French fashion house Chanel chose an intimate family-like atmosphere for its Spring-Summer 2021 Haute Couture show, with models strutting under flower arches at a socially-distanced presentation with a few famous faces.

Chanel throws garden party in absence of big haute couture show

In Strasbourg, France the vaccine rollout has come to a standstill due to lack of vaccines. The immunisation program here has hit a roadblock.

Vaccine shortage leaves Strasbourg clinic at standstill

French President Emmanuel Macron said on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its laws to better protect children from sexual violence.

'France will tighten law on incest', says French President Emmanuel Macron

France's top health advisory body recommended delaying the nd COVID-19 shot for 6 weeks after the first jab the health body recommends doubling the time people getting the first and second covid-19 vaccine to 6 weeks from 3 in order to increase the no. of people who can actually be inoculated with their first shot.

France's top health advisory body recommended delaying the second COVID Shot for 6 weeks

India and France have been carrying out combined Air Defence exercises in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. The bilateral exercises go by the code name 'Desert-Knight 21'.

India-France holds combined Air Defence exercise in Jodhpur

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country.

Macron said in a post on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its law to better protect children from sexual violence and he had asked the justice minister to chair a consultation aimed at quickly making legislative proposals.

"We have to punish the criminals for their past acts and to prevent any further offence," Macron said in a video posted on Twitter. "Shame, today, is shifting sides."

Macron said France had already increased the statute of limitations on incest to 30 years, counted from the legal age of majority of the victim, and had tightened controls on people working with children, but he said much more needed to be done.

He said that as part of current routine medical examinatons for children, France would introduce sessions about incest in primary and secondary schools in order to give children a chance to talk about incest, which in France is defined as sexual abuse of minors within a family.

He also said that better psychological help for victims of incest would be made available and that it would be reimbursed by social security.

In recent weeks, hundreds of people have taken to social media to tell their stories of incest after the publication of a book accusing French professor and constitutional specialist Olivier Duhamel of abusing his stepson.

The book was written by Duhamel's stepdaughter Camille Kouchner, daughter of Bernard Kouchner, former foreign minister and founder of NGO of Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Duhamel resigned earlier this month from his post overseeing Sciences Po, one of France's top universities, following publication of the book.

"Being the object of personal attacks and wanting to preserve the institutions in which I work, I put an end to my functions," he said on Twitter on Jan. 4.

Neither Duhamel nor his lawyer have commented on the accusations dating back to the 1980s.

Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal has ordered an inspection at Sciences Po to determine responsibilities and potential failings. The Paris prosecutor opened an investigation for rape and sexual abuse by a person with authority over a minor of 15 years old in early January.

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country.

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country. Macron said in a post on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its law to better protect children from sexual violence and he had asked the justice minister to chair a consultation aimed at quickly making legislative proposals. "We have to punish the criminals for their past acts and to prevent any further offence," Macron said in a video posted on Twitter. "Shame, today, is shifting sides." Macron said France had already increased the statute of limitations on incest to 30 years, counted from the legal age of majority of the victim, and had tightened controls on people working with children, but he said much more needed to be done. He said that as part of current routine medical examinatons for children, France would introduce sessions about incest in primary and secondary schools in order to give children a chance to talk about incest, which in France is defined as sexual abuse of minors within a family. He also said that better psychological help for victims of incest would be made available and that it would be reimbursed by social security. In recent weeks, hundreds of people have taken to social media to tell their stories of incest after the publication of a book accusing French professor and constitutional specialist Olivier Duhamel of abusing his stepson. The book was written by Duhamel's stepdaughter Camille Kouchner, daughter of Bernard Kouchner, former foreign minister and founder of NGO of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Duhamel resigned earlier this month from his post overseeing Sciences Po, one of France's top universities, following publication of the book. "Being the object of personal attacks and wanting to preserve the institutions in which I work, I put an end to my functions," he said on Twitter on Jan. 4. Neither Duhamel nor his lawyer have commented on the accusations dating back to the 1980s. Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal has ordered an inspection at Sciences Po to determine responsibilities and potential failings. The Paris prosecutor opened an investigation for rape and sexual abuse by a person with authority over a minor of 15 years old in early January.

France to tighten legislation on incest, Macron says

In France, ski resorts are reeling under the impact of COVID restrictions. Since early ski lifts and cable cars have not been operational due to government orders.

