With focus on better coordination in&nbsp;Indo-Pacific,&nbsp;India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three&nbsp;countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision.

The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division).

Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division). Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

India, Australia, and France hold trilateral dialogue with Indo-Pacific in focus

The French foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan's envoy to protest claims by President Arif Alvi that a French bill cracking down on radical Islam stigmatises Muslims.&nbsp;

Addressing a conference on religion on Saturday, Alvi said, "When you see that laws are being changed in favour of a majority to isolate a minority, that is a dangerous precedent."&nbsp;

Specifically referring to the legislation drafted after the beheading of a French teacher by an Islamist radical over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, Alvi said, "When you insult the Prophet, you insult all Muslims.&nbsp;

"I urge the political leadership of France not to entrench these attitudes into laws... You have to bring people together -- not to stamp a religion in a certain manner and create disharmony among the people or create bias."&nbsp;

Pakistan was one of several Muslim countries that saw angry anti-French protests in October over President Emmanuel Macron's defence of the right to show cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.&nbsp;

The country with the second-largest number of Muslims in the world after Indonesia does not have an ambassador in France.&nbsp;

The French foreign ministry said late on Monday it had called in Pakistan's charge d'affaires to mark "our surprise and our disapproval (over Alvi's remarks), given that the bill contains no discriminatory element."&nbsp;

"It is guided by the basic principles of freedom of religion and conscience, makes no distinction between the different religions and applies therefore equally to all faiths," the ministry said.&nbsp;

"Pakistan must understand this and adopt a constructive attitude for our bilateral relations," it added.&nbsp;

The bill adopted by the lower house of the French parliament last week is dubbed the 'anti-separatism' bill in reference to Macron's claim that Islamists are closing themselves off from French society by refusing to embrace secularism, gender equality and other French values.&nbsp;

The French foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan's envoy to protest claims by President Arif Alvi that a French bill cracking down on radical Islam stigmatises Muslims.

The French foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan's envoy to protest claims by President Arif Alvi that a French bill cracking down on radical Islam stigmatises Muslims. Addressing a conference on religion on Saturday, Alvi said, "When you see that laws are being changed in favour of a majority to isolate a minority, that is a dangerous precedent." Specifically referring to the legislation drafted after the beheading of a French teacher by an Islamist radical over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, Alvi said, "When you insult the Prophet, you insult all Muslims. "I urge the political leadership of France not to entrench these attitudes into laws... You have to bring people together -- not to stamp a religion in a certain manner and create disharmony among the people or create bias." Pakistan was one of several Muslim countries that saw angry anti-French protests in October over President Emmanuel Macron's defence of the right to show cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed. The country with the second-largest number of Muslims in the world after Indonesia does not have an ambassador in France. The French foreign ministry said late on Monday it had called in Pakistan's charge d'affaires to mark "our surprise and our disapproval (over Alvi's remarks), given that the bill contains no discriminatory element." "It is guided by the basic principles of freedom of religion and conscience, makes no distinction between the different religions and applies therefore equally to all faiths," the ministry said. "Pakistan must understand this and adopt a constructive attitude for our bilateral relations," it added. The bill adopted by the lower house of the French parliament last week is dubbed the 'anti-separatism' bill in reference to Macron's claim that Islamists are closing themselves off from French society by refusing to embrace secularism, gender equality and other French values.

Paris raps Pak envoy over President Alvi remarks on French Muslims

A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago.

Malaysia's coastguard said the 75-metre (246 foot) Phocea sank near the holiday island of Langkawi early Friday morning, a day after a blaze engulfed the four-masted yacht.

"We believed it sank Friday morning, at about five or six a.m.," senior coastguard official Mohamad Zawawi Abdullah told AFP.

"We managed to control the fire, but the damage to the hull caused by the fire may have caused the yacht to sink."

He added that government officials were investigating the cause of the fire, and that the agent in charge of the vessel had been informed of the sinking.

Seven crew members were saved from the vessel after rescuers were alerted to the fire on Thursday.

Built for French sailor Alain Colas in 1976, the yacht was owned by Tapie in the 1980s and 1990s.

It was later sold to a wealthy Lebanese woman for 36.5 million francs (7.5 million euros today), according to media reports.

Tapie is a former Socialist minister who rose from humble beginnings to build a sporting and media empire, but later faced a string of legal problems.

