The Czech Prime Minister triggered a row after suggesting that Sweden & The Netherlands will become Muslim nations in the coming decades. Population experts say the PM is trying to scare people. Palki Sharma tells you why Andrej Babis is playing a dangerous game.

Gravitas: Will Sweden & The Netherlands become Muslim nations?

The Netherlands will be looking to make up for the lost time when they begin their European Championship campaign at home against Ukraine in Amsterdam on Sunday, hoping a sea of orange will spur them on to the perfect start.

It is a return to a major tournament for the first time since the Dutch finished third at the 2014 World Cup.

Missing out on the last Euros in France and then the 2018 World Cup in Russia were a major setback and re-establishing their reputation as a&nbsp;footballing force is top priority for coach Frank de Boer and his team.

The Netherlands will need a positive start after their build-up was marred by media disapproval of the more defensive tactics employed in warm-ups against Scotland and Georgia.

There are also few more critical fans than the Dutch, who demand not only success but also swagger from their team and are quick to voice their displeasure when this is not the case.

There will be 16,000 on hand at the Johan Cruyff Arena, sure to be clad in the team's distinctive colors, providing a lift for the home side and an intimidating presence for the visitors.

"The European Championship at home without fans is no championship. I'm looking forward to it enormously," said captain Georginio Wijnaldum.

"It also feels that we are at the end of a really tiresome period and we are at the beginning of a much brighter, nicer time."

Ukraine, whose pre-tournament preparations have been overshadowed by controversy over their kit, are a side capable of upsetting the odds but lack consistency.

In their three World Cup qualifiers in March, they held world champions France to a 1-1 draw in Paris, only to then drop points at home to the lowly likes of Finland and Kazakhstan.

There has, however, been marked improvement under coach Andriy Shevchenko, appointed after they lost all three group games at Euro 2016 in France.

"Hopefully there will be surprises at the tournament and we will certainly be looking to create them," warned battling midfielder Taras Stepanenko this week.

The Netherlands will be looking to make up for the lost time when they begin their European Championship campaign at home against Ukraine in Amsterdam on Sunday, hoping a sea of orange will spur them on to the perfect start.

The Netherlands will be looking to make up for the lost time when they begin their European Championship campaign at home against Ukraine in Amsterdam on Sunday, hoping a sea of orange will spur them on to the perfect start. It is a return to a major tournament for the first time since the Dutch finished third at the 2014 World Cup. Missing out on the last Euros in France and then the 2018 World Cup in Russia were a major setback and re-establishing their reputation as a footballing force is top priority for coach Frank de Boer and his team. The Netherlands will need a positive start after their build-up was marred by media disapproval of the more defensive tactics employed in warm-ups against Scotland and Georgia. There are also few more critical fans than the Dutch, who demand not only success but also swagger from their team and are quick to voice their displeasure when this is not the case. There will be 16,000 on hand at the Johan Cruyff Arena, sure to be clad in the team's distinctive colors, providing a lift for the home side and an intimidating presence for the visitors. "The European Championship at home without fans is no championship. I'm looking forward to it enormously," said captain Georginio Wijnaldum. "It also feels that we are at the end of a really tiresome period and we are at the beginning of a much brighter, nicer time." Ukraine, whose pre-tournament preparations have been overshadowed by controversy over their kit, are a side capable of upsetting the odds but lack consistency. In their three World Cup qualifiers in March, they held world champions France to a 1-1 draw in Paris, only to then drop points at home to the lowly likes of Finland and Kazakhstan. There has, however, been marked improvement under coach Andriy Shevchenko, appointed after they lost all three group games at Euro 2016 in France. "Hopefully there will be surprises at the tournament and we will certainly be looking to create them," warned battling midfielder Taras Stepanenko this week.

Football: Back again, Dutch seek to restore past reputation

Dutch researchers have trained bees, which have an unusually keen sense of smell, to detect COVID-19 infected samples, a finding they said could cut the waiting time for test results to seconds.

Dutch researchers train bees to detect coronavirus

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis."&nbsp;

Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: &nbsp;How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.&nbsp;

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’.

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis." Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector. Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit? Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward? Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate. Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues? Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels. Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific? Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines? Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing. Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in? Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.

India a key player in Indo-Pacific: Netherlands envoy Marten van den Berg

April 10 in history: RMS Titanic sets sail, Pakistan adopts third constitution and more

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding a virtual summit with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte today (Friday). During the summit the two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and will look at new ways of strengthening the relationship.

Indian PM Modi to hold virtual summit with his Dutch counterpart Rutte

Top-ranked Belgium slammed eight goals against Belarus and the Netherlands crashed seven past Gibraltar but Portugal suffered a scare before beating Luxembourg as the World Cup qualifying matches continued on Tuesday.

There were also victories for Croatia, Serbia and Norway while Slovakia shocked Russia and Wales got their campaign up and running with a late winner against the Czech Republic.

Belgium had been held 1-1 by the Czechs at the weekend but claimed their second Group E win in emphatic fashion.

Coach Roberto Martinez gave chances to several of his fringe players and was rewarded with a rampant display as Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard scored twice while Michy Batshuayi, Jeremy Doku, Denis Praet and Christian Benteke were also on target.

Belgium top the group with seven points from three games, three points ahead of the Czech Republic who fell to a 1-0 defeat in Wales after Daniel James headed a late winner from a cross by Gareth Bale. The Welsh have three points.

Both sides ended with 10 men after Patrik Schick saw red for the Czechs just after halftime, while Connor Roberts was sent off for the hosts shortly before the winning goal.

The Netherlands could not quite match their neighbours Belgium but four goals in nine second-half minutes helped them demolish Gibraltar in Group G.

Only Steven Berghuis's goal separated the sides at halftime but Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Malen all scored in quick succession before Donny van de Beek added a sixth and Depay got his second to give the Dutch their biggest away win since a 7-0 success over San Marino in 1993.

