France Archives - National Times

25 Oct

Over 4 Lakh Protesters Take to Streets Across France; Tear Gas Fired as Clashes Erupt With Police

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsFrance

France (Rajeev Sharma): More than four lakh people reportedly took part in anti-government demonstrations across France, with tensions escalating in several areas as protesters confronted police and security forces resorted to tear gas to disperse crowds. The large-scale mobilisation reflected growing public discontent with the government, drawing thousands of demonstrators onto the streets in a show of opposition to its policies. While many participants joined marches and rallies, confrontations between protesters and law enforcement turned parts of the demonstrations tense. Police used tear gas amid clashes as officers attempted to control crowds and restore order. The unrest highlighted the challenges…

22 Oct

Indian Embassy Urges Citizens in France to Stay Alert as Unrest and Curfews Continue

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsFrance

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals living in or visiting France as unrest, demonstrations and localised curfews continue to affect several parts of the country. In its advisory, the Embassy called on citizens to remain alert, avoid areas witnessing protests and comply with instructions issued by French authorities. It also cautioned against visiting crowded locations where demonstrations could escalate into violence. The Embassy urged Indians to keep track of developments through official sources and prepare for possible disruptions to public transport. Citizens were advised to consult the French…

05 Oct

France Braces for More Student Unrest as Hundreds of High Schools Close

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsTrending, World NewsFrance

Paris (Rajeev Sharma): Hundreds of high schools across France are expected to suspend classes on Monday as authorities prepare for another major wave of student demonstrations over concerns about the country's education system. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said between 400 and 500 secondary schools could see classes cancelled either completely or partially because conditions were considered unsafe. He said 24 schools had already suffered arson attacks, vandalism or extensive damage since the protests began. The temporary closures are being treated primarily as a security measure, with organisers calling for demonstrations to intensify on Tuesday. Geffray said officials hoped schools could…

15 Jul

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Clinical Spain Outclass France to Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Spot

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA World Cup 2026, France, Spain

Spain (Rajeev Sharma): Spain delivered another composed performance on the biggest stage, defeating France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final to seal a place in the tournament's final. The victory in Arlington, Texas, underlined Spain's growing dominance over their European rivals, having now defeated France in three successive major knockout encounters. The breakthrough came in the first half when Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the area. Spain maintained control throughout the opening period, dictating possession and preventing France from finding rhythm in attack. France's evening became more complicated when defender…

09 Jul

France Sweat Over Olise Suspension Risk as FIFA Rejects Appeal Before Morocco Showdown

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsSports, TrendingFIFA, France

France (Rajeev Sharma): France's preparations for their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco have received an unexpected jolt after FIFA upheld Michael Olise's yellow card from the Round of 16, leaving the winger at risk of missing the next match if booked again. Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the team's attempt to overturn the caution was unsuccessful. The decision means Olise will be available to face Morocco but will head into the high-stakes clash carrying the threat of suspension. The booking came during France's victory over Paraguay after Olise became involved in a late confrontation with Paraguayan midfielder…

24 Apr

France Waives Transit Visa for Indians, Move Seen as Boost to Travel and Bilateral Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsFrance

New Delhi: In a major relief for Indian travellers, France has done away with the requirement of an airport transit visa for Indian nationals passing through its airports. The new policy, now in force, is expected to make international travel smoother and more efficient. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Indian citizens holding valid passports can transit through French airports without obtaining a separate visa, as long as they do not leave the international transit zone and are travelling onward to another country. The change comes after high-level discussions between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron earlier this year, where…

09 Mar

India Becomes World’s Second-Largest Arms Importer; Russian Share Drops to 40% as Western Ties Surge

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia, World NewsArms Imports, France, India, Pakistan, Russia, SIPRI Report

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh) — India has emerged as the world’s second-largest importer of major arms, accounting for 8.3 per cent of global imports between 2021 and 2025, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report, titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025’, released on Monday, March 9, 2026, reveals that India’s ranking is surpassed only by Ukraine, which claimed the top spot with a 9.7 per cent share due to its ongoing conflict with Russia. A significant takeaway from the 2025 data is the steady decline in India’s reliance on Russian military…

07 Feb

Canada, France establish diplomatic presence in Greenland amid Arctic geopolitics

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, France

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada and France formally opened new diplomatic missions in Greenland on Friday, a move widely seen as a gesture of solidarity with Denmark and a signal of growing international focus on the strategically important Arctic territory. Canada inaugurated its consulate in Nuuk with Foreign Minister Anita Anand leading the delegation. She was accompanied by Governor General Mary Simon, underscoring Ottawa’s emphasis on Arctic cooperation and Indigenous engagement. Canadian officials said the mission will strengthen collaboration with Greenland on climate change, Arctic security and Inuit issues, while also expanding Canada’s diplomatic footprint in the region. France simultaneously announced…