French ski resorts prevented from operating cable cars & ski lifts

In France, Google has agreed to pay French publishers for news. Australia wants to force tech giants to pay publishers. Multiple countries are now mulling laws to level the playing field for publishers. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must make tech giants pay for news.

Gravitas: Google will now pay for news in France

French President Emmanuel Macron 'can't handle its criticism' says Opposition parties. In a weird statement, Macron took a jibe over natives, says 'The people in France have a habit of criticising the govt', he also added that 'France is a nation of 66 million prosecutors'

'France is a nation of 66 Million prosecutors', jibes President Macron over critics

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way.

Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-google-apple-and-amazon-suspend-parler-social-networking-app-for-threats-of-violence-355686">After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence'</a>

This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news.&nbsp;

<h2>First for Europe</h2>

In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online.

The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules.

At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits.

This money is not shared with news websites or content creators.

The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide.

<h2>Money, money, and more money!</h2>

While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018.

Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites.&nbsp;

This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers.&nbsp;

Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field.&nbsp;

Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news.

Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law.

The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content.

The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail.

While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform.

<h2>America tries to rescue</h2>

The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies.

Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law.

But the Australian government has refused to relent.

<h2>India needs to take note</h2>

The new laws were only a matter of time.

Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK

With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers.

India needs to track these trends and follow suit.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media.

The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France. This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures. Also read | After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence' This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news. First for Europe In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online. The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules. At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits. This money is not shared with news websites or content creators. The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide. Money, money, and more money! While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018. Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites. This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers. Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field. Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news. Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law. The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content. The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail. While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform. America tries to rescue The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies. Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law. But the Australian government has refused to relent. India needs to take note The new laws were only a matter of time. Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers. India needs to track these trends and follow suit. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media. The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

As France tightens grip on Google, why should India take notes?

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.&nbsp;

"If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux.

As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu.

Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry.

Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded.

The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island &nbsp;in November&nbsp;

Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total.

The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region. "If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux. As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu. Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry. Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded. The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island in November Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total. The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17. Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France 'under control', say authorities

Google and a French publishers' lobby said on Thursday they had agreed a copyright framework under which the U.S. tech giant will pay news publishers for content online, in a first for Europe.

Google seals content payment deal with French news publishers

Musher Remy Coste and his team of dogs emerged victorious in the epic La Grande Odyssee dog sled challenge in the French Alps on Wednesday (January 20).

French musher Coste is top dog in epic French Alps sled race

The topmost Muslim Council in France has adopted a 'charter of principles' to make Islam more compatible with French values. French Muslims are upholding secularism, the French govt is 'saluting' the efforts. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: French Muslim body adopts Charter of Principles

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants."

Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent&nbsp;of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP.&nbsp;

Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order."

France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony.&nbsp;

Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on".

He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts.

It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world. Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants." Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP. Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order." France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on". He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts. It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

India, France, Japan strongly back Indo Pacific vision

In October 2020, there was a global backlash against France and President Macron for cracking down on extremism.

Imams, preachers, and world leaders said that Emmanuel Macron was “unfairly” targeting an entire religion. Large scale protests were held against Macron. He was trolled and French morality was questioned, and quickly France was labelled as prejudiced and Islamophobic.

However, there's a difference between fighting extremism and being Islamophobic. Now, French Muslims have spoken. “We must reject attempts to instrumentalise Islam for political ends”, and “mosques are not created to defend foreign regimes”.

These declarations are from a charter of principles adopted by Muslim leaders in France - part of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM).

What is CFCM?

It is body that is the official interlocutor with the French state in the regulation of islamic activities in France.

Representatives of this council recently met president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. They arrived at the Elysee Palace after formally adopting the charter of principles requested by Macron in November. Macron had urged the council to come up with this charter in a bid to eradicate sectarianism and extremism.

Besides the two declarations, the charter mentions a host of other things. It reaffirms the compatibility of the Muslim faith with French values and promotes secularism &amp; commitment to French principles.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/modi-macron-speak-as-indian-pm-extends-support-to-france-in-fight-against-terror-extremism-348206" hreflang="en">Modi-Macron speak as Indian PM extends support to France in fight against terror, extremism</a>

It also denounces the practices of female circumcision, forced marriage, virginity certificates for Muslim brides, and the practice of wearing veils among young Muslim girls. It also explicitly rejects any sort of racism or anti-semitism.

