France has decided to withdraw troops from Mali in a coordinated manner. French President Emmanuel Macron issued a warning over Russian mercenary groups. Mali has asked France to pull out its defence forces from the country.

Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

The original manuscript of the famous French fable The Little Prince has been put on display in a Paris exhibition. The manuscript has returned to the author's native France after almost about 75 years.

The big world of 'The Little Prince': The manuscript returns to France after 75 years

The US has said that it is willing to ease sanctions if Iran is willing to act and a deal is possible within days. France also said that only days are left to agree on a possible Iran nuclear deal.

France: Only days left to agree on possible Iran Nuclear deal

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.5 km mass start on Friday, the final women's biathlon race of the Games.

Tiril Eckhoff, bronze medallist in the last two Olympics, took silver and Norwegian compatriot Marte Olsbu Roeiseland the bronze to add to three golds and a bronze already collected in Beijing.

The race was brought forward from Saturday because of the weather but the wind played a decisive role in the destination of the medals.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-kamila-valieva-slips-to-fourth-place-in-figure-skating-medal-ceremony-to-go-ahead-454097">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-kamila-valieva-slips-to-fourth-place-in-figure-skating-medal-ceremony-to-go-ahead-454097">Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead</a>

The Norwegian pair set the pace with Roieseland and Eckhoff both shooting clean on their first two prone visits, despite the bitterly cold wind whistling across the range and rattling the red guide flags.

The pair opened up a lead of 33 seconds but that vanished at the first standing shoot as the wind suddenly picked up and caused chaos on the leaderboard.

The Norwegians racked up costly misses, and took a long time about it, and had to embark on mentally and physically demanding 150m penalty laps.

Braisaz-Bouchet made the most of the window of opportunity at the third shoot to take the lead, quickly increasing it to 15.5 seconds over Roieseland by 8.4 km.

By the time the leading group made it to the range for the final time the wind was even more treacherous, and though Braisaz-Bouchet missed her first shot, she hit her next four and in quick time, to emerge with her lead increased to 48.5 seconds as all her rivals struggled to find the target.

The world number seven was able to ease home 15.3 seconds ahead of silver medallist Eckhoff and 34.9 ahead of Roieseland. and claim France's first medal in the mass start, which has now been won by five nations in its five appearances at the Olympics.

"I can't realise what happened," Braisaz-Bouchet said. "In the first weeks of the Olympics I did not have the equipment or the shape, I don't know what happened, why I was so slow on the track, but I dealt with it.

"Today I was very serene and calm. During the first standing shoot, I said to myself: 'OK, I have good skis, I am in good shape, whatever happens, happens'&nbsp;and in the last shooting round, I was very calm.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-joergen-graabak-anchors-norway-to-gold-in-nordic-combined-relay-454089">Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay</a>

Eckhoff said: "The standing shooting conditions were very tough, it was very challenging so it is great fun to come in in second place - a personal best for me."

Roeiseland already had three golds and a bronze in her suitcase and had no complaints about collecting another "lesser medal".

"It could not have gone better for me today," she said. "I felt tired so to make it to the podium at all is great. Today bronze tastes like gold.

"The standing shooting was very challenging, a lot of movements. I tried the best I could so I was satisfied with the result given the circumstances and it's great to be sharing the podium with Tiril."

Having come away from Pyeongchang with two silver medals, Roeiseland, a multi-world champion, said Beijing had exceeded her expectations.

"I dreamt of Olympic gold and it has been more than I thought possible," she said.

"I will remember it for the rest of my life - these have been fantastic Olympic Games."

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.5 km mass start on Friday, the final women's biathlon race of the Games. Tiril Eckhoff, bronze medallist in the last two Olympics, took silver and Norwegian compatriot Marte Olsbu Roeiseland the bronze to add to three golds and a bronze already collected in Beijing. The race was brought forward from Saturday because of the weather but the wind played a decisive role in the destination of the medals. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead The Norwegian pair set the pace with Roieseland and Eckhoff both shooting clean on their first two prone visits, despite the bitterly cold wind whistling across the range and rattling the red guide flags. The pair opened up a lead of 33 seconds but that vanished at the first standing shoot as the wind suddenly picked up and caused chaos on the leaderboard. The Norwegians racked up costly misses, and took a long time about it, and had to embark on mentally and physically demanding 150m penalty laps. Braisaz-Bouchet made the most of the window of opportunity at the third shoot to take the lead, quickly increasing it to 15.5 seconds over Roieseland by 8.4 km. By the time the leading group made it to the range for the final time the wind was even more treacherous, and though Braisaz-Bouchet missed her first shot, she hit her next four and in quick time, to emerge with her lead increased to 48.5 seconds as all her rivals struggled to find the target. The world number seven was able to ease home 15.3 seconds ahead of silver medallist Eckhoff and 34.9 ahead of Roieseland. and claim France's first medal in the mass start, which has now been won by five nations in its five appearances at the Olympics. "I can't realise what happened," Braisaz-Bouchet said. "In the first weeks of the Olympics I did not have the equipment or the shape, I don't know what happened, why I was so slow on the track, but I dealt with it. "Today I was very serene and calm. During the first standing shoot, I said to myself: 'OK, I have good skis, I am in good shape, whatever happens, happens' and in the last shooting round, I was very calm.” ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay Eckhoff said: "The standing shooting conditions were very tough, it was very challenging so it is great fun to come in in second place - a personal best for me." Roeiseland already had three golds and a bronze in her suitcase and had no complaints about collecting another "lesser medal". "It could not have gone better for me today," she said. "I felt tired so to make it to the podium at all is great. Today bronze tastes like gold. "The standing shooting was very challenging, a lot of movements. I tried the best I could so I was satisfied with the result given the circumstances and it's great to be sharing the podium with Tiril." Having come away from Pyeongchang with two silver medals, Roeiseland, a multi-world champion, said Beijing had exceeded her expectations. "I dreamt of Olympic gold and it has been more than I thought possible," she said. "I will remember it for the rest of my life - these have been fantastic Olympic Games."

Beijing Olympics: Braisaz-Bouchet overcomes rough shooting conditions, wins gold in 12.5 km mass start

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue.

"We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said.

"Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-iran-israel-pm-bennett-meets-bahrains-king-as-he-strives-to-build-ring-of-alliances-453846">Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’</a>

Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States.

He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out.

"The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said.

In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and&nbsp;indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-talks-far-from-balance-in-commitments-says-irans-top-security-official-451065">Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official</a>

"We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions."

Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-nuclear-talks-deal-in-sight-says-eu-foreign-policy-chief-453427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement."

The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments.

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before. In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue. "We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said. "Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said. Also read | Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’ Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States. He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out. "The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said. In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal. Also read | Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official "We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions." Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website. Watch | Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement." The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments. (With inputs from agencies)

France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached

France&nbsp;announced on Thursday that it was withdrawing troops from&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;due to a breakdown in relations with the ruling junta,&nbsp;after&nbsp;nearly 10 years of fighting a jihadist insurgency.

