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the main players in the coalition which supports Yemen's pro-government forces. Amnesty International last week said the shipments by France, along with the US and Britain, had contributed to the deaths of thousands of civilians in attacks by coalition forces. But Le Drian insisted Thursday that the weapon sales complied with international law. "We have a very rigorous framework on weapon exports which we adhere to with great vigilance," he said. Stepping up pressure The conflict in Yemen, which has killed an estimated 10,000 people, comes as Iran is under increasing pressure over its role in several Middle East conflicts. Le Drian visited Tehran in early March to lay the groundwork for Macron's coming visit, and to discuss the landmark 2015 deal with international powers that curtailed Iran's nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump has threatened to walk away from the deal and reimpose sanctions on Iran when it next comes up for renewal by the American president in May. Although Macron along with other European leaders has made no secret of his desire to secure the deal, he has repeatedly criticised Tehran's ballistic missile programme. He has also called on Tehran to rein in the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad after weeks of assaults by his forces against rebels in Eastern Ghouta, which has prompted tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Iran and Russia are Bashar's main backers in his war against a rebellion launched in 2011. Le Drian said Thursday that Macron was still planning to visit Russia in May "for the time being", despite rapidly deteriorating relations between Moscow and the West over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain. "We want a frank discussion with Moscow, a demanding one without any ambiguity, to ask Moscow to respect international law," he said.

France accuses Iran of arming Yemen's Huthi rebels

French authorities have detained a man suspected of trying to ram his car on soldiers in eastern France

Earlier, French authorities had launched a manhunt for the man who reportedly tried to drive a car into a group of solider in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset, near Grenoble in the eastern part of the country.

The soldiers were jogging at the time around 8am in the morning when the driver came from behind in an attempt to run over the men, the soldiers managed to get up to the pavement without being hit, reports said.

The driver sped off immediately. The police quickly sealed the area and launched a manhunt to nab the alleged assailant.

In April last year a policeman was shot while on duty on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Four months later, a man rammed his car into a group of soldiers on patrol in a Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret, injuring six people.

The soldiers were jogging at the time around 8am in the morning when the driver came from behind in an attempt to run over the men

French authorities have detained a man suspected of trying to ram his car on soldiers in eastern France Earlier, French authorities had launched a manhunt for the man who reportedly tried to drive a car into a group of solider in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset, near Grenoble in the eastern part of the country. The soldiers were jogging at the time around 8am in the morning when the driver came from behind in an attempt to run over the men, the soldiers managed to get up to the pavement without being hit, reports said. The driver sped off immediately. The police quickly sealed the area and launched a manhunt to nab the alleged assailant. In April last year a policeman was shot while on duty on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Four months later, a man rammed his car into a group of soldiers on patrol in a Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret, injuring six people.

French police detain man suspected of trying to ram car on soldiers

France will pay a national tribute to a security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist militant, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains.

His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum.

&ldquo;He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist,&rdquo; Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday.

Macron said France would organize a national tribute in Beltrame&rsquo;s honour, the president&rsquo;s office announced after he met with members of the government and officials involved in the attack investigation. It gave no further details.

The attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday.

Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday.&nbsp;

The attacker&rsquo;s rampage began when he shot the occupant of a car he stole and fired on a group of police joggers, wounding one. He then headed to a supermarket where he killed two people, an employee and a client, bringing Friday&rsquo;s toll to three dead and 16 injured, according to a government readout.

Beltrame&rsquo;s death took the number killed to four.&nbsp;

He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the shop escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit.

He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times.

Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a &ldquo;hero&rdquo; on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head.

#ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honour.

The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had &ldquo;fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission&rdquo;.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrame&rsquo;s courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten.

ARRESTS AND SEARCHES

The Islamic State militant group on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack.

Several hundred investigators devoted to the inquiry were still checking the claim on Saturday and looking into possible complicity the &ldquo;terrorist&rdquo; could have benefited from to carry out his attacks, the president&rsquo;s office said.

Police arrested two people as part of the investigation - on Friday a woman connected to Lakdim, and overnight a 17-year-old male said to be one of his friends, judicial sources said.&nbsp;

Searches at the attacker&rsquo;s home showed notes referring to Islamic State that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said.

Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun and a hunting knife in the supermarket, a source said.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned &ldquo;the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!&rdquo; he added on Twitter.

More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group.

France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months IS has lost much of a self-proclaimed &ldquo;caliphate&rdquo; of the territory it seized in 2014.

One multiple attacks by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016.

Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said.&nbsp;

Friday&rsquo;s assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him.

Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations.&nbsp;

Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of "Islamist terrorism".

France will pay a national tribute to a security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist militant, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday. Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains. His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum. “He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist,” Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday. Macron said France would organize a national tribute in Beltrame’s honour, the president’s office announced after he met with members of the government and officials involved in the attack investigation. It gave no further details. The attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday. Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday. The attacker’s rampage began when he shot the occupant of a car he stole and fired on a group of police joggers, wounding one. He then headed to a supermarket where he killed two people, an employee and a client, bringing Friday’s toll to three dead and 16 injured, according to a government readout. Beltrame’s death took the number killed to four. He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the shop escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit. He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times. Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a “hero” on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head. #ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honour. The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had “fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission”. British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrame’s courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten. ARRESTS AND SEARCHES The Islamic State militant group on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack. Several hundred investigators devoted to the inquiry were still checking the claim on Saturday and looking into possible complicity the “terrorist” could have benefited from to carry out his attacks, the president’s office said. Police arrested two people as part of the investigation - on Friday a woman connected to Lakdim, and overnight a 17-year-old male said to be one of his friends, judicial sources said. Searches at the attacker’s home showed notes referring to Islamic State that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said. Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun and a hunting knife in the supermarket, a source said. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned “the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support”. “We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!” he added on Twitter. More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group. France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months IS has lost much of a self-proclaimed “caliphate” of the territory it seized in 2014. One multiple attacks by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016. Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said. Friday’s assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him. Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations.

France mourns 'hero' officer who took place of hostage in attack

A woman who was living with the attacker who killed three people at a supermarket in southern France&#39;s Trebes has been detained, a prosecutor said on Friday.

Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police.

A gunman killed three people in southwestern France on Friday as he held up a car, fired on police and seized hostages in a supermarket, screaming &quot;Allahu Akbar&quot; before security forces stormed the building and killed him, authorities said.

Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of &quot;Islamist terrorism&quot;.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Macron said security services were checking that claim.

It took three hours to bring the situation under control when the police shot dead the gunman in a cross firing. Two more were later confirmed dead by the police.

Also, a French policeman shot by the gunman after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is &quot;fighting for his life&quot;, President Emmanuel Macron said.

Arnaud Beltrame, 45, was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene in the town of Trebes after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage.

Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police

A woman who was living with the attacker who killed three people at a supermarket in southern France's Trebes has been detained, a prosecutor said on Friday. Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police. A gunman killed three people in southwestern France on Friday as he held up a car, fired on police and seized hostages in a supermarket, screaming "Allahu Akbar" before security forces stormed the building and killed him, authorities said. Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of "Islamist terrorism". The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Macron said security services were checking that claim. It took three hours to bring the situation under control when the police shot dead the gunman in a cross firing. Two more were later confirmed dead by the police. Also, a French policeman shot by the gunman after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is "fighting for his life", President Emmanuel Macron said. Arnaud Beltrame, 45, was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene in the town of Trebes after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage.

