WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

EU set to fine Apple €500 million in music streaming penalty: Report<o:p></o:p>

Brussels is gearing up to administer its first-ever fine against Apple, reportedly amounting to approximately €500 million (approximately $539 million), marking a significant milestone in the European Commission's efforts to regulate big tech, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-set-to-fine-apple-eu500-million-in-music-streaming-penalty-report-691527">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Lufthansa ground staff set to strike amid wage dispute: Report<o:p></o:p>

Ground staff at Lufthansa, are ready to start a strike on Tuesday, as stated by the Verdi union on Sunday, adding to numerous industrial actions unsettling Germany's transport sector.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lufthansa-ground-staff-set-to-strike-amid-wage-dispute-report-691532">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

France cuts down on expected 2024 growth amid global uncertainties<o:p></o:p>

In reaction to rising uncertainties on a worldwide scale due to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with economic slowdowns in crucial trading partners like Germany and China, France has reduced its 2024 GDP growth forecast to 1 per cent, lower than the initially anticipated 1.4 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/france-cuts-down-on-expected-2024-growth-amid-global-uncertainties-691540">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

UAE achieves record non-oil trade of $953 billion in 2023<o:p></o:p>

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a record-high non-oil trade volume of $952.93 billion in 2023, which marked a 12.6 per cent increase from the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-achieves-record-non-oil-trade-of-953-billion-in-2023-691552">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Argentina's poverty reaches 20-year peak during economic crisis, UCA study says<o:p></o:p>

A recent study conducted by the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) has revealed alarming statistics, indicating that poverty levels in Argentina have surged to 57.4 per cent, marking the highest recorded figure in at least two decades.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/argentinas-poverty-reaches-20-year-peak-during-economic-crisis-uca-study-says-691555">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Major fire at French recycling plant engulfs 900 tonnes of lithium batteries<o:p></o:p>

A fire erupted at a battery recycling facility in southern France on Sunday, engulfing approximately 900 tonnes of lithium batteries and releasing thick black smoke into the sky.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/major-fire-at-french-recycling-plant-engulfs-900-tonnes-of-lithium-batteries-691583">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

China's C919 airliner makes historic international debut at Singapore Airshow<o:p></o:p>

China's aviation industry marked a significant milestone as its domestically developed C919 airliner, designed to rival Airbus and Boeing's passenger jets, made its maiden international appearance at the Singapore Airshow.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-c919-airliner-makes-historic-international-debut-at-singapore-airshow-691593">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Nintendo stocks plummet as reports suggest delayed launch of switch successor<o:p></o:p>

Nintendo shares plummeted by 6 per cent on Monday following reports from gaming media outlets and Bloomberg indicating a potential delay in the release of its next-generation console.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nintendo-stocks-plummet-as-reports-suggest-delayed-launch-of-switch-successor-691601">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

China's Lunar New Year tourism revenues surge, but sustainability concerns linger<o:p></o:p>

Tourism revenues in China surged significantly during the Lunar New Year holidays, marking a remarkable rebound from previous years, according to official data released on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-lunar-new-year-tourism-revenues-surge-but-sustainability-concerns-linger-691581">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

China’s Central Bank maintains policy stability while economic uncertainties persist<o:p></o:p>

China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has opted to maintain stability in its monetary policy by leaving a key policy rate unchanged on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-central-bank-maintains-policy-stability-while-economic-uncertainties-persist-691584">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Seven Group Holdings makes a $1.24 billion bid for full control of Boral<o:p></o:p>

Australian conglomerate Seven Group Holdings has made a substantial bid of $1.24 billion to acquire full control of Boral, a leading building products group, signalling a confident wager on the sustained growth of Australia's infrastructure sector.<o:p></o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/seven-group-holdings-makes-a-124-billion-bid-for-full-control-of-boral-691590">Read more here</a> 
<o:p></o:p>

WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy. EU set to fine Apple €500 million in music streaming penalty: Report Brussels is gearing up to administer its first-ever fine against Apple, reportedly amounting to approximately €500 million (approximately $539 million), marking a significant milestone in the European Commission's efforts to regulate big tech, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday.

WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy. EU set to fine Apple €500 million in music streaming penalty: Report Brussels is gearing up to administer its first-ever fine against Apple, reportedly amounting to approximately €500 million (approximately $539 million), marking a significant milestone in the European Commission's efforts to regulate big tech, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Sunday. Read more here Lufthansa ground staff set to strike amid wage dispute: Report Ground staff at Lufthansa, are ready to start a strike on Tuesday, as stated by the Verdi union on Sunday, adding to numerous industrial actions unsettling Germany's transport sector. Read more here France cuts down on expected 2024 growth amid global uncertainties In reaction to rising uncertainties on a worldwide scale due to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, coupled with economic slowdowns in crucial trading partners like Germany and China, France has reduced its 2024 GDP growth forecast to 1 per cent, lower than the initially anticipated 1.4 per cent. Read more here UAE achieves record non-oil trade of $953 billion in 2023 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a record-high non-oil trade volume of $952.93 billion in 2023, which marked a 12.6 per cent increase from the previous year. Read more here Argentina's poverty reaches 20-year peak during economic crisis, UCA study says A recent study conducted by the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) has revealed alarming statistics, indicating that poverty levels in Argentina have surged to 57.4 per cent, marking the highest recorded figure in at least two decades. Read more here Major fire at French recycling plant engulfs 900 tonnes of lithium batteries A fire erupted at a battery recycling facility in southern France on Sunday, engulfing approximately 900 tonnes of lithium batteries and releasing thick black smoke into the sky. Read more here China's C919 airliner makes historic international debut at Singapore Airshow China's aviation industry marked a significant milestone as its domestically developed C919 airliner, designed to rival Airbus and Boeing's passenger jets, made its maiden international appearance at the Singapore Airshow. Read more here Nintendo stocks plummet as reports suggest delayed launch of switch successor Nintendo shares plummeted by 6 per cent on Monday following reports from gaming media outlets and Bloomberg indicating a potential delay in the release of its next-generation console. Read more here China's Lunar New Year tourism revenues surge, but sustainability concerns linger Tourism revenues in China surged significantly during the Lunar New Year holidays, marking a remarkable rebound from previous years, according to official data released on Sunday. Read more here China’s Central Bank maintains policy stability while economic uncertainties persist China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has opted to maintain stability in its monetary policy by leaving a key policy rate unchanged on Sunday. Read more here Seven Group Holdings makes a $1.24 billion bid for full control of Boral Australian conglomerate Seven Group Holdings has made a substantial bid of $1.24 billion to acquire full control of Boral, a leading building products group, signalling a confident wager on the sustained growth of Australia's infrastructure sector. Read more here

WION Business Wrap | EU fines Apple €500 million, Lufthansa’s ground staff strike and more

Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser.

The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response.

He was wearing an Arab-style robe and brandished a meat cleaver and carried a notebook with Arabic writing at a tram stop in eastern Paris.

When police arrived on the scene, the man refused to drop the cleaver and proceeded towards the police, prosecutors said.

According to first reports, four police officers fired their pistols a total of about 20 times, they said, adding that none of the police on the scene were injured.

The four who opened fire had been taken to hospital in a state of "shock", the prosecutors said.

Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser. The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response.

Paris police shot dead a man who threatened them early Saturday with a meat cleaver, prosecutors said, adding that they opened fire after using a Taser. The man was born in 1984 in Sudan and had no criminal record, they said, adding that two investigations had been launched over the man's action and the police response. He was wearing an Arab-style robe and brandished a meat cleaver and carried a notebook with Arabic writing at a tram stop in eastern Paris. When police arrived on the scene, the man refused to drop the cleaver and proceeded towards the police, prosecutors said. According to first reports, four police officers fired their pistols a total of about 20 times, they said, adding that none of the police on the scene were injured. The four who opened fire had been taken to hospital in a state of "shock", the prosecutors said.

