Portugal has given its blessing to the sale of Chelsea by Russian-born billionaire Roman Abramovich, who became a Portuguese citizen last year and is under European Union sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. He put the London club up for sale in early March following Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union over his links to Vladimir Putin. He has denied having close ties to the Russian President.

The British government on Wednesday authorised the sale to a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and backed by Clearlake Capital, which had agreed terms to buy Chelsea for 4.25 billion pounds ($5.35 billion). The Portuguese government issued a humanitarian waiver requested by Abramovich allowing the sale, the foreign ministry said, adding that the decision had been agreed with the European Commission.

"The Portuguese authorisation stems from the guarantee given by the British authorities that the proceeds from the sale will be used for humanitarian purposes, not benefiting directly or indirectly the owner of the club, who is on the sanctions list of the European Union," it said. The club, which had been operating under a government licence since Abramovich`s assets were frozen in March, had earlier confirmed that the proceeds will be donated to charitable causes by Abramovich.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelseas-ps425-billion-sale-approved-how-much-did-roman-abramovich-pay-to-buy-the-club-in-2003-482138">Chelsea's £4.25 billion sale approved: How much did Roman Abramovich pay to buy the club in 2003?</a>

Earlier this month, Portugal blocked the sale of a 10 million euro ($10.4 million) luxury house over a "strong conviction" it belonged to Abramovich. The billionaire was granted Portuguese citizenship in April 2021 based on a law offering naturalisation to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from the Iberian peninsula during the Mediaeval Inquisition.

There is little known history of Sephardic Jews in Russia and the case sent shockwaves across Portugal, leading public prosecutors to launch an investigation and to the detention of a rabbi responsible for the certification that allowed Abramovich to obtain citizenship.

Portugal has given its blessing to the sale of Chelsea by Russian-born billionaire Roman Abramovich, who became a Portuguese citizen last year and is under European Union sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Portugal has given its blessing to the sale of Chelsea by Russian-born billionaire Roman Abramovich, who became a Portuguese citizen last year and is under European Union sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. He put the London club up for sale in early March following Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union over his links to Vladimir Putin. He has denied having close ties to the Russian President. The British government on Wednesday authorised the sale to a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and backed by Clearlake Capital, which had agreed terms to buy Chelsea for 4.25 billion pounds ($5.35 billion). The Portuguese government issued a humanitarian waiver requested by Abramovich allowing the sale, the foreign ministry said, adding that the decision had been agreed with the European Commission. "The Portuguese authorisation stems from the guarantee given by the British authorities that the proceeds from the sale will be used for humanitarian purposes, not benefiting directly or indirectly the owner of the club, who is on the sanctions list of the European Union," it said. The club, which had been operating under a government licence since Abramovich`s assets were frozen in March, had earlier confirmed that the proceeds will be donated to charitable causes by Abramovich. ALSO READ | Chelsea's £4.25 billion sale approved: How much did Roman Abramovich pay to buy the club in 2003? Earlier this month, Portugal blocked the sale of a 10 million euro ($10.4 million) luxury house over a "strong conviction" it belonged to Abramovich. The billionaire was granted Portuguese citizenship in April 2021 based on a law offering naturalisation to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from the Iberian peninsula during the Mediaeval Inquisition. There is little known history of Sephardic Jews in Russia and the case sent shockwaves across Portugal, leading public prosecutors to launch an investigation and to the detention of a rabbi responsible for the certification that allowed Abramovich to obtain citizenship.

Portugal gives sanctioned citizen Russian-born billionaire Roman Abramovich green light to sell Chelsea FC

In pics| Thousands of faithful Catholics pray at Portuguese shrine despite fears of new Covid wave

A new immersive experience in Portugal is taking visitors back nearly 300 years to the center of a colossal earthquake. The Lisbon earthquake center recreates the 1755 earthquake that devastated the city, take a look!

Portugal: Visitors taken back to earthquake of 1755

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we--Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together". The comments come even as European Union, and its members state deepen engagement with India, with high level visits, including the upcoming visit of PM to the continent next week. Important to remember, the idea of starting a India-EU Summit was mooted for the first time by Portugal when the current UNSG Antonio Guterres was the Portuguese Prime Minister.

Can "strategically trust" India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho; Slams Russia-China nexus

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together". The comments come as the European Union (EU), and its members state deepen engagement with India, with high-level visits, including the upcoming visit of PM Modi to the continent next week. It is important to remember that the idea of starting an India-EU Summit was raised for the first time by Portugal when the current United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the Portuguese Prime Minister.

The visiting foreign minister was critical of Russia and China, especially pointing to Bejing's support for Moscow amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively during Delhi visit, FM Cravinho said,"We have been disappointed to hear China produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO, this has been very disappointing".&nbsp;

On New Delhi's engagement with Moscow, FM pointed that while "Russia is not in listening mode", India will be a "positive influence on Russia". &nbsp;PM Modi has spoken to both Russian and Ukrainian President and called for direct talks between the 2 countries to diffuse the crisis.

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa visited India in January 2017. PM Modi visited Portugal the same year. PM Costa is the first Indian-origin head of government in the western world. &nbsp;

In December 2019, PM Costa visited India to attend a meeting of the organising committee overseeing the 2-year global commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

WION: How do you see this relationship going forward between India and Portugal?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, we are very excited about India and Portugal's relationship. There is an excellent rapport between our prime ministers. They know each other well, they have very good personal relationship, but the personal relationship between leaders, important as it is, has to be built upon closer relationship between people, between our foreign ministries, between our structure and in that way, what we are seeing in past few years is an intensification of interactions at all levels and Portugal has always been a keen promoter of EU-India relationship.&nbsp;

So we have also been using our position inside the European Union, including our occasional rotating presidency of the European union to push for this. So at the moment, we are living in a very promising phase in the relationship. (I am) very pleased to feel that Mr Jaishankar feels the same. My role as foreign minister is to build upon this and to take the opportunities as they arise to create a closer interaction between our people.

WION: You met EAM Jaishankar, what kind of conversation happened and how much was there a mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I would say three quarters of our time was dedicated to our bilateral relations which is indicative of our ambitions and how much there is to be done in field of culture, economic and science, mobility. So we spent a good deal of time on what we need to do create the best circumstances for each of our countries to work closely with the other. Then ofcourse, we talked about the wider implications of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the way it impacts on the region security in Europe, the way it impacts upon gobal geopolitics, the way it impacts on order, the United Nations based international order. We felt that it was possible to develop a very strong shared sense of concern and shared sense also of what we need to do working together to fix what is being destroyed currently. Particularly, in the UN system for example.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: You used an interesting phrase, ambition. What ambition you see for India-Portugal relationship?&nbsp;

João Gomes Cravinho: I think best definition of our ambition is that it should live up to the high level of personal warmth between the leaders, in the future, India and Portugal both being democracies will have other leaders who may not know each other but what is fundamental is when that happens, we have very solid basis of the relationship at all levels. I think in the field of science, in the field of education, in the field of all the issues that relate to our young people, the future issues that are increasingly relevant to our world. Connectivity, the challenges of digitalization, the questions of ocean governance and the potentiality of the blue economies. These are all areas in which Portugal and India can work more closely together in order for the mutual benefit for our populations, for our economies, our societies.

Sidhant Sibal: How much cooperation is there in defence? I know there was an MOU few years ago.&nbsp;

João Gomes Cravinho: That is an interesting point and I am a former defense minister and therefore very much aware of the defense dimension of the relationship. That was also discussed in our bilateral meeting, namely the possibility of working on our defense industries, strengthening of defense industries, creating partnership between our defense industries in the area of aeronautics, in the area of drone technology. So both of us at the end of the meeting felt that there was homework to be done, there are new possibilities we are able to identify. Areas, which we consider to be of mutual interest and so shall be returning to speak to our economic agents, our institutional structures to say that let us get working on these areas because the other side is also interested in this.

