Now, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in the form of hologram at a conference in Paris. The leader talked about 'Star Wars' and World War II while seeking aid from big tech firms on Thursday (June 16), media reports said. At the VivaTech trade show, Zelensky told the gathering that Ukraine is offering a unique chance to the technology firms to help rebuild the country as a complete digital democracy. The president seeks help on the terms of lend-lease. It is the way in which the US helped the Allies during World War II. In it, the aid was offered without payment on the understanding that the hardware would be returned. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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President Zelensky speaking as a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hologram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hologram</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/VivaTech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VivaTech</a> - brilliant! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/qNx2q5mm4I">pic.twitter.com/qNx2q5mm4I</a>
— BUNKAI (@BUNKAIdotAI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BUNKAIdotAI/status/1537498513466085383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Very cool and impactful from a great friend and entrepreneur. His company <a href="https://twitter.com/evercoast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@evercoast</a> has used their technology to capture a hologram of President Zelensky delivering an incredibly important message to a country under siege. Proud of you, <a href="https://twitter.com/bininunez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bininunez</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9SWt5xtFlw">https://t.co/9SWt5xtFlw</a> <a href="https://t.co/Bnli643Uoi">pic.twitter.com/Bnli643Uoi</a>
— Michael Huffstetler 😎 (@HuffStetLer) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuffStetLer/status/1537484864135606276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While referring to the Russian forces as the bad guys in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, Zelensky said, "It's unusual for presidents or heads of government to use a hologram to address people but this is not the only aspect of Star Wars that we are putting into practice. We will defeat the empire too." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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"Perhaps it's unusual for Presidents or Heads of governments to use a hologram to address people but this is not the only aspect of Star Wars that we have put into practice." 
🇺🇦President Volodymyr Zelensky <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a>, at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VivaTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VivaTech</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/ARHTMedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ARHTMedia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Founders_Forum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Founders_Forum</a> <a href="https://t.co/XwYf1q3ZEV">pic.twitter.com/XwYf1q3ZEV</a>
— #VivaTech (@VivaTech) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivaTech/status/1537466508326146051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Ukraine’s government will also come up with the specifics of the plan to create a digital government at a conference in Switzerland in the near future, the leader said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-pranksters-trick-jk-rowling-by-posing-as-ukrainian-president-zelensky-488975" hreflang="en">Russian pranksters trick JK Rowling by posing as Ukrainian President Zelensky</a>

"No other country in the world will offer you such a chance to use the most advanced technologies at a state level. It's an experiment and a digital revolution, and the modernisation of the current system all&nbsp;at the same time," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Now, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in the form of hologram at a conference in Paris. The leader talked about 'Star Wars' and World War II while seeking aid from big tech firms on Thursday (June 16), media reports said.

Now, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared in the form of hologram at a conference in Paris. The leader talked about 'Star Wars' and World War II while seeking aid from big tech firms on Thursday (June 16), media reports said. At the VivaTech trade show, Zelensky told the gathering that Ukraine is offering a unique chance to the technology firms to help rebuild the country as a complete digital democracy. The president seeks help on the terms of lend-lease. It is the way in which the US helped the Allies during World War II. In it, the aid was offered without payment on the understanding that the hardware would be returned. President Zelensky speaking as a #hologram at @VivaTech - brilliant! 👏 pic.twitter.com/qNx2q5mm4I — BUNKAI (@BUNKAIdotAI) June 16, 2022 × Very cool and impactful from a great friend and entrepreneur. His company @evercoast has used their technology to capture a hologram of President Zelensky delivering an incredibly important message to a country under siege. Proud of you, @bininunez. https://t.co/9SWt5xtFlw pic.twitter.com/Bnli643Uoi — Michael Huffstetler 😎 (@HuffStetLer) June 16, 2022 × While referring to the Russian forces as the bad guys in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, Zelensky said, "It's unusual for presidents or heads of government to use a hologram to address people but this is not the only aspect of Star Wars that we are putting into practice. We will defeat the empire too." "Perhaps it's unusual for Presidents or Heads of governments to use a hologram to address people but this is not the only aspect of Star Wars that we have put into practice." 🇺🇦President Volodymyr Zelensky @ZelenskyyUa, at #VivaTech.@ARHTMedia @Founders_Forum pic.twitter.com/XwYf1q3ZEV — #VivaTech (@VivaTech) June 16, 2022 × The Ukraine’s government will also come up with the specifics of the plan to create a digital government at a conference in Switzerland in the near future, the leader said. Also Read: Russian pranksters trick JK Rowling by posing as Ukrainian President Zelensky "No other country in the world will offer you such a chance to use the most advanced technologies at a state level. It's an experiment and a digital revolution, and the modernisation of the current system all at the same time," Zelensky said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

To seek support from tech firms, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky appears as hologram in Paris

On 13th November 2015&nbsp;Paris, the capital of France was under a&nbsp;series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin&nbsp;at 9:15&nbsp;pm and were on the&nbsp;Stade de France stadium,&nbsp;bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan&nbsp;concert hall.

As the biggest criminal trial&nbsp;ever held in France has entered its final weeks,&nbsp;French prosecutors have demanded&nbsp;life sentences for the 12 men at trial for the attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-attacks-suspect-says-he-changed-his-mind-at-last-moment-470966">Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment</a>

All the evidences are reviewed but still many questions remain unanswered.&nbsp;

The attacks killed 130 people and injured more than 490.

The key accused, Salah Abdeslam, is believed to be the last survivor from the 10 men who struck the city. Most of them killed themselves or were killed by police.

Watch |&nbsp;Paris attack suspect in trial

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The prosecutor Camille Hennetier told the court of the “cruelty of the terrorists who fired again and again and took pleasure in killing”, and said the attacks were mostly prepared outside France.

Abdeslam, 32, a Brussels-born French citizen, who is also alleged to be a part of the attack, told the court that he had backed out of the attack at a bar, however the&nbsp;prosecutors said his explosive belt simply malfunctioned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-accused-of-stealing-banksy-tribute-to-bataclan-victims-go-on-trial-486280">Also read |&nbsp;Eight accused of stealing Banksy tribute to Bataclan victims go on trial</a>

Many prosecutors believe that many things "still remain in the dark".

Mohammed Abrini, another accused had also been part of the group in Paris, after which he returned to Belgium.&nbsp;He was later arrested after the March 2016 attacks in the Brussels airport and subway.&nbsp;

“Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini made no mystery of their jihadi engagement, but both tried to cover the tracks about their ideas”, the Paris prosecutor Nicolas Le Bris told the court.

The verdict is expected on 29 June.

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On 13th November 2015 Paris, the capital of France was under a series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin at 9:15 pm and were on the Stade de France stadium, bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall.

On 13th November 2015 Paris, the capital of France was under a series of coordinated Islamist terrorist attacks. The attacks begin at 9:15 pm and were on the Stade de France stadium, bars and restaurants and a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall. As the biggest criminal trial ever held in France has entered its final weeks, French prosecutors have demanded life sentences for the 12 men at trial for the attack. Also read | Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment All the evidences are reviewed but still many questions remain unanswered. The attacks killed 130 people and injured more than 490. The key accused, Salah Abdeslam, is believed to be the last survivor from the 10 men who struck the city. Most of them killed themselves or were killed by police. Watch | Paris attack suspect in trial The prosecutor Camille Hennetier told the court of the “cruelty of the terrorists who fired again and again and took pleasure in killing”, and said the attacks were mostly prepared outside France. Abdeslam, 32, a Brussels-born French citizen, who is also alleged to be a part of the attack, told the court that he had backed out of the attack at a bar, however the prosecutors said his explosive belt simply malfunctioned. Also read | Eight accused of stealing Banksy tribute to Bataclan victims go on trial Many prosecutors believe that many things "still remain in the dark". Mohammed Abrini, another accused had also been part of the group in Paris, after which he returned to Belgium. He was later arrested after the March 2016 attacks in the Brussels airport and subway. “Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini made no mystery of their jihadi engagement, but both tried to cover the tracks about their ideas”, the Paris prosecutor Nicolas Le Bris told the court. The verdict is expected on 29 June. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Prosecutors ask for life sentences for 12 men at trial for Paris terror attack

The Paris police chief said on Thursday that he might have been wrong when he said up to 40,000 Liverpool fans tried enter the Champions League final with fake tickets and that there was no scientific evidence to support the claim.