The Netherlands have six points, one behind Turkey who were surprisingly held to a 3-3 draw at home by Latvia.

Turkey had beaten the Dutch and Norway in superb fashion to lead the group but came unstuck as Davis Ikaunieks scored late on for Latvia to deny the hosts a third consecutive win.

RONALDO SCORES

Luxembourg, who stunned Ireland 1-0 at the weekend in Group A, looked to be on course for another sensational result when they took the lead against Portugal thanks to a goal by Portuguese-born Gerson Rodrigues on the half hour mark.

But Diogo Jota headed an equaliser in the second minute of added time at the end of the first half and Cristiano Ronaldo put his side ahead early in the second half.

Substitute Joao Palhinha sealed the win in the 80th minute as Portugal moved top of the section.

They are level on seven points from three games with Serbia for whom Aleksandar Mitrovic scored both goals in a 2-1 win away to Azerbaijan. He has already scored five goals in the campaign.

Croatia laboured to a 3-0 win at home to Malta with second-half substitutes Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip Brekalo scoring to put the 2018 World Cup runners-up top of Group H.

Croatia have six points from three games, ahead of Russia on goal difference after they lost 2-1 to Slovakia for whom Robert Mak struck the winner in the 74th minute.

In Group G, Norway earned a 1-0 win away to Montenegro with Alexander Sorloth scoring the first-half winner to move them to six points, level with Montenegro and the Netherlands.

World champions France, England, Spain, Germany and Italy are all in action in Wednesday's qualifiers.

Top-ranked Belgium slammed eight goals against Belarus and the Netherlands crashed seven past Gibraltar but Portugal suffered a scare before beating Luxembourg as the World Cup qualifying matches continued on Tuesday.

Top-ranked Belgium slammed eight goals against Belarus and the Netherlands crashed seven past Gibraltar but Portugal suffered a scare before beating Luxembourg as the World Cup qualifying matches continued on Tuesday. There were also victories for Croatia, Serbia and Norway while Slovakia shocked Russia and Wales got their campaign up and running with a late winner against the Czech Republic. Belgium had been held 1-1 by the Czechs at the weekend but claimed their second Group E win in emphatic fashion. Coach Roberto Martinez gave chances to several of his fringe players and was rewarded with a rampant display as Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard scored twice while Michy Batshuayi, Jeremy Doku, Denis Praet and Christian Benteke were also on target. Belgium top the group with seven points from three games, three points ahead of the Czech Republic who fell to a 1-0 defeat in Wales after Daniel James headed a late winner from a cross by Gareth Bale. The Welsh have three points. Both sides ended with 10 men after Patrik Schick saw red for the Czechs just after halftime, while Connor Roberts was sent off for the hosts shortly before the winning goal. The Netherlands could not quite match their neighbours Belgium but four goals in nine second-half minutes helped them demolish Gibraltar in Group G. Only Steven Berghuis's goal separated the sides at halftime but Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Malen all scored in quick succession before Donny van de Beek added a sixth and Depay got his second to give the Dutch their biggest away win since a 7-0 success over San Marino in 1993. The Netherlands have six points, one behind Turkey who were surprisingly held to a 3-3 draw at home by Latvia. Turkey had beaten the Dutch and Norway in superb fashion to lead the group but came unstuck as Davis Ikaunieks scored late on for Latvia to deny the hosts a third consecutive win. RONALDO SCORES Luxembourg, who stunned Ireland 1-0 at the weekend in Group A, looked to be on course for another sensational result when they took the lead against Portugal thanks to a goal by Portuguese-born Gerson Rodrigues on the half hour mark. But Diogo Jota headed an equaliser in the second minute of added time at the end of the first half and Cristiano Ronaldo put his side ahead early in the second half. Substitute Joao Palhinha sealed the win in the 80th minute as Portugal moved top of the section. They are level on seven points from three games with Serbia for whom Aleksandar Mitrovic scored both goals in a 2-1 win away to Azerbaijan. He has already scored five goals in the campaign. Croatia laboured to a 3-0 win at home to Malta with second-half substitutes Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric and Josip Brekalo scoring to put the 2018 World Cup runners-up top of Group H. Croatia have six points from three games, ahead of Russia on goal difference after they lost 2-1 to Slovakia for whom Robert Mak struck the winner in the 74th minute. In Group G, Norway earned a 1-0 win away to Montenegro with Alexander Sorloth scoring the first-half winner to move them to six points, level with Montenegro and the Netherlands. World champions France, England, Spain, Germany and Italy are all in action in Wednesday's qualifiers.

World Cup Qualifiers: Belgium hit eight, seven for Dutch, Portugal survive scare

Talks on forming a new Dutch government were put on hold on Thursday when one of the chief negotiators unwittingly revealed a sensitive document to a news photographer while rushing out of parliament after learning she had tested positive for COVID-19.

Interior Minister Kajsa Ollongren, tasked with mapping out possibilities to form a coalition government following last week's national election, was photographed carrying documents as she walked to her car on Thursday morning.

Close-ups of the photo revealed information about the negotiation stance of various parties and on the possible future of Pieter Omtzigt, one of the most prominent parliament members of the Christian Democrats (CDA).

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-in-netherlands-over-coronavirus-restrictions-370482">Clashes erupt in Netherlands over coronavirus restrictions</a>

This sparked outrage among party leaders, who quickly tried to debunk the information as premature conclusions.

"Bizarre, this peek in the notes of Ollongren. Subjects which have not been discussed with me and are none of their business," Wopke Hoekstra, Finance minister and CDA leader, tweeted shortly after the photo was published.

Ollongren, a representative of the pro-European Union D66 party, and her fellow coalition explorer from Prime Minister Mark Rutte's party handed in their resignation a few hours after the photo appeared online.

It was not immediately clear when and how the government formation talks could resume.

Ollongren had left parliament in a hurry, after being notified of her positive coronavirus test.

She had held talks with the leaders of all parties in the Dutch parliament in the days before her test, including Rutte and the leader of her own party, Sigrid Kaag.

