Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 15:45:50 GMT
French teachers strike over handling of Covid pandemic
PARIS, France: French teachers have begun a nationwide strike organized by teachers unions to protest against class disruptions caused by surging COVID-19 cases and constantly changing isolation rules. They are also calling for clarifications on Covid rules and seek more support, such as supplies of face masks and increased testing. With new daily COVID-19 infections recently numbering some 360,000 driven...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:59:48 GMT
Half of Europe to be infected with Omicron, warns WHO
BRUSSELS, Belgium: Based on the 7 million new cases reported across Europe in the first week of 2022, the World Health Organization has warned that half of Europe will contract the Omicron Covid variant in the next six to eight weeks."Today, the Omicron variant represents a new west-to-east tidal wave, sweeping across the region on top of the Delta surge that all countries were managing until late 2021," the EU...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 22:02:03 GMT
U.S. rules gruyere cheese does not have to come from Gruyere region
RICHMOND, Virginia: A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Gruyere cheese does not have to come from the Gruyere region of Europe to be sold under the name "Gruyere."After the federal Trademark Trials and Appeals Board denied an application for trademark protection, a consortium of Swiss and French cheesemakers from the region around the town of Gruyeres, Switzerland, sued at U.S. District Court in Virginia....[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:26:50 GMT
Airbus beats Boeing by delivering over 600 aircraft in 2021
PARIS, France: Airbus delivered over 600 aircraft to customers in 2021, according to industry sources.Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Airbus exceeded its full-year target of 600 deliveries, leading U.S. rival Boeing.With Airbus sure of surpassing its 2021 target by some 11 new aircraft, it is now focusing on narrow-body production and deliveries in 2022, as the aviation industry works to repair...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:22:31 GMT
Spanish police break up helicopter-borne drug smuggling ring
MADRID, Spain: Spanish police have announced that they have arrested smugglers who transported drugs from Morocco to Spain using three private helicopters.Police said they confiscated 2.65-tons of hashish and 112-kg of marijuana during the arrest. Also, munitions, three helicopters and guns were taken from the smugglers.Eleven suspects were arrested, while 9 others are believed hiding in France....[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 16:05:40 GMT
AIIB to stay open while following high standards, says president
© Provided by Xinhua As a banker promoting infrastructure development, Jin said he welcomes any other initiative from whichever government or country, but "what is important is that we need to work together for better cooperation."AIIB has tried its v...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:14:32 GMT
Djokovic takes flight as leaders & players attack political agenda
The thwarted tennis superstar has won support and been pictured heading through a Melbourne airportNovak Djokovic has left Australia after having his visa canceled over his Covid vaccination status ? and tennis leaders and some of his fellow stars have given their reaction to the Australian Open champion's ordeal.Hours after a court upheld the decision by Minister for Immigration Alex Haw...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:27:18 GMT
Duo of Satwik, Chirag win finals of India Open 2022
New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the victory in the men's doubles finals of the ongoing Indian Open 2022, which is part of the BWF World Tour tournament series, at the KD Jadhav Stadium here on Sunday.
The Indian pair defeated the Indonesian duo of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan in straight sets of 21-16, 26-24 in a match that lasted for 43 minutes.
...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:12:56 GMT
Djokovic's father makes deadly comparison after visa ruling
Srdjan Djokovic has told fans when they can next expect to see his superstar sonNovak Djokovic's father, Srdjan, has reacted in characteristically forthright fashion after the Australian Open champion was barred from defending his title in a deportation ruling over his Covid vaccination status.Tennis icon Djokovic's devoted dad has been one of his most passionate supporters during the sag...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 11:13:44 GMT
What is Macron's real goal in Africa
France seems intent on using its Council of the European Union presidency to tighten its slipping grip on Africa and to catalyze increased European integration.As the world's bread basket, Africa has long fed the coffers of French industry, from defense to natural resources. Paris has traditionally considered itself to be a privileged partner of the continent, and particularly of its former colo...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:18:19 GMT
Booster dose neutralizes COVID-19 Omicron variant: Study
Washington [US], January 16 (ANI): An international team of researchers recently studied the sensitivity of Omicron to antibodies compared with the currently dominant Delta variant.
The study about this variant has been published in the 'Nature Journal'.
The new COVID-19 Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant. However, its biological characteristics are still relatively unknown.
In South Africa, the ...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:07:26 GMT
COVAX Delivers Billionth Vaccine
The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center said early Sunday 326.2 million people around the world have been infected with the coronavirus, while 5.5 million deaths have been recorded. More than 9 billion vaccines have been administered, the center reported.UNICEF'S executive director said Saturday's shipment of 1.1 million COVID vaccines to Rwanda "included the billionth dose supplied to COVAX." Henrietta Fo...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 08:12:09 GMT
Thousands protest against tougher Covid rules in France
Protesters marched against the vaccine pass and tighter Covid restrictions in ParisMore than 50,000 people protested against stricter Covid-19 measures in France on Saturday, as the upper house of parliament approved a bill introducing a vaccine pass.Around 54,000 people protested across the country, including 7,000 who marched in the capital, according to the Interior Ministry.Som...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 05:27:20 GMT
Ligue 1: Mbappe helps PSG to strengthened their grip on top, Lens snatch late win against Saint-Etienne
Paris [France], January 16 (ANI): Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain strengthened their grip on first place in Ligue 1 with a 2-0 win over Stade Brestois 29 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday.