France Supermarket attack: Partner of attacker detained

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-bags-11-rajya-sabha-seats-crushes-sp-bsp-bonhomie-in-up-36889" target="_blank">BJP bags 11 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP</a>

BJP won 11 of the remaining 25 seats at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states today amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-regulators-search-cambridge-analytica-offices-36895" target="_blank">UK regulators search Cambridge Analytica offices</a>

British regulators on Friday began searching the London offices of Cambridge Analytica (CA),&nbsp;the scandal-hit communications firm at the heart of the Facebook data scandal, shortly after a judge approved a search warrant.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir: 2 terrorists killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank"> in Anantnag&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">Dooru</a>

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between security personnel and terrorists at&nbsp;Anantnag&#39;s district Dooru in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-officer-fighting-for-his-life-after-hostage-swap-36891" target="_blank">French police officer &#39;fighting for his life&#39; after hostage swap</a>

A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is &quot;fighting for his life&quot;, President Emmanuel Macron said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/musk-deletes-facebook-pages-of-tesla-spacex-after-challenged-on-twitter-36893" target="_blank">Elon Musk deletes Facebook pages of Tesla, SpaceX after challenged on Twitter</a>

Verified Facebook pages of&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&#39;s rocket company SpaceX and electric carmaker Tesla Inc&nbsp;disappeared on Friday, minutes after the Silicon Valley billionaire promised on Twitter to take down the pages when challenged by users.

BJP bags 11 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP BJP won 11 of the remaining 25 seats at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states today amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP. UK regulators search Cambridge Analytica offices British regulators on Friday began searching the London offices of Cambridge Analytica (CA), the scandal-hit communications firm at the heart of the Facebook data scandal, shortly after a judge approved a search warrant. Jammu and Kashmir: 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Anantnag's Dooru Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between security personnel and terrorists at Anantnag's district Dooru in Jammu and Kashmir. French police officer 'fighting for his life' after hostage swap A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is "fighting for his life", President Emmanuel Macron said. Elon Musk deletes Facebook pages of Tesla, SpaceX after challenged on Twitter Verified Facebook pages of Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX and electric carmaker Tesla Inc disappeared on Friday, minutes after the Silicon Valley billionaire promised on Twitter to take down the pages when challenged by users.

WION Morning News Brief, March 24, 2018

While government all across the world struggle to come up with more stringent measures to curb incidents of sexual harassment, France seems to have found a one-of-a-kind solution to the problem -- on the spot fining of the culprits.&nbsp;

According to France&#39;s Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa, the fines to be paid on the spot by offenders would range from 90 euros to 750 euros ($110 to $920) and could reach 1,500 euros in case of aggravating circumstances. Repeat offenders may even end up shelling out as much as a whopping 3,000 euros.

President Emmanuel Macron said the bill is meant to ensure &quot;women are not afraid to be outside&quot;.

The legislation needs to get the parliamentary nod and will set an age limit under which one will be presumed not to have agreed to have sex with someone aged 18 or above. The age of content, set at 15 years, will facilitate rape prosecutions.

The legislation also proposes an extension to the maximum age until when a rape victim can file a complaint. According to the proposal, a rape victim, ageing 18 years or older, can now lodge a complaint until she turns 48. Previously a victim, ageing 20 years or above, could not file a complaint if ageing above 38 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron has said the bill is meant to ensure 'women are not afraid to be outside'

While government all across the world struggle to come up with more stringent measures to curb incidents of sexual harassment, France seems to have found a one-of-a-kind solution to the problem -- on the spot fining of the culprits. According to France's Gender Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa, the fines to be paid on the spot by offenders would range from 90 euros to 750 euros ($110 to $920) and could reach 1,500 euros in case of aggravating circumstances. Repeat offenders may even end up shelling out as much as a whopping 3,000 euros. President Emmanuel Macron said the bill is meant to ensure "women are not afraid to be outside". The legislation needs to get the parliamentary nod and will set an age limit under which one will be presumed not to have agreed to have sex with someone aged 18 or above. The age of content, set at 15 years, will facilitate rape prosecutions. The legislation also proposes an extension to the maximum age until when a rape victim can file a complaint. According to the proposal, a rape victim, ageing 18 years or older, can now lodge a complaint until she turns 48. Previously a victim, ageing 20 years or above, could not file a complaint if ageing above 38 years. (With inputs from Reuters)

New anti-sexual harassment law in France proposes on-spot fines

France will take legal action against Google and Apple for &quot;abusive business practices&quot;, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Wednesday.

&quot;I believe in an economy based on justice and I will take Google and Apple before the Paris Commercial Court for abusive business practices&quot; against French start-ups, Le Maire said on RTL radio. He added the action could result in penalties reaching several million euros.

France to take legal action against Google and Apple for 'abusive' practices

France will take legal action against Google and Apple for "abusive business practices", Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Wednesday. "I believe in an economy based on justice and I will take Google and Apple before the Paris Commercial Court for abusive business practices" against French start-ups, Le Maire said on RTL radio. He added the action could result in penalties reaching several million euros.

 France to take legal action against Google and Apple for 'abusive' practices

The first ever International Solar Alliance Summit got underway in Delhi on Sunday morning with foreign dignitaries from 23 nations in attendance. The event is being co-hosted by India and France.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi, French President Macron and other leaders at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalSolarAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalSolarAlliance</a> in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/jvIC3YmjDi">pic.twitter.com/jvIC3YmjDi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972689640007393280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While promoting solar energy across the globe -- especially in countries that are part of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) -- as an alternative and sustainable form of energy will be the primary agenda of the summit, Indian dignitaries will turn the spotlight on India&#39;s ambitious renewable energy target.&nbsp;

India aims to achieve 175 gigawatt&nbsp;(GW) clean energy capacities, including 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind power.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalSolarAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalSolarAlliance</a> Summit underway at Delhi&#39;s Rashtrapati Bhavan. <a href="https://t.co/Cz58XNmzmI">https://t.co/Cz58XNmzmI</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972686370417229824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has been pushing for the promotion of solar energy in order to create a low-carbon world economy. The event is likely to see the launch of two key initiatives which will help facilitate the acceleration of solar energy deployment in 121 sun-rich countries situated between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

&quot;Looking forward to co-chairing the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance with President @EmmanuelMacron on 11th March. The ISA is a unique effort that brings the world together to harness solar energy and create a cleaner as well as greener future,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted ahead of the summit.

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कल International Solar Alliance की Founding Conference की 
सह-अध्यक्षता राष्ट्रपति मेक्रों और मैं करेंगे। 
Planet Earth के भविष्य की खातिर, 
हम सभी International Solar Alliance की सफ़लता के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं: PM
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/972383870074085376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The event is being co-hosted by India and France

The first ever International Solar Alliance Summit got underway in Delhi on Sunday morning with foreign dignitaries from 23 nations in attendance. The event is being co-hosted by India and France. PM Narendra Modi, French President Macron and other leaders at the #InternationalSolarAlliance in Delhi pic.twitter.com/jvIC3YmjDi — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2018 × While promoting solar energy across the globe -- especially in countries that are part of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) -- as an alternative and sustainable form of energy will be the primary agenda of the summit, Indian dignitaries will turn the spotlight on India's ambitious renewable energy target. India aims to achieve 175 gigawatt (GW) clean energy capacities, including 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind power. #WATCH Live: #InternationalSolarAlliance Summit underway at Delhi's Rashtrapati Bhavan. https://t.co/Cz58XNmzmI — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2018 × The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has been pushing for the promotion of solar energy in order to create a low-carbon world economy. The event is likely to see the launch of two key initiatives which will help facilitate the acceleration of solar energy deployment in 121 sun-rich countries situated between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. "Looking forward to co-chairing the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance with President @EmmanuelMacron on 11th March. The ISA is a unique effort that brings the world together to harness solar energy and create a cleaner as well as greener future," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted ahead of the summit. कल International Solar Alliance की Founding Conference की सह-अध्यक्षता राष्ट्रपति मेक्रों और मैं करेंगे। Planet Earth के भविष्य की खातिर, हम सभी International Solar Alliance की सफ़लता के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 10, 2018 ×

International Solar Summit: World leaders come together to create a low-carbon economy

French President Emmanuel Macron today emphasised on the need for more pacts on the environment at the global level that could empower people in having a say in battling climate change.

He also stressed on higher investments by the governments to deal with climate change.

Referring to the Paris Framework Agreement on Climate Change, Macron said despite the US decision to leave the pact, many countries have decided to stick by it.

&quot;We want to step up that (the fight against climate change) with new agreements at the UN by 2020, which will give new rights to people...People can go against a company or a government, saying you are not complying with your own commitment,&quot; Macron said.