France cleaver attack: Paris police shoot dead Sudan-born man

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. 
 
"Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram. 
 
"In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added. 
 
Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk,&nbsp;a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-reinforcing-troops-in-embattled-eastern-town-of-avdiivka-as-russia-steps-up-attacks-690872">Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks</a>

Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters. 
 
The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. 
 
This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement. 
 
"I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added.

<h2 lang="en-US">Zelensky signs French security deal</h2>

Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine

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The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per&nbsp;officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery. 
 
As per&nbsp;officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression". 
 
"France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days.

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram. "In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added. Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk, a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months. Also Read: Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters. The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement. "I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added. Zelensky signs French security deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia. Watch: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery. As per officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression". "France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: France and Ukraine signed a bilateral security pact on February 16, which includes pledges from Paris to deliver more arms, train soldiers and send up to 3.25 billion dollars as military aid to Kyiv to help the country in its war against Russia. France also pledges to provide more military equipment particularly for air defence. Watch to know more!

Ukraine-France sign pact: Paris to send 3.25 billion dollars military aid to Kyiv

Farmers in Spain continued a nationwide protest for the 10th day on Thursday with a large rally outside the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the capital Madrid.

Spain Farmers' protest enters 10th day

The former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy if found guilty of illegally funding his 2012 re-election bid. Sarkozy was accused of overspending his money on elections.

Former France President Nicolas Sarkozy found guilty of illegal campaign financing

On 29th of January long lines of tractors blocked highways near Paris farmer Union staged Nationwide protest to express their anger over Emanuel macron's Administration. Just this month the French government offered over $400 million for Farmers grievances. The French Farmers have lifted their roadblocks from streets but there are others who claim to have been forgotten by the government, sheep, dairy farmers hit streets asking for compensation. Watch to know more!

Paris witnesses more protests, sheep, dairy farmers hit streets asking for compensation

France has announced sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers whom it accused of committing human rights abuses against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. Watch in for more details!

France cracks down against 28 extremist Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

France sanctions 28 Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

France: Dairy farmers protest near National Assembly

France has delivered a written proposal to Beirut aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and settling the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier, according to a document seen by Reuters that calls for fighters including Hezbollah's elite unit to withdraw 10 km (6 miles) from the border.

The plan aims to end fighting between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel at the border. The hostilities have run in parallel to the Gaza war and are fueling concern of a ruinous, all-out confrontation.

The document, the first written proposal brought to Beirut during weeks of Western mediation, was delivered to top Lebanese state officials including Prime Minister Najib Mikati by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne last week, four senior Lebanese and three French officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-hopes-of-truce-revived-as-egypt-proposes-ambitious-peace-plan-673207">Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan</a>

It declares the aim of preventing a conflict "that risks spiraling out of control" and enforcing "a potential ceasefire, when the conditions are right" and ultimately envisions negotiations on delineation of the contentious land border between Lebanon and Israel.

Hezbollah rejects formally negotiating a de-escalation until the war in Gaza ends, a position reiterated by a Hezbollah politician in response to questions for this story.

Also watch |&nbsp;Bomb, strikes and cries: Life in Gaza | Will Israel-Hamas agree to a peace plan?

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While some details of similar mediation efforts by U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein have been circulating in recent weeks, the full details of the French written proposal delivered to Lebanon have not previously been reported.

The three-step plan envisages a 10-day process of de-escalation ending with the border negotiations.

One French diplomatic source said the proposal had been put to the governments of Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah.

France has historical ties with Lebanon. It has 20,000 citizens in the country and some 800 troops as part of a U.N. peacekeeping force.

"We made proposals. We are in contact with the Americans and it's important that we bring together all initiatives and build peace," Sejourne told a news conference on Monday.

The plan proposes Lebanese armed groups and Israel would cease military operations against each other, including Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. 
Several non-state groups, including Palestinian factions, have mounted attacks on Israel from south Lebanon during the latest hostilities, though Hezbollah is the dominant power in the area with a fighting force widely seen to outgun the Lebanese army.

The Lebanese armed groups would dismantle all premises and facilities close to the frontier, and withdraw combat forces - including Hezbollah's elite Radwan fighters and military capabilities such as antitank systems - at least 10 km north of the frontier, the document proposes.

Any such withdrawal could still leave Hezbollah fighters much closer to the border than the 30 km (19 mile) withdrawal to Lebanon's Litani River, stipulated in a U.N. resolution that ended a war with Israel in 2006.

The shorter withdrawal would help ensure rockets did not reach villages in northern Israel that have been targeted with anti-tank missiles and was a compromise seen as more palatable to Hezbollah than a retreat to the Litani, one Western diplomat with knowledge of the two-page proposal said. 
Up to 15,000 Lebanese army troops would be deployed in the border region of south Lebanon, a Hezbollah political stronghold where the group's fighters have long melted into society at times of calm.

Asked about the proposal, senior Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters that the group would not discuss "any matter related to the situation in the south before the halt of the aggression on Gaza".

"The enemy is not in the position to impose conditions," added Fadlallah, declining to comment on details of the proposal or whether Hezbollah had received it.

One of the Lebanese officials said the document brings together ideas discussed in contacts with Western envoys and had been passed on to Hezbollah. French officials told the Lebanese it was not a final paper, after Beirut raised objections to parts of it, the Lebanese official said.

An Israeli official said such a proposal had been received and was being discussed by the government.

Reuters reported last month that Hezbollah had rebuffed ideas suggested by Hochstein, who has been at the heart of the efforts, but that it had also kept the door ajar to diplomacy.

Asked for comment for this story, a State Department spokesperson said the United States "continues to explore all diplomatic options with our Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to restore calm and avoid escalation." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Lebanese official said several elements prompted concern in Beirut, including the demand armed groups dismantle premises and facilities close to the border, which the official said was vaguely worded and could be used to demand moves against Hezbollah-affiliated civilian institutions.

<h2>'Unclear' elements</h2>

Tens of thousands of people have fled homes on both sides of the border since the fighting began on Oct. 8.

Israeli strikes have killed nearly 200 people in Lebanon, 170 of them Hezbollah fighters. Attacks from Lebanon have killed 10 soldiers and five civilians in Israel.

But the strikes have mostly been contained to areas near the border and both sides have said they want to avoid all-out war.

Numerous Western envoys have visited Beirut to discuss ways to de-escalate the fighting, mostly meeting with Lebanese state officials rather than Hezbollah, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States.

One of the Lebanese officials said a French technical delegation returned to Beirut two days after Sejourne's visit to discuss details, following the Lebanese objections.

Another of the Lebanese officials said Beirut had not responded to the proposal, adding that it was neither signed nor dated and was therefore not deemed official enough to warrant a response.

<h2>Three-step approach</h2>

The proposal recalls a ceasefire which ended a war between Hezbollah and&nbsp; 
Israel in 1996, and also U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 war.

It maps out three steps over 10 days.

The two sides would cease military operations in step one. Within three days, step two would see Lebanese armed groups withdrawing combat forces at least 10 km north of the frontier and Lebanon would initiate the deployment of soldiers in the south. Israel would cease overflights into Lebanese territory.

As the third step, within 10 days, Lebanon and Israel would resume negotiations on delimiting the land border "in a gradual way" and with the support of the U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL.

They would also engage in negotiations on a roadmap to ensure the establishment of an area free of any non-state armed groups between the border and the Litani river.

Hezbollah has previously signalled it could support the state negotiating a deal with Israel to settle the status of disputed areas at the border to Lebanon's benefit.

One of the issues to address is financing for the Lebanese army, severely weakened by a severe financial crisis in Lebanon.

The proposal calls for an international effort to support the deployment of the Lebanese army with "financing, equipment, training". It also called for "the socio-economic development of southern Lebanon".

