FINLAND

"Haven't reached my best yet, not satisfied with my throw," says Javelin Throw champion Neeraj Chopra

Olympic and World champion Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra believes he has not yet reached his peak. He said that his most satisfying throw being in the World Under-20 Championships in 2016. He showcased his javelin skills to cricketer Dinesh Karthik on JioCinema's 'Get Set Gold.' He also revealed his off-court interests on the show. Chopra withdrew from the Ostrava Golden Spike 2024 due to an adductor issue and has prioritised his health ahead of the Paris Olympics.

Finland suspects four Russian military planes violated its airspace

The Finnish Border Guard suspects that four Russian military planes violated Finland's airspace on June 10. Initially, it was reported that one Russian plane had violated the airspace on Monday for about two minutes. However, as the investigation progressed, it became apparent that three additional planes may have also infringed on Finnish territory. The border guard agency believes the four aircraft include two bombers and two fighter jets. The last confirmed territorial violation by Russian aircraft occurred in August 2022, according to Finland's defence ministry.

ECB to start rate cuts but sticky inflation clouds path ahead

The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to reduce eurozone interest rates from historic highs this week, with a quarter-point cut expected on Thursday, lowering the key deposit rate to 3.75%. Despite the reduction, persistent inflation and stronger-than-expected economic data suggest a slow pace for further rate cuts. ECB President Christine Lagarde is anticipated to provide future guidance post-meeting. Analysts predict only modest rate reductions throughout the year, with the deposit rate projected to reach 3.25% by the end of 2024.

Book borrowed from Finnish library in 1939 returned after 84 years. The borrower was not even fined

A book that was borrowed in 1939 was returned to a Finnish library after more than 84 years. The book continues to be in good condition.

Neeraj Chopra clarifies: Not injured, withdrawal from Golden Spike meet a precautionary move

Neeraj Chopra withdraws from Ostrava Golden Spike meet as a precaution due to adductor discomfort, prioritizing fitness for Tokyo Olympics. He will attend as a guest, with Julian Weber replacing him at the event.

Study warns against childhood inactivity, promotes light activity for heart health

A recent study has linked childhood inactivity with heart enlargement, which can lead to serious health risks in adulthood. The research, conducted over 13 years with nearly 1,700 participants, found that sedentary behavior during childhood increased heart mass, a known risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.

NATO Membership and Defence Spending: Key facts you need to know

Sweden officially became a member of NATO, joining Finland in the alliance's largest expansion since the 1990s. This move comes amid rising tensions with Russia and NATO's efforts to bolster its defences. With 32 member countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, NATO aims to counter threats from "authoritarian states" like Russia. Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia also aspire to join NATO, highlighting the alliance's role in today's geopolitical landscape.

Finland, Ukraine sign 10-year security agreement

Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited Ukraine and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The agreement includes political support, backing for Ukraine's defense and security, and support for Ukrainian reforms and reconstruction. Stubb's office emphasized Finland's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. Additionally, Finland pledged to send another package of defense materials valued at around 188 million euros, bringing the total Finnish contribution since 2022 to around 2 billion euros.

One of three students wounded in a school shooting in Finland has died, police say

Several people were injured in a shooting at a primary school in Finland early on Tuesday, and a suspect was later apprehended, Finnish police said in a statement. The shooting took place at the Viertola school in Vantaa, a suburb to the capital Helsinki, which has around 800 students from first to ninth grade.

Is that a subtle sulk growing on the face of 'the happiest nation on Earth'?

Despite being named the happiest country, Finland grapples with economic challenges, labour strikes, mental health issues, loneliness, and a declining fertility rate, raising concerns about the future. In 2020, more than 400,000 Finns received social insurance compensation for prescription antidepressant meds. And latest estimates suggest that around 1 mn people (of 5.5 mn population) are diagnosed with mental health issues that include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Finland is the happiest country in the world - but research suggests the rankings are wealth and status-oriented

Finland ranks high in happiness. Cantril Ladder shapes well-being perception. Research questions traditional happiness metrics. Relationships key for happiness and productivity, surpassing salary importance.

Finland the world’s happiest country, Biden goes after Chinese semiconductor firms

The US government is pressing allies including the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea and Japan to further tighten restrictions on China’s access to semiconductor technology.

World Happiness Report 2024: Here are the happiest countries of the world, where does India rank?

The UN World Happiness Report for this year reaffirms Finland's position as the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, with Nordic nations like Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following suit. Conversely, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the happiness index due to ongoing crises. The United States and Germany have dropped below the top 20 happiest nations, while Costa Rica and Kuwait have entered the top 20.

Happiest countries in the world updated list: Finland tops again

Revealed: The happiest countries in the world!

Sweden joins NATO in response to Russian aggression, ending 200 years of military non-alignment

Newly enlarged NATO starts drill in Finland, Norway and Sweden in defense of its Nordic turf

NATO has launched a large-scale exercise, Nordic Response 2024, involving over 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden. This marks Finland's largest participation in a foreign exercise since joining NATO in April 2023. The drill, conducted in harsh Arctic winter conditions, aims to strengthen collective defense capabilities in the region. The exercise, part of Steadfast Defender 24, demonstrates NATO's commitment to defending its territory and comes amid heightened tensions with Russia. The drill includes land, sea, and air components and underscores the strategic importance of the High North for NATO.

Sweden’s bumpy road toward NATO membership: Here’s what you need to know

Foreign ministers of Finland, Liechtenstein, Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive in India for Raisina Dialogue

Raisina Dialogue is India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. The ninth edition of Raisina Dialogue is set to be held in Delhi from February 21-23.

To the Finland station

Finland's glamorous former PM, Sanna Marin, grabbed international headlines when her wild after-work partying and selfie-laden social media activity caught the media's fancy. A lot, however, is now changing. The focus on Finland is growing.

This European airline will weigh some passengers along with their carry-on bags before boarding

Finnair will weigh passengers and their carry-on bags at selected gates in Helsinki Airport. The data collection will cover European flights within the Schengen area and certain long-haul flights.

Finland joins NATO operations with fighter jets, mine clearing vessel

Finland has announced its intention to send up to eight fighter jets and a navy mine hunting vessel to participate in NATO's joint operations in 2024. Finland, having joined NATO last year, is taking part in collective defense missions, aiming to strengthen deterrence and show unity with allies. The Katanpaa class vessel will join NATO's mine countermeasure unit in the Baltic Sea, while the fighter jets will engage in air patrolling and deterrence activities in Romania, Bulgaria, and the Black Sea. The move reflects Finland's commitment to NATO and its response to regional security challenges, particularly involving Russia.

Finland increases financial requirement for Schengen visa applicants

​​Travelers will now have to show a minimum of 50 euros for each day spent in Finland, marking an increase of 20 euros from the previous requirement. This 66% hike comes in response to escalating living costs, the ministry said.