WION: Going back to Ukraine, you mentioned shared concerns. What kind of shared concerns are there? There are divergences between EU and India and how do you see New Delhi's stance amid this invasion that has happened?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I think the shared concerns are largely related to the high level of disorder that has been introduced by the Russians, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Disorder of the international system, it is an international system based on international law, and clearly there has been strong abuse of international law.&nbsp;

There is a shared concern about the consequences of very much weakened Russia. We were not in the business before of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to promote a weakened Russia. But this is the result Russia has brought upon itself. But when one thinks about the geopolitical consequences of the war, for Europe and for India, these are not positive consequences.&nbsp;

We would much rather have a Russia, (that is) strong and respected partner in the international sphere but unfortunately this is not the case. Also, another shared concern is with Russia being the permanent member of the Security Council, so one of the anchors of the international system , to have that member of the United Nations actually putting into question whole structure of the international order based on the UN, it is extremely problematic.&nbsp;

We are very much interested, Portugal, the EU and India in functioning of the UN. So one of the things we have to work together on is in what manner that we can recover something of what has been lost. There is another aspect which has been as result of Russian invasion of Ukraine, but before that pandemic, which is the sense that globalisation has broken down and there is a fragmentation of globalisation, because, globalisation happened in manner in which issues of strategic trust were forgotten. There was level of international integration which created vulnerabilities which countries, in many cases were not paying attention too. Now they paying lot of attention to them.&nbsp;

So what is fundamental now is that the right balance is found between global integration and international integration, which is advantageous for the populations and our societies and strategic trust. With India, we -- Portugal, Europe feel that we have a partner which we can strategically trust. So although the whole situation is a very negative one, one of the results can be positive, which can be a deepened sense from both sides that we can do a lot more together, we need to do lot more together.

WION: But the strategic partner India has close relationship with Moscow as well. Do you think India to be in an influential role to somehow persuade Moscow, President Putin and that this is enough?

João Gomes Cravinho: Firstly, I am very much aware the history of Indo-Russian relations, Indo-Soviet relations, practically from Independence, relations in last 30 years. This is something we fully understand, fully respect, we know how it developed and this is something that doesn't disappear from one moment to another. And it very good the Russia should be listening to views, from around the world, including India. Unfortunately, the sense we have is that Russia is not in listening mode. And if Russia is not in listening mode, there are limits to what any well-intentioned international partner such as India can achieve.&nbsp;

So I would say, that at the moment there is a platform of mediation that has not been successful so far, which is provided by Turkey and we believe that it is functioning as far as it is possible with current Russian attitudes. I hope Russia will be available to hear from India, that it is really not in its own interest to continue down this path and sooner or later it is going to need to opt for a negotiated solution. I know that when that happens, I know India will be positive influence on Russia.&nbsp;

WION: If we taking about Russia, how can China be far? India, China ties have been strained due to Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control. How do you see Chinese action in the Indo-Pacific and how do you see the Indo pacific vision?

João Gomes Cravinho: Well, clearly one of the most remarkable aspects of the changing geopolitical landscape is last couple of decades have been of rise of China. Historically, this tends to lead to friction and we are seeing this currently, in the Indo-Pacific. What we would like is to not to negate the rise of China. This is historically inevitable, just as rise of India is. But (we need) to ensure that it happens in a manner that is peaceful and that provides stability rather than instability and unpredictability. We have been disappointed to hear China re-produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO. This has been very disappointing and we think this may well be related to the fact Russia has been increasingly in need of having a lifeline thrown to it by China.&nbsp;

Russia is clearly has weakened itself politically, economically, and it needs Chinese support. Now I think that greatest contribution China can make to international order would be not to embrace this Russian narrative. But on the contrary say that we are also in favor of stability and therefore we cannot be in favor of this process. Currently the support is given, at least at the narrative level. We hope it goes no further than that. (If it does), then this (is) very negative indication for the Indo-Pacific region. So as Europeans, we are very much concerned with this support by China.&nbsp;

WION: Portugal has played a key role in Indo-European Union relations, proposing the summit level talks as well. How do u see the relationship going? Also on FTA, how hopeful are u on it?

João Gomes Cravinho: Couple of points, first to underline that you are very right that Portugal has always used its position and sometimes its rotating presidency of the European Union to promote Indo-EU relations. At the time of Manmohan Singh, at the first summit relationship. Last year, there was the first meeting under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union. The first meetings of PM Modi and all 27 member states of the European Union. That was a landmark. We need now this landmark be translated into, amongst other things, into Free Trade Agreement.&nbsp;

The sense that I have at the moment is that we all have positive expectations about the Free Trade Agreement. I have known these negotiations well over the years and they have always been bogged down in details. At the moment the challenge is, the awareness we both have on either side, is that this is more than simply about trade. This is a strategic relationship, it is important for us to go beyond the counting, looking at the intricate details of the trade agreement and to see that wider picture.&nbsp;

Wider picture is of an evolving world in which the European union and India need each other and can benefit greatly from the strong understanding that is created by FTA. So I believe the current time we have the best possible circumstances and we need to have the determination, the ambition, the capacity, to stick with difficulties and to overcome them that will allow us to conclude the free trade agreement.&nbsp;

WION: The diaspora connect still there between the 2 countries. PM Costa had Indian links with Goa, how do you see the role played by this link in terms of the relationship?

João Gomes Cravinho: It is a very strong one, I would say it is strong in 2 manners. Firstly, historically, India is not an unknown country for the Portuguese. India is a country that is part of our history, own way of seeing ourselves and ofcourse it is home for an important community living in Portugal. Other aspect which is interesting is we have recently signed a migration and mobility agreement between Portugal and India and what we are looking forward to is the strengthening of the Indian community in Portugal in terms of numbers and bringing it up to date, making it based not only on historical heritage and families that have come many years ago but making it very up to date and based on current realities of the countries. So I think at the end of the day people-to-people links are the most important ones. These are the links on which relations between the countries can flourish. So we are very keen to create best possible circumstances for that.

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together".

