<p>France's national capital Paris, which has been battling the notorious rodent problem, is now finding the answer to a unique question - “Can humans and rats live together?”</p>

<p>A committee has been formed by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to study “cohabitation” and understand to what extent can rodents and humans live together, said one of her deputies during a city council meeting on Thursday.</p>

<p>The city's deputy mayor Anne Souyris, who is in charge of public health, announced the step has been taken in response to questions raised by Geoffroy Boulard, the head of Paris’ 17th arrondissement and also the centre-right Republican party's member.</p>

<p>The city government was called upon by Boulard to outline a more ambitious plan against the increasing number of rats in public spaces.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-plastic-recycling-in-focus-as-countries-meet-in-paris-for-treaty-talks-598037">Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sufficient measure to eliminate rats not taken: Hidalgo</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, Boulard had criticised Hidalgo, a member of the centre-left socialist party, for not taking sufficient measures to eliminate rats from Paris, especially during strikes which were held earlier this year and saw garbage pile up throughout the city.</p>

<p>“The presence of rats on the surface is harmful to the quality of life of Parisians,” said Boulard.</p>

<p>Boulard said that he decided to raise the question after he came across an ongoing study, Project Armageddon. The mission of the project is to help the city in managing it's escalating population of rats. Its aim also includes fighting prejudices against rats to help citizens live a better life in Paris.</p>

<p>The government of France is financing the study and the city of Paris is a partner in the project.</p>

<p>Souyris stated that they are studying to understand the extent to which humans and rats can live together in a way that is “the most efficient and at the same time ensure that it’s not unbearable for Parisians.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukrainian President Zelensky in France, Paris to provide advanced weaponry to Kyiv | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Although rats carry the risk of spreading disease, the deputy mayor stated that the rats they are discussing are not similar to black rats that can carry the plague, but other kinds of rats that carry diseases like leptospirosis.</p>

<p>The move of the city was welcomed by the Animal rights group Paris Animaux Zoopolis.</p>

<p>“Rats are present in Paris, as in all major French cities, so the question of cohabitation necessarily arises,” a statement from the group stated.</p>

<p>The statement further read, “At PAZ, when we talk about “peaceful cohabitation” with rats, we don’t mean living with them in our houses and apartments but making sure that these animals don’t suffer AND that we’re not disturbed. Again, a very reasonable objective!”</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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France's national capital Paris, which has been battling the notorious rodent problem, is now finding the answer to a unique question - “Can humans and rats live together?

France's national capital Paris, which has been battling the notorious rodent problem, is now finding the answer to a unique question - “Can humans and rats live together?” A committee has been formed by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to study “cohabitation” and understand to what extent can rodents and humans live together, said one of her deputies during a city council meeting on Thursday. The city's deputy mayor Anne Souyris, who is in charge of public health, announced the step has been taken in response to questions raised by Geoffroy Boulard, the head of Paris’ 17th arrondissement and also the centre-right Republican party's member. The city government was called upon by Boulard to outline a more ambitious plan against the increasing number of rats in public spaces. ALSO READ | Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks Sufficient measure to eliminate rats not taken: Hidalgo Previously, Boulard had criticised Hidalgo, a member of the centre-left socialist party, for not taking sufficient measures to eliminate rats from Paris, especially during strikes which were held earlier this year and saw garbage pile up throughout the city. “The presence of rats on the surface is harmful to the quality of life of Parisians,” said Boulard. Boulard said that he decided to raise the question after he came across an ongoing study, Project Armageddon. The mission of the project is to help the city in managing it's escalating population of rats. Its aim also includes fighting prejudices against rats to help citizens live a better life in Paris. The government of France is financing the study and the city of Paris is a partner in the project. Souyris stated that they are studying to understand the extent to which humans and rats can live together in a way that is “the most efficient and at the same time ensure that it’s not unbearable for Parisians.” WATCH | Ukrainian President Zelensky in France, Paris to provide advanced weaponry to Kyiv | WION Although rats carry the risk of spreading disease, the deputy mayor stated that the rats they are discussing are not similar to black rats that can carry the plague, but other kinds of rats that carry diseases like leptospirosis. The move of the city was welcomed by the Animal rights group Paris Animaux Zoopolis. “Rats are present in Paris, as in all major French cities, so the question of cohabitation necessarily arises,” a statement from the group stated. The statement further read, “At PAZ, when we talk about “peaceful cohabitation” with rats, we don’t mean living with them in our houses and apartments but making sure that these animals don’t suffer AND that we’re not disturbed. Again, a very reasonable objective!” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid increasing rodent issue, Paris debates: 'Can humans and rats live together?'

In the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France, the campsites are facing water restrictions due to a drought. Forcing them to adapt and save water. let's take a closer look at how they are coping.

Campsites in France tackle water scarcity

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace.</p>

<p>In a telephonic conversation, the French President highlighted the serious "security and humanitarian consequences" of Iran's drone deliveries "and urged Tehran to immediately end the support it thus gives to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", the statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-receiving-materials-from-iran-to-build-drone-factory-says-white-house-602656">Russia receiving material from Iran to build drone factory, says White House</a></p>

<p>The call by the French President came a day after White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Iran was sending materials to Russia to build a drone factory on its territory.</p>

<h2><strong>Drone factory 'could be fully operational early next year': Kirby</strong></h2>

<p>John Kirby said that Russia was importing materials from Iran to build the drone factory which "could be fully operational early next year".</p>

<p>The White House released a satellite image of the location of the forthcoming plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which was based some 900 kilometres (560 miles) east of Moscow.</p>

<p>"The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," Kirby said in a statement, citing US intelligence information.</p>

<p>The White House said it would release a new government advisory to assist businesses and governments "to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's (drone) programme".</p>

<p>According to Washington, Russia has received hundreds of attack drones and related equipment from Iran to aid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>As per US data, Kirby said, the drones "are built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine."</p>

<p>"Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorise the Ukrainian population," he added, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.</p>

<p>Washington issued the alert on what it feels are Moscow's efforts to create Iranian drones itself.</p>

<p>"We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," Kirby said.</p>

<p>According to the White House, in turn, Iran is seeking to purchase Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia.</p>

<p>"We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," AFP quoted Kirby as saying.</p>

<p>Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations made by the United States of sending military supplies to Russia during its war against Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine. Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine. Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace. In a telephonic conversation, the French President highlighted the serious "security and humanitarian consequences" of Iran's drone deliveries "and urged Tehran to immediately end the support it thus gives to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", the statement said. Also read: Russia receiving material from Iran to build drone factory, says White House The call by the French President came a day after White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Iran was sending materials to Russia to build a drone factory on its territory. Drone factory 'could be fully operational early next year': Kirby John Kirby said that Russia was importing materials from Iran to build the drone factory which "could be fully operational early next year". The White House released a satellite image of the location of the forthcoming plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which was based some 900 kilometres (560 miles) east of Moscow. "The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," Kirby said in a statement, citing US intelligence information. The White House said it would release a new government advisory to assist businesses and governments "to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's (drone) programme". According to Washington, Russia has received hundreds of attack drones and related equipment from Iran to aid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. As per US data, Kirby said, the drones "are built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine." "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorise the Ukrainian population," he added, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Washington issued the alert on what it feels are Moscow's efforts to create Iranian drones itself. "We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," Kirby said. According to the White House, in turn, Iran is seeking to purchase Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia. "We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," AFP quoted Kirby as saying. Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations made by the United States of sending military supplies to Russia during its war against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Emmanuel Macron urges Iran to 'immediately end' support to Russia in war against Ukraine

A 31-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker has stabbed four toddlers in the French town of Annecy. At least one of the toddlers was in a strolled at the time of the attack. Will the incident force France to rethink its policy regarding refugees and asylum-seekers? Vikram Chandra brings you the details.

France Stabbing: The attacker had refugee status in Sweden for ten years

France: Syrian asylum-seeker stabs toddlers in Annecy

<p>In a tragic incident in the southwestern Khuzestan province of Iran, a young boy was shot dead by police after his father stole a car and fled with him.&nbsp;Ruhollah Bigdeli, the chief of police in Shushtar County, confirmed the incident and stated that officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle by shooting at it. On the other hand, Media reports citing the prosecutor revealed that a man, who was held for stabbing four young children at a playground in the French resort town of Annecy is now facing charges of attempted murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

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<p>The boy, identified as 9-year-old Morteza Delf Zaregani, lost his life at the scene. Authorities reported that multiple warnings were issued before the police resorted to shooting. They also revealed that the father had a criminal record, including offenses related to car theft and drug smuggling. The incident has sparked outrage, with the father claiming that the police did not give any warning before opening fire.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/annecy-knife-attack-man-held-for-stabbing-4-children-in-french-resort-faces-attempted-murder-charges-602913">Annecy knife attack: Man held for stabbing 4 children in French resort faces attempted murder charges</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/10/358462-untitled-design-2023-06-10t170547018.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Media reports citing the prosecutor revealed that a man, who was held for stabbing four young children at a playground in the French resort town of Annecy is now facing charges of attempted murder. On June 8, a distressing incident unfolded near a lake in the French Alps, where a knife attack took place. The attack targeted a playground area and resulted in injuries to four preschool children and two adults who were present at the scene.</p>

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<p>Former British prime minister Boris Johnson on Friday (June 9) resigned as a Member of the Parliament. He has accused a parliamentary probe into 'partygate' of driving him out. Johnson, 58, said he was stepping down with immediate effect "triggering an immediate by-election" in his marginal seat, which heaps political pressure on his successor Rishi Sunak.</p>