The&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;deployment has been fraught with problems for&nbsp;France. Of the country's 53 soldiers killed serving in West Africa, 48 of them died in&nbsp;Mali.

"Multiple obstructions" by the ruling junta meant that the conditions were no longer in place to operate in&nbsp;Mali, said a statement signed by&nbsp;France&nbsp;and its African and European allies.

The decision applies to both 2,400 French troops in&nbsp;Mali, where&nbsp;France&nbsp;first deployed in 2013, and a smaller European force of several hundred which was created in 2020 with the aim of taking the burden off the French forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-says-iran-nuclear-deal-within-grasp-predicts-a-major-crisis-if-agreement-isnt-reached-453893">France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached</a>

"We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de-facto authorities whose strategy and hidden aims we do not share," President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference, saying that he "completely" rejected the idea that&nbsp;France&nbsp;had failed in the country.

Macron said that French bases in Gossi, Menaka and Gao in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;would close but vowed that the withdrawal would be carried out in an "orderly" manner.

The announcement of the withdrawal comes at a critical time for Macron, just days before the president is expected to make a long-awaited declaration that he will stand for a second term at elections in April.

Macron's priority will now be to ensure that the withdrawal does not invite comparisons with the chaotic US departure from Afghanistan last year.

France&nbsp;initially deployed troops against jihadists in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;in 2013 but the insurgency was never fully quelled, and now new fears have emerged of a jihadist push to the Gulf of Guinea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-covid-restrictions-eased-for-vaccinated-british-travellers-452978">France: Covid restrictions eased for vaccinated British travellers</a>

'Collapse of state'&nbsp;

"It is an inglorious end to an armed intervention that began in euphoria and which ends, nine years later, against a backdrop of crisis between&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;and&nbsp;France," wrote the Le Monde daily.

Macron denied that the intervention had been in vain.

"What would have happened in 2013 if&nbsp;France&nbsp;had not chosen to intervene? You would for sure have had the collapse of the Malian state," said Macron, hailing the decision of his predecessor Francois Hollande to order troops in.

Even&nbsp;after&nbsp;the pull-out from&nbsp;Mali, however, the allies vowed to remain engaged in fighting terror in other countries including Niger.

"They agreed nonetheless to continue their joint action against terrorism in the Sahel region, including in Niger and in the Gulf of Guinea," their statement said, adding that the outline of this action would be made clear in June.

Speaking alongside Macron, Senegalese President Macky Sall said fighting "terrorism in the Sahel cannot be the business of African countries alone."

Macron warned that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have made the Sahel region of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea nations "a priority for their strategy of expansion."

Macron on Wednesday prepared the ground for the announcement with a dinner bringing together the leaders of&nbsp;France's key allies in the Sahel region -- Chad, Mauritania and Niger.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-urges-mali-to-end-hereditary-slavery-425038">UN urges Mali to end hereditary slavery</a>

'A void'

Around 25,000 foreign troops are currently deployed in the Sahel region of West Africa.

They include around 4,300 French soldiers, which under a reduction announced last year are due to fall to around 2,500 in 2023 from a peak of 5,400.

In&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;specifically, there is also the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA established in 2013 and the EUTM&nbsp;Mali, an EU military training mission that aims to improve the Malian military's capacity in fighting terrorists.

Macron said&nbsp;after&nbsp;the departure,&nbsp;France&nbsp;will still provide support for MINUSMA, without giving details.

But Paris' withdrawal could set the stage for other European powers like Britain or Germany to abandon their roles in the multinational missions.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said Wednesday that the departure "creates a void".

In the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, "national armies will have to deal with problems on our national territories, and that's our philosophy", he told broadcasters RFI and&nbsp;France&nbsp;24.

Relations between&nbsp;France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;plunged to new lows&nbsp;after&nbsp;the junta led by strongman Assimi Goita refused to stick to a calendar to a return to civilian rule.

Watch |&nbsp;France and allies announces withdrawal of its troops from Mali

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-and-allies-announces-withdrawal-of-its-troops-from-mali-454016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The West also accuses&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;of using the services of the hugely controversial Russian mercenary group Wagner to shore up its position, a move that gives Moscow a new foothold in the region.

Macron accused Wagner of sending more than 800 fighters to the country for the sake of its own "business interests" and shoring up the junta.

France announced on Thursday that it was withdrawing troops from Mali due to a breakdown in relations with the ruling junta, after nearly 10 years of fighting a jihadist insurgency.

France announced on Thursday that it was withdrawing troops from Mali due to a breakdown in relations with the ruling junta, after nearly 10 years of fighting a jihadist insurgency. The Mali deployment has been fraught with problems for France. Of the country's 53 soldiers killed serving in West Africa, 48 of them died in Mali. "Multiple obstructions" by the ruling junta meant that the conditions were no longer in place to operate in Mali, said a statement signed by France and its African and European allies. The decision applies to both 2,400 French troops in Mali, where France first deployed in 2013, and a smaller European force of several hundred which was created in 2020 with the aim of taking the burden off the French forces. Also read | France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached "We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de-facto authorities whose strategy and hidden aims we do not share," President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference, saying that he "completely" rejected the idea that France had failed in the country. Macron said that French bases in Gossi, Menaka and Gao in Mali would close but vowed that the withdrawal would be carried out in an "orderly" manner. The announcement of the withdrawal comes at a critical time for Macron, just days before the president is expected to make a long-awaited declaration that he will stand for a second term at elections in April. Macron's priority will now be to ensure that the withdrawal does not invite comparisons with the chaotic US departure from Afghanistan last year. France initially deployed troops against jihadists in Mali in 2013 but the insurgency was never fully quelled, and now new fears have emerged of a jihadist push to the Gulf of Guinea. Also read | France: Covid restrictions eased for vaccinated British travellers 'Collapse of state' "It is an inglorious end to an armed intervention that began in euphoria and which ends, nine years later, against a backdrop of crisis between Mali and France," wrote the Le Monde daily. Macron denied that the intervention had been in vain. "What would have happened in 2013 if France had not chosen to intervene? You would for sure have had the collapse of the Malian state," said Macron, hailing the decision of his predecessor Francois Hollande to order troops in. Even after the pull-out from Mali, however, the allies vowed to remain engaged in fighting terror in other countries including Niger. "They agreed nonetheless to continue their joint action against terrorism in the Sahel region, including in Niger and in the Gulf of Guinea," their statement said, adding that the outline of this action would be made clear in June. Speaking alongside Macron, Senegalese President Macky Sall said fighting "terrorism in the Sahel cannot be the business of African countries alone." Macron warned that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have made the Sahel region of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea nations "a priority for their strategy of expansion." Macron on Wednesday prepared the ground for the announcement with a dinner bringing together the leaders of France's key allies in the Sahel region -- Chad, Mauritania and Niger. Also read | UN urges Mali to end hereditary slavery 'A void' Around 25,000 foreign troops are currently deployed in the Sahel region of West Africa. They include around 4,300 French soldiers, which under a reduction announced last year are due to fall to around 2,500 in 2023 from a peak of 5,400. In Mali specifically, there is also the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA established in 2013 and the EUTM Mali, an EU military training mission that aims to improve the Malian military's capacity in fighting terrorists. Macron said after the departure, France will still provide support for MINUSMA, without giving details. But Paris' withdrawal could set the stage for other European powers like Britain or Germany to abandon their roles in the multinational missions. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said Wednesday that the departure "creates a void". In the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, "national armies will have to deal with problems on our national territories, and that's our philosophy", he told broadcasters RFI and France 24. Relations between France and Mali plunged to new lows after the junta led by strongman Assimi Goita refused to stick to a calendar to a return to civilian rule. Watch | France and allies announces withdrawal of its troops from Mali The West also accuses Mali of using the services of the hugely controversial Russian mercenary group Wagner to shore up its position, a move that gives Moscow a new foothold in the region. Macron accused Wagner of sending more than 800 fighters to the country for the sake of its own "business interests" and shoring up the junta.

