France to reduce diplomatic staff in Mali amid jihadist fuel blockade

France has initiated an investigation into Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok after it generated posts in French that echoed Holocaust denial regarding Auschwitz. This follows earlier incidents where the chatbot produced content seemingly praising Adolf Hitler, prompting the removal of those posts by Musk's company.

Over 130 Gazan students who have been accepted into Canadian universities are stranded in Gaza, with some waiting over 18 months for their visas. The situation has resulted in the tragic loss of two students' lives, while others face severe risks. Canada cites security checks and evacuation difficulties as reasons for the delays, but critics point out that other nations, including the UK, Italy, Ireland, and France, have successfully evacuated their students.

At COP30 in Belem, disputes over phasing out fossil fuels threaten to extend the UN climate summit beyond Friday. The latest draft deal by Brazil omitted any mention of fossil fuels, drawing criticism from France, Germany, and Colombia, while China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and India rejected it outright. UN Secretary-General António Guterres remains optimistic that a compromise can be reached.

Militants affiliated with Al Qaeda have been targeting fuel convoys in Mali for several months, leading to a significant blockade that has severely restricted fuel supplies to the capital city. This ongoing situation has raised concerns about the stability and security of the region.

The Cop30 conference centre was evacuated due to a fire outbreak. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged countries to reach compromises during the Belem summit. Outside the venue, Magne Tony and others from French Guiana protested, highlighting the disconnect between decision-makers in France and the realities faced by those in the Amazon region, including issues related to water 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.