He made a fortune in the early part of his career by taking over failing companies, and flaunted his wealth. As well as the yacht, he bought a football club.

A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago.

A multimillion-dollar sailing yacht that once belonged to French tycoon Bernard Tapie has sunk off the coast of Malaysia, an official confirmed Sunday, after it caught fire a few days ago. Malaysia's coastguard said the 75-metre (246 foot) Phocea sank near the holiday island of Langkawi early Friday morning, a day after a blaze engulfed the four-masted yacht. "We believed it sank Friday morning, at about five or six a.m.," senior coastguard official Mohamad Zawawi Abdullah told AFP. "We managed to control the fire, but the damage to the hull caused by the fire may have caused the yacht to sink." He added that government officials were investigating the cause of the fire, and that the agent in charge of the vessel had been informed of the sinking. Seven crew members were saved from the vessel after rescuers were alerted to the fire on Thursday. Built for French sailor Alain Colas in 1976, the yacht was owned by Tapie in the 1980s and 1990s. It was later sold to a wealthy Lebanese woman for 36.5 million francs (7.5 million euros today), according to media reports. Tapie is a former Socialist minister who rose from humble beginnings to build a sporting and media empire, but later faced a string of legal problems. He made a fortune in the early part of his career by taking over failing companies, and flaunted his wealth. As well as the yacht, he bought a football club.

Yacht once owned by French tycoon sinks off Malaysia

The tech genius and SpaceX owner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk?page=1">Elon Musk</a>, is thrilled to fulfil his dream of providing satellite-powered internet to Earthlings. However, he has been hit with the realisation that not everyone is as thrilled as him.

Musk will have to install antennas around the world to establish the desired connection for the Starlink satellite internet service.

Residents of a small village in France, however, have objected to Musk using their land to fulfil his dreams.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-reclaims-worlds-richest-person-title-by-overtaking-elon-musk-364274" hreflang="en">Jeff Bezos reclaims world's richest person title by overtaking Elon Musk</a>

Saint-Senier-de-Beuvron has asked Musk to keep these new antennas far away from their land as they fear the signals could cause harm to the residents.

"This project is totally new. We don't have any idea of the impact of these signals," Noemie Brault, a 34-year-old deputy mayor of the village told an English channel. "As a precaution, the municipal council said no."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-reclaims-worlds-richest-person-title-by-overtaking-elon-musk-364274" hreflang="en">Jeff Bezos reclaims world's richest person title by overtaking Elon Musk</a>

While Musk is hoping to install thousands of satellites to provide fast internet for remote areas all over the world. For this, he needs to install antennas on the ground which will help capture signals and bounce it back to the individual user terminals that will be connected by cables.

The contractor had, apparently, already secured permission in France o install nine of such radomes which would be three-metre-tall and protect the antennas.

However, in December Saint-Senier issued a decree to block all construction on the field, on technical grounds.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/kremlin-says-musks-idea-for-putin-to-join-clubhouse-app-interesting-seeks-details-363818" hreflang="en">Kremlin says Musk's idea for Putin to join Clubhouse app interesting, seeks details</a>

"That worries us because we have no data," Brault said about the effects of signals on the health of residents. "And when you hear that he wants to implant a chip in people's brain, it's frightening."

A Greens council member, Francois Dufour, also agreed with the decision and asked, "social networks, internet, they exist already — why do we need to go look for internet on the moon?"

Some farmers are also scared that due to the antennas' signals, the cows might start producing less milk. However, some of them have also started naming the calves based on Musk and his company — one of them being SpaceX du Beuvron.

The tech genius and SpaceX owner, Elon Musk, is thrilled to fulfil his dream of providing satellite-powered internet to Earthlings. However, he has been hit with the realisation that not everyone is as thrilled as him.