And lastly, it upholds the creation of a national council of imams in a bid to remove imams being sent from Turkey, Morocco and Algeria. At least nine federations of the French council of the Muslim faith have adopted this charter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macron-targets-radical-islam-in-france-with-massive-and-unprecedented-measures-347310" hreflang="en">Macron targets radical Islam in France with 'massive and unprecedented' measures</a>

Mohammed Moussa-oui - the president of council has put out an important statement. This is a translation from French - “I am against wearing the veil for little girls but we cannot regulate everything with prohibitive laws… This debate on the veil risks polluting a real measure.... That of allowing any child of the republic to be educated in healthy conditions”.

The French interior minister has welcomed these remarks &amp; the charter. “I salute the work started by the french muslim council which clearly condemns political Islam… This is a very significant step forward for French muslims and for the French republic”.

French government drew the line between constitution and religion, and now French Muslims are upholding it.

In October 2020, there was a global backlash against France and President Macron for cracking down on extremism. Imams, preachers, and world leaders said that Emmanuel Macron was “unfairly” targeting an entire religion.

In October 2020, there was a global backlash against France and President Macron for cracking down on extremism. Imams, preachers, and world leaders said that Emmanuel Macron was “unfairly” targeting an entire religion. Large scale protests were held against Macron. He was trolled and French morality was questioned, and quickly France was labelled as prejudiced and Islamophobic. However, there's a difference between fighting extremism and being Islamophobic. Now, French Muslims have spoken. “We must reject attempts to instrumentalise Islam for political ends”, and “mosques are not created to defend foreign regimes”. These declarations are from a charter of principles adopted by Muslim leaders in France - part of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM). What is CFCM? It is body that is the official interlocutor with the French state in the regulation of islamic activities in France. Representatives of this council recently met president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. They arrived at the Elysee Palace after formally adopting the charter of principles requested by Macron in November. Macron had urged the council to come up with this charter in a bid to eradicate sectarianism and extremism. Besides the two declarations, the charter mentions a host of other things. It reaffirms the compatibility of the Muslim faith with French values and promotes secularism & commitment to French principles. Also read: Modi-Macron speak as Indian PM extends support to France in fight against terror, extremism It also denounces the practices of female circumcision, forced marriage, virginity certificates for Muslim brides, and the practice of wearing veils among young Muslim girls. It also explicitly rejects any sort of racism or anti-semitism. And lastly, it upholds the creation of a national council of imams in a bid to remove imams being sent from Turkey, Morocco and Algeria. At least nine federations of the French council of the Muslim faith have adopted this charter. Also read: Macron targets radical Islam in France with 'massive and unprecedented' measures Mohammed Moussa-oui - the president of council has put out an important statement. This is a translation from French - “I am against wearing the veil for little girls but we cannot regulate everything with prohibitive laws… This debate on the veil risks polluting a real measure.... That of allowing any child of the republic to be educated in healthy conditions”. The French interior minister has welcomed these remarks & the charter. “I salute the work started by the french muslim council which clearly condemns political Islam… This is a very significant step forward for French muslims and for the French republic”. French government drew the line between constitution and religion, and now French Muslims are upholding it.

In line with Macron, French Muslims denounce extremism

Paris's famous Rodin Museum sculpture garden has reopened to visitors. Visitors queued for entry on Sunday, a day after France instituted a tightened nationwide coronavirus curfew on Saturday.

Paris' Rodin Museum sky garden reopens

Demonstrations against the controversial security bills continue to take place in Paris despite the heavy snowfall and COVID restrictions. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Saturday carrying banners with slogans.

Thousands take to streets in France against controversial Security Bill

The European Union and the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden should suspend a trade dispute to give themselves time to find common ground, France`s foreign minister said in remarks published on Sunday.

"The issue that`s poisoning everyone is that of the price escalation and taxes on steel, digital technology, Airbus and more particularly our wine sector," Jean-Yves Le Drian told Le Journal du Dimanche in an interview.

He said he hoped the sides could find a way to settle the dispute. "It may take time, but in the meantime, we can always order a moratorium," he added.

At the end of December the United States moved to boost tariffs on French and German aircraft parts, wines and other spirits in the Boeing-Airbus subsidy dispute, but the bloc decided to hold off on retaliation for now.