Didier Lallement added during a hearing in the French Senate that the police action around the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France was a "failure" both because fans were harmed and the image of France was degraded. The final, which Liverpool lost 1-0, was delayed by more than 30 minutes after police officers forcefully held back people trying to enter the ground. Riot police sprayed tear gas on fans, including women and children.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that much of the blame lay with Liverpool fans and that 30,000-40,000 arrived without valid tickets, which led to a crowd crush at the stadium and people trying to force their way in. He was later backed by President Emmanuel Macron.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-midfielder-thomas-partey-converts-to-islam-changes-surname-486564">Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey converts to Islam, changes surname</a>

Darmanin`s version of events has been challenged by Liverpool fans who attended and say the vast majority of their supporters were well-behaved but were treated in a heavy-handed manner by French riot police. "I might have been wrong on the figure of 30,000 to 40,000 thousand (fans with fake tickets) I gave to the (interior) minister," said Lallement.

"From an operational standpoint, it doesn`t change anything if it was around 40,000 or 30,000 or 20,000," Lallement said. French senators pushed Lallement to explain the empirical evidence behind the figure for fake tickets, which he said had come through reports from police officials on the ground. "It was I who gave this figure to the Minister, and I fully stand by it," he added.

During the parliamentary hearing, Lallement said he was the only one responsible for police action during the crowd trouble around the Stade of France, which is located just outside Paris. Liverpool`s metro mayor Steve Rotheram, who attended the final, during which he said he was robbed, was due to give testimony to senators later on Thursday.

The Paris police chief said on Thursday that he might have been wrong when he said up to 40,000 Liverpool fans tried enter the Champions League final with fake tickets and that there was no scientific evidence to support the claim.

The Paris police chief said on Thursday that he might have been wrong when he said up to 40,000 Liverpool fans tried enter the Champions League final with fake tickets and that there was no scientific evidence to support the claim. Didier Lallement added during a hearing in the French Senate that the police action around the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France was a "failure" both because fans were harmed and the image of France was degraded. The final, which Liverpool lost 1-0, was delayed by more than 30 minutes after police officers forcefully held back people trying to enter the ground. Riot police sprayed tear gas on fans, including women and children. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that much of the blame lay with Liverpool fans and that 30,000-40,000 arrived without valid tickets, which led to a crowd crush at the stadium and people trying to force their way in. He was later backed by President Emmanuel Macron. ALSO READ | Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey converts to Islam, changes surname Darmanin`s version of events has been challenged by Liverpool fans who attended and say the vast majority of their supporters were well-behaved but were treated in a heavy-handed manner by French riot police. "I might have been wrong on the figure of 30,000 to 40,000 thousand (fans with fake tickets) I gave to the (interior) minister," said Lallement. "From an operational standpoint, it doesn`t change anything if it was around 40,000 or 30,000 or 20,000," Lallement said. French senators pushed Lallement to explain the empirical evidence behind the figure for fake tickets, which he said had come through reports from police officials on the ground. "It was I who gave this figure to the Minister, and I fully stand by it," he added. During the parliamentary hearing, Lallement said he was the only one responsible for police action during the crowd trouble around the Stade of France, which is located just outside Paris. Liverpool`s metro mayor Steve Rotheram, who attended the final, during which he said he was robbed, was due to give testimony to senators later on Thursday.

UCL final chaos: Paris Police chief admits possible error on ticket fakes

Seven Frenchmen and an Italian go on trial in Paris on Wednesday for stealing a work by graffiti artist Banksy that had been sprayed onto an emergency door of the&nbsp;Bataclan&nbsp;theatre in Paris to honour victims of the November 2015 attacks.

In June 2018, Banksy created a mural of a veiled female figure in a mournful pose on a fire exit door of the concert venue, where 90 people were killed in attacks by Islamist gunmen that caused 130 fatalities in Paris and its outskirts.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-attacks-suspect-says-he-changed-his-mind-at-last-moment-470966"> Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment</a>

The door, stolen in January 2019, was found in 2020 in a farmhouse by the Italian police and given back to France.

"Many people in the audience escaped through this emergency door. It has lived, heard and seen the whole massacre," French Ambassador to Rome Christian Masset said at the time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surgeon-tries-to-sell-x-ray-of-2015s-bataclan-terror-attack-victim-as-nft-447407">Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT</a>

Banksy, whose real identity is unknown, has become one of the most well-known personalities of the modern art scene with a series of inspired works in public places that combine street art techniques with topical themes.

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Seven Frenchmen and an Italian go on trial in Paris on Wednesday for stealing a work by graffiti artist Banksy that had been sprayed onto an emergency door of the Bataclan theatre in Paris to honour victims of the November 2015 attacks.

Seven Frenchmen and an Italian go on trial in Paris on Wednesday for stealing a work by graffiti artist Banksy that had been sprayed onto an emergency door of the Bataclan theatre in Paris to honour victims of the November 2015 attacks. In June 2018, Banksy created a mural of a veiled female figure in a mournful pose on a fire exit door of the concert venue, where 90 people were killed in attacks by Islamist gunmen that caused 130 fatalities in Paris and its outskirts. Also read | Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment The door, stolen in January 2019, was found in 2020 in a farmhouse by the Italian police and given back to France. "Many people in the audience escaped through this emergency door. It has lived, heard and seen the whole massacre," French Ambassador to Rome Christian Masset said at the time. Also read | Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT Banksy, whose real identity is unknown, has become one of the most well-known personalities of the modern art scene with a series of inspired works in public places that combine street art techniques with topical themes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eight accused of stealing Banksy tribute to Bataclan victims go on trial

A quarter of flights will be cancelled at the main Paris airport on Thursday as workers stage a strike to demand higher wages, airport operator ADP said, causing more travel chaos in Europe.

The strike comes as several European airports have struggled to handle passenger flows due to staff shortages as the travel industry bounces back from the Covid pandemic.

French aviation authorities asked airlines to reduce the number of flights between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm on Thursday at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, ADP said on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/challenging-operating-environment-european-airline-easy-jet-cancelled-5-of-its-flights-485426">Challenging operating environment: European airline Easy jet cancelled 5% of its flights</a>

Air France, the hub's main airline, said it scrapped 85 short- and medium-haul flights on Thursday while schedules would change for longer routes.

The airport's unions called on workers to mobilise and demand a 300-euro ($322) salary increase "without conditions for everyone".

"Despite the resumption of air traffic and the profits made, our work is not paid at fair value," the unions said in a joint statement. "Everything is rising, except our wages."

Two years after the pandemic devastated the aviation industry, prompting heavy layoffs, travel is rebounding in Europe as countries have lifted restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-pandemic-rebound-in-demand-leads-to-aviation-chaos-in-europe-485512">Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe</a>

ADP's president said in April that there were 4,000 open positions at the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.

Shortages have disrupted flights in London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt in recent weeks.

"The chaos endured for several weeks by workers in several airports in France and Europe is intolerable," France's FO union said.

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A quarter of flights will be cancelled at the main Paris airport on Thursday as workers stage a strike to demand higher wages, airport operator ADP said, causing more travel chaos in Europe.