Expressing confidence in India's global role Portugal Foreign minister João Gomes Cravinho has said that "with India, we -- Portugal, Europe, that we have a partner which we can strategically trust" and both sides "need to do lot more together". The comments come as the European Union (EU), and its members state deepen engagement with India, with high-level visits, including the upcoming visit of PM Modi to the continent next week. It is important to remember that the idea of starting an India-EU Summit was raised for the first time by Portugal when the current United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the Portuguese Prime Minister. The visiting foreign minister was critical of Russia and China, especially pointing to Bejing's support for Moscow amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively during Delhi visit, FM Cravinho said,"We have been disappointed to hear China produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO, this has been very disappointing". On New Delhi's engagement with Moscow, FM pointed that while "Russia is not in listening mode", India will be a "positive influence on Russia". PM Modi has spoken to both Russian and Ukrainian President and called for direct talks between the 2 countries to diffuse the crisis. Portuguese PM Antonio Costa visited India in January 2017. PM Modi visited Portugal the same year. PM Costa is the first Indian-origin head of government in the western world. In December 2019, PM Costa visited India to attend a meeting of the organising committee overseeing the 2-year global commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. WION: How do you see this relationship going forward between India and Portugal? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, we are very excited about India and Portugal's relationship. There is an excellent rapport between our prime ministers. They know each other well, they have very good personal relationship, but the personal relationship between leaders, important as it is, has to be built upon closer relationship between people, between our foreign ministries, between our structure and in that way, what we are seeing in past few years is an intensification of interactions at all levels and Portugal has always been a keen promoter of EU-India relationship. So we have also been using our position inside the European Union, including our occasional rotating presidency of the European union to push for this. So at the moment, we are living in a very promising phase in the relationship. (I am) very pleased to feel that Mr Jaishankar feels the same. My role as foreign minister is to build upon this and to take the opportunities as they arise to create a closer interaction between our people. WION: You met EAM Jaishankar, what kind of conversation happened and how much was there a mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I would say three quarters of our time was dedicated to our bilateral relations which is indicative of our ambitions and how much there is to be done in field of culture, economic and science, mobility. So we spent a good deal of time on what we need to do create the best circumstances for each of our countries to work closely with the other. Then ofcourse, we talked about the wider implications of the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the way it impacts on the region security in Europe, the way it impacts upon gobal geopolitics, the way it impacts on order, the United Nations based international order. We felt that it was possible to develop a very strong shared sense of concern and shared sense also of what we need to do working together to fix what is being destroyed currently. Particularly, in the UN system for example. Sidhant Sibal: You used an interesting phrase, ambition. What ambition you see for India-Portugal relationship? João Gomes Cravinho: I think best definition of our ambition is that it should live up to the high level of personal warmth between the leaders, in the future, India and Portugal both being democracies will have other leaders who may not know each other but what is fundamental is when that happens, we have very solid basis of the relationship at all levels. I think in the field of science, in the field of education, in the field of all the issues that relate to our young people, the future issues that are increasingly relevant to our world. Connectivity, the challenges of digitalization, the questions of ocean governance and the potentiality of the blue economies. These are all areas in which Portugal and India can work more closely together in order for the mutual benefit for our populations, for our economies, our societies. Sidhant Sibal: How much cooperation is there in defence? I know there was an MOU few years ago. João Gomes Cravinho: That is an interesting point and I am a former defense minister and therefore very much aware of the defense dimension of the relationship. That was also discussed in our bilateral meeting, namely the possibility of working on our defense industries, strengthening of defense industries, creating partnership between our defense industries in the area of aeronautics, in the area of drone technology. So both of us at the end of the meeting felt that there was homework to be done, there are new possibilities we are able to identify. Areas, which we consider to be of mutual interest and so shall be returning to speak to our economic agents, our institutional structures to say that let us get working on these areas because the other side is also interested in this. WION: Going back to Ukraine, you mentioned shared concerns. What kind of shared concerns are there? There are divergences between EU and India and how do you see New Delhi's stance amid this invasion that has happened? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, I think the shared concerns are largely related to the high level of disorder that has been introduced by the Russians, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Disorder of the international system, it is an international system based on international law, and clearly there has been strong abuse of international law. There is a shared concern about the consequences of very much weakened Russia. We were not in the business before of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to promote a weakened Russia. But this is the result Russia has brought upon itself. But when one thinks about the geopolitical consequences of the war, for Europe and for India, these are not positive consequences. We would much rather have a Russia, (that is) strong and respected partner in the international sphere but unfortunately this is not the case. Also, another shared concern is with Russia being the permanent member of the Security Council, so one of the anchors of the international system , to have that member of the United Nations actually putting into question whole structure of the international order based on the UN, it is extremely problematic. We are very much interested, Portugal, the EU and India in functioning of the UN. So one of the things we have to work together on is in what manner that we can recover something of what has been lost. There is another aspect which has been as result of Russian invasion of Ukraine, but before that pandemic, which is the sense that globalisation has broken down and there is a fragmentation of globalisation, because, globalisation happened in manner in which issues of strategic trust were forgotten. There was level of international integration which created vulnerabilities which countries, in many cases were not paying attention too. Now they paying lot of attention to them. So what is fundamental now is that the right balance is found between global integration and international integration, which is advantageous for the populations and our societies and strategic trust. With India, we -- Portugal, Europe feel that we have a partner which we can strategically trust. So although the whole situation is a very negative one, one of the results can be positive, which can be a deepened sense from both sides that we can do a lot more together, we need to do lot more together. WION: But the strategic partner India has close relationship with Moscow as well. Do you think India to be in an influential role to somehow persuade Moscow, President Putin and that this is enough? João Gomes Cravinho: Firstly, I am very much aware the history of Indo-Russian relations, Indo-Soviet relations, practically from Independence, relations in last 30 years. This is something we fully understand, fully respect, we know how it developed and this is something that doesn't disappear from one moment to another. And it very good the Russia should be listening to views, from around the world, including India. Unfortunately, the sense we have is that Russia is not in listening mode. And if Russia is not in listening mode, there are limits to what any well-intentioned international partner such as India can achieve. So I would say, that at the moment there is a platform of mediation that has not been successful so far, which is provided by Turkey and we believe that it is functioning as far as it is possible with current Russian attitudes. I hope Russia will be available to hear from India, that it is really not in its own interest to continue down this path and sooner or later it is going to need to opt for a negotiated solution. I know that when that happens, I know India will be positive influence on Russia. WION: If we taking about Russia, how can China be far? India, China ties have been strained due to Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control. How do you see Chinese action in the Indo-Pacific and how do you see the Indo pacific vision? João Gomes Cravinho: Well, clearly one of the most remarkable aspects of the changing geopolitical landscape is last couple of decades have been of rise of China. Historically, this tends to lead to friction and we are seeing this currently, in the Indo-Pacific. What we would like is to not to negate the rise of China. This is historically inevitable, just as rise of India is. But (we need) to ensure that it happens in a manner that is peaceful and that provides stability rather than instability and unpredictability. We have been disappointed to hear China re-produce the false narrative produced by Russia about somehow Russia's invasion of Ukraine being the fault of NATO. This has been very disappointing and we think this may well be related to the fact Russia has been increasingly in need of having a lifeline thrown to it by China. Russia is clearly has weakened itself politically, economically, and it needs Chinese support. Now I think that greatest contribution China can make to international order would be not to embrace this Russian narrative. But on the contrary say that we are also in favor of stability and therefore we cannot be in favor of this process. Currently the support is given, at least at the narrative level. We hope it goes no further than that. (If it does), then this (is) very negative indication for the Indo-Pacific region. So as Europeans, we are very much concerned with this support by China. WION: Portugal has played a key role in Indo-European Union relations, proposing the summit level talks as well. How do u see the relationship going? Also on FTA, how hopeful are u on it? João Gomes Cravinho: Couple of points, first to underline that you are very right that Portugal has always used its position and sometimes its rotating presidency of the European Union to promote Indo-EU relations. At the time of Manmohan Singh, at the first summit relationship. Last year, there was the first meeting under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union. The first meetings of PM Modi and all 27 member states of the European Union. That was a landmark. We need now this landmark be translated into, amongst other things, into Free Trade Agreement. The sense that I have at the moment is that we all have positive expectations about the Free Trade Agreement. I have known these negotiations well over the years and they have always been bogged down in details. At the moment the challenge is, the awareness we both have on either side, is that this is more than simply about trade. This is a strategic relationship, it is important for us to go beyond the counting, looking at the intricate details of the trade agreement and to see that wider picture. Wider picture is of an evolving world in which the European union and India need each other and can benefit greatly from the strong understanding that is created by FTA. So I believe the current time we have the best possible circumstances and we need to have the determination, the ambition, the capacity, to stick with difficulties and to overcome them that will allow us to conclude the free trade agreement. WION: The diaspora connect still there between the 2 countries. PM Costa had Indian links with Goa, how do you see the role played by this link in terms of the relationship? João Gomes Cravinho: It is a very strong one, I would say it is strong in 2 manners. Firstly, historically, India is not an unknown country for the Portuguese. India is a country that is part of our history, own way of seeing ourselves and ofcourse it is home for an important community living in Portugal. Other aspect which is interesting is we have recently signed a migration and mobility agreement between Portugal and India and what we are looking forward to is the strengthening of the Indian community in Portugal in terms of numbers and bringing it up to date, making it based not only on historical heritage and families that have come many years ago but making it very up to date and based on current realities of the countries. So I think at the end of the day people-to-people links are the most important ones. These are the links on which relations between the countries can flourish. So we are very keen to create best possible circumstances for that.

Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho, slams Russia-China nexus

Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho spoke to WION on the Indo-Portugal ties. Watch his full interview here.

Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho speaks to WION on Indo-Portugal ties

Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo are, undoubtedly, superstar athletes in the modern era. While one has conquered several highs in the gentlemen's game, both for Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the other has also taken football forward with his fitness, skills, talent, agility and presence, be it for Portugal or various club teams he has represented so far.

It is also not an unknown fact that Kohli is a huge Ronaldo fan. Recently, during an interaction, the 33-year-old Kohli shared what he will do if he woke up on one fine day and becomes Ronaldo. Stepping in as the superstar footballer, Kohli revealed what he will do in a recent video posted by the RCB Youtube channel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-virat-kohli-to-ab-de-villiers-superstar-batters-with-most-ipl-hundreds-463535">From Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli to AB de Villiers - Superstar batters with most IPL hundreds</a>

Firstly,&nbsp;the former Indian captain was asked about his favourite athlete of all time. Without any hesitation, he was quick to respond and said, "Cristiano Ronaldo." To this, he was asked&nbsp;what is the first thing that he would do if he woke up as the Portugal skipper, the former RCB captain&nbsp;replied, "I would do a scan of my brain [if he was Ronaldo] and see where all that mental strength comes from (smiles)."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-uniteds-hopes-of-a-top-four-finish-dented-after-draw-against-leicester-city-467922">Premier League: Manchester United's hopes of a top-four finish dented after draw against Leicester City</a>

Kohli is currently part of the three-time runners-up RCB franchise in the ongoing IPL 2022 edition in India. On the other hand, Ronaldo wasn't part of Manchester United's 1-1 draw versus Leicester City in the Premier League encounter on April 2 (Saturday).&nbsp;

Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo are, undoubtedly, superstar athletes in the modern era. While one has conquered several highs in the gentlemen's game, both for Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the other has also taken football forward with his fitness, skills, talent, agility and presence, be it for Portugal or various club teams he has represented so far.

