PM Modi and French <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-french-president-macron-delegation-level-talks-to-begin-soon-244889">President Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;issued a&nbsp;joint statement after their&nbsp;delegation-level talks on Thursday evening.

"I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side.

"We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important."

"Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister.

The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month.

During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena.

"We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters.

PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision.&nbsp;

Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge".

PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser.&nbsp;

"I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen."

"We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said.

PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris.

PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue.

"France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said.

"Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy.

PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror.&nbsp;

"We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said.

Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.

On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side. "We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important." "Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister. The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month. During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena. "We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters. PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision. Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge". PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser. "I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen." "We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said. PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris. PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue. "France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said. "Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy. PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror. "We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said. Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France. On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

India, Pak should resolve J&K issue bilaterally: Macron during meeting with PM Modi

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;one&nbsp;person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and eight injured&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;fire&nbsp;broke&nbsp;out&nbsp;overnight in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-killed-as-militants-attack-pakistan-police-housing-complex-230633">hospital&nbsp;complex</a> on the&nbsp;outskirts of&nbsp;Paris, authorities said on Thursday.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;at the Henri Mondor&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;in Creteil broke&nbsp;out&nbsp;late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The cause of the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;has not yet been determined.

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in the residential block within the Henri Mondor&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;complex has now been brought under control thanks to the intervention of&nbsp;firefighters,"&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;public&nbsp;hospitals chief Martin Hirsch said on twitter.

"We regret to say that there has been&nbsp;one&nbsp;death," he said.

At least one person was killed and eight injured after a fire broke out overnight in a hospital complex on the outskirts of Paris, authorities said on Thursday. The fire at the Henri Mondor hospital in Creteil broke out late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning.

At least one person was killed and eight injured after a fire broke out overnight in a hospital complex on the outskirts of Paris, authorities said on Thursday. The fire at the Henri Mondor hospital in Creteil broke out late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. "The fire in the residential block within the Henri Mondor hospital complex has now been brought under control thanks to the intervention of firefighters," Paris public hospitals chief Martin Hirsch said on twitter. "We regret to say that there has been one death," he said.

At least one killed after fire breaks out in hospital near Paris

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is still at risk of collapse after being<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-cathedral-was-probably-caused-by-accident-say-french-prosecutors-210901"> gutted by a fire in April</a>, with more stonework falling during the recent heatwave in the French capital, the government said on Wednesday.

France's culture ministry insisted that the urgent need to make the cathedral safe had dictated the pace of the works, following criticism that it had ignored the risks of lead poisoning.

Work to secure the cathedral was suspended on July 25 to allow for decontamination of the lead that had spread during the fire. The work should resume next week.

The culture ministry said that in the aftermath of the fire all work on the cathedral had been aimed at avoiding its collapse, and had not yet involved any kind of restoration.

"There were recently new falls of stones from the nave vaults due to the heatwave," it said.

"It is only the urgency linked to the persistent risk of a collapse that justifies the rhythm of work undertaken" since the fire.

French investigative news site Mediapart published a report this week accusing the ministry of repeatedly ignoring warnings by labour inspectors about the dangers posed by the lead until the works were finally suspended on July 25.

But the ministry rejected Mediapart's allegations that it had failed to pay attention to the risks encountered by workers on the site.

"All the state services involved at the site have made the health of the workers the absolute priority, above all other consideration," it said.

President Emmanuel Macron has set an ambitious target of five years for the restoration to be finished. But the ministry said restoration work would not even begin until next year.

"The first restoration works will not take place -- at the very earliest -- before the first half of 2020," it said.

Hundreds of tonnes of lead in the roof and steeple melted during the April 15 blaze that nearly destroyed the gothic masterpiece, with winds spreading the particles well beyond the church's grounds.

Paris prosecutors said in June that a poorly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the fire and opened an investigation into criminal negligence, without targeting any individual.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is still at risk of collapse after being gutted by a fire in April, with more stonework falling during the recent heatwave in the French capital, the government said on Wednesday.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is still at risk of collapse after being gutted by a fire in April, with more stonework falling during the recent heatwave in the French capital, the government said on Wednesday. France's culture ministry insisted that the urgent need to make the cathedral safe had dictated the pace of the works, following criticism that it had ignored the risks of lead poisoning. Work to secure the cathedral was suspended on July 25 to allow for decontamination of the lead that had spread during the fire. The work should resume next week. The culture ministry said that in the aftermath of the fire all work on the cathedral had been aimed at avoiding its collapse, and had not yet involved any kind of restoration. "There were recently new falls of stones from the nave vaults due to the heatwave," it said. "It is only the urgency linked to the persistent risk of a collapse that justifies the rhythm of work undertaken" since the fire. French investigative news site Mediapart published a report this week accusing the ministry of repeatedly ignoring warnings by labour inspectors about the dangers posed by the lead until the works were finally suspended on July 25. But the ministry rejected Mediapart's allegations that it had failed to pay attention to the risks encountered by workers on the site. "All the state services involved at the site have made the health of the workers the absolute priority, above all other consideration," it said. President Emmanuel Macron has set an ambitious target of five years for the restoration to be finished. But the ministry said restoration work would not even begin until next year. "The first restoration works will not take place -- at the very earliest -- before the first half of 2020," it said. Hundreds of tonnes of lead in the roof and steeple melted during the April 15 blaze that nearly destroyed the gothic masterpiece, with winds spreading the particles well beyond the church's grounds. Paris prosecutors said in June that a poorly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the fire and opened an investigation into criminal negligence, without targeting any individual.

Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris 'still at risk of collapse' after fire

'SOS Women Alternative' is a women's refuge and safe haven for victims of domestic abuse who have nowhere else to turn. Set up 33 years ago, it welcomes around 100 women each year, offering psychological and moral support to them and their children for up to 10 days before they are able to find a more stable arrangement. But the refuge, based at a secret location on the outskirts of Paris, regularly has to refuse many more victims due to the lack of space.

Nearby Paris, a shelter for female victims of domestic abuse

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday.

The three-day peak saw Temperature records tumble in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain while the city of Paris experienced its hottest day ever with the mercury topping out at 42.6C (108.7 Fahrenheit) on July 25.

The ferocious heat came off the back of similar soaring temperatures in June, helping that month to be the hottest June since records began.&nbsp;

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team combined climate modelling with historical heatwave trends and compared it with monitoring data across the continent.&nbsp;

They concluded that the temperatures produced by the climate models were as much as 3C (5.5 degrees Farenheit) lower than those actually observed during the heatwave in Europe.

"In all locations, an event like the observed would have been 1.5 to 3C cooler in an unchanged climate," the WWA said, adding that the difference was "consistent with increased instances of morbidity and mortality."

Global warming also made the July heatwave in some countries between 10-100 times more likely to occur, compared with computer simulations.