A quarter of flights will be cancelled at the main Paris airport on Thursday as workers stage a strike to demand higher wages, airport operator ADP said, causing more travel chaos in Europe. The strike comes as several European airports have struggled to handle passenger flows due to staff shortages as the travel industry bounces back from the Covid pandemic. French aviation authorities asked airlines to reduce the number of flights between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm on Thursday at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, ADP said on Wednesday. Also read | Challenging operating environment: European airline Easy jet cancelled 5% of its flights Air France, the hub's main airline, said it scrapped 85 short- and medium-haul flights on Thursday while schedules would change for longer routes. The airport's unions called on workers to mobilise and demand a 300-euro ($322) salary increase "without conditions for everyone". "Despite the resumption of air traffic and the profits made, our work is not paid at fair value," the unions said in a joint statement. "Everything is rising, except our wages." Two years after the pandemic devastated the aviation industry, prompting heavy layoffs, travel is rebounding in Europe as countries have lifted restrictions. Also read | Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe ADP's president said in April that there were 4,000 open positions at the Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports. Shortages have disrupted flights in London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt in recent weeks. "The chaos endured for several weeks by workers in several airports in France and Europe is intolerable," France's FO union said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Strike to ground quarter of flights at Paris airport

A severe storm has ravaged parts of France. 1 person was killed and around 14 people have been wounded so far. Hailstorms have damaged cars & boats.

Severe storm ravage parts of France, 1 killed, 14 wounded

Lester Piggott who died on Sunday aged 86 is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever jockeys and certainly the greatest to be a guest at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Known as the 'Long Fellow' for his height he would keep his weight down by relying on a daily diet of &nbsp;chocolate, champagne and a cigar leading to his stony expression being likened to "a well kept grave".

He became the 'housewives favourite' when it came to placing bets on the Epsom Derby and with good reason as he rode nine winners of the 'blue riband' of the turf.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/horse-racing-legend-lester-piggott-hospitalised-in-switzerland-481481">Horse racing legend Lester Piggott hospitalised in Switzerland</a>

Not bad for this child prodigy whose own mother had dismissed his chances of greatness after winning his first race aged 12 on August 18, 1948.

Iris opined: "He is quite a good rider, but will never be as good as his father. Don’t make a fuss. Lester is a very ordinary boy."

In all the poker-faced Piggott -- whose taciturn nature in part stemmed from partial deafness - guided home 30 classic winners in his famously singular riding style.

A large proportion of those were for the training legend Vincent O'Brien with greats such as Nijinsky, Sir Ivor, The Minstrel and the two-time Arc de Triomphe winner Alleged.

Watch |&nbsp;

Indeed the 11-times British champion jockey&nbsp;formed racing's 'dream team' with O'Brien and charismatic owner Robert Sangster until they cut the tie with him in 1980 and employed Pat Eddery.

Piggott smarted from this very public sacking -- although he remained friends with Sangster till the latter died in 2004 -- but in a perfect example of revenge is a dish best served cold he got his opportunity after the 1984 Derby.

For all his reticence Piggott had a wickedly dry sense of humour and when an over-confident Eddery contrived to lose the Derby on hot favourite El Gran Senor -- to Secreto trained by O'Brien's eldest son David -- Piggott struck.

<h3>Will to win&nbsp;</h3>

"Did you miss me," muttered Piggott, who'd finished down the field, as he strode past the distraught Sangster and O'Brien huddle.

With Piggott's family embedded in racing folklore with grandfather Ernie a three-time Grand National winner and his dad Keith&nbsp;training the winner of the great steeplechase in 1963, he had a will to win unrivalled even among a generation that included Eddery, Willie Carson and Joe Mercer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/valentina-sampaio-becomes-first-trans-model-in-sports-illustrateds-swimsuit-issue-312567">Valentina Sampaio becomes first trans model in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue</a>

Often enough it got him into trouble, most notably in a hilarious incident -- that is if you were watching from the stands -- at Deauville in 1979.

Riding in the Grand Prix de Deauville Piggott's whip was knocked from his hand and looking around snatched a replacement whip from the late Alain Lequeux -- Piggott was to finish second and his bemused colleague third.

"Well he wasn't going to need it," quipped Piggott afterwards -- the French stewards didn't see the funny side at all and slapped him with a 20 day ban.

When it was put to him in an interview last year had he been over the top in his use of the whip on Roberto and The Minstrel in the 1972 and 1977 Derbies he denied it had been that savage.

"You couldn’t have used it (the whip) like that these days," he told The Guardian.

"But I never really hurt the horses. It seemed like I was whacking them but it never was as bad as it looked."

Piggott, though, got whacked and badly at that when the British taxman came calling just as he was making a name as a trainer after retiring from the saddle in 1985.

Scrutiny of his accounts showed the great man had been almost as reluctant at paying his taxes on revenue of £3million as he had been at public speaking.

Stripped of the ridiculously minor award, given his achievements, he had received from the noted turfiste Queen Elizabeth II, he got no quarter from the judge at his trial being sentenced to three years in 1987 of which he served just over a year.

"It was stupid, really, to be there. I don’t know how to describe it. It was just unnecessary," he told The Guardian in 2015."

However, fortunately for the man and for his adoring public there was to be a quite sensational post-script in 1990.

Piggott returned to the saddle as lead actor with the director his old employer O'Brien, the set was Belmont Park in the United States and the co-star Royal Academy in the million dollar Grade One Breeder's Cup Mile.

It was quite a call for O'Brien to make as Piggott had only been back in the saddle for 10 days but the old magic was there and he guided home the Irish runner for a tearjerking and memorable win.

His assessment of that day was typically succinct. When asked about it years later by the great racing journalist Brough Scott he said: "You never forget".

Lester Keith Piggott was born on November 5, 1935. He married Susan Armstrong in 1980 and leaves three children. After separating from his wife he lived out his later years in Switzerland.

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Lester Piggott who died on Sunday aged 86 is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever jockeys and certainly the greatest to be a guest at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Lester Piggott who died on Sunday aged 86 is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever jockeys and certainly the greatest to be a guest at Her Majesty's Pleasure. Known as the 'Long Fellow' for his height he would keep his weight down by relying on a daily diet of chocolate, champagne and a cigar leading to his stony expression being likened to "a well kept grave". He became the 'housewives favourite' when it came to placing bets on the Epsom Derby and with good reason as he rode nine winners of the 'blue riband' of the turf. Also read | Horse racing legend Lester Piggott hospitalised in Switzerland Not bad for this child prodigy whose own mother had dismissed his chances of greatness after winning his first race aged 12 on August 18, 1948. Iris opined: "He is quite a good rider, but will never be as good as his father. Don’t make a fuss. Lester is a very ordinary boy." In all the poker-faced Piggott -- whose taciturn nature in part stemmed from partial deafness - guided home 30 classic winners in his famously singular riding style. A large proportion of those were for the training legend Vincent O'Brien with greats such as Nijinsky, Sir Ivor, The Minstrel and the two-time Arc de Triomphe winner Alleged. Watch | Indeed the 11-times British champion jockey formed racing's 'dream team' with O'Brien and charismatic owner Robert Sangster until they cut the tie with him in 1980 and employed Pat Eddery. Piggott smarted from this very public sacking -- although he remained friends with Sangster till the latter died in 2004 -- but in a perfect example of revenge is a dish best served cold he got his opportunity after the 1984 Derby. For all his reticence Piggott had a wickedly dry sense of humour and when an over-confident Eddery contrived to lose the Derby on hot favourite El Gran Senor -- to Secreto trained by O'Brien's eldest son David -- Piggott struck. Will to win "Did you miss me," muttered Piggott, who'd finished down the field, as he strode past the distraught Sangster and O'Brien huddle. With Piggott's family embedded in racing folklore with grandfather Ernie a three-time Grand National winner and his dad Keith training the winner of the great steeplechase in 1963, he had a will to win unrivalled even among a generation that included Eddery, Willie Carson and Joe Mercer. Also read | Valentina Sampaio becomes first trans model in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue Often enough it got him into trouble, most notably in a hilarious incident -- that is if you were watching from the stands -- at Deauville in 1979. Riding in the Grand Prix de Deauville Piggott's whip was knocked from his hand and looking around snatched a replacement whip from the late Alain Lequeux -- Piggott was to finish second and his bemused colleague third. "Well he wasn't going to need it," quipped Piggott afterwards -- the French stewards didn't see the funny side at all and slapped him with a 20 day ban. When it was put to him in an interview last year had he been over the top in his use of the whip on Roberto and The Minstrel in the 1972 and 1977 Derbies he denied it had been that savage. "You couldn’t have used it (the whip) like that these days," he told The Guardian. "But I never really hurt the horses. It seemed like I was whacking them but it never was as bad as it looked." Piggott, though, got whacked and badly at that when the British taxman came calling just as he was making a name as a trainer after retiring from the saddle in 1985. Scrutiny of his accounts showed the great man had been almost as reluctant at paying his taxes on revenue of £3million as he had been at public speaking. Stripped of the ridiculously minor award, given his achievements, he had received from the noted turfiste Queen Elizabeth II, he got no quarter from the judge at his trial being sentenced to three years in 1987 of which he served just over a year. "It was stupid, really, to be there. I don’t know how to describe it. It was just unnecessary," he told The Guardian in 2015." However, fortunately for the man and for his adoring public there was to be a quite sensational post-script in 1990. Piggott returned to the saddle as lead actor with the director his old employer O'Brien, the set was Belmont Park in the United States and the co-star Royal Academy in the million dollar Grade One Breeder's Cup Mile. It was quite a call for O'Brien to make as Piggott had only been back in the saddle for 10 days but the old magic was there and he guided home the Irish runner for a tearjerking and memorable win. His assessment of that day was typically succinct. When asked about it years later by the great racing journalist Brough Scott he said: "You never forget". Lester Keith Piggott was born on November 5, 1935. He married Susan Armstrong in 1980 and leaves three children. After separating from his wife he lived out his later years in Switzerland. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Piggott - The 'Long Fellow' who felt the long arm of the law

