Today: Jun 22, 2025

Society - Page 2

Doctors’ union issues strike notice
Doctors’ union issues strike notice

Doctors’ union issues strike notice

Doctors’ union BVAS-ABSyM has submitted a strike notice for Monday 7 July in protest at the reform plans of federal Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke, the union confirmed on Saturday. Representatives handed over
23 hours ago
Belgium lagging behind in bathing water quality, EEA study shows
Belgium lagging behind in bathing water quality, EEA study shows

Belgium lagging behind in bathing water quality, EEA study shows

Bathing water quality in the EU remains excellent, with 96 per cent of sites meeting minimum standards, the European Environment Agency reports. In 85 per cent of cases, quality is classified as
2 days ago
OECD: Belgium must strengthen fight against foreign bribery
OECD: Belgium must strengthen fight against foreign bribery

OECD: Belgium must strengthen fight against foreign bribery

Belgium has made legal progress in tackling foreign bribery, but enforcement remains weak, according to a new OECD report. The organisation urges stronger corporate accountability, tougher sanctions, and more resources for investigations.
3 months ago
Belgium’s prison population hits record high
Belgium’s prison population hits record high

Belgium’s prison population hits record high 

Belgium’s prisons have surpassed 13,000 inmates for the first time. Overcrowding has left hundreds sleeping on the floor, while thousands of short-term offenders wait for a place. In response, officials are calling
3 months ago
Pro-Russian hackers attack Belgian government websites
Pro-Russian hackers attack Belgian government websites

Pro-Russian hackers attack Belgian government websites

The pro-Russian hacker collective NoName057 has taken several Belgian government websites down today. Government portal MyGov.be, which gives citizens access to official documents, can currently not be reached. The Walloon Parliament’s website
3 months ago
2/3 IC Trains run Monday amid Metisp-protect strike till March 30
2/3 IC Trains run Monday amid Metisp-protect strike till March 30

2/3 IC Trains run Monday amid Metisp-protect strike till March 30

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Over two-thirds of scheduled IC trains will operate on Monday as per SNCB’s announcement for the period of Metisp-Protect’s railway worker strike. Metisp-Protect labour union’s strike will
3 months ago
Nine out of ten construction firms struggle to find staff
Nine out of ten construction firms struggle to find staff

Nine out of ten construction firms struggle to find staff

Nine out of ten firms in the construction industry find it “problematic” to find staff, according to a survey of 233 companies carried out by construction association Embuild. Nearly seven out of
3 months ago
US happiness ranking hits all-time low, Germany climbs
US happiness ranking hits all-time low, Germany climbs

US happiness ranking hits all-time low, Germany climbs

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has topped the World Happiness Report, leading the rankings alongside its Nordic neighbors. The United States has fallen to its lowest happiness ranking ever, according to the annual
3 months ago
Bullfighting ban in Mexico City sparks controversy
Bullfighting ban in Mexico City sparks controversy

Bullfighting ban in Mexico City sparks controversy

Activists have hailed the ban as a success for animal rights, but bullfighting fans say it threatens an important centuries-old tradition. Lawmakers in Mexico City have voted to ban violent bullfighting, prompting celebration among animal
3 months ago
Peru passes law critics claim will cripple NGOs
Peru passes law critics claim will cripple NGOs

Peru passes law critics claim will cripple NGOs

Peru’s NGOs expressed their anger over a bill that seeks to tighten control over civil society organizations. The groups say the law would hamper their ability to defend human rights. Rights groups
3 months ago
British PM Starmer announces NHS England to be abolished
British PM Starmer announces NHS England to be abolished

British PM Starmer announces NHS England to be abolished

NHS England, the body overseeing the activities of the British National Health Service, is to be scrapped. British Prime Minister Keith Starmer said the move aims to cut unnecessary bureaucracy Labour Prime
3 months ago
Argentina: Pensioners and soccer fans unite in protests
Argentina: Pensioners and soccer fans unite in protests

Argentina: Pensioners and soccer fans unite in protests

Police in Buenos Aires have fought running battles with hundreds of football fans and anti-austerity protesters during a weekly protest by pensioners. Argentine pensioners and soccer fans clashed with police on Wednesday
3 months ago
German police rumble smuggler with meth-flavored wraps
German police rumble smuggler with meth-flavored wraps