Such temperature extremes in northern Europe, without the additional 1C centigrade humans, have added to the atmosphere since the industrial era, would be expected on average once every 1,000 years.

Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, said the analysis had "found the fingerprints of climate change all over (last month's) extreme temperatures."

"We know without a doubt that climate change will bring increasingly severe heatwaves, but also heavier downpours and more flooding," added Byrne, who was not involved in the research.

The July heatwave caused widespread disruption, prompting train cancellations and emergency measures in many cities. Several heat-related deaths were reported, although a precise toll is likely to take weeks to materialise.

The June heatwave itself was likely made at least five times more likely by climate change and was around 4C hotter than an equivalent heatwave a century ago.

 
&nbsp;'Not science fiction'&nbsp;

Europe has experienced exceptionally intense heatwaves in 2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018 and two this year, peaks consistent with the general warming trend: the four hottest years on record globally were the last four years.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday said that preliminary data showed July may have been the hottest month ever recorded.

Temperature readings and data provided by the European Union's Copernicus monitoring service showed that the first 29 days of July 2019 were equal to or possibly warmer than the hottest month ever, currently July 2016.

While the data needs confirming, the WMO said the figures were "particularly significant" as July 2016 occurred during a strong El Nino warming event, absent in 2019.

"July has re-written climate history, with dozens of new temperature records at local, national and global level," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.&nbsp;

July also saw unprecedented melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with 12 billion tonnes of ice flowing into the sea, and wildfires in the Artic spewing out thousands of tonnes of planet-warming CO2.

"This is not science fiction. It is the reality of climate change. It is happening now and it will worsen in the future without urgent climate action," said Taalas.

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday.

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday. The three-day peak saw Temperature records tumble in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain while the city of Paris experienced its hottest day ever with the mercury topping out at 42.6C (108.7 Fahrenheit) on July 25. The ferocious heat came off the back of similar soaring temperatures in June, helping that month to be the hottest June since records began. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team combined climate modelling with historical heatwave trends and compared it with monitoring data across the continent. They concluded that the temperatures produced by the climate models were as much as 3C (5.5 degrees Farenheit) lower than those actually observed during the heatwave in Europe. "In all locations, an event like the observed would have been 1.5 to 3C cooler in an unchanged climate," the WWA said, adding that the difference was "consistent with increased instances of morbidity and mortality." Global warming also made the July heatwave in some countries between 10-100 times more likely to occur, compared with computer simulations. Such temperature extremes in northern Europe, without the additional 1C centigrade humans, have added to the atmosphere since the industrial era, would be expected on average once every 1,000 years. Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, said the analysis had "found the fingerprints of climate change all over (last month's) extreme temperatures." "We know without a doubt that climate change will bring increasingly severe heatwaves, but also heavier downpours and more flooding," added Byrne, who was not involved in the research. The July heatwave caused widespread disruption, prompting train cancellations and emergency measures in many cities. Several heat-related deaths were reported, although a precise toll is likely to take weeks to materialise. The June heatwave itself was likely made at least five times more likely by climate change and was around 4C hotter than an equivalent heatwave a century ago. 'Not science fiction' Europe has experienced exceptionally intense heatwaves in 2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018 and two this year, peaks consistent with the general warming trend: the four hottest years on record globally were the last four years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday said that preliminary data showed July may have been the hottest month ever recorded. Temperature readings and data provided by the European Union's Copernicus monitoring service showed that the first 29 days of July 2019 were equal to or possibly warmer than the hottest month ever, currently July 2016. While the data needs confirming, the WMO said the figures were "particularly significant" as July 2016 occurred during a strong El Nino warming event, absent in 2019. "July has re-written climate history, with dozens of new temperature records at local, national and global level," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. July also saw unprecedented melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with 12 billion tonnes of ice flowing into the sea, and wildfires in the Artic spewing out thousands of tonnes of planet-warming CO2. "This is not science fiction. It is the reality of climate change. It is happening now and it will worsen in the future without urgent climate action," said Taalas.

July heatwave up to 3C hotter due to climate change

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 26)the United States would hit France shortly with a "substantial reciprocal action" - and warned a new American tax on French wine was possible - after Paris announced a tax aimed at U.S. technology companies. Trump told reporters the tax decision was wrong and he threatened the key French export. The United States is by far the largest single export market for French wine and spirits, which is France's second-biggest export after aerospace. The United States in 2018 accounted for nearly a quarter of all French wine exports or 3.2 billion euros' ($3.6 billion) worth. Trump also offered a pessimistic view on reaching a trade deal with China, saying Beijing may not sign one before the November 2020 election in hopes a Democrat who will be easier to deal with, will win.

Trump says U.S. to hit France with 'substantial' action for digital tax

Paris has got some relief from heat today. There was almost 10 degree Celsius drop in France capital today. Watch this video to know more.

Rain brings relief to Paris residents, 10 degree Celsius drop in temperature

A sweltering heatwave is still raging in France, with the highest temperature soaring to 42.6 degrees Celsius in Paris on Thursday, the highest since records began in 1873. This is the second heatwave in France since the beginning of the summer. Since Tuesday afternoon, the French national weather service has issued orange alerts for high temperatures in 80 provinces across the country. By Wednesday afternoon, red alerts had been issued in 20 provinces in northern France, including all of the provinces in the Isle of France, where Paris is located. The record high temperatures forced people to stay away from scenic spots including the Seine River. Instead, people gathered around cooling sprays and street water tap facilities to keep hydrated. Despite the baking weather, some sports enthusiasts continued to play beach volleyball in Paris City Hall's Square.

Paris records all-time highest temperature as France continues to roast in heat wave

A dangerously intense heatwave across much of Europe is to spike even higher Thursday after already breaking records in several countries, impacting rail traffic and sending people in search of shade and water.

Paris was expected to see the mercury soar to as much as 41 or 42 degrees Celsius, breaking a 70-year-plus record of 40.4C (104.7 Fahrenheit) and turning the UNESCO-listed capital into a baking urban bowl.

Britain's Met Office predicted a chance that the UK record of 38.5C, which was recorded in Faversham, Kent, on August 2004, would also be exceeded on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands all recorded their all-time highest temperatures.

Thursday was forecast to be the peak of Europe's latest heatwave -- the second in less than a month and impetus for a new focus to be given to climate change. Cooler weather with rain was expected to provide relief from Friday.

The body-sapping, leaden, shrivelling heat was posing difficulties for humans, animals and crops across the continent.

The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force.

Cyclists in the Tour de France in southern France had to puff their way over the course in well over 30C.

In the Netherlands, farmers have been leaving their cows outside to sleep, rather than bringing them in at night, while Dutch media said hundreds of pigs died when a ventilator failed at Middelharnis.