The tech genius and SpaceX owner, Elon Musk, is thrilled to fulfil his dream of providing satellite-powered internet to Earthlings. However, he has been hit with the realisation that not everyone is as thrilled as him. Musk will have to install antennas around the world to establish the desired connection for the Starlink satellite internet service. Residents of a small village in France, however, have objected to Musk using their land to fulfil his dreams. Also read| Jeff Bezos reclaims world's richest person title by overtaking Elon Musk Saint-Senier-de-Beuvron has asked Musk to keep these new antennas far away from their land as they fear the signals could cause harm to the residents. "This project is totally new. We don't have any idea of the impact of these signals," Noemie Brault, a 34-year-old deputy mayor of the village told an English channel. "As a precaution, the municipal council said no." Also read| Jeff Bezos reclaims world's richest person title by overtaking Elon Musk While Musk is hoping to install thousands of satellites to provide fast internet for remote areas all over the world. For this, he needs to install antennas on the ground which will help capture signals and bounce it back to the individual user terminals that will be connected by cables. The contractor had, apparently, already secured permission in France o install nine of such radomes which would be three-metre-tall and protect the antennas. However, in December Saint-Senier issued a decree to block all construction on the field, on technical grounds. Also read| Kremlin says Musk's idea for Putin to join Clubhouse app interesting, seeks details "That worries us because we have no data," Brault said about the effects of signals on the health of residents. "And when you hear that he wants to implant a chip in people's brain, it's frightening." A Greens council member, Francois Dufour, also agreed with the decision and asked, "social networks, internet, they exist already — why do we need to go look for internet on the moon?" Some farmers are also scared that due to the antennas' signals, the cows might start producing less milk. However, some of them have also started naming the calves based on Musk and his company — one of them being SpaceX du Beuvron.

Moo away: French villagers deny permission to Elon Musk for installing Starlink's antennas

France has launched a nuclear programme to build a new generation of nuclear submarines for the country. French defence minister Florence Parly announced on Friday the launch of the programme to design the 3rd generation nuclear power ballistic missile submarines to boost the countries military Provence.

France has launched a nuclear programme to build a new generation of  nuclear submarines

US State Secretary Antony Blinken is holding a virtual meeting with his counterparts from Japan, Australia and India as part of the Qued grouping, This meeting is the first of the informal groups under the Joe Biden's administration.

WION Fineprint: Antony Blinken holds virtual Quad meet with Australia, India and Japan

The UK, France and Germany are set to hold talks with the United States over the Iran nuclear agreement. France will be hosting these talks between the diplomats of the European powers and US State Secretary Antony Blinken.

WION Dispatch: UK, France, Germany to hold talks with US on Iran deal

A former French government minister faces at least three years in prison after a court found him guilty of raping an employee during "foot massages" in his office and at the home of his co-defendant. The verdict has come after nearly ten years of legal battles that initially led to an acquittal.

Georges Tron, 63, was a cabinet minister under prime minister Francois Fillon when he was forced to resign in 2011 over allegations made by two women who worked for him while he was mayor of Draveil, outside Paris.

France has been confronting a wave of sexual assault allegations that has pushed the government to promise tougher laws to protect victims and punish assailants. The country has been roiled by thousands of women breaking their silence since last year's publication of "Consent" by Vanessa Springora, whose account of abuse by a prize-winning author while she was still a minor has just been translated to English.

The women said that between 2007 and 2010, Tron, known for practising reflexology as a hobby, imposed foot massage sessions that would involve groping and digital penetration, at times turning into threesomes with his deputy Brigitte Gruel.

Virginie Ettel and Eva Loubrieu testified that they felt powerless to resist the politician over fear of losing their jobs. Ettel later resigned, while Loubrieu was fired after being accused of theft.

But the court convicted Tron of raping only Ettel, saying he had applied "psychological constraint" because she was his direct subordinate at city hall.

Gruel was handed a suspended two-year sentence.

Tron and Gruel deny the allegations, which were rejected just over two years ago by a court that found no use of force and said the women appeared motivated by a desire for "vengeance." Tron's lawyer at the time, Eric Dupond-Moretti, had declared "a victory for justice."

(with inputs from AFP)

A former French government minister faces at least three years in prison after a court found him guilty of raping an employee during "foot massages" in his office and at the home of his co-defendant.

