International

  Construction workers renovating a property in Belgium have made an extraordinary discovery after uncovering a large collection of gold bars and coins estimated to be worth around €9 million, or approximately Rs2.89 billion. The valuable hoard was reportedly hidden inside the walls of a cellar at a house in East Flanders. According to Belgian media reports, the workers discovered the treasure earlier this week while carrying out renovation work on the property. They were drilling into the building as part of preparations to install new sewage pipes when they unexpectedly came across the hidden collection. The discovery immediately attracted attention because of its enormous value and raised an unusual legal question: who will eventually be entitled to the gold? Both the construction workers who found the treasure and the charity that owns the property could potentially have a claim, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Police have launched an inquiry into the discovery and have warned members of the public to stay away from the construction site. Authorities said the property had effectively been searched and disturbed after news of the discovery spread. The gold has since been removed from the building and placed in a secure location while officials investigate its origin and ownership. The workers reportedly found the treasure while carrying out work around the foundations of the house. Among those involved was an 18-year-old student named Kobe, who was working a summer job at the construction site. Speaking to Belgian public broadcaster . He described the moment as one of disbelief and excitement. He initially thought some of the objects they had uncovered might simply be ordinary €1 coins. However, when the workers noticed what appeared to be a gold nugget among the items, they realised they had discovered something far more valuable. The workers quickly contacted police rather than attempting to take the treasure for themselves. Site manager Mario explained that the sheer quantity of gold made it impossible to secretly keep the discovery. He also acknowledged that taking it would amount to theft. Kobe similarly said that an amount worth around €9 million could not realistically be hidden. The property is currently owned by CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, an organisation that provides welfare and social support in the Dendermonde area, a Flemish community with a population of around 47,000 people. CAW Oost-Vlaanderen director Geert Hillaert said the organisation was shocked and amazed by the discovery. He expressed hope that, if the charity eventually receives part of the treasure, the money could be used to help people in need and support its welfare programmes. Police have appealed to the public not to visit the site in search of additional valuables. Authorities said they hoped the unusual discovery would eventually be placed in the hands of the rightful owner or used in a way that could benefit society. Under Belgian law, a legitimate owner has up to five years to come forward and claim hidden treasure. Prosecutors are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the hoard, including whether it could be connected to criminal activity. If no owner is identified, Belgian civil law may allow the treasure to be divided between the person who discovered it and the owner of the property. However, this rule applies only if authorities determine that the gold is not connected to a crime. For now, the builders and the charity must wait while investigators determine who has the legal right to the extraordinary fortune. If no rightful owner appears within the five-year period, the discovery could transform an ordinary renovation project into a life-changing event.

  India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant has clarified his controversial remarks involving the term “cockroach,” saying that his comments made during a Supreme Court hearing were misquoted and subsequently presented out of context. In a recent interview, Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks and alleged that the statement had been deliberately misrepresented. He said that his comments were presented in a misleading manner, creating confusion and misunderstanding, particularly among young people. The Chief Justice said that what he had actually stated during the court proceedings was different from the version that was circulated publicly. According to him, his remarks were taken out of context and presented in a way that misled the public and India’s youth. Surya Kant also expressed concern over the growing practice of sharing short video clips of court proceedings on social media without providing the necessary background or context. He said that isolated clips can create an inaccurate impression of what was actually said during judicial proceedings. The Chief Justice appealed to the media as well as citizens to recognize that constitutional rights come with corresponding responsibilities and duties. He stressed that while people have the right to express their views and access information, they must also understand their responsibility toward society. “When we talk about rights, we must also have the ability to perform our duties,” Surya Kant said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social harmony. He added that society must make continuous efforts to promote harmony and responsible public discourse. The controversy dates back to May, when the Chief Justice reportedly compared holders of fake degrees and people allegedly misusing the Right to Information (RTI) system or social media to “cockroaches.” The remarks triggered a strong public reaction and generated widespread discussion on social media. Following the controversy, a satirical public political movement called the “Cockroach Janta Party” was reportedly established. The group used the Chief Justice’s controversial remarks as a basis for its political satire and public activities. The movement has also attracted attention through its recent protest over the alleged NET-UG paper leak issue in Delhi. Demonstrators reportedly gathered at Jantar Mantar one of the capital’s prominent locations for political protests and public demonstrations. The protest over the examination paper leak reportedly ended with calls for the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, highlighting the growing political and public anger surrounding the issue. The latest comments by Chief Justice Surya Kant appear aimed at clarifying his position and explaining the context in which the original “cockroach” remarks were made. His criticism of social media clips also reflects broader concerns within the judiciary about court proceedings being circulated online without the complete context. The controversy has sparked a wider debate in India over judicial language, freedom of expression, responsible use of social media and the responsibilities that accompany constitutional rights. By clarifying his remarks, the Chief Justice has urged the public and media to consider the complete context of judicial observations rather than relying solely on short clips or selectively quoted statements circulating on social media. He also emphasized the need for citizens to balance their rights with their responsibilities and work toward maintaining social harmony.