According to Dutch health regulations, Rutte and the other party leaders will have to take a COVID-19 test five days after their meeting with Ollongren to see whether they were infected.

Rutte tested negative for the coronavirus on Wednesday, his office said on Thursday, following an infection of one of his cabinet members late last week.

Rutte's conservative VVD party remains the largest in the Dutch parliament following the March 15-17 election, while D66 placed second.

Both parties are widely expected to form a new government together with up to three junior partners, in a process that could take months.

Talks on forming a new Dutch government were put on hold on Thursday when one of the chief negotiators unwittingly revealed a sensitive document to a news photographer while rushing out of parliament after learning she had tested positive for COVID-19.

Talks on forming a new Dutch government were put on hold on Thursday when one of the chief negotiators unwittingly revealed a sensitive document to a news photographer while rushing out of parliament after learning she had tested positive for COVID-19. Interior Minister Kajsa Ollongren, tasked with mapping out possibilities to form a coalition government following last week's national election, was photographed carrying documents as she walked to her car on Thursday morning. Close-ups of the photo revealed information about the negotiation stance of various parties and on the possible future of Pieter Omtzigt, one of the most prominent parliament members of the Christian Democrats (CDA). Also read | Clashes erupt in Netherlands over coronavirus restrictions This sparked outrage among party leaders, who quickly tried to debunk the information as premature conclusions. "Bizarre, this peek in the notes of Ollongren. Subjects which have not been discussed with me and are none of their business," Wopke Hoekstra, Finance minister and CDA leader, tweeted shortly after the photo was published. Ollongren, a representative of the pro-European Union D66 party, and her fellow coalition explorer from Prime Minister Mark Rutte's party handed in their resignation a few hours after the photo appeared online. It was not immediately clear when and how the government formation talks could resume. Ollongren had left parliament in a hurry, after being notified of her positive coronavirus test. She had held talks with the leaders of all parties in the Dutch parliament in the days before her test, including Rutte and the leader of her own party, Sigrid Kaag. According to Dutch health regulations, Rutte and the other party leaders will have to take a COVID-19 test five days after their meeting with Ollongren to see whether they were infected. Rutte tested negative for the coronavirus on Wednesday, his office said on Thursday, following an infection of one of his cabinet members late last week. Rutte's conservative VVD party remains the largest in the Dutch parliament following the March 15-17 election, while D66 placed second. Both parties are widely expected to form a new government together with up to three junior partners, in a process that could take months.

Dutch government formation talks on ice as document leaks

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears.&nbsp;

Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

They took a tiny piece of gut tissue filled with stem cells and gave it proteins called growth factors to push cell growth, hoping the stem cells to quickly proliferate.

"But to our surprise, the stem cells created a mini-organ...it's small, but it has all the different cells in the gut that you need for digesting food, said the study author Hans Clevers, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute for developmental biology and stem cell research and at the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology.

This happened in 2009 and since then, scientists have created mini versions, called organoids of the liver, bladder, pancreas, among others.&nbsp;

When they were successful in developing tear glands for mice, they tried to work on human tissue.&nbsp;

The tiny piece of the donated issue, suspended in a gel was given some elements for growth.&nbsp;

About a week after this, the researchers broke it up into small portions and fed it some more to produce many mini-glands.&nbsp;

"They looked like little balloons," said Clevers.

These glands are useful for humans in several ways.&nbsp;

They produce a thin layer of liquid, lubricating the surface of the eye, protecting it from irritants and infections, and providing nutrients.&nbsp;

These can also manufacture tears, either due to physical provocation or emotional event.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears. Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian.

If you find it hard to cry, Dutch scientists have developed a technology that might help you bring tears. Initially, the researchers were looking for the inner lining of the gut as it replaces itself every five days, reports The Guardian. They took a tiny piece of gut tissue filled with stem cells and gave it proteins called growth factors to push cell growth, hoping the stem cells to quickly proliferate. "But to our surprise, the stem cells created a mini-organ...it's small, but it has all the different cells in the gut that you need for digesting food, said the study author Hans Clevers, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute for developmental biology and stem cell research and at the Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology. This happened in 2009 and since then, scientists have created mini versions, called organoids of the liver, bladder, pancreas, among others. When they were successful in developing tear glands for mice, they tried to work on human tissue. The tiny piece of the donated issue, suspended in a gel was given some elements for growth. About a week after this, the researchers broke it up into small portions and fed it some more to produce many mini-glands. "They looked like little balloons," said Clevers. These glands are useful for humans in several ways. They produce a thin layer of liquid, lubricating the surface of the eye, protecting it from irritants and infections, and providing nutrients. These can also manufacture tears, either due to physical provocation or emotional event.

Struggle to cry? Dutch scientists develop tear glands

Netherlands voters headed to the voting stations on the third and final day of the national election amid the pandemic. With the final votes cast the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is expected to stay on at the office.

Netherlands Election: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte set to win big

Anti-lockdown protests are taking place in the Netherlands, where it had turned violent after the clashes in Hauge. Authorities even used water cannons, batons over protesters.

Netherlands witnessed violent clashes ahead of elections

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place.

Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw.

"Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP.

"Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today."

Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them.&nbsp;

Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks.

Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests.

The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.&nbsp;

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections.

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place. Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw. "Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP. "Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today." Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them. Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks. Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests. The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.

Dutch police clear anti-government protest on election eve

Several dozen sex workers protested in front of the Dutch parliament on Tuesday (March 2) against a government decision to ease coronavirus restrictions for some professions but not sex work, normally legal in the Netherlands.

Discrimination, not COVID, keeps us closed- Dutch sex workers

An explosion on Wednesday rattled a coronavirus testing centre north of Amsterdam, shattering windows but causing no injuries in what police called an intentional attack.

An explosives team was on site in the town of Bovenkarspel, 55 km (35 miles) north of the capital, to examine the device, police in the province of North Holland said.