Virat Kohli and Cristiano Ronaldo are, undoubtedly, superstar athletes in the modern era. While one has conquered several highs in the gentlemen's game, both for Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the other has also taken football forward with his fitness, skills, talent, agility and presence, be it for Portugal or various club teams he has represented so far. It is also not an unknown fact that Kohli is a huge Ronaldo fan. Recently, during an interaction, the 33-year-old Kohli shared what he will do if he woke up on one fine day and becomes Ronaldo. Stepping in as the superstar footballer, Kohli revealed what he will do in a recent video posted by the RCB Youtube channel. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli to AB de Villiers - Superstar batters with most IPL hundreds Firstly, the former Indian captain was asked about his favourite athlete of all time. Without any hesitation, he was quick to respond and said, "Cristiano Ronaldo." To this, he was asked what is the first thing that he would do if he woke up as the Portugal skipper, the former RCB captain replied, "I would do a scan of my brain [if he was Ronaldo] and see where all that mental strength comes from (smiles)." ALSO READ | Premier League: Manchester United's hopes of a top-four finish dented after draw against Leicester City Kohli is currently part of the three-time runners-up RCB franchise in the ongoing IPL 2022 edition in India. On the other hand, Ronaldo wasn't part of Manchester United's 1-1 draw versus Leicester City in the Premier League encounter on April 2 (Saturday).

Virat Kohli reveals what he would do first if he woke up as Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo

With a spot on the line for what could be his fifth and final World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo needs to avoid an upset like the one that ended Italy's hopes of making it to the tournament in Qatar.

Portugal faces a winner-take-all game on Tuesday against North Macedonia, the team that shocked Italy last week to keep the four-time champions out of the World Cup for the second straight time.

"We were surprised," Ronaldo said Monday.

"North Macedonia has surprised in many matches. But I don't think they will surprise us tomorrow. Portugal will play better and we will make it to the World Cup."&nbsp;

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Portugal is trying to reach its sixth straight World Cup, and Ronaldo is hoping to play in his 10th consecutive major tournament after appearing in four World Cups and five European Championships since 2004.

"We know that if we win we will go to the World Cup and if we lose we are out,"&nbsp;he said.

"We have the responsibility to be positive and win the match. I see everyone well prepared and wanting to be at their best tomorrow."

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored at least once in the finals of nine top tournaments in a row.

The highest scorer in men's international soccer, Ronaldo would be 41 by the time of the next World Cup if Portugal doesn't qualify to play this year in Qatar.

The Manchester United forward didn't want to talk about the possibility of a World Cup without him.

"There is no World Cup without Portugal,"&nbsp;Ronaldo said.

"There are no individualities here."

Ronaldo said he is starting to hear repeated questions about his future and made it clear he is the only one who can make a decision on that.

"If I feel like playing, I will keep playing," he said.

"If I don't, I won't."

Portugal advanced to the game against North Macedonia by beating Turkey 3-1 in Porto on Thursday, when the visitors squandered an 85th-minute penalty kick that could have erased a two-goal lead from the first half. The Portuguese added their third goal in injury time.

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Portugal had been forced into the playoffs after conceding late and relinquishing a lead last year in the final group game against Serbia.

North Macedonia, which gained independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, is trying to make it to the World Cup final for the first time. It made its first appearance in the European Championship last year.

Aleksandar Trajkovski's surprising winner against Italy on Thursday came in the second minute of stoppage time in Palermo. North Macedonia had also beaten Germany a year ago in its European qualifying group, in which it finished second to the Germans.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos will have a more complete squad for the match&nbsp;in Porto as defenders Pepe and Jo'o Cancelo are back after missing the game against Turkey. Pepe had tested positive for COVID-19, while Cancelo was suspended.

With a spot on the line for what could be his fifth and final World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo needs to avoid an upset like the one that ended Italy's hopes of making it to the tournament in Qatar.

With a spot on the line for what could be his fifth and final World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo needs to avoid an upset like the one that ended Italy's hopes of making it to the tournament in Qatar. Portugal faces a winner-take-all game on Tuesday against North Macedonia, the team that shocked Italy last week to keep the four-time champions out of the World Cup for the second straight time. "We were surprised," Ronaldo said Monday. "North Macedonia has surprised in many matches. But I don't think they will surprise us tomorrow. Portugal will play better and we will make it to the World Cup." ALSO READ: Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to bring an end to 36-year long wait for a spot in FIFA World Cup Portugal is trying to reach its sixth straight World Cup, and Ronaldo is hoping to play in his 10th consecutive major tournament after appearing in four World Cups and five European Championships since 2004. "We know that if we win we will go to the World Cup and if we lose we are out," he said. "We have the responsibility to be positive and win the match. I see everyone well prepared and wanting to be at their best tomorrow." Ronaldo is the only player to have scored at least once in the finals of nine top tournaments in a row. The highest scorer in men's international soccer, Ronaldo would be 41 by the time of the next World Cup if Portugal doesn't qualify to play this year in Qatar. The Manchester United forward didn't want to talk about the possibility of a World Cup without him. "There is no World Cup without Portugal," Ronaldo said. "There are no individualities here." Ronaldo said he is starting to hear repeated questions about his future and made it clear he is the only one who can make a decision on that. "If I feel like playing, I will keep playing," he said. "If I don't, I won't." Portugal advanced to the game against North Macedonia by beating Turkey 3-1 in Porto on Thursday, when the visitors squandered an 85th-minute penalty kick that could have erased a two-goal lead from the first half. The Portuguese added their third goal in injury time. ALSO READ: India end Bahrain outing with 3-0 loss to Belarus in international friendly Portugal had been forced into the playoffs after conceding late and relinquishing a lead last year in the final group game against Serbia. North Macedonia, which gained independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, is trying to make it to the World Cup final for the first time. It made its first appearance in the European Championship last year. Aleksandar Trajkovski's surprising winner against Italy on Thursday came in the second minute of stoppage time in Palermo. North Macedonia had also beaten Germany a year ago in its European qualifying group, in which it finished second to the Germans. Portugal coach Fernando Santos will have a more complete squad for the match in Porto as defenders Pepe and Jo'o Cancelo are back after missing the game against Turkey. Pepe had tested positive for COVID-19, while Cancelo was suspended.

Portugal ready to avoid an upset: Cristiano Ronaldo after North Macedonia dump Italy out of FIFA World Cup

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota.

But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten.

Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar.

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Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack.

"I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters.

"We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us."

After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions.

Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break.

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Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat.

He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net.

But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game.

Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday. Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota. But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten. Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar. ALSO READ: AC Milan owners Elliott Management join Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium in bid for Chelsea Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack. "I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters. "We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us." After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions. Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break. ALSO READ: Substitute Kaoru Mitoma's brace sends Japan, Saudi Arabia to World Cup finals Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat. He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net. But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game. Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survive Turkey scare to move closer to World Cup

Multiple small earthquakes have shaken the Portuguese island of Sao Jorge for the past three days, causing experts to warn that the series of earthquakes could lead to a stronger one or a volcanic eruption.

According to Rui Marques, head of the region's CIVISA seismo-volcanic surveillance centre, there have been 1,800 earthquakes recorded on the volcanic island since Saturday afternoon, up from an earlier figure of 1,329.

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Marques told the Lusa news agency, only 94 out of 1,800 earthquakes up to now have been felt by the population, with magnitudes ranging between 1.7 and 3.3.

There are nine islands that make up the Azores. Sao Jorge is one of nine and is home to around 8,400 people. It is part of the central group, which also includes the popular tourist destinations of Faial and Pico.

This series of small quakes, known as a swarm and which are currently causing no damage, have been recorded along the volcanic fissure of Manadas, which last erupted in 1808.