As the world tries to be more climate conscious, sports agencies are also finding ways to reduce the impact on our climate. The 2024 Olympic village is using state of the art low-carbon construction technologies.

Climate Tracker: 2024 Olympic village using low-carbon construction technology

Local wildcard Leolia Jeanjean caused a major upset at the French Open by thrashing ex-world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-2 6-2 in the second round on Thursday, bursting into the limelight as she resurrected her career in spectacular fashion. The 26-year-old Jeanjean, playing in her maiden Grand Slam, is a former big hope of French tennis who ended up living on minimum wage after a knee injury suffered when she was 15 kept her off the courts for two years.

Dropped by Nike, who had given her a 10-year sponsorship deal, and by the French federation, who had assigned her a full-time coach when she was 12, Jeanjean went to study in the United States at the Lynn University in Florida. She came back to tennis with a degree in finance, only for her return to be slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I lived on minimum wage and I didn`t live from day-to-day, but week after week. I put all the money I had into a week`s worth of tournaments and if they went well I got another week, but if they went badly I didn`t play for two months because it was financially impossible," she said. On Thursday, Jeanjean outfoxed eighth seed Pliskova, a semi-finalist here in 2017, to reach the third round and collect at least 125,800 euros ($134,656.32) in prize money.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carlos-alcaraz-survives-match-point-to-beat-fellow-spaniard-albert-ramos-vinolas-in-five-set-thriller-482309">Carlos Alcaraz survives match point to beat fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in five-set thriller</a>

"I could not try to overpower her, it was impossible, so I had to try to derail her and it worked perfectly," she said on court Simonne Mathieu. "It (the prize money) will make life easier. I can certainly pay a coach, pay my tickets when I go to tournaments. I can actually travel around further away. I can actually have staff. So this will change everything, certainly," she said.

Jeanjean, whose early rise drew comparisons with Martina Hingis, will next face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 30th seed, or Romania`s Irina-Camelia Begu and will break into the top 150 after starting the tournament as world number 227. "I don`t have an explanation. I don`t even realise what`s happening. I know I`m 26. It`s my first Grand Slam. I thought I would have lost in the first round in two sets, and I found myself beating a top-10 player," she said.

"So honestly, I have nothing else to say. I don`t really know how it`s possible, what`s happening. I just try to give my best to play my tennis, and it`s working so far."

Local wildcard Leolia Jeanjean caused a major upset at the French Open by thrashing ex-world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-2 6-2 in the second round on Thursday, bursting into the limelight as she resurrected her career in spectacular fashion.

Local wildcard Leolia Jeanjean caused a major upset at the French Open by thrashing ex-world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-2 6-2 in the second round on Thursday, bursting into the limelight as she resurrected her career in spectacular fashion. The 26-year-old Jeanjean, playing in her maiden Grand Slam, is a former big hope of French tennis who ended up living on minimum wage after a knee injury suffered when she was 15 kept her off the courts for two years. Dropped by Nike, who had given her a 10-year sponsorship deal, and by the French federation, who had assigned her a full-time coach when she was 12, Jeanjean went to study in the United States at the Lynn University in Florida. She came back to tennis with a degree in finance, only for her return to be slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I lived on minimum wage and I didn`t live from day-to-day, but week after week. I put all the money I had into a week`s worth of tournaments and if they went well I got another week, but if they went badly I didn`t play for two months because it was financially impossible," she said. On Thursday, Jeanjean outfoxed eighth seed Pliskova, a semi-finalist here in 2017, to reach the third round and collect at least 125,800 euros ($134,656.32) in prize money. ALSO READ | Carlos Alcaraz survives match point to beat fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas in five-set thriller "I could not try to overpower her, it was impossible, so I had to try to derail her and it worked perfectly," she said on court Simonne Mathieu. "It (the prize money) will make life easier. I can certainly pay a coach, pay my tickets when I go to tournaments. I can actually travel around further away. I can actually have staff. So this will change everything, certainly," she said. Jeanjean, whose early rise drew comparisons with Martina Hingis, will next face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 30th seed, or Romania`s Irina-Camelia Begu and will break into the top 150 after starting the tournament as world number 227. "I don`t have an explanation. I don`t even realise what`s happening. I know I`m 26. It`s my first Grand Slam. I thought I would have lost in the first round in two sets, and I found myself beating a top-10 player," she said. "So honestly, I have nothing else to say. I don`t really know how it`s possible, what`s happening. I just try to give my best to play my tennis, and it`s working so far."

France's Leolia Jeanjean gains limelight with win over ex-World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova win in Paris

Eiffel Tower in Paris lights up in Ukrainian flag’s colour to show support amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Eiffel Tower in Ukrainian flag’s color to show support | Paris | Russia-Ukraine

Tensions ran high in French capital Paris as May Day rallies turned violent on Sunday. Thousands of people joined the rallies across France, they demanded increase in salaries and more, watch this report for more.

May Day Protests: Tensions run high in French capital Paris, demonstrators slam re-elected Macron

Around 200 Russians living in Germany took to the streets holding placards which read 'Russians against the War'. Similar protests were also held in Paris where Ukrainians living in the country called the ongoing war a 'Genocide'

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Global protest rage against Russian invasion of Ukraine

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates.

The Extinction Rebellion (XR) had said on its website that it planned to block a major Parisian location to disrupt the electoral cycle and its "business as usual" attitude.

In French presidential elections this time, the top theme is cost of living. Energy policies have also found resonance. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen have put forward very different policies on the renewables sector in particular.

"We are blocking this Paris square to rebel against alternatives that we don't have. This election leaves us with no choice between a far-right candidate with repugnant ideas ... and a candidate who during five years cast the ecology issue aside and lied," Lou, 26, a history teacher, who joined the Extinction Rebellion movement two years ago told Reuters.

Hundreds of people gathered in 9th district in Paris. They carried banners targetting the candidates. Some of them chanted slogans such as "their inaction leads to our rebellion", or lay on the floor in protest.

Just eight days ahead of a runoff that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, polls show the centrist president is slightly ahead of his far-right rival, but the contest promises to be tight.

(With inputs from agencies)

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates.