A former French government minister faces at least three years in prison after a court found him guilty of raping an employee during "foot massages" in his office and at the home of his co-defendant. The verdict has come after nearly ten years of legal battles that initially led to an acquittal. Georges Tron, 63, was a cabinet minister under prime minister Francois Fillon when he was forced to resign in 2011 over allegations made by two women who worked for him while he was mayor of Draveil, outside Paris. France has been confronting a wave of sexual assault allegations that has pushed the government to promise tougher laws to protect victims and punish assailants. The country has been roiled by thousands of women breaking their silence since last year's publication of "Consent" by Vanessa Springora, whose account of abuse by a prize-winning author while she was still a minor has just been translated to English. The women said that between 2007 and 2010, Tron, known for practising reflexology as a hobby, imposed foot massage sessions that would involve groping and digital penetration, at times turning into threesomes with his deputy Brigitte Gruel. Virginie Ettel and Eva Loubrieu testified that they felt powerless to resist the politician over fear of losing their jobs. Ettel later resigned, while Loubrieu was fired after being accused of theft. But the court convicted Tron of raping only Ettel, saying he had applied "psychological constraint" because she was his direct subordinate at city hall. Gruel was handed a suspended two-year sentence. Tron and Gruel deny the allegations, which were rejected just over two years ago by a court that found no use of force and said the women appeared motivated by a desire for "vengeance." Tron's lawyer at the time, Eric Dupond-Moretti, had declared "a victory for justice." (with inputs from AFP)

Former French minister convicted of rape

France is legislating to contain Radical Islam. It is setting a template for all EU member states. The new French law could affect over 25 million Muslims. WION's Palki Sharma asks- Is France setting the right example?

Gravitas: French template to deal with Radical Islam

Emmanuel Macron has changed the DNA of French politics by rejecting appeasement. His brand of politics has broken out of the classic left-right division. But a 'far-right' leader Marine Le Pen is looking to end Macron's rule. Will she succeed? WION's Palki Sharma tells what the odds are.

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron's brand of politics

The French Government is pushing a bill to fight Islamist Extremism. With this new law, French President Emmanuel Macron is making a clear distinction between Islamophobia and fighting extremism. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the 7 key features of the proposed law.

Gravitas: French President Macron pushes law to fight radical Islam

From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters. &nbsp;

His brand of politics has broken shackles of the classic left-right division but this brand is going to face a serious challenge in the days to come. France is going to polls and centrist Macron is up against a far-right rival, who promises to do everything the French President does, just two times better. &nbsp;

Where does this leave Macron? What can he do to stay in power?&nbsp;

He is the youngest French leader since Napoleon. He was the blue-eyed boy of liberal politicians in 2017. A former banker, who was going to reboot the French economy and society. Some also said he was France's answer to US President Barack Obama but four years later, the analogy seems wrong as Macron is no Obama. Actually, he has refused to be trapped by political definitions. He's tackling climate change, fighting Islamic extremism and more. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-emmanuel-macrons-brand-of-politics-364137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In reality, Macron has thrown the traditional rule book of politics out of the window. So far, all has gone according to plan but 2021 poses a peculiar challenge to his brand of politics as it is an election year. &nbsp;

France will go to polls in 14 months from now and centrist Macron's main challenger is Marine Le Pen, the 52-year-old leader of the far-right National Rally. She is currently polling neck to neck with Emmanuel Macron. The most recent poll shows Macron might get 24 per cent of the votes in the first round, while Le Pen could secure more than 26 per cent.&nbsp;

The French Finance Minister says Le Pen could very well win the next presidential polls. This possibility can be explained by Le Pen's brand of politics. If Macron wants to align Islam with French values, Le Pen is not afraid to blame Muslims for all of France's ills. &nbsp;

If Macron wants to keep foreign influence on Muslims under check, Le Pen wants France to put an end to its multi-culturalism. The challenge is significant.&nbsp;

The race is unpredictable as there's a raging pandemic in France, growing resentment against Islam, the return of a political debate on immigration and a highly polarised electorate. &nbsp;

Macron's recent policies have been game-changing but they may have also cost him some of his traditional left-leaning support base. Macron is on politically tricky terrain and he will have to get the balance right and the anti-extremism bill will be his toughest political test.&nbsp;

From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters.