PSG welcomed Brest to the Parc des Princes as overwhelming favourites, but it was the Bretons who started the brighter of the two sides with Irvin Cardona drawing a pair of brilliant reflex saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma inside...[read more]
Published: Sun, 16 Jan 2022 03:55:16 GMT
Thousands protest against COVID-19 vaccine passes across France: Reports
Paris [France] January 16 (ANI/ Sputnik): About 54,000 people participated in demonstrations against COVID-19 vaccine passes held across France on Saturday, radio France Bleu reports.
During the demonstrations, police detained at least ten people, four of whom rallied in Paris, where a total of 7,000 protesters gathered on Saturday, France Bleu said citing Interior Ministry data.
Last weekend, about 105,000 people took pa...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 18:05:40 GMT
Mali Gives Airlines 72 Hours to Confirm Service
BAMAKO, MALI - After several airlines discontinued service to Mali due to new regional sanctions, the country's government has responded with its own economic threat.Mali's military government Friday gave airlines 72 hours, starting Jan. 15, to confirm their service to Mali with the country's National Civil Aviation Agency or lose their time slots.In a statement, Transport Minister Madina Sissoko, said th...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:37:03 GMT
Lower House of French parliament approves bill to enact stricter vaccine pass measures
Paris [France] January 15 (ANI/ Sputnik) : France's National Assembly has adopted on second reading a bill to toughen vaccine passes across the country amid the ongoing increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
"Strengthening the means of combating the sanitary crisis and changing the public health code. The National Assembly adopted the bill on a new reading," the lower house wrote on Twitter.
According to the bill, a va...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:18:24 GMT
Iran nuclear talks progressing amid "better atmosphere"
© Provided by Xinhua by Xinhua writer Gao WenchengTEHRAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chief negotiators of Iran and three European countries on Friday temporarily returned to their capitals for consultations as expert talks continue, providing the latest evid...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:07:07 GMT
China, Iran Begin Implementation of Sweeping Strategic Agreement
BEIJING - China said Saturday it would begin implementing a strategic agreement with Iran, strengthening economic and political cooperation between the two countries as Beijing blasted Washington's sanctions on Tehran.China and Iran signed the agreement last year after years of talks, with the wide-ranging partnership set to span areas including energy, security, infrastructure and communications.Chinese ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 14:03:35 GMT
India Open 2022: Duo of Chirag, Satwik storm into finals
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stormed into the finals of the ongoing Indian Open 2022, which is part of the BWF World Tour tournament series, at the KD Jadhav Stadium here on Saturday.
The Indian pair defeated French duo of Fabien Delrue and William Villeger in the straight sets of 21-10, 21-18 in a match that lasted for 37 minutes.
Earlier in the day, shuttle...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:27:30 GMT
India Open 2022: Aakarshi Kashyap bows out after losing in semi-final against Ongbamrungphan
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): Indian shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap bowed out from the ongoing India Open 2022, which is part of the BWF World Tour tournament series, at the KD Jadhav Stadium here on Saturday, after losing in the semi-finals.
Kashyap lost against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the straight sets of 24-26, 9-21 in a match that lasted for 52 minutes.
Earlier, shuttler Lakshya Sen stormed into the fin...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 13:03:23 GMT
India Open: Looking forward to summit clash with Loh Kean Yew, says Lakshya Sen
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): After progressing to the final of the men's singles event of the ongoing India Open 2022, shuttler Lakshya Sen on Saturday said that he is looking forward to the summit clash against world champion Loh Kean Yew.
"I think the first game was pretty close, I committed some errors and that's what cost me the first game. But I kept my calm in the second and third game, and in the end, I man...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 12:03:22 GMT
Lakshya Sen wins 3-game thriller, advances to final of India Open 2022
New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen stormed into the men's singles final of the ongoing India Open 2022, which is part of the BWF World Tour tournament series, at the KD Jadhav Stadium here on Saturday.
Sen comes back from a game down in the semi-final against Malaysia's NG Tze Yong to win 19-21, 21-16, 21-12 and reach the first Super 500 final of his career.
The Indian shuttler will now face ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:55:46 GMT
Youngsters who self-identify as multilingual, perform better at school: Study
London [UK], January 15 (ANI): Recent research has discovered that young adults who consider themselves multilingual tend to perform better across a wide range of subjects at school, regardless of whether they are actually fluent in another language.
The study has been published in the 'Journal of Language, IdentityEducation'.