On Wednesday, the southern Dutch town of Gilze-Rijen experienced 38.8C heat, surpassing a record dating back 75 years.

Belgium registered an all-time high of 39.9C at the Kleine-Brogel military base, beating a record that dated back to June 1947.

And Germany's western town of Geilenkirche sweltered through 40.5C.

Rail woes&nbsp;

Trains in Britain and France were slowed in response to the extreme weather.&nbsp;

French rail operator SNCF advised travellers in the worst affected areas to delay journeys planned at the peak of the heatwave Thursday.

Thalys and Eurostar train services between Brussels, Paris and London were on Wednesday disrupted by a failure on an overhead power line, although it was not immediately clear if this was due to the heatwave.

A Eurostar train bound for London tore down part of the cable support just outside Brussels. The 600 passengers were eventually taken back to Brussels, the Belga news agency said.

Across the area affected by the unusually high heat, people tried to cool off in lakes and rivers.

In London, police were searching for three people who went missing in the River Thames after going swimming while three people have drowned in Germany since Tuesday.

'Take care of others'&nbsp;

France's weather office said the scorching conditions "require particular care, notably for vulnerable or exposed people" with almost the entire country under an orange-level weather alert, the second-highest level.

Paris, in particular, remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough.

"We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heat stroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen the ground and river water levels fall dramatically.

Climate change&nbsp;

This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate.

The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. &nbsp;

One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, week-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change.

A dangerously intense heatwave across much of Europe is to spike even higher Thursday after already breaking records in several countries, impacting rail traffic and sending people in search of shade and water.

A dangerously intense heatwave across much of Europe is to spike even higher Thursday after already breaking records in several countries, impacting rail traffic and sending people in search of shade and water. Paris was expected to see the mercury soar to as much as 41 or 42 degrees Celsius, breaking a 70-year-plus record of 40.4C (104.7 Fahrenheit) and turning the UNESCO-listed capital into a baking urban bowl. Britain's Met Office predicted a chance that the UK record of 38.5C, which was recorded in Faversham, Kent, on August 2004, would also be exceeded on Thursday. On Wednesday, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands all recorded their all-time highest temperatures. Thursday was forecast to be the peak of Europe's latest heatwave -- the second in less than a month and impetus for a new focus to be given to climate change. Cooler weather with rain was expected to provide relief from Friday. The body-sapping, leaden, shrivelling heat was posing difficulties for humans, animals and crops across the continent. The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force. Cyclists in the Tour de France in southern France had to puff their way over the course in well over 30C. In the Netherlands, farmers have been leaving their cows outside to sleep, rather than bringing them in at night, while Dutch media said hundreds of pigs died when a ventilator failed at Middelharnis. On Wednesday, the southern Dutch town of Gilze-Rijen experienced 38.8C heat, surpassing a record dating back 75 years. Belgium registered an all-time high of 39.9C at the Kleine-Brogel military base, beating a record that dated back to June 1947. And Germany's western town of Geilenkirche sweltered through 40.5C. Rail woes Trains in Britain and France were slowed in response to the extreme weather. French rail operator SNCF advised travellers in the worst affected areas to delay journeys planned at the peak of the heatwave Thursday. Thalys and Eurostar train services between Brussels, Paris and London were on Wednesday disrupted by a failure on an overhead power line, although it was not immediately clear if this was due to the heatwave. A Eurostar train bound for London tore down part of the cable support just outside Brussels. The 600 passengers were eventually taken back to Brussels, the Belga news agency said. Across the area affected by the unusually high heat, people tried to cool off in lakes and rivers. In London, police were searching for three people who went missing in the River Thames after going swimming while three people have drowned in Germany since Tuesday. 'Take care of others' France's weather office said the scorching conditions "require particular care, notably for vulnerable or exposed people" with almost the entire country under an orange-level weather alert, the second-highest level. Paris, in particular, remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough. "We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heat stroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen the ground and river water levels fall dramatically. Climate change This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate. The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, week-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change.

Europe's record-setting heatwave to spike even higher

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-record-setting-heatwave-to-spike-even-higher-238310">across northern Europe</a>, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947.

Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe.&nbsp;Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m.

That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947.

Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday.

In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-heatwave-20-administrative-areas-in-france-put-on-red-alert-238329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings.

The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport.&nbsp;

"It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher.

The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change.

In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C.

Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather.&nbsp;

"It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England.

The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south.

On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany.

Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium.

Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said.

Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris.

Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier.

"I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices.

The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force.

In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said.

France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough.

"We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically.

This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate.

The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. &nbsp;

One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers.

Paris on Thursday baked in an all-time high temperature over 42 degrees Celsius as a ferocious heatwave smashed records across northern Europe, sparking concerns about public health and new misery for rail travellers. Records also tumbled in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany while Paris saw its highest ever temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius (108.7 Fahrenheit), beating the previous top of 40.4C (104.7F) set in July 1947. Paris recorded its hottest temperature since records began, Meteo France said, as a heatwave spread across Europe. Meteo France said a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) had been recorded in the capital at around 1:40 p.m. That beat the previous record, which was the 40.4 degrees Celsius recorded in July 1947. Trains have been slowed in several European countries to avoid damage to the railway networks and French national operator SNCF urged travellers to delay journeys planned for Thursday. In the sweltering French capital, tourists and locals alike made a beeline for fountains and even pools laid on by the authorities next to the Ourcq canal in the north of the city. Watch Video: Authorities have warned people to keep an eye on those living alone and also to beware of taking the plunge to cool down after a spike in drownings. The scorching weather spelled misery for millions of commuters on public transport. "It's so hot in the metro, it's unbearable. There are so many people, no air conditioning and everyone is on top of each other," said Paris commuter Petra Ulm, 34, a clinical researcher. The heatwave, which was expected to ease up on Friday as rain and thunderstorms move in, had again focused public attention on the problems caused by climate change. In Britain, temperatures reached 36.9C (98.4F) at Heathrow, a record for July but still below the UK's all time high of 38.5C. Those lucky enough to be by the sea could still enjoy the weather. "It's obviously not so good for some people, but if you've got the day off and young kids then it's great for a day on the beach," said Graham Clarke, 50, an insurance agent, enjoying the sands of Broadstairs in southeast England. The Netherlands, which broke a record dating back to 1944 on Wednesday, hit a new high Thursday of 40.4C in the south. On Thursday, Germany again hit a national record of 41.5 C (106.7F) in Lingen, western Germany. Belgium on Thursday also reached a new record high of 40.6 degrees Celsius (105F), on the Kleine-Brogel military base, in northeastern Belgium. Two suspected drug smugglers had to call police in the Belgian port city of Antwerp after becoming trapped in a shipping container filled with cocaine, prosecutors said. Hundreds of travellers were stuck on trains in sweltering conditions outside Paris for several hours late Wednesday after an electrical fire halted traffic in and out of the Gare de l'Est station in Paris. Eurostar and Thalys services from Brussels to London and Paris also experienced major delays and cancellations after cable failure the day earlier. "I ask everyone who can avoid or delay their journeys to do so," said French Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne, advising workers who could do their jobs at home not go to their offices. The northern third of France, including Paris, was under a red alert while the rest of the country had a yellow warning and water-use restrictions were in force. In Austria, a three-year-old child died of dehydration after going to sleep in a car parked in full sunshine at the family farm, local authorities said. France remains haunted by the early summer of 2003 when 15,000 deaths were blamed on the heat and the authorities were bitterly criticised for not mobilising fast enough. "We need to take care of ourselves but above all others especially those who are alone, and be able to detect the first symptoms of heatstroke," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Local authorities have placed restrictions on water usage in many areas due to drought-like conditions that have seen ground and river water levels fall dramatically. This summer's second heatwave has amplified concerns in Europe that human activity is heating the planet at a dangerous rate. The June 26-28 blast of heat in France was four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than an equally rare June heatwave would have been in 1900, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team said this month. One study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said the deadly, weeks-long heatwave across northern Europe in 2018 would have been statistically impossible without climate change. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