However, as a precaution, Sao Jorge's municipalities have activated emergency plans.

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"All scenarios are on the table," said Marques while talking to Antena 1 radio station.

&nbsp;"On one hand, we could see an earthquake of greater magnitude that can cause some destruction. ... On the other hand, we have the scenario of an eruption."

Marques encouraged residents to remain vigilant although the earthquakes were tectonic in origin, which means they were caused by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates, and are not volcanic.

"We should not treat this as a purely tectonic crisis but as a seismic crisis that is taking place in an active volcanic system," Marques said.

Watch |&nbsp;Inside ‘Opera Village’ in Africa’s Burkina Faso

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CIVISA established two additional seismological monitoring stations on the island and deployed a team to monitor soil gases, an indicator of volcanic activity. As of now, Marques said, the levels seem normal.

The Civil Protection authority said on Tuesday it was coordinating with other agencies to prepare for the possibility of a big earthquake or volcanic eruption.

The sudden escalation of seismic activity resembles the swarms of earthquakes that preceded the eruption of Cumbre Vieja last year on Spain's La Palma island some 1,400 km to the southeast of the Azores.

(With inputs from agencies)

Multiple small earthquakes have shaken the Portuguese island of Sao Jorge for the past three days, causing experts to warn that the series of earthquakes could lead to a stronger one or a volcanic eruption.

Multiple small earthquakes have shaken the Portuguese island of Sao Jorge for the past three days, causing experts to warn that the series of earthquakes could lead to a stronger one or a volcanic eruption. According to Rui Marques, head of the region's CIVISA seismo-volcanic surveillance centre, there have been 1,800 earthquakes recorded on the volcanic island since Saturday afternoon, up from an earlier figure of 1,329. Also read | NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far Marques told the Lusa news agency, only 94 out of 1,800 earthquakes up to now have been felt by the population, with magnitudes ranging between 1.7 and 3.3. There are nine islands that make up the Azores. Sao Jorge is one of nine and is home to around 8,400 people. It is part of the central group, which also includes the popular tourist destinations of Faial and Pico. This series of small quakes, known as a swarm and which are currently causing no damage, have been recorded along the volcanic fissure of Manadas, which last erupted in 1808. However, as a precaution, Sao Jorge's municipalities have activated emergency plans. Also read | Not even one country met WHO air quality standards in 2021, India 5th most polluted country: Report "All scenarios are on the table," said Marques while talking to Antena 1 radio station. "On one hand, we could see an earthquake of greater magnitude that can cause some destruction. ... On the other hand, we have the scenario of an eruption." Marques encouraged residents to remain vigilant although the earthquakes were tectonic in origin, which means they were caused by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates, and are not volcanic. "We should not treat this as a purely tectonic crisis but as a seismic crisis that is taking place in an active volcanic system," Marques said. Watch | Inside ‘Opera Village’ in Africa’s Burkina Faso CIVISA established two additional seismological monitoring stations on the island and deployed a team to monitor soil gases, an indicator of volcanic activity. As of now, Marques said, the levels seem normal. The Civil Protection authority said on Tuesday it was coordinating with other agencies to prepare for the possibility of a big earthquake or volcanic eruption. The sudden escalation of seismic activity resembles the swarms of earthquakes that preceded the eruption of Cumbre Vieja last year on Spain's La Palma island some 1,400 km to the southeast of the Azores. (With inputs from agencies)

Portuguese volcanic island hit by 1,800 earthquakes in 3 days

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Virat Kohli: Top 5 sporting stars with STAGGERING number of Instagram followers

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest names in world sports. The superstar Portugal captain and Manchester United striker is used to breaking records on the ground and is adored worldwide for his footballing skills, fitness skills and athleticism.&nbsp;

Ronaldo, who remains a vital cog in the Manchester United setup since rejoining the club in mid-2021, recently became the first-ever person to cross&nbsp;400-million followers on social media platform Instagram. For the unversed, the 37-year-old footballer had 237m followers on the social media platform in September last year, which was the most on the application. Since then, his popularity has grown further which has resulted in him forming the 400m-followers-club on Instagram.

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Ronaldo also remains very active on Instagram. On his 37th birthday, i.e. on February 5, the Portuguese player had shared a heartfelt post for all his fans and wrote, "Life is a roller coaster. Hard work, high speed, urgent goals, demanding expectations… But in the end, it all comes down to family, love, honesty, friendship, values that make it all worth it. Thanks for all the messages! 37 and counting! (sic)."

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Ronaldo-starrer Man United is at the fourth place in the current standings in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL). In 22 games so far, the Red Devils have won 11 and lost 6 matches. They will next play Burnley on February 9.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest names in world sports. The superstar Portugal captain and Manchester United striker is used to breaking records on the ground and is adored worldwide for his footballing skills, fitness skills and athleticism.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the biggest names in world sports. The superstar Portugal captain and Manchester United striker is used to breaking records on the ground and is adored worldwide for his footballing skills, fitness skills and athleticism. Ronaldo, who remains a vital cog in the Manchester United setup since rejoining the club in mid-2021, recently became the first-ever person to cross 400-million followers on social media platform Instagram. For the unversed, the 37-year-old footballer had 237m followers on the social media platform in September last year, which was the most on the application. Since then, his popularity has grown further which has resulted in him forming the 400m-followers-club on Instagram. ALSO READ | From Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic's bicycle kick to Messi's dribbling act: Relive some UNFORGETTABLE GOALS - Watch Ronaldo also remains very active on Instagram. On his 37th birthday, i.e. on February 5, the Portuguese player had shared a heartfelt post for all his fans and wrote, "Life is a roller coaster. Hard work, high speed, urgent goals, demanding expectations… But in the end, it all comes down to family, love, honesty, friendship, values that make it all worth it. Thanks for all the messages! 37 and counting! (sic)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × ALSO READ | Jordi Alba and Dani Alves score as clinical Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 in La Liga Ronaldo-starrer Man United is at the fourth place in the current standings in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL). In 22 games so far, the Red Devils have won 11 and lost 6 matches. They will next play Burnley on February 9.

UNBELIEVABLE! Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to surpass 400m followers on Instagram

Prime Minister António Costa’s Socialist party has emerged as the winner of the parliamentary elections in Portugal.

The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts. &nbsp;

In victory speech, Costa said, "An absolute majority doesn't mean absolute power. It doesn't mean to govern alone. It's an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese." &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-snap-polls-portugals-pm-costa-makes-stunning-victory-bags-majority-449094">Also read | In snap polls, Portugal's PM Costa makes stunning victory, bags majority &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Costa's father's family comes from Goa; his grandfather was born in the former Portuguese colony and lived there for the majority of his life.

His father, Orlando da Costa, was a writer who was born in Mozambique, a Portuguese colony, and whose works displayed strong Goan roots, including pieces on Rabindranath Tagore.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-vote-in-election-marked-by-covid-448954" hreflang="en">Portuguese vote in election marked by Covid</a>

António Costa is known in India as "Babush," a Konkani name that means "a young loved one."

Costa received the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman in January 2017 while visiting his ancestral home in Goa.&nbsp;

Costa, a skillful negotiator, became known in Portugal as the "Gandhi of Lisbon" for his work as mayor of Portugal's capital city in turning around a crime-infested neighbourhood.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister António Costa’s Socialist party has emerged as the winner of the parliamentary elections in Portugal. The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts.