Main square in central Paris faced forced closure due to protest by climate change activists. The protests were against environmental programes proposed by France's remaining presidential candidates. The Extinction Rebellion (XR) had said on its website that it planned to block a major Parisian location to disrupt the electoral cycle and its "business as usual" attitude. In French presidential elections this time, the top theme is cost of living. Energy policies have also found resonance. Incumbent President Emmanuel Macron and his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen have put forward very different policies on the renewables sector in particular. "We are blocking this Paris square to rebel against alternatives that we don't have. This election leaves us with no choice between a far-right candidate with repugnant ideas ... and a candidate who during five years cast the ecology issue aside and lied," Lou, 26, a history teacher, who joined the Extinction Rebellion movement two years ago told Reuters. Hundreds of people gathered in 9th district in Paris. They carried banners targetting the candidates. Some of them chanted slogans such as "their inaction leads to our rebellion", or lay on the floor in protest. Just eight days ahead of a runoff that will determine who will lead the European Union's second-largest economy for the next five years, polls show the centrist president is slightly ahead of his far-right rival, but the contest promises to be tight. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change protesters block Paris square decrying election candidates

Two years after devastating Notre Dame fire, 'preventative' archaeological dig uncovers cultural treasures

The last surviving suspected assailant in the deadly 2015&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;told a court Wednesday that he changed his mind about going through with the killings at the last moment.

"The objective I was given was to go to a cafe in the 18th" district in northern&nbsp;Paris, Salah Abdeslam told the special&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;court hearing the case.

"I'm going into the cafe, I'm ordering a drink, I'm looking at the people around me -- and I said to myself: 'No, I'm not going to do it'," he added.

For the plaintiffs in the case, including the loved ones of victims of the November 2015&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;that killed 130 people, this was testimony they had been waiting months to hear.

Abdeslam, 32, said he was told about plans for the attack in&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;on November 11, two days before they were carried out.

That happened at a meeting in Charleroi, in Belgium, with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who is accused of having masterminded the&nbsp;attacks.

Until then, said Abdeslam, he thought he was going to be sent to Syria. Instead, he was told he had been chosen to carry out an attack using an explosive belt.

'A shock for me' 

"It was a shock for me, but he ended up by convincing me," he added.

"I ended up accepting and saying, 'Okay, I'll go ahead with it'."

But at that meeting, he was given no details about the targets for the attack.

When he ultimately did not go through with the attack, he told the court how he took his car and drove around&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;at random until it broke down.

Then he got out and walked, he said, saying his memories of that period were "confused".

Pressed by the president of the court Jean-Louis Peries, he said only that he knew what he had been supposed to do.

"My brother, he had a belt, a Kalashnikov, I know he's going to open fire, I know he's going to blow himself up, but I didn't know the targets."

The attackers killed 130 people in suicide bombings and shootings at the Stade de France stadium, the Bataclan concert hall and on street terraces of bars and restaurants on November 13, 2015, in France's worst peacetime atrocity.

Abdeslam's older brother Brahim opened fire on a cafe terrace before blowing himself up.

Earlier in court another defendant, Mohamed Abrini, said Abdeslam simply had not had the nerve to go through with the attack.

Abrini, who is accused of having provided weapons and logistical support to the attackers, said he had seen Abdeslam when he turned up at a safe house a day after the&nbsp;attacks.

"He was exhausted, tired, he looked pale," said Abrini.

One of the organisers of the&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;had yelled at him for not having blown himself up.

"I think he told them that his belt hadn't worked," said Abrini.

Abdeslam told the court last month that in fact he had been lying about the malfunction.

After surviving the attack, Abdeslam fled to the Molenbeek district of Brussels where he grew up. He was captured in March 2016.

Alongside Abdeslam, co-defendants are answering charges ranging from providing logistical support to planning the&nbsp;attacks, as well as supplying weapons.

The last surviving suspected assailant in the deadly 2015 Paris attacks told a court Wednesday that he changed his mind about going through with the killings at the last moment.

The last surviving suspected assailant in the deadly 2015 Paris attacks told a court Wednesday that he changed his mind about going through with the killings at the last moment. "The objective I was given was to go to a cafe in the 18th" district in northern Paris, Salah Abdeslam told the special Paris court hearing the case. "I'm going into the cafe, I'm ordering a drink, I'm looking at the people around me -- and I said to myself: 'No, I'm not going to do it'," he added. For the plaintiffs in the case, including the loved ones of victims of the November 2015 attacks that killed 130 people, this was testimony they had been waiting months to hear. Abdeslam, 32, said he was told about plans for the attack in Paris on November 11, two days before they were carried out. That happened at a meeting in Charleroi, in Belgium, with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who is accused of having masterminded the attacks. Until then, said Abdeslam, he thought he was going to be sent to Syria. Instead, he was told he had been chosen to carry out an attack using an explosive belt. 'A shock for me' "It was a shock for me, but he ended up by convincing me," he added. "I ended up accepting and saying, 'Okay, I'll go ahead with it'." But at that meeting, he was given no details about the targets for the attack. When he ultimately did not go through with the attack, he told the court how he took his car and drove around Paris at random until it broke down. Then he got out and walked, he said, saying his memories of that period were "confused". Pressed by the president of the court Jean-Louis Peries, he said only that he knew what he had been supposed to do. "My brother, he had a belt, a Kalashnikov, I know he's going to open fire, I know he's going to blow himself up, but I didn't know the targets." The attackers killed 130 people in suicide bombings and shootings at the Stade de France stadium, the Bataclan concert hall and on street terraces of bars and restaurants on November 13, 2015, in France's worst peacetime atrocity. Abdeslam's older brother Brahim opened fire on a cafe terrace before blowing himself up. Earlier in court another defendant, Mohamed Abrini, said Abdeslam simply had not had the nerve to go through with the attack. Abrini, who is accused of having provided weapons and logistical support to the attackers, said he had seen Abdeslam when he turned up at a safe house a day after the attacks. "He was exhausted, tired, he looked pale," said Abrini. One of the organisers of the attacks had yelled at him for not having blown himself up. "I think he told them that his belt hadn't worked," said Abrini. Abdeslam told the court last month that in fact he had been lying about the malfunction. After surviving the attack, Abdeslam fled to the Molenbeek district of Brussels where he grew up. He was captured in March 2016. Alongside Abdeslam, co-defendants are answering charges ranging from providing logistical support to planning the attacks, as well as supplying weapons.

Paris attacks suspect says he changed his mind at last moment

A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said&nbsp;French&nbsp;Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths.

The trouble in Sevran comes with the&nbsp;French&nbsp;presidential election less than two weeks away, in which fears over violent crime, racial tensions and terrorism will feature high among voters' concerns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-to-file-criminal-complaint-against-care-group-orpea-465942">French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea</a>

"An inquiry is underway concerning the intervention of police last Saturday afternoon in Sevran. Following violence and acts of vandalism, 16 arrests were made during the weekend and police apprehended 13 people yesterday evening," said Darmanin on his Twitter account.

Stephane Blanchet, who is the mayor for Sevran which lies to the north-east of Paris, wrote on his Twitter account that trouble had first broken out during the weekend after a local man, aged 33, died after being shot by police.

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French&nbsp;media reports said the police had opened fire on him after chasing him on suspicion of having stolen a vehicle.

Images posted on social media showed youths clashing with police during the weekend and into the start of this week.

France's 'banlieues' - high-rise housing estates on the outskirts of major cities - have long been flashpoints of anger over social and economic grievances. In 2005, unrest lasted three weeks after two youths died fleeing police in another northern Paris suburb.

Watch |&nbsp;France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-presidential-election-president-emmanuel-macron-faces-worried-voters-466564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths.