The metal remains of the explosive, about 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inches by 4 inches) in size, were later found in front of the building.

A security guard who was inside the testing centre at the time was not injured, national broadcaster NOS reported.

The incident comes shortly before national elections on March 17, widely seen as a referendum on the government's handling of the pandemic.

Another test location was burned down during several days of rioting in January sparked by the introduction of a night-time curfew from 9 pm to 4.30 am.

The region around Bovenkarspel, a rural town, is currently suffering one of the Netherlands' worst COVID-19 outbreaks, with 181 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with around 27 per 100,000 nationally. At least one hospital has been forced to send patients to other provinces due to lack of space in its intensive care units.

(with inputs)

An explosion on Wednesday rattled a coronavirus testing centre north of Amsterdam, shattering windows but causing no injuries in what police called an intentional attack.

An explosion on Wednesday rattled a coronavirus testing centre north of Amsterdam, shattering windows but causing no injuries in what police called an intentional attack. An explosives team was on site in the town of Bovenkarspel, 55 km (35 miles) north of the capital, to examine the device, police in the province of North Holland said. The metal remains of the explosive, about 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inches by 4 inches) in size, were later found in front of the building. A security guard who was inside the testing centre at the time was not injured, national broadcaster NOS reported. The incident comes shortly before national elections on March 17, widely seen as a referendum on the government's handling of the pandemic. Another test location was burned down during several days of rioting in January sparked by the introduction of a night-time curfew from 9 pm to 4.30 am. The region around Bovenkarspel, a rural town, is currently suffering one of the Netherlands' worst COVID-19 outbreaks, with 181 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with around 27 per 100,000 nationally. At least one hospital has been forced to send patients to other provinces due to lack of space in its intensive care units. (with inputs)

Explosion at Dutch Covid test centre appears intentional, police say

The Dutch government has postponed a trade mission to Qatar this month, citing concern over living conditions of migrant workers helping the tiny Gulf state to prepare for next year`s soccer World Cup. 
 
Britain`s Guardian newspaper last week reported that its calculations showed that at least 6,500 migrant workers who worked on the stadiums and other infrastructure for the World Cup have died in Qatar in the past 10 years. 
 
"This report has led to a broad discussion in Dutch society and in parliament," said Dutch foreign ministry spokesman Jeroen van Dommelen. 
 
"We have talked before with Qatar about the poor conditions for these workers, but these numbers give the discussion a new meaning. We want to hear Qatar`s response before we can think of a new date for the mission." 
 
The trade mission, which was to be held as a video conference due to coronavirus related travel restrictions, was scheduled for March 22 to April 1. 
 
Qatar had not responded yet to the Dutch government`s decision, Van Dommelen said. 
 
A majority of parties in Dutch parliament last week called on the government and King Willem-Alexander to stay away from the World Cup next year in protest against the treatment of migrant workers. 
 
Human rights group Amnesty International has repeatedly said the tournament organiser`s worker welfare standards were inadequate to prevent abuses and provide timely remedies. It has also accused soccer governing body FIFA of failing to take seriously alleged human rights abuses linked to the event. 
 
Qatar announced changes to its labour laws last August, raising the minimum wage by 25% to 1,000 riyals ($275) a month and scrapping a requirement for workers to obtain permission from their employers to change jobs. 
 
Dutch trade minister Sigrid Kaag, who is running as leader of the medium-sized centre-left D66 party in Dutch elections this month, last week said she wanted the Netherlands to boycott the World Cup, though foreign minister Stef Blok said he preferred to keep an open dialogue with Qatar. 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by David Goodman) 
&nbsp;

The Dutch government has postponed a trade mission to Qatar this month, citing concern over living conditions of migrant workers helping the tiny Gulf state to prepare for next year`s soccer World Cup.

The Dutch government has postponed a trade mission to Qatar this month, citing concern over living conditions of migrant workers helping the tiny Gulf state to prepare for next year`s soccer World Cup. Britain`s Guardian newspaper last week reported that its calculations showed that at least 6,500 migrant workers who worked on the stadiums and other infrastructure for the World Cup have died in Qatar in the past 10 years. "This report has led to a broad discussion in Dutch society and in parliament," said Dutch foreign ministry spokesman Jeroen van Dommelen. "We have talked before with Qatar about the poor conditions for these workers, but these numbers give the discussion a new meaning. We want to hear Qatar`s response before we can think of a new date for the mission." The trade mission, which was to be held as a video conference due to coronavirus related travel restrictions, was scheduled for March 22 to April 1. Qatar had not responded yet to the Dutch government`s decision, Van Dommelen said. A majority of parties in Dutch parliament last week called on the government and King Willem-Alexander to stay away from the World Cup next year in protest against the treatment of migrant workers. Human rights group Amnesty International has repeatedly said the tournament organiser`s worker welfare standards were inadequate to prevent abuses and provide timely remedies. It has also accused soccer governing body FIFA of failing to take seriously alleged human rights abuses linked to the event. Qatar announced changes to its labour laws last August, raising the minimum wage by 25% to 1,000 riyals ($275) a month and scrapping a requirement for workers to obtain permission from their employers to change jobs. Dutch trade minister Sigrid Kaag, who is running as leader of the medium-sized centre-left D66 party in Dutch elections this month, last week said she wanted the Netherlands to boycott the World Cup, though foreign minister Stef Blok said he preferred to keep an open dialogue with Qatar. (Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by David Goodman)

Dutch postpone Qatar trade mission over World Cup worker concerns

The Dutch parliament passed a non-binding motion saying the treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in China amounts to genocide, the first such move by a European country.

Motion: China's Uighurs facing genocide

The Netherlands remained gripped by snow and freezing temperatures Monday, shuttering several schools that were due to reopen after a seven-week closure and closing some coronavirus test and vaccination sites.

Snow had stopped falling after the country was hit by the first major snowstorm in a decade on Sunday, dubbed Storm Darcy, but the Netherlands remained under weather alerts.