Prime Minister António Costa’s Socialist party has emerged as the winner of the parliamentary elections in Portugal. The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts. In victory speech, Costa said, "An absolute majority doesn't mean absolute power. It doesn't mean to govern alone. It's an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese." Also read | In snap polls, Portugal's PM Costa makes stunning victory, bags majority Costa's father's family comes from Goa; his grandfather was born in the former Portuguese colony and lived there for the majority of his life. His father, Orlando da Costa, was a writer who was born in Mozambique, a Portuguese colony, and whose works displayed strong Goan roots, including pieces on Rabindranath Tagore. Also Read: Portuguese vote in election marked by Covid António Costa is known in India as "Babush," a Konkani name that means "a young loved one." Costa received the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman in January 2017 while visiting his ancestral home in Goa. Costa, a skillful negotiator, became known in Portugal as the "Gandhi of Lisbon" for his work as mayor of Portugal's capital city in turning around a crime-infested neighbourhood. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal PM Antonio Costa: Indian connection of 'Gandhi of Lisbon' who won polls again

In snap general election held on Sunday, Portugal's centre-left Socialists have won an outright parliamentary majority by defying all odds. &nbsp;

The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts. &nbsp;

In victory speech, Costa said, "An absolute majority doesn't mean absolute power. It doesn't mean to govern alone. It's an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-vote-in-election-marked-by-covid-448954" hreflang="en">Portuguese vote in election marked by Covid</a>

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the polls witnessed a higher-than-expected turnout. &nbsp;

This result comes as a surprise as the Socialists had lost most of their advantage in recent opinion polls. &nbsp;

It also means Portugal will now have a stable government, which will oversee the application of EU pandemic recovery funds. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-president-sergio-mattarella-re-elected-for-second-term-448912" hreflang="en">Italian President Sergio&nbsp;Mattarella re-elected for second term</a>

Costa, before the final results were announced, said that his party had won 117 or 118 seats in the 230-seat parliament. It was up from 108 won in the 2019 election. On hearing the announcement, his supporters erupted in loud celebrations and started singing old revolutionary anthem "Grandola" and waving flags. &nbsp;

The vote was called in November after parliament rejected the minority Socialist government's Budget bill. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In snap general election held on Sunday, Portugal's centre-left Socialists have won an outright parliamentary majority by defying all odds. The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts.

In snap general election held on Sunday, Portugal's centre-left Socialists have won an outright parliamentary majority by defying all odds. The party has secured a strong mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who is already a champion of balanced public accounts. In victory speech, Costa said, "An absolute majority doesn't mean absolute power. It doesn't mean to govern alone. It's an increased responsibility and it means to govern with and for all Portuguese." Also Read: Portuguese vote in election marked by Covid Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the polls witnessed a higher-than-expected turnout. This result comes as a surprise as the Socialists had lost most of their advantage in recent opinion polls. It also means Portugal will now have a stable government, which will oversee the application of EU pandemic recovery funds. Also Read: Italian President Sergio Mattarella re-elected for second term Costa, before the final results were announced, said that his party had won 117 or 118 seats in the 230-seat parliament. It was up from 108 won in the 2019 election. On hearing the announcement, his supporters erupted in loud celebrations and started singing old revolutionary anthem "Grandola" and waving flags. The vote was called in November after parliament rejected the minority Socialist government's Budget bill. (With inputs from agencies)

In snap polls, Portugal's PM Costa makes stunning victory, bags majority   

Portugal's centre-left Socialists won an outright parliamentary majority in Sunday's snap general election, securing a strong new mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, a champion of balanced public accounts.

Portugal's centre-left Socialists win surprise victory in general election

Voting for Portuguese parliamentary election started on Sunday morning (local time). There was no clarity as to early signs of who would be the winner. Voter turnout was predicted to be low amid rise in Covid infections.

Polling stations opened at 0800 GMT

At the University of Lisbon, staff outnumbered mostly elderly voters, with signs on the walls asking people to wear a mask, observe social distancing and to use their own pen.

Some even wore gloves for extra protection.

"I have been vaccinated, and I haven't had COVID yet... But I felt very safe," said Maria Odete, 73, adding that the election race appeared too close to produce a stable government capable of bringing positive change.

Those infected have been given permission by the government to leave isolation and cast ballots on person. It has been recommended that they cast their votes in the last hour before polling stations close at 1900 GMT

Over a tenth of Portugal's 10 million people are estimated to be isolating because of COVID-19. As in many European countries, infections have spiked lately, stoked by the Omicron variant, although widespread vaccination has kept deaths and hospitalisations lower than in earlier waves.

The election is wide open as the centre-left ruling Socialists have lost much of their lead in opinion polls to the main opposition party, the centre-right Social Democrats, and neither is likely to win a stable majority.

Low turnout could make projections unreliable, analysts say. Abstention was already record at 51% in the 2019 general election before the pandemic.

The vote, called in November after parliament rejected the minority Socialist government's budget bill, is likely to worsen political volatility and could produce a short-lived government, unless one of the main parties manages to cobble together a working alliance, which could be a daunting task.

"We want more stability but I don't think that's what is going to happen. I think we'll have one or two years of instability," said Mario Henriques, 42, as he walked out of the polling station in a rush, wearing sports clothes.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Voting for Portuguese parliamentary election started on Sunday morning (local time). There was no clarity as to early signs of who would be the winner. Voter turnout was predicted to be low amid rise in Covid infections.

Voting for Portuguese parliamentary election started on Sunday morning (local time). There was no clarity as to early signs of who would be the winner. Voter turnout was predicted to be low amid rise in Covid infections. Polling stations opened at 0800 GMT At the University of Lisbon, staff outnumbered mostly elderly voters, with signs on the walls asking people to wear a mask, observe social distancing and to use their own pen. Some even wore gloves for extra protection. "I have been vaccinated, and I haven't had COVID yet... But I felt very safe," said Maria Odete, 73, adding that the election race appeared too close to produce a stable government capable of bringing positive change. Those infected have been given permission by the government to leave isolation and cast ballots on person. It has been recommended that they cast their votes in the last hour before polling stations close at 1900 GMT Over a tenth of Portugal's 10 million people are estimated to be isolating because of COVID-19. As in many European countries, infections have spiked lately, stoked by the Omicron variant, although widespread vaccination has kept deaths and hospitalisations lower than in earlier waves. The election is wide open as the centre-left ruling Socialists have lost much of their lead in opinion polls to the main opposition party, the centre-right Social Democrats, and neither is likely to win a stable majority. Low turnout could make projections unreliable, analysts say. Abstention was already record at 51% in the 2019 general election before the pandemic. The vote, called in November after parliament rejected the minority Socialist government's budget bill, is likely to worsen political volatility and could produce a short-lived government, unless one of the main parties manages to cobble together a working alliance, which could be a daunting task. "We want more stability but I don't think that's what is going to happen. I think we'll have one or two years of instability," said Mario Henriques, 42, as he walked out of the polling station in a rush, wearing sports clothes. (With inputs from agencies)

Portuguese vote in election marked by Covid

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling.

The book draws upon the letters, memoirs and journals of traders, travellers, bureaucrats, officials, officers and the occasional bishop.

A multitude of vignettes, combined with insight and analysis, reveal the deeply ingrained conviction of ‘white superiority’ that shaped this history.

How deep this conviction was is best illustrated by the fact that the British abandoned a large community of their own children because they were born of Indian mothers. The British took pride in being outsiders, even as their exploitative revenue policy turned periodic drought and famine into horrific catastrophes, killing impoverished Indians in millions.

There were also marvellous and heart-warming exceptions in this extraordinary panorama, people who transcended racial prejudice and served as a reminder of what might have been had the British made India a second home and merged with its culture instead of treating it as a fortune-hunter’s turf.

In these excerpts from the book, the author describes the intricacies of marital relations between the Portuguese and Indians and how the two cultures intertwined to influence the Goan cuisine.

What astonished early European contemporaries was the Portuguese willingness to marry Indian women. The reasons were practical rather than altruistic. It was an attempt&nbsp;to create a new loyal population through integration. Goa could be defended with forts, walls, ditches and cannon, but a long-term strategy required numbers.&nbsp;

Afonso de Albuquerque wrote to King Manuel that the Portuguese needed not only to build stone houses but to raise sons and daughters—with Indian wives—who would have a vested interest in Portuguese rule. This policy was approved but proved too radical for consensus and was discontinued after two years.&nbsp;

Social legitimacy, however, could not be so easily withdrawn in practice. Manuel’s successor, Joao III ‘the Pious’, famously ruled between 1521 and 1557 with the sword in one hand and a crucifix in the other. In 1522, Bishop Duarte Nunes advised the new king that it was&nbsp;a grave error to tolerate Hindu festivals and temples in Goa. In 1533, Pope Clement VII authorized the diocese of Goa with jurisdiction from the Cape of Good Hope to China and Japan, while King Joao reinforced his piety by introducing the Inquisition to Portugal in 1536. The Society of Jesus arrived in 1540. The charismatic Jesuit icon, St Francis Xavier, reached Goa in May 1542, on board the&nbsp;same ship as the new viceroy, Martim Afonso de Souza. The two dined at the same table.&nbsp;

Francis Xavier, bearing the title of Papal Nuncio, carried letters of introduction from the king to major rulers of the east. Goa’s Vicar General Miguel Vaz had already done some vigorous proselytization with the support of the government, implementing the policy of rigor de misericordia (pressure of moral&nbsp;force, which had been successfully used to expel Jews and Muslims in Portugal).

