Paris court blocks auction of earliest-known calculator

The COP30 conference center was evacuated due to a fire outbreak. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for countries to reach compromises as negotiations approached their final hours. Outside the venue, Magne Tony from French Guiana highlighted the disconnect between decision-makers in France and the realities faced by those in the Amazon, stressing issues like rising water levels and food scarcity.

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.

Christie's has withdrawn La Pascaline, a rare example of the first functioning calculating machine, from auction after a French court halted its export. Developed by Blaise Pascal in 1642, the device was expected to sell for over €2 million. This decision follows an urgent appeal from French scientists to keep the historical artifact in the country.