France has delivered a written proposal to Beirut aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and settling the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier, according to a document seen by Reuters that calls for fighters including Hezbollah's elite unit to withdraw 10 km (6 miles) from the border.

France has delivered a written proposal to Beirut aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and settling the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier, according to a document seen by Reuters that calls for fighters including Hezbollah's elite unit to withdraw 10 km (6 miles) from the border. The plan aims to end fighting between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel at the border. The hostilities have run in parallel to the Gaza war and are fueling concern of a ruinous, all-out confrontation. The document, the first written proposal brought to Beirut during weeks of Western mediation, was delivered to top Lebanese state officials including Prime Minister Najib Mikati by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne last week, four senior Lebanese and three French officials said. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan It declares the aim of preventing a conflict "that risks spiraling out of control" and enforcing "a potential ceasefire, when the conditions are right" and ultimately envisions negotiations on delineation of the contentious land border between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah rejects formally negotiating a de-escalation until the war in Gaza ends, a position reiterated by a Hezbollah politician in response to questions for this story. Also watch | Bomb, strikes and cries: Life in Gaza | Will Israel-Hamas agree to a peace plan? × While some details of similar mediation efforts by U.S. Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein have been circulating in recent weeks, the full details of the French written proposal delivered to Lebanon have not previously been reported. The three-step plan envisages a 10-day process of de-escalation ending with the border negotiations. One French diplomatic source said the proposal had been put to the governments of Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah. France has historical ties with Lebanon. It has 20,000 citizens in the country and some 800 troops as part of a U.N. peacekeeping force. "We made proposals. We are in contact with the Americans and it's important that we bring together all initiatives and build peace," Sejourne told a news conference on Monday. The plan proposes Lebanese armed groups and Israel would cease military operations against each other, including Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Several non-state groups, including Palestinian factions, have mounted attacks on Israel from south Lebanon during the latest hostilities, though Hezbollah is the dominant power in the area with a fighting force widely seen to outgun the Lebanese army. The Lebanese armed groups would dismantle all premises and facilities close to the frontier, and withdraw combat forces - including Hezbollah's elite Radwan fighters and military capabilities such as antitank systems - at least 10 km north of the frontier, the document proposes. Any such withdrawal could still leave Hezbollah fighters much closer to the border than the 30 km (19 mile) withdrawal to Lebanon's Litani River, stipulated in a U.N. resolution that ended a war with Israel in 2006. The shorter withdrawal would help ensure rockets did not reach villages in northern Israel that have been targeted with anti-tank missiles and was a compromise seen as more palatable to Hezbollah than a retreat to the Litani, one Western diplomat with knowledge of the two-page proposal said. Up to 15,000 Lebanese army troops would be deployed in the border region of south Lebanon, a Hezbollah political stronghold where the group's fighters have long melted into society at times of calm. Asked about the proposal, senior Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters that the group would not discuss "any matter related to the situation in the south before the halt of the aggression on Gaza". "The enemy is not in the position to impose conditions," added Fadlallah, declining to comment on details of the proposal or whether Hezbollah had received it. One of the Lebanese officials said the document brings together ideas discussed in contacts with Western envoys and had been passed on to Hezbollah. French officials told the Lebanese it was not a final paper, after Beirut raised objections to parts of it, the Lebanese official said. An Israeli official said such a proposal had been received and was being discussed by the government. Reuters reported last month that Hezbollah had rebuffed ideas suggested by Hochstein, who has been at the heart of the efforts, but that it had also kept the door ajar to diplomacy. Asked for comment for this story, a State Department spokesperson said the United States "continues to explore all diplomatic options with our Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to restore calm and avoid escalation." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Lebanese official said several elements prompted concern in Beirut, including the demand armed groups dismantle premises and facilities close to the border, which the official said was vaguely worded and could be used to demand moves against Hezbollah-affiliated civilian institutions. 'Unclear' elements Tens of thousands of people have fled homes on both sides of the border since the fighting began on Oct. 8. Israeli strikes have killed nearly 200 people in Lebanon, 170 of them Hezbollah fighters. Attacks from Lebanon have killed 10 soldiers and five civilians in Israel. But the strikes have mostly been contained to areas near the border and both sides have said they want to avoid all-out war. Numerous Western envoys have visited Beirut to discuss ways to de-escalate the fighting, mostly meeting with Lebanese state officials rather than Hezbollah, which is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States. One of the Lebanese officials said a French technical delegation returned to Beirut two days after Sejourne's visit to discuss details, following the Lebanese objections. Another of the Lebanese officials said Beirut had not responded to the proposal, adding that it was neither signed nor dated and was therefore not deemed official enough to warrant a response. Three-step approach The proposal recalls a ceasefire which ended a war between Hezbollah and Israel in 1996, and also U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 war. It maps out three steps over 10 days. The two sides would cease military operations in step one. Within three days, step two would see Lebanese armed groups withdrawing combat forces at least 10 km north of the frontier and Lebanon would initiate the deployment of soldiers in the south. Israel would cease overflights into Lebanese territory. As the third step, within 10 days, Lebanon and Israel would resume negotiations on delimiting the land border "in a gradual way" and with the support of the U.N. peacekeeping force UNIFIL. They would also engage in negotiations on a roadmap to ensure the establishment of an area free of any non-state armed groups between the border and the Litani river. Hezbollah has previously signalled it could support the state negotiating a deal with Israel to settle the status of disputed areas at the border to Lebanon's benefit. One of the issues to address is financing for the Lebanese army, severely weakened by a severe financial crisis in Lebanon. The proposal calls for an international effort to support the deployment of the Lebanese army with "financing, equipment, training". It also called for "the socio-economic development of southern Lebanon".

France proposes Hezbollah withdrawal, border talks for Israel-Lebanon truce

Britain imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals saying they were extremist settlers who had violently attacked Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. After US and UK, France imposed sanctions on Israel. Watch in for more details!

After US & UK, France imposes sanctions on Israel | 28 Israelis banned from entering France

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined a protest in South-Western France against eight planned oil wells, which in theory will be banned in the country by 2040. The protest group says the exit from fossil fuels must begin now by rejecting this project.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins protest against oil drilling in France

French authorities raided offices of Chinese telecom major Huawei this week, reported&nbsp;AFP, citing judicial source on Thursday (February 8). The raids according to the news agency were a part of a preliminary investigation from PNF, the country's financial prosecution service. The raids were conducted at Huawei's offices&nbsp;just outside Paris&nbsp;due to 'improper behaviour'.

&nbsp;The charges of improper behaviour may include crimes such as corruption and influence peddling.

Huawei has had a presence in France since 2003. The company now has a global design center and six research centers in the country. Currently, the company is building a factory in Alsace region. It is its first factory outside China. Huawei is aiming to make equipment for mobile networks including that for 5G.

Watch | France asks Parisians to avoid parcel deliveries during Olympic Games

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The Chinese company founded in 1987 and among the leading global companies manufacturing equipment for 5G, has&nbsp;20 per cent of France's telecom market.

In recent years, the company has found itself embroiled in a stand-off between the United States and China. The US has been accusing&nbsp;Huawei equipment of being&nbsp;used for espionage by the Chinese State, an allegation China denies.

The European Union has levelled similar allegations. Just last year, the EU said that Huawei and ZTE, another Chinese telecom major, pose risk to EU's security.