The study, of more than 800 pupils in England, found a positive relationship between GCSE scores...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 10:36:02 GMT
China Tries to Contain Omicron Outbreak Ahead of Winter Olympics
Ahead of the February opening of the Winter Olympics in China, authorities are attempting to contain an outbreak of the omicron coronavirus variant in a southern city.Officials in Zhuhai suspended the city's bus service after uncovering seven cases of the highly contagious variant and advised residents to stay home.In the next week or two, Americans will begin receiving free rapid home coronavirus tests f...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:37:05 GMT
Study finds copper-based chemicals might be leading to ozone layer depletion
California [US], January 15 (ANI): A new study has found that copper released into the environment from brake pads, antifouling paints, and other sources may be contributing significantly to stratospheric ozone depletion.
The research has been published in the 'Nature Communications Journal'.
UC Berkeley geochemists showed that copper in soil and seawater acts as a catalyst to turn organic matter into both methyl bromide ...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 09:37:05 GMT
Ashes, 5th Test: Cummins, Starc and Boland strike to leave England in spot of bother (Tea, Day 2)
Hobart [Australia], January 15 (ANI): Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland got among the wickets as Australia created relentless pressure on England in the second session on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth Ashes Test here at the Blundstone Arena, Hobart on Saturday.
At the tea break, England's score read 124/6 -- with the visitors trailing by 179 runs. Sam Billings (19) and Chris Woakes (5) are currently unbeaten at t...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 08:27:23 GMT
Japan, France to hold security talks in mid-January: Reports
Beijing [China], January 15 (ANI): Japan and France intend to hold virtual two-plus-two security talks in mid-January to discuss China's assertive territorial claims in the East and South China seas and North Korea's nuclear and missile development, reported Kyodo News Agency quoting Japanese government sources on Friday.
This comes at a time of China's rising maritime assertiveness and North Korea on Friday carried out w...[read more]
Published: Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:12:12 GMT
US government clears way for spy gear sale to France
The multi-million dollar deal still must be approved by US lawmakersFrance is looking to purchase some $88 million in intelligence equipment from the United States, with the State Department authorizing the possible sale of eight high-tech drone surveillance systems."This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by helping t...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 20:40:13 GMT
Sporting KC acquires Belgian youth Logan Ndenbe
Sporting Kansas City bolstered its back line Friday, announcing the addition of Logan Ndenbe.
The 21-year-old Belgian youth international left back comes to Sporting KC via transfer from Guingamp, a club in France's second professional division.
Sporting KC has signed Ndenbe to a three-year contract with an option for 2025. He'll occupy one of the club's international roster spots.
Despite his youth, Ndenbe has been a ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:54:56 GMT
Top 5 must-see movies by Timur Bekmambetov
Timur Bekmambetov has long cemented his status as a Hollywood director who knows the secrets of producing box office hits. The Russian-Kazakh filmmaker flips between action and drama, moving mountains on set and beyond.Bekmambetov became a household name in 2004 with his iconic vampire flick 'Night Watch' and the 2006 sequel 'Day Watch'....[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:23 GMT
Modi govt scraps missile, chopper tenders to push 'Make in India', more deals worth over Rs 50,000 crore under review
By Ajit K DubeyNew Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): In line with the Narendra Modi government's push for promoting 'Make in India', the Defence Ministry on Friday decided to withdraw tenders for deals related to buying short-range surface-to-air missiles and 14 helicopters.
The meeting, however, allowed the forces to go ahead with a deal to buy air-to-ground missiles from France and overhaul of Russian helicopters, govern...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:27:21 GMT
Modi govt scraps missile, chopper tenders to push 'Make in India', more deals worth over Rs 50,000 under review
By Ajit K DubeyNew Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): In line with the Narendra Modi government's push for promoting 'Make in India', the Defence Ministry on Friday decided to withdraw tenders for deals related to buying short-range surface-to-air missiles and 14 helicopters.
The meeting, however, allowed the forces to go ahead with a deal to buy air-to-ground missiles from France and overhaul of Russian helicopters, govern...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:15:16 GMT
U.S. Offers Support After Ukraine Hit By Massive Cyberattack
The United States has offered to provide Ukraine 'whatever help it needs to recover' from a massive cyberattack that Kyiv has said appears to have originated in Russia.The cyberattack, which targeted several Ukrainian government websites on January 14, came amid increased tensions between the West and Russia, which has massed troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine.The ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:18:24 GMT
Inspire Institute of Sport signs High Performance partnership with Wrestling Federation of India
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Friday announced the signing of an agreement that would see the institute become a High-Performance Partner to the WFI for an initial period of three years.
Under the terms of the agreement, IIS will work together with the national sports federation to provide scholarships to wrestlers acr...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:40:45 GMT
How Russian is Ukraine? (Clue: not as much as Vladimir Putin insists)
A political pamphlet published in 1762 described a conversation between "Great Russia" and "Little Russia". In the exchange, the latter refused to be simply reduced to part of Great Russia and put forward its own unique history and identity. At the time, the name "Ukraine" did not yet designate a state. But the noun ukraina - a word that meant "borderland" in seve...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:40:29 GMT
A Turkish harem on the Acropolis? It's most likely a Greek myth
The Acropolis of Athens counts among the world's greatest architectural and artistic monuments. Visitors come to admire the marble buildings that testify to the glory of Ancient Greece more than two millennia ago. Typically, only little attention is paid to the site's rich medieval and Ottoman history. But one of the few stories commonly told about this period concerns ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 13:03:20 GMT
Camille Cottin promoted to series regular on 'Killing Eve' season 4
Washington [US], January 14 (ANI): French actor and comedian Camille Cottin has been upped by BBC America to a series regular for Season 4 of 'Killing Eve'.