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<p>Two airplanes appear to have bumped into each other near a taxiway at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital of Tokyo causing concerns, media reports said. According to reports citing Japan's transport ministry, the collision incident involved a Thai Airways plane scheduled for departure to Bangkok and an Eva Airways jet bound for Taipei.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>After more than five weeks since their plane crashed in a dense jungle, four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia have been miraculously found alive in the southern part of the country. The siblings were rescued by the military near the border between Colombia's Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to the crash site of the small aircraft.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-2023-when-and-where-to-watch-manchester-city-vs-inter-milan-live-streaming-details-602938">Champions League Final 2023: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Inter Milan, Live Streaming details</a></p>

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<p>Two top teams from Europe – Manchester City and Inter Milan will face off on Sunday for the coveted Champions League trophy in Istanbul, Turkey. While Inter Milan is the former three-time winner, having last won 13 years ago in 2010, current Premier League champions Manchester City are chasing their maiden UCL title. In this piece, get all the details about when, where and how to watch the Champions League 2023 Final.</p>

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<p>Despite being a pivotal part of a popular reality TV show, Kylie Jenner likes to keep parts of herself private. Remember how skillfully she hid her pregnancy from the world and ensured no pap interference. Many of her fans haven't seen much of her private space, too, it doesn't feature much of The Kardashians. So when fans got a quick sneak peek into her uber-expensive California mansion on TikTok, they couldn't keep calm.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-for-uttering-bomb-on-flight-man-held-on-vistara-plane-after-co-passenger-alerts-crew-602935">Arrested for uttering 'bomb' on-board: Man held on Vistara plane after co-passenger alerts crew</a></p>

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<p>A man who was headed to Dubai was detained on Thursday at Indira Gandhi International Airport after another traveller overheard him using the word "bomb" while on call with someone else. A male traveller talking on the phone with someone on the other end overheard saying, "CISF removed coconut from my bag fearing it could be a bomb but allowed guthkha that was in my bag."</p>

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<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/10/358449-live-blog.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Doctors are held in high regard across the globe. Their hard work and drive to save the patients are the source of awe, and in some cultures, they are even revered as 'living' gods. However, not even they can predict a patient's chances of death. However, a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool developed by a team at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine claims to hold the capability to do just that.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/prolonged-space-missions-are-damaging-astronauts-brains-claims-study-602881">Prolonged space missions are damaging astronauts' brains, claims study</a></p>

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<p>Extended space adventures are damaging astronauts' brains, according to experts. Astronauts who spend a lot of time in space should give their brains three years to recuperate from the alterations brought on by their missions. These are the conclusions of a recent research that examined how the brain responds to gravity outside of Earth. It comes before what is anticipated to be a new age of protracted space travel, including the initial expeditions to Mars.</p>


In a tragic incident in the southwestern Khuzestan province of Iran, a young boy was shot dead by police after his father stole a car and fled with him. Ruhollah Bigdeli, the chief of police in Shushtar County, confirmed the incident and stated that officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle by shooting at it.

In a tragic incident in the southwestern Khuzestan province of Iran, a young boy was shot dead by police after his father stole a car and fled with him. Ruhollah Bigdeli, the chief of police in Shushtar County, confirmed the incident and stated that officers attempted to stop the stolen vehicle by shooting at it. On the other hand, Media reports citing the prosecutor revealed that a man, who was held for stabbing four young children at a playground in the French resort town of Annecy is now facing charges of attempted murder. Click on the headlines to read more. Heartbreaking tragedy: 9-year-old in Iran fatally shot by police as father steals car The boy, identified as 9-year-old Morteza Delf Zaregani, lost his life at the scene. Authorities reported that multiple warnings were issued before the police resorted to shooting. They also revealed that the father had a criminal record, including offenses related to car theft and drug smuggling. The incident has sparked outrage, with the father claiming that the police did not give any warning before opening fire. Annecy knife attack: Man held for stabbing 4 children in French resort faces attempted murder charges Media reports citing the prosecutor revealed that a man, who was held for stabbing four young children at a playground in the French resort town of Annecy is now facing charges of attempted murder. On June 8, a distressing incident unfolded near a lake in the French Alps, where a knife attack took place. The attack targeted a playground area and resulted in injuries to four preschool children and two adults who were present at the scene. Former UK PM Boris Johnson quits from British Parliament over Partygate probe Former British prime minister Boris Johnson on Friday (June 9) resigned as a Member of the Parliament. He has accused a parliamentary probe into 'partygate' of driving him out. Johnson, 58, said he was stepping down with immediate effect "triggering an immediate by-election" in his marginal seat, which heaps political pressure on his successor Rishi Sunak. Two planes collide at Haneda airport in Japan's capital Two airplanes appear to have bumped into each other near a taxiway at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital of Tokyo causing concerns, media reports said. According to reports citing Japan's transport ministry, the collision incident involved a Thai Airways plane scheduled for departure to Bangkok and an Eva Airways jet bound for Taipei. Miracle: Four Indigenous children rescued from dense Amazon jungle 40 days after plane crash After more than five weeks since their plane crashed in a dense jungle, four children from an Indigenous community in Colombia have been miraculously found alive in the southern part of the country. The siblings were rescued by the military near the border between Colombia's Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to the crash site of the small aircraft. Champions League Final 2023: When and where to watch Manchester City vs Inter Milan, Live Streaming details Two top teams from Europe – Manchester City and Inter Milan will face off on Sunday for the coveted Champions League trophy in Istanbul, Turkey. While Inter Milan is the former three-time winner, having last won 13 years ago in 2010, current Premier League champions Manchester City are chasing their maiden UCL title. In this piece, get all the details about when, where and how to watch the Champions League 2023 Final. Kylie Jenner gives a glimpse of her $36mn California mansion in viral video Despite being a pivotal part of a popular reality TV show, Kylie Jenner likes to keep parts of herself private. Remember how skillfully she hid her pregnancy from the world and ensured no pap interference. Many of her fans haven't seen much of her private space, too, it doesn't feature much of The Kardashians. So when fans got a quick sneak peek into her uber-expensive California mansion on TikTok, they couldn't keep calm. Arrested for uttering 'bomb' on-board: Man held on Vistara plane after co-passenger alerts crew A man who was headed to Dubai was detained on Thursday at Indira Gandhi International Airport after another traveller overheard him using the word "bomb" while on call with someone else. A male traveller talking on the phone with someone on the other end overheard saying, "CISF removed coconut from my bag fearing it could be a bomb but allowed guthkha that was in my bag." Groundbreaking AI tool predicts patients' chances of death. Can it replace doctors? Doctors are held in high regard across the globe. Their hard work and drive to save the patients are the source of awe, and in some cultures, they are even revered as 'living' gods. However, not even they can predict a patient's chances of death. However, a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool developed by a team at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine claims to hold the capability to do just that. Prolonged space missions are damaging astronauts' brains, claims study Extended space adventures are damaging astronauts' brains, according to experts. Astronauts who spend a lot of time in space should give their brains three years to recuperate from the alterations brought on by their missions. These are the conclusions of a recent research that examined how the brain responds to gravity outside of Earth. It comes before what is anticipated to be a new age of protracted space travel, including the initial expeditions to Mars.

Top 10 world news: France stabbing suspect charged with murder, 9-year-old shot dead by Iranian police, & more

<p>A 24-year-old has been hailed as "the backpack hero" - "le héros au sac a dos" because of the courage he showed when at least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Syrian refugee armed with a knife stabbed the kids, and was even captured in camera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But "the backpack hero" who said his name was Henri and was near a playground when he saw the man attacking children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He suggested that it was God's will that he was there and able to intervene. The philosophy and management student told CNEWS, "All I know is that I was not there by chance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On my journey to the cathedrals I crossed paths with this man and I have acted instinctively. It was unthinkable to do nothing," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-video-shows-terrifying-moments-when-man-stabbed-a-child-multiple-times-602272">France knife attack: Video shows terrifying moment when man stabbed a child multiple times</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In a video footage, share on social media platforms, Henri was seen trying to block the assailant with one of his two backpacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He even pursued the man into the playground and threw one of his bags at the attacker. He said that he had felt a strong force inside him pushing him to act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "I let myself be guided by providence and the Virgin Mary. I said my adieu. They would decide what would happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Henri further added that other young people had also pursued the attacker. "We tried to scare him and make clear he could not do what he wanted," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The suspect was seen in the videos, he was seen running around the park on the banks of Lake Annecy wearing a bandana and sunglasses. He was attacking people randomly.</p>

<p>He was arrested by armed police at the scene and is being questioned by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former professional footballer Anthony Le Tallec, who was running in the park, told the local Dauphine Libere newspaper that he "wanted to attack everyone. I moved away and he lunged at an old man and woman and stabbed the old man".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-what-do-we-know-about-the-stabbing-suspect-so-far-602398">France knife attack: What do we know about the stabbing suspect so far?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Macron reacts to the knife attack&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (June 9) that the health of the preschool children badly wounded in a mass knife attack was "heading in the right direction".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The presidency said that Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in the southeastern city of Grenoble, where three of the children are being treated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Everything that I was told is heading in the right direction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Attacking children is the most barbaric act there is" but also made clear his "pride" over the work of rescuers, Macron added after the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A 24-year-old has been hailed as "the backpack hero" - "le héros au sac a dos" because of the courage he showed when at least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8).