The French leader was speaking at an interaction with students at a Town Hall here.

Responding to a question on the French government&#39;s stand on artificial intelligence (AI), Macron said it was necessary to invest heavily in the field to create an alternative as it currently dominated by the US and China.

Elaborating on the issue, he said in the US, the AI fight is led by private players---Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and others.

&quot;It is totally privately driven and privately held, which according to me is a big mistake because it deals with privacy...In a certain way with the choice of the society because it will impact your day-to-day life, your intimacy and so on. And these guys will decide for you,&quot; Marcon said.

On the other hand, it is fully controlled by the state in China, he said.

&quot;In China, it is 100 per cent state-driven, government-driven. You have the private leaders but all the data is controlled and monitored by the government, which is, for me not a society I decided to live in,&quot; Macron said.

&quot;So, for Europe, it is necessary to create another model and research in this field is a critical element,&quot; he said.

This, he said, will not only create a single digital market but also help build its own regulations in the arena.

Responding to a question on qualities of a good leader, Macron said a leader is one who has an inclusive approach vis-a-vis gender and religion.

&quot;I think one of the main mistakes of a leader would try to create a sort of domination of your side...Of your people and the others because it is never sustainable and because large parts of violence in our current world is due to frustrations of the minorities, frustrations of dominated people&quot;.

In a nearly hour-long interaction, Macron was asked questions ranging from lighter queries like handling mud-slinging in public life to a more serious one related to climate change and security of women.

Dressed in white shirt, black trousers with a black tie, Macron obliged students seeking selfies with him.

The French leader was speaking at an interaction with students at a Town Hall here

French President Emmanuel Macron today emphasised on the need for more pacts on the environment at the global level that could empower people in having a say in battling climate change. He also stressed on higher investments by the governments to deal with climate change. Referring to the Paris Framework Agreement on Climate Change, Macron said despite the US decision to leave the pact, many countries have decided to stick by it. "We want to step up that (the fight against climate change) with new agreements at the UN by 2020, which will give new rights to people...People can go against a company or a government, saying you are not complying with your own commitment," Macron said. The French leader was speaking at an interaction with students at a Town Hall here. Responding to a question on the French government's stand on artificial intelligence (AI), Macron said it was necessary to invest heavily in the field to create an alternative as it currently dominated by the US and China. Elaborating on the issue, he said in the US, the AI fight is led by private players---Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and others. "It is totally privately driven and privately held, which according to me is a big mistake because it deals with privacy...In a certain way with the choice of the society because it will impact your day-to-day life, your intimacy and so on. And these guys will decide for you," Marcon said. On the other hand, it is fully controlled by the state in China, he said. "In China, it is 100 per cent state-driven, government-driven. You have the private leaders but all the data is controlled and monitored by the government, which is, for me not a society I decided to live in," Macron said. "So, for Europe, it is necessary to create another model and research in this field is a critical element," he said. This, he said, will not only create a single digital market but also help build its own regulations in the arena. Responding to a question on qualities of a good leader, Macron said a leader is one who has an inclusive approach vis-a-vis gender and religion. "I think one of the main mistakes of a leader would try to create a sort of domination of your side...Of your people and the others because it is never sustainable and because large parts of violence in our current world is due to frustrations of the minorities, frustrations of dominated people". In a nearly hour-long interaction, Macron was asked questions ranging from lighter queries like handling mud-slinging in public life to a more serious one related to climate change and security of women. Dressed in white shirt, black trousers with a black tie, Macron obliged students seeking selfies with him.

More pacts needed to fight climate change: Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Indian students in the Indian capital, New Delhi during his visit to the country on Saturday.

Macron encouraged his audience to pursue higher studies in France and claimed it to be an ideal destination for an education with opportunities in humanities, science, and mathematics where language won&#39;t be a barrier with introduction of a curriculum in English.

Macron, who is on a four-day visit to the country also stressed the importance of solar energy saying that it was the best way of providing opportunities and being complaint with climate change.

Earlier in the day Macron called on the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and held bilateral talks.

India and France signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on Saturday including a contract for France&#39;s Safran to supply airline Spice Jet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite. 
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Macron encouraged his audience to pursue higher studies in France and claimed it to be an ideal destination for an education

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Indian students in the Indian capital, New Delhi during his visit to the country on Saturday. Macron encouraged his audience to pursue higher studies in France and claimed it to be an ideal destination for an education with opportunities in humanities, science, and mathematics where language won't be a barrier with introduction of a curriculum in English. Macron, who is on a four-day visit to the country also stressed the importance of solar energy saying that it was the best way of providing opportunities and being complaint with climate change. Earlier in the day Macron called on the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and held bilateral talks. India and France signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on Saturday including a contract for France's Safran to supply airline Spice Jet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite.

Study in France, you can learn in English, Emmanuel Macron tells Indian students

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/35305" target="_blank">China&#39;s mighty strategic shadow hangs</a> over an accord signed by India and France on Saturday aimed at stepping up military cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Under the deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, each country will open its naval bases to warships from the other.

China&#39;s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea already worry world powers. And its move into the vast Indian Ocean -- stretching from the Suez Canal to the Malacca Strait -- has heightened that concern.

Modi and Macron are particularly anxious as China extended its military presence by opening a naval base in the eastern African nation of Djibouti last year.

Beijing is also building up its trading network -- the so-called One Belt One Road initiative -- which involves many of the Asian and African nations that line the Indian Ocean.

It has built a port in Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar, taken a 99-year-lease on Sri Lanka&#39;s Hambantota and bought a number of tiny islands in the Maldives.

All of this has alarmed India, which sits at the heart of the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;

New Delhi experts see Chinese companies investing in assets ranging from airports to the Bangladesh stock exchange as Beijing&#39;s trojan horses.

&quot;They essentially work at the behest of the state and all of their investments are actually not commercial investments but strategic investments and they are meant to serve a geopolitical purpose,&quot; said Abhijit Singh, an analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank.&nbsp;

Modi made clear when he came to power in 2014 that boosting India&#39;s influence in its immediate neighbourhood was a strategic priority.

His government expressed fury when Sri Lanka let a Chinese submarine make a stopover in 2014. Colombo refused a similar request the following year.&nbsp;

- &#39;Critical partners&#39; -

India has stepped up its patrols in the Sunda Strait in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, while boosting its maritime surveillance capability around the Andaman and Nicobar islands off Myanmar, where Chinese warships and submarines have increasingly been on patrol.&nbsp;

Reunion island is in turn a key French territory in the Indian Ocean and Paris also has extensive Pacific interests.

&quot;We have a strong maritime power, a big navy with our nuclear submarines,&quot; Macron said in an interview with Indian television broadcast Friday.

France is &quot;very active in this region to preserve collective security and for me India is one of the critical partners to preserve stability in the whole region.&quot;

China strongly denies any territorial motive against India despite its huge investments and military moves. &quot;The two countries are partners in development not rivals,&quot; said the foreign ministry in Beijing.

Liu Zongyi, a specialist at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, told AFP that India was using the &quot;China threat&quot; to extend its own military power.

Some international experts have doubts about Modi&#39;s response to China in the Indian Ocean and elsewhere.

&quot;On a regional level, the Modi government has not proposed a convincing alternative to the new Silk Road proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. India just does not have the same financial and administrative strength as China,&quot; said Isabelle Saint-Mezard, a South Asia specialist at Paris VIII university&#39;s institute of geopolitics.

Brahma Chellaney, a professor at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi said &quot;India is at last waking up to this new threat.&quot;

But he is among many who fear storms in the Indian Ocean.