Coronavirus test and vaccination locations in at least eight towns including Haarlem, Alphen aan den Rijn and Den Helder were staying shut because of the wintry conditions, the GGD public health service said.

Primary schools across the country that were closed in early December as part of the Netherlands' toughest coronavirus restrictions since the start of the pandemic were meanwhile allowed to reopen on Monday.

But dozens of schools in the capital Amsterdam, the port city of Rotterdam, Utrecht and other locations were staying shut, mainly because of transport difficulties for pupils and staff, public broadcaster NOS said.

Trains were slowly getting back to normal, but road traffic remained disrupted, with part of the A1 motorway from Apeldoor to Amersfoort closed due to snow and ice.

The Dutch infrastructure agency reported 450 accidents since the weekend.

The sub-zero conditions are set to grip the Netherlands into next week, with daytime temperatures of minus 6 degrees Celsius (21.2 Fahrenheit) and falling as low as minus 11 degrees Celsius at night.

The big freeze has raised hopes that the Netherlands' famed canals will ice over in some places by around Thursday, allowing people to go ice-skating, a national obsession.

Dutch media reported that many shops had already sold out of skates in anticipation of the first such chance to take to the ice since 2018.

If the icy conditions continue, it could raise pressure on authorities to allow a traditional 200-kilometre (125-mile) ice-skating marathon through 11 cities called the Elfstedentocht to be held for the first time since 1997.&nbsp;

Dutch authorities have so far ruled it out even if the conditions are right, because of the risk of coronavirus transmission if crowds gather to watch.

Storm Darcy, which also caused transport disruption in Germany, was now heading across the North Sea towards Britain.&nbsp;

The Netherlands remained gripped by snow and freezing temperatures Monday, shuttering several schools that were due to reopen after a seven-week closure and closing some coronavirus test and vaccination sites.

The Netherlands remained gripped by snow and freezing temperatures Monday, shuttering several schools that were due to reopen after a seven-week closure and closing some coronavirus test and vaccination sites. Snow had stopped falling after the country was hit by the first major snowstorm in a decade on Sunday, dubbed Storm Darcy, but the Netherlands remained under weather alerts. Coronavirus test and vaccination locations in at least eight towns including Haarlem, Alphen aan den Rijn and Den Helder were staying shut because of the wintry conditions, the GGD public health service said. Primary schools across the country that were closed in early December as part of the Netherlands' toughest coronavirus restrictions since the start of the pandemic were meanwhile allowed to reopen on Monday. But dozens of schools in the capital Amsterdam, the port city of Rotterdam, Utrecht and other locations were staying shut, mainly because of transport difficulties for pupils and staff, public broadcaster NOS said. Trains were slowly getting back to normal, but road traffic remained disrupted, with part of the A1 motorway from Apeldoor to Amersfoort closed due to snow and ice. The Dutch infrastructure agency reported 450 accidents since the weekend. The sub-zero conditions are set to grip the Netherlands into next week, with daytime temperatures of minus 6 degrees Celsius (21.2 Fahrenheit) and falling as low as minus 11 degrees Celsius at night. The big freeze has raised hopes that the Netherlands' famed canals will ice over in some places by around Thursday, allowing people to go ice-skating, a national obsession. Dutch media reported that many shops had already sold out of skates in anticipation of the first such chance to take to the ice since 2018. If the icy conditions continue, it could raise pressure on authorities to allow a traditional 200-kilometre (125-mile) ice-skating marathon through 11 cities called the Elfstedentocht to be held for the first time since 1997. Dutch authorities have so far ruled it out even if the conditions are right, because of the risk of coronavirus transmission if crowds gather to watch. Storm Darcy, which also caused transport disruption in Germany, was now heading across the North Sea towards Britain.

Dutch snow keeps some Covid sites, schools closed

Protesters in the Dutch town of Hilversum were seen running in the streets on Tuesday (January 26), as the Netherlands braced for a fourth consecutive night of coronavirus anti-lockdown protests.

Netherlands: Explosion seen as anti-lockdown protesters run from Dutch police

Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus. 
 
The nation`s first curfew since World War Two followed a warning by the National Institute for Health (RIVM) over a new wave of infections due to the "British variant" of the virus, and was imposed despite weeks of declines in new infections. 
 
Ten police were injured in the port city of Rotterdam, where 60 rioters were detained overnight, Dutch news agency ANP said on Tuesday. 
 
Two photographers were hurt after being targeted by rock-throwing gangs, one in the capital, Amsterdam, and another in the nearby town of Haarlem, broadcaster NH Nieuws said. 
 
In the capital`s east, at least nine people were held after clashes with riot police. Store windows were smashed and an angry group attacked a police van, witnesses said. 
 
Schools and non-essential shops have been shut since mid-December, after bars and restaurants were closed two months prior. 
 
The death toll in the Netherlands stands at 13,579, with 952,950 infections to date.

Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus.

Dutch police detained more than 150 people in a third night of unrest in cities across the Netherlands, where roaming groups of rioters set fires, threw rocks and looted stores in violence triggered by a night curfew aimed at curbing the coronavirus. The nation`s first curfew since World War Two followed a warning by the National Institute for Health (RIVM) over a new wave of infections due to the "British variant" of the virus, and was imposed despite weeks of declines in new infections. Ten police were injured in the port city of Rotterdam, where 60 rioters were detained overnight, Dutch news agency ANP said on Tuesday. Two photographers were hurt after being targeted by rock-throwing gangs, one in the capital, Amsterdam, and another in the nearby town of Haarlem, broadcaster NH Nieuws said. In the capital`s east, at least nine people were held after clashes with riot police. Store windows were smashed and an angry group attacked a police van, witnesses said. Schools and non-essential shops have been shut since mid-December, after bars and restaurants were closed two months prior. The death toll in the Netherlands stands at 13,579, with 952,950 infections to date.