A 24-year-old has been hailed as "the backpack hero" - "le héros au sac a dos" because of the courage he showed when at least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8). A Syrian refugee armed with a knife stabbed the kids, and was even captured in camera. But "the backpack hero" who said his name was Henri and was near a playground when he saw the man attacking children. He suggested that it was God's will that he was there and able to intervene. The philosophy and management student told CNEWS, "All I know is that I was not there by chance." "On my journey to the cathedrals I crossed paths with this man and I have acted instinctively. It was unthinkable to do nothing," he added. Also read: France knife attack: Video shows terrifying moment when man stabbed a child multiple times In a video footage, share on social media platforms, Henri was seen trying to block the assailant with one of his two backpacks. He even pursued the man into the playground and threw one of his bags at the attacker. He said that he had felt a strong force inside him pushing him to act. He said, "I let myself be guided by providence and the Virgin Mary. I said my adieu. They would decide what would happen." Henri further added that other young people had also pursued the attacker. "We tried to scare him and make clear he could not do what he wanted," he said. Watch this report: × The suspect was seen in the videos, he was seen running around the park on the banks of Lake Annecy wearing a bandana and sunglasses. He was attacking people randomly. He was arrested by armed police at the scene and is being questioned by the authorities. Former professional footballer Anthony Le Tallec, who was running in the park, told the local Dauphine Libere newspaper that he "wanted to attack everyone. I moved away and he lunged at an old man and woman and stabbed the old man". Also read: France knife attack: What do we know about the stabbing suspect so far? Macron reacts to the knife attack French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (June 9) that the health of the preschool children badly wounded in a mass knife attack was "heading in the right direction". The presidency said that Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in the southeastern city of Grenoble, where three of the children are being treated. He said, "Everything that I was told is heading in the right direction." "Attacking children is the most barbaric act there is" but also made clear his "pride" over the work of rescuers, Macron added after the visit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France hails 'backpack hero' who fought knife attacker in Annecy

In Pics | France hails 'backpack hero' who fought Annecy knife attacker

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: At least 4 children and 1 adult injured in France knife attack

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<p>France has been left shocked after four preschool children were stabbed mercilessly by a Syrian refugee knifeman in the French town of Annecy on Thursday. Two adults also suffered injuries in the horrific attack and were transferred to hospitals in the French Alps, across the Swiss border in Geneva.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French authorities have opened an investigation into the incident after the police acted swiftly and overpowered the accused.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the attacker?</strong></h2>

<p>According to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the attacker is a 31-year-old Syrian national who was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Borne said the attacker arrived in France legally as he was carrying Swedish identity documents plus a Swedish driving licence. Despite being a 'homeless' and an 'isolated individual', the attacker had sought asylum in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, owing to the bureaucratic work involved, his asylum request had not been processed so far. Borne said it was because he already had refugee status in Sweden. Notably, it was due to his&nbsp;EU refugee status that he&nbsp;was allowed to freely and legally travel to France before undertaking the deadly massacre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security sources and his ex-wife told AFP that he was recently divorced and in his early 30s.</p>

<p>"He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church," the ex-wife said on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shocking-news-from-france-knife-attack-in-annecy-injures-five-including-children-602200"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Shocking news from France: Knife attack in Annecy injures five, including children</strong></a></p>

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<p>French newspapers said the man declared himself to be a Syrian Christian in the asylum application form. He was also spotted wearing a Christian cross on a chain around his neck when arrested by the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the rumours circulating online, Annecy public prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis cleared the air saying there was "no evidence" of a terrorist motive.</p>

<p>Investigations have been opened for attempted murder and National Police, rather than anti-terrorist investigators are currently handling the probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, no information regarding the man has been received after the French authorities contacted&nbsp;international security and intelligence agencies. He had no criminal as well as psychiatric record.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened during the attack?</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, around 9:45 am local time (0745 GMT), the suspect, wearing a blue-chequered headscarf and sunglasses, armed with a 10-centimetre-long knife, attacked a group of children aged around three years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the horrifying videos shows the suspect coming close to a baby in a pram and stabbing the little one multiple times. It also shows the mother, helplessly trying to stop the attacker. He can be heard shouting "In the name of Jesus Christ".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-knife-attack-video-shows-terrifying-moments-when-man-stabbed-a-child-multiple-times-602272"><strong>Also&nbsp;read | France knife attack: Video shows terrifying moment when man stabbed a child multiple times</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called the stabbing incident an “attack of absolute cowardice", adding that the nation was "shocked".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are fighting for their lives. The nation is shocked. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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France has been left shocked after four preschool children were stabbed mercilessly by a Syrian refugee knifeman in the French town of Annecy on Thursday. Two adults also suffered injuries in the horrific attack and were transferred to hospitals in the French Alps, across the Swiss border in Geneva.

France has been left shocked after four preschool children were stabbed mercilessly by a Syrian refugee knifeman in the French town of Annecy on Thursday. Two adults also suffered injuries in the horrific attack and were transferred to hospitals in the French Alps, across the Swiss border in Geneva. The French authorities have opened an investigation into the incident after the police acted swiftly and overpowered the accused. What do we know about the attacker? According to French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the attacker is a 31-year-old Syrian national who was granted asylum in Sweden 10 years ago. Borne said the attacker arrived in France legally as he was carrying Swedish identity documents plus a Swedish driving licence. Despite being a 'homeless' and an 'isolated individual', the attacker had sought asylum in France. However, owing to the bureaucratic work involved, his asylum request had not been processed so far. Borne said it was because he already had refugee status in Sweden. Notably, it was due to his EU refugee status that he was allowed to freely and legally travel to France before undertaking the deadly massacre. Security sources and his ex-wife told AFP that he was recently divorced and in his early 30s. "He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church," the ex-wife said on condition of anonymity. WATCH | Shocking news from France: Knife attack in Annecy injures five, including children × French newspapers said the man declared himself to be a Syrian Christian in the asylum application form. He was also spotted wearing a Christian cross on a chain around his neck when arrested by the police. Despite the rumours circulating online, Annecy public prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis cleared the air saying there was "no evidence" of a terrorist motive. Investigations have been opened for attempted murder and National Police, rather than anti-terrorist investigators are currently handling the probe. Additionally, no information regarding the man has been received after the French authorities contacted international security and intelligence agencies. He had no criminal as well as psychiatric record. What happened during the attack? On Thursday, around 9:45 am local time (0745 GMT), the suspect, wearing a blue-chequered headscarf and sunglasses, armed with a 10-centimetre-long knife, attacked a group of children aged around three years old. One of the horrifying videos shows the suspect coming close to a baby in a pram and stabbing the little one multiple times. It also shows the mother, helplessly trying to stop the attacker. He can be heard shouting "In the name of Jesus Christ". Also read | France knife attack: Video shows terrifying moment when man stabbed a child multiple times Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called the stabbing incident an “attack of absolute cowardice", adding that the nation was "shocked". “Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are fighting for their lives. The nation is shocked. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services," he wrote on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France knife attack: What do we know about the stabbing suspect so far?

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday released a statement saying that his country would send aid to Ukraine "within the next few hours" after the Kakhovka dam breach triggered floods forcing the people to spend the night on roofs and trees.</p>

<p>"France condemns this atrocious act, which is endangering populations. Within the next few hours, we will send aid to meet immediate needs," Macron wrote on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I expressed to President Zelensky my solidarity with the Ukrainian people after the attack on the Kakhovka dam. France condemns this atrocious act, which is endangering populations. Within the next few hours, we will send aid to meet immediate needs.</p>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1666501130535182339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted to his French counterpart the urgent need to control the situation and handle the impact&nbsp;of the incident.</p>

<p>During the call with French President Emmanuel Macron, they "spoke about the current situation in Kherson region, the environmental and humanitarian consequences of the Russian act of terrorism, and outlined the urgent needs of Ukraine to eliminate the disaster", Zelensky said in a tweet. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I had a thorough phone call with the President of 🇫🇷 France <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>. Thanked him for the opportunity to participate in the Summit of the European Political Community and for support at the UN Security Council. Spoke about the current situation in Kherson region, the…</p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1666484256799858689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>People forced to spend the night on roofs, trees due to flooding</strong></h2>

<p>The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Ukraine caused heavy flooding and people awaiting rescue in affected areas spent&nbsp;Tuesday night (June 6) on roofs or trees. The critical dam along the Dnipro River in Ukraine's Kherson region now held by Russia, collapsed on Tuesday. It is not yet clear who was responsible for the dam breach as both Kyiv&nbsp;and Moscow have been accusing each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies showed houses and buildings submerged, with many showing only their roofs, and water taking over parks, land and infrastructure. And many such people slept on roofs and sat on trees, waiting to be rescued, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>42,000 people at direct risk from flooding: Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian government estimated that around 42,000 people are at direct risk from flooding which is expected to peak on Wednesday, and hundreds and thousands would be left without access to drinking water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the agriculture ministry said the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro. The dam's destruction has left 94% of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74% of those in Zaporizhzhia, and 30% in Dnipro regions without water, the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-prime-minister-denys-shmyhal-calls-kakhovka-dam-destruction-environmental-catastrophe-601821">Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal calls Kakhovka dam destruction 'environmental catastrophe'</a></p>

<p>Residents in affected areas have started fleeing, carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms, and belongings in plastic bags while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the waters reached above head height.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin reacts, calls Kakhovka dam attack 'barbaric act'</strong></h2>