The EU is planning to present a World Trade Organization reform proposal in February and is willing to consider reforms to restrain the judicial authority of the WTO`s dispute-settlement body.

The United States has for years complained that the WTO Appellate Body makes unjustified new trade rules in its decisions and has blocked the appointment of new judges to stop this, rendering the body inoperable.

The Trump administration, which leaves office on Wednesday, had threatened to impose tariffs on French cosmetics, handbags and other goods in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which it said discriminated against U.S. tech firms.

The European Union and the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden should suspend a trade dispute to give themselves time to find common ground, France`s foreign minister said in remarks published on Sunday.

The European Union and the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden should suspend a trade dispute to give themselves time to find common ground, France`s foreign minister said in remarks published on Sunday. "The issue that`s poisoning everyone is that of the price escalation and taxes on steel, digital technology, Airbus and more particularly our wine sector," Jean-Yves Le Drian told Le Journal du Dimanche in an interview. He said he hoped the sides could find a way to settle the dispute. "It may take time, but in the meantime, we can always order a moratorium," he added. At the end of December the United States moved to boost tariffs on French and German aircraft parts, wines and other spirits in the Boeing-Airbus subsidy dispute, but the bloc decided to hold off on retaliation for now. The EU is planning to present a World Trade Organization reform proposal in February and is willing to consider reforms to restrain the judicial authority of the WTO`s dispute-settlement body. The United States has for years complained that the WTO Appellate Body makes unjustified new trade rules in its decisions and has blocked the appointment of new judges to stop this, rendering the body inoperable. The Trump administration, which leaves office on Wednesday, had threatened to impose tariffs on French cosmetics, handbags and other goods in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which it said discriminated against U.S. tech firms.

France wants suspension of 'poisonous' US-Europe trade spat

France is intensifying curfews to battle the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Starting Saturday, a 6 PM (local time) curfew has been enforced in the country.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-declares-curfew-from-6pm-to-6am-to-curb-covid-spread-356948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As a new variant of the virus, which is deemed more infectious continues to spread across the globe, countries are trying to control the spread. 
 
In France, coronavirus has killed 70,000 people, making it the seventh highest toll in the world.&nbsp;

The government is now trying to limit the transmission of the new variant from Britain, which currently accounts for 1 per cent of new cases. 
 
The curfew was brought forward by two hours to 6 PM, and remains in effect till 6 AM.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-tightens-coronavirus-border-controls-uk-bans-south-american-arrivals-356847" hreflang="en">France tightens coronavirus border controls; UK bans South American arrivals</a> 
 
Starting Monday, anybody going to France from outside of the European Union will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test, and self-isolate for a week after arriving. 
 
"These measures were necessary given the situation. While worsening, it remains relatively better than many countries around us, but I took them because the context, notably with the evolution of the virus, means we have to have utmost vigilance," Prime Minister Jean Castex said while making a speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-strain-of-coronavirus-not-from-uk-detected-in-france-355567" hreflang="en">New strain of coronavirus, not from UK, detected in France</a>

In the country, the number of daily infections remain stable at around 20,000 but the number of people being hospitalised daily continue to rise everyday.

The government has faced criticism for its rollout of the vaccine, which many feel is slow.

France is intensifying curfews to battle the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Starting Saturday, a 6 PM (local time) curfew has been enforced in the country. As a new variant of the virus, which is deemed more infectious continues to spread across the globe, countries are trying to control the spread.

France is intensifying curfews to battle the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Starting Saturday, a 6 PM (local time) curfew has been enforced in the country. As a new variant of the virus, which is deemed more infectious continues to spread across the globe, countries are trying to control the spread. In France, coronavirus has killed 70,000 people, making it the seventh highest toll in the world. The government is now trying to limit the transmission of the new variant from Britain, which currently accounts for 1 per cent of new cases. The curfew was brought forward by two hours to 6 PM, and remains in effect till 6 AM. Also read: France tightens coronavirus border controls; UK bans South American arrivals Starting Monday, anybody going to France from outside of the European Union will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test, and self-isolate for a week after arriving. "These measures were necessary given the situation. While worsening, it remains relatively better than many countries around us, but I took them because the context, notably with the evolution of the virus, means we have to have utmost vigilance," Prime Minister Jean Castex said while making a speech. Also read: New strain of coronavirus, not from UK, detected in France In the country, the number of daily infections remain stable at around 20,000 but the number of people being hospitalised daily continue to rise everyday. The government has faced criticism for its rollout of the vaccine, which many feel is slow.