Xavier’s mission was to multiply the number of saved souls through conversion. He established institutions for religious administration and schools before he died on the Chinese island of Sancian in 1552. Miraculously, his corpse did not deteriorate and was

sent back to Goa in 1554, where it is preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Dr Fryer, as both an Anglican visitor and a medical doctor,&nbsp;was awed by the ‘Miraculous Relick’. Francis Xavier was canonized in 1622.

Portuguese policy served both God and Caesar. The church counted its blessings in numbers of new Catholics; the state needed loyalists in administration, military and trading. Privileges were granted to converts. By 1539, the five islands under Portuguese rule—Tiswadi, Divar, Chorao, Juv and Kumbarjuv—had an estimated 10,000 Catholics out of a population of about 40,000.

Priests of other Catholic orders flooded Goa. Conversion became competitive, and a saying became popular: viceroys come and go, Jesuits stay&nbsp;on forever.

The converts were reluctant to abandon all aspects of their traditional or ‘heathen’ culture, a fact which grated on the priests.&nbsp;While drinking water, for instance, they held the vessel above the mouth in the Indian manner and poured, for touching the vessel might invite ‘pollution’. There was relentless pressure to uproot tradition, inexorably linked as it was to the Hindu faith. King Joao III ordered all temples to be razed.

The Inquisition used torture in the service of religion. Dr Fryer describes a torture machine: Going the next Morning to the Palace-stairs, we saw their Sessions house, the bloody Prison of the Inquisition; and, in a principal Market-place, was raised an Engine a great height,&nbsp;at top like a Gibbet, with a Pulley, with steppings to go upon, as on a Flag staff, for the Strapado, which unhinges a man’s joints; a cruel Torture. Over against these Stairs, is an Island, where they burn (after exposing them to the Multitude) all those condemned by the Inquisitor, which are brought from the Sancto Officio dress’d up in the most horrid Shapes of Imps and Devils, and so delivered to the Executioner.&nbsp;

Fryer was prudent enough to ask no questions. The tribunal was particularly harsh on lower caste converts&nbsp;who, often attracted only by the worldly advantages of adopting Christianity, maintained convivial relations with ‘Gentoo’ relatives or went to local doctors when ill. They were consigned to the flames for apostasy or sorcery. There were instances of Hindus being smeared&nbsp;with beef. Soldiers were ordered to disperse any multitude at a Hindu festival; idol-worship was forbidden and many Brahmins decided to sell their property and leave. Official jobs were reserved for Catholics.&nbsp;

During the century of intense oppression, between 1550 and 1650, the Christian population rose from one-fifth to two-thirds. High-caste converts managed to protect their privileged cocoons, retaining old surnames, marrying and socializing within their old kin, creating a Catholic Christianity with Hindu characteristics.

Edicts were often ignored rather than resisted—the church had to keep renewing its list of taboos. Try as they might, the authorities&nbsp;could not force people to end their reverence for the cow. When temples were destroyed, worshippers hid their deities or sent them to a sanctuary outside Goa, bringing them back to the village annually to display their true fealty. There were economic reasons as well for the survival of Hinduism—a mass departure of Hindus would have led to scarcity in farm labour, artisans and sailing crew, thereby undermining the colonial project. Business required existing expertise. Merchants, tax collectors and bankers were Hindus, while most contracts were handled by the elite Saraswat Brahmins.

The Goan Indian kitchen, allied with clothes and manners, won a splendid victory over any attempt at ostracization or European&nbsp;snobbery.&nbsp;

In her fascinating study of food and colonial culture, Lizzie Collingham writes: When the Dutchman Jan Huyghen van Linschoten arrived in&nbsp;Goa in September 1583, almost a century after Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut, he was surprised to discover the wives of the Portuguese eating Indian food. A typical meal was boiled rice with a thin watery soup poured over it, salt fish, mango&nbsp;pickle, and a fish or meat sauce. These were dishes strange to a 16th century European whose staple diet was wheat bread and roast meats. Not only did the Portuguese in India eat unfamiliar food, they ate it with their hands in the Indian manner. Indeed, the women laughed at anyone they observed using a spoon.

The Portuguese were equally flexible in dress and personal habits. Adds Collingham: Many of the Portuguese settlers had adopted a variety of Indian habits. The men had discarded their tight knee-length hose for ‘a sort of breeches, called Candales, the like whereof I never saw in any part of Europe; for when they are ty’d they leave something like the tops of Boots on the&nbsp;Leg. Others under a short Doublet, wear wide silk Breeches; and some have them hand down to their Ankles’. Even more peculiar, they regularly changed their underclothes. In Europe, it was customary to rub oneself down with one’s old linen underclothes before putting on a fresh undershirt, and a bath was out of the question.

In contrast, the Portuguese in India were scrupulously clean. Besides regularly changing their linen, they took a bath at least once, and sometimes twice, a day. Nor did the women ever fail to wash ‘as often as they ease themselves or make water, or use the companiesof their husbands’… The women observed purdah, and wore veils when they went outside. Although the wealthy hung themselves with ‘jewels, and rosaries of Gold and Silver many times double’, to indicate their Christian faith, they wore Indian clothes: thin, almost transparent, swathes of material above the waist and petticoats, bare legs and colourful slippers below… the wives were said to spend their days idly chewing betel nut, and washing and rubbing themselves with sweet-smelling perfumes and sandalwood. These were all practices,

Linschoten observed, they had learned and ‘received of the Indian Heathens, which have these customs of long time’. Despite the ruthless demands of the Inquisition, which began to peter out towards the second half of the 18th century, the Portuguese were more comfortable with eastern culture than the English who followed them, perhaps because they understood the east far better than north Europeans. Portugal was ruled by Arab-Moor Muslims for more than five centuries, between 712 and 1249.

Goan fishermen found an effective way to keep churchmen content: the best of the daily catch was reserved for priests. Food was a synthesizer, if not an equalizer. Portuguese-Goan cooks used toddy, in the absence of yeast, to ferment dough, adding to the repertoire of a staple like bread. The Bebinca cake was made from milk, eggs and jaggery, a local substitute for sugar. They introduced confections like the marzipan, tart and Florentine. The spicy vindaloo was a meat preparation, a chilli-soaked variation of carne de vinho ealhos, or pork cooked in wine vinegar and garlic. The fame of Goan cooks spread.

John Ovington records in 1689 that the East India Company kitchen in Surat had an Indian and a Portuguese cook in addition to an Englishman. This eclectic popularity became more mainstream when the British took along Goan cooks to their Raj in 1814 at the end of their friendly occupation of Goa during the Napoleonic wars. Lizzie Collingham writes that by the middle of the 19th century: Goan cooks were especially sought after… These cooks introduced vindaloo into the repertoire of Anglo-Indian curries… Goan cookery books referred to it as a ‘Portuguese curry’. For the British, the Goans applied the techniques of vindaloo to all sorts of meats, with duck being the favourite.

By the 1920s a Goan cook had become a marker of status…The Goans had preserved the Portuguese talent for magical desserts and the British enthused over their chocolate fondants and sugar-coated fruits. A classic Anglo-Indian dish known as beveca, made from sugar, rice flour, coconut cream and rose water, was a simplified version of the Goan layered coconut&nbsp;cake, bebinca.

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling.