France announces Mali troop pullout after decade

France and its European allies have announced withdrawal of troops from Mali after almost a decade, following months of diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

France and allies announces withdrawal of its troops from Mali

Paris hosts an Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal. French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted several African leaders in Paris.

Paris hosts Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal

Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen, whose&nbsp;bid&nbsp;for the the&nbsp;French&nbsp;presidency&nbsp;was already in difficulty&nbsp;after&nbsp;a wave of&nbsp;defections, suffered a further blow&nbsp;after&nbsp;her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him.

In a memo sent to senior party officials, the Rassemblement National alleged Nicolas Bay, an erstwhile&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen loyalist and former secretary general of the party, had handed "strategic and confidential" campaign details to far-right&nbsp;rival&nbsp;Eric Zemmour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-presidential-candidate-eric-zemmour-says-us-is-working-to-divide-europe-447473">France: Presidential candidate Eric Zemmour says US is working to 'divide' Europe</a>

"This perfectly immoral behaviour amounts to sabotage," the party wrote in the memo, which was later distributed to media. "This duplicity is unworthy of the trust placed in him by the candidate, party members and party voters."

Zemmour, a talkshow star who has made a career out of pushing the bounds of political correctness with his nationalist rhetoric, is competing with&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen for votes among the far-right and staunch conservatives.

Polls show he has eaten into the voter base of both&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen and mainstream conservative contender Valerie Pecresse.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marine-le-pen-accuses-french-government-of-breaking-law-by-hanging-eu-flag-off-arc-de-triomphe-441768">&nbsp;Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe</a>

Bay, a European Parliament lawmaker, described the allegation as preposterous. "How could I have been in possession of, and passed on, so-called 'strategic information' without being a part of the campaign&nbsp;leadership at any time," Bay said on Twitter.

He said he had been shut out from the Rassemblement National an hour&nbsp;after&nbsp;its executive committee had met on his request to discuss the "crisis" the party was facing up against Zemmour.

In recent weeks,&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen, who is making her third run for the Elysee Palace, has seen her only senator and her top European lawmaker, among others, defect to Zemmour's campaign. Her niece Marion Marechal, a popular figure among far-right supporters, has also called Zemmour the better candidate.

Watch |&nbsp;France: Police fire tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 curbs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-police-fire-tear-gas-as-thousands-protest-against-covid-19-curbs-452819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Zemmour is now polling neck-and-neck with Pecresse and closing the gap on&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen for a place in April's second-round run-off, with President Emmanuel Macron - who has yet to formally declare his candidacy - the frontrunner, voter surveys show.

Marine Le Pen, whose bid for the the French presidency was already in difficulty after a wave of defections, suffered a further blow after her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him.

Marine Le Pen, whose bid for the the French presidency was already in difficulty after a wave of defections, suffered a further blow after her far-right party accused her campaign spokesman of political espionage and suspended him. In a memo sent to senior party officials, the Rassemblement National alleged Nicolas Bay, an erstwhile Le Pen loyalist and former secretary general of the party, had handed "strategic and confidential" campaign details to far-right rival Eric Zemmour. Also read | France: Presidential candidate Eric Zemmour says US is working to 'divide' Europe "This perfectly immoral behaviour amounts to sabotage," the party wrote in the memo, which was later distributed to media. "This duplicity is unworthy of the trust placed in him by the candidate, party members and party voters." Zemmour, a talkshow star who has made a career out of pushing the bounds of political correctness with his nationalist rhetoric, is competing with Le Pen for votes among the far-right and staunch conservatives. Polls show he has eaten into the voter base of both Le Pen and mainstream conservative contender Valerie Pecresse. Also read | Marine Le Pen accuses French government of breaking law by hanging EU flag off Arc de Triomphe Bay, a European Parliament lawmaker, described the allegation as preposterous. "How could I have been in possession of, and passed on, so-called 'strategic information' without being a part of the campaign leadership at any time," Bay said on Twitter. He said he had been shut out from the Rassemblement National an hour after its executive committee had met on his request to discuss the "crisis" the party was facing up against Zemmour. In recent weeks, Le Pen, who is making her third run for the Elysee Palace, has seen her only senator and her top European lawmaker, among others, defect to Zemmour's campaign. Her niece Marion Marechal, a popular figure among far-right supporters, has also called Zemmour the better candidate. Watch | France: Police fire tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 curbs Zemmour is now polling neck-and-neck with Pecresse and closing the gap on Le Pen for a place in April's second-round run-off, with President Emmanuel Macron - who has yet to formally declare his candidacy - the frontrunner, voter surveys show.

After defections, Le Pen's French presidency bid hit by leaks to rival

The IPL 2022 mega auction was an enthralling two-day affair, which was held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. As many as 590 players went under the hammer in the mega auction, which was held after four years. At the end of the two-day auction, all the ten IPL franchises have added quite a lot of big names to their respective squads before the IPL 2022 edition, which gets underway in late March.&nbsp;

Talking about the Punjab Kings (PBKS), they retained only opener Mayank Agarwal and pacer Arshdeep Singh before heading into the mega auction, with INR 720 million in their purse. As a result of having the highest purse before the auction, the PBKS think-tank went all-out and roped in some big players and relatively experienced as well as uncapped cricketers to the squad.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/livingstone-surpasses-hasarangas-price-tag-to-become-costliest-overseas-buy-at-ipl-2022-mega-auction-452873">Livingstone surpasses Hasaranga's price tag to become costliest overseas buy at IPL 2022 mega auction</a>

Along with picking Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Chahar, Shahrukh Khan, etc. PBKS also roped in all-rounder Benny Howell. The English all-rounder is now the first-ever French-born cricketer to play the IPL.

Here's all you need to know about Howell

Howell entered the auction pool at a base price of INR 4 million (INR 40 lakhs). The French-born player&nbsp;is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm medium-fast.&nbsp;The 33-year-old is an experienced T20 cricketer. He&nbsp;has&nbsp;domestically represented the&nbsp;Hampshire County Cricket Club as well as the&nbsp;Gloucestershire team. In addition, he has&nbsp;been a part of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), playing for the Rangpur Riders for three seasons.