Thierry Breton, the EU's internal market commissioner had called on 27 EU member states to not include Huawei and ZTE equipment in their mobile networks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sex-tape-scandal-grips-frances-senate-after-female-medic-claims-to-possess-incriminating-video-of-senator-688266">Sex tape scandal grips France’s senate after female medic claims to possess incriminating video of senator</a>

Despite&nbsp;US sanctions, China has sought to put resources in manufacturing chips in the country. It has been reported previously that SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp) which is China's top chipmaker is gearing up to mass produce chips for Huawei equipment

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/french-actor-judith-godreche-files-rape-complaint-against-famous-director-benoit-jacquot-688247">French actor Judith Godreche files rape complaint against director Benoit Jacquot</a>

SMIC is rportedly aiming to use its existing stock of US and Dutch-made equipment to produce 5-nanometre chips

(With inputs from agencies)

French authorities raided offices of Chinese telecom major Huawei this week, reported AFP, citing judicial source on Thursday (February 8). The raids according to the news agency were a part of a preliminary investigation from PNF, the country's financial prosecution service.

French authorities raided offices of Chinese telecom major Huawei this week, reported AFP, citing judicial source on Thursday (February 8). The raids according to the news agency were a part of a preliminary investigation from PNF, the country's financial prosecution service. The raids were conducted at Huawei's offices just outside Paris due to 'improper behaviour'. The charges of improper behaviour may include crimes such as corruption and influence peddling. Huawei has had a presence in France since 2003. The company now has a global design center and six research centers in the country. Currently, the company is building a factory in Alsace region. It is its first factory outside China. Huawei is aiming to make equipment for mobile networks including that for 5G. Watch | France asks Parisians to avoid parcel deliveries during Olympic Games × The Chinese company founded in 1987 and among the leading global companies manufacturing equipment for 5G, has 20 per cent of France's telecom market. In recent years, the company has found itself embroiled in a stand-off between the United States and China. The US has been accusing Huawei equipment of being used for espionage by the Chinese State, an allegation China denies. The European Union has levelled similar allegations. Just last year, the EU said that Huawei and ZTE, another Chinese telecom major, pose risk to EU's security. Thierry Breton, the EU's internal market commissioner had called on 27 EU member states to not include Huawei and ZTE equipment in their mobile networks. Also Read | Sex tape scandal grips France’s senate after female medic claims to possess incriminating video of senator Despite US sanctions, China has sought to put resources in manufacturing chips in the country. It has been reported previously that SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp) which is China's top chipmaker is gearing up to mass produce chips for Huawei equipment Also Read | French actor Judith Godreche files rape complaint against director Benoit Jacquot SMIC is rportedly aiming to use its existing stock of US and Dutch-made equipment to produce 5-nanometre chips (With inputs from agencies)

France raids Huawei offices just outside Paris

U.S. President Joe Biden confused French President Macron with former President Mitterrand who is long dead. Can he afford to make such slip-ups just ahead of elections?

Gravitas | Biden's new gaffe: Confuses macron with a dead French president

The senate of France was rocked by a sex scandal after a female medic claimed that she had a sex tape which she had filmed with a senator. The medic claimed that the video was filmed inside the senator's office to gain favours and that it had made her “untouchable”.&nbsp;

According to a report published in Le Canard Enchain, a doctor, who was employed at the senate where the average age is nearly 60, had filed a complaint to the human resources regarding his medical assistant and asked for her dismissal last October.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-confuses-macron-with-former-french-prez-francois-mitterrand-who-died-nearly-30-years-ago-687569">Biden confuses Macron with former French prez Francois Mitterrand, who died nearly 30 years ago</a>

However, the doctor was informed by the assistant that she was “untouchable” and “protected by a “very influential senator”.

<h2>Female medic allegedly produced footage&nbsp;</h2>

The female medic then allegedly claimed that she produced “unequivocal” footage which was shot by her while having sex with the unnamed senator in his office “with his trousers around his ankles”, and warned the doctor that she could “get anyone I like fired”.

As reported by Le Canard, Senate President Gerard Larcher was informed about the tape by the senate’s secretary general after a complaint was made by the doctor but nothing was done for three months.

Watch:&nbsp;France Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne's West Asia tour, meets Egyptian counterpart

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After the Senate finally acted, the assistant was not sanctioned, and the upper chamber launched “dismissal proceedings without notice or compensation” against the doctor, who they accused of “providing paid outside services”.&nbsp;

However, the disciplinary office of the Senate did not say anything about his status as a witness in the sex tape affair.

This sex tape scandal surfaced three months after 66-year-old senator Joel Guerriau faced an accusation of spiking a female MP Sandine Josso’s champagne with ecstasy so as to sexually assault her at his home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The senate of France was rocked by a sex scandal after a female medic claimed that she had a sex tape which she had filmed with a senator. The medic claimed that the video was filmed inside the senator's office to gain favours and that it had made her “untouchable”.

The senate of France was rocked by a sex scandal after a female medic claimed that she had a sex tape which she had filmed with a senator. The medic claimed that the video was filmed inside the senator's office to gain favours and that it had made her “untouchable”. According to a report published in Le Canard Enchain, a doctor, who was employed at the senate where the average age is nearly 60, had filed a complaint to the human resources regarding his medical assistant and asked for her dismissal last October. Also Read: Biden confuses Macron with former French prez Francois Mitterrand, who died nearly 30 years ago However, the doctor was informed by the assistant that she was “untouchable” and “protected by a “very influential senator”. Female medic allegedly produced footage The female medic then allegedly claimed that she produced “unequivocal” footage which was shot by her while having sex with the unnamed senator in his office “with his trousers around his ankles”, and warned the doctor that she could “get anyone I like fired”. As reported by Le Canard, Senate President Gerard Larcher was informed about the tape by the senate’s secretary general after a complaint was made by the doctor but nothing was done for three months. Watch: France Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne's West Asia tour, meets Egyptian counterpart After the Senate finally acted, the assistant was not sanctioned, and the upper chamber launched “dismissal proceedings without notice or compensation” against the doctor, who they accused of “providing paid outside services”. However, the disciplinary office of the Senate did not say anything about his status as a witness in the sex tape affair. This sex tape scandal surfaced three months after 66-year-old senator Joel Guerriau faced an accusation of spiking a female MP Sandine Josso’s champagne with ecstasy so as to sexually assault her at his home. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex tape scandal grips France’s senate after female medic claims to possess incriminating video of senator

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8).

As climate change, heightened by the naturally occurring El Nino phenomenon, triggered severe storms, droughts and fire across the world, planet Earth saw record warming in the year 2023, making it the hottest in nearly 100,000 years.&nbsp;

The severe temperatures have continued into 2024, said the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) service, substantiating that February 2023 to January 2024 witnessed warming of 1.52 degrees Celsius, which was above the 19th-century benchmark.

Scientists, dubbing this a "warning to humanity", said that the current situation was a trailer of the Paris climate deal's critical 1.5C warming threshold. However, they said that this does not indicate a permanent breach of the limit, which is measured over decades.

"We are touching 1.5C and we see the cost, the social costs and economic costs," said Johan Rockstrom, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.&nbsp;

"1.5 is a very big number and it hurts us really badly in terms of heat waves, droughts, floods, reinforced storms, water scarcity across the entire world. That is what 2023 has taught us."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech</a>

<h2>'Warning to humanity'</h2>

In recent months, Earth has endured an onslaught of severe temperatures, which include a devastating drought engulfing the Amazon basin, extreme winter temperatures in parts of southern Europe, deadly wildfires in South America and record rainfall in California.

"It is clearly a warning to humanity that we are moving faster than expected towards the agreed upon 1.5C limit that we signed," Rockstrom told news agency AFP, adding that temperatures will likely fall back somewhat after the El Nino comes to an end.&nbsp;

Copernicus had earlier said that January this year had witnessed record-high temperatures on record. It was the eighth month in a row of historic high monthly temperatures with temperatures 1.66C warmer overall than an estimate of the January average for 1850-1900, the pre-industrial reference period.&nbsp;

"2024 starts with another record-breaking month -- not only is it the warmest January on record but we have also just experienced a 12-month period of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial reference period," said Samantha Burgess, C3S Deputy Director.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8).

