Stories from France

Rémy Riyou is concluding a 10-year term as head of the French Development Agency (AFD). During a review of his mandate, Riyou discussed the agency's role in supporting countries, including those perceived as hostile to France such as Algeria.

Thales produces one in three bank cards globally. The company has presented a biometric card that allows users to pay using fingerprints. Frédéric Martinez, Thales head of payment cards, discussed the technology on Sud Radio.

Researchers are working to combat antibiotic resistance linked to tuberculosis. The project aims to use a faster, inoffensive bacterium as a model to study an essential protein for tuberculosis survival. This method allows for more efficient testing of various molecules to discover new antibiotics. The goal is to combat antibiotic resistance by gaining time through this accelerated modeling process. A new peer-reviewed study published in Lancet Gynecology and Women's Health attempts to establish a consensus definition for cognitive symptoms experienced during menopause. The research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for the two-thirds of women undergoing menopause transition who experience these issues. Caroline Goebbich, an associate professor and clinical neuropsychologist at Monash University, discussed the findings regarding the cognitive system.

Four new Caterpillar bulldozers were set on fire during the night of April 18 in Isere. The act was carried out by activists protesting against the genocide in Palestine.

The National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) stated that certain cosmetics expose users to endocrine disruptors. These products also contain carcinogenic substances, according to François-Veyrette of the NGO Génération Futur.

French family-owned company Maped is preparing to close its final workshops in Haute Savoie. The company has been in existence for 80 years. Maped will continue its innovation, research, and development operations in France.

A new airline named Rinter Region is scheduled to begin its first flights at the start of next year. The company plans to offer flights such as a 20-minute route between Île and Le Touquet covering approximately 110 to 120 kilometers.

A Radio France investigation has examined connections between business circles and the Rassemblement National party. The report highlights recent interactions involving Marine Le Pen and prominent business figures.

Municipal elections in a commune of 372 residents in Seine-et-Marne have been rescheduled for May 10. These areas had not voted in March due to a lack of candidate lists and have been administered by prefectures since then.

A 220-meter long, 15,000-ton luxury sailing vessel is scheduled to set sail at the end of this week. The ship features 4,500 square meters of sail and is designed to be propelled by wind power.