In the BPL, he has played alongside several big T20 players such as AB De Villiers, Ravi Bopara, Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, and Rilee Rossouw.&nbsp;

Howell, thus, is an interesting addition to PBKS' all-round department, also featuring Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar and the likes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/punjab-kings-break-the-bank-for-livingstone-pbks-squad-list-for-ipl-2022-with-signings-of-dhawan-bairstow-453039">Punjab Kings break the bank for Livingstone. PBKS squad list for IPL 2022 with signings of Dhawan, Bairstow</a>

Check out Punjab Kings full squad&nbsp;

Mayank Agarwal, Prerak Mankad, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, Shikhar Dhawan,&nbsp;Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Benny Howell, Baltej Singh, Ansh Patel, Liam Livingstone, Rishi Dhawan, Atharva Taide, Odean Smith, Raj Bawa, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Writtick Chatterjee, Sandeep Sharma, Nathan Elis, Vaibhav Arora, Ishan Porel, Rahul Chahar

The IPL 2022 mega auction was an enthralling two-day affair, which was held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. As many as 590 players went under the hammer in the mega auction, which was held after four years.

The IPL 2022 mega auction was an enthralling two-day affair, which was held in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13. As many as 590 players went under the hammer in the mega auction, which was held after four years. At the end of the two-day auction, all the ten IPL franchises have added quite a lot of big names to their respective squads before the IPL 2022 edition, which gets underway in late March. Talking about the Punjab Kings (PBKS), they retained only opener Mayank Agarwal and pacer Arshdeep Singh before heading into the mega auction, with INR 720 million in their purse. As a result of having the highest purse before the auction, the PBKS think-tank went all-out and roped in some big players and relatively experienced as well as uncapped cricketers to the squad. ALSO READ | Livingstone surpasses Hasaranga's price tag to become costliest overseas buy at IPL 2022 mega auction Along with picking Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Chahar, Shahrukh Khan, etc. PBKS also roped in all-rounder Benny Howell. The English all-rounder is now the first-ever French-born cricketer to play the IPL. Here's all you need to know about Howell Howell entered the auction pool at a base price of INR 4 million (INR 40 lakhs). The French-born player is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm medium-fast. The 33-year-old is an experienced T20 cricketer. He has domestically represented the Hampshire County Cricket Club as well as the Gloucestershire team. In addition, he has been a part of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), playing for the Rangpur Riders for three seasons. In the BPL, he has played alongside several big T20 players such as AB De Villiers, Ravi Bopara, Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, and Rilee Rossouw. Howell, thus, is an interesting addition to PBKS' all-round department, also featuring Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar and the likes. ALSO READ | Punjab Kings break the bank for Livingstone. PBKS squad list for IPL 2022 with signings of Dhawan, Bairstow Check out Punjab Kings full squad Mayank Agarwal, Prerak Mankad, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Benny Howell, Baltej Singh, Ansh Patel, Liam Livingstone, Rishi Dhawan, Atharva Taide, Odean Smith, Raj Bawa, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Writtick Chatterjee, Sandeep Sharma, Nathan Elis, Vaibhav Arora, Ishan Porel, Rahul Chahar

IPL 2022: Who is PBKS's Benny Howell? First French-born cricketer to feature in India's cash-rich league

French Police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting against COVID-19 restrictions in Paris. France requires people to show proof of vaccination to enter public places with a negative test no longer being sufficient for unvaccinated people.

France: Police fire tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 curbs

France has eased Covid restrictions for British travellers who are fully vaccinated. These travellers will now not be required to undergo Covid tests if they want to go France.

The announcement of relaxation of Covid rules has been made by Guillaume Bazard, the French consul-general in London.&nbsp;

“As of 12 February, tests will no longer be necessary for travellers with a complete vaccination schedule traveling from the UK to France. Our website will be updated as soon as further details are published,” he said on Twitter.

There were hints of relaxation in travel rules earlier this week. France's Europe minister, Clement Beaune had suggested that requirement of Covid test for fully vaccinated British travellers would be done away with.

Before the relaxation, people travelling to France from outside the European Union, including from UK, had to present a negative Covid test taken 48 hours before. Even fully vaccinated travellers had to present such test results.

Britain has already ended testing requirement for fully vaccinated incoming travellers. The decision was taken on Friday.

French move has followed a similar easing of Covid rules by Spain. Travel rules for British passengers aged 12 to 17 have been relaxed. Presently, such teenagers who have not received vaccines jabs are allowed to travel to Spain and enter the country.

France has eased Covid restrictions for British travellers who are fully vaccinated. These travellers will now not be required to undergo Covid tests if they want to go France.

France has eased Covid restrictions for British travellers who are fully vaccinated. These travellers will now not be required to undergo Covid tests if they want to go France. The announcement of relaxation of Covid rules has been made by Guillaume Bazard, the French consul-general in London. “As of 12 February, tests will no longer be necessary for travellers with a complete vaccination schedule traveling from the UK to France. Our website will be updated as soon as further details are published,” he said on Twitter. There were hints of relaxation in travel rules earlier this week. France's Europe minister, Clement Beaune had suggested that requirement of Covid test for fully vaccinated British travellers would be done away with. Before the relaxation, people travelling to France from outside the European Union, including from UK, had to present a negative Covid test taken 48 hours before. Even fully vaccinated travellers had to present such test results. Britain has already ended testing requirement for fully vaccinated incoming travellers. The decision was taken on Friday. French move has followed a similar easing of Covid rules by Spain. Travel rules for British passengers aged 12 to 17 have been relaxed. Presently, such teenagers who have not received vaccines jabs are allowed to travel to Spain and enter the country.

France: Covid restrictions eased for vaccinated British travellers

Just a few days to go for Valentine's day and one would expect Paris which is known as a city of love to be full of hearts and roses and celebration, but what is currently happening on the ground is rather the complete opposite. The French police in fact fire tear gas at demonstrators fighting COVID curbs.

French Police fires tear gas at protestors fighting COVID curbs

Amid the rising tensions between the West and Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron dialled Russian President Vladimir Putin.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Ukraine conflict

French police on Thursday issued a warning saying that they would prevent 'Freedom convoys' from blockading Paris and banned the protest scheduled for February 11-14. The warning came as people protesting Covid rules began to drive towards the French capital.

The protest in France has been inspired by those that have come to paralyze Canadian capital Ottawa. For protests in France, cars and heavy vehicles from across France have been called to Paris on Friday.&nbsp;

The movement has raised fears of a repeat of the 2018 "yellow vest" anti-government protests that rocked France, only two months before President Emmanuel Macron is expected to seek re-election.

"There will be a special deployment... to prevent blockages of major roads, issue tickets and arrest those who infringe on this protest ban," the Paris police force said in a statement.