According to Variety, Anjana Vasan and Robert Gilbert have also been newly cast as series regulars, with Marie-Sophie Ferdane as a recurring guest star. 'Killing Eve's' fourth and final season will debut on February 27.
The series follows MI6 spy Eve Polastri (Sandra ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:45:16 GMT
Djokovic Battling In Legal Court To Stay In Australian Open
Australia has canceled the visa of unvaccinated world tennis No. 1 Novak Djokovic and a court has ordered him to report to an immigration detention hotel, leaving the Serbian tennis star's chances of defending his title at theGrand Slam tournament in Melbourne up in the air just days before play starts.A Federal Court judge said late on January 14 that the 34-year-old tennis star must report to the detent...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:13:02 GMT
Worst stock drop yet for Europe's electricity giant
The drop comes amid Paris? move to make Electricite de France sell more power at the lowest possible priceShares in Electricite de France (EDF) have fallen by as much as 25%, marking the worst drop on record after French authorities backed a plan to force the multinational to sell more power at extreme discounts to protect consumers.The drastic move, aimed at decreasing the costs for hous...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 11:45:21 GMT
Lavrov Calls For West To Respond Quickly To Kremlin Security Demands
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has 'run out of patience' with the West and expects a written response to its demands for security guarantees within a week after diplomatic talks with NATO and the United States failed to make headway on the issue amid a buildup of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine.Diplomats have offered a dire assessment of a week of high-level diplomacy that included bilatera...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:55:32 GMT
Exploring the mysterious interior of St. Basil's
Historian and architectural expert William Brumfield describes the background of Russia's most famous monument. ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 10:27:09 GMT
Entering UCL semis one of biggest achievements of RB Leipzig, says Yussuf Poulsen
New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen, who has been at the club since they were in the German third-tier, believes that one of the team's biggest achievements in recent years is entering into the semifinals of UEFA Champions League.
RB Leipzig became the first team from the area of former East Germany to qualify for a European tournament after they captured a place in the 2017/18 UEFA Cham...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:45:19 GMT
Ukraine Hit By Massive Cyberattack Targeting Ministry Websites
Several Ukrainian government websites have been targeted in a massive cyberattack amid heightened tensions between the West and Russia, which has massed troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine.The news was first reported early on January 14 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education on its Facebook page. Kyiv later said the cyberattack had not changed the content of any of the government websites ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:55:34 GMT
Hockey India announces core probable group for senior women's team
New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Hockey India on Friday announced the core probable group for the senior women's team that will play major international tournaments this year.
The core probable group was selected following selection trials held in SAI, Bengaluru for a group of 60 who were called-in on the basis of their performances in various national level events.
While the 18-member Indian Women's team will be trav...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:13:00 GMT
Why we shouldnt panic over the Covid Deltacron alert
An alleged hybrid mutation of the Delta and Omicron strains of the virus has raised a lot of questions about the future of the pandemic. But an increasing number of experts insist it is most probably a false alarm.Last week, a group of scientists from Cyprus claimed they had discovered a new Covid variant - a combination of the already recognized Delta and Omicron strains. They also gave it a si...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 07:45:20 GMT
Ukraine Hit By Massive Cyberattatck Targeting Ministry Websites
Ukrainian government websites have been targeted in a massive cyberattack amid heightened tensions between the West and Russia, which has massed troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine.The news was first reported early on January 14 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education on its Facebook page.'Due to the global attack on the night of Jan. 13-14, 2022, th...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 06:12:17 GMT
Court strikes down outdoor mask mandate
A French tribunal said a regional masking requirement infringes on personal freedomAn outdoor mask mandate in France's Paris region has been struck down by a judge, who called the rule a major violation of citizens? liberties just two weeks after it was reimposed.The Paris Administrative Tribunal ruled against the masking policy on Thursday, according to AFP, rejecting the mandate as "an ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 04:03:17 GMT
Novak Djokovic a great player but Australia entitled to throw him out, says Shane Warne
Melbourne [Australia], January 14 (ANI): Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne on Friday said that Novak Djokovic is entitled to not get a COVID jab but Australia is also allowed to deport the world number one men's singles tennis player from the country.
Djokovic on Wednesday admitted that he had conducted an in-person media interview and photoshoot in December despite knowing that he was COVID-19 positive.
Djokovic, w...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 02:03:13 GMT
Premier League: Anwar El Ghazi joins Everton on loan from Aston Villa
Liverpool [UK], January 14 (ANI): Anwar El Ghazi has completed his loan move to Everton from Aston Villa for the remainder of the 2021/22 season, the Merseyside club announced on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international winger becomes the Blues' third signing of the winter transfer window after the arrivals of Ukraine left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson.