From a liberal icon to a leader, who doesn't fit a particular political definition, French President Emmanuel Macron has come a long way. His recent policies have gained him an equal amount of followers and haters. His brand of politics has broken shackles of the classic left-right division but this brand is going to face a serious challenge in the days to come. France is going to polls and centrist Macron is up against a far-right rival, who promises to do everything the French President does, just two times better. Where does this leave Macron? What can he do to stay in power? He is the youngest French leader since Napoleon. He was the blue-eyed boy of liberal politicians in 2017. A former banker, who was going to reboot the French economy and society. Some also said he was France's answer to US President Barack Obama but four years later, the analogy seems wrong as Macron is no Obama. Actually, he has refused to be trapped by political definitions. He's tackling climate change, fighting Islamic extremism and more. In reality, Macron has thrown the traditional rule book of politics out of the window. So far, all has gone according to plan but 2021 poses a peculiar challenge to his brand of politics as it is an election year. France will go to polls in 14 months from now and centrist Macron's main challenger is Marine Le Pen, the 52-year-old leader of the far-right National Rally. She is currently polling neck to neck with Emmanuel Macron. The most recent poll shows Macron might get 24 per cent of the votes in the first round, while Le Pen could secure more than 26 per cent. The French Finance Minister says Le Pen could very well win the next presidential polls. This possibility can be explained by Le Pen's brand of politics. If Macron wants to align Islam with French values, Le Pen is not afraid to blame Muslims for all of France's ills. If Macron wants to keep foreign influence on Muslims under check, Le Pen wants France to put an end to its multi-culturalism. The challenge is significant. The race is unpredictable as there's a raging pandemic in France, growing resentment against Islam, the return of a political debate on immigration and a highly polarised electorate. Macron's recent policies have been game-changing but they may have also cost him some of his traditional left-leaning support base. Macron is on politically tricky terrain and he will have to get the balance right and the anti-extremism bill will be his toughest political test.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has changed the DNA of French politics

President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the law, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining.

France's lower house passes Anti-Radicalism bill

French lawmakers have approved the anti-radicalism bill in the lower house of Parliament with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. The law would strengthen oversight of Mosques, schools and sports clubs from radical Islam.

WION Dispatch: France lower house passes bill against Islamist extremism

French lawmakers have approved the anti-radicalism bill in the lower house of Parliament. The law would strengthen oversight of Mosques, schools and sports clubs from radical Islam.

France's lower house passes Anti-Radicalism bill, requires final approval in Senate

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The baby girl weighed 1.845 kgs (4.059 pounds) during birth and was born on Friday, according to the team at the Foch hospital outside Paris.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/9000-baby-deaths-at-church-run-homes-irish-pm-sorry-for-profound-wrong-356523">9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong'</a>

"Mother and baby are doing well," Jean-Marc Ayoubi, head of gynaecology, obstetrics and reproductive medicine at the hospital, told news agency AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-in-singapore-gives-birth-to-baby-with-covid-19-antibodies-346195">Woman in Singapore gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies</a>

A cutting-edge procedure is used to transplant a healthy uterus into a woman whose own is damaged or missing.

Births following a uterus transplant are rare.&nbsp;

Deborah, the 36-year-old mother, was born without a uterus as she suffered from Rokitansky Syndrome, a rare condition which one in about 4,500 women faces.&nbsp;

The same team that delivered her baby also carried on her uterus transplant in March 2019 after her then 57-year-old mother decided to donate her own.&nbsp;

The first-ever birth following a uterus transplant happened in 2014 in Sweden.&nbsp;

Such rare births have been recorded in the US and Brazil too, but remain a rarity.&nbsp;

These cases offer hope to women who suffer from reproductive diseases and are forced to choose adoption or surrogacy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday. The baby girl weighed 1.

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday. The baby girl weighed 1.845 kgs (4.059 pounds) during birth and was born on Friday, according to the team at the Foch hospital outside Paris. Also read | 9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' "Mother and baby are doing well," Jean-Marc Ayoubi, head of gynaecology, obstetrics and reproductive medicine at the hospital, told news agency AFP. Also read | Woman in Singapore gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies A cutting-edge procedure is used to transplant a healthy uterus into a woman whose own is damaged or missing. Births following a uterus transplant are rare. Deborah, the 36-year-old mother, was born without a uterus as she suffered from Rokitansky Syndrome, a rare condition which one in about 4,500 women faces. The same team that delivered her baby also carried on her uterus transplant in March 2019 after her then 57-year-old mother decided to donate her own. The first-ever birth following a uterus transplant happened in 2014 in Sweden. Such rare births have been recorded in the US and Brazil too, but remain a rarity. These cases offer hope to women who suffer from reproductive diseases and are forced to choose adoption or surrogacy.

First-ever child born in France following mother's uterus transplant

France is all set to table a bill to regulate Islamic extremism. But activists in France fear the bill could turn all French Muslims into potential suspects. Will Emmanuel Macron be able to get the balance right? Watch this report by WION's Palki Sharma to find out.