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8). As climate change, heightened by the naturally occurring El Nino phenomenon, triggered severe storms, droughts and fire across the world, planet Earth saw record warming in the year 2023, making it the hottest in nearly 100,000 years. The severe temperatures have continued into 2024, said the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) service, substantiating that February 2023 to January 2024 witnessed warming of 1.52 degrees Celsius, which was above the 19th-century benchmark. Scientists, dubbing this a "warning to humanity", said that the current situation was a trailer of the Paris climate deal's critical 1.5C warming threshold. However, they said that this does not indicate a permanent breach of the limit, which is measured over decades. "We are touching 1.5C and we see the cost, the social costs and economic costs," said Johan Rockstrom, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "1.5 is a very big number and it hurts us really badly in terms of heat waves, droughts, floods, reinforced storms, water scarcity across the entire world. That is what 2023 has taught us." Also read: Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech 'Warning to humanity' In recent months, Earth has endured an onslaught of severe temperatures, which include a devastating drought engulfing the Amazon basin, extreme winter temperatures in parts of southern Europe, deadly wildfires in South America and record rainfall in California. "It is clearly a warning to humanity that we are moving faster than expected towards the agreed upon 1.5C limit that we signed," Rockstrom told news agency AFP, adding that temperatures will likely fall back somewhat after the El Nino comes to an end. Copernicus had earlier said that January this year had witnessed record-high temperatures on record. It was the eighth month in a row of historic high monthly temperatures with temperatures 1.66C warmer overall than an estimate of the January average for 1850-1900, the pre-industrial reference period. "2024 starts with another record-breaking month -- not only is it the warmest January on record but we have also just experienced a 12-month period of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial reference period," said Samantha Burgess, C3S Deputy Director. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth witnesses first year-long breach of crucial 1.5C warming limit

France asks Parisians to avoid parcel deliveries during the games. The request has been put up on government website. Government warning citizens of inconveniences 'as early as possible.' Summer Olympics scheduled in Paris between July 26 to August 11. Watch to know more!

France asks Parisians to avoid parcel deliveries during Olympic Games

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne will visit Israel and the West Bank tomorrow, the French Embassy announces.

France Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne's West Asia tour, meets Egyptian counterpart

Parisians are casting their votes in a crucial referendum this&nbsp;Sunday (Feb 4), deciding whether the city should implement a hefty parking surcharge on large SUVs or not.&nbsp;This initiative is part of Paris's ongoing commitment to transforming into a fully bikeable city. The proposed increase in parking fees for cars weighing 1.6 tonnes is 18 euros ($19.4) per hour in the city centre. While&nbsp;the charge for&nbsp;outer districts is 12 euros.

The primary goal is to discourage the use of what they term "bulky, polluting" cars, with the new tariff also extending to electric cars weighing 2 tonnes and more.

The 40 millions d'automobilistes, a French association working for the interests of motorists, filed a petition saying that drivers should have freedom to choose their preferred vehicles.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-aide-mike-gill-succumbs-to-injuries-days-after-being-shot-686831">Former Trump aide Mike Gill succumbs to injuries, days after being shot</a>

While emphasising&nbsp;the city's determination to prioritise eco-friendly transportation options, the deputy mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire said, "Heavier, more dangerous, more polluting... SUVs are an environmental disaster."&nbsp;

Notably, last year, in a highly contested referendum held on April 2, Parisians voiced their opinion on prohibiting rental electric scooters within the city limits. The majority, with 89 percent of voters supporting the proposed ban, outweighed the 11 percent who opposed it. Despite the clear stance, voter turnout was notably low, with only 7 percent of the 1.3 million eligible voters participating in the referendum, media reports said.&nbsp;

<h2>71 pc surge in bikes&nbsp;</h2>

Under the leadership of Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris has witnessed a dramatic transformation with 84 km of cycle lanes added since 2020. There has been a remarkable 71 per cent surge in bike usage between the end of COVID-19 lockdowns and 2023.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/heavy-rainfall-submerges-karachis-major-roads-rescue-ops-challenged-686799">WATCH | Dramatic rainfall submerges Karachi's major roads, rescue ops underway</a>

SUVs are increasingly popular in France but they are facing criticism as a threat to environmental sustainability as the world continues to witness devastating impacts of climate change.&nbsp;

Watch | Chile Wildfire: At least 46 killed in wildfires, government declares state of emergency

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40 millions d'automobilistes said, "We must firmly oppose these attacks on freedom pursued under false green pretexts."

"If we don't stop it now, this unjustified rebellion led by an ultra-urban and anti-car minority will spread like gangrene to other cities," the group added.&nbsp;

The outcome of this referendum will undoubtedly shape the future of transportation policies not just in Paris but also in cities across the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

Parisians are casting their votes in a crucial referendum this Sunday (Feb 4), deciding whether the city should implement a hefty parking surcharge on large SUVs or not.

Parisians are casting their votes in a crucial referendum this Sunday (Feb 4), deciding whether the city should implement a hefty parking surcharge on large SUVs or not. This initiative is part of Paris's ongoing commitment to transforming into a fully bikeable city. The proposed increase in parking fees for cars weighing 1.6 tonnes is 18 euros ($19.4) per hour in the city centre. While the charge for outer districts is 12 euros. The primary goal is to discourage the use of what they term "bulky, polluting" cars, with the new tariff also extending to electric cars weighing 2 tonnes and more. The 40 millions d'automobilistes, a French association working for the interests of motorists, filed a petition saying that drivers should have freedom to choose their preferred vehicles. Also Read | Former Trump aide Mike Gill succumbs to injuries, days after being shot While emphasising the city's determination to prioritise eco-friendly transportation options, the deputy mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire said, "Heavier, more dangerous, more polluting... SUVs are an environmental disaster." Notably, last year, in a highly contested referendum held on April 2, Parisians voiced their opinion on prohibiting rental electric scooters within the city limits. The majority, with 89 percent of voters supporting the proposed ban, outweighed the 11 percent who opposed it. Despite the clear stance, voter turnout was notably low, with only 7 percent of the 1.3 million eligible voters participating in the referendum, media reports said. 71 pc surge in bikes Under the leadership of Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris has witnessed a dramatic transformation with 84 km of cycle lanes added since 2020. There has been a remarkable 71 per cent surge in bike usage between the end of COVID-19 lockdowns and 2023. WATCH | Dramatic rainfall submerges Karachi's major roads, rescue ops underway SUVs are increasingly popular in France but they are facing criticism as a threat to environmental sustainability as the world continues to witness devastating impacts of climate change. Watch | Chile Wildfire: At least 46 killed in wildfires, government declares state of emergency × 40 millions d'automobilistes said, "We must firmly oppose these attacks on freedom pursued under false green pretexts." "If we don't stop it now, this unjustified rebellion led by an ultra-urban and anti-car minority will spread like gangrene to other cities," the group added. The outcome of this referendum will undoubtedly shape the future of transportation policies not just in Paris but also in cities across the world. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris votes to hike SUV parking fees. This is the WHOPPING charges to be paid

French authorities say the crisis due to the farmers protest is now over. Farmers are removing roadblocks after the government to ease regulations. Watch to know more!

France: Farmer protests called off after French government announces concessions

A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said.