&quot;For the moment, China cannot take on India in its own strategic maritime backyard,&quot; Chellaney said.&nbsp;

&quot;But the country is growing, deploying submarines and the situation could quickly change to India&#39;s disadvantage.&quot;

Under the deal, each country will open its naval bases to warships from the other=

China's mighty strategic shadow hangs over an accord signed by India and France on Saturday aimed at stepping up military cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Under the deal signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, each country will open its naval bases to warships from the other. China's territorial ambitions in the South China Sea already worry world powers. And its move into the vast Indian Ocean -- stretching from the Suez Canal to the Malacca Strait -- has heightened that concern. Modi and Macron are particularly anxious as China extended its military presence by opening a naval base in the eastern African nation of Djibouti last year. Beijing is also building up its trading network -- the so-called One Belt One Road initiative -- which involves many of the Asian and African nations that line the Indian Ocean. It has built a port in Pakistan's Gwadar, taken a 99-year-lease on Sri Lanka's Hambantota and bought a number of tiny islands in the Maldives. All of this has alarmed India, which sits at the heart of the Indian Ocean region. New Delhi experts see Chinese companies investing in assets ranging from airports to the Bangladesh stock exchange as Beijing's trojan horses. "They essentially work at the behest of the state and all of their investments are actually not commercial investments but strategic investments and they are meant to serve a geopolitical purpose," said Abhijit Singh, an analyst at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. Modi made clear when he came to power in 2014 that boosting India's influence in its immediate neighbourhood was a strategic priority. His government expressed fury when Sri Lanka let a Chinese submarine make a stopover in 2014. Colombo refused a similar request the following year. - 'Critical partners' - India has stepped up its patrols in the Sunda Strait in the eastern Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, while boosting its maritime surveillance capability around the Andaman and Nicobar islands off Myanmar, where Chinese warships and submarines have increasingly been on patrol. Reunion island is in turn a key French territory in the Indian Ocean and Paris also has extensive Pacific interests. "We have a strong maritime power, a big navy with our nuclear submarines," Macron said in an interview with Indian television broadcast Friday. France is "very active in this region to preserve collective security and for me India is one of the critical partners to preserve stability in the whole region." China strongly denies any territorial motive against India despite its huge investments and military moves. "The two countries are partners in development not rivals," said the foreign ministry in Beijing. Liu Zongyi, a specialist at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, told AFP that India was using the "China threat" to extend its own military power. Some international experts have doubts about Modi's response to China in the Indian Ocean and elsewhere. "On a regional level, the Modi government has not proposed a convincing alternative to the new Silk Road proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. India just does not have the same financial and administrative strength as China," said Isabelle Saint-Mezard, a South Asia specialist at Paris VIII university's institute of geopolitics. Brahma Chellaney, a professor at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi said "India is at last waking up to this new threat." But he is among many who fear storms in the Indian Ocean. "For the moment, China cannot take on India in its own strategic maritime backyard," Chellaney said. "But the country is growing, deploying submarines and the situation could quickly change to India's disadvantage."

India, France security accord has China in mind

India and France on Saturday signed as many as 14 bilateral&nbsp;agreements aimed at boosting ties,&nbsp;including in sectors of security and nuclear energy,&nbsp;at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The French and Indian companies have also signed contracts worth $16 billion on the occasion.

The deals include a contract for France&rsquo;s Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by French water utility firm Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite.

According to reports,&nbsp;around 200 million euros of investments will be made in India.

Macron&#39;s office did not provide a breakdown of the contract&nbsp;values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India.

A so-called &quot;Industrial Way Forward Agreement&quot; was signed between French utility EDF and India&#39;s NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years.

While issuing a joint statement, PM Modi said the two countries share a 20-year-old strategic partnership and have made efforts to strengthen people to people ties.&nbsp;

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Hamari(India-France) strategic partnership bhale hi 20 saal puraani ho, hamare deshon aur hamari sabhyataon ki spiritual partnership sadiyon lambi hai: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/8dMqKLJTTm">pic.twitter.com/8dMqKLJTTm</a>
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PM Modi also thanked France President for making an investment in&nbsp;defence sector under Make in India programme.&nbsp;

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In the Defence sector we welcome investments from France under &#39;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeInIndia</a>&#39;: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/FDbzGFS2GG">pic.twitter.com/FDbzGFS2GG</a>
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The prime minister stressed that like France,&nbsp;liberty, equality and fraternity are deeply embedded in India&#39;s constitution also.&nbsp;

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The agreements have been signed in security and nuclear energy sectors

India and France on Saturday signed as many as 14 bilateral agreements aimed at boosting ties, including in sectors of security and nuclear energy, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The French and Indian companies have also signed contracts worth $16 billion on the occasion. The deals include a contract for France’s Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by French water utility firm Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite. According to reports, around 200 million euros of investments will be made in India. Macron's office did not provide a breakdown of the contract values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India. A so-called "Industrial Way Forward Agreement" was signed between French utility EDF and India's NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years. While issuing a joint statement, PM Modi said the two countries share a 20-year-old strategic partnership and have made efforts to strengthen people to people ties. Hamari(India-France) strategic partnership bhale hi 20 saal puraani ho, hamare deshon aur hamari sabhyataon ki spiritual partnership sadiyon lambi hai: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/8dMqKLJTTm — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × PM Modi also thanked France President for making an investment in defence sector under Make in India programme. In the Defence sector we welcome investments from France under '#MakeInIndia': PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/FDbzGFS2GG — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × The prime minister stressed that like France, liberty, equality and fraternity are deeply embedded in India's constitution also.

India, France sign 14 agreements, to boost bilateral ties

France and Indian companies signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on the first day of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-president-meets-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-35298">President Emmanuel Macron&#39;s visit </a>to India on Saturday, the French president said in a statement.

After a 90-minute long meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, 14 agreements have been signed between India and France. This is followed by the joint press statement by the two leaders, reports said.

The deals include a contract for France&#39;s Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite.

Macron&#39;s office did not provide a breakdown of the contracts&#39; values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India.

A so-called &quot;Industrial Way Forward Agreement&quot; was signed between French utility EDF and India&#39;s NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years.

It was not immediately clear whether these were firm contracts or letters of intent.

Macron, who is currently on four-day India tour from March 9 to 12, was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday morning as he met president Ram Nath Kovind.

Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron and M.J. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Macron visited Rajghat and paid his tribute at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday.

President Macron also met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj this morning. &quot;They exchanged views on enhancing strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties,&quot; tweeted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

&nbsp;

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The deals include a contract for France's Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite

France and Indian companies signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on the first day of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India on Saturday, the French president said in a statement. After a 90-minute long meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, 14 agreements have been signed between India and France. This is followed by the joint press statement by the two leaders, reports said. The deals include a contract for France's Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite. Macron's office did not provide a breakdown of the contracts' values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India. A so-called "Industrial Way Forward Agreement" was signed between French utility EDF and India's NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years. It was not immediately clear whether these were firm contracts or letters of intent. Macron, who is currently on four-day India tour from March 9 to 12, was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday morning as he met president Ram Nath Kovind. Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron and M.J. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Macron visited Rajghat and paid his tribute at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday. President Macron also met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj this morning. "They exchanged views on enhancing strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties," tweeted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

France signs deals worth 13 billion euros with India

Ahead of the International Solar Alliance, Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the event.