Gravitas : France set to table anti-extremism bill

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions. &nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the legislation, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. &nbsp;

With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/macrons-new-anti-religious-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.&nbsp;

The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macrons-new-anti-extremism-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363888" hreflang="en">Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France</a>

France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead.&nbsp;

The National Assembly lower house voted on the legislation after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. &nbsp;

The upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-recommends-single-vaccine-dose-for-people-who-have-had-covid-363224" hreflang="en">France recommends single vaccine dose for people who have had Covid</a>

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded."&nbsp;

Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.&nbsp;

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions.

France's lower house of parliament approved on Tuesday a law to fight extremism and 'Islamist separatism' that the government bills as a riposte to religious groups attempting to undermine France's secular traditions. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the legislation, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining. With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy. It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes. Also read: Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead. The National Assembly lower house voted on the legislation after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. The upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading. Also read: France recommends single vaccine dose for people who have had Covid Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded." Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

French lawmakers approve bill to battle Islamist extremism

As India edges closer towards taming COVID, the west is overwhelmed. 7 new variants have emerged in the US. The UK is still under lockdown and in France, only 1 vaccine dose is being administered. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the west is still struggling with the Wuhan Virus.

Gravitas: The West is struggling with Wuhan Virus

Gravitas: France set to table anti-extremism bill

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday.&nbsp;

With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy.&nbsp;

It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.&nbsp;

The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes.&nbsp;

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France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead.&nbsp;

The National Assembly lower house is expected to vote on the legislation in the afternoon after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. &nbsp;

Macron's ruling party has a large working majority, meaning the legislation is expected to pass, but the upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it.&nbsp;

If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macrons-new-anti-extremism-bill-sparks-fresh-protests-in-france-363888" hreflang="en">Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France</a>

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded."&nbsp;

Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday.

In a move which the state argues is needed to bolster the secular system while critics say encroaches on religious freedoms, the French parliament votes on the bill to battle Islamist extremism on Tuesday. With an eye on 2022 elections, President Emmanuel Macron has championed the bill, which seeks to tighten rules on issues ranging from religious teaching, online hate to polygamy. It has been debated in a highly charged atmosphere in France after three attacks late last year by extremists including the beheading in October of teacher Samuel Paty, who had shown his pupils cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. The law is dubbed the anti-separatism bill as ministers fear Islamists are creating communities that reject France's secular identity and laws, as well as its values, such as equality between the sexes. × France, home to Europe's largest Muslim community, is still shaken by the succession of massacres committed by Islamist militants from January 2015 that left hundreds dead. The National Assembly lower house is expected to vote on the legislation in the afternoon after a total of 135 hours of debates that saw some 313 amendments adopted. Macron's ruling party has a large working majority, meaning the legislation is expected to pass, but the upper house Senate will also examine the draft legislation in the coming months and could amend it. If that it is the case, the bill will then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading. Also Read: Macron's new anti-extremism bill sparks fresh protests in France Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said after the final debate on Saturday that the bill "provides concrete responses to... the development of radical Islam, an ideology hostile to the principles and values on which the Republic is founded." Paty's killing prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet that could be used to harm someone.

French parliament to vote on anti-extremism bill to bolster ‘secular’ system

Sub-Saharan countries gathered in Chad on Monday for the opening of the 2-day G5 Sahel Summit. Chad called for international support to help the beleaguered Sahel as five nations and ally France began a summit on the future of their anti-extremist campaign.

G5 Sahel Summit: Chad calls for support to fight terrorism

French lawmakers are set to hold a key vote today on a new bill that aims to target Islam-extremism. While the French government maintains the law will combat Islam separatism, critic says that the bill is discriminatory and target France's 5.7 million-strong Muslim community.

France's 'Anti-Religious' Bill: Lawmakers to vote on the draft bill

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government argues that the bill is needed to protect French values like gender equality and secularism.

France: Lawmakers to debate controversial 'Anti-Religious Bill' today

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government argues that the bill is needed to protect French values like gender equality and secularism

Macron's new Anti-religious bill sparks fresh protests in France

France: Health ministry has asked regional health agencies and hospitals to enter into crisis mode to prepare for a possible surge in Coronavirus cases as a result of highly contagious variants in the region.

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Emmanuel Macron of France is known to be a secular and liberal leader who supports freedom of speech. One of the founding members of the united nations and also the leading member of G-7. But today's France will drastically change if Marine Le Pen becomes the chief in charge. Know why in this report.