A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said. Raduano is on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. Italian authorities on Friday also announced the detention of Raduano's close aide Gianluigi Troiano, who was picked up near Granada in southern Spain. "The carabinieri's (police's) capture abroad of two dangerous fugitives, Marco Raduano and his right-hand man Gianluigi Troiano represents another major blow to organised crime," Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said, AFP reported. A dramatic escape from prison in 2023 In Feb 2023, Raduano, 40, escaped from a heavily secured prison in Nuoro, Sardinia where he had been serving a 24-year sentence for membership in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and other crimes. He used bedsheets to scale down the walls of the prison. Also read | Explained: Who are the 'Ndrangheta? Ultrawealthy Italian drug mafia to get 2,200 years in jail He was jailed for being the boss of the rural Gargano clan operating within a young and little-known organised crime syndicate in Foggia, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, known as the Fourth Mafia, AFP reported. More than 200 'Ndrangheta mobsters and their white-collar associates were sentenced to a combined 2,100 years in prison. So who is 'Ndrangheta and why is the prosecution dissatisfied with the verdict? Watch Dark World with @b_torg#Italianmafia #Ndrangheta #ForzaItalia pic.twitter.com/XynDUfPAeZ — WION (@WIONews) November 29, 2023 × According to Europol, the 40-year-old mafia boss was at the top of his criminal organisation, "with the role of promoter, organiser and ruthless killer of the group dedicated to the perpetration of murders, drug trafficking and management of the extortion racket". Raduano arrested while dining in restaurant Speaking to AFP, a source close to the matter said that Raduano was arrested on Thursday evening in Corsica's Aleria while he was dining in a restaurant with a young woman. The mafia boss had been living there "quite frugally" on false papers, using a falsely registered stolen vehicle, the source said. Raduano did not resist his arrest. Meanwhile, Troiano escaped from house arrest not far from Foggia in Sept 2021, the Italian police said. With his arrest, Troiano will now have to serve a sentence of nine years and two months in prison. AFP reported that Raduano is also accused of the murder of two men in Foggia in separate incidents in 2017 -- with Troiano also implicated in the latter. (With inputs from agencies)

Boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia captured in France

A mafia boss from one of Italy's most violent mafias who escaped from a maximum security prison last year has been captured in France, authorities in both countries said on Friday. Marco Raduano, described as "dangerous" on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals, was detained on the French island of Corsica.

Europe's most wanted Italian mafia boss recaptured in Corsica Island, France

India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage.

<h2>Launch at the Eiffel tower</h2>

The formal launch took place at the Eiffel Tower during a significant Republic Day Reception, embodying the growing ties between India and France.

The event not only signifies the implementation of PM Modi's announcement but also underscores the broader vision of making UPI a global standard.

The official handle of the Indian Embassy in France shared the news on Twitter, expressing gratitude to the Minister Delegate in charge of Democratic Renewal, Government Spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, for honoring the occasion.

The event gathered members of Parliament, business leaders, scholars, friends of India, and the Indian community in France.

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UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. 🇮🇳➡️🇫🇷 
 
Implementing PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s announcement &amp; the vision of taking UPI global. <a href="https://t.co/abl7IPJ0To">pic.twitter.com/abl7IPJ0To</a>
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance/status/1753406488826048729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>PM Modi's invitation to President Macron</h2>

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, served as the Chief Guest during India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. During Macron's visit to Jaipur, PM Modi provided a demonstration of the UPI digital payments system, emphasising its functionality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/data-lab-india-and-ai-are-we-ahead-of-the-curve-588533">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | India and AI: Are we ahead of the curve?</a>

<h2>UPI for Eiffel Tower tickets</h2>

In line with this development,&nbsp;the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower can now book their tickets using UPI payments.

NPCI International Payments (NIPL) collaborated with French e-commerce and payments platform Lyra to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments at the Eiffel Tower, making transactions quick, easy, and hassle-free.

Indian tourists, constituting the second-largest group of international visitors to the Eiffel Tower, can leverage the UPI payment mechanism to purchase tickets online.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Who pays UPI payment surcharge?

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The process involves scanning a QR code generated on the merchant's website to initiate a seamless payment experience.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, revolutionised the banking landscape. The system integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering seamless fund routing and merchant payments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage.

India's revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its global debut as it was formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The momentous occasion, organised by the Indian Embassy in France, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of taking UPI to the global stage. Launch at the Eiffel tower The formal launch took place at the Eiffel Tower during a significant Republic Day Reception, embodying the growing ties between India and France. The event not only signifies the implementation of PM Modi's announcement but also underscores the broader vision of making UPI a global standard. The official handle of the Indian Embassy in France shared the news on Twitter, expressing gratitude to the Minister Delegate in charge of Democratic Renewal, Government Spokesperson Prisca Thevenot, for honoring the occasion. The event gathered members of Parliament, business leaders, scholars, friends of India, and the Indian community in France. UPI formally launched at the iconic Eiffel Tower at the huge Republic Day Reception. 🇮🇳➡️🇫🇷 Implementing PM @narendramodi’s announcement & the vision of taking UPI global. pic.twitter.com/abl7IPJ0To — India in France (@IndiaembFrance) February 2, 2024 × PM Modi's invitation to President Macron Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, served as the Chief Guest during India's 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. During Macron's visit to Jaipur, PM Modi provided a demonstration of the UPI digital payments system, emphasising its functionality. Also read | Data Lab | India and AI: Are we ahead of the curve? UPI for Eiffel Tower tickets In line with this development, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced that tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower can now book their tickets using UPI payments. NPCI International Payments (NIPL) collaborated with French e-commerce and payments platform Lyra to facilitate the acceptance of UPI payments at the Eiffel Tower, making transactions quick, easy, and hassle-free. Indian tourists, constituting the second-largest group of international visitors to the Eiffel Tower, can leverage the UPI payment mechanism to purchase tickets online. Also watch | Gravitas: Who pays UPI payment surcharge? The process involves scanning a QR code generated on the merchant's website to initiate a seamless payment experience. Unified Payments Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, revolutionised the banking landscape. The system integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, offering seamless fund routing and merchant payments. (With inputs from agencies)

India's UPI makes global debut, officially launched at iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris

In pics | 'Fire and egg': Farmers' protest spread across Europe converges at EU summit

French & Belgian farmers are angry about rising costs, EU environmental policies & cheap food imports. They have blocked highways & access roads to a major container port as the protests spread across Europe. Watch this video for all details.

Farmers' protests grip Europe, protest against green laws and cheap imports

The Indian government firm, Newspace India limited N-S-I-L has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with French firm Arianespace.

India and France enhance Aerospace partnership

French police arrested about 20 farmers on Wednesday as convoys of tractors edged closer to Paris, Lyon and other key locations, with many ignoring police warnings over the scope of their action.

France has been at the centre of growing rural discontent across Europe, with protests also held in Germany, Poland, Romania, Belgium and Italy. Spanish farmers have said they will join the movement.

Amid mounting calls for higher incomes, less red tape and protection from foreign competition, "there are huge expectations" among farmers, said Arnaud Rousseau, head of France's largest agricultural union the FNSEA.

But he added that not all of the demands could be immediately answered "so I'm trying to call for calm and reasonableness".

Eighteen people trying to blockade the Rungis wholesale food market south of Paris, a key food distribution hub for the capital region's 12 million people, were arrested for "interfering with traffic", police said.

Prosecutors said 15 of those arrested were in custody.

Between 200 and 300 tractors in a convoy that set off from southwest France were kept away from the market by police, who deployed armoured vehicles as a precaution.

Units were deployed along the A6 motorway leading to Rungis and police checkpoints were set up around the market.

The government has warned farmers to stay away from Rungis, Paris airports and large cities. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has ordered police to tread lightly but warned that they were ready to defend strategic spots.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal met leaders of the second and third-largest farmers' unions on Wednesday, a source close to his staff said.

The authorities have offered concessions, with Attal -- installed just this month -- telling parliament Tuesday that his government stood ready to resolve the crisis.

In an apparent reference to contested EU rules, he said: "France must be granted an exception for its agriculture."

The European Commission said it would offer temporary relief this year from contentious rules requiring some farmland to be left fallow, ahead of a visit to Brussels by French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau.

It will also set up measures to limit fallout from Ukrainian farm produce entering the EU, after tariffs were lifted in response to Russia's invasion.

France is also opposing a trade deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc -- a key grievance for protesters -- being signed in its current state.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said there would be closer surveillance of European food trading platforms to ensure that "farmers' income is not the first thing to be sacrificed in trade negotiations".