The heads of the state were welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.&nbsp;

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PM Modi meets President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. (ANI)
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PM Narendra Modi meets President of Nauru, Baron Waqa. (ANI)
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PM Narendra Modi meets President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. (ANI)
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PM Modi meets Vice President of C&ocirc;te d&#39;Ivoire, Daniel Kablan Duncan. (ANI)
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PM Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padack&eacute;. (ANI)
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Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove &amp; his wife Lynne Cosgrove arrive at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (ANI)
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President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena. (ANI)
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President of Nauru, Baron Waqa being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. (ANI)
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of France <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmmanuelMacron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmmanuelMacron</a> and his wife Brigitte Macron. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalSolarAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalSolarAlliance</a> <a href="https://t.co/KvaAL7ROUq">pic.twitter.com/KvaAL7ROUq</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Delhi: Welcome ceremony for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalSolarAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalSolarAlliance</a> <a href="https://t.co/ySIDTK7G2k">https://t.co/ySIDTK7G2k</a>
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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the International solar alliance

Ahead of the International Solar Alliance, Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind welcomed the heads of various governments participating in the event. The heads of the state were welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. PM Modi meets President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets President of Nauru, Baron Waqa. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. (ANI) × PM Modi meets Vice President of Côte d'Ivoire, Daniel Kablan Duncan. (ANI) × PM Narendra Modi meets Prime Minister of Chad, Albert Pahimi Padacké. (ANI) × Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove & his wife Lynne Cosgrove arrive at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (ANI) × President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena. (ANI) × President of Nauru, Baron Waqa being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. (ANI) × #WATCH: President Ram Nath Kovind, First Lady of India Savita Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi receive President of France #EmmanuelMacron and his wife Brigitte Macron. #InternationalSolarAlliance pic.twitter.com/KvaAL7ROUq — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × #WATCH live from Delhi: Welcome ceremony for #InternationalSolarAlliance https://t.co/ySIDTK7G2k — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 ×

In pics: PM Modi, President Kovind host world leaders for International Solar Alliance

Two weeks after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned from a blunder-struck trip to India, Emmanuel Macron arrives in New Delhi hoping to avoid the missteps of his ally.&nbsp;

Trudeau and Macron are often compared internationally because of their broadly similar political views, as well as youth and good looks. But the French leader will be eager to make a different impression on his Indian hosts.

Trudeau, already facing suspicions in India that Canada was too soft on Sikh separatists back home, was seriously embarrassed when a former militant was invited to a dinner with him in Mumbai.

Even before this revelation, India&#39;s Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given Trudeau a cool reception, but he is expected to be much more welcoming for Macron after a warm meeting between the two in Paris last year.

Macron will &quot;spend a lot of time with Narendra Modi,&quot; a source in the French presidency said, adding that they had &quot;formed a close relationship&quot; during Macron&#39;s first nine months in power.

They will meet Saturday for talks before Macron attends a solar power summit on Sunday designed to showcase India and France&#39;s commitment to fighting climate change, which both leaders have made a priority.

Travelling with his wife Brigitte, France&#39;s 40-year-old president is set to make the almost obligatory visit to the monument to love, the Taj Mahal, a few hours drive from the Indian capital on Sunday.

On Monday, he heads to the chaotic Hindu holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges, which the Indian premier has promised to modernise and clean up.&nbsp;

Having seen Trudeau pilloried on social media and in the Canadian press for donning traditional Indian clothing at every opportunity, Macron is likely to be far more conservative in his dress-sense.As well as discussing climate change and ways to build closer diplomatic ties, the two biggest issues between the countries in recent years -- defence and nuclear energy sales -- will also take centre-stage during private talks.

In September 2016, India finally inked a deal to buy 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets, much less than the 126 that were once discussed, but France and its manufacturer Dassault Aviation hold hopes of further sales.&nbsp;

Macron will also vaunt the quality of Airbus helicopters and Scorpene submarines in a country that buys 90 percent of its equipment from abroad, making it the world&#39;s biggest arms buyer.

Obstacles holding up the long-delayed sale of six nuclear reactors will also be discussed.

Macron has travelled widely since his election last May, presenting himself as the dynamic new face in the European Union who is driving reform efforts in the 28-member bloc.

The centrist has invested time and energy in building relationships with the world&#39;s nationalist strongmen, including US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

France, like much of Europe and the West, sees India as a natural diplomatic and economic partner in Asia because of its role as the world&#39;s biggest democracy and its huge yet still untapped business potential.

The United States and leading European Union members have spent years wooing successive governments in New Delhi, seeing the country as a counter-weight to China in the region.

Macron is set to announce plans to allow Indian navy ships to use French bases in the southern Indian Ocean where New Delhi remains wary of Chinese expansion in an area that it sees as its strategic backyard.&nbsp;

Trudeau and Macron are often compared internationally because of their broadly similar political views

Two weeks after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned from a blunder-struck trip to India, Emmanuel Macron arrives in New Delhi hoping to avoid the missteps of his ally. Trudeau and Macron are often compared internationally because of their broadly similar political views, as well as youth and good looks. But the French leader will be eager to make a different impression on his Indian hosts. Trudeau, already facing suspicions in India that Canada was too soft on Sikh separatists back home, was seriously embarrassed when a former militant was invited to a dinner with him in Mumbai. Even before this revelation, India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given Trudeau a cool reception, but he is expected to be much more welcoming for Macron after a warm meeting between the two in Paris last year. Macron will "spend a lot of time with Narendra Modi," a source in the French presidency said, adding that they had "formed a close relationship" during Macron's first nine months in power. They will meet Saturday for talks before Macron attends a solar power summit on Sunday designed to showcase India and France's commitment to fighting climate change, which both leaders have made a priority. Travelling with his wife Brigitte, France's 40-year-old president is set to make the almost obligatory visit to the monument to love, the Taj Mahal, a few hours drive from the Indian capital on Sunday. On Monday, he heads to the chaotic Hindu holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges, which the Indian premier has promised to modernise and clean up. Having seen Trudeau pilloried on social media and in the Canadian press for donning traditional Indian clothing at every opportunity, Macron is likely to be far more conservative in his dress-sense.As well as discussing climate change and ways to build closer diplomatic ties, the two biggest issues between the countries in recent years -- defence and nuclear energy sales -- will also take centre-stage during private talks. In September 2016, India finally inked a deal to buy 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets, much less than the 126 that were once discussed, but France and its manufacturer Dassault Aviation hold hopes of further sales. Macron will also vaunt the quality of Airbus helicopters and Scorpene submarines in a country that buys 90 percent of its equipment from abroad, making it the world's biggest arms buyer. Obstacles holding up the long-delayed sale of six nuclear reactors will also be discussed. Macron has travelled widely since his election last May, presenting himself as the dynamic new face in the European Union who is driving reform efforts in the 28-member bloc. The centrist has invested time and energy in building relationships with the world's nationalist strongmen, including US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. France, like much of Europe and the West, sees India as a natural diplomatic and economic partner in Asia because of its role as the world's biggest democracy and its huge yet still untapped business potential. The United States and leading European Union members have spent years wooing successive governments in New Delhi, seeing the country as a counter-weight to China in the region. Macron is set to announce plans to allow Indian navy ships to use French bases in the southern Indian Ocean where New Delhi remains wary of Chinese expansion in an area that it sees as its strategic backyard.

Macron heads to India, seeking to avoid Trudeau errors

Amid&nbsp;significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region, India is looking to build strong ties with France and the US.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is set&nbsp;to visit India this weekeend, plans to hold talks with PM Modi on&nbsp;maritime security.

India and France have bonded over Indian Ocean issue,&nbsp;&#39;Reunion&#39; is a French Island in the Indian Ocean houses one of France&#39;s largest naval bases.&nbsp;

The two countries have realised that the way forward is closer bilateral cooperation, rather than &quot;rushing&quot; into a multilateral format, significant at a time when pluri-laterals or mini-laterals find favour.

France is now in talks with India for giving Indian warships access to facilities in the island and hopes to clinch the agreement during Macron&#39;s visit. This could bore strategic significance for France and now possibly India. &nbsp;

If the deal works in India&#39;s favour, Indian naval presence could extend to the French bases in Abu Dhabi in UAE and Djibouti in the horn of Africa which is home to United States permanent military base as well as bases belonging to France, Italy, Japan and China.&nbsp;

China opened a base in Djibouti in August last year.&nbsp;

India counts France as its trusted strategic partner.&nbsp;Moreover, &quot;Reunion&quot;&nbsp;has another Indian connection - it is home to people of Indian origin who were brought to the island as indentured labour from India in the 19th century.&nbsp;

India-China rivalry in Indian ocean region has increasingly given headaches to Indian officials. While China maintains its ships patrol international waters to provide safe passage to its merchant ships, many countries regard an increasing deployment of military vessels as part of China&#39;s &quot;expansionist policies&quot;. India, in particular, is cautious due to reports that China plans to deploy a &quot;nuclear submarine&quot;&nbsp;at Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar port - close to Indian waters.&nbsp;

China has presence in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian is raising its profile by having strategic pacts in the region:

<ul>
	<li>India has signed a logistics pact with US giving access to Indian ships in US bases.</li>
	<li>India is also developing Chabahar port in Iran to &quot;counter&quot;&nbsp;Chinese presence in Pak&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Oman agreed to provide Indian navy with its facility in Duqm.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India also has agreements with Mauritius and Seychelles.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>In the east, India is helping Myanmar develop the &quot;Sittwe&quot;&nbsp;port.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India and Vietnam have stepped up their relation and Singapore has allowed the use of its naval base for &quot;docking&quot;, referring as well as &quot;re-arming&quot;.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

France remains the largest resident power in the Indian Ocean with the largest amount of real estate, including about 11 million sq km of exclusive economic zone particularly in the Mozambique channel with over 10 islands as part of French overseas territories. For France&#39;s military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands, India regards it as an attractive strategic partner.