Paris records hottest temperature since records began

Paris joined the growing list of all-time high temperatures being broken as the second blistering heat wave of the summer gripped a wide swath of Europe.

Paris breaks all-time high temperature

As Paris sweltered through a heatwave which could bring record-breaking temperatures this week, tourists took to the fountains in front of the Eiffel Tower to cool off on Tuesday (July 23).

A swim with a view: tourists escape heat in Eiffel Tower fountains

Performers on horseback roamed around a Paris train station on Sunday (July 21), passing through a waiting bar and performing stunts to the delight of hundreds of passengers.

Performers on horseback surprise passengers at Paris train station

France celebrated the Bastille day in a grand fashion with hi-tech innovations. It even demonstrated its military prowess. But it is a soldier who has stolen the show. A French soldier flew over the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris and has shared the exclusive GoPro footage of his feat too. Take a look.

Gravitas: A Bird's Eye View Of The Bastille Day Celebrations

Hundreds of undocumented migrants surged into the Pantheon in central Paris on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

Paris: 700 undocumented migrants surged into the Pantheon

France to unveil nuclear-powered 'Barracuda' class submarine

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP.&nbsp;

"Vincent died at 8:24 am (0624 GMT) this morning," his nephew Francois Lambert told AFP.&nbsp;

Lambert, 42, was involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2008 that left him a quadriplegic with severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-six-year-battle-over-a-mans-life-support-220150">brain damage which doctors had long said was irreversible</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Left in a vegetative state, the question of whether to continue keeping him alive artificially divided his family and the nation.

Doctors at a hospital in the northern city of Reims began removing the tubes on July 2 while keeping him heavily sedated following a years-long legal battle that has raged in the highest courts in France and Europe.

The case rekindled a charged debate over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parents-appeal-to-french-president-in-right-to-die-case-219660">France's right-to-die laws</a>, which allow so-called "passive" euthanasia for severely ill or injured patients who are being kept alive artificially with no chance of recovery.&nbsp;

In May, even Pope Francis got involved, tweeting that it was necessary to "always safeguard life, God's gift, from its beginning until its natural end".

Lambert's wife Rachel, who is his legal guardian under French law, had said her husband made clear even before his accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially, though this was never put in writing.

Multiple medical assessments ordered by the courts over the years found that the former psychiatric nurse, who was poised to become a father shortly before his accident, had no chance of recovering.

'Not a vegetable'&nbsp;

But his parents, devout Catholics who between them have nine children, had over the years successfully challenged five different attempts by doctors to halt his life-support.

The last time they tried to do so was in May, but it was quickly overturned by a Paris appeals court.

That ruling was then taken to France's top appeals court, the Cour de Cassation, which on June 28 said doctors could legally end his life support in what was hailed as a definitive final judgment by lawyers for his wife.&nbsp;

With their efforts spurned by the highest courts in France as well as by the European Court of Human Rights, Lambert's parents have threatened to file charges of "murder" when their son dies.&nbsp;

On July 1, his mother Viviane turned to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in a last-ditch plea for help.&nbsp;

"Without your intervention, my son, Vincent Lambert, will be euthanised because of his mental handicap," she said.&nbsp;

"He is in a state of minimal consciousness but he is not a vegetable."

But by Monday, the couple had accepted that the death of their son was now "unavoidable".

"We have nowhere else to turn and now it's too late. Vincent is dying," they said in a statement through their lawyers sent to AFP, saying that his condition was now "medically irreversible".&nbsp;

In early May, the UN committee on disabled rights also asked France to keep Lambert alive while it conducted its investigation into his fate, but the government said it was not legally bound to abide by its request.&nbsp;

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP.

A French man at the centre of a bitter row over right-to-die legislation passed away in hospital on Thursday more than a week after doctors removed his hydration and nutrition tubes, his family told AFP. "Vincent died at 8:24 am (0624 GMT) this morning," his nephew Francois Lambert told AFP. Lambert, 42, was involved in a near-fatal car crash in 2008 that left him a quadriplegic with severe brain damage which doctors had long said was irreversible. Left in a vegetative state, the question of whether to continue keeping him alive artificially divided his family and the nation. Doctors at a hospital in the northern city of Reims began removing the tubes on July 2 while keeping him heavily sedated following a years-long legal battle that has raged in the highest courts in France and Europe. The case rekindled a charged debate over France's right-to-die laws, which allow so-called "passive" euthanasia for severely ill or injured patients who are being kept alive artificially with no chance of recovery. In May, even Pope Francis got involved, tweeting that it was necessary to "always safeguard life, God's gift, from its beginning until its natural end". Lambert's wife Rachel, who is his legal guardian under French law, had said her husband made clear even before his accident that he would not want to be kept alive artificially, though this was never put in writing. Multiple medical assessments ordered by the courts over the years found that the former psychiatric nurse, who was poised to become a father shortly before his accident, had no chance of recovering. 'Not a vegetable' But his parents, devout Catholics who between them have nine children, had over the years successfully challenged five different attempts by doctors to halt his life-support. The last time they tried to do so was in May, but it was quickly overturned by a Paris appeals court. That ruling was then taken to France's top appeals court, the Cour de Cassation, which on June 28 said doctors could legally end his life support in what was hailed as a definitive final judgment by lawyers for his wife. With their efforts spurned by the highest courts in France as well as by the European Court of Human Rights, Lambert's parents have threatened to file charges of "murder" when their son dies. On July 1, his mother Viviane turned to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in a last-ditch plea for help. "Without your intervention, my son, Vincent Lambert, will be euthanised because of his mental handicap," she said. "He is in a state of minimal consciousness but he is not a vegetable." But by Monday, the couple had accepted that the death of their son was now "unavoidable". "We have nowhere else to turn and now it's too late. Vincent is dying," they said in a statement through their lawyers sent to AFP, saying that his condition was now "medically irreversible". In early May, the UN committee on disabled rights also asked France to keep Lambert alive while it conducted its investigation into his fate, but the government said it was not legally bound to abide by its request.