But farmers said the promises, including assurances of higher payouts under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), did not go far enough.

"Several of these measures will take three or four years to be implemented," said Johanna Trau, a grain and cattle farmer from Ebersheim in Alsace, eastern France. "I'll believe it when I see it."

France is the biggest beneficiary of EU farm subsidies, receiving more than nine billion euros ($9.8 billion) each year.

A police source said that as of midday Wednesday there were 6,500 protesting farmers and 4,500 tractors on French roads, blocking 80 spots along major roads.

In addition to moving on Paris, convoys were also attempting to encircle Lyon, France's third-biggest city, and set up blockades around, or demonstrated in, several other locations across France, causing heavy disruption to commuter traffic.

"Unless proper decisions are made, there's a good chance we'll be back here or at some other spot next week," said Samuel Allix, a potato farmer in the Bordeaux region.

Rousseau meanwhile warned that government representatives might get a hostile welcome at next month's Agriculture Fair in Paris that draws 650,000 people and is a must-visit event for ministers and presidents.

"It's not going to be a walk in the park," he said.

French police arrested about 20 farmers on Wednesday as convoys of tractors edged closer to Paris, Lyon and other key locations, with many ignoring police warnings over the scope of their action.

French police arrested about 20 farmers on Wednesday as convoys of tractors edged closer to Paris, Lyon and other key locations, with many ignoring police warnings over the scope of their action. France has been at the centre of growing rural discontent across Europe, with protests also held in Germany, Poland, Romania, Belgium and Italy. Spanish farmers have said they will join the movement. Amid mounting calls for higher incomes, less red tape and protection from foreign competition, "there are huge expectations" among farmers, said Arnaud Rousseau, head of France's largest agricultural union the FNSEA. But he added that not all of the demands could be immediately answered "so I'm trying to call for calm and reasonableness". Eighteen people trying to blockade the Rungis wholesale food market south of Paris, a key food distribution hub for the capital region's 12 million people, were arrested for "interfering with traffic", police said. Prosecutors said 15 of those arrested were in custody. Between 200 and 300 tractors in a convoy that set off from southwest France were kept away from the market by police, who deployed armoured vehicles as a precaution. Units were deployed along the A6 motorway leading to Rungis and police checkpoints were set up around the market. The government has warned farmers to stay away from Rungis, Paris airports and large cities. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has ordered police to tread lightly but warned that they were ready to defend strategic spots. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal met leaders of the second and third-largest farmers' unions on Wednesday, a source close to his staff said. The authorities have offered concessions, with Attal -- installed just this month -- telling parliament Tuesday that his government stood ready to resolve the crisis. In an apparent reference to contested EU rules, he said: "France must be granted an exception for its agriculture." The European Commission said it would offer temporary relief this year from contentious rules requiring some farmland to be left fallow, ahead of a visit to Brussels by French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau. It will also set up measures to limit fallout from Ukrainian farm produce entering the EU, after tariffs were lifted in response to Russia's invasion. France is also opposing a trade deal between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc -- a key grievance for protesters -- being signed in its current state. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said there would be closer surveillance of European food trading platforms to ensure that "farmers' income is not the first thing to be sacrificed in trade negotiations". But farmers said the promises, including assurances of higher payouts under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), did not go far enough. "Several of these measures will take three or four years to be implemented," said Johanna Trau, a grain and cattle farmer from Ebersheim in Alsace, eastern France. "I'll believe it when I see it." France is the biggest beneficiary of EU farm subsidies, receiving more than nine billion euros ($9.8 billion) each year. A police source said that as of midday Wednesday there were 6,500 protesting farmers and 4,500 tractors on French roads, blocking 80 spots along major roads. In addition to moving on Paris, convoys were also attempting to encircle Lyon, France's third-biggest city, and set up blockades around, or demonstrated in, several other locations across France, causing heavy disruption to commuter traffic. "Unless proper decisions are made, there's a good chance we'll be back here or at some other spot next week," said Samuel Allix, a potato farmer in the Bordeaux region. Rousseau meanwhile warned that government representatives might get a hostile welcome at next month's Agriculture Fair in Paris that draws 650,000 people and is a must-visit event for ministers and presidents. "It's not going to be a walk in the park," he said.

France starts arrests of farmers closing in on Paris amid growing rural discontent across Europe

In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space.

It is under such market conditions that commercial launch service providers NewSpace India Limited (NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization) and the French firm Arianespace have entered into a long-term strategic partnership.&nbsp;

While eleven nations have demonstrated the capability to place their satellites into orbit, it must be remembered that very few of them (either government agencies or private entities) have the wherewithal to perform such launches in a dependable and consistent manner.

Operating a commercial ferry to space is a high-risk and low-return business, which is why there are very few operators in this segment.&nbsp;

Arianespace has been ferrying its customers' satellites to space since the early 1980s and the commercial arm of ISRO has been doing so since 1999. That makes both these entities credible and reliable launch service providers, with the legacy of having launched hundreds of customer satellites. Not many government agencies or private entities have such a track record.

<h2>Business potential - Communication satellites and LEO constellations</h2>

Communication satellites facilitate television broadcasting, satellite radio, satellite phones, and much more. Typically, communication satellites are bulky, owing to the large amounts of fuel that they carry, the number of transponders on board, and the long operational life of the craft, which is anywhere between five to fifteen years.

Satellites that are under this category can weigh anywhere between four tonnes to fifteen tonnes and there are very few rockets in the world that can put these satellites into orbit.&nbsp;

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Startlink, EutelSat OneWeb, Project Kuiper, are among the popular entities, in addition to governments that are establishing constellations of hundreds (if not thousands) of satellites in low earth orbit (anywhere between 500-200 km&nbsp;above the earth).

Such constellations are meant to beam down high-speed (4G-like) internet to remote places on the earth, where conventional internet and communications services are unavailable or scarce.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fired-up-nasas-lucy-spacecraft-fires-main-engines-in-space-for-the-first-time-since-its-launch-685504">Fired-up! NASA's Lucy spacecraft fires main engines in space for the first time since its launch</a>

With each launch, these entities look to loft a few dozen satellites into orbit and this requirement can be fulfilled by only very few rocket variants. Putting together a constellation requires regular and dependable launches in a time-bound manner.&nbsp;

Owing to evolving geopolitical scenarios, the use of Russian rockets by foreign customers has dwindled, following the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While China has capable rockets, their fleet is used predominantly to launch their own national or commercial missions and there is very limited exposure to international customers. This is why the list of medium-lift and heavy-lift rockets is very limited for prospective customers.&nbsp;

The Indian LVM3 rocket and the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket are capable of undertaking these kinds of missions. India's LVM3 has placed communication satellites in orbit and also demonstrated how it can ferry 36 satellites in a single launch, to build a satellite constellation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/do-moons-exist-outside-our-solar-systems-researchers-argue-on-discovery-of-exomoons-685419">Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons</a>

The Ariane 5 rocket (retired in 2023) has undertaken hundreds of missions of such kind and proven its mettle, which is why Arianespace hopes to continue the same with its successor, the Ariane 6 rocket.&nbsp;

In terms of communication satellites, the Indian LVM3 can loft crafts weighing four tons, whereas the bigger variant of Ariane 6 can lift 11.5 tonnes.

When it comes to launching multiple satellites into low earth orbit, the LVM3 can launch payloads weighing a total of eight tonnes, and the bigger variant of the Ariane 6 can launch payloads weighing more than 20 tonnes.

The only rocket in the International market that operates in a comparable class is the SpaceX Falcon9 reusable rocket, which can lift more than 22 tonnes to low Earth orbit and communication satellites weighing more than eight tonnes. &nbsp;

Recently, NSIL announced that its 4.7 tonnes GSAT-20 satellite, a high-capacity communication satellite would be launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. &nbsp;

<h2>How will NSIL and Arianespace work together to 'Lift big and earn big'?</h2>

While NSIL and Arianespace have the kind of rockets that are being sought by customers, they face a challenge in terms of the number of launches per year.