A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths. The trouble in Sevran comes with the French presidential election less than two weeks away, in which fears over violent crime, racial tensions and terrorism will feature high among voters' concerns. Also read | French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea "An inquiry is underway concerning the intervention of police last Saturday afternoon in Sevran. Following violence and acts of vandalism, 16 arrests were made during the weekend and police apprehended 13 people yesterday evening," said Darmanin on his Twitter account. Stephane Blanchet, who is the mayor for Sevran which lies to the north-east of Paris, wrote on his Twitter account that trouble had first broken out during the weekend after a local man, aged 33, died after being shot by police. Also read | Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe French media reports said the police had opened fire on him after chasing him on suspicion of having stolen a vehicle. Images posted on social media showed youths clashing with police during the weekend and into the start of this week. France's 'banlieues' - high-rise housing estates on the outskirts of major cities - have long been flashpoints of anger over social and economic grievances. In 2005, unrest lasted three weeks after two youths died fleeing police in another northern Paris suburb. Watch | France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

French Interior Minister: Probe underway into recent violent unrest in Paris suburb

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.2 million euros (US $ $4.6 million).

Activists in Montpellier disrupted the auction on Saturday saying that whoever bought the mask was receiving stolen goods.

The rare wooden “Ngil” mask is used in ceremonies by the Fang ethnic people of Gabon.

The distinctive shape of the Ngil masks is believed to have played a huge influence on the work of famous European artists including Picasso and Modigliani.

“It’s a case of receiving stolen goods,” a man describing himself as a member of the Gabonese community in Montpellier exclaimed from the back of the auction room, surrounded by half a dozen compatriots, AFP reported.

“We’ll file a complaint. Our ancestors, my ancestors, from the Fang community, we will recover this object”, the protester added, describing the mask as a ‘colonial ill-gotten gain’,” he was quoted as saying.

Notably, the base price of the mask was set at 300,000-400,000 euros and nobody was expecting to fetch even a tenth of the sum it was sold for.

According to the auctioneer in charge of the sale, Jean-Christophe Giuseppi, this piece belonged "to the secret society of the Ngil 'vigilantes' who roamed the villages to flush out troublemakers, among whom were individuals suspected of witchcraft."

Giuseppi said the auction was "entirely legal", as far as he was aware.

The demonstrators were later escorted out of the auction hall calmly by security guards, but their protest continued against the sale of African works of art.

According to reports, Saturday's auction also included a Congolese chair which sold for 44,000 euros.

(With inputs from agencies)

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.2 million euros (US $ $4.6 million). Activists in Montpellier disrupted the auction on Saturday saying that whoever bought the mask was receiving stolen goods. The rare wooden “Ngil” mask is used in ceremonies by the Fang ethnic people of Gabon. The distinctive shape of the Ngil masks is believed to have played a huge influence on the work of famous European artists including Picasso and Modigliani. “It’s a case of receiving stolen goods,” a man describing himself as a member of the Gabonese community in Montpellier exclaimed from the back of the auction room, surrounded by half a dozen compatriots, AFP reported. “We’ll file a complaint. Our ancestors, my ancestors, from the Fang community, we will recover this object”, the protester added, describing the mask as a ‘colonial ill-gotten gain’,” he was quoted as saying. Notably, the base price of the mask was set at 300,000-400,000 euros and nobody was expecting to fetch even a tenth of the sum it was sold for. According to the auctioneer in charge of the sale, Jean-Christophe Giuseppi, this piece belonged "to the secret society of the Ngil 'vigilantes' who roamed the villages to flush out troublemakers, among whom were individuals suspected of witchcraft." Giuseppi said the auction was "entirely legal", as far as he was aware. The demonstrators were later escorted out of the auction hall calmly by security guards, but their protest continued against the sale of African works of art. According to reports, Saturday's auction also included a Congolese chair which sold for 44,000 euros. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stolen goods’: Protest erupts after rare Gabon mask sold for $4.6mn in southern France

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;government&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;file&nbsp;a&nbsp;criminal&nbsp;complaint&nbsp;against&nbsp;home&nbsp;care&nbsp;group&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients,&nbsp;government&nbsp;minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday.

Following a month and a half-long investigation into the&nbsp;group's management and financial practices, the&nbsp;government&nbsp;found "significant dysfunctioning in the&nbsp;group's management, to the detriment of the&nbsp;care&nbsp;of its residents," according to the health ministry.

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;said it would send its conclusions to state prosecutors and seek to recover public funds provided to the company after uncovering possible irregularities in how they were used.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-summons-russian-envoy-over-unacceptable-tweets-that-mocked-europe-465545">France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe</a>

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;is seeking to recover as much as several tens of millions of euros, corresponding to the period 2017 to 2020, Bourguignon said in an interview published in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;weekly newspaper Journal du Dimanche early Sunday.

Orpea&nbsp;responded later on Saturday that while the&nbsp;government&nbsp;report "does shed light on certain dysfunctions," it also "allows us to conclude that there is no organised 'system' that would lead to widespread abuse."

"We have taken the full measure of the legitimate emotion aroused by these dysfunctions, many of which stem from the shortage of&nbsp;care&nbsp;and support professionals that affects us as it does the entire nursing home sector," said Philippe Charrier,&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;chairman and chief executive officer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-ease-covid-curbs-just-before-aprils-presidential-vote-462183">France to ease Covid curbs just before April’s presidential vote</a>

A book by independent journalist Victor Castanet in January made public claims of severe failings in hygiene&nbsp;care&nbsp;in an&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;home for elderly people in a wealthy Paris suburb. The&nbsp;French&nbsp;group&nbsp;has repeatedly denied systemic shortcomings and said in its statement on Saturday that it denies "several particularly serious allegations" in the book.

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;is inspecting the country's 7,500 elderly&nbsp;care&nbsp;homes over the next two years and plans to reinforce legal and accounting rules to better regulate&nbsp;groups managing elderly&nbsp;care, with a view to better transparency over the use of public funds, it said.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

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The French government plans to file a criminal complaint against home care group Orpea over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients, government minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday.

The French government plans to file a criminal complaint against home care group Orpea over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients, government minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday. Following a month and a half-long investigation into the group's management and financial practices, the government found "significant dysfunctioning in the group's management, to the detriment of the care of its residents," according to the health ministry. The government said it would send its conclusions to state prosecutors and seek to recover public funds provided to the company after uncovering possible irregularities in how they were used. Also read | France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe The government is seeking to recover as much as several tens of millions of euros, corresponding to the period 2017 to 2020, Bourguignon said in an interview published in the French weekly newspaper Journal du Dimanche early Sunday. Orpea responded later on Saturday that while the government report "does shed light on certain dysfunctions," it also "allows us to conclude that there is no organised 'system' that would lead to widespread abuse." "We have taken the full measure of the legitimate emotion aroused by these dysfunctions, many of which stem from the shortage of care and support professionals that affects us as it does the entire nursing home sector," said Philippe Charrier, Orpea chairman and chief executive officer. Also read | France to ease Covid curbs just before April’s presidential vote A book by independent journalist Victor Castanet in January made public claims of severe failings in hygiene care in an Orpea home for elderly people in a wealthy Paris suburb. The French group has repeatedly denied systemic shortcomings and said in its statement on Saturday that it denies "several particularly serious allegations" in the book. The government is inspecting the country's 7,500 elderly care homes over the next two years and plans to reinforce legal and accounting rules to better regulate groups managing elderly care, with a view to better transparency over the use of public funds, it said. Watch | French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea

EV giant Tesla is facing a criminal lawsuit in France after a complaint from a taxi driver whose Tesla Model 3 crashed in Paris.

Tesla faces criminal lawsuit in France after complaint about a crashed Tesla Model 3 in Paris

&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement.

Jaishankar, who arrived here from Germany on Sunday on a three-day visit to France, has held a series of meetings with his counterparts from other Indo-Pacific countries participating in the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Jaishankar met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr AK Abdul Momen.