India and France are also hoping to get an agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors that could lead to greater indigenisation of components and services for the reactors.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is going to visit India this week, plans to hold talks with PM Modi over maritime security

Amid significant rise in presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean region, India is looking to build strong ties with France and the US. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is set to visit India this weekeend, plans to hold talks with PM Modi on maritime security. India and France have bonded over Indian Ocean issue, 'Reunion' is a French Island in the Indian Ocean houses one of France's largest naval bases. The two countries have realised that the way forward is closer bilateral cooperation, rather than "rushing" into a multilateral format, significant at a time when pluri-laterals or mini-laterals find favour. France is now in talks with India for giving Indian warships access to facilities in the island and hopes to clinch the agreement during Macron's visit. This could bore strategic significance for France and now possibly India. If the deal works in India's favour, Indian naval presence could extend to the French bases in Abu Dhabi in UAE and Djibouti in the horn of Africa which is home to United States permanent military base as well as bases belonging to France, Italy, Japan and China. China opened a base in Djibouti in August last year. India counts France as its trusted strategic partner. Moreover, "Reunion" has another Indian connection - it is home to people of Indian origin who were brought to the island as indentured labour from India in the 19th century. India-China rivalry in Indian ocean region has increasingly given headaches to Indian officials. While China maintains its ships patrol international waters to provide safe passage to its merchant ships, many countries regard an increasing deployment of military vessels as part of China's "expansionist policies". India, in particular, is cautious due to reports that China plans to deploy a "nuclear submarine" at Pakistan's Gwadar port - close to Indian waters. China has presence in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Indian is raising its profile by having strategic pacts in the region: India has signed a logistics pact with US giving access to Indian ships in US bases. India is also developing Chabahar port in Iran to "counter" Chinese presence in Pak Oman agreed to provide Indian navy with its facility in Duqm. India also has agreements with Mauritius and Seychelles. In the east, India is helping Myanmar develop the "Sittwe" port. India and Vietnam have stepped up their relation and Singapore has allowed the use of its naval base for "docking", referring as well as "re-arming". France remains the largest resident power in the Indian Ocean with the largest amount of real estate, including about 11 million sq km of exclusive economic zone particularly in the Mozambique channel with over 10 islands as part of French overseas territories. For France's military bases in Djibouti, Abu Dhabi and Reunion Islands, India regards it as an attractive strategic partner. India and France are also hoping to get an agreement between NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited) and EDF (of France) on six nuclear reactors that could lead to greater indigenisation of components and services for the reactors.

Video: Ahead of Macron's visit, India turns to France to counter China in Indian Ocean

Brazil&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">Paris St Germain</a> forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">injured foot and ankle</a>&nbsp;confirmed the Brazilian Football Confederation. He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte. On Friday, he flew to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">Belo Horizonte in Brazil</a> and went straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot.

&quot;The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167">post-op rehabilitation</a> will begin immediately with the presence of a PSG physiotherapist,&quot; the CBF added.

&quot;He will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training.&quot;

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167"> fractured metatarsal</a> when he was stretchered off during a match against Marseille.

Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">his father, Neymar Sr</a> said, &quot;PSG know that they won&#39;t have Neymar in the next few games and that they won&#39;t have Neymar for the next six weeks at least.&quot;

&quot;Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks,&quot; he further said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">Neymar Sr</a>&nbsp;also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">miss&nbsp;next week&#39;s Champions</a>&nbsp;League encounter against Real Madrid.

&nbsp;

Neymar will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training

Brazil's Paris St Germain forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his injured foot and ankle confirmed the Brazilian Football Confederation. He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte. On Friday, he flew to Belo Horizonte in Brazil and went straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot. "The post-op rehabilitation will begin immediately with the presence of a PSG physiotherapist," the CBF added. "He will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training." Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off during a match against Marseille. Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, his father, Neymar Sr said, "PSG know that they won't have Neymar in the next few games and that they won't have Neymar for the next six weeks at least." "Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks," he further said. Neymar Sr also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely miss next week's Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

Neymar's operation of injured foot & ankle went perfectly, says Brazil confederation

The French government defended a new immigration bill as &quot;completely balanced&quot; on Wednesday despite criticism from rights groups and some ruling party lawmakers that it will lead to thousands of extra deportations.

The draft law, which criminalises illegal border crossings and speeds up procedures to deport economic migrants, was presented to the cabinet of President Emmanuel Macron for the first time.&nbsp;

It has sparked widespread anger from NGOs, who have branded it repressive, but the centrist government insists it is creating a more efficient system to sift out genuine refugees from those simply seeking a better life in France.

&quot;It`s a well-balanced law, in line with European law above all, and it is absolutely necessary that countries like Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden have the same type of procedures,&quot; Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told a press conference.

Macron, the 40-year-old centrist elected last May, says the new policy aims to balance &quot;efficiency&quot; with &quot;humanity&quot;, but the issue has become one of the most divisive of his young presidency.

He has highlighted how the law would offer faster asylum procedures for refugees and improve their lives once accepted in France, but some members of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party have broken ranks.

The bill doubles the time that failed asylum seekers can be held in detention to 90 days -- a move aimed at making it easier to deport them -- and halves the amount of the time applicants have to mount appeals.&nbsp;

&quot;The most vulnerable will be punished,&quot; warned Jean-Michel Clement, an MP who joined the LREM after switching from the Socialists.

Some workers at France`s refugee protection office Ofpra went on strike in protest on Wednesday, branding the bill &quot;an unequivocal departure from France`s tradition of asylum&quot;.

They joined staff at the asylum court who have been on strike for nine days over their working conditions, with immigration lawyers also raising concerns over aspects of the draft law.

The bill will be introduced in parliament in April, with debate expected to last several weeks.

While leftwingers see it as too punitive, the right-wing opposition has labelled it too soft. French voters consistently cite immigration as a top concern, and the issue helped far-right nationalist leader Marine Le Pen to win 34 percent of the vote in the presidential election last year.

Much of her rhetoric focused on the risk of France being &quot;swamped&quot; by foreigners from Africa.

&quot;If we don`t take on this problem, we will not be able to guarantee the right to asylum in France anymore,&quot; Collomb said at the press conference.

The country received a record 100,000 asylum applications last year and offered refugee status to around 30,000 people, official figures show. Forced expulsions numbered 14,900.

NGOs have lashed out in particular at the tougher conditions for failed asylum seekers.&nbsp;

&quot;We`re asking for it to be withdrawn,&quot; the Cimade migrants` charity said of the bill. &quot;We`re not even in favour of fighting for changes to the bill, because the philosophy behind it is just too repressive.&quot;&nbsp;

The government said it is also considering proposals on how to better integrate newcomers, including doubling the number of hours of French lessons they get and allowing asylum seekers to work.

The bill also aims to cut the average waiting time on asylum applications from 11 months to six, although staff at the asylum court have raised concerns that the tighter turnaround on cases will make it more difficult to appeal.

A heated parliamentary debate last week on a separate law on taking in &quot;Dublin&quot; migrants -- those whose asylum claims are registered in other EU countries -- provided a window on how the issue has split Macron backers.

The government has already had to abandon a controversial proposal to deport failed asylum-seekers to third countries deemed &quot;safe&quot;.&nbsp;

Plans by Collomb to carry out immigration checks in homeless shelters have also come under fire in recent weeks.