    France’s Constitutional Council, the country’s highest constitutional authority, has rejected a proposed law that would have banned children under the age of 15 from accessing social media. The decision represents a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had strongly supported measures aimed at protecting young people from the potential harms of social media. The proposed legislation would have prevented children below 15 from creating social media accounts from September 1. It also required social media companies to close accounts belonging to existing under-15 users within four months. Platforms would have been required to introduce an age-verification system approved by France’s privacy regulator to determine whether users met the minimum age requirement. However, the Constitutional Council ruled that important parts of the legislation did not provide sufficient legal safeguards. In particular, the council objected to the requirement that users prove their age without clearly defining the conditions and limits surrounding the collection and use of such information. According to the council, the legislation placed disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression and communication. It also failed to adequately protect individuals’ right to privacy. The ruling effectively prevents the law from coming into force in its original form. French lawmakers had approved the legislation in July, making France one of the first European countries to pursue such a comprehensive restriction on social media use by young teenagers. The move followed Australia’s decision to introduce a world-first social media ban for children under 16 in December. The Australian restrictions cover major platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. Australian lawmakers are now considering stronger penalties for companies that fail to comply, although early data has indicated that the ban has had mixed results. Several other countries have also taken steps to restrict young people’s access to social media. China, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye have introduced measures or discussed plans aimed at limiting children’s access to online platforms. At the European Union level, authorities have also indicated that stronger protections may be needed to shield children from harmful features and content on social media platforms. Major technology companies have generallyFrance’s Constitutional Council, the country’s highest constitutional authority, has rejected a proposed law that would have banned children opposed blanket restrictions, arguing that they already provide tools and age-based safeguards to protect younger users. At the same time, companies have indicated that they would follow government regulations where required. Google, Meta, Snap and TikTok had not immediately issued comments on the French court’s decision. Following the ruling, Macron instructed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to revise the proposed legislation and address the Constitutional Council’s concerns. The Elysee Palace said the French president remains committed to introducing the reform. The government wants a revised version of the legislation to take effect before spring 2027, when France is scheduled to hold its next presidential election. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, making the issue a significant part of his government’s remaining agenda.

  CHIBA, Japan: At least four people have died and another remains missing after record-breaking rainfall triggered flooding and severe disruption in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. Japan’s weather authorities reported that Chiba City received 367 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, marking an exceptionally heavy downpour for the region. The intense rainfall caused flooding, damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life across several areas. More than 25,000 households lost electricity as the storm damaged power infrastructure. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, leaving more than 7,000 passengers stranded at airports. Authorities cancelled dozens of train services, while flooding and dangerous road conditions forced the closure of several major highways. Officials issued an emergency high alert for areas facing the greatest risk from flooding and further rain. Rescue teams have been working to reach affected communities, while the Japanese government has sought assistance from the Self-Defense Forces to support evacuation and relief operations. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation instructions as emergency crews continue searching for the missing person and assessing the extent of the damage.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has ruled out the possibility of an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that any truce must form part of a long-term and sustainable settlement rather than serve as a temporary pause in the conflict. In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov said Moscow would continue to take stronger measures against Western support that, according to Russia, strengthens Ukraine’s military capabilities. He accused Western countries of prolonging the war by providing Kyiv with military and other forms of assistance. Lavrov maintained that Russia would only consider a ceasefire if it could lead to a lasting political solution. He said an immediate halt to fighting would not address what Moscow considers the underlying causes of the conflict and could allow Ukraine to strengthen its forces and resume hostilities later. The Russian foreign minister also accused the United States of involvement in attacks against Russia. His remarks came as Moscow seeks clarification from the US State Department over alleged American intelligence cooperation with Ukraine. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Lavrov said Russia had not rejected dialogue with representatives of US President Donald Trump. He indicated that Moscow remained open to discussions with Trump’s envoys, suggesting that diplomatic channels between Washington and Moscow remain available. Lavrov’s comments highlight the difficult path toward a ceasefire as Russia and Ukraine continue to disagree over the conditions for ending the war. Moscow has repeatedly called for a settlement that addresses its security demands, while Kyiv and its Western allies have pushed for a durable peace that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.