Given that both LVM3 and Ariane 6 are expendable rockets (unlike the reusable Falcon 9), each rocket has to be entirely built from scratch and launched. Therefore, there are obvious limitations on the manufacturing capacity and the infrastructure to perform more than a handful of launches per year.

In comparison, SpaceX Falcon 9 has done more than 290 launches in its 13 years of operations, with more than 91 Falcon 9 launches in 2023 alone.&nbsp;

According to D. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, &nbsp;the long-term partnership between the two companies is to meet the Global commercial satellite launch service market needs. Together, both LVM3 and Ariane 6 would support customer needs, he says.&nbsp;

Elaborating on this, he said that the Indian LVM3 could ferry satellites for Arianespace if the French firm had a launch requirement from a customer and did not have a rocket available at that time.

Vice versa, the Ariane 6 vehicle would be used to launch the satellite for NSIL, when an Indian rocket is not available to meet NSIL's customer demands, he told WION.

As per this agreement, the respective entities would be launching their rockets from home soil - LVM3 from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota, India, and Ariane 6 from Kourou, French Guiana.

He believes that such an arrangement which combines the strengths of both established commercial launchers would help reach out to new markets and customers.&nbsp;

In order to achieve the capability of stepping up in times of need, he said that India is working with its homegrown industry to increase the production capacity of its LVM3 rocket. For context, the LVM3 rocket has been operational for almost a decade now and has flown seven missions (all successful).

While India has managed to improve the production capacity of the LVM3 and launched three of these rockets between October 2022 and July 2023, this is still inadequate when it comes to commercial operations.&nbsp;

Radhakrishnan told WION that the Indian establishment is working towards gradually ramping up to four or five LVM3 launches per year and eventually six to seven launches, considering the commercial demand that they expect.

With the Ariane 5 rocket retired in mid-2023, Arianespace is now working towards getting the Ariane 6 ready for its maiden flight, which is expected mid-2024.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space.

In the highly competitive world of commercial rocketry, those who lift big, earn big. At a time when private firms and governments are developing their own satellite constellations and heavy communication satellites, there is a rapidly growing need for launch vehicles that can ferry these satellites to space. It is under such market conditions that commercial launch service providers NewSpace India Limited (NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization) and the French firm Arianespace have entered into a long-term strategic partnership. While eleven nations have demonstrated the capability to place their satellites into orbit, it must be remembered that very few of them (either government agencies or private entities) have the wherewithal to perform such launches in a dependable and consistent manner. Operating a commercial ferry to space is a high-risk and low-return business, which is why there are very few operators in this segment. Arianespace has been ferrying its customers' satellites to space since the early 1980s and the commercial arm of ISRO has been doing so since 1999. That makes both these entities credible and reliable launch service providers, with the legacy of having launched hundreds of customer satellites. Not many government agencies or private entities have such a track record. Business potential - Communication satellites and LEO constellations Communication satellites facilitate television broadcasting, satellite radio, satellite phones, and much more. Typically, communication satellites are bulky, owing to the large amounts of fuel that they carry, the number of transponders on board, and the long operational life of the craft, which is anywhere between five to fifteen years. Satellites that are under this category can weigh anywhere between four tonnes to fifteen tonnes and there are very few rockets in the world that can put these satellites into orbit. × Startlink, EutelSat OneWeb, Project Kuiper, are among the popular entities, in addition to governments that are establishing constellations of hundreds (if not thousands) of satellites in low earth orbit (anywhere between 500-200 km above the earth). Such constellations are meant to beam down high-speed (4G-like) internet to remote places on the earth, where conventional internet and communications services are unavailable or scarce. Also Read | Fired-up! NASA's Lucy spacecraft fires main engines in space for the first time since its launch With each launch, these entities look to loft a few dozen satellites into orbit and this requirement can be fulfilled by only very few rocket variants. Putting together a constellation requires regular and dependable launches in a time-bound manner. Owing to evolving geopolitical scenarios, the use of Russian rockets by foreign customers has dwindled, following the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While China has capable rockets, their fleet is used predominantly to launch their own national or commercial missions and there is very limited exposure to international customers. This is why the list of medium-lift and heavy-lift rockets is very limited for prospective customers. The Indian LVM3 rocket and the upcoming Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket are capable of undertaking these kinds of missions. India's LVM3 has placed communication satellites in orbit and also demonstrated how it can ferry 36 satellites in a single launch, to build a satellite constellation. Also Read | Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons The Ariane 5 rocket (retired in 2023) has undertaken hundreds of missions of such kind and proven its mettle, which is why Arianespace hopes to continue the same with its successor, the Ariane 6 rocket. In terms of communication satellites, the Indian LVM3 can loft crafts weighing four tons, whereas the bigger variant of Ariane 6 can lift 11.5 tonnes. When it comes to launching multiple satellites into low earth orbit, the LVM3 can launch payloads weighing a total of eight tonnes, and the bigger variant of the Ariane 6 can launch payloads weighing more than 20 tonnes. The only rocket in the International market that operates in a comparable class is the SpaceX Falcon9 reusable rocket, which can lift more than 22 tonnes to low Earth orbit and communication satellites weighing more than eight tonnes. Recently, NSIL announced that its 4.7 tonnes GSAT-20 satellite, a high-capacity communication satellite would be launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. How will NSIL and Arianespace work together to 'Lift big and earn big'? While NSIL and Arianespace have the kind of rockets that are being sought by customers, they face a challenge in terms of the number of launches per year. Given that both LVM3 and Ariane 6 are expendable rockets (unlike the reusable Falcon 9), each rocket has to be entirely built from scratch and launched. Therefore, there are obvious limitations on the manufacturing capacity and the infrastructure to perform more than a handful of launches per year. In comparison, SpaceX Falcon 9 has done more than 290 launches in its 13 years of operations, with more than 91 Falcon 9 launches in 2023 alone. According to D. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, the long-term partnership between the two companies is to meet the Global commercial satellite launch service market needs. Together, both LVM3 and Ariane 6 would support customer needs, he says. Elaborating on this, he said that the Indian LVM3 could ferry satellites for Arianespace if the French firm had a launch requirement from a customer and did not have a rocket available at that time. Vice versa, the Ariane 6 vehicle would be used to launch the satellite for NSIL, when an Indian rocket is not available to meet NSIL's customer demands, he told WION. As per this agreement, the respective entities would be launching their rockets from home soil - LVM3 from ISRO's spaceport in Sriharikota, India, and Ariane 6 from Kourou, French Guiana. He believes that such an arrangement which combines the strengths of both established commercial launchers would help reach out to new markets and customers. In order to achieve the capability of stepping up in times of need, he said that India is working with its homegrown industry to increase the production capacity of its LVM3 rocket. For context, the LVM3 rocket has been operational for almost a decade now and has flown seven missions (all successful). While India has managed to improve the production capacity of the LVM3 and launched three of these rockets between October 2022 and July 2023, this is still inadequate when it comes to commercial operations. Radhakrishnan told WION that the Indian establishment is working towards gradually ramping up to four or five LVM3 launches per year and eventually six to seven launches, considering the commercial demand that they expect. With the Ariane 5 rocket retired in mid-2023, Arianespace is now working towards getting the Ariane 6 ready for its maiden flight, which is expected mid-2024.

Explained | Why India and France are betting big on heavy-lift commercial rocketry

Nations across Europe are joining the movement demanding action on their grievances. In France, convoys of tractors are edging closer toward what the farmers are calling their siege of Paris.

Farmers from Belgium, Spain, Italy join French farmers' movement

Why are farmer protests spreading in Europe ahead of EU summit?

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