Left-wing Liberation newspaper noted that while polls showed voters backing tougher immigration laws, the relocation of thousands of migrants to towns and villages nationwide in 2016 went off largely without a hitch.

&quot;The French say they are worried, wary and want conservative migration policies. But once they get to know refugees they also want them to be welcomed,&quot; the paper wrote in an editorial.

The draft law, which criminalises illegal border crossings and speeds up procedures to deport economic migrants, was presented to the cabinet of President Emmanuel Macron for the first time.

The French government defended a new immigration bill as "completely balanced" on Wednesday despite criticism from rights groups and some ruling party lawmakers that it will lead to thousands of extra deportations. The draft law, which criminalises illegal border crossings and speeds up procedures to deport economic migrants, was presented to the cabinet of President Emmanuel Macron for the first time. It has sparked widespread anger from NGOs, who have branded it repressive, but the centrist government insists it is creating a more efficient system to sift out genuine refugees from those simply seeking a better life in France. "It`s a well-balanced law, in line with European law above all, and it is absolutely necessary that countries like Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden have the same type of procedures," Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told a press conference. Macron, the 40-year-old centrist elected last May, says the new policy aims to balance "efficiency" with "humanity", but the issue has become one of the most divisive of his young presidency. He has highlighted how the law would offer faster asylum procedures for refugees and improve their lives once accepted in France, but some members of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party have broken ranks. The bill doubles the time that failed asylum seekers can be held in detention to 90 days -- a move aimed at making it easier to deport them -- and halves the amount of the time applicants have to mount appeals. "The most vulnerable will be punished," warned Jean-Michel Clement, an MP who joined the LREM after switching from the Socialists. Some workers at France`s refugee protection office Ofpra went on strike in protest on Wednesday, branding the bill "an unequivocal departure from France`s tradition of asylum". They joined staff at the asylum court who have been on strike for nine days over their working conditions, with immigration lawyers also raising concerns over aspects of the draft law. The bill will be introduced in parliament in April, with debate expected to last several weeks. While leftwingers see it as too punitive, the right-wing opposition has labelled it too soft. French voters consistently cite immigration as a top concern, and the issue helped far-right nationalist leader Marine Le Pen to win 34 percent of the vote in the presidential election last year. Much of her rhetoric focused on the risk of France being "swamped" by foreigners from Africa. "If we don`t take on this problem, we will not be able to guarantee the right to asylum in France anymore," Collomb said at the press conference. The country received a record 100,000 asylum applications last year and offered refugee status to around 30,000 people, official figures show. Forced expulsions numbered 14,900. NGOs have lashed out in particular at the tougher conditions for failed asylum seekers. "We`re asking for it to be withdrawn," the Cimade migrants` charity said of the bill. "We`re not even in favour of fighting for changes to the bill, because the philosophy behind it is just too repressive." The government said it is also considering proposals on how to better integrate newcomers, including doubling the number of hours of French lessons they get and allowing asylum seekers to work. The bill also aims to cut the average waiting time on asylum applications from 11 months to six, although staff at the asylum court have raised concerns that the tighter turnaround on cases will make it more difficult to appeal. A heated parliamentary debate last week on a separate law on taking in "Dublin" migrants -- those whose asylum claims are registered in other EU countries -- provided a window on how the issue has split Macron backers. The government has already had to abandon a controversial proposal to deport failed asylum-seekers to third countries deemed "safe". Plans by Collomb to carry out immigration checks in homeless shelters have also come under fire in recent weeks. Left-wing Liberation newspaper noted that while polls showed voters backing tougher immigration laws, the relocation of thousands of migrants to towns and villages nationwide in 2016 went off largely without a hitch. "The French say they are worried, wary and want conservative migration policies. But once they get to know refugees they also want them to be welcomed," the paper wrote in an editorial.

France unveils controversial migrant bill, criminalises illegal border crossings

Tearful French figure skater Gabriella Papadakis called it her &quot;worst nightmare&quot; after she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction on Monday in the Olympic ice dance competition.

A heavy title favourite along with partner Guillaume Cizeron, Papadakis&#39;s dress slipped during their routine in Pyeongchang but the French pair demonstrated remarkable composure and were in second place behind Canada&#39;s Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

The mishap happened when the 22-year-old Papadakis leaned backwards early on and Cizeron inadvertently unclipped the back of her green costume.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/french-skater-suffers-dress-mishap-during-ice-dance-33357">Her halter-top</a>, complete with tassels and spangles, edged sideways to briefly expose her left breast.

The duo was still able to finish their short dance as Papadakis tried to keep her chest covered, but she left the ice in tears.

Compounding her embarrassment, the incident was replayed in slow motion on screens at the arena.

&quot;It was pretty distracting, my worst nightmare at the Olympics,&quot; Papadakis said after drying her eyes.

&quot;I felt it right away and I prayed.

&quot;I told myself &#39;you have to keep going&#39; and that&#39;s what we did and we have to be proud of ourselves, delivering a great performance with that happening.&quot;

Cizeron added: &quot;It&#39;s just frustrating to miss a few points because of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/french-skater-suffers-dress-mishap-during-ice-dance-33357">a costume issue</a>. It is not what we get ready for when we train.&quot;

The Vancouver 2010 champions Virtue and Moir posted a short-dance world record score of 83.67 points to take a lead of 1.74 into Tuesday&#39;s free dance.

Papadakis is not the first figure skater to have a wardrobe fail at these Games.

South Korean Min Yura won the hearts of skate fans on her Olympic debut after bravely battling on after a hook popped on her dress just seconds into her routine in the team short dance.

Focusing on executing her spins with partner Alexander Gamelin, Min had to keep adjusting her red top, winning rich praise from commentators for keeping her cool.

&nbsp;

A heavy title favourite Papadakis's dress slipped during their routine in Pyeongchang but the duo was still able to finish their short dance

Tearful French figure skater Gabriella Papadakis called it her "worst nightmare" after she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction on Monday in the Olympic ice dance competition. A heavy title favourite along with partner Guillaume Cizeron, Papadakis's dress slipped during their routine in Pyeongchang but the French pair demonstrated remarkable composure and were in second place behind Canada's Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The mishap happened when the 22-year-old Papadakis leaned backwards early on and Cizeron inadvertently unclipped the back of her green costume. Her halter-top, complete with tassels and spangles, edged sideways to briefly expose her left breast. The duo was still able to finish their short dance as Papadakis tried to keep her chest covered, but she left the ice in tears. Compounding her embarrassment, the incident was replayed in slow motion on screens at the arena. "It was pretty distracting, my worst nightmare at the Olympics," Papadakis said after drying her eyes. "I felt it right away and I prayed. "I told myself 'you have to keep going' and that's what we did and we have to be proud of ourselves, delivering a great performance with that happening." Cizeron added: "It's just frustrating to miss a few points because of a costume issue. It is not what we get ready for when we train." The Vancouver 2010 champions Virtue and Moir posted a short-dance world record score of 83.67 points to take a lead of 1.74 into Tuesday's free dance. Papadakis is not the first figure skater to have a wardrobe fail at these Games. South Korean Min Yura won the hearts of skate fans on her Olympic debut after bravely battling on after a hook popped on her dress just seconds into her routine in the team short dance. Focusing on executing her spins with partner Alexander Gamelin, Min had to keep adjusting her red top, winning rich praise from commentators for keeping her cool.

French skater suffers dress mishap during ice dance

Three people were arrested in France on Tuesday for alleged links to a suspect in last year&#39;s deadly jihadist attacks in Barcelona and a nearby seaside resort, the Spanish interior ministry said Tuesday.

The arrests were made during a joint operation with French and Spanish police in the south and southwest of France, the ministry said in a statement.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-of-major-attacks-in-france-since-2015-14762" target="_blank">Timeline of major attacks in France since 2015</a>

A total of 16 people were killed when a van drove into crowds on the popular Las Ramblas boulevard in the heart of Barcelona and in a knife attack in the nearby resort of Cambrils in August 2017.