Brain-damaged French patient dies after doctors remove life support: Family

Paris has declared a climate emergency. Paris’ deputy mayor in charge of the environment announced the decision and stressed on the need to adhere to objectives of 2015 Paris Agreement. Watch this video to know more on the story.

Paris declares climate emergency

Teenage sensation <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-simona-halep-ends-cori-gauffs-fairytale-run-234093">Coco Gauff</a> says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up".

The 15-year-old's hopes of moving into the quarter-finals were hindered by a stomach complaint in her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Simona Halep in the last 16.

She leaves, though, having turned herself into a media darling, signficantly improved her ranking from 313 and left her mark as a potential Grand Slam winner of the future. &nbsp;

However, even though Gauff, the youngest ever qualifier in the women's singles, who had then dispensed with three opponents including five-time champion Venus Williams, was more subdued following her defeat she still had a spark. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I hope they (the crowd and her opponents) learned about me that I'm a fighter," she said.

"I'll never give up."

Gauff, who endearingly described herself on Friday as both "goofy and weird", said she hoped she had served as an example to many who were dreaming of making it in tennis.

"I hope they learned from me that, I mean, anything is possible if you work hard, just continue to dream big," she said.

"I mean, like I said, if somebody told me this maybe three weeks ago, I probably wouldn't believe it.

"But I think just putting in the work definitely raised my confidence because I knew how hard I worked and I knew what shots I could make and what was possible."

Gauff, who refused to blame playing seven matches in the past fortnight for her loss, said overall it had been an extraordinary ride.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The No.1 Court crowd rises to acknowledge all the excitement <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> has given us 🤗 
 
And remember - this is just the beginning... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/UBiOYSxPeU">pic.twitter.com/UBiOYSxPeU</a>
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon/status/1148244437757321216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'd be like, that's crazy," she said.

"I mean, I lost second round of qualifying in Paris.

"Now I made it to the second week. I'm super proud of myself.

"I'm excited to see what I'll do at US Open and the next couple tournaments coming up."

Gauff, whose parents father Corey, who first coached her, and mother Candi looked on concerned for her when she had the trainer and the doctor on in the second set, had said last year she would go to college although she hinted the attraction of the professional tennis career also appealed.

This may become something of a debate within the Gauff household.

"Well, I'm going to do it online," she said.

"I still want to go to college. Kind of like a requirement, I guess, from my parents.

"Obviously I'm still going to be playing professional.

"I'm definitely going to take some online courses.

"I'm still fairly new to high school, so I haven't figured all that out yet."&nbsp;

- 'Shape my personality' - 
Gauff attracted attention from the unlikeliest sources during her run -- Beyonce's mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles, posted on Instagram and former US First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted about her -- and she said her role models on and off court were all women.

"Beyonce, Rihanna, Michelle Obama," she said.

"It's many people.

"The list goes on. I mostly look up to the females because, you know... I have a lot of on-court and off-court role models.

"I would say the off-court role models shape my personality a lot, then the on-court role models kind of shape my game."

Gauff, whose one bone of contention with her parents was they went off to a Beyonce concert in Miami leaving her to babysit earlier this year, said she had been taken aback by some of the people who had posted about her.

"She's (Michelle Obama) such a role model," she said.

"I mean, I was really shocked. I wasn't expecting that.

"That was probably one of the least expected.

"Some of the celebrities that tweeted me I didn't even know followed tennis.

"They probably don't follow tennis, but it's crazy how big this has gotten."

Gauff, who is going to take time off the constant attention by going on a mini-break with her family, said the support she had received from the crowd had been astonishing.&nbsp;

"I really did feel like I was probably playing in New York somewhere," she said.

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up".

Teenage sensation Coco Gauff says she hopes that one thing her adoring fans at Wimbledon have learned about her in the past week is she is a "fighter" and "never gives up". The 15-year-old's hopes of moving into the quarter-finals were hindered by a stomach complaint in her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Simona Halep in the last 16. She leaves, though, having turned herself into a media darling, signficantly improved her ranking from 313 and left her mark as a potential Grand Slam winner of the future. However, even though Gauff, the youngest ever qualifier in the women's singles, who had then dispensed with three opponents including five-time champion Venus Williams, was more subdued following her defeat she still had a spark. "I hope they (the crowd and her opponents) learned about me that I'm a fighter," she said. "I'll never give up." Gauff, who endearingly described herself on Friday as both "goofy and weird", said she hoped she had served as an example to many who were dreaming of making it in tennis. "I hope they learned from me that, I mean, anything is possible if you work hard, just continue to dream big," she said. "I mean, like I said, if somebody told me this maybe three weeks ago, I probably wouldn't believe it. "But I think just putting in the work definitely raised my confidence because I knew how hard I worked and I knew what shots I could make and what was possible." Gauff, who refused to blame playing seven matches in the past fortnight for her loss, said overall it had been an extraordinary ride. The No.1 Court crowd rises to acknowledge all the excitement @CocoGauff has given us 🤗 And remember - this is just the beginning... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UBiOYSxPeU — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2019 × "I'd be like, that's crazy," she said. "I mean, I lost second round of qualifying in Paris. "Now I made it to the second week. I'm super proud of myself. "I'm excited to see what I'll do at US Open and the next couple tournaments coming up." Gauff, whose parents father Corey, who first coached her, and mother Candi looked on concerned for her when she had the trainer and the doctor on in the second set, had said last year she would go to college although she hinted the attraction of the professional tennis career also appealed. This may become something of a debate within the Gauff household. "Well, I'm going to do it online," she said. "I still want to go to college. Kind of like a requirement, I guess, from my parents. "Obviously I'm still going to be playing professional. "I'm definitely going to take some online courses. "I'm still fairly new to high school, so I haven't figured all that out yet." - 'Shape my personality' - Gauff attracted attention from the unlikeliest sources during her run -- Beyonce's mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles, posted on Instagram and former US First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted about her -- and she said her role models on and off court were all women. "Beyonce, Rihanna, Michelle Obama," she said. "It's many people. "The list goes on. I mostly look up to the females because, you know... I have a lot of on-court and off-court role models. "I would say the off-court role models shape my personality a lot, then the on-court role models kind of shape my game." Gauff, whose one bone of contention with her parents was they went off to a Beyonce concert in Miami leaving her to babysit earlier this year, said she had been taken aback by some of the people who had posted about her. "She's (Michelle Obama) such a role model," she said. "I mean, I was really shocked. I wasn't expecting that. "That was probably one of the least expected. "Some of the celebrities that tweeted me I didn't even know followed tennis. "They probably don't follow tennis, but it's crazy how big this has gotten." Gauff, who is going to take time off the constant attention by going on a mini-break with her family, said the support she had received from the crowd had been astonishing. "I really did feel like I was probably playing in New York somewhere," she said.