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French authorities recommended on Friday that people who have already recovered from COVID-19 infection, will receive a single prescribe dose, instead of prescribed two doses. With this France has become the first country in the world to advise single doses of vaccine to its people.

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The pandemic rages on if you could name one industry that is not been disrupted by the covid crisis. In France, circuses face the threat of not only the pandemic but also the possible animal ban in circuses.

COVID, animal ban threatens French circuses

Remains of French and Russian soldiers who died in a battle during the Napoleonic war will be laid to rest on Saturday. The soldiers squared off with each other during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow, that heralded the disastrous collapse of his Russian campaign. A ceremony near the city of Smolensk will see the re-burial of 126 people killed in one of the bloodiest battles of Napoleon's Russian campaign. This battle was fought in 1812.

Descendants of 19th-century Russian and French military leaders, as well as dozens of re-enactors, are expected to attend the burial in Vyazma, a town more than 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Moscow.

Remains of 120 soldiers, three women and three teenagers were discovered in a mass grave by archaeologists from both countries in 2019.

The dig was led by Pierre Malinowski, the Kremlin-connected head of the Foundation for the Development of Russian-French Historic Initiatives.

The three women are believed to be so-called "vivandieres", who provided first aid and kept canteens in the French army, while the three adolescents are believed to have been drummers.

All are thought to have fallen during the Battle of Vyazma on November 3, 1812 at the beginning of the French army's retreat from Moscow and before the horrific crossing of the Berezina River.

The ceremony, complete with a gun salute, will mark a rare moment of unity between Russia and Europe at a time of heightened tensions over a litany of issues including the Kremlin's increasingly harsh crackdown on political opposition.

Napoleon's dreams of conquering the world fell apart after he appeared to bite more than he could chew in the Russian campaign. The Emporer who had brought Europe to its knees played a huge gamble in an attempt to win Russia, only to be defeated by the vast country and its unforgiving winter.

(With AFP inputs)

Remains of French and Russian soldiers who died in a battle during the Napoleonic war will be laid to rest on Saturday. The soldiers squared off with each other during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow, that heralded the disastrous collapse of his Russian campaign.

Remains of French and Russian soldiers who died in a battle during the Napoleonic war will be laid to rest on Saturday. The soldiers squared off with each other during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow, that heralded the disastrous collapse of his Russian campaign. A ceremony near the city of Smolensk will see the re-burial of 126 people killed in one of the bloodiest battles of Napoleon's Russian campaign. This battle was fought in 1812. Descendants of 19th-century Russian and French military leaders, as well as dozens of re-enactors, are expected to attend the burial in Vyazma, a town more than 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Moscow. Remains of 120 soldiers, three women and three teenagers were discovered in a mass grave by archaeologists from both countries in 2019. The dig was led by Pierre Malinowski, the Kremlin-connected head of the Foundation for the Development of Russian-French Historic Initiatives. The three women are believed to be so-called "vivandieres", who provided first aid and kept canteens in the French army, while the three adolescents are believed to have been drummers. All are thought to have fallen during the Battle of Vyazma on November 3, 1812 at the beginning of the French army's retreat from Moscow and before the horrific crossing of the Berezina River. The ceremony, complete with a gun salute, will mark a rare moment of unity between Russia and Europe at a time of heightened tensions over a litany of issues including the Kremlin's increasingly harsh crackdown on political opposition. Napoleon's dreams of conquering the world fell apart after he appeared to bite more than he could chew in the Russian campaign. The Emporer who had brought Europe to its knees played a huge gamble in an attempt to win Russia, only to be defeated by the vast country and its unforgiving winter. (With AFP inputs)

France and Russia to bury soldiers 200 years after Napoleonic war

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own.

French people celebrate Valentine's Day too, although here it is known as la fête de Saint-Valentin or, simply, la Saint-Valentin.

Sales of the intimate accessories have exploded in France in recent months, amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions that have barred couples the usual romantic dinners and getaways and prevented singles from mingling in bars and night clubs.

The Passage du Desir chain of stores, which sells sex toys and other couple's accessories, has seen a 74 percent increase in sales of the products since the end of 2020, the company's founder Patrick Pruvot told Reuters on Wednesday (February 10).

"Traditionally, sex toys are a gift that does a lot better during Valentine's Day," Pruvot said. "This year, in addition, people can't spend their money on restaurants, maybe that plays into it, too."