Forward El Ghazi joined ...[read more]
Published: Fri, 14 Jan 2022 01:55:09 GMT
EU, NATO betting on de-escalation, dialogue in relations with Russia: Dutch Ministry
Paris [France], January 14 (ANI/Sputnik): The European Union and NATO are united on their position on Russia, betting on the de-escalation of tensions and dialogue, the Dutch Defense Ministry said.
"Together with colleagues from the European Union and NATO, we have discussed Ukraine and Russia. The EU and NATO have a common position on Russia: the bet on the de-escalation and dialogue," the Dutch Defense Ministry said, co...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 22:36:55 GMT
Western Diplomats Warn of Impending Disaster in Sahel
WASHINGTON - Western diplomats fear the spread of extremist groups and persistent economic and social problems in Western Africa and the Sahel are nearing a tipping point that could have disastrous consequences for the region and beyond.The officials from both Europe and the United States warned Thursday that international efforts have so far failed to counter factors that are driving young people to take up arm...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 22:05:49 GMT
Rights Group Calls for More Accountability Among Sahel Governments
OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO - Human Rights Watch has released its World Report for 2022, which gives a country-by-country review of human rights in more than 100 states over the last year.In the HRW report released Thursday, which cites reporting by VOA at times, the monitoring group criticizes governments in the western Sahel region and their international partners, including France, the EU and the U.S., for relu...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:12:25 GMT
Messi Covid recovery longer than expected as PSG star updates fans
Lionel Messi contracted coronavirus while back home in Argentina for the holidaysParis Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has admitted it took than hoped for him to recover from a Covid-19 infection but assured fans he is looking forward to returning to action.Messi tested positive for the virus while back in hometown Rosario during a break which included scenes of the seven-time Ballon d'Or...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:15:27 GMT
OSCE Meeting Ends, No Movement Made In Russia-Ukraine Crisis
A third round of talks in Europe in a week aimed at defusing tensions between Russia and the West appears to have ended in deadlock, with neither side budging on their core positions in tense diplomacy seeking to avoid a major security crisis.Diplomats offered a dire assessment of developments at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna on January 13, taking place aga...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:13:31 GMT
Rival Tsitsipas weighs in on daring Djokovic
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas gave his verdict on Novak Djokovic amid his Australian Open visa sagaTennis world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas has said Novak Djokovic is "playing by his own rules" by arriving in Melbourne unvaccinated ahead of the Australian Open.Djokovic arrived Down Under with a medical exemption which he thought was enough to allow him to defend his record ninth...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:13:13 GMT
Teachers strike over govt's impossible Covid strategy
Tens of thousands of staff in French schools launched nationwide protests against the government's Covid policyTeachers, administrators, and school employees in France refused to show up for work on Thursday, demanding the government review its Covid pandemic policy, which they claim is incoherent and fails to protect students and staff.The government has drawn anger from education profes...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:13:10 GMT
Havana Syndrome reported among US diplomats in Europe media
Diplomats stationed in Paris and Geneva have reportedly been afflicted by the mysterious illnessNumerous US diplomats serving in Paris and Geneva have experienced symptoms consistent with the mysterious ailment known as Havana Syndrome, according to media reports.Citing anonymous sources, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that American diplomats in the two cities have been stru...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:13:00 GMT
Can Russia do a deal with the West
Security talks saw the US and NATO make some important concessions, but not on core issuesA diplomatic marathon that saw Russia hold talks with the US and NATO on European security guarantees, this week, ended with the bloc offering to address a range of issues it had previously refused to even discuss with Moscow.The areas now apparently open for negotiation include reciprocal limitation...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 17:55:47 GMT
China adopts illegal approach in diplomatic row with Vilnius: Lithuanian Minister
Paris [France] January 13 (ANI): Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has accused China of using "coercive methods" to make Vilnius change its Taiwan policy, media reported on Thursday.
After Lithuania opened a representative office on the island last year, China downgraded diplomatic relations with the country to the level of charge d'affaires and removed it from its customs system.
"The situation where Eur...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:37:13 GMT
US officials in missions in Geneva, Paris affected by suspected Havana syndrome: Reports
Washington [US], January 13 (ANI/Sputnik): Diplomats working at the US diplomatic missions in Geneva and Paris may have been affected by so-called Hava Syndrome, and at least one was evacuated for treatment, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people in the know.