I never give up, says Coco Gauff as she bows out of Wimbledon

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in <a href="http://wionews.com/world/france-president-emmanuel-macrons-advisor-heads-to-iran-to-calm-nuclear-tensions-234122">France</a> to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.

The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within <a href="http://wionews.com/world/europe-needs-to-find-candidate-to-head-imf-france-233585">Europe</a>, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said.

The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said.&nbsp;

It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added.&nbsp;

A similar tax was introduced in <a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-aap-rockys-europe-tour-in-jeopardy-after-sweden-arrest-233121">Sweden</a> in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday.

The French government is to impose a tax of up to 18 euros ($20) on plane tickets for all flights from airports in France to fund less-polluting transportation projects, a minister said Tuesday. The move, which will take effect from 2020, will see a tax of 1.5 euros imposed on economy-class tickets on internal flights and those within Europe, with the highest tariff applied to business-class travellers flying outside the bloc, Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne said. The new measure is expected to bring in some 182 million euros a year which will be invested in greener transport infrastructures, notably rail, she said. It will only be applied on outgoing flights and not those flying into the country, Borne added. A similar tax was introduced in Sweden in April 2018, which imposed an added charge of up to 40 euros on every ticket in a bid to lessen the impact of air travel on the climate.

France to impose green tax on plane tickets

Hundreds in Paris take to streets in protest against domestic violence

Climate Change Is For Real & The Impact Is Huge. But Who Is Accountable For This? ExtinctionRebellion just highlighted that the world is facing a climate emergency. Now study shows that people around the world are holding governments and corporations accountable. In fact governments and corporations across 28 countries are facing climate class action lawsuits. Here's a report

Gravitas: Climate justice: Citizens hold government accountable

A four-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">heatwave across western Europe</a> that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control.

Most of the fires that had broken out Spain in recent days were stabilised, but firefighters were struggling to control a blaze in the central provinces of Toledo and Madrid that had burned more than 20 square&nbsp;kilometres since Friday.

In the northeastern town of La Almunia de Dona Godina, the temperature hit a scorching 42.4 Celsius. But five of Spain's 50 provinces were downgraded from "extreme" weather risk, leaving just two at the highest level, with 31 on weather alert.

In France, which experienced a national record of 45.9 Celsius in the south on Friday, temperatures were set to fall gradually.

In Paris, a ban imposed on older cars to counter heat-related pollution was likely to be lifted on Monday, authorities said.

Nevertheless, some 25 out of around 90 French administrative departments have restricted water use, not least for farmers.

Jerome Despey, a wine producer in France's southwestern Herault region, tweeted photos of shrivelled grapes, and complained of "widespread damage".

Meteorologists say a weakening of the high-level jet stream is increasingly causing weather systems to stall and leading summer temperatures to soar. Five of Europe's hottest summers in the last 500 years have happened in this century.

"A race against global warming"

The World Meteorological Organization said this week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

In Frankfurt, 3,000 athletes took part in an Iron Man endurance race despite the heat.

"It felt like a race against global warming - you could have fried an egg on my head," said Sebastian Kienle, who finished second in the men's race.

In the women's event, race leader Sarah True of the United States collapsed within a kilometre of the finish line of the closing marathon stage.

True, who had already completed a 3.8 kilometres swim and 185 kilometres bike ride, was carried off the course and had to be restrained by first-aid workers concerned for her wellbeing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-massive-heatwave-hits-europe-231329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a post-race news conference, she said she was feeling better, but did not remember the final kilometres of the race.

Addressing thousands of people in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis said he was praying for those suffering most from the heat wave - the sick, the old, construction workers and those who had to labour outdoors.

"May no-one be abandoned or exploited," he said.

On Saturday, one 53-year-old crashed after feeling unwell while competing in a cycling race in France's Ariege region, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and died, local public prosecutor Laurent Dumaine said on Sunday.

The race was called off after several participants were taken sick due to the heat, organisers said.

Another cyclist died on Saturday from the effects of heat in the southern region of Vaucluse, authorities said, and at least three people died the same day in central and northern Italy.

Spain had two heat-related deaths on Thursday and Friday.

A four-day heatwave across western Europe that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control.

A four-day heatwave across western Europe that killed seven people began to ease slightly on Sunday, as temperature alerts were cut back and wildfires slowly brought under control. Most of the fires that had broken out Spain in recent days were stabilised, but firefighters were struggling to control a blaze in the central provinces of Toledo and Madrid that had burned more than 20 square kilometres since Friday. In the northeastern town of La Almunia de Dona Godina, the temperature hit a scorching 42.4 Celsius. But five of Spain's 50 provinces were downgraded from "extreme" weather risk, leaving just two at the highest level, with 31 on weather alert. In France, which experienced a national record of 45.9 Celsius in the south on Friday, temperatures were set to fall gradually. In Paris, a ban imposed on older cars to counter heat-related pollution was likely to be lifted on Monday, authorities said. Nevertheless, some 25 out of around 90 French administrative departments have restricted water use, not least for farmers. Jerome Despey, a wine producer in France's southwestern Herault region, tweeted photos of shrivelled grapes, and complained of "widespread damage". Meteorologists say a weakening of the high-level jet stream is increasingly causing weather systems to stall and leading summer temperatures to soar. Five of Europe's hottest summers in the last 500 years have happened in this century. "A race against global warming" The World Meteorological Organization said this week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. In Frankfurt, 3,000 athletes took part in an Iron Man endurance race despite the heat. "It felt like a race against global warming - you could have fried an egg on my head," said Sebastian Kienle, who finished second in the men's race. In the women's event, race leader Sarah True of the United States collapsed within a kilometre of the finish line of the closing marathon stage. True, who had already completed a 3.8 kilometres swim and 185 kilometres bike ride, was carried off the course and had to be restrained by first-aid workers concerned for her wellbeing. At a post-race news conference, she said she was feeling better, but did not remember the final kilometres of the race. Addressing thousands of people in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis said he was praying for those suffering most from the heat wave - the sick, the old, construction workers and those who had to labour outdoors. "May no-one be abandoned or exploited," he said. On Saturday, one 53-year-old crashed after feeling unwell while competing in a cycling race in France's Ariege region, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and died, local public prosecutor Laurent Dumaine said on Sunday. The race was called off after several participants were taken sick due to the heat, organisers said. Another cyclist died on Saturday from the effects of heat in the southern region of Vaucluse, authorities said, and at least three people died the same day in central and northern Italy. Spain had two heat-related deaths on Thursday and Friday.

