Cop30 live: conference centre evacuated as fire breaks out

France's Chief of Defence Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has caused political controversy by stating that the country must be prepared to 'lose its children' in a potential war with Russia. His remarks highlight concerns about societal unpreparedness despite France's economic and demographic strengths. While some officials view this as a realistic warning, critics from the left label it as politically charged.

On World Children's Day, UNICEF highlights that 417 million children in low- and middle-income countries lack essential services such as clean water, healthcare, education, and nutrition. In France, 2.76 million children live in poverty, representing one-tenth of the child population. Ending child poverty requires political will and a collective commitment to prioritize children's well-being.

The mother and son duo performed American jazz classics in Paris, celebrating the legacy of iconic artists like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. These musicians represent a significant era in jazz and blues history, particularly during a time when racial segregation in the U.S. led many black artists to find acceptance in France, a country known for its enduring appreciation of jazz and black culture.

An annual report reveals that poverty is increasing in France, particularly affecting vulnerable households such as families, the sick, and foreign nationals. The median income for those receiving assistance has decreased from €658 in 2014 to €565 in 2024, with 95% of these households living below the poverty line and 74% in extreme poverty. NGOs are calling for urgent political action to address this worsening situation.

General Fabien Mandon, France's Chief of Defence Staff, has faced widespread condemnation for stating that the country must be prepared to accept the death of its children to deter further Russian aggression following the invasion of Ukraine. His comments were made during a meeting with local mayors and have sparked significant backlash across the nation.

Beaujolais Nouveau is a French wine tradition celebrating the first release of the year’s harvest. Each third Thursday of November, the young red wine is unveiled with festivities across France and beyond, marking the start of the new wine season.

Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew reports from the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the visible and detrimental impacts of mining activities in the region. The scars left by mining operations are stark and serve as a reminder of the environmental degradation occurring in one of the world's most vital ecosystems.

A Paris court has blocked the export of La Pascaline, a 400-year-old calculating machine, preventing it from being auctioned. The decision comes amid concerns over the preservation of France's cultural heritage.