Police chief Didier Lallement had ordered officers to be "firm" with infringers, it added.

The city's ban order will remain in force until Monday.

Police said that anybody blocking roads faced up to two years in prison, a fine of 4,500 euros ($5,140) and a three-year driving ban.

The authorities in neighbouring Belgium also issued warnings as participants appeared to want to continue on to Brussels, the Belgian and European Union capital, on Monday for what they called "a European convergence".

Brussels mayor Philippe Close said the city would ban the demonstrations on the simple grounds that no-one had applied for a permit for the convoys to enter.

"Measures have been taken to prevent the blockade of the Brussels region," Close wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

French police on Thursday issued a warning saying that they would prevent 'Freedom convoys' from blockading Paris and banned the protest scheduled for February 11-14.

French police on Thursday issued a warning saying that they would prevent 'Freedom convoys' from blockading Paris and banned the protest scheduled for February 11-14. The warning came as people protesting Covid rules began to drive towards the French capital. The protest in France has been inspired by those that have come to paralyze Canadian capital Ottawa. For protests in France, cars and heavy vehicles from across France have been called to Paris on Friday. The movement has raised fears of a repeat of the 2018 "yellow vest" anti-government protests that rocked France, only two months before President Emmanuel Macron is expected to seek re-election. "There will be a special deployment... to prevent blockages of major roads, issue tickets and arrest those who infringe on this protest ban," the Paris police force said in a statement. Police chief Didier Lallement had ordered officers to be "firm" with infringers, it added. The city's ban order will remain in force until Monday. Police said that anybody blocking roads faced up to two years in prison, a fine of 4,500 euros ($5,140) and a three-year driving ban. The authorities in neighbouring Belgium also issued warnings as participants appeared to want to continue on to Brussels, the Belgian and European Union capital, on Monday for what they called "a European convergence". Brussels mayor Philippe Close said the city would ban the demonstrations on the simple grounds that no-one had applied for a permit for the convoys to enter. "Measures have been taken to prevent the blockade of the Brussels region," Close wrote on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Won't tolerate Canada-style 'Freedom Convoys': French police ban Paris protest

At an estimated cost of $57.36 billion, France says that it will build six new Nuclear reactors. According to President Macron, the first reactor will go online by 2035.

France to build six new Nuclear reactors at an estimated cost of $57.36 billion

French counter-terrorism forces based in West Africa killed 10 suspected militants who are allegedly involved in murdering police officers in Burkina Faso last November.

France troops in Sahel combat Islamist militant groups

Paris&nbsp;police said Thursday they would ban so-called "freedom convoys" inspired by a truckers' protest against coronavirus restrictions that has paralysed the Canadian capital Ottawa.

Convoys of vehicles from across France are expected to converge on the French capital on Friday, risking a possible standoff with the police similar to the violent "yellow vest" protests that rocked the country in 2018.

A repeat of the "yellow vests" -- a nationwide movement against social inequality -- would be unwelcome for President Emmanuel Macron as he prepares for April 2022 elections he remains favourite to win.

"There will be a special deployment... to prevent blockages of major roads, issue tickets and arrest those who infringe on this protest ban," the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;police force said in a statement.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-slams-canada-trucker-protests-police-threaten-arrests-451963">&nbsp;Trudeau slams Canada trucker protests, police threaten arrests</a>

The city's ban order will remain in force from Friday to Monday, while police recalled that people blocking roads faced up to two years in prison, a fine of 4,500 euros ($5,140) and a three-year exclusion from driving.

Thousands of people opposed to France's vaccine pass, which restricts access to much of public life to those with the Covid-19 jab, have said on social media that they would rally in&nbsp;Paris.

Some plan to continue on to European Union capital Brussels on Monday.

&nbsp;'An aberration'&nbsp;

The movement is "far from having a solid structure" but "this especially media-friendly new form of action could give new momentum to different protest groups," a police report seen by broadcaster RTL and newspaper Le Parisien said earlier this week.

A&nbsp;number of convoys of cars, vans and motorbikes set off from around France on Wednesday, inspired by the two-week blockade of central Ottawa by truckers angry at testing and vaccine requirements for crossing the border with the US.

Eyhande Abeberry, 52, a participant at the send-off in the southern French city of Bayonne, told AFP that the vaccine pass was "an aberration".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-buy-french-warplanes-as-paris-boosts-asia-alliances-452033">Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances</a>

But as in Canada, where the protest has broadened from the issues that first triggered it, others including purchasing power and energy costs have motivated some French participants.

Those were also at the root of the "yellow vests" demonstrations.

With an election first round coming on April 10, Macron's government has already mobilised billions of euros to limit the impact on households of surging gas and petrol prices.

Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said that she "understood" the protesters' goals, saying that it was "another form of the yellow vests" demonstrations.

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said he recognised the public's "weariness" with infection control measures, but insisted that France had been among the European countries with "the fewest restrictions that infringe on citizens' freedom".

In a nod to public impatience ahead of the elections with France's tough Covid rules, Attal also indicated that the country may be in a position to drop its obligatory vaccine pass in late March or early April as cases fall.

&nbsp;

Paris police said Thursday they would ban so-called "freedom convoys" inspired by a truckers' protest against coronavirus restrictions that has paralysed the Canadian capital Ottawa.

Paris police said Thursday they would ban so-called "freedom convoys" inspired by a truckers' protest against coronavirus restrictions that has paralysed the Canadian capital Ottawa. Convoys of vehicles from across France are expected to converge on the French capital on Friday, risking a possible standoff with the police similar to the violent "yellow vest" protests that rocked the country in 2018. A repeat of the "yellow vests" -- a nationwide movement against social inequality -- would be unwelcome for President Emmanuel Macron as he prepares for April 2022 elections he remains favourite to win. "There will be a special deployment... to prevent blockages of major roads, issue tickets and arrest those who infringe on this protest ban," the Paris police force said in a statement. Also read | Trudeau slams Canada trucker protests, police threaten arrests The city's ban order will remain in force from Friday to Monday, while police recalled that people blocking roads faced up to two years in prison, a fine of 4,500 euros ($5,140) and a three-year exclusion from driving. Thousands of people opposed to France's vaccine pass, which restricts access to much of public life to those with the Covid-19 jab, have said on social media that they would rally in Paris. Some plan to continue on to European Union capital Brussels on Monday. 'An aberration' The movement is "far from having a solid structure" but "this especially media-friendly new form of action could give new momentum to different protest groups," a police report seen by broadcaster RTL and newspaper Le Parisien said earlier this week. A number of convoys of cars, vans and motorbikes set off from around France on Wednesday, inspired by the two-week blockade of central Ottawa by truckers angry at testing and vaccine requirements for crossing the border with the US. Eyhande Abeberry, 52, a participant at the send-off in the southern French city of Bayonne, told AFP that the vaccine pass was "an aberration". Also read | Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances But as in Canada, where the protest has broadened from the issues that first triggered it, others including purchasing power and energy costs have motivated some French participants. Those were also at the root of the "yellow vests" demonstrations. With an election first round coming on April 10, Macron's government has already mobilised billions of euros to limit the impact on households of surging gas and petrol prices. Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said that she "understood" the protesters' goals, saying that it was "another form of the yellow vests" demonstrations. Government spokesman Gabriel Attal said he recognised the public's "weariness" with infection control measures, but insisted that France had been among the European countries with "the fewest restrictions that infringe on citizens' freedom". In a nod to public impatience ahead of the elections with France's tough Covid rules, Attal also indicated that the country may be in a position to drop its obligatory vaccine pass in late March or early April as cases fall.