Europe's heatwave burns on, but eases from record highs

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-burns-on-but-eases-from-record-highs-231887">heatwave alert across the city</a> as the temperature began to ease slightly.

The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23.

The World Meteorological Organisation said last&nbsp;week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record,&nbsp;World Meteorological Organisation further added.

It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

Around seven people have died across Europe due to hot temperature.

Although temperatures have eased mostly in the north of the country, Meteo France says average temperatures remain high in the south, with several administrative regions still on the 'level three amber' heatwave alert.

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the heatwave alert across the city as the temperature began to ease slightly. The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23.

Paris authorities on Sunday announced that they have removed the heatwave alert across the city as the temperature began to ease slightly. The French capital was under heatwave alert since June 23. The World Meteorological Organisation said last week that the European heatwave was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, World Meteorological Organisation further added. It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said. Around seven people have died across Europe due to hot temperature. Although temperatures have eased mostly in the north of the country, Meteo France says average temperatures remain high in the south, with several administrative regions still on the 'level three amber' heatwave alert.

Paris no more under heatwave alert: French authorities

Paris authorities banished the most polluting cars from the city's streets on Wednesday (June 26) as an unprecedented heatwave boosted levels of the harmful ozone gas, according to scientific observers.

Paris bans dirtiest cars from roads as heatwave causes pollution spike

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-team-to-visit-france-to-probe-possible-data-theft-during-rafale-office-break-in-221810">IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris</a> where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

"The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here.

The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said.

The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe. "The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here. The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said. The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

No data stolen from IAF's Rafale team office in Paris: Cyber forensic team

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested last week, prosecutors said, after an investigation into three Bosnians suspected of breaching Germany`s War Weapons Control Act, which regulates the manufacturing, sale, and transport of arms used in conflicts.

Belgium had issued a European arrest warrant for the arrested man on suspicion of supporting the militants who carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Belgium a year later.

The man is in custody prior to extradition, prosecutors said. They gave no details about when he would be extradited. Special police units found no weapons in his possession when he was arrested, the prosecutors said, German investigators were still looking into the activities of the two other Bosnian nationals with links to the arrested suspect.

The prime surviving suspect in the 2015 Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year in Belgium over a shootout with police in Brussels.&nbsp;

Abdeslam is in a French prison awaiting trial for his role in the attacks in Paris in November 2015. His trial may not start until late 2020.&nbsp;

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday.

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested last week, prosecutors said, after an investigation into three Bosnians suspected of breaching Germany`s War Weapons Control Act, which regulates the manufacturing, sale, and transport of arms used in conflicts. Belgium had issued a European arrest warrant for the arrested man on suspicion of supporting the militants who carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Belgium a year later. The man is in custody prior to extradition, prosecutors said. They gave no details about when he would be extradited. Special police units found no weapons in his possession when he was arrested, the prosecutors said, German investigators were still looking into the activities of the two other Bosnian nationals with links to the arrested suspect. The prime surviving suspect in the 2015 Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year in Belgium over a shootout with police in Brussels. Abdeslam is in a French prison awaiting trial for his role in the attacks in Paris in November 2015. His trial may not start until late 2020.

Germany arrests suspect linked to 2015 Paris attacks

Residents and tourists alike cooled off in fountains, rivers and lakes from Paris to Munich as the mercury remained stubbornly in the upper 30s degrees Celsius.

New June temperature records: Europe swelters in heatwave

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-210725">Notre-Dame cathedral </a>in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent.

French investigators were examining many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-cathedral-was-probably-caused-by-accident-say-french-prosecutors-210901">hypotheses</a> "including a malfunctioning of the electrical system or a fire which started with a badly stubbed-out cigarette", said a statement, indicating there was no evidence to back up any theory of "a criminal origin" to the fire.&nbsp;

The statement, signed by chief Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz, said the preliminary conclusions had been based on interviews with some 100 witnesses.

But it emphasised that the investigation had still not clarified the actual cause of the fire.&nbsp;

It was not yet possible to conclude if either an electrical fault or stubbed-out cigarette was the most likely theory, it added.

"Deeper investigations, using significant expertise, will now be undertaken," it said.

The statement said a preliminary investigation had now been opened, without targeting any single individual, over involuntary damage caused by negligence.&nbsp;

In April, a spokesman for scaffolding company Le Bras Freres which had been involved in restoration work admitted that workers had smoked on the site from time to time.

"We regret it," the spokesman said at the time, adding: "In no way could a cigarette butt be the cause of the fire at Notre-Dame."

Notre-Dame was gutted by a fire on April 15 that felled its steeple and consumed the lattice of beams supporting the roof.

The damage to the world heritage landmark shocked the world, with President Emmanuel Macron setting an ambitious target of five years to restore the edifice.

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through Notre-Dame cathedral in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent.

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through Notre-Dame cathedral in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent. French investigators were examining many hypotheses "including a malfunctioning of the electrical system or a fire which started with a badly stubbed-out cigarette", said a statement, indicating there was no evidence to back up any theory of "a criminal origin" to the fire. The statement, signed by chief Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz, said the preliminary conclusions had been based on interviews with some 100 witnesses. But it emphasised that the investigation had still not clarified the actual cause of the fire. It was not yet possible to conclude if either an electrical fault or stubbed-out cigarette was the most likely theory, it added. "Deeper investigations, using significant expertise, will now be undertaken," it said. The statement said a preliminary investigation had now been opened, without targeting any single individual, over involuntary damage caused by negligence. In April, a spokesman for scaffolding company Le Bras Freres which had been involved in restoration work admitted that workers had smoked on the site from time to time. "We regret it," the spokesman said at the time, adding: "In no way could a cigarette butt be the cause of the fire at Notre-Dame." Notre-Dame was gutted by a fire on April 15 that felled its steeple and consumed the lattice of beams supporting the roof. The damage to the world heritage landmark shocked the world, with President Emmanuel Macron setting an ambitious target of five years to restore the edifice.

Cigarette, electric fault among possible causes of Notre-Dame fire: Prosecutors

'Climate apartheid' between rich and poor looms, United Nation expert warns

At 3:50 pm on June 28, 1919 crowds erupted in joy and salvos of celebratory gunfire rang ou, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-world-war-i-shaped-the-20th-century-and-beyond-176601">Treaty of Versailles</a> had just been signed. World War I was finally over.

Signed at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris, the text set out 440 punishing articles that crippled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/yazidis-sue-germany-for-failing-to-repatriate-islamic-state-fighters-for-trial-222540">Germany</a> economically and morally.