German police rumble smuggler with meth-flavored wraps

A bus passenger was carrying three tortilla wraps-worth of smuggled meth, with a street value of €23,000. The 29-year-old man has been detained. German customs officers discovered an unusual filling in several tortilla
3 months ago
Hong Kong court finds social worker guilty of rioting
Hong Kong court finds social worker guilty of rioting

Hong Kong court finds social worker guilty of rioting

Jackie Chen, accused of rioting during Hong Kong’s 2019 protests, pleaded not guilty and declined to testify in her retrial. She had used a megaphone to urge police restraint. Jackie Chen, a
3 months ago
After Assad’s fall, over 300,000 Syrians return home
After Assad’s fall, over 300,000 Syrians return home

After Assad’s fall, over 300,000 Syrians return home

Called “the worlds largest displacement crisis” by UNHCR, more than a million Syrians want to return to their areas of origin. Adequate housing, employment and basic services are challenges facing them if
4 months ago
Paris: WWII bomb discovery disrupts trains
Paris: WWII bomb discovery disrupts trains

Paris: WWII bomb discovery disrupts trains

French police were working to disarm a WWII-era bomb found “in the middle of the train tracks” in the north of Paris. All trains to the Gare du Nord station, including the
4 months ago
UN releases $110 million to compensate global aid cut
UN releases $110 million to compensate global aid cut

UN releases $110 million to compensate global aid cut

Amid cuts by major countries, the UN is trying to fill the global aid gap. It has described 2025 as a year of “unprecedented levels of suffering.” The United Nations has allocated $110 million
4 months ago
Women's rights under attack amid democratic erosion: UN
Women's rights under attack amid democratic erosion: UN

Women’s rights under attack amid democratic erosion: UN

As democratic institutions worldwide have weakened, so have women’s rights, according to a report from UN Women. The head of the UN said instead of mainstreaming equal rights, the world was mainstreaming
4 months ago
Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks
Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks

Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks

The head of the Catholic Church has been in hospital for over two weeks. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling to recover from double pneumonia. Pope Francis on Monday suffered two new breathing attacks
4 months ago
Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China
Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China

Thailand criticized for deporting 40 Uyghurs to China

Thailand has deported a group of Uyghurs to China against their will, where they say they face torture and ill-treatment. Germany, the US, Australia and the UN are now condemning the decision.
4 months ago
Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113
Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113

Oldest known Holocaust survivor dies aged 113

After having survived the Nazi pogroms and escaped to New York via China, Rose Girone passed away on Monday. Aged 108, Mirjam Bolle is now believed to be the oldest living Holocaust
4 months ago
Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia
Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia

Freedom declined globally, but bright spots in Asia

The report said that political violence and armed conflict fueled the 19th straight year of decline of global freedom. But 34 countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Syria registered improvements. Freedom
4 months ago
France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway
France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway

France: Trial of doctor accused of mass sex abuse underway

The 74-year-old documented his crimes, noting his victims’ details and the nature of the abuse. He is already serving jail time on separate charges. A former French surgeon went on trial charged with raping
4 months ago
Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says
Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says

Pope Francis’ condition ‘improving slightly,’ Vatican says

Hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis’ condition was improving slightly. He has no fever, and his blood analyses are stable, the Vatican said. Pope Francis’ overall condition was “improving slightly” and his
4 months ago
Pope Francis in 'complex' health situation
Pope Francis in 'complex' health situation

Pope Francis in ‘complex’ health situation

In a brief statement, the Vatican announced that the pope’s respiratory infection requires a new course of treatment. The infection has kept him hospitalized longer than a 2023 battle with pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed
4 months ago
Pope Francis hospitalized with bronchitis, Vatican says
Pope Francis hospitalized with bronchitis, Vatican says

Pope Francis hospitalized with bronchitis, Vatican says

The pope will undergo medical examinations and receive treatment for a case of bronchitis, the Vatican said. Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome on Friday, as he undergoes treatment for ongoing bronchitis,
4 months ago
Salman Rushdie attempted murder trial begins
Salman Rushdie attempted murder trial begins

Salman Rushdie attempted murder trial begins

Jurors will be shown photos and videos from the day of the 2022 attack, when a man rushed onstage at a literary conference in New York and attacked acclaimed novelist Salman Rushdie.
4 months ago
Maha Kumbh Mela: 420 million attend India Hindu event
Maha Kumbh Mela: 420 million attend India Hindu event

Maha Kumbh Mela: 420 million attend India Hindu event

Official figures suggest that over 400 million people have visited the Maha Kumbh Mela taking place in India. The Hindu event is the world’s largest religious festival. Over 420 million people have
5 months ago
Ismaili Muslim leader Aga Khan dies aged 88
Ismaili Muslim leader Aga Khan dies aged 88

Ismaili Muslim leader Aga Khan dies aged 88

The Aga Khan Development Network employs some 96,000 people and finances development programs particularly in Asia and Africa. He died “peacefully” surrounded by his family in Lisbon. The Aga Khan, imam of the
5 months ago
What is the role of women in India's military?
What is the role of women in India's military?

