The Latest Breaking News from Shirli Sitbon

Peeling back the layers of India's onion crisis

Onion prices in some parts of the world are eye-wateringly high. India, one of the world's biggest producers, has limited exports, sparking smuggling and price hikes abroad. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon tells us more. But first, we report on how protests have erupted in Pakistan amid rampant killings and enforced…

France 24 · Jan 12, 2024

With case filed to ICJ, South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza

The International Court of Justice is to hold hearings this week on a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza and seeking a halt to its military campaign. Israel has described the allegations against it as "baseless" and intended to stir up lethal hatred of Jews.…

France 24 · Jan 10, 2024

NASA opens asteroid capsule, finds dust and purges debris

After seven years in space, the Osiris-Rex probe continues to make headlines as NASA scientists open the lid of its capsule of asteroid debris. The data collected could shed new light on the origins of the solar system and on potential threats from certain asteroids. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli…

France 24 · Sep 28, 2023

Ariane: Marking 50 years of European space conquest

Back in the 1960s, the Soviets and Americans were racing to the Moon. Europe did not want to be a bystander in the space race and embarked on the Ariane programme in 1973. We take a look back at how the Europeans launched their space programme. Today, the Ariane-6 rocket's…

France 24 · Jun 13, 2023

Europe to regulate AI to enjoy its benefits and protect users

This week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is in Europe, meeting with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron. Altman rose to fame with ChatGPT, but he has also become one of the industry's most prominent voices calling for regulation to ensure artificial intelligence is used responsibly. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli…

France 24 · May 24, 2023

Europe monitors expansion of Asian tiger mosquitoes

In recent years, Asian tiger mosquitoes have taken a ride on cargo ships and planes, settling across the globe. The insects can survive cold and hot temperatures, as well as wet and dry climates. Some are harmless but others carry dangerous diseases. France is monitoring their expansion and impact on…

France 24 · May 23, 2023

Rainfall improves France's groundwater levels, but many areas still in red

Europe is monitoring its groundwater levels, hoping to avert acute shortages over the summer and mitigate a crisis in some of the driest areas. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon looks at the situation in France, where it has rained in some regions in recent weeks, but not everywhere. Many…

France 24 · May 17, 2023

Intensive farming identified as key factor behind Europe's bird decline

Europe has lost about one quarter of its bird population over the last 40 years. A new study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that intensive farming is the key factor in this decline, even more so than global warming or urbanisation. FRANCE 24's Science reporter…

France 24 · May 16, 2023

Canada wildfires: Alberta province uses Fire Weather Index to plan strategy

In Canada, wildfires continue to devastate the western province of Alberta. Thousands of people have had no choice but to leave their homes, and many more are on evacuation alert. The province has declared a state of emergency, while firefighters are attempting to bring the blazes under control. Once again,…

France 24 · May 10, 2023

IAEA amplifies alert over potential nuclear catastrophe at Zaporizhzhia plant

Many people, including those at the IAEA, are increasingly worried about the situation in and around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southern Ukraine. The UN nuclear watchdog has already urged the end of all military activity around the site, but to no avail. It is now concerned at continued…

France 24 · May 8, 2023