<p>President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday released a statement saying that his country would send aid to Ukraine "within the next few hours" after the Kakhovka dam breach triggered floods forcing the people to spend the night on roofs and trees.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday released a statement saying that his country would send aid to Ukraine "within the next few hours" after the Kakhovka dam breach triggered floods forcing the people to spend the night on roofs and trees. "France condemns this atrocious act, which is endangering populations. Within the next few hours, we will send aid to meet immediate needs," Macron wrote on Twitter. I expressed to President Zelensky my solidarity with the Ukrainian people after the attack on the Kakhovka dam. France condemns this atrocious act, which is endangering populations. Within the next few hours, we will send aid to meet immediate needs. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 7, 2023 × The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted to his French counterpart the urgent need to control the situation and handle the impact of the incident. During the call with French President Emmanuel Macron, they "spoke about the current situation in Kherson region, the environmental and humanitarian consequences of the Russian act of terrorism, and outlined the urgent needs of Ukraine to eliminate the disaster", Zelensky said in a tweet. I had a thorough phone call with the President of 🇫🇷 France @EmmanuelMacron. Thanked him for the opportunity to participate in the Summit of the European Political Community and for support at the UN Security Council. Spoke about the current situation in Kherson region, the… — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 7, 2023 × People forced to spend the night on roofs, trees due to flooding The destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Ukraine caused heavy flooding and people awaiting rescue in affected areas spent Tuesday night (June 6) on roofs or trees. The critical dam along the Dnipro River in Ukraine's Kherson region now held by Russia, collapsed on Tuesday. It is not yet clear who was responsible for the dam breach as both Kyiv and Moscow have been accusing each other. Satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies showed houses and buildings submerged, with many showing only their roofs, and water taking over parks, land and infrastructure. And many such people slept on roofs and sat on trees, waiting to be rescued, the news agency Reuters reported. 42,000 people at direct risk from flooding: Ukraine The Ukrainian government estimated that around 42,000 people are at direct risk from flooding which is expected to peak on Wednesday, and hundreds and thousands would be left without access to drinking water. In a statement, the agriculture ministry said the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro. The dam's destruction has left 94% of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74% of those in Zaporizhzhia, and 30% in Dnipro regions without water, the ministry added. Also read: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal calls Kakhovka dam destruction 'environmental catastrophe' Residents in affected areas have started fleeing, carrying children on their shoulders, dogs in their arms, and belongings in plastic bags while rescuers used rubber boats to search areas where the waters reached above head height. Putin reacts, calls Kakhovka dam attack 'barbaric act' President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French President Emmanuel Macron to send aid to Ukraine after Kakhovka dam breach

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>At least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8). Preliminary information suggested that a Syrian refugee armed with a knife stabbed the kids. A&nbsp;video shows how the incident came about.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video shows the suspect coming close to a baby in a pram and stabbing the little one multiple times. It also shows&nbsp;the mother trying to stop the attacker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies reported that the youngest victim in the quiet town of Annecy was just 22 months old. The motive behind the attack is unclear, but investigators are trying to understand the reasons for the terrifying attack in a public park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Videos show the attacker, dressed in black and carrying a blade around 10 centimetres long. He can be heard shouting "In the name of Jesus Christ".&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four child victims, which include British and German boys, are in a critical state in a local hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told a press conference during a trip to Paris: "We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> knife attack leaves six people injured, including children. Police say the attacker is a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syrian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syrian</a> refugee. Source from Euronews.<br />
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Instead of the aggressor's religion and nationality, the focus should be on the audacity of terrorism and aggression. <a href="https://t.co/rnfKWmlqLX">pic.twitter.com/rnfKWmlqLX</a></p>
— HuiHui Chen Miss (@HuiHuiChenMiss) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuiHuiChenMiss/status/1666836655875973121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne rushed to the lakeside town around 30 kilometres south of the Swiss city of Geneva. While speaking at a press conference alongside the prime minister, local prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis told reporters: "There's no obvious terrorist motive."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the suspect?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Borne further added that the suspect was "not known by any intelligence service" and did not have "any history of psychiatric problems". Security sources and his ex-wife told AFP that he was recently divorced and in his early 30s. He had previously lived for 10 years in Sweden where he was granted refugee status in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency, the ex-wife said on condition of anonymity, "He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church." She also said that he had left Sweden because he had been unable to get Swedish nationality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the witnesses and also as seen in the videos, he was seen running around the park on the banks of Lake Annecy wearing a bandana and sunglasses. He was attacking people randomly.</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that he was arrested by armed police at the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former professional footballer Anthony Le Tallec, who was running in the park, told the local Dauphine Libere newspaper that he "wanted to attack everyone. I moved away and he lunged at an old man and woman and stabbed the old man".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. At least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8).

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. At least four preschool children and two adults were injured in a knife attack which took place by a lake in the French Alps on Thursday (June 8). Preliminary information suggested that a Syrian refugee armed with a knife stabbed the kids. A video shows how the incident came about. The video shows the suspect coming close to a baby in a pram and stabbing the little one multiple times. It also shows the mother trying to stop the attacker. News agencies reported that the youngest victim in the quiet town of Annecy was just 22 months old. The motive behind the attack is unclear, but investigators are trying to understand the reasons for the terrifying attack in a public park. Videos show the attacker, dressed in black and carrying a blade around 10 centimetres long. He can be heard shouting "In the name of Jesus Christ". All four child victims, which include British and German boys, are in a critical state in a local hospital. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told a press conference during a trip to Paris: "We have already deployed British consular officials who are travelling to the area to make themselves available to support the family." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here #France knife attack leaves six people injured, including children. Police say the attacker is a #Syrian refugee. Source from Euronews. Instead of the aggressor's religion and nationality, the focus should be on the audacity of terrorism and aggression. pic.twitter.com/rnfKWmlqLX — HuiHui Chen Miss (@HuiHuiChenMiss) June 8, 2023 × Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne rushed to the lakeside town around 30 kilometres south of the Swiss city of Geneva. While speaking at a press conference alongside the prime minister, local prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis told reporters: "There's no obvious terrorist motive." What do we know about the suspect? Borne further added that the suspect was "not known by any intelligence service" and did not have "any history of psychiatric problems". Security sources and his ex-wife told AFP that he was recently divorced and in his early 30s. He had previously lived for 10 years in Sweden where he was granted refugee status in April. As quoted by the news agency, the ex-wife said on condition of anonymity, "He called me around four months ago. He was living in a church." She also said that he had left Sweden because he had been unable to get Swedish nationality. As per the witnesses and also as seen in the videos, he was seen running around the park on the banks of Lake Annecy wearing a bandana and sunglasses. He was attacking people randomly. Reports have mentioned that he was arrested by armed police at the scene. Former professional footballer Anthony Le Tallec, who was running in the park, told the local Dauphine Libere newspaper that he "wanted to attack everyone. I moved away and he lunged at an old man and woman and stabbed the old man". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France knife attack: Video shows terrifying moment when man stabbed a child multiple times

<p>Four children and two adults were injured after they were stabbed with a knife by a man in the French town of Annecy on Thursday.</p>

<p>The police acted swiftly and overpowered the accused. Police and military have also been dispatched to secure the premises and take the children to safety. Doctors said that the condition of the kids is critical.</p>

<p>A man armed with a knife attacked a group of children aged around three years old at 9:45 am (0745 GMT) on Thursday at a park near the lake in the town, a security source who asked not to be named and a local official told AFP.</p>

<p>France’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas Gérald Darmanin confirmed in a tweet that the accused was caught.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Plusieurs personnes dont des enfants ont été blessés par un individu armé d’un couteau dans un square à Annecy. L’individu a été interpellé grâce à l’intervention très rapide des forces de l’ordre.</p>
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDarmanin/status/1666727504365666309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Several people including children were injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy. The individual was arrested, thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police,” he tweeted in French.</p>

<p>The officials are yet to confirm the identity of the attacker, but&nbsp;BFM TV reported that the assailant had been a Syrian asylum seeker.</p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday denounced an "attack of absolute cowardice" after a man stabbed four preschool children and an adult in the French Alpine town of Annecy.</p>

<p>"Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are fighting for their lives. The nation is shocked. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services," he wrote on Twitter.</p>

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Four children and two adults were injured after they were stabbed with a knife by a man in the French town of Annecy on Thursday. The police acted swiftly and overpowered the accused.

Four children and two adults were injured after they were stabbed with a knife by a man in the French town of Annecy on Thursday. The police acted swiftly and overpowered the accused. Police and military have also been dispatched to secure the premises and take the children to safety. Doctors said that the condition of the kids is critical. A man armed with a knife attacked a group of children aged around three years old at 9:45 am (0745 GMT) on Thursday at a park near the lake in the town, a security source who asked not to be named and a local official told AFP. France’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas Gérald Darmanin confirmed in a tweet that the accused was caught. Plusieurs personnes dont des enfants ont été blessés par un individu armé d’un couteau dans un square à Annecy. L’individu a été interpellé grâce à l’intervention très rapide des forces de l’ordre. — Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) June 8, 2023 × “Several people including children were injured by an individual armed with a knife in a square in Annecy. The individual was arrested, thanks to the very rapid intervention of the police,” he tweeted in French. The officials are yet to confirm the identity of the attacker, but BFM TV reported that the assailant had been a Syrian asylum seeker. President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday denounced an "attack of absolute cowardice" after a man stabbed four preschool children and an adult in the French Alpine town of Annecy. "Attack of absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are fighting for their lives. The nation is shocked. Our thoughts are with them as well as their families and the emergency services," he wrote on Twitter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France knife attack leaves 4 children in critical condition; injures 2 others

Some disturbing news reports of a devastating incident have emerged from France where a knife attack reportedly left several children injured on Thursday. According to reports, the stabbing incident occurred at Lakeside Park in Annecy, a town located in the French Alps. Four children and an adult have been injured in the unfortunate incident as details are still coming in.