The incidents reportedly happened in summer of 2021. In Geneva, three American officials reported symptoms similar to Havana Syndrome. At least ...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:55:45 GMT
Rupert Friend joins Benedict Cumberbatch in Wes Anderson's upcoming film
Washington [US], January 13 (ANI): Actor Rupert Friend has joined the cast of ace filmmaker Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's short story collection 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More'.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Friend has joined previously announced cast members including Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley. The upcoming Netflix project will get underway this week in...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:36:33 GMT
EU Drug Regulator Warns Against Overuse of COVID Booster Shots
The European Union's drug regulator is warning that too many doses of COVID-19 vaccines could eventually weaken the body's immune system, rendering the extra shots ineffective.Marco Cavaleri, the head of vaccine strategy for the European Medicines Agency, said earlier this week that booster shots can be administered "once, or maybe twice, but it's not something that we think should be repeated constantly." Caval...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:41:42 GMT
Mesurer les travail des enfants: le cas des cacaoyères ivoiriennes
Les preuves du travail des enfants dans les exploitations cacaoyères d'Afrique de l'Ouest avaient ete rendues publiques à la fin des annees 1990, avec la parution d'articles de presse documentant l'existence d'activites dangereuses effectuees par des enfants dans les exploitations cacaoyères. Depuis lors pou...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:15:21 GMT
Spain denies Djokovic investigation reports
According to some reports the Serbian tennis world number one was being probed in Spain regarding his recent time in the countrySpain has reportedly denied it is investigating whether tennis ace Novak Djokovic entered its territory without special authorization, amid the Serb's ongoing visa issues in Australia.The 34-year-old is currently Down Under and attempting to defend his Australia ...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:55:39 GMT
India Open 2022: Bansod upsets Nehwal to reach quarters; Chaliha, Kashyap, Sindhu in Round of 8
New Delhi [India], January 13 (ANI): Malvika Bansod became only the second Indian to beat former World No. 1 Saina Nehwal since 2017 in any international tournament while Ashmita Chaliha continued her strong run by beating France's Yaelle Hoyaux to reach the quarter-finals of the India Open 2022, which is part of the BWF World Tour tournament series, at the KD Jadhav stadium on Thursday.
Bansod defeated Nehwal 21-17, 21-9...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:13:05 GMT
France changes Covid travel rules for British tourists
Vaccinated travelers from the UK will no longer have to prove their trip to France is essential or self-isolate on arrivalTourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has announced that France is lifting the Covid restrictions on arrivals from the UK that were imposed in December amid fears about the spread of the Omicron variant.Vaccinated individuals traveling from the UK to France will no lo...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:13:03 GMT
Electric cars drive nickel prices to ten-year high
Price increase comes as other commodities also rally, notably copper and crude oilThe price of nickel has surged to its highest in a decade, as electric vehicle makers scramble to secure supplies for batteries amid booming car production and dwindling reserves.The price of nickel on the London Metal Exchange jumped as much as 4.4% to $22,745 per ton on Wednesday - its highest value since ...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:12:16 GMT
FDA changes 72yo standard
The deregulation of the salad topping will give producers license to innovate and provide more choice for customersThe US Food and Drug Administration has deregulated the making of French dressing, revoking the 'standard of identity? for the salad topping. The request comes decades after the industry first called for standards to be dropped.On Thursday, the US Food and Drug Administration...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 09:55:33 GMT
10 most anticipated Russian movies in 2022
Festival hits that you can finally see in the cinema and potential international hits that studios are still putting the finishing touches to.The past year marked a real breakthrough for Russian cinema. Kira Kovalenko's 'Unclenching the Fists' (2021) won in the 'Un Certain Regard' category a...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 09:55:29 GMT
We will bury you: What Nikita Khrushchev actually meant
The Soviet leader wasn't careful in his expressions and in passionable speeches sometimes shocked the world with some claims that could be perceived as a nuclear threat or announcement of war... But, in reality, they weren't. Before becoming the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (shortly speaking, the Soviet leader), Nikita Khrushchev built his political career step by step from the very bot...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:55:39 GMT
Merck Foundation announced 67 winners of Merck Foundation Mask up with Care Media Awards 2021 to raise awareness about Coronavirus
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]/ Accra [Ghana], January 13 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany in partnership with African First Ladies announced the winners of Merck Foundation "Mask up with Care" Media Recognition Awards 2021 with the aim to raise awareness about Coronavirus in Africa.
The awards were announced by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Presi...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:12:17 GMT
Putin's banker loses $14 billion claim against Russia
The fugitive financier's legal battle has been one of the biggest financial scandals in Russian historySpain's highest court has rejected a long-running lawsuit brought by former oligarch Sergey Pugachev which demanded Russia pay more than $14 billion in damages, rejecting an appeal against a previous legal ruling.On Monday, Russian media reported that the court in Madrid had dismissed th...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:12:12 GMT
Australian PM comments as Djokovic deportation decision looms
Scott Morrison gave further insight into the Australian government's stance amid the drama surrounding the tennis world number oneNovak Djokovic's participation at the Australian Open remains in the balance as Prime Minister Scott Morrison asserted that a visa does not automatically grant the right to enter a country.Defending champion Djokovic was included in Thursday's Australian Open d...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:03:35 GMT
Study finds youngsters who self-identify as multilingual perform better at school
Cambridge [UK], January 13 (ANI): A new research has found that young adults who consider themselves multilingual tend to perform better across a wide range of subjects at school, regardless of whether they are actually fluent in another language.
The study has been published in the 'Journal of Language, IdentityEducation'.