In the three months running up to this year's Valentine's Day, sales at the Passage du Desir's seven outlets jumped 68% on previous months. A year earlier, sales rose by just 12% during the same period ahead of Feb. 14.

Other countries have seen a similar trend during COVID lockdowns. From Denmark to usually conservative Colombia, sales of sex toys leapt early in the pandemic, while British lingerie chain Ann Summer reported higher sales during the first confinement.

France prides itself as a nation of seducers. Seduction influences not just how the French relate to one another, but how they do business, define style, elect politicians and enjoy food and drink, wrote Elaine Sciolino in her book La Seduction.

For a long time, the French were slow to accept sex toys, a taboo that had been slowly wearing off before the pandemic left many couple with more time on their hands at home, Pruvot said.

"Maybe at a time when everything is forbidden, sexuality is one of our last bastions of freedom, that's how we could interpret it," Pruvot said.

According to a study done by French survey institution Ifop, 51 percent of French people have used a sex toy in 2020, the first the number reached a majority the population. The figure was at 48 percent in 2019, and a mere 9 percent in 2007.

Inside the store on Wednesday, 21-year-old Maryne Fraudin browsed the shelves to buy a kinky game for her boyfriend for the day of lovers. It was her first time buying such a present.

"We normally go to a restaurant, but now, that's going to be a bit complicated, so I thought it might please him to have a bit of attention apart from a restaurant meal that we can't have," she said.

For Parisian couple Anthony Jeka and Laura Vallarino, though, the lovers' game that they purchased is not their first bedroom accessory. The store regulars said thanks to COVID-19, they could pay more attention to each other in bed.

"What can we do if we can't go out, when we have to be home at 6 p.m., when we stay at home? And so yes, this makes sense, this explains the increase in sales," Jeka said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own.

Like so many other countries in the world, France has embraced what is generally perceived as an American concept - although Valentine's Day was originally English - and turned it into something of its own. French people celebrate Valentine's Day too, although here it is known as la fête de Saint-Valentin or, simply, la Saint-Valentin. Sales of the intimate accessories have exploded in France in recent months, amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions that have barred couples the usual romantic dinners and getaways and prevented singles from mingling in bars and night clubs. The Passage du Desir chain of stores, which sells sex toys and other couple's accessories, has seen a 74 percent increase in sales of the products since the end of 2020, the company's founder Patrick Pruvot told Reuters on Wednesday (February 10). "Traditionally, sex toys are a gift that does a lot better during Valentine's Day," Pruvot said. "This year, in addition, people can't spend their money on restaurants, maybe that plays into it, too." In the three months running up to this year's Valentine's Day, sales at the Passage du Desir's seven outlets jumped 68% on previous months. A year earlier, sales rose by just 12% during the same period ahead of Feb. 14. Other countries have seen a similar trend during COVID lockdowns. From Denmark to usually conservative Colombia, sales of sex toys leapt early in the pandemic, while British lingerie chain Ann Summer reported higher sales during the first confinement. France prides itself as a nation of seducers. Seduction influences not just how the French relate to one another, but how they do business, define style, elect politicians and enjoy food and drink, wrote Elaine Sciolino in her book La Seduction. For a long time, the French were slow to accept sex toys, a taboo that had been slowly wearing off before the pandemic left many couple with more time on their hands at home, Pruvot said. "Maybe at a time when everything is forbidden, sexuality is one of our last bastions of freedom, that's how we could interpret it," Pruvot said. According to a study done by French survey institution Ifop, 51 percent of French people have used a sex toy in 2020, the first the number reached a majority the population. The figure was at 48 percent in 2019, and a mere 9 percent in 2007. Inside the store on Wednesday, 21-year-old Maryne Fraudin browsed the shelves to buy a kinky game for her boyfriend for the day of lovers. It was her first time buying such a present. "We normally go to a restaurant, but now, that's going to be a bit complicated, so I thought it might please him to have a bit of attention apart from a restaurant meal that we can't have," she said. For Parisian couple Anthony Jeka and Laura Vallarino, though, the lovers' game that they purchased is not their first bedroom accessory. The store regulars said thanks to COVID-19, they could pay more attention to each other in bed. "What can we do if we can't go out, when we have to be home at 6 p.m., when we stay at home? And so yes, this makes sense, this explains the increase in sales," Jeka said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex toys sales explode in France as Covid curtails Valentine’s celebrations

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