Shocking news from France: Knife attack in Annecy injures five, including children

<p>France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg previously hinted that an office in Japan will help the military alliance counter the rising security threats from China. However, Paris is not keen on pursuing any plan which could put Europe-China ties in jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is France opposing NATO’s planned office in Japan?</strong></h2>

<p>French officials believe that putting NATO’s focus away from the Atlantic region goes against the provisions of the military alliance. “NATO (stands for) North Atlantic, and both article V and article VI (in its statutes) clearly limit the scope to North Atlantic,” a French official was quoted as saying by several media reports.</p>

<p>“There is no NATO liaison office in any country in the region. If NATO needs situational awareness in the region it can use the embassies designated as point of contact,” the official added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Who will be next NATO chief as Jen Stoltenberg to retire soon</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, it was French President Emmanuel Macron who referred to the move as “a big mistake.” France’s opposition can stymie NATO’s plans for Japan as a unanimous approval of the North Atlantic Council is required.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions from Japan and China</strong></h2>

<p>Japan declined to comment on Macron’s latest remarks, saying “deliberations” at various levels were still underway. “Various considerations are underway within NATO. At this point, I will refrain from commenting with prejudgment,” Japan’s top government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-a-nato-state-whose-gain-whose-loss-600030"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India, a NATO state? Whose gain, whose loss?</strong></a></p>

<p>On the other hand, Beijing has blasted NATO for formulating plans that could “destabilise” the region. Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted by Financial Times as saying that opening a NATO office in Japan will amount to “interfering in regional affairs and inciting bloc confrontation.” He said, “Asia lies beyond the geographical scope of the North Atlantic.”</p>

<h2><strong>Japan says ‘No’ to NATO</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month said that his nation had no plans to join NATO, although he was aware of the plans of opening a liaison office in Tokyo. NATO, over the last few years, has expressed its concerns about China’s rising aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;However, France has hinted that it will no longer operate under the security umbrella of the US, and will seek strategic autonomy. Macron even suggested earlier this year that Europe must not become an American “vassal” while the French leader was visiting China.</p>

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France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus.

France has rejected a proposal by NATO to open a liaison office in Japan. As per media reports, French officials are of the view that NATO’s presence in the East Asian region will distract it from its prime region of focus. NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg previously hinted that an office in Japan will help the military alliance counter the rising security threats from China. However, Paris is not keen on pursuing any plan which could put Europe-China ties in jeopardy. Why is France opposing NATO’s planned office in Japan? French officials believe that putting NATO’s focus away from the Atlantic region goes against the provisions of the military alliance. “NATO (stands for) North Atlantic, and both article V and article VI (in its statutes) clearly limit the scope to North Atlantic,” a French official was quoted as saying by several media reports. “There is no NATO liaison office in any country in the region. If NATO needs situational awareness in the region it can use the embassies designated as point of contact,” the official added. Watch | Who will be next NATO chief as Jen Stoltenberg to retire soon × Earlier, it was French President Emmanuel Macron who referred to the move as “a big mistake.” France’s opposition can stymie NATO’s plans for Japan as a unanimous approval of the North Atlantic Council is required. Reactions from Japan and China Japan declined to comment on Macron’s latest remarks, saying “deliberations” at various levels were still underway. “Various considerations are underway within NATO. At this point, I will refrain from commenting with prejudgment,” Japan’s top government spokesperson Hirokazu Matsuno said. Also read | India, a NATO state? Whose gain, whose loss? On the other hand, Beijing has blasted NATO for formulating plans that could “destabilise” the region. Wang Wenbin, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, was quoted by Financial Times as saying that opening a NATO office in Japan will amount to “interfering in regional affairs and inciting bloc confrontation.” He said, “Asia lies beyond the geographical scope of the North Atlantic.” Japan says ‘No’ to NATO Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month said that his nation had no plans to join NATO, although he was aware of the plans of opening a liaison office in Tokyo. NATO, over the last few years, has expressed its concerns about China’s rising aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. However, France has hinted that it will no longer operate under the security umbrella of the US, and will seek strategic autonomy. Macron even suggested earlier this year that Europe must not become an American “vassal” while the French leader was visiting China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France gives thumbs down to NATO’s plans of opening liaison office in Japan

In Pics | French unions protest against pension reform law

In Pics | France's last surviving D-Day commando attends anniversary celebrations alongside Macron

President Emmanuel Macron raising the retirement age in France has already sparked weeks of protests and strikes. While Macron says the reform is essential to plug a massive deficit, the French unions start their last bit of protests as workers across France stage protests to stop the French pension overhaul.

France: 400,000 to 600,000 expected to protest on June 6

Now France has witnessed months of unrest over the controversial pension reform Bill earlier this year but the French government was firm on its priority. Now it has moved one step further by publishing the first two of the 31 decrees of the unpopular pension reform law. The order that is expected to be implemented by September.

France implements unpopular pension reform, orders must be enacted by Septembers

In Pics | Countries that have legalised cryptocurrencies

<p>A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be.</p>

<p>The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>United Nations talks in Paris</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and&nbsp;needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Global plastic problem</strong></h2>

<p>A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP.</p>

<p>Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do different countries and groups want?</strong></h2>

<p>The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday.</p>

<p>The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Environmental groups about the treaty</strong></h2>

<p>A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks.</p>

<p>“Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do the plastic producers want?</strong></h2>

<p>Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be. The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. United Nations talks in Paris The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year. Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.” The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message. Global plastic problem A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain. So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP. Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. What do different countries and groups want? The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible. The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”. “We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday. The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040. “We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased. However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry. Environmental groups about the treaty A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group. They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult. “If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW. Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks. “Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”. What do the plastic producers want? Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic. On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals. “So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks

French prime minister Elisabeth Borne is suing her biography publisher for outing her personal details. Is it okay to infringe the privacy of women politicians? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: French PM Elisabeth Borne sues autobiography publisher

<p>Nearly 35,000 bottles of a carbonated soda drink that called itself champagne have been destroyed by the French border police, as per BBC. Following a customs inspection in October 2021, the "bright orange liquid" bottles were confiscated after the word "Couronne Fruit Champagne" was seen on their label.</p>

<h2><strong>France's system for wine products</strong></h2>

<p>Only sparkling wine products made in the French Champagne area are permitted to bear the name. The term is protected under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system of France, which is meant to grant them exclusive use of the word in nations that adhere to EU legislation on distinctive geographical indicators. According to the Champagne trade organisation, there are presently more than 121 nations that adhere to the system regarding the usage of the name.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean</a></p>

<p>These laws also safeguard cheeses like the Greek Feta, Italian Parmesan, and British Stilton. According to French norms, the orange drink bottles were meant for the French market.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Parisian court rules destroying of bottles&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In October 2022, a Parisian court ordered that the bottles have to be destroyed since they violated the AOC law. Their elimination, according to Charles Goemaere, director-general of the Champagne Committee, reinforced the necessity of the rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court ruled that the “marketing of these bottles was likely to infringe the Champagne protected designation of origin” and ordered the destruction of the bottles, as per customs officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-neuralink-cleared-for-human-test-of-brain-implants-596576">Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants</a><br />
<br />
"This kind of use contributes to weakening the reputation of the appellation," Charles Goemaere, director-general of the Champagne Committee&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>"The fight against the abuse of the Champagne name started in 1844 and hasn't stopped since." The same product had been under investigation by France's Directorate for Competition, Consumption, and the Repression of Fraud prior to being confiscated for infringement on the Champagne title.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>It was recalled because it included an excessive level of benzoic acid, a preservative frequently found in food and beverages. However, destroying orange soda is not the first time drinks have suffered because they used the Champagne brand.</p>

<h2><strong>Champagne of Beer destroyed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>At the request of the Champagne Committee, in April, over 2,000 bottles of American beer called "Champagne of Beer" were destroyed in Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

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Nearly 35,000 bottles of a carbonated soda drink that called itself champagne have been destroyed by the French border police, as per BBC. Following a customs inspection in October 2021, the "bright orange liquid" bottles were confiscated after the word "Couronne Fruit Champagne" was seen on their label.

