Paris - RajjeViyu

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | positive

Dheema Makes History as First Maldivian to Qualify for Olympics

Fathimath Dheema Ali, a 16-year-old table tennis prodigy, became the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games. She will represent the Maldives at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Dheema previously qualified for the World Junior Championship and won multiple gold medals at the Indian Ocean Island Games. The Maldives Olympic Committee praised her coach Zvonimir Korenić and her parents. The full contingent for the Paris Olympics has not yet been announced.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 2 months ago | positive

Paris Club Cancels 99% of Somalia’s Debt

The Paris Club announced the cancellation of 99% of Somalia's debt, amounting to US$2 billion, effective January 2023, after over three decades of conflict. Major creditor nations including the US, UK, Russia, Norway, and Japan agreed to the waiver. Somali officials and the IMF praised the decision, which is expected to free up resources for public services. Somalia qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), becoming eligible for up to $4.5 billion. Economist Uweis Abdullahi Ali stressed the need for domestic revenue generation.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | urgent

Paris Peace Talks on Hold as Clock Ticks on Ceasefire in Gaza

Paris Peace Talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza are on hold as Israel's war cabinet considers a proposal from Hamas. The talks involved heads of Mossad, Egyptian intelligence, CIA, and Qatar's PM. There are conflicting reports on progress. The talks focus on hostage release and prisoner exchange. The US vetoed a UN ceasefire resolution, and an alternative resolution is being circulated.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | tense

Farmers Storm Paris Farm Show, Clash With Police

French farmers stormed the Paris Farm Show just hours before President Emmanuel Macron's planned visit, leading to clashes with police. Protesters expressed anger over mounting costs and regulations, chanting 'This is our home' and calling for Macron's resignation. At least one protester was arrested. The disruption caused the cancellation of a scheduled debate with farmers, food processors, and retailers. Farmers' unions had previously suspended protests after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal pledged €400 million in new measures, but protests reignited this week to demand further assistance. President Macron later expressed disapproval of the violent actions. The Paris Farm Show typically attracts 600,000 visitors over nine days. Analysts note that farmer discontent may boost far-right parties in the upcoming June European Parliament elections.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | positive

Berlin-Paris Night Train Returns to Tracks After 10 Years

The Berlin-Paris night train returned after a decade, departing Berlin on Monday at 8:18 PM and arriving in Paris on Tuesday at 10:24 AM. French Transport Minister Clément Beaune and German counterpart Volker Wissing participated. Operated by SNCF and Deutsche Bahn with ÖBB rolling stock, the service is part of European efforts to promote cleaner travel. The French government invested €100 million to revive sleeper services, with plans for 10 new routes by 2030.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 7 months ago | positive

Messi Wins Record Eighth Ballon d’Or

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d'Or in Paris, beating Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Messi's World Cup triumph with Argentina earned him the award. Manchester City was named men's club of the year, and Aitana Bonmatí won the women's Ballon d'Or. Other winners included Jude Bellingham (Kopa Trophy) and Vinicius Junior (Sócrates Award). Messi expressed joy at achieving his World Cup dream.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 8 months ago | concerned

Bedbug Infestation Bites French Cities Ahead of 2024 Olympics

French cities including Paris face a bedbug infestation ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. Experts say the situation is nuanced, but there is a notable increase in sightings. Late summer saw a significant rise due to travel. One in ten Parisians experienced infestation in the last five years. Bedbugs in cinemas and trains raise concerns for the Olympics. Health authorities are working to address the issue. The resurgence is global, not just France, and is attributed to DDT ban and resistance. Bedbugs do not transmit diseases; the danger is psychological.