As hospitalisations rise, France's new 6 pm curfew comes into effect

From Monday all travellers coming to France from outside the European Union will have to show a negative COVID-19 test and self-isolate for a week upon arrival.

France declares curfew from 6pm to 6am to curb COVID spread

Dozens of mushers and their teams of dogs are dashing through the snowy French Alps as part of this year's La Grande Odyssee dog sled challenge.

Dogs dash through snowy French Alps in breathtaking sled race challenge

Cannes famed festival palace, a usually star-studded venue during the southern French city's prestigious film festival, has transformed into a vaccination centre in France's bid to advance its inoculation drive.

Once a celebrity spot, Cannes' festival palace turns into COVID-19 vaccine centre

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.&nbsp;

The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands.

"Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021."

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed.

The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible."

French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force.

The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks. The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands. "Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021." Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed. The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible." French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force. The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French police officer suspended over 'racist' new year card

France says it killed dozens of fighters in a weekend air raid in central Mali. But locals say a wedding party was hit. WION's Palki tells you why the military campaign in Mali is getting complicated for France.

Gravitas: Did a French military operation kill innocent civilians?

France's agriculture minister warned on Friday that "hundreds of thousands" of ducks would still have to be culled to&nbsp;halt&nbsp;a severe strain of bird&nbsp;flu&nbsp;devastating flocks in southwest&nbsp;France.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-covid-vaccine-gets-approval-in-uk-355443" hreflang="en">Moderna COVID vaccine gets approval in UK</a>

More&nbsp;than 400,000 ducks have already been slaughtered mainly in the Landes department, a bastion of&nbsp;France's foie gras industry, and at least 200,000&nbsp;more&nbsp;have already been announced.

"There will be hundreds of thousands&nbsp;more, that's certain," Julien Denormandie told&nbsp;France&nbsp;Bleu Gascogne radio ahead of a visit to farms hit by the&nbsp;outbreak, calling it "a race against the clock" against the "highly pathogenic" H5N8 virus.

On Thursday, officials extended the cull of all ducks and geese to within a five-kilometre radius of infected flocks from three, while also requiring additional buffer zones where no poultry could enter.

"It's a drastic move," Denormandie said, adding: "It's clear that we didn't act fast enough."

He acknowledged that he did not know how many ducks would remain among the five million currently being produced in the Landes, but promised that compensation based on their market value would begin to arrive next week.&nbsp;

Foie gras producers fear a repeat of the massive bird&nbsp;flu&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;that struck in the winter of 2015-16, when&nbsp;more&nbsp;than 25 million ducks were culled. That was followed by an&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;the next winter that saw 4.5 million ducks killed.

Belgian authorities said Thursday the virus had also been found in three flocks that were culled, and cases have also been reported in Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

France's agriculture minister warned on Friday that "hundreds of thousands" of ducks would still have to be culled to halt a severe strain of bird flu devastating flocks in southwest France.

France's agriculture minister warned on Friday that "hundreds of thousands" of ducks would still have to be culled to halt a severe strain of bird flu devastating flocks in southwest France. ALSO READ: Moderna COVID vaccine gets approval in UK More than 400,000 ducks have already been slaughtered mainly in the Landes department, a bastion of France's foie gras industry, and at least 200,000 more have already been announced. "There will be hundreds of thousands more, that's certain," Julien Denormandie told France Bleu Gascogne radio ahead of a visit to farms hit by the outbreak, calling it "a race against the clock" against the "highly pathogenic" H5N8 virus. On Thursday, officials extended the cull of all ducks and geese to within a five-kilometre radius of infected flocks from three, while also requiring additional buffer zones where no poultry could enter. "It's a drastic move," Denormandie said, adding: "It's clear that we didn't act fast enough." He acknowledged that he did not know how many ducks would remain among the five million currently being produced in the Landes, but promised that compensation based on their market value would begin to arrive next week. Foie gras producers fear a repeat of the massive bird flu outbreak that struck in the winter of 2015-16, when more than 25 million ducks were culled. That was followed by an outbreak the next winter that saw 4.5 million ducks killed. Belgian authorities said Thursday the virus had also been found in three flocks that were culled, and cases have also been reported in Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

France braces for more duck slaughters to halt flu outbreak

France will keep its restaurants, cinemas and ski resorts closed while it cranks up its COVID-19 vaccination rollout because the coronavirus is still spreading too fast and hospitals remain under severe pressure, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday (January 7).