"Good meeting with Bangladesh FM Dr AK Abdul Momen. Appropriate that it should be on International Mother Language Day. Noted that 2021 was a great year for the relationship. Committed to taking it to an even higher level in 2022," he tweeted after the meeting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-begins-3-day-visit-to-france-to-attend-eu-ministerial-forum-for-cooperation-in-indo-pacific-454895">S. Jaishankar begins 3-day visit to France to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific</a>

On Monday, he met Chung Eui-yong, his South Korean counterpart. "Met with FM Chung Eui-yong of the Republic of Korea. Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Facilitating ease of travel is a shared priority. Also discussed regional issues of common concern," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar also met his Czech counterpart.

"Nice meeting with FM (Foreign Minister) Jan Lipavsky of the Czech Republic. Engaged him on EU related issues as part of the Trio. Appreciate his commitment to facilitating an expanded relationship," Jaishankar tweeted, along with a photograph after the meeting.

After his meeting with EU Commissioner for International Relationships Jutta Urpilainen, Jaishankar tweeted, "A warm interaction with EU Commissioner for International relationships Jutta Urpilainen.

"A positive discussion on working together in Africa, enhancing green partnerships and on promoting connectivity. India-EU cooperation is advancing across many fronts," Jaishankar wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-border-will-define-relations-with-china-says-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-454677">'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar</a>

Earlier on Monday, the External Affairs Minister met French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "Pleasure to meet Defence Minister @florence_parly. As trusted strategic partners, discussed contemporary developments. Convergence in our outlook and interests was visible. Affirmed our commitment to cooperate on new and emerging security challenges, he tweeted after the meeting.

Jaishankar arrived in Paris on a day when French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon telephonic conversation to defuse the crisis in Ukraine amid apprehension of a Russian invasion of the eastern European nation.

On Sunday, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during which they discussed key regional and global issues, particularly the India-EU relationship, and exchanged perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear deal and the Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;

Jaishankar and Drian also reiterated their shared commitment to the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based order, and agreed to coordinate in the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Indian EAM S Jaishankar on a 3-day visit to France to attend EU forum on Indo-Pacific

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has met his counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, the Czech Republic and the European Union in Paris, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to step up bilateral engagement. Jaishankar, who arrived here from Germany on Sunday on a three-day visit to France, has held a series of meetings with his counterparts from other Indo-Pacific countries participating in the EU Indo-Pacific Forum. Jaishankar met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr AK Abdul Momen. "Good meeting with Bangladesh FM Dr AK Abdul Momen. Appropriate that it should be on International Mother Language Day. Noted that 2021 was a great year for the relationship. Committed to taking it to an even higher level in 2022," he tweeted after the meeting. Also read | S. Jaishankar begins 3-day visit to France to attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific On Monday, he met Chung Eui-yong, his South Korean counterpart. "Met with FM Chung Eui-yong of the Republic of Korea. Agreed to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Facilitating ease of travel is a shared priority. Also discussed regional issues of common concern," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Jaishankar also met his Czech counterpart. "Nice meeting with FM (Foreign Minister) Jan Lipavsky of the Czech Republic. Engaged him on EU related issues as part of the Trio. Appreciate his commitment to facilitating an expanded relationship," Jaishankar tweeted, along with a photograph after the meeting. After his meeting with EU Commissioner for International Relationships Jutta Urpilainen, Jaishankar tweeted, "A warm interaction with EU Commissioner for International relationships Jutta Urpilainen. "A positive discussion on working together in Africa, enhancing green partnerships and on promoting connectivity. India-EU cooperation is advancing across many fronts," Jaishankar wrote. Also read | 'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar Earlier on Monday, the External Affairs Minister met French Defence Minister Florence Parly. "Pleasure to meet Defence Minister @florence_parly. As trusted strategic partners, discussed contemporary developments. Convergence in our outlook and interests was visible. Affirmed our commitment to cooperate on new and emerging security challenges, he tweeted after the meeting. Jaishankar arrived in Paris on a day when French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a marathon telephonic conversation to defuse the crisis in Ukraine amid apprehension of a Russian invasion of the eastern European nation. On Sunday, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during which they discussed key regional and global issues, particularly the India-EU relationship, and exchanged perspectives on the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear deal and the Ukraine crisis. Jaishankar and Drian also reiterated their shared commitment to the principles of multilateralism and a rules-based order, and agreed to coordinate in the UN Security Council on issues of mutual concern. Watch | Indian EAM S Jaishankar on a 3-day visit to France to attend EU forum on Indo-Pacific

EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris

Paris switched on noise radars to keep a check on loud motorcycles and other vehicles. The move seems to have been taken to bring silence to one of the noisiest cities in Europe.

France: Paris switches on the first noise radar to keep a check on loud motorbikes & vehicles

In a first, Paris unveiled a noise radar on Monday to keep a check on loud motorcycles and other vehicles. The move seems to have been taken to bring silence to one of the noisiest cities in Europe.

Paris launches noise radars to identify loud vehicles

In a first, Paris unveiled a noise radar on Monday to keep a check on loud motorcycles and other vehicles. The move seems to have been taken to bring silence to one of the noisiest cities in Europe. &nbsp;

In the 20th district in eastern Paris, the first noise radar has been installed by the city on a street lamp post at a height.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It will be able to measure the noise level of moving vehicles and identify their licence plates. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-after-prince-charles-his-wife-camilla-too-tests-positive-for-covid-19-453349" hreflang="en">After Prince Charles, his wife Camilla too tests positive for COVID-19</a>

In a tweet, Paris deputy mayor David Belliard said, "Too much noise makes people sick. For our health and quality of life...this first sound radar's aim is to automatically issue fines for vehicles that makes too much noise." &nbsp;

For the next few months, the city will test whether the radar has been able to identify the licence plates of roaring vehicles. After proof of the efficacy of the equipment, it will get officially approved by authorities by the end of 2022. &nbsp;

No fines will be issued for now. Paris may start fining from early 2023. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/following-fathers-footsteps-canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-invokes-emergency-powers-to-end-protests-453348" hreflang="en">Following father’s footsteps, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invokes emergency powers to end protests</a>

"The problem is that police often have other things to do," said Fanny Mietlicki, head, Bruitparif agency that has pioneered the noise radar technology. &nbsp;

A second noise radar will also be installed in western Paris on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a first, Paris unveiled a noise radar on Monday to keep a check on loud motorcycles and other vehicles. The move seems to have been taken to bring silence to one of the noisiest cities in Europe. In the 20th district in eastern Paris, the first noise radar has been installed by the city on a street lamp post at a height. It will be able to measure the noise level of moving vehicles and identify their licence plates. Also Read: After Prince Charles, his wife Camilla too tests positive for COVID-19 In a tweet, Paris deputy mayor David Belliard said, "Too much noise makes people sick. For our health and quality of life...this first sound radar's aim is to automatically issue fines for vehicles that makes too much noise." For the next few months, the city will test whether the radar has been able to identify the licence plates of roaring vehicles. After proof of the efficacy of the equipment, it will get officially approved by authorities by the end of 2022. No fines will be issued for now. Paris may start fining from early 2023. Also Read: Following father’s footsteps, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invokes emergency powers to end protests "The problem is that police often have other things to do," said Fanny Mietlicki, head, Bruitparif agency that has pioneered the noise radar technology. A second noise radar will also be installed in western Paris on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

To bring ‘silence’ to streets, Paris unveils first noise radar

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

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

Amid all the mounting fears of an armed conflict, diplomatic avenues for de-escalation remain open, and France has initiated a fresh attempt to defuse the simmering tension. Diplomatic advisers from Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, the so-called Normandy Four, will meet for talks in Paris tomorrow

4 way Normandy Talks' to be held on January 26th

Paris city authorities unveiled a "manifesto&nbsp;for&nbsp;beauty" on Tuesday containing plans to spruce up the City of Lights where an online campaign highlighting ugliness and filth has piled pressure on mayor Anne Hidalgo.&nbsp;

Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said that several recent initiatives from the Socialist-Green alliance that runs the capital would be scrapped, including allowing Parisians to plant their own gardens on public space.

Under a 2015 scheme, locals were invited to apply for licences to plant flowers around the feet of trees in the street -- at the cost of the traditional cast-iron covers that are a much-loved part of the Parisian landscape.