Nearly 35,000 bottles of a carbonated soda drink that called itself champagne have been destroyed by the French border police, as per BBC. Following a customs inspection in October 2021, the "bright orange liquid" bottles were confiscated after the word "Couronne Fruit Champagne" was seen on their label. France's system for wine products Only sparkling wine products made in the French Champagne area are permitted to bear the name. The term is protected under the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system of France, which is meant to grant them exclusive use of the word in nations that adhere to EU legislation on distinctive geographical indicators. According to the Champagne trade organisation, there are presently more than 121 nations that adhere to the system regarding the usage of the name. Also Read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean These laws also safeguard cheeses like the Greek Feta, Italian Parmesan, and British Stilton. According to French norms, the orange drink bottles were meant for the French market. Parisian court rules destroying of bottles In October 2022, a Parisian court ordered that the bottles have to be destroyed since they violated the AOC law. Their elimination, according to Charles Goemaere, director-general of the Champagne Committee, reinforced the necessity of the rule. The court ruled that the “marketing of these bottles was likely to infringe the Champagne protected designation of origin” and ordered the destruction of the bottles, as per customs officials said. Also Read | Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants "This kind of use contributes to weakening the reputation of the appellation," Charles Goemaere, director-general of the Champagne Committee said. "The fight against the abuse of the Champagne name started in 1844 and hasn't stopped since." The same product had been under investigation by France's Directorate for Competition, Consumption, and the Repression of Fraud prior to being confiscated for infringement on the Champagne title. Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × It was recalled because it included an excessive level of benzoic acid, a preservative frequently found in food and beverages. However, destroying orange soda is not the first time drinks have suffered because they used the Champagne brand. Champagne of Beer destroyed At the request of the Champagne Committee, in April, over 2,000 bottles of American beer called "Champagne of Beer" were destroyed in Belgium. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

France police destroy 35,000 ‘champagne’ bottles over naming violations

<p>Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people. The migrants, including six women and one young girl, were travelling on a flimsy boat in the treacherous English Channel. Four dead bodies are yet to be discovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French police had earlier filed preliminary charges against 10 people on account of manslaughter and assisting the illegal entry of migrants. Now, preliminary charges against the five military personnel will allow magistrates more time to investigate the case. A total of three&nbsp;magistrates are investigating the case. Currently, the five men are not kept in detention, as France’s strict military code doesn’t permit the authorities to do so.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the allegations against French personnel?</strong></h2>

<p>As per several media reports and judicial files prepared by the investigators, the French maritime rescue personnel ignored a staggering 15 distress calls made by the migrants and instead turned over the responsibility to British authorities. The migrants had also shared their live location on WhatsApp with the French authorities and had alerted them that their boat was sinking and the engine broke down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The on-duty personnel failed to send any assistance to the drifting boat. According to a report by Radio France, the rescue team was not aware about the gravity of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>It was only after 10 hours that the rescue team intervened after fishermen in the area sounded the alarm.</p>

<p>This was the deadliest migration accident on the English Channel in 2021. The incident sent tensions between France and Britain soaring, with both nations lambasting each other for failing to protect the rights of migrants embarking on the deadly path in search of better economic opportunities.</p>

<h2><strong>Indictment welcomed by migrants' organisation</strong></h2>

<p>The news of the indictment of five French personnel was welcomed by Utopia 56, an organisation for migrants. In a statement, the organisation said, “We are naturally pleased that the enquiry is advancing. But beyond the responsibility of individuals to respond to their hierarchy, we want to shed light on the responsibility of both the French and British authorities in this tragedy."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-indian-students-crossing-the-english-channel-to-enter-uk-on-small-boats-558460"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats?</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the high fatality rate, migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and Albania continue to risk their lives on the treacherous stretch of the English Channel, with more than 45,000 asylum seekers having crossed the channel in 2022 alone, a record.&nbsp;</p>

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Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people.

Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people. The migrants, including six women and one young girl, were travelling on a flimsy boat in the treacherous English Channel. Four dead bodies are yet to be discovered. French police had earlier filed preliminary charges against 10 people on account of manslaughter and assisting the illegal entry of migrants. Now, preliminary charges against the five military personnel will allow magistrates more time to investigate the case. A total of three magistrates are investigating the case. Currently, the five men are not kept in detention, as France’s strict military code doesn’t permit the authorities to do so. What are the allegations against French personnel? As per several media reports and judicial files prepared by the investigators, the French maritime rescue personnel ignored a staggering 15 distress calls made by the migrants and instead turned over the responsibility to British authorities. The migrants had also shared their live location on WhatsApp with the French authorities and had alerted them that their boat was sinking and the engine broke down. The on-duty personnel failed to send any assistance to the drifting boat. According to a report by Radio France, the rescue team was not aware about the gravity of the situation. Watch: Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel × It was only after 10 hours that the rescue team intervened after fishermen in the area sounded the alarm. This was the deadliest migration accident on the English Channel in 2021. The incident sent tensions between France and Britain soaring, with both nations lambasting each other for failing to protect the rights of migrants embarking on the deadly path in search of better economic opportunities. Indictment welcomed by migrants' organisation The news of the indictment of five French personnel was welcomed by Utopia 56, an organisation for migrants. In a statement, the organisation said, “We are naturally pleased that the enquiry is advancing. But beyond the responsibility of individuals to respond to their hierarchy, we want to shed light on the responsibility of both the French and British authorities in this tragedy." Also Read | Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats? Despite the high fatality rate, migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and Albania continue to risk their lives on the treacherous stretch of the English Channel, with more than 45,000 asylum seekers having crossed the channel in 2022 alone, a record. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France indicts five soldiers for failing to rescue 27 migrants killed in 2021 English Channel tragedy

France is banning short-haul domestic flights. Passengers cannot take planes for distances that can be travelled by trains in two and a half hour. How effective will this be? Is France choosing the planet over profits? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: France bans short-haul flights | Fight against climate change

<p>Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24). He was accused by a Swiss woman who has asked to be identified by an alias ‘Brigitte.’&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The 60-year-old was accused of rape by a Swiss woman who alleged that the incident took place in a Geneva hotel in 2008 where she was subjected to&nbsp;brutal sexual assault, beatings and insults.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alleged abuse took place on the night of October 28, 2008, when Brigitte, a fan of Ramadan, was invited by him for coffee after a conference. Ramadan, who is also a Swiss citizen, would have faced up to three years in prison if he was convicted. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in the court?</strong></h2>

<p>In court, Brigitte also requested that a screen be put up so that she would not have to look at the man she claimed raped her. She also went on to detail the alleged attack in detail and how the two had exchanged messages before their meeting&nbsp;at the conference and book signing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swiss woman also spoke about how she feared that she was going to die. Brigitte said she filed the lawsuit nearly a decade later after multiple allegations emerged against Ramadan in France. While he had also previously denied all the charges, the 60-year-old did admit that he had met the woman before and invited him to his hotel room.</p>

<p>The 60-year-old has since rejected these claims and said he is the victim of a “trap” and called the accusations against him politically motivated. Meanwhile, his French and Swiss lawyers questioned the Swiss woman about the inconsistencies around the dates of the alleged attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecution argued that she could not have made up the alleged attack as Brigitte gave details to the judges which she would not have been able to do otherwise.&nbsp;Ramadan’s lawyer also called the charges against his client “crazy”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his final statements in court last week, Ramadan asked not to be tried on his “real or supposed ideology” and urged the judges not to be “influenced by the media and political noise”.</p>

<p>The verdict was announced following a week’s deliberation by the three judges in the court in Geneva.&nbsp;Brigitte's&nbsp;lawyers have said that they will appeal the verdict.<br />
<br />
<strong>More cases to follow?</strong><br />
<br />
This case could just be one of many against Ramadan as French prosecutors are still assessing if the charges brought against the Islamic scholar should be taken to court.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He was first accused of rape in 2017&nbsp;by a French woman and after the case went public, more&nbsp;women came forward. As of 2020, Ramadan is facing at least five charges of rape, one of which was in Switzerland, while others are in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, investigators have found hundreds of text messages he had sent to the women, some of which detail violent sexual fantasies. He also reportedly faces criminal rape complaints made by women in the United States. Notably, he had also spent nine months in detention in France before he was released&nbsp;in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24).

Renowned Islamic scholar and former professor at Oxford University, Tariq Ramadan, was acquitted of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Geneva Criminal Court on Wednesday (May 24). He was accused by a Swiss woman who has asked to be identified by an alias ‘Brigitte.’ About the case The 60-year-old was accused of rape by a Swiss woman who alleged that the incident took place in a Geneva hotel in 2008 where she was subjected to brutal sexual assault, beatings and insults. The alleged abuse took place on the night of October 28, 2008, when Brigitte, a fan of Ramadan, was invited by him for coffee after a conference. Ramadan, who is also a Swiss citizen, would have faced up to three years in prison if he was convicted. What happened in the court? In court, Brigitte also requested that a screen be put up so that she would not have to look at the man she claimed raped her. She also went on to detail the alleged attack in detail and how the two had exchanged messages before their meeting at the conference and book signing. The Swiss woman also spoke about how she feared that she was going to die. Brigitte said she filed the lawsuit nearly a decade later after multiple allegations emerged against Ramadan in France. While he had also previously denied all the charges, the 60-year-old did admit that he had met the woman before and invited him to his hotel room. The 60-year-old has since rejected these claims and said he is the victim of a “trap” and called the accusations against him politically motivated. Meanwhile, his French and Swiss lawyers questioned the Swiss woman about the inconsistencies around the dates of the alleged attack. The prosecution argued that she could not have made up the alleged attack as Brigitte gave details to the judges which she would not have been able to do otherwise. Ramadan’s lawyer also called the charges against his client “crazy”. During his final statements in court last week, Ramadan asked not to be tried on his “real or supposed ideology” and urged the judges not to be “influenced by the media and political noise”. The verdict was announced following a week’s deliberation by the three judges in the court in Geneva. Brigitte's lawyers have said that they will appeal the verdict. More cases to follow? This case could just be one of many against Ramadan as French prosecutors are still assessing if the charges brought against the Islamic scholar should be taken to court. He was first accused of rape in 2017 by a French woman and after the case went public, more women came forward. As of 2020, Ramadan is facing at least five charges of rape, one of which was in Switzerland, while others are in France. As per media reports, investigators have found hundreds of text messages he had sent to the women, some of which detail violent sexual fantasies. He also reportedly faces criminal rape complaints made by women in the United States. Notably, he had also spent nine months in detention in France before he was released in 2018. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan acquitted in Swiss rape trial