What is the role of women in India’s military?

DW spoke with current and former female service members in India’s military about the challenges they face rising through the ranks, and about the role women can play in the armed forces.
5 months ago
Germany offers maternity leave for women after miscarriage
Germany offers maternity leave for women after miscarriage

Germany offers maternity leave for women after miscarriage

The German parliament has strengthened maternity protection for women who have suffered miscarriages. The new regulation would entitle women who miscarry after the 13th week of pregnancy to maternity leave. The German Bundestag, or
5 months ago
Germany: Bundestag supports stricter migration policies
Germany: Bundestag supports stricter migration policies

Germany: Bundestag supports stricter migration policies

The German parliament debated motions to tighten migration rules after a deadly attack by a rejected asylum seeker. CDU leader Friedrich Merz said he would not shun the help of the far-right
5 months ago
Man gets 30 years for attack outside Charlie Hebdo offices
Man gets 30 years for attack outside Charlie Hebdo offices

Man gets 30 years for attack outside Charlie Hebdo offices

A Paris court found Pakistani national Zaheer Mahmood guilty of attempted murder and terrorism in an Islamist-motivated attack in September 2020, which left two people injured. A Paris court sentenced a Pakistani man to
5 months ago
Hundreds wed as Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage
Hundreds wed as Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage

Hundreds wed as Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage

Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. LGBTQ+ groups are hoping for more than 1,000 registrations in one day as the law goes into force. Hundreds
5 months ago
UK teen pleads guilty to Southport girls' murders
UK teen pleads guilty to Southport girls' murders

UK teen pleads guilty to Southport girls’ murders

A British teenager has pleaded guilty to charges of murdering three young girls in a knife attack in northern England. The crime horrified the country and online disinformation about it fueled days
5 months ago
Germany: More than half a million homeless, new report says
Germany: More than half a million homeless, new report says

Germany: More than half a million homeless, new report says

The Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building has presented figures showing some 531,600 people are without a permanent shelter in Europe’s largest economy. More than half a million people in Germany are
5 months ago
Germany: Dresden old city evacuated for bomb disposal
Germany: Dresden old city evacuated for bomb disposal

Germany: Dresden old city evacuated for bomb disposal

A British bomb from World War II was discovered during construction work on the Carola Bridge. The bridge had partially collapsed into the Elbe river last September. Part of downtown Dresden in
5 months ago
Egypt: Italian man killed in Red Sea shark attack
Egypt: Italian man killed in Red Sea shark attack

Egypt: Italian man killed in Red Sea shark attack

There are sharks in the Red Sea but encounters with them are relatively rare. A shark attack off Egypt’s Red Sea coast has left one tourist dead and another injured, authorities said on Sunday.
6 months ago
German man arrested in Russia for alleged sabotage for Kyiv
German man arrested in Russia for alleged sabotage for Kyiv

German man arrested in Russia for alleged sabotage for Kyiv

Russian police have reportedly detained a German-Russian man for allegedly planning a sabotage act at Kyiv’s behest. A German-Russian citizen has been arrested in Russia for allegedly preparing to sabotage a rail line on the
6 months ago
Russia arrests German citizen on sabotage charges
Russia arrests German citizen on sabotage charges

Russia arrests German citizen on sabotage charges

The Russian Federal Security Service said a German man was involved in organizing an explosion in Kaliningrad and had returned to Russia “to organize acts of sabotage.” A German citizen has been arrested in Russia on
7 months ago
Hong Kong: 45 activists jailed in national security case
Hong Kong: 45 activists jailed in national security case

Hong Kong: 45 activists jailed in national security case

Dozens of prominent activists have been given prison sentences of up to 10 years as part of a sweeping law imposed by China that crushed a once-thriving pro-democracy movement. Hong Kong’s High
7 months ago
Miss South Africa exits Miss Universe due to health concerns
Miss South Africa exits Miss Universe due to health concerns