Paris bans Canada-style Covid 'freedom convoys'

After a slew of diplomatic meetings trying to deescalate tensions over Ukraine, French president Emmanuel Macron briefed his US counterpart Joe Biden about his meetings with the top leaders.

France's Macron briefs Biden after 'diplomatic meetings' over Russia-Ukraine tensions

European capitals are buzzing with diplomacy as leaders race against time to defuse the stand-off near Ukraine. France, Germany and Poland have pledged to avert war at a trilateral summit in Berlin. Palki Sharma gets you a round-up of diplomacy week in Europe.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: European leaders pledge to avert war

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific.

The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta.&nbsp;

"We agreed on the purchase of 42 Rafale. The contract signed today is for the first six, which will be followed by 36 others," said Subianto.

It is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse in September of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal.

Paris was left furious by the debacle, saying it had been given no warning that Canberra was negotiating a new defence pact with the United States and Britain.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-indonesia-brave-islanders-free-croc-caught-in-a-tyre-for-the-last-six-years-451631">In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years&nbsp;</a>

Australia is now obtaining nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new defence alliance, named AUKUS, with Washington and London to counter a rising China.

In November, France and Indonesia strengthened a strategic partnership agreement during a two-day visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.

Indonesia's first order for French warplanes comes as Jakarta replaces an ageing fleet -- consisting mainly of American F-16s and Russian Sukhois --&nbsp;as concerns grow about rising US-China tensions in Asia.

'Technical excellence'&nbsp;

In Jakarta, Parly told reporters that Indonesia had chosen a warplane known for its "technical excellence", which had demonstrated its "operational capabilities on numerous occasions".

Indonesia is also reportedly&nbsp;in negotiations to buy about 30 American F-15s, and is participating in a South Korean programme to develop a warplane.

Since the Australian submarine deal collapsed, France has been bolstering ties with long-time partners including Japan and India, as well as turning to Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-to-visit-munich-paris-india-australia-france-fms-trilateral-on-anvil-452012">EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil</a>

Indonesia is one of several Asian countries that expressed concerns about the AUKUS pact, with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warning it could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region.&nbsp;

The Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, which entered service in 2004, has proved popular in the international market despite&nbsp;competition from American and other&nbsp;European manufacturers.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates signed the biggest ever order for the jets in December, with a deal to buy 80 for 14 billion euros.&nbsp;

Other foreign clients include Qatar, India, Egypt, Greece and Croatia.

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific.

Indonesia signed a deal with France on Thursday to buy six Rafale warplanes as part of an anticipated total order of 42, as Paris bolsters military ties in the Asia-Pacific. The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta. "We agreed on the purchase of 42 Rafale. The contract signed today is for the first six, which will be followed by 36 others," said Subianto. It is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse in September of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal. Paris was left furious by the debacle, saying it had been given no warning that Canberra was negotiating a new defence pact with the United States and Britain. Also read | In Indonesia, brave islanders free croc caught in a tyre for the last six years Australia is now obtaining nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new defence alliance, named AUKUS, with Washington and London to counter a rising China. In November, France and Indonesia strengthened a strategic partnership agreement during a two-day visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to the vast Southeast Asian archipelago. Indonesia's first order for French warplanes comes as Jakarta replaces an ageing fleet -- consisting mainly of American F-16s and Russian Sukhois -- as concerns grow about rising US-China tensions in Asia. 'Technical excellence' In Jakarta, Parly told reporters that Indonesia had chosen a warplane known for its "technical excellence", which had demonstrated its "operational capabilities on numerous occasions". Indonesia is also reportedly in negotiations to buy about 30 American F-15s, and is participating in a South Korean programme to develop a warplane. Since the Australian submarine deal collapsed, France has been bolstering ties with long-time partners including Japan and India, as well as turning to Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia. Also read | EAM Jaishankar to visit Munich, Paris; India, Australia, France FMs trilateral on anvil Indonesia is one of several Asian countries that expressed concerns about the AUKUS pact, with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warning it could trigger a nuclear arms race in the region. The Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, which entered service in 2004, has proved popular in the international market despite competition from American and other European manufacturers. The United Arab Emirates signed the biggest ever order for the jets in December, with a deal to buy 80 for 14 billion euros. Other foreign clients include Qatar, India, Egypt, Greece and Croatia.

Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances

Neanderthals first appeared in Europe 400,000 years ago. The current theory suggests that the species went extinct about 40,000 years ago, right around the time Homo sapiens arrived from Africa on the continent.

An interesting <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abj9496">new study</a>&nbsp;indicates that our species may have arrived much earlier and coexisted with the Neanderthals for more than 10,000 years before they became extinct.

Prof Chris Stringer, of the Natural History Museum in London, argues that these results undermine the current view that humans quickly overtook the Neanderthals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mt-everests-2000-year-old-glacier-will-disappear-by-mid-century-warn-scientists-451624" hreflang="en">Mt. Everest's 2,000-year-old glacier will disappear by mid-century, warn scientists</a>

According to him, modern humans did not take over the planet overnight. Talking to BBC he said that "sometimes Neanderthals had the advantage, sometimes modern humans had the advantage, so it was more finely balanced."

During excavations at Grotte Mandrin in France, archaeologists found fossils in several layers. As they dug deeper, they could see farther back in time. Neanderthal remains were found in the lowest layers, which date back 20,000 years.

However, to their surprise, they also found a modern human child's tooth in a layer dating back over 54,000 years ago. In addition, they also found stone tools that did not appear to have come from Neanderthals.

<img alt="Source: Science.org" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="116f31db-49c2-4122-87d3-5bfbe152a0ba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2818%29.jpg" />

Image source: Science.org

Based on the evidence, this early group of humans lived at the site for about 2,000 years, after which it was abandoned. After a few thousand years, the Neanderthals return and occupy the site, until modern humans return some 44,000 years ago.

''We have this ebb and flow,'' says Prof Stringer. ''The modern humans appear briefly, then there's a gap where maybe the climate just finished them off and then the Neanderthals come back again.''

Another important discovery was the association between the stone tools and the modern child's teeth found in the same layer. In the past, similar tools had been found in other locations, including the Rhone valley and Lebanon, but scientists did not know what species of humans made them.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-that-even-dying-stars-can-give-birth-to-brand-new-planets-451084" hreflang="en">Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets</a>

Several of the smaller tools discovered at the site may have been arrowheads, according to some of the researchers. The discovery suggest that early modern humans used the advanced weaponry of bows and arrows to defeat the Neanderthals 54,000 years ago. This if confirmed can be quite a discovery. However, even if that were the case, it would have only been a temporary advantage, since the Neanderthals came back.