<p>In the latest of several trials in Europe over migrant lorry deaths, France is set to try 19 men, allegedly accused of a people-smuggling plot that led to the killings of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the back of a lorry in the year 2019, a source close to the matter said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The migrants succumbed to suffocation and lost their lives while being transported across the Channel to Britain in refrigerated containers.</p>

<p>The youngest victims who died in the tragedy were two 15-year-old boys.</p>

<p>The bodies of the deceased were found at a port near London, wrapped inside a sealed unit in October 2019.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the French magistrates investigating the incident, ordered the trial of 19 alleged suspects, aged between 21 to 58 over the tragedy, said the source.</p>

<p>The source further added that the global probe indicates that the suspects, majorly of Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Algerian and Moroccan origin, are part of a large network that smuggles people from Vietnam to Europe.</p>

<p>As per the source, the suspects are accused of organising transport facilities for the migrants, driving taxis or arranging accommodation, and owning properties where they could hide them in the Paris region.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, the wiretapped phone calls revealed that the suspects referred to their victims as "merchandise" or even "chickens".</p>

<p>These men will be on trial for facilitating the illegal entry of migrants, for enabling the stay of foreigners on French territory and collaborating together with a view to committing crimes which could land them in prison for up to 10 years, said the source.</p>

<p>Four will also be judged for manslaughter for failing to ensure duty of care during the smuggling operation, which could lead to three-year imprisonment.</p>

<h2><strong>Migrants willing to risk lives to reach UK</strong></h2>

<p>The cross-border investigation unveiled that migrants, before being driven to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge to cross the Channel, were loaded into a truck in northern France.</p>

<p>The incident highlighted how the migrants are willing to risk their lives to reach the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe also revealed that some people pay around $40,000 to go on the perilous journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Post-mortem tests found the victims died from lack of oxygen and overheating.</p>

<h2><strong>'Illegal migrants to be detained and deported,'&nbsp;says Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this year, UK PM Rishi Sunak vowed to resolve the issue of illegal migrants as the country recorded the arrival of more than 45,000 migrants to the shores on small boats.</p>

<p>As per the draft law, anyone who will arrive in the UK illegally, will not be allowed to claim asylum, Sunak said at a news conference.</p>

<p>"If you come here illegally, you can't claim asylum. You can't benefit from our modern slavery protections. You can't make spurious human rights claims and you can't stay," he added.</p>

<p>"We will detain those who come here illegally and then remove them in weeks, either to their own country if it is safe to do so. Or to a Safe Third Country like Rwanda and once you are removed, you will be banned as you are in America and Australia from ever re-entering our country," he stated.</p>

<p>"The current situation is neither moral nor sustainable. It cannot go on. And it's devastatingly unfair on those who most need our help, but can't get it as our asylum system is being overwhelmed by those travelling illegally across the channel," Sunak said.</p>

<p>In the parliament, Right-winger Braverman said that she was "confident that this bill is compatible with international obligations", despite earlier accepting that it "pushed the boundaries of international law".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In the latest of several trials in Europe over migrant lorry deaths, France is set to try 19 men, allegedly accused of a people-smuggling plot that led to the killings of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the back of a lorry in the year 2019, a source close to the matter said on Wednesday.

In the latest of several trials in Europe over migrant lorry deaths, France is set to try 19 men, allegedly accused of a people-smuggling plot that led to the killings of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the back of a lorry in the year 2019, a source close to the matter said on Wednesday. The migrants succumbed to suffocation and lost their lives while being transported across the Channel to Britain in refrigerated containers. The youngest victims who died in the tragedy were two 15-year-old boys. The bodies of the deceased were found at a port near London, wrapped inside a sealed unit in October 2019. On Tuesday, the French magistrates investigating the incident, ordered the trial of 19 alleged suspects, aged between 21 to 58 over the tragedy, said the source. The source further added that the global probe indicates that the suspects, majorly of Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Algerian and Moroccan origin, are part of a large network that smuggles people from Vietnam to Europe. As per the source, the suspects are accused of organising transport facilities for the migrants, driving taxis or arranging accommodation, and owning properties where they could hide them in the Paris region. As per AFP reports, the wiretapped phone calls revealed that the suspects referred to their victims as "merchandise" or even "chickens". These men will be on trial for facilitating the illegal entry of migrants, for enabling the stay of foreigners on French territory and collaborating together with a view to committing crimes which could land them in prison for up to 10 years, said the source. Four will also be judged for manslaughter for failing to ensure duty of care during the smuggling operation, which could lead to three-year imprisonment. Migrants willing to risk lives to reach UK The cross-border investigation unveiled that migrants, before being driven to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge to cross the Channel, were loaded into a truck in northern France. The incident highlighted how the migrants are willing to risk their lives to reach the United Kingdom. The probe also revealed that some people pay around $40,000 to go on the perilous journey. Post-mortem tests found the victims died from lack of oxygen and overheating. 'Illegal migrants to be detained and deported,' says Sunak Earlier this year, UK PM Rishi Sunak vowed to resolve the issue of illegal migrants as the country recorded the arrival of more than 45,000 migrants to the shores on small boats. As per the draft law, anyone who will arrive in the UK illegally, will not be allowed to claim asylum, Sunak said at a news conference. "If you come here illegally, you can't claim asylum. You can't benefit from our modern slavery protections. You can't make spurious human rights claims and you can't stay," he added. "We will detain those who come here illegally and then remove them in weeks, either to their own country if it is safe to do so. Or to a Safe Third Country like Rwanda and once you are removed, you will be banned as you are in America and Australia from ever re-entering our country," he stated. "The current situation is neither moral nor sustainable. It cannot go on. And it's devastatingly unfair on those who most need our help, but can't get it as our asylum system is being overwhelmed by those travelling illegally across the channel," Sunak said. In the parliament, Right-winger Braverman said that she was "confident that this bill is compatible with international obligations", despite earlier accepting that it "pushed the boundaries of international law". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France orders trial of suspects over 2019 migrant lorry deaths

<p>In a bid to cut carbon emissions, France has imposed a ban on short-haul flights, on routes where train alternatives can be taken, on Tuesday (May 23). The law came into effect two years after it was signed into law, in line with which flights will no&nbsp;longer work on routes which can be completed in two-and-a-half hours by train.</p>

<h2>Ban irks aviation industry</h2>

<p>The move, which will mostly affect&nbsp;air trips between the capital city of Paris and regional hubs such as Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, has since irked the aviation industry. However, the ban will not affect connecting flights. This also comes after environmental groups called for stricter bans following which the initial four-hour travel time was reduced to two-and-a-half hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law also stipulates that the train services on these routes not only be frequent but also be timely and well-connected enough to deal with the influx of passengers who would otherwise travel by air. Additionally, there is also a provision which says that people making these trips should be able to make outbound and return train journeys after spending at least eight hours at the destination.</p>

<h2>Essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions:&nbsp;<strong>Govt</strong></h2>

<p>“This is an essential step and a strong symbol in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said French Transport Minister, Clement Beaune. He added, “As we fight relentlessly to decarbonize our lifestyles, how can we justify the use of the plane between the big cities which benefit from regular, fast and efficient connections by train.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government was also able to move forward with the plan after it secured an agreement with Air France in exchange for a 2020 COVID-19 financial support package. This comes as the airlines were severely hit by the pandemic-induced travel restrictions. According to data from Flightradar24, the number of flights taken last year was down from almost 42 per cent in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Govt should support real, significant solutions: Critics</strong></h2>

<p>The interim head of the industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E), Laurent Donceel told AFP that the government should “support real and significant solutions” to airline emissions as opposed to the “symbolic bans”. He also said that Brussels had found that “banning these trips will only have minimal effects” on carbon dioxide output.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, critics have pointed out how high-speed trains were&nbsp;making fewer passengers opt for flights anyway and that the move is the French government’s attempt to pacify climate concerns without really doing anything about it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, A4E has highlighted its own plan to reach net zero by 2050 which includes steps like switching to jet fuel from non-fossil sources and deploying battery or hydrogen-powered aircraft, reported AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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In a bid to cut carbon emissions, France has imposed a ban on short-haul flights, on routes where train alternatives can be taken, on Tuesday (May 23). The law came into effect two years after it was signed into law, in line with which flights will no longer work on routes which can be completed in two-and-a-half hours by train.