The three arrested were suspected to have links with Moroccan national Driss Oukabir, who was alleged to have rented the van used in the Barcelona rampage.

Oukabir was arrested shortly after the attacks -- which were claimed by the Islamic State group -- and remanded in custody on terror-related offences.

&nbsp;

A total of 16 people were killed when a van drove into crowds on the popular Las Ramblas boulevard in the heart of Barcelona and in a knife attack in the nearby resort of Cambrils in August 2017

Three people were arrested in France on Tuesday for alleged links to a suspect in last year's deadly jihadist attacks in Barcelona and a nearby seaside resort, the Spanish interior ministry said Tuesday. The arrests were made during a joint operation with French and Spanish police in the south and southwest of France, the ministry said in a statement. Also read: Timeline of major attacks in France since 2015 A total of 16 people were killed when a van drove into crowds on the popular Las Ramblas boulevard in the heart of Barcelona and in a knife attack in the nearby resort of Cambrils in August 2017. The three arrested were suspected to have links with Moroccan national Driss Oukabir, who was alleged to have rented the van used in the Barcelona rampage. Oukabir was arrested shortly after the attacks -- which were claimed by the Islamic State group -- and remanded in custody on terror-related offences.

France arrests three linked to Barcelona attacks: Spain

A new British political party inspired by French President Emmanuel Macron`s rise to power launched a national electoral campaign on Monday aimed at stopping Brexit.

The Renew party, which was founded last year after Macron`s En Marche! movement propelled him to power, said it would seek to stoke debate on Brexit and accused Britain`s main parties of losing touch with voters who feel abandoned by the elite.

&quot;We intend to be tough on Brexit and tough on the causes of Brexit,&quot; said James Torrance, the party`s head of strategy. &quot;We&rsquo;ll pressure MPs to consider the national interest and put Remain back on the table in a vote on the final EU deal.&quot;

In the United Kingdom&rsquo;s 2016 referendum, 51.9 per cent, or 17.4 million people, voted to leave the EU while 48.1 per cent, or 16.1 million, voted to stay.

Since then, supporters of EU membership have been exploring a range of legal and political methods to prevent what they see as the biggest mistake in post-World War Two British political history.

Prime Minister Theresa May, whose government and party is divided over Brexit, has just eight months to strike a withdrawal deal with the EU but insists Britain will leave at 2300 GMT on March 29, 2019.

Opponents of Brexit are trying to garner enough support in the lower house of parliament, the House of Commons, to block any possible withdrawal deal May brings back from Brussels in October.

Supporters of Brexit say any attempt to prevent Brexit will thrust Britain into a constitutional crisis.

Among those who have called for Brexit to be halted are former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein and George Soros, who made a fortune by betting against the British pound in 1992.

The Renew party, which was founded last year after Macron`s En Marche! movement propelled him to power, said it would seek to stoke debate on Brexit and accused Britain`s main parties of losing touch with voters who feel abandoned by the elite

A new British political party inspired by French President Emmanuel Macron`s rise to power launched a national electoral campaign on Monday aimed at stopping Brexit. The Renew party, which was founded last year after Macron`s En Marche! movement propelled him to power, said it would seek to stoke debate on Brexit and accused Britain`s main parties of losing touch with voters who feel abandoned by the elite. "We intend to be tough on Brexit and tough on the causes of Brexit," said James Torrance, the party`s head of strategy. "We’ll pressure MPs to consider the national interest and put Remain back on the table in a vote on the final EU deal." In the United Kingdom’s 2016 referendum, 51.9 per cent, or 17.4 million people, voted to leave the EU while 48.1 per cent, or 16.1 million, voted to stay. Since then, supporters of EU membership have been exploring a range of legal and political methods to prevent what they see as the biggest mistake in post-World War Two British political history. Prime Minister Theresa May, whose government and party is divided over Brexit, has just eight months to strike a withdrawal deal with the EU but insists Britain will leave at 2300 GMT on March 29, 2019. Opponents of Brexit are trying to garner enough support in the lower house of parliament, the House of Commons, to block any possible withdrawal deal May brings back from Brussels in October. Supporters of Brexit say any attempt to prevent Brexit will thrust Britain into a constitutional crisis. Among those who have called for Brexit to be halted are former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Goldman Sachs Group Inc Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein and George Soros, who made a fortune by betting against the British pound in 1992.

New British party inspired by France's Macron seeks to overturn Brexit

The southern French Riviera town of Menton is all geared up for the 85th edition of its Lemon Festival. This time around the &#39;Fete du Citron&#39; festival has a rather interesting theme -- Bollywood.&nbsp;

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The Bollywood-themed festival begins on February 17 which will also feature a &#39;Holi Party&#39; dedicated to one of the best-loved Indian festivals -- Holi, the celebration of colours.&nbsp;

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Visit Menton in France this weekend and experience F&ecirc;te du Citron. Watch the parade with its majestic citrus fruit creations and enjoy the exhibition in the Jardins Biov&egrave;s! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Menton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Menton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Frenchriviera?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Frenchriviera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F%C3%AAteduCitron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F&ecirc;teduCitron</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Citron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Citron</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Citrus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Citrus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fruit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fruit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/parade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#parade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#exhibition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jardins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jardins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Andiamo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Andiamo</a> <a href="https://t.co/N9zudnCxOT">pic.twitter.com/N9zudnCxOT</a>
&mdash; The Andiamo World (@AndiamoWorld) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndiamoWorld/status/963029342887571456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Menton is expected to brace up to witness a footfall of close to 240,000 visitors this year. The event usually requires a whopping 145 tonnes of citrus fruits.

The event lasts for a total of twenty days and requires fresh supply of citrus fruits to last for the entire festival which will come to an end on March 4.

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Juste un mot : &eacute;poustouflant ! 
 
Imaginez-vous lorsque le soleil sera de retour... ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FeteduCitron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FeteduCitron</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Menton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Menton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VilledeMenton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VilledeMenton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CotedAzurFrance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CotedAzurFrance</a> <a href="https://t.co/ia9aYGHsJZ">pic.twitter.com/ia9aYGHsJZ</a>
&mdash; F&ecirc;te du Citron (@fete_du_citron) <a href="https://twitter.com/fete_du_citron/status/964839540014927872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The fruit show dates back to the year 1933 and celebrates the town&#39;s rich and abundant bounty of Menton lemon, a local favourite&nbsp;known for its rich essential oil and delectable flavour. &nbsp;

 
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The fruit show dates back to the year 1933 and celebrates the town's rich and abundant bounty of Menton lemon

The southern French Riviera town of Menton is all geared up for the 85th edition of its Lemon Festival. This time around the 'Fete du Citron' festival has a rather interesting theme -- Bollywood. × The Bollywood-themed festival begins on February 17 which will also feature a 'Holi Party' dedicated to one of the best-loved Indian festivals -- Holi, the celebration of colours. Visit Menton in France this weekend and experience Fête du Citron. Watch the parade with its majestic citrus fruit creations and enjoy the exhibition in the Jardins Biovès! #Menton #France #Frenchriviera #FêteduCitron #Citron #Citrus #fruit #parade #exhibition #jardins #Andiamo pic.twitter.com/N9zudnCxOT — The Andiamo World (@AndiamoWorld) February 12, 2018 × Menton is expected to brace up to witness a footfall of close to 240,000 visitors this year. The event usually requires a whopping 145 tonnes of citrus fruits. The event lasts for a total of twenty days and requires fresh supply of citrus fruits to last for the entire festival which will come to an end on March 4. Juste un mot : époustouflant ! Imaginez-vous lorsque le soleil sera de retour... ???? #FeteduCitron #Menton #VilledeMenton #CotedAzurFrance pic.twitter.com/ia9aYGHsJZ — Fête du Citron (@fete_du_citron) February 17, 2018 × The fruit show dates back to the year 1933 and celebrates the town's rich and abundant bounty of Menton lemon, a local favourite known for its rich essential oil and delectable flavour.

France: Bollywood-themed 'lemon festival' kicks off today

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