Many amateur gardens have since turned into rubbish-strewn eyesores covered in dog faeces, with Gregoire conceding they were "not satisfactory from an aesthetic point of view" and posed "major upkeep problems."

A zero-tolerance approach to dumping rubbish in public will be taken, Gregoire promised, while efforts to combat tagging and illegal posters will also be stepped up.

Unsightly temporary yellow road markings for new cycling lanes will also be removed, in line with a previous pledge, while recent concrete barriers will be replaced with "more discreet" versions.&nbsp;

The #saccageparis social media hashtag (meaning "trashed Paris") went viral in the first half of 2021, with residents posting photos of piled up rubbish, rotting benches, abandoned scooters, or badly maintained planted areas in the street.

Much of the anger was directed at city hall for replacing or neglecting Paris's unique architectural heritage, including its street furniture bequeathed from the middle of the 19th century under Napoleon III.

Though the mayor's office initially denounced the hashtag as a "smear campaign", city authorities have been spurred into action.

Gregoire already laid out eight measures aimed at improving the city's looks in July last year.

He conceded Tuesday that the campaign "had also been useful in the way that it forced us to question ourselves and react", although he said sometimes the same photos were reproduced, exaggerating the extent of the problems.

Hidalgo is running for president as the candidate for the Socialist party but is struggling to make an impact on voters.

She is currently polling around three per cent.&nbsp;The presidential election will be held in April.

&nbsp;

Paris city authorities unveiled a "manifesto for beauty" on Tuesday containing plans to spruce up the City of Lights where an online campaign highlighting ugliness and filth has piled pressure on mayor Anne Hidalgo.

Paris city authorities unveiled a "manifesto for beauty" on Tuesday containing plans to spruce up the City of Lights where an online campaign highlighting ugliness and filth has piled pressure on mayor Anne Hidalgo. Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said that several recent initiatives from the Socialist-Green alliance that runs the capital would be scrapped, including allowing Parisians to plant their own gardens on public space. Under a 2015 scheme, locals were invited to apply for licences to plant flowers around the feet of trees in the street -- at the cost of the traditional cast-iron covers that are a much-loved part of the Parisian landscape. Many amateur gardens have since turned into rubbish-strewn eyesores covered in dog faeces, with Gregoire conceding they were "not satisfactory from an aesthetic point of view" and posed "major upkeep problems." A zero-tolerance approach to dumping rubbish in public will be taken, Gregoire promised, while efforts to combat tagging and illegal posters will also be stepped up. Unsightly temporary yellow road markings for new cycling lanes will also be removed, in line with a previous pledge, while recent concrete barriers will be replaced with "more discreet" versions. The #saccageparis social media hashtag (meaning "trashed Paris") went viral in the first half of 2021, with residents posting photos of piled up rubbish, rotting benches, abandoned scooters, or badly maintained planted areas in the street. Much of the anger was directed at city hall for replacing or neglecting Paris's unique architectural heritage, including its street furniture bequeathed from the middle of the 19th century under Napoleon III. Though the mayor's office initially denounced the hashtag as a "smear campaign", city authorities have been spurred into action. Gregoire already laid out eight measures aimed at improving the city's looks in July last year. He conceded Tuesday that the campaign "had also been useful in the way that it forced us to question ourselves and react", although he said sometimes the same photos were reproduced, exaggerating the extent of the problems. Hidalgo is running for president as the candidate for the Socialist party but is struggling to make an impact on voters. She is currently polling around three per cent. The presidential election will be held in April.

Paris unveils 'manifesto for beauty' to spruce up City of Lights

Paris has now decided to strike down its outdoor mask rule after French court ruling. Now people will no longer have to wear masks outdoors, which was earlier made mandatory by the city's police.

French court suspends Paris outdoor mask rule despite a spike of COVID-19 cases in the country

Paris' landmarks were lit up in blue and adorned with EU flags on Saturday in celebration for the start of France's six-month presidency of the European Union.

Paris lights up in blue to mark start of France's six-month EU presidency

A Bar in Paris is celebrating the 100 years of the iconic alcoholic drink Bloody Mary. Harry's bar claims to be where the iconic drink was invented.

A Bar in Paris is celebrating 100 years of the iconic Bloody Mary drink

Harry’s Bar in Paris is celebrating the 100th birthday of the Bloody Mary, the vodka-tomato juice cocktail believed to have been invented in the iconic watering hole in 1921. The first Bloody Mary is believed to have been 'invented' at this very bar.

Bar in Paris celebrates 100 years of the iconic drink Bloody Mary

Thousands of Olympic athletes on boats cruising along the River Seine toward the sun setting like a giant gold medal behind the Eiffel Tower.

The 2024 Paris Games opening ceremony vision was unveiled on Monday as an event organizers hope will be unique in Olympic history and free for hundreds of thousands to watch on the riverside.

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26-07-2024 
 
Paris, la Seine, ses monuments, ses quais...pour un spectacle unique. 
 
Célébrons le sport dans la ville ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paris2024</a> vous invite à la première cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques au cœur de la ville ! <a href="https://t.co/6drQJijubO">pic.twitter.com/6drQJijubO</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-go-to-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-but-no-protest-says-austrian-leader-436875">Won't go to Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, but no protest, says Austrian leader</a>

Rethinking the ceremony that announces an Olympics to the world by taking it outside the traditional stadium setting was long hinted at by Paris officials.

Details revealed for the July 26th 2024 show help explain a promise to use the City of Light, its culture and people as essential actors in the Olympics.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-olympics-china-warns-australia-uk-us-for-diplomatic-boycott-says-will-pay-price-for-wrong-acts-435445">Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts'</a>

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Opening Ceremony - COMING SOON <a href="https://t.co/CAdHyiUUNu">pic.twitter.com/CAdHyiUUNu</a>
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For starters, the water-borne opening ceremony will innovate by having the parade of athletes from more than 200 teams begin the evening instead of end it.

It will also be free to view for most of the expected 600,000 spectators lining the six-kilometer (four-mile) route.&nbsp;

Thousands of Olympic athletes on boats cruising along the River Seine toward the sun setting like a giant gold medal behind the Eiffel Tower. The 2024 Paris Games opening ceremony vision was unveiled on Monday as an event organizers hope will be unique in Olympic history and free for hundreds of thousands to watch on the riverside.

Thousands of Olympic athletes on boats cruising along the River Seine toward the sun setting like a giant gold medal behind the Eiffel Tower. The 2024 Paris Games opening ceremony vision was unveiled on Monday as an event organizers hope will be unique in Olympic history and free for hundreds of thousands to watch on the riverside. 26-07-2024 Paris, la Seine, ses monuments, ses quais...pour un spectacle unique. Célébrons le sport dans la ville ! #Paris2024 vous invite à la première cérémonie d'ouverture des Jeux Olympiques au cœur de la ville ! pic.twitter.com/6drQJijubO — Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) December 14, 2021 × ALSO READ: Won't go to Beijing Winter Olympics 2022, but no protest, says Austrian leader Rethinking the ceremony that announces an Olympics to the world by taking it outside the traditional stadium setting was long hinted at by Paris officials. Details revealed for the July 26th 2024 show help explain a promise to use the City of Light, its culture and people as essential actors in the Olympics. ALSO READ: Winter Olympics: China warns Australia, UK, US for diplomatic boycott, says 'will pay price for wrong acts' 26/07/2024 - #Paris2024 Opening Ceremony - COMING SOON pic.twitter.com/CAdHyiUUNu — Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) December 13, 2021 × 26/07/2024 - #Paris2024 Opening Ceremony - COMING SOON pic.twitter.com/A4O9rTJfZb — Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) December 13, 2021 × For starters, the water-borne opening ceremony will innovate by having the parade of athletes from more than 200 teams begin the evening instead of end it. It will also be free to view for most of the expected 600,000 spectators lining the six-kilometer (four-mile) route.

Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony to be held on the River Seine - WATCH

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