Although the treaty was intended to leave the war's aggressor too weak to pose a new threat, its harsh terms eventually led the world into another global conflict just 20 years later.

Victors cheered&nbsp;

The fountains at France's former royal residence were in operation for the signing ceremony for the first time since war broke out in 1914.

The crowd of soldiers and civilians gathered outside the vast palace cheered the leaders of the victor nations as they arrived, France's Georges Clemenceau, Britain's David Lloyd George and America's Thomas Woodrow Wilson.

The Big Three had dominated the peace talks that opened in Paris in January, two months after Germany capitulated and signed an armistice in November 1918.&nbsp;

The negotiations had been difficult, with Clemenceau less open than his US and British allies to compromise and insisting, "Germany will pay."

Berlin was not invited, informed only in May of the harsh terms of a settlement that blamed Germany for a conflict that had bled Europe dry.

On June 17 the Allies gave Germany five days to agree or face renewed fighting. Chancellor Philipp Scheidemann resigned in protest but the new government had to accept.

Business-like

The signing ceremony was in the palace's Hall of Mirrors, where the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871, on the defeat of France.

It was programmed for the exact same day five years previously that Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated -- the event that sparked World War I.

On entering the crowded room, Clemenceau went up to a group of French soldiers whose faces had been badly mutilated in the conflict.

"You have suffered a lot, but here is your reward," he reportedly said, gesturing towards the table in the centre of the room where the documents were waiting to be signed.

The event was "business-like" and over in 37 minutes, The New York Times reported.

After being opened, "there was merely a succession of delegates advancing to the table on which the conventions had been laid and signing their names."&nbsp;

There were 27 delegations representing 32 powers.&nbsp;

First to step forward to sign were the two German representatives, led by Foreign Minister Hermann Mueller.

"Mueller's face and neck were flushed crimson, and it was evident that both Germans felt keenly the position in which they were placed," the New York Times said.&nbsp;

The Allies followed, starting with Wilson.&nbsp;

"Hardly was the ink on the final signature dry when the old palace of Versailles ... shook from the concussion of the guns in the park outside that announced in salvos that the Germans had capitulated," the newspaper said.

Punishing terms&nbsp;

The terms were crippling for Germany, which had to accept a "war guilt" clause that made it responsible for paying out war damages.

The treaty redrew the map of Europe, Germany losing around 15 per cent of its territory and 10 per cent of its population along with all its colonies.

The country was split by the Danzig corridor, which fell under Polish rule, and the regions of Alsace and Lorraine were returned to France.

Its coal-rich Saarland, bordering France, was placed under an international mandate for 15 years. The adjoining Rhineland was demilitarised.

Military service was abolished and German ground troops were limited to 100,000 men, its navy also restricted and an air force forbidden.&nbsp;

The treaty also created the League of Nations -- the precursor to the United Nations -- although Germany was initially excluded.

Humiliation, anger&nbsp;

Germany was humiliated, the harshness of the treaty causing shock and anger among its people.

The reparations demanded by the Allies set in 1921, were around 132 billion German gold marks (more than $30 billion at the time), although this was later reduced.

But Germany struggled to pay and descended into economic chaos and hyperinflation.

The resentment fuelled nationalism and provided a breeding ground for the rising Nazis, whose leader Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 refusing to continue paying the reparations.

Europe would soon be at war again.

At 3:50 pm on June 28, 1919 crowds erupted in joy and salvos of celebratory gunfire rang ou, the Treaty of Versailles had just been signed. World War I was finally over.

At 3:50 pm on June 28, 1919 crowds erupted in joy and salvos of celebratory gunfire rang ou, the Treaty of Versailles had just been signed. World War I was finally over. Signed at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris, the text set out 440 punishing articles that crippled Germany economically and morally. Although the treaty was intended to leave the war's aggressor too weak to pose a new threat, its harsh terms eventually led the world into another global conflict just 20 years later. Victors cheered The fountains at France's former royal residence were in operation for the signing ceremony for the first time since war broke out in 1914. The crowd of soldiers and civilians gathered outside the vast palace cheered the leaders of the victor nations as they arrived, France's Georges Clemenceau, Britain's David Lloyd George and America's Thomas Woodrow Wilson. The Big Three had dominated the peace talks that opened in Paris in January, two months after Germany capitulated and signed an armistice in November 1918. The negotiations had been difficult, with Clemenceau less open than his US and British allies to compromise and insisting, "Germany will pay." Berlin was not invited, informed only in May of the harsh terms of a settlement that blamed Germany for a conflict that had bled Europe dry. On June 17 the Allies gave Germany five days to agree or face renewed fighting. Chancellor Philipp Scheidemann resigned in protest but the new government had to accept. Business-like The signing ceremony was in the palace's Hall of Mirrors, where the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871, on the defeat of France. It was programmed for the exact same day five years previously that Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated -- the event that sparked World War I. On entering the crowded room, Clemenceau went up to a group of French soldiers whose faces had been badly mutilated in the conflict. "You have suffered a lot, but here is your reward," he reportedly said, gesturing towards the table in the centre of the room where the documents were waiting to be signed. The event was "business-like" and over in 37 minutes, The New York Times reported. After being opened, "there was merely a succession of delegates advancing to the table on which the conventions had been laid and signing their names." There were 27 delegations representing 32 powers. First to step forward to sign were the two German representatives, led by Foreign Minister Hermann Mueller. "Mueller's face and neck were flushed crimson, and it was evident that both Germans felt keenly the position in which they were placed," the New York Times said. The Allies followed, starting with Wilson. "Hardly was the ink on the final signature dry when the old palace of Versailles ... shook from the concussion of the guns in the park outside that announced in salvos that the Germans had capitulated," the newspaper said. Punishing terms The terms were crippling for Germany, which had to accept a "war guilt" clause that made it responsible for paying out war damages. The treaty redrew the map of Europe, Germany losing around 15 per cent of its territory and 10 per cent of its population along with all its colonies. The country was split by the Danzig corridor, which fell under Polish rule, and the regions of Alsace and Lorraine were returned to France. Its coal-rich Saarland, bordering France, was placed under an international mandate for 15 years. The adjoining Rhineland was demilitarised. Military service was abolished and German ground troops were limited to 100,000 men, its navy also restricted and an air force forbidden. The treaty also created the League of Nations -- the precursor to the United Nations -- although Germany was initially excluded. Humiliation, anger Germany was humiliated, the harshness of the treaty causing shock and anger among its people. The reparations demanded by the Allies set in 1921, were around 132 billion German gold marks (more than $30 billion at the time), although this was later reduced. But Germany struggled to pay and descended into economic chaos and hyperinflation. The resentment fuelled nationalism and provided a breeding ground for the rising Nazis, whose leader Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933 refusing to continue paying the reparations. Europe would soon be at war again.

100 years since the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I

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