The study, of more than 800 pupils in England, found a positive relationship between GCSE scores an...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 06:27:11 GMT
Djokovic included in Australian Open draw, to begin title defence against Kecmanovic
Melbourne [Australia], January 13 (ANI): World number one men's singles tennis player Novak Djokovic will begin his Australian Open title defence against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic.
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal will begin his campaign against Marcos Giron in the Australian Open, according to the draw revealed on Thursday.
"Top seed and nine-time AusOpen champion @DjokerNole begins his title defence against Miomir ...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:55:12 GMT
Sherman meets with European leaders about Russia-Ukraine tensions
Washington [US], January 13 (ANI/Sputnik): US Deputy State Secretary Wendy Sherman met with European leaders to discuss ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine amid an alleged buildup of Russian forces on their western border, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
"Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman met today with French MFA Secretary General Francois Delattre, German MFA State Secretary Andreas Michaelis...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:35:13 GMT
Europeans Feel Excluded From US-Russia Security Talks
LONDON - As the United States and Russia met for talks in Geneva this week, the future security of Europe was at stake. But absent from the negotiating table was the European Union, to the clear frustration of the bloc's officials."On this dialogue, there are not two actors alone. It's not just U.S. and Russia. If you want to talk about security in Europe, Europeans have to be part of the table," EU foreign poli...[read more]
Published: Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:27:09 GMT
Senate Committee approves Eric Garcetti's nomination as US Ambassador to India
By Reena BhardwajWashington [ US], January 13 (ANI): The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday (local time) confirmed the nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to be U.S. ambassador to India. However, the nomination needs to be confirmed by a majority of the US Senate and the vote is yet to be scheduled.
Garcetti was among a series of ambassadors and other foreign affairs nominees approved. Although indi...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 20:13:03 GMT
France wants US included in Ukraine peace talks
Meetings on the future of the Donbass have previously excluded AmericansUS involvement in trying to create peace in eastern Ukraine should be welcomed, and Paris supports Washington joining the Normandy format designed to end the conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.Speaking at a press conference with European Council President Charles Michel, Macron said France and ...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:55:45 GMT
French envoy thanks Union Minister Bhupender Yadav for 'excellent' discussions on environmental issues
Paris [France], January 12 (ANI): French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain on Wednesday thanked Bhupender Yadav, India's Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for "excellent" discussions on issues including plastic pollution and protecting marine biodiversity.
The envoy said that France will work closely with India to reach ambitious agreements at this year's key multilateral negotiations.
"Thank ...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:40:27 GMT
ATP roundup: Andy Murray scores upset in Sydney
Great Britain's Andy Murray upset No. 2 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Sydney Tennis Classic.
The former World No. 1 struck eight aces and saved seven of nine break points. Murray, who, registered the only service break of the deciding set in the second game, will next face No. 8 seed David Goffin of Belgium, a 6-2, 6-3 winner against American Den...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:03:34 GMT
Richa Chadha 'mad proud' of Ali Fazal in 'Death on the Nile'
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 12 (ANI): Bollywood actor Richa Chadha said she is "mad proud" for her partner and actor Ali Fazal, who will soon be seen in Kenneth Branagh's crime thriller 'Death on the Nile'.
Sharing Ali's latest character poster on her Instagram handle on Wednesday, Richa penned a note, expressing her love and pride for her "BFF and soul mate".
In the caption, she began, "Tere jaisa star kahaaan ...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:55:19 GMT
WTA roundup: Garbine Muguruza reaches Sydney quarters
No. 2 seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-1, 7-6 (4) victory against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia on Wednesday at the Sydney Tennis Classic.
Muguruza saved six of the seven break points she faced and converted all three of her break chances in the one-hour, 26-minute match. Next up is Russia's Daria Kasatkina, a 6-3, 6-4 winner against Belgium's Elise Mertens.
No. 3 seed Barbora Krej...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:18:22 GMT
JF-17 fighters cast doubt on quality of Chinese-made jets
Beijing [China], January 12 (ANI): Developed jointly by Pakistan and China, the JF-17 fighter jets have failed to keep narratives peddled by Beijing media that the country's modern aircraft are the best in the world as Islamabad's experience with the jets tell a different story, according to media reports.
Taiwan News reported that Pakistani leaders expected a low-cost, lightweight, all-weather multi-role fighter, somethi...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 13:55:49 GMT
Sports Ministry's MOC approves financial assistance for wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sunil Kumar
New Delhi [India], January 12 (ANI): The Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved financial assistance for wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sunil Kumar for foreign exposure training.
Bajrang, bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, was earlier approved an amount of Rs 7.53 Lakh for a 26-day training camp in Moscow ahead of a busy season. He is now supported with an additional Rs 1.76 Lakh for his ongoing camp t...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:55:40 GMT
Merck Foundation announces 63 winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2021 in partnership With African First Ladies
Dodoma [Tanzania]/Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 12 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany in partnership with African First Ladies announced the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards "More Than a Mother" 2021.