Dutch police detain more than 150 in third night of curfew violence

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them.

In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said.

A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said.

A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said.

"The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country.

The Netherlands has begun its first nationwide curfew since World War 2 and protests against the new curfew have degenerated into clashes with police in some parts of the country. In central Amsterdam hundreds of protesters gathered over the curfew and security officials used water cannon to disperse them. In Eindhoven in the country's south, police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred, regional television Omroep Brabant reported. At least 30 people were arrested there, police said. A number of vehicles were burned and businesses at Eindhoven's central train station were looted, media reports said. A Covid-19 testing centre was also set on fire on Saturday evening in the village of Urk in the north of the country, local authorities said. "The fire in a screening centre in Urk goes beyond all limits," Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Dutch police clash with anti-lockdown rioters in two cities

The curfew was passed in parliament on Thursday, albeit with a slightly later start time than the proposed 20:30.

Netherlands anti-curfew protests spark clashes with police

The Netherlands on Saturday began&nbsp;its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged.

This marks the country's toughest decision on the pandemic so far. The country's Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the curfew is largely intended to contain more infectious variants of the virus.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the country voted in favour of a curfew between 9 pm to 4.30 am.

The flight ban began on Saturday, with incoming planes from most countries banned.

"This is a very tough measure, but we are at a crossroads," Rutte said during&nbsp;a televised news conference. "The British variant doesn't leave us with an alternative."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/government-in-netherlands-resigns-after-benefit-scandal-357000" hreflang="en">Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal</a>

As part of the curfew, only people in emergency situations will be allowed to leave during the hours.

Exceptions against the curfew include medical emergencies, essential workers across fields, and walking pets on a leash. Violators are set to be fined $115. 
 
In addition, the government said that all international travellers arriving by planes or boats need to produce proof of two negative coronavirus rapid tests, which ought to be done just before departure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spray-experiment-in-netherlands-biggest-football-stadium-could-bring-back-crowds-348567" hreflang="en">'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds</a> 
 
Earlier, the country required a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Since mid-December, schools and non-essential shops have remained shut. Earlier, bars and restaurants across the country were closed. All such facilities will remain shut until at least February 9.

The Netherlands on Saturday began its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged.

The Netherlands on Saturday began its first nationwide curfew since World War 2. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new variants of the coronavirus had emerged. This marks the country's toughest decision on the pandemic so far. The country's Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the curfew is largely intended to contain more infectious variants of the virus. On Saturday, the country voted in favour of a curfew between 9 pm to 4.30 am. The flight ban began on Saturday, with incoming planes from most countries banned. "This is a very tough measure, but we are at a crossroads," Rutte said during a televised news conference. "The British variant doesn't leave us with an alternative." Also read: Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal As part of the curfew, only people in emergency situations will be allowed to leave during the hours. Exceptions against the curfew include medical emergencies, essential workers across fields, and walking pets on a leash. Violators are set to be fined $115. In addition, the government said that all international travellers arriving by planes or boats need to produce proof of two negative coronavirus rapid tests, which ought to be done just before departure. Also read: 'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds Earlier, the country required a negative test taken within 72 hours of travel. Since mid-December, schools and non-essential shops have remained shut. Earlier, bars and restaurants across the country were closed. All such facilities will remain shut until at least February 9.

Netherlands begins flight ban, first curfew since World War II

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors.

Rutte and his Cabinet will continue running the government in a caretaker capacity, with general elections already scheduled for March. His center-right party is currently leading in the polls. The other parties in his coalition, who have also been touched by the scandal, are not expected to call for earlier elections because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Mistakes have been made on all levels that have led to great injustice for thousands of families. Innocent people have been criminalized, and their lives destroyed,” Rutte said in a news conference. “This Cabinet has taken full responsibility.” Rutte said the report that led to the downfall of the Cabinet was “hard as nails” but “fair.”

Rutte handed in his resignation and that of his entire Cabinet after riding his bicycle to see King Willem-Alexander van Oranje. He had been serving his third term as prime minister and had been leading the Netherlands since 2010. If his party gets the largest share of votes in the upcoming elections, he can serve a fourth term.

The report, the result of an inquiry in which Rutte was also questioned, concluded that “unprecedented injustice” had been done to innocent families, some of whom were forced to immediately repay huge amounts in child care benefits.

In many cases an administrative mistake like a missing signature was enough for the tax authority to label parents as frauds and fine families as much as tens of thousands of euros, the report said.

“Fundamental principles of the rule of law were violated,” it concluded, blasting both the government and Parliament for creating “rock-hard laws” with little room to fairly consider individual cases.

The chairman of the parliamentary committee that led the inquiry, Chris van Dam, said the system that was created to track down benefits fraud was “a mass process with no room for nuance.”

In a separate investigation, the Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded that tax inspectors had discriminated against citizens with dual nationality.

The former vice president of the Dutch Council of State, Herman Tjeenk Willink, added to the accusations of systematic failure by calling upon parliamentarians to also take responsibility for voting in the strict laws.

“They should look themselves in the mirror,” he wrote in an op-ed in NRC Handelsblad, “and question their own role in this affair.”

Insiders expected Rutte to shrug off any criticism very easily. “Yes, it is a disgrace this happened under Rutte’s responsibility,” said Joost Vullings, a political commentator, “but if anyone knows how to not feel embarrassed it is our prime minister. He will go full throttle to win the upcoming elections.”

Rutte said last month that the tax campaign detailed in the December report was “shameful,” and that the government has announced that nearly 10,000 families will each be given compensation of 30,000 euros, or about $36,500. Earlier this week Rutte insisted that the government should not step down because it could weaken the nation’s response to the pandemic.

The Netherlands has grappled with the coronavirus since March, and its inability to curb the spread of the disease has laid bare what many say are systemic problems with overregulation. Like many countries in Europe, the Netherlands is in lockdown.

A report in November ranked the government as a leading global tax haven for large corporations, so its pursuit of individuals for relatively small amounts did not go unnoticed.