Miss South Africa exits Miss Universe due to health concerns

Mia le Roux made history as the first deaf woman crowned Miss South Africa. Mia le Roux, South Africa’s contestant at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico, has announced her last-minute withdrawal from
7 months ago
Global diabetes rate has doubled in last 30 years: study
Global diabetes rate has doubled in last 30 years: study

Global diabetes rate has doubled in last 30 years: study

Some 800 million adults worldwide have diabetes, according to a new study. The biggest rises have come in developing countries where access to proper care can be difficult to obtain. The percentage of
7 months ago
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in jail
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in jail

Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in jail

The leak included documents related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Teixeira pleaded guilty earlier this year to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. A US federal judge
7 months ago
Germany: 17-year-old arrested over alleged terror plot
Germany: 17-year-old arrested over alleged terror plot

Germany: 17-year-old arrested over alleged terror plot

Police have said that the teenager detained in the northern town of Elmshorn was motivated by extreme Islamism. He was reportedly planning a truck attack similar to the 2016 terror attack on
7 months ago
Germans are happier than they were last year — study
Germans are happier than they were last year — study

Germans are happier than they were last year — study

People in Germany reported they were happier in 2024 than they were in previous years. In five states, life satisfaction reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Germans are significantly happier than they were
8 months ago
India's New Delhi cloaked in smog after Diwali celebrations
India's New Delhi cloaked in smog after Diwali celebrations

India’s New Delhi cloaked in smog after Diwali celebrations

The Indian capital topped charts as the world’s most-polluted city after firecrackers from Diwali celebrations pushed air quality to dangerous levels. A thick layer of smog shrouded New Delhi on Friday, after
8 months ago
Hedgehogs being decimated by human behavior: report
Hedgehogs being decimated by human behavior: report

Hedgehogs being decimated by human behavior: report

The latest Red List of Threatened Species says the mammal is “near threatened” due to loss of habitat to urbanization and farming. The report paints a grim picture of alarming rates of
8 months ago
German birth rate drops rapidly, new report says
German birth rate drops rapidly, new report says

German birth rate drops rapidly, new report says

Researchers said they have noticed a particularly sharp downward trend in eastern Germany. A new report estimates almost 80,000 fewer children were born in 2022 and 2023 than would have been expected.
8 months ago
New COVID XEC variant: What you need to know
New COVID XEC variant: What you need to know

New COVID XEC variant: What you need to know

KP.3 was the ‘predominant’ SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US. It was also spreading in Europe. It’s now joined with another variant and become XEC. Over the European summer, the number of COVID-19 infections rose
8 months ago
Germany detects first mpox variant Ib case
Germany detects first mpox variant Ib case

Germany detects first mpox variant Ib case

An infection with the new mpox variant Ib has been detected for the first time in Germany. The strain has been spreading in several African countries for months. Germany’s disease control agency
8 months ago
India: Industry leader Ratan Tata dies aged 86
India: Industry leader Ratan Tata dies aged 86

India: Industry leader Ratan Tata dies aged 86

The former chairman of Tata Group, credited with transforming the company into one of the world’s largest conglomerates, has passed away in Mumbai. Ratan Tata, the former chairman of India’s sprawling Tata Group
9 months ago
Brazilian nun wins UN refugee prize
Brazilian nun wins UN refugee prize

Brazilian nun wins UN refugee prize

Sister Rosita Milesi has worked with refugees and the internally displaced within Brazil for the last 40 years. The prestigious Nansen prize has also been awarded to the likes of Angela Merkel
9 months ago
Germany honors Jürgen Klopp with highest civic award
Germany honors Jürgen Klopp with highest civic award

Germany honors Jürgen Klopp with highest civic award

German football coach Jürgen Klopp received the Federal Order of Merit for his contribution to democracy and his impact on the football world and more. He accepted the honor with customary modesty,
9 months ago
Nigeria: Hardship protests met with tear gas
Nigeria: Hardship protests met with tear gas

Nigeria: Hardship protests met with tear gas

For a second time in two months, Nigerians have demonstrated against economic hardship in the oil-rich country. The turnout was lower than the previous protest in which at least 20 people were
9 months ago
Spain: Hopes of rescue fade after migrant boat disaster
Spain: Hopes of rescue fade after migrant boat disaster