<img alt="Image source: Science.org" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d972c325-54a9-496e-a59c-5f3fe752adc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2817%29.jpg" />

Image source: Science.org

It begs the question if it was not our species eradicating them immediately, what gave us the advantage in the long run?

There have been many theories put forth by scientists: our ability to create art, language, and perhaps a better brain. Prof Stringer believes it was because we were more organised.&nbsp;The networking was better, the social groups were larger, the knowledge was stored better, and we built on it, he said.

Prof Stringer believes that the idea of long-term interaction between humans and Neanderthals is in agreement with the finding in 2010 that modern humans possess some Neanderthal DNA. This indicates that the two species interbred.

We don't know if they exchanged partners peacefully or if they grabbed another female. They could have adopted orphaned Neanderthal babies, he said.

He pointed out that it's possible that all of those things happened, but we will be able to learn more about what happened at the end of the Neanderthal era as more DNA is found.

Neanderthals first appeared in Europe 400,000 years ago. The current theory suggests that the species went extinct about 40,000 years ago, right around the time Homo sapiens arrived from Africa on the continent.

Neanderthals first appeared in Europe 400,000 years ago. The current theory suggests that the species went extinct about 40,000 years ago, right around the time Homo sapiens arrived from Africa on the continent. An interesting new study indicates that our species may have arrived much earlier and coexisted with the Neanderthals for more than 10,000 years before they became extinct. Prof Chris Stringer, of the Natural History Museum in London, argues that these results undermine the current view that humans quickly overtook the Neanderthals. Also read | Mt. Everest's 2,000-year-old glacier will disappear by mid-century, warn scientists According to him, modern humans did not take over the planet overnight. Talking to BBC he said that "sometimes Neanderthals had the advantage, sometimes modern humans had the advantage, so it was more finely balanced." During excavations at Grotte Mandrin in France, archaeologists found fossils in several layers. As they dug deeper, they could see farther back in time. Neanderthal remains were found in the lowest layers, which date back 20,000 years. However, to their surprise, they also found a modern human child's tooth in a layer dating back over 54,000 years ago. In addition, they also found stone tools that did not appear to have come from Neanderthals. Image source: Science.org Based on the evidence, this early group of humans lived at the site for about 2,000 years, after which it was abandoned. After a few thousand years, the Neanderthals return and occupy the site, until modern humans return some 44,000 years ago. ''We have this ebb and flow,'' says Prof Stringer. ''The modern humans appear briefly, then there's a gap where maybe the climate just finished them off and then the Neanderthals come back again.'' Another important discovery was the association between the stone tools and the modern child's teeth found in the same layer. In the past, similar tools had been found in other locations, including the Rhone valley and Lebanon, but scientists did not know what species of humans made them. Also read | Study reveals that even dying stars can give birth to brand new planets Several of the smaller tools discovered at the site may have been arrowheads, according to some of the researchers. The discovery suggest that early modern humans used the advanced weaponry of bows and arrows to defeat the Neanderthals 54,000 years ago. This if confirmed can be quite a discovery. However, even if that were the case, it would have only been a temporary advantage, since the Neanderthals came back. Image source: Science.org It begs the question if it was not our species eradicating them immediately, what gave us the advantage in the long run? There have been many theories put forth by scientists: our ability to create art, language, and perhaps a better brain. Prof Stringer believes it was because we were more organised. The networking was better, the social groups were larger, the knowledge was stored better, and we built on it, he said. Prof Stringer believes that the idea of long-term interaction between humans and Neanderthals is in agreement with the finding in 2010 that modern humans possess some Neanderthal DNA. This indicates that the two species interbred. We don't know if they exchanged partners peacefully or if they grabbed another female. They could have adopted orphaned Neanderthal babies, he said. He pointed out that it's possible that all of those things happened, but we will be able to learn more about what happened at the end of the Neanderthal era as more DNA is found.

Did we, the modern humans, kill off Neanderthals? A new finding may have answers

Canadian&nbsp;police&nbsp;threatened Wednesday to arrest&nbsp;trucker-led protesters who have shut down central Ottawa and disrupted cross-border trade in anger at Covid health rules, as Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;lambasted the movement as "unacceptable."

With more people joining the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and the US city of Detroit in solidarity with the two-week long truckers protest in the Canadian capital,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;warned the action threatens the country's economic recovery.

"Blockades, illegal demonstrations are unacceptable, and are negatively impacting businesses and manufacturers,"&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;said in the House of Commons. "We must do everything to bring them to an end."

To the protesters, he said, "You can't end a pandemic with blockades... You need to end it with science. You need to end it with public health measures."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/canadian-anti-vax-trucker-protest-fires-up-copycat-protests-451654">Canadian anti-vax trucker protest fires up copycat protests</a>

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said US officials were "in very close contact" with Canadian border agencies about the bridge blockade.

Psaki also expressed concerns about the impacts of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;on the US economy, saying the action "poses a risk to supply chains, to the auto industry."

The Ambassador suspension bridge is a key trade corridor, with more than 40,000 commuters, tourists and trucks carrying US$323 million worth of goods across the span each day.&nbsp;

Several Canadian and American chambers of commerce and industry associations, in a joint statement, demanded the bridge be cleared, saying, "as our economies emerge from the impacts of the pandemic we cannot allow any group to undermine the cross-border trade."

Another trade link between Coutts, Alberta and Sweet Grass, Montana has also been blocked by protesters for several days.

'Freedom Convoy'&nbsp;

By Wednesday evening, the atmosphere on the streets of downtown Ottawa was one of protest and celebration.

"We're not going anywhere," said&nbsp;trucker&nbsp;John Deelstra, smiling from behind the wheel of his big rig, which has been at the demonstration since day one.

Planted not far away, Ontario&nbsp;trucker&nbsp;Lloyd Brubacher offered up the same steely resolve: "I'm not going anywhere," he told AFP, adding that he planned "to fight to the&nbsp;bitter end."

Some 400 vehicles are still camped on Parliament Hill below&nbsp;Trudeau's offices, against a backdrop of barbecues, campfires and music.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-protests-echo-globally-with-a-copycat-demonstration-planned-in-france-451793">Canadian protests echo globally, with a copycat demonstration planned in France</a>&nbsp;

"This is a dramatic situation that is impacting the wellbeing of&nbsp;Canada's relationship with the United States and impacts immensely how business is able to conduct its operations," University of Ottawa professor Gilles LeVasseur told AFP.

The so-called "Freedom Convoy" began last month in western&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;-- launched in anger at requirements that truckers either be vaccinated, or test and isolate, when crossing the US-Canada&nbsp;border.

Having snowballed into an occupation of&nbsp;Canada's capital, the protest has sparked solidarity rallies across the nation and abroad.