This duality and others in Dutch politics highlight the downsides of the Dutch poldermodel, a system of subjecting every major decision to review by every institution, representative or even individual involved. The outcome is always a compromise.

“This affair is an example of a systematic mistake, that has risen from our coalition politics, where every party is scoring points for their own supporters,” said Sheila Sitalsing, a commentator for de Volkskrant, “but the final compromise becomes impossible to execute for those having to work with it on a daily basis.”

Sitalsing also said that voters for two decades have been rewarding politicians promising stricter rules. “So this is what you get,” she said of the child benefits scandal.

Families targeted by the tax authority on Tuesday stepped up the pressure on Rutte by calling for his Cabinet to step down in an open letter published in the Trouw newspaper.

“What needs to be done is clear: Everything should be repaired and cleaned up,” a group of families said. “We have no faith the current Cabinet is capable of doing this.”

In a rather unique move in the Netherlands, the families this week filed criminal charges against five politicians, including Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Economy Minister Eric Wiebes, for their role in the affair. If convicted, they could face up to six months in prison.

“We pressed criminal charges because the victims I represent have been ruined, some became homeless because of these policies. These politicians have been extremely negligent,” said Vasco Groeneveld, a lawyer representing 20 victims. “Every time I open their files, shivers run down my spine. These people have been treated awfully.”

Wiebes, who was minister of finances in a previous Cabinet, will resign immediately and will not stay on in the caretaker government, NOS reported.

On Thursday, the opposition leader Lodewijk Asscher, a former minister of social affairs, stepped down as leader of the Dutch Labour Party over his role. His resignation increased the pressure on Rutte to reconsider his position.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders, and his Cabinet resigned Friday over a report highlighting systemic failure by his government to protect thousands of families from overzealous tax inspectors. Rutte and his Cabinet will continue running the government in a caretaker capacity, with general elections already scheduled for March. His center-right party is currently leading in the polls. The other parties in his coalition, who have also been touched by the scandal, are not expected to call for earlier elections because of the coronavirus pandemic. “Mistakes have been made on all levels that have led to great injustice for thousands of families. Innocent people have been criminalized, and their lives destroyed,” Rutte said in a news conference. “This Cabinet has taken full responsibility.” Rutte said the report that led to the downfall of the Cabinet was “hard as nails” but “fair.” Rutte handed in his resignation and that of his entire Cabinet after riding his bicycle to see King Willem-Alexander van Oranje. He had been serving his third term as prime minister and had been leading the Netherlands since 2010. If his party gets the largest share of votes in the upcoming elections, he can serve a fourth term. The report, the result of an inquiry in which Rutte was also questioned, concluded that “unprecedented injustice” had been done to innocent families, some of whom were forced to immediately repay huge amounts in child care benefits. In many cases an administrative mistake like a missing signature was enough for the tax authority to label parents as frauds and fine families as much as tens of thousands of euros, the report said. “Fundamental principles of the rule of law were violated,” it concluded, blasting both the government and Parliament for creating “rock-hard laws” with little room to fairly consider individual cases. The chairman of the parliamentary committee that led the inquiry, Chris van Dam, said the system that was created to track down benefits fraud was “a mass process with no room for nuance.” In a separate investigation, the Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded that tax inspectors had discriminated against citizens with dual nationality. The former vice president of the Dutch Council of State, Herman Tjeenk Willink, added to the accusations of systematic failure by calling upon parliamentarians to also take responsibility for voting in the strict laws. “They should look themselves in the mirror,” he wrote in an op-ed in NRC Handelsblad, “and question their own role in this affair.” Insiders expected Rutte to shrug off any criticism very easily. “Yes, it is a disgrace this happened under Rutte’s responsibility,” said Joost Vullings, a political commentator, “but if anyone knows how to not feel embarrassed it is our prime minister. He will go full throttle to win the upcoming elections.” Rutte said last month that the tax campaign detailed in the December report was “shameful,” and that the government has announced that nearly 10,000 families will each be given compensation of 30,000 euros, or about $36,500. Earlier this week Rutte insisted that the government should not step down because it could weaken the nation’s response to the pandemic. The Netherlands has grappled with the coronavirus since March, and its inability to curb the spread of the disease has laid bare what many say are systemic problems with overregulation. Like many countries in Europe, the Netherlands is in lockdown. A report in November ranked the government as a leading global tax haven for large corporations, so its pursuit of individuals for relatively small amounts did not go unnoticed. This duality and others in Dutch politics highlight the downsides of the Dutch poldermodel, a system of subjecting every major decision to review by every institution, representative or even individual involved. The outcome is always a compromise. “This affair is an example of a systematic mistake, that has risen from our coalition politics, where every party is scoring points for their own supporters,” said Sheila Sitalsing, a commentator for de Volkskrant, “but the final compromise becomes impossible to execute for those having to work with it on a daily basis.” Sitalsing also said that voters for two decades have been rewarding politicians promising stricter rules. “So this is what you get,” she said of the child benefits scandal. Families targeted by the tax authority on Tuesday stepped up the pressure on Rutte by calling for his Cabinet to step down in an open letter published in the Trouw newspaper. “What needs to be done is clear: Everything should be repaired and cleaned up,” a group of families said. “We have no faith the current Cabinet is capable of doing this.” In a rather unique move in the Netherlands, the families this week filed criminal charges against five politicians, including Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Economy Minister Eric Wiebes, for their role in the affair. If convicted, they could face up to six months in prison. “We pressed criminal charges because the victims I represent have been ruined, some became homeless because of these policies. These politicians have been extremely negligent,” said Vasco Groeneveld, a lawyer representing 20 victims. “Every time I open their files, shivers run down my spine. These people have been treated awfully.” Wiebes, who was minister of finances in a previous Cabinet, will resign immediately and will not stay on in the caretaker government, NOS reported. On Thursday, the opposition leader Lodewijk Asscher, a former minister of social affairs, stepped down as leader of the Dutch Labour Party over his role. His resignation increased the pressure on Rutte to reconsider his position.