France reports 19 UK COVID-19 variant cases

French Prime Minister Jean Castex details the government's strategy for speeding up their anti-Covid vaccine campaign nationwide.

France: UK variant  reported in Ile-de-France and Brittany

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games"

Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ties-with-pakistan-at-historic-low-says-french-presidents-top-diplomatic-advisor-355209">Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor</a>

Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi.

The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council."

France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period.

Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately."

Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games" Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games." Also read | Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi. The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council." France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period. Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately." Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French Prez's top advisor extends support to India at UNSC, says Paris did not allow Chinese 'games' at the council

French President's top diplomatic advisor has said Paris's ties with Pakistan are at a "historic low" in the backdrop of comments by its leadership against the country amid the terror attacks last year.

Emmanuel Bonne who is in Delhi for India France Strategic dialogue said: "During this crisis, after the campaign against us, our relations with Pakistan probably are at a historic low. This is not exactly what we want, we assume it because our priorities and language are clear."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-speaks-to-macron-conveyed-condolences-for-france-terror-attacks-348303/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan criticised French President Emmanuel Macron last year after the latter called for upholding his country's right to expression over terror attacks involving beheading after caricatures of Prophet Muhammad were shown. Later widespread protests were seen in Pakistan against France by hardline groups and calls by lawmakers to recall the country's envoy to Paris.

Bonne, who was speaking at Vivekananda Foundation thanked India for support amid Islamabad's criticism. He said, "We very much appreciate the support we got not only from your authorities but also from Indian civil society, when our country was under attack by some leaders in Turkey and Pakistan and in other countries".

Adding how they were trying to "create distance between us and the Muslim world and this was certainly not what we were doing, certainly what we don't want, this is for the simple reason that we have a long history with the Muslim world. We have affinities with countries in the Muslim world. It was critical for us to able to say, India is reverse in this, which means you are countering disinformation, fighting terrorism."

India had issued a strong statement, deploring the "personal attacks in unacceptable language" on President Macron which the Ministry of external affairs said was "in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse". What stood out was the spontaneous support by Indian society for France, with the Twitter trend #StandWithFrance also seen.

French President's top diplomatic advisor has said Paris's ties with Pakistan are at a "historic low" in the backdrop of comments by its leadership against the country amid the terror attacks last year.

French President's top diplomatic advisor has said Paris's ties with Pakistan are at a "historic low" in the backdrop of comments by its leadership against the country amid the terror attacks last year. Emmanuel Bonne who is in Delhi for India France Strategic dialogue said: "During this crisis, after the campaign against us, our relations with Pakistan probably are at a historic low. This is not exactly what we want, we assume it because our priorities and language are clear." Watch | Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan criticised French President Emmanuel Macron last year after the latter called for upholding his country's right to expression over terror attacks involving beheading after caricatures of Prophet Muhammad were shown. Later widespread protests were seen in Pakistan against France by hardline groups and calls by lawmakers to recall the country's envoy to Paris. Bonne, who was speaking at Vivekananda Foundation thanked India for support amid Islamabad's criticism. He said, "We very much appreciate the support we got not only from your authorities but also from Indian civil society, when our country was under attack by some leaders in Turkey and Pakistan and in other countries". Adding how they were trying to "create distance between us and the Muslim world and this was certainly not what we were doing, certainly what we don't want, this is for the simple reason that we have a long history with the Muslim world. We have affinities with countries in the Muslim world. It was critical for us to able to say, India is reverse in this, which means you are countering disinformation, fighting terrorism." India had issued a strong statement, deploring the "personal attacks in unacceptable language" on President Macron which the Ministry of external affairs said was "in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse". What stood out was the spontaneous support by Indian society for France, with the Twitter trend #StandWithFrance also seen.

Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor

France is in a 'catch-22' situation. It is caught in a seemingly endless war in Africa's Sahel region. But back home, the recent deaths of French soldiers in Mali has sparked an outpouring of anger.

Gravitas: France mourns martyred soldiers

france

France, News on France, stories on France, articles on France, France stories at Wion, France news, France latest news