In a bid to cut carbon emissions, France has imposed a ban on short-haul flights, on routes where train alternatives can be taken, on Tuesday (May 23). The law came into effect two years after it was signed into law, in line with which flights will no longer work on routes which can be completed in two-and-a-half hours by train. Ban irks aviation industry The move, which will mostly affect air trips between the capital city of Paris and regional hubs such as Nantes, Lyon and Bordeaux, has since irked the aviation industry. However, the ban will not affect connecting flights. This also comes after environmental groups called for stricter bans following which the initial four-hour travel time was reduced to two-and-a-half hours. The law also stipulates that the train services on these routes not only be frequent but also be timely and well-connected enough to deal with the influx of passengers who would otherwise travel by air. Additionally, there is also a provision which says that people making these trips should be able to make outbound and return train journeys after spending at least eight hours at the destination. Essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Govt “This is an essential step and a strong symbol in the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said French Transport Minister, Clement Beaune. He added, “As we fight relentlessly to decarbonize our lifestyles, how can we justify the use of the plane between the big cities which benefit from regular, fast and efficient connections by train.” The government was also able to move forward with the plan after it secured an agreement with Air France in exchange for a 2020 COVID-19 financial support package. This comes as the airlines were severely hit by the pandemic-induced travel restrictions. According to data from Flightradar24, the number of flights taken last year was down from almost 42 per cent in 2019. Govt should support real, significant solutions: Critics The interim head of the industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E), Laurent Donceel told AFP that the government should “support real and significant solutions” to airline emissions as opposed to the “symbolic bans”. He also said that Brussels had found that “banning these trips will only have minimal effects” on carbon dioxide output. Furthermore, critics have pointed out how high-speed trains were making fewer passengers opt for flights anyway and that the move is the French government’s attempt to pacify climate concerns without really doing anything about it. Similarly, A4E has highlighted its own plan to reach net zero by 2050 which includes steps like switching to jet fuel from non-fossil sources and deploying battery or hydrogen-powered aircraft, reported AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France bans short-haul flights where trains are available to cut carbon emissions

<p>The head of the World Organisation&nbsp;for&nbsp;Animal Health&nbsp;(WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Head of WOAH&nbsp;raises concerns about bird flu</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>France to begin vaccinations</strong></h2>

<p>The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A new pandemic in the making?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic.

The head of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on Sunday (May 21) said governments worldwide should consider vaccinating birds against bird flu or avian influenza to stop it from becoming another pandemic. This comes as the disease has already killed hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and even infected some humans. Head of WOAH raises concerns about bird flu In an interview with news agency Reuters, WOAH Director General Monique Eloit said “We are coming out of a COVID crisis where every country realised the hypothesis of a pandemic was real.” The interview also comes ahead of a five-day general session which will begin on Sunday where WOAH will hold talks focusing on global control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. “Since almost every country that does international trade has now been infected, maybe it's time to discuss vaccination, in addition to systematic culling which remains the main tool (to control the disease),” Eloit told Reuters. France to begin vaccinations The country where the WOAH is based, France, will be the first one to start vaccinating ducks this autumn. Last year, the European Union’s 27 member states agreed to implement a bird flu vaccination strategy. Eloit told Reuters how if a bloc like the EU, which remains a large exporter, moves in that direction, “it will have a ricochet impact”. Notably, only 25 per cent of member states that are a part of the WOAH will accept imports of products from poultry vaccinated against avian influenza, reported Reuters citing a survey done by the animal health body. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told the news agency on Friday that the “USDA continues to research vaccine options that can protect poultry from this persistent threat.” However, the agriculture department continues to consider biosecurity measures to be the most effective tool for mitigating the virus in commercial flocks, the USDA told Reuters. Meanwhile, Eloit said vaccination should focus on free-range poultry, mainly ducks since bird flu is transmitted by infected migrating wild birds, reported Reuters, adding that vaccinating broilers, which account for nearly 60 per cent of global poultry output, makes less sense. A new pandemic in the making? Earlier this year, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke about how the spread of H5N1 influenza needs to be monitored. He also said that while the virus has spread among poultry and wild birds for over two decades now, recent reports of infections in mammals like mink, otters and sea lions “need to be monitored closely”. Tedros noted that while the risk of H5N1 influenza infecting humans remains low and has been rare since the strain first emerged nearly 30 years ago, countries must prepare for any change in the status quo. Last week, two poultry workers in England tested positive for bird flu, reported the United Kingdom Health and Security Agency, but found no signs of human-to-human transmission. They also said neither of them had shown any symptoms of the infection and were found positive during a screening. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Animal health body calls for vaccine for birds against avian flu amid pandemic concerns

Police in France's Avignon city are looking into several posters that depict French President Emmanuel Macron as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. As many as 30 posters were placed on about 120 billboards in Avignon city depicting Macron in a suit and moustache. The caricature posters bore digits "49.3" and greying hair. The numbers pertain to an article of the Constitution that was utilised to pass pension reform legislation in the National Assembly.

France: Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe

<p>Police in France's Avignon city are looking into several posters that depict French President Emmanuel Macron as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. As many as 30 posters were placed on about&nbsp;120 billboards in Avignon city depicting&nbsp;Macron in a suit and moustache. The caricature posters bore digits "49.3" and greying hair. The numbers pertain to an article&nbsp;of the Constitution that was utilised to pass pension reform legislation in the National Assembly.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-71-earthquake-rocks-east-of-new-caledonia-in-pacific-ocean-594298">Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued</a></p>

<p>Photos from the daily newspaper La Provence show the phrase&nbsp;"No thank you" and the hashtag #agirousubir (act or suffer) surrounding the image of Macron, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lekto and Macron-Hitler fiasco&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The 30 posters were reproductions of a mural of French President Emmanuel Macron painted by a local street artist named Lekto that was put up on an electrical transformer along a major road in Avignon in April.&nbsp;The posters were taken down at the time and now they are seen on prominent billboards close to the town hall, the prefecture, and the railroad station.</p>

<p>In 2022, Letko is alleged to have painted a mural, that has since been removed, which showed Macron as the puppet of the Jewish political consultant Jacques Attali. Authorities regarded it as being anti-Semitic. "How far will they go in the indignity and abjectness? It is high time to sanction in the most severe way possible those who engage in such odious campaigns," tweeted the president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Renaud Muselier.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-japans-kishida-hold-talks-on-sidelines-of-g7-594288">PM Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7, unveils Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima</a></p>

<p>Avignon's town hall&nbsp;announced that it will lodge a complaint and that the police had been called in to take down the posters. Whosoever has put up the posters, according to the prosecution, would face fines of €12,000 for insulting the president as well as two months in jail and €7,500 in fines for inciting rebellion.</p>

<h2><strong>France Pension reforms&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>France witnessed a series of demonstrations and social unrest in response to the proposed changes to the country's pension system. The pension reform was a key policy agenda of President Emmanuel Macron's government.&nbsp;Under the reforms, the government increased the legal retirement age from 62 to 64.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Who was behind the 2022 clashes in Leicester?</strong></p>

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<p>The reforms, as per Macron government, aimed to align the retirement age with increasing life expectancy, encouraging people to work longer before accessing their pensions. The changes were intended to ensure the financial viability of the pension system.&nbsp;</p>

<h1><strong>Charlie Hebdo caricatures&nbsp;</strong></h1>

<p>Caricature controversies are not new in France. The Charlie Hebdo caricatures, a series of satirical cartoons published by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad led to widespread controversy and backlash.</p>

<p>Many Muslims found these cartoons offensive and disrespectful. The publication of the caricatures sparked protests, debates on freedom of speech, and discussions about the boundaries of satire and religious sensitivity.</p>

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Police in France's Avignon city are looking into several posters that depict French President Emmanuel Macron as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. As many as 30 posters were placed on about 120 billboards in Avignon city depicting Macron in a suit and moustache.

Police in France's Avignon city are looking into several posters that depict French President Emmanuel Macron as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. As many as 30 posters were placed on about 120 billboards in Avignon city depicting Macron in a suit and moustache. The caricature posters bore digits "49.3" and greying hair. The numbers pertain to an article of the Constitution that was utilised to pass pension reform legislation in the National Assembly. Also Read | Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued Photos from the daily newspaper La Provence show the phrase "No thank you" and the hashtag #agirousubir (act or suffer) surrounding the image of Macron, as per reports. Lekto and Macron-Hitler fiasco The 30 posters were reproductions of a mural of French President Emmanuel Macron painted by a local street artist named Lekto that was put up on an electrical transformer along a major road in Avignon in April. The posters were taken down at the time and now they are seen on prominent billboards close to the town hall, the prefecture, and the railroad station. In 2022, Letko is alleged to have painted a mural, that has since been removed, which showed Macron as the puppet of the Jewish political consultant Jacques Attali. Authorities regarded it as being anti-Semitic. "How far will they go in the indignity and abjectness? It is high time to sanction in the most severe way possible those who engage in such odious campaigns," tweeted the president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Renaud Muselier. Also Read | PM Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7, unveils Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima Avignon's town hall announced that it will lodge a complaint and that the police had been called in to take down the posters. Whosoever has put up the posters, according to the prosecution, would face fines of €12,000 for insulting the president as well as two months in jail and €7,500 in fines for inciting rebellion. France Pension reforms France witnessed a series of demonstrations and social unrest in response to the proposed changes to the country's pension system. The pension reform was a key policy agenda of President Emmanuel Macron's government. Under the reforms, the government increased the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. Watch | Who was behind the 2022 clashes in Leicester? × The reforms, as per Macron government, aimed to align the retirement age with increasing life expectancy, encouraging people to work longer before accessing their pensions. The changes were intended to ensure the financial viability of the pension system. Charlie Hebdo caricatures Caricature controversies are not new in France. The Charlie Hebdo caricatures, a series of satirical cartoons published by the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad led to widespread controversy and backlash. Many Muslims found these cartoons offensive and disrespectful. The publication of the caricatures sparked protests, debates on freedom of speech, and discussions about the boundaries of satire and religious sensitivity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Posters depicting Macron as Hitler found on 120 billboards in France’s Avignon city, cops initiate probe

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