On Wednesday, Ottawa&nbsp;police&nbsp;warned protesters they could face criminal charges and their trucks could be seized if they continue their "unlawful" clogging of downtown streets.

Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Brian Kingston said the Ambassador Bridge blockade was "threatening fragile supply chains already under pressure due to pandemic-related shortages and backlogs."&nbsp;

Officials pointed to 5,000 factory workers in Windsor, Ontario being sent home early Tuesday because of the blockade, and several auto assembly plants preparing to close, as Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens expressed fears about lasting impacts on Canadian businesses.

&nbsp;'Illegal economic blockade'&nbsp;

Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader in Detroit, explained that North American assembly plants rely on timely parts deliveries across the bridge.

The auto sector "is a significant portion of the economy and an important portion of consumer spending" that has been hard hit over the past year, she said.

Canada's Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino warned of "serious dangers for the economy" and called on protesters to "go home!"

Watch |&nbsp;Two weeks of Canada truckers protest, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau calls it unacceptable

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-weeks-of-canada-truckers-protest-canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-calls-it-unacceptable-451922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This is an illegal economic blockade... against all Canadians," added Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.

Several provinces including Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan this week announced a gradual lifting or loosening of COVID-19 restrictions.&nbsp;

A Canadian court on Monday ordered the truckers to stop incessant honking that upset residents and made sleep difficult.

But the noise is spreading: Similar movements have hatched everywhere from New York to New Zealand.&nbsp;

In France, thousands of protesters inspired by the Canadian truckers plan to converge on Paris Friday evening, with some aiming to move onwards to Brussels Monday.

Canadian police threatened Wednesday to arrest trucker-led protesters who have shut down central Ottawa and disrupted cross-border trade in anger at Covid health rules, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lambasted the movement as "unacceptable.

Canadian police threatened Wednesday to arrest trucker-led protesters who have shut down central Ottawa and disrupted cross-border trade in anger at Covid health rules, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lambasted the movement as "unacceptable." With more people joining the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge between Windsor and the US city of Detroit in solidarity with the two-week long truckers protest in the Canadian capital, Trudeau warned the action threatens the country's economic recovery. "Blockades, illegal demonstrations are unacceptable, and are negatively impacting businesses and manufacturers," Trudeau said in the House of Commons. "We must do everything to bring them to an end." To the protesters, he said, "You can't end a pandemic with blockades... You need to end it with science. You need to end it with public health measures." Also read | Canadian anti-vax trucker protest fires up copycat protests Earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said US officials were "in very close contact" with Canadian border agencies about the bridge blockade. Psaki also expressed concerns about the impacts of the protests on the US economy, saying the action "poses a risk to supply chains, to the auto industry." The Ambassador suspension bridge is a key trade corridor, with more than 40,000 commuters, tourists and trucks carrying US$323 million worth of goods across the span each day. Several Canadian and American chambers of commerce and industry associations, in a joint statement, demanded the bridge be cleared, saying, "as our economies emerge from the impacts of the pandemic we cannot allow any group to undermine the cross-border trade." Another trade link between Coutts, Alberta and Sweet Grass, Montana has also been blocked by protesters for several days. 'Freedom Convoy' By Wednesday evening, the atmosphere on the streets of downtown Ottawa was one of protest and celebration. "We're not going anywhere," said trucker John Deelstra, smiling from behind the wheel of his big rig, which has been at the demonstration since day one. Planted not far away, Ontario trucker Lloyd Brubacher offered up the same steely resolve: "I'm not going anywhere," he told AFP, adding that he planned "to fight to the bitter end." Some 400 vehicles are still camped on Parliament Hill below Trudeau's offices, against a backdrop of barbecues, campfires and music. Also read | Canadian protests echo globally, with a copycat demonstration planned in France "This is a dramatic situation that is impacting the wellbeing of Canada's relationship with the United States and impacts immensely how business is able to conduct its operations," University of Ottawa professor Gilles LeVasseur told AFP. The so-called "Freedom Convoy" began last month in western Canada -- launched in anger at requirements that truckers either be vaccinated, or test and isolate, when crossing the US-Canada border. Having snowballed into an occupation of Canada's capital, the protest has sparked solidarity rallies across the nation and abroad. On Wednesday, Ottawa police warned protesters they could face criminal charges and their trucks could be seized if they continue their "unlawful" clogging of downtown streets. Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association president Brian Kingston said the Ambassador Bridge blockade was "threatening fragile supply chains already under pressure due to pandemic-related shortages and backlogs." Officials pointed to 5,000 factory workers in Windsor, Ontario being sent home early Tuesday because of the blockade, and several auto assembly plants preparing to close, as Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens expressed fears about lasting impacts on Canadian businesses. 'Illegal economic blockade' Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader in Detroit, explained that North American assembly plants rely on timely parts deliveries across the bridge. The auto sector "is a significant portion of the economy and an important portion of consumer spending" that has been hard hit over the past year, she said. Canada's Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino warned of "serious dangers for the economy" and called on protesters to "go home!" Watch | Two weeks of Canada truckers protest, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau calls it unacceptable "This is an illegal economic blockade... against all Canadians," added Transport Minister Omar Alghabra. Several provinces including Alberta, Quebec and Saskatchewan this week announced a gradual lifting or loosening of COVID-19 restrictions. A Canadian court on Monday ordered the truckers to stop incessant honking that upset residents and made sleep difficult. But the noise is spreading: Similar movements have hatched everywhere from New York to New Zealand. In France, thousands of protesters inspired by the Canadian truckers plan to converge on Paris Friday evening, with some aiming to move onwards to Brussels Monday.

Trudeau slams Canada trucker protests, police threaten arrests

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said that the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine had committed to honouring the Minsk accord.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Putin & Zelensky committed to Minsk accord

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'Prevent war in Europe,' leaders of Germany, France & Poland meet on Russia-Ukraine crisis

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Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Ukraine, Russia crisis: Why is Macron playing the peacemaker?

Are Emmanuel Macron's efforts to dial down tensions in Ukraine working? Do stakeholders expect diplomacy to deliver? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma decodes the possibilities with correspondents from Moscow, Washington D.C. & London.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Russia Vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver?

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Ukraine Crisis: Leaders of Germany, France, Poland meet to prevent war in Europe

French president Emmanuel Macron became the first leader of a major western power to meet Vladimir Putin since Russian troops near Ukraine. Macron called for calm as he shuttled between Moscow and Kyiv and said that he believes that steps can be taken to de-escalate the crisis. WION's executive editor Palki Sharma brings ground zero report from Ukraine.

French President Macron calls for calm to resolve Ukraine crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Kyiv for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, seeking a breakthrough in the East-West deadlock over Ukraine. Macron said that "My aim was to freeze the game, to prevent an escalation and open up new perspectives, this objective for me is fulfilled."

Emmanuel Macron says his objective 'was to freeze the game'

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Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Macron heads to Moscow, Kremlin circumspect

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