Government in Netherlands resigns after benefit scandal

New mutant Coronavirus continues to spread across the world. Belgium has become the latest country to detect this new variant. Belgium has reported 4 cases of mutant Coronavirus in region bordering Netherlands.

Belgium report 4 cases of mutant Coronavirus in region bordering Netherlands

A trade deal between the UK and European Union is still facing road Blocks. This is for some UK businesses to look towards EU nations one such business is Snag Tights. It has become the latest 140 business from Britain that setup a base in Netherlands.

Dutch town attracts business from UK

From a first date that ended in bloody carnage in Baghdad, to finally receiving the keys to a new home in The Netherlands, watch their story of struggle.

From refugee camp to a decent home, this couple flee from violence of Iraq

Later that year, they caught up with them in a migrant shelter in The Netherlands, where the couple already had family, as they filed their first asylum claim.

From war to peace, this couple walked on foot across 7 countries

Weeks before Christmas and New Year, Netherlands and Italy have said that they're going to follow Germany in imposing stricter lockdown during the holiday period.

Netherlands, Italy to follow Germany for COVID-19 lockdown during upcoming holidays

People were further advised to stay at home, not to travel to work and to avoid contact with other people as much as possible.

Europe: Netherlands to go into strict five-weeks lockdown

One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands.

Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-monolith-found-on-english-island-similar-to-ones-in-romania-us-348041">Now monolith found on English island, similar to ones in Romania, US</a>

A group of hikers found a silver-coloured metal monolith at a&nbsp;private land near the Kiekenberg nature reserve in northern Friesland province,&nbsp;a spokesman for the Dutch Forestry Commission reported.

Continuing the mystery of how was the monolith erected in the place, the Netherlands officials, too, have not been able to find any traces of disruption in the area. "We know that it was probably placed this weekend because some hikers who were walking there found it, but we don't know it got there," forestry commission spokesman Imke Boerma explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-metal-monolith-replaced-with-a-cross-amid-chants-of-christ-is-king-by-trump-supporters-347434">California metal monolith replaced with a Cross amid chants of 'Christ is king' by Trump supporters</a>

"I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith.

He also added that it would "certainly have needed two or more people" to place the shiny structure.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sweet-profits-us-candy-shop-installs-personal-metal-monolith-to-attract-customers-347745">Sweet profits: US candy shop installs personal metal monolith to attract customers</a>

As per local media reports, this structure looks very similar in&nbsp;height and width to the ones found in other parts of the world — such as California and Romania — but is less shiny and dull-silver coloured sturcture.

This is one of the many monoliths found around the world since the first one was spotted in a desert of Utah.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-after-utah-romania-monolith-disappears-too-347034">WATCH|</a>

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One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands. Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place.

One thing is clear to people all around the world, the metal monolith saga will not be ending any time soon as another one has been spotted in the Netherlands. Similar to the ones in Utah, Romania, California and Britain, the Netherlands, too, has added its name to the list of places where the monolith mystery has itched its place. Also read| Now monolith found on English island, similar to ones in Romania, US A group of hikers found a silver-coloured metal monolith at a private land near the Kiekenberg nature reserve in northern Friesland province, a spokesman for the Dutch Forestry Commission reported. Continuing the mystery of how was the monolith erected in the place, the Netherlands officials, too, have not been able to find any traces of disruption in the area. "We know that it was probably placed this weekend because some hikers who were walking there found it, but we don't know it got there," forestry commission spokesman Imke Boerma explained. Also read | California metal monolith replaced with a Cross amid chants of 'Christ is king' by Trump supporters "I walked up to it, but there was nothing to be seen around the monolith. Just as if it was placed from above," hiker Thijs de Jong told media — who was the first one to spot the monolith. He also added that it would "certainly have needed two or more people" to place the shiny structure. Have a look| Sweet profits: US candy shop installs personal metal monolith to attract customers As per local media reports, this structure looks very similar in height and width to the ones found in other parts of the world — such as California and Romania — but is less shiny and dull-silver coloured sturcture. This is one of the many monoliths found around the world since the first one was spotted in a desert of Utah. WATCH| ×

Another one: Hiker finds a new metal monolith in the Netherlands

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said.

It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana.&nbsp;

Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

"The smuggler had obtained forged documents" to take it out of the country, Mohammed was quoted as saying in a statement.

Dutch customs intercepted it at Amsterdam airport and "alerted the.. Information and Heritage Inspectorate of the Netherlands to give an opinion," the statement said.

Dutch officials then contacted their Nigerian counterparts, leading to the return of the "priceless and timeless" artefact, Mohammed said.

Hundreds of Nigerian artefacts, including Benin bronzes stolen during pre-colonial and colonial period, are in museums in Europe and the United States.

Mohammed said Nigeria would continue to seek their return.&nbsp;

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said. It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana.

Nigeria has received a "priceless" terracotta head believed to be at least 600 years old which was smuggled to the Netherlands, the information minister said. It was taken from southwestern city of Ile-Ife and smuggled through Ghana. Dutch ambassador to Nigeria Harry Van Dijk on Thursday returned it to Information Minister Lai Mohammed in a ceremony in the Nigerian capital Abuja. "The smuggler had obtained forged documents" to take it out of the country, Mohammed was quoted as saying in a statement. Dutch customs intercepted it at Amsterdam airport and "alerted the.. Information and Heritage Inspectorate of the Netherlands to give an opinion," the statement said. Dutch officials then contacted their Nigerian counterparts, leading to the return of the "priceless and timeless" artefact, Mohammed said. Hundreds of Nigerian artefacts, including Benin bronzes stolen during pre-colonial and colonial period, are in museums in Europe and the United States. Mohammed said Nigeria would continue to seek their return.

Nigeria gets back 'priceless' smuggled antique from Netherlands

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