The awards were announced by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother toget...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:13:16 GMT
France to prohibit incest
The secretary of state for child protection has vowed to criminalize incestuous relationshipsThe French government has said it will move to ban incest for the first time since 1791, bringing it in line with most European nations which prohibit sexual relationships with blood relatives.In an interview with AFP this week, Adrien Taquet, the secretary of state for children, said the governme...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:03:36 GMT
Enamor, A brand owned by Modenik Lifestyle, recognized as one of India's Best Brands of 2021
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], January 12 (ANI/NewsVoir): Enamor, a leading premium lingerie brand, has been recognized as one of the Best Brands of India for 2021 by The Economic Times, acknowledging the strength of the brand's reputation and the powerful endorsement it receives from consumers.
The Economic Times Best Brands Series, now in its fourth edition, recognises brands that have succeeded in being at par with glo...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 11:03:29 GMT
Indian agencies prepare for extradition hearing of fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari in UK next month
New Delhi [India], January 12 (ANI): With reports suggesting that fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari has sought asylum in the United Kingdom, Indian agencies in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs are engaged in preparation for his extradition hearing scheduled next month.
A joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is engaged in preparing documents with ...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 10:12:58 GMT
France to prohibit sex with relatives
The secretary of state for child protection has vowed to criminalize incestuous relationshipsThe French government has said it will move to ban incest for the first time since 1791, bringing it in line with most European nations which prohibit sexual relationships with blood relatives.In an interview with AFP this week, Adrien Taquet, the secretary of state for children, said the governme...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 09:18:33 GMT
Ukraine ready for Donbass peace deal Zelensky
President says it's time to reach a solution to the long-running conflictUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he is ready for the other Normandy Format members ?France, Germany and Russia ? to come to a new agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in his country's Donbass region."We are prepared to come to a necessary solution during the new summit of the leaders of t...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 06:12:14 GMT
Djokovic addresses claims he misled Australian officials
Tennis star Novak Djokovich admitted to attending an interview after testing positive for Covid-19 and making a mistake on a travel formNovak Djokovich has called an ?error of judgment? his decision to attend an interview with a newspaper after testing positive for Covid-19, but dismissed a separate travel declaration mixup as an ?administrative mistake.?Despite emerging victorious from h...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 04:03:19 GMT
Djokovic admits 'error of judgement' as he conducted interview, photoshoot despite testing COVID positive
Melbourne [Australia], January 12 (ANI): World number one men's singles tennis player Novak Djokovic on Wednesday admitted that he conducted an in-person media interview and photoshoot in December despite knowing the fact that he was COVID-19 positive.
Djokovic who took the 'official and approved' PCR test on December 16 also revealed that he had not received the notification of a positive PCR test result until after atte...[read more]
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 01:55:12 GMT
US Senate Foreign Relation Committee to vote on Gracetti's nomination for Indian ambassadorship today
By Reena BhardwajWashington, [US], January 12 (ANI): Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his hearing to become Ambassador to India, according to the schedule listed by the Committee on the US Senate website.
After more than six months of Garcetti's nomination as Ambassador to India was announced by the White House, the Committee has scheduled the heari...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 19:07:16 GMT
Russia's Putin Says Western Leaders Broke Promises, But Did They
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his senior aides have repeatedly claimed that Western powers broke promises they made not to expand NATO as the Soviet Union collapsed.In his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow in December, Putin accused NATO of deceiving Russia by giving assurances in the 1990s that it would not expand "an inch to the East" - promises made to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev during...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:15:34 GMT
Will The Crisis In Kazakhstan Affect Putin's Plans For Ukraine?
Russia's military intervention in Kazakhstan to support the country's embattled regime was an effort by Moscow to help head off a popular revolt attempting to unseat a friendly autocrat in a neighboring country.And a week after mass protests and subsequent riots first swept Kazakhstan, the Kremlin's gamble appears to be working.Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, who launched a crackdown to quell the u...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:13:30 GMT
Charlie Hebdo attack anniversary marked by controversy
French leader Macron's reported choice of city to host new cartoon museum has been criticizedPresident Macron has reportedly chosen Paris to host the future European House of Press Cartoon and Satirical Drawing. The announcement marks the seventh anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack and a rally of unity.According to media reports, Emmanuel Macron will officially unveil the ho...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:13:21 GMT
Salah explains stance in Liverpool contract impasse
The Egyptian ace's current deal expires in 18 monthsLiverpool forward Mohamed Salah has insisted he is not 'asking for crazy stuff' as part of negotiations for a new contract at the Anfield club.Widely regarded as the best in-form footballer in the world at the moment, the Kop icon is free to leave Anfield in the summer of next year.As Salah reportedly already earns a whopping $270...[read more]
Published: Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:05:43 GMT
Malians Face Economic Sanctions and Border Closures
West African sanctions imposed on Mali this week, after the country's military government postponed elections, block all but essential commercial and financial transactions. While the punitive move aims to pressure the military to hold elections as promised in February, experts say ordinary Malians are also set to suffer.Regional bloc ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, imposed sanctions on Ma...[read more]