BELGIUM

France extends internal border controls until April 2025; What travellers to Schengen area need to know

France will maintain internal border controls until April 2025 due to terrorist threats and irregular migration concerns. These controls with neighboring Schengen countries were originally set to end in October 2024. The move follows nearly a decade of similar measures. Recent violence among migrant communities and irregular crossings influenced this decision.

Indian defender Udita Duhan attracts highest bid in first half of HIL women's auction

In New Delhi, Indian defender Udita Duhan became the costliest buy at the Hockey India League women's auction, purchased by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for Rs 32 lakh. Dutch star Yibbi Janssen and young Indian forward Sunelita Toppo were other top buys. Overall, both Indian and international players attracted significant bids in the inaugural Women's HIL auction.

BioPrime raises $6 million from Belgium’s Edaphon, others

The funds will be used to advance research in crop protection, with a focus on co-developing new biofungicides and bioinsecticides. Founded in 2016 by Diwan, Amit Shinde and Shekhar Bhosale, the Pune-based company develops biologicals using small trigger molecules that metabolically reprogramme plants to enhance climate resilience, lower carbon footprint, restore soil health and improve yields.

Antoine Griezmann Retires: 33-year-old world cup winner shocks fans with exit announcement

France's Antoine Griezmann, aged 33, has announced his retirement from international football. Griezmann, known as 'Grizou,' played 137 matches and scored 44 goals since his debut in 2014. He contributed to France's victories in the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League. His final game was in September against Belgium.

Pope denounces abuse cover-ups as he wraps thorny Belgium visit

Pope Francis, during his visit to Belgium, urged bishops not to cover up child sexual abuse and condemned abusers. He met with victims and emphasized the need for transparency. The visit also highlighted issues like gender inequality in the Church and included a call for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Mehul Choksi seen in Belgium, Delhi rushes to Bruges

Indian authorities are working to extradite Mehul Choksi from Belgium, where he was spotted for medical treatment. Choksi, accused in the $2-billion PNB fraud, has been elusive. The CBI and ED have charged him and his nephew Nirav Modi with corruption and money laundering. Efforts are ongoing to bring them back to India.

From Denmark to Australia: The 10 best countries for working abroad in 2024

'Another painful challenge': Neeraj Chopra reveals fourth metacarpal in left hand fractured during Diamond League practice

Neeraj Chopra, India's top javelin thrower, revealed he fractured his left hand's fourth metacarpal during practice. Despite the injury and ongoing groin issues, he competed in the Diamond League final in Brussels, finishing second with a throw of 87.86 meters. Chopra aims to address his fitness challenges soon.

Neeraj Chopra finishes second in Diamond League final; Anderson Peters lifts title

Neeraj Chopra, the Paris Olympics silver medallist, narrowly missed another title by just 0.1 centimetre in the Diamond League final in Brussels. With a best throw of 87.86 metres, he finished second behind Grenada's Anderson Peters. This was Chopra's fifth appearance in the Diamond League final, where he previously won in 2022. He accumulated 14 points across two meets this season to qualify for the final.

France rests Mbappe and beats Belgium while Haaland is decisive in the Nations League

France defeated Belgium 2-0 in the Nations League, with goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele. Despite resting star player Kylian Mbappe, France extended its winning streak over Belgium. Norway's Erling Haaland and Slovenia's Benjamin ?eSko also made headlines with crucial goals in their respective matches.

Olympics: India suffer first defeat in hockey, lose 1-2 to reigning champions Belgium

India's hockey team faced their first loss at the Olympics, narrowly defeated 1-2 by Belgium. Abhishek scored first for India, but Belgium equalized and then took the lead through goals by Thibeau Stockbroekx and John-John Dohmen. Both teams have qualified for the quarterfinals, and India will next face Australia.

Olympics 2024: Lakshya Sen beats Belgium's Carraggi in straight games in badminton men's singles group match

Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen bounced back from a canceled win to defeat Julien Carraggi of Belgium in straight games at the Olympic Games. Sen, making his Olympic debut, triumphed 21-19 21-14 in a 43-minute match. Despite a slow start, Sen's tenacity prevailed. The victory sets up a crucial match against Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. Sen remains focused on the competition, undeterred by the canceled match result.

India look to continue winning run against unpredictable Argentina in Paris Olympics men's hockey

After a thrilling 3-2 victory over New Zealand, India's men's hockey team aims for a consistent performance against Argentina in their second Olympic match on Monday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh secured the win with a last-minute penalty stroke. India faces tough opponents in Pool B, including Belgium and Australia. With a strong defense led by PR Sreejeesh and a solid midfield, India hopes to secure a quarterfinal spot with a win against Argentina, known for their aggressive play and close marking. This match is crucial for India's campaign.

Mbappé and France into Euro 2024 quarterfinals after Muani's late goal beats Belgium 1-0

France secured a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Euro 2024 last-16 match, thanks to a deflected shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani. France had a cagey game but were reckless with their finishing, leaving goalkeeper Koen Casteels wrong-footed. France will now face the winner of Portugal and Slovenia's match in the quarter-finals in Hamburg. The game was a scruffy decider for an underwhelming game, as France still has yet to score from open play at the tournament.

Make India key node to verify origin of diamonds, Indian officials tell EU

At a meeting in Brussels last month, the Indian trade body, senior government officials and Indian customs officials have told the European Union authorities that India, which imports about 90% of rough stones mined in the world, should be a key nodal checkpoint to verify whether diamonds mined in Russia are sneaking into the affluent markets whose governments are backing the sanctions.

Volvo shifting EV production to Belgium to avoid China tariffs

Volvo, which is majority-owned by China's Geely, was considering halting sales of Chinese-built EVs bound for Europe if tariffs were introduced, the newspaper said, citing company insiders. However, the report added that shifting production of Volvo's EX30 and EX90 models from China to Belgium is expected to negate the need for the company to do so and that the company insisted suspending sales of EVs made in China was no longer being considered.

Police search the European Parliament over possible Russian interference, prosecutors say

Belgium's federal prosecutor's office announced police searches at a European Parliament employee's residence and offices in Brussels and Strasbourg over suspected Russian interference. The investigation involves passive corruption and criminal organization charges, with the employee allegedly promoting Russian propaganda through the Voice of Europe news website

Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members

Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.

EU tries increasing Ukraine's military support as Zelenskyy tours Spain, Belgium and Portugal

European Union defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to provide military aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal to bolster Ukraine's defence efforts. Hungary's veto has stalled 6.5 billion euros in aid. Zelenskyy aims to secure more support, including US-made Patriot air defence systems, to counter Russia's attacks.

Israel tries to contain the fallout after some allies support ICC prosecutor's request for warrants

The International Criminal Court seeks arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, supported by France, Belgium, and Slovenia for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel.

EU signs off on using Russian asset profits for Ukraine

The European Union on Tuesday formally approved using the profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to arm Ukraine, as the United States presses for a more ambitious plan. The final approval of the EU scheme, after months of legal wrangling, comes as the United States and Britain are pushing for a more far-reaching plan at the G7.

Whit Monday: Is it a religious holiday in US and UK? Here’s what’s open and closed

Whit Monday falls the day after Pentecost Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar. Pentecost Sunday occurs 50 days after Easter and is determined by the lunar calendar.

Brazil chosen to host soccer's 2027 Women's World Cup following a vote by FIFA's 211 members

Brazil has been chosen as the host of the 2027 Women's World Cup by FIFA's 211 members, following a vote of the governing body's decision-making committee. The South American bid was chosen over a joint bid from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. The decision marks the first time all FIFA's member associations have had the opportunity to vote on the host of the women's tournament.