Spain: Hopes of rescue fade after migrant boat disaster

Spanish authorities continued their search for 48 migrants who were aboard a boat that capsized near the Canary Islands. Nine people had already been reported dead. Rescuers were searching for at least
9 months ago
Germany: Cologne Central Station to close to train traffic
Germany: Cologne Central Station to close to train traffic

Germany: Cologne Central Station to close to train traffic

Construction work will leave the German city almost entirely cut off from rail services overnight on Friday. The closure is the latest headache for Deutsche Bahn passengers in recent months. Cologne Central
9 months ago
Oktoberfest: Beer and pretzels in a sustainable package
Oktoberfest: Beer and pretzels in a sustainable package

Oktoberfest: Beer and pretzels in a sustainable package

More than Bavarians in lederhosen balancing frothing beer mugs and fried sausages, the world’s largest folk festival is becoming more inclusive and eco-friendly. Around 6 million revelers from across the globe are expected
9 months ago
Pope Francis holds mammoth Mass in East Timor
Pope Francis holds mammoth Mass in East Timor

Pope Francis holds mammoth Mass in East Timor

The Pope has addressed a crowd of 600,000 people, roughly half the population of one of the world’s most Catholic nations — East Timor. Pope Francis  celebrated an open-air Mass for around
9 months ago
Germany: Labor minister calls for higher minimum wage
Germany: Labor minister calls for higher minimum wage

Germany: Labor minister calls for higher minimum wage

Hubertus Heil said he wants to raise the federal minimum wage to 15 euros. Trade unions welcome his comments, but there was dissent within Germany’s governing coalition. Germany’s Federal Minister of Labor
10 months ago
Pope appeals against extremism on Indonesia trip
Pope appeals against extremism on Indonesia trip

Pope appeals against extremism on Indonesia trip

Pope Francis and Indonesian President Joko Widodo highlighted the role religion can play in fostering peace. The pontiff is set to host leaders of six different religious groups in Jakarta. Pope Francis
10 months ago
Pope Francis embarks on marathon Asia-Pacific trip
Pope Francis embarks on marathon Asia-Pacific trip

Pope Francis embarks on marathon Asia-Pacific trip

The 12-day visit is Francis’ first major trip abroad in a year. The journey highlights the growing importance of Asia and Oceania to the Catholic Church. Pope Francis begins the foreign trip of
10 months ago
Germany: Ex-head of banned Islamic center faces deportation
Germany: Ex-head of banned Islamic center faces deportation

Germany: Ex-head of banned Islamic center faces deportation

German authorities have issued a deportation order to the former head of the Islamic Center Hamburg. The organization was recently banned as espousing an extremist ideology. Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the ex-head of
10 months ago
Australian police carry out massive nationwide drug bust
Australian police carry out massive nationwide drug bust

Australian police carry out massive nationwide drug bust

Police in Australia say more than 1,600 people have been arrested in an anti-drug operation. A spokesman said the action highlighted “the seemingly insatiable demand” for illicit drugs in the country. Australian police
10 months ago
Pakistan registers 1st case of mpox
Pakistan registers 1st case of mpox

Pakistan registers 1st case of mpox

Pakistan said it has detected a case of mpox virus in the country. Authorities have not said whether it’s the new deadly variant that has led to a surge in infections in
10 months ago
US: 5 arrested over Matthew Perry's death, ketamine supply
US: 5 arrested over Matthew Perry's death, ketamine supply

US: 5 arrested over Matthew Perry’s death, ketamine supply

US investigators have arrested five people over the death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry, including two doctors and the actor’s assistant. The suspects “took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues,” officials say.
10 months ago
Germany: Alcohol-free beer sales double in past decade
Germany: Alcohol-free beer sales double in past decade

Germany: Alcohol-free beer sales double in past decade

Germany’s non-alcoholic beer production has enjoyed a boom in the last 10 years, according to a new report. Low-alcohol drinks like Radler are also seeing increased sales. Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, Destatis,
11 months ago
France: Basel-Mulhouse airport reopens after bomb scare
France: Basel-Mulhouse airport reopens after bomb scare

France: Basel-Mulhouse airport reopens after bomb scare

The airport, located in France near the Swiss and the German border, was briefly evacuated for “safety reasons.” France is on high alert for any potential violent action as it prepares to
11 months ago
1 2

Follow us

×
Cookies
We serve cookies. If you think that's OK, just click "Accept all". You can also choose what kind of cookies you want by clicking "Settings". Read our cookie policy
Settings Refuse all Accept all
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
Save Refuse all Accept all