'Doolally Sahib and the Black Zamindar', the new book by Indian parliamentarian, author and eminent journalist MJ Akbar, is a chronicle of racial relations between Indians and their last foreign invaders, sometimes infuriating but always compelling. The book draws upon the letters, memoirs and journals of traders, travellers, bureaucrats, officials, officers and the occasional bishop. A multitude of vignettes, combined with insight and analysis, reveal the deeply ingrained conviction of ‘white superiority’ that shaped this history. How deep this conviction was is best illustrated by the fact that the British abandoned a large community of their own children because they were born of Indian mothers. The British took pride in being outsiders, even as their exploitative revenue policy turned periodic drought and famine into horrific catastrophes, killing impoverished Indians in millions. There were also marvellous and heart-warming exceptions in this extraordinary panorama, people who transcended racial prejudice and served as a reminder of what might have been had the British made India a second home and merged with its culture instead of treating it as a fortune-hunter’s turf. In these excerpts from the book, the author describes the intricacies of marital relations between the Portuguese and Indians and how the two cultures intertwined to influence the Goan cuisine. What astonished early European contemporaries was the Portuguese willingness to marry Indian women. The reasons were practical rather than altruistic. It was an attempt to create a new loyal population through integration. Goa could be defended with forts, walls, ditches and cannon, but a long-term strategy required numbers. Afonso de Albuquerque wrote to King Manuel that the Portuguese needed not only to build stone houses but to raise sons and daughters—with Indian wives—who would have a vested interest in Portuguese rule. This policy was approved but proved too radical for consensus and was discontinued after two years. Social legitimacy, however, could not be so easily withdrawn in practice. Manuel’s successor, Joao III ‘the Pious’, famously ruled between 1521 and 1557 with the sword in one hand and a crucifix in the other. In 1522, Bishop Duarte Nunes advised the new king that it was a grave error to tolerate Hindu festivals and temples in Goa. In 1533, Pope Clement VII authorized the diocese of Goa with jurisdiction from the Cape of Good Hope to China and Japan, while King Joao reinforced his piety by introducing the Inquisition to Portugal in 1536. The Society of Jesus arrived in 1540. The charismatic Jesuit icon, St Francis Xavier, reached Goa in May 1542, on board the same ship as the new viceroy, Martim Afonso de Souza. The two dined at the same table. Francis Xavier, bearing the title of Papal Nuncio, carried letters of introduction from the king to major rulers of the east. Goa’s Vicar General Miguel Vaz had already done some vigorous proselytization with the support of the government, implementing the policy of rigor de misericordia (pressure of moral force, which had been successfully used to expel Jews and Muslims in Portugal). Xavier’s mission was to multiply the number of saved souls through conversion. He established institutions for religious administration and schools before he died on the Chinese island of Sancian in 1552. Miraculously, his corpse did not deteriorate and was sent back to Goa in 1554, where it is preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Dr Fryer, as both an Anglican visitor and a medical doctor, was awed by the ‘Miraculous Relick’. Francis Xavier was canonized in 1622. Portuguese policy served both God and Caesar. The church counted its blessings in numbers of new Catholics; the state needed loyalists in administration, military and trading. Privileges were granted to converts. By 1539, the five islands under Portuguese rule—Tiswadi, Divar, Chorao, Juv and Kumbarjuv—had an estimated 10,000 Catholics out of a population of about 40,000. Priests of other Catholic orders flooded Goa. Conversion became competitive, and a saying became popular: viceroys come and go, Jesuits stay on forever. The converts were reluctant to abandon all aspects of their traditional or ‘heathen’ culture, a fact which grated on the priests. While drinking water, for instance, they held the vessel above the mouth in the Indian manner and poured, for touching the vessel might invite ‘pollution’. There was relentless pressure to uproot tradition, inexorably linked as it was to the Hindu faith. King Joao III ordered all temples to be razed. The Inquisition used torture in the service of religion. Dr Fryer describes a torture machine: Going the next Morning to the Palace-stairs, we saw their Sessions house, the bloody Prison of the Inquisition; and, in a principal Market-place, was raised an Engine a great height, at top like a Gibbet, with a Pulley, with steppings to go upon, as on a Flag staff, for the Strapado, which unhinges a man’s joints; a cruel Torture. Over against these Stairs, is an Island, where they burn (after exposing them to the Multitude) all those condemned by the Inquisitor, which are brought from the Sancto Officio dress’d up in the most horrid Shapes of Imps and Devils, and so delivered to the Executioner. Fryer was prudent enough to ask no questions. The tribunal was particularly harsh on lower caste converts who, often attracted only by the worldly advantages of adopting Christianity, maintained convivial relations with ‘Gentoo’ relatives or went to local doctors when ill. They were consigned to the flames for apostasy or sorcery. There were instances of Hindus being smeared with beef. Soldiers were ordered to disperse any multitude at a Hindu festival; idol-worship was forbidden and many Brahmins decided to sell their property and leave. Official jobs were reserved for Catholics. During the century of intense oppression, between 1550 and 1650, the Christian population rose from one-fifth to two-thirds. High-caste converts managed to protect their privileged cocoons, retaining old surnames, marrying and socializing within their old kin, creating a Catholic Christianity with Hindu characteristics. Edicts were often ignored rather than resisted—the church had to keep renewing its list of taboos. Try as they might, the authorities could not force people to end their reverence for the cow. When temples were destroyed, worshippers hid their deities or sent them to a sanctuary outside Goa, bringing them back to the village annually to display their true fealty. There were economic reasons as well for the survival of Hinduism—a mass departure of Hindus would have led to scarcity in farm labour, artisans and sailing crew, thereby undermining the colonial project. Business required existing expertise. Merchants, tax collectors and bankers were Hindus, while most contracts were handled by the elite Saraswat Brahmins. The Goan Indian kitchen, allied with clothes and manners, won a splendid victory over any attempt at ostracization or European snobbery. In her fascinating study of food and colonial culture, Lizzie Collingham writes: When the Dutchman Jan Huyghen van Linschoten arrived in Goa in September 1583, almost a century after Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut, he was surprised to discover the wives of the Portuguese eating Indian food. A typical meal was boiled rice with a thin watery soup poured over it, salt fish, mango pickle, and a fish or meat sauce. These were dishes strange to a 16th century European whose staple diet was wheat bread and roast meats. Not only did the Portuguese in India eat unfamiliar food, they ate it with their hands in the Indian manner. Indeed, the women laughed at anyone they observed using a spoon. The Portuguese were equally flexible in dress and personal habits. Adds Collingham: Many of the Portuguese settlers had adopted a variety of Indian habits. The men had discarded their tight knee-length hose for ‘a sort of breeches, called Candales, the like whereof I never saw in any part of Europe; for when they are ty’d they leave something like the tops of Boots on the Leg. Others under a short Doublet, wear wide silk Breeches; and some have them hand down to their Ankles’. Even more peculiar, they regularly changed their underclothes. In Europe, it was customary to rub oneself down with one’s old linen underclothes before putting on a fresh undershirt, and a bath was out of the question. In contrast, the Portuguese in India were scrupulously clean. Besides regularly changing their linen, they took a bath at least once, and sometimes twice, a day. Nor did the women ever fail to wash ‘as often as they ease themselves or make water, or use the companiesof their husbands’… The women observed purdah, and wore veils when they went outside. Although the wealthy hung themselves with ‘jewels, and rosaries of Gold and Silver many times double’, to indicate their Christian faith, they wore Indian clothes: thin, almost transparent, swathes of material above the waist and petticoats, bare legs and colourful slippers below… the wives were said to spend their days idly chewing betel nut, and washing and rubbing themselves with sweet-smelling perfumes and sandalwood. These were all practices, Linschoten observed, they had learned and ‘received of the Indian Heathens, which have these customs of long time’. Despite the ruthless demands of the Inquisition, which began to peter out towards the second half of the 18th century, the Portuguese were more comfortable with eastern culture than the English who followed them, perhaps because they understood the east far better than north Europeans. Portugal was ruled by Arab-Moor Muslims for more than five centuries, between 712 and 1249. Goan fishermen found an effective way to keep churchmen content: the best of the daily catch was reserved for priests. Food was a synthesizer, if not an equalizer. Portuguese-Goan cooks used toddy, in the absence of yeast, to ferment dough, adding to the repertoire of a staple like bread. The Bebinca cake was made from milk, eggs and jaggery, a local substitute for sugar. They introduced confections like the marzipan, tart and Florentine. The spicy vindaloo was a meat preparation, a chilli-soaked variation of carne de vinho ealhos, or pork cooked in wine vinegar and garlic. The fame of Goan cooks spread. John Ovington records in 1689 that the East India Company kitchen in Surat had an Indian and a Portuguese cook in addition to an Englishman. This eclectic popularity became more mainstream when the British took along Goan cooks to their Raj in 1814 at the end of their friendly occupation of Goa during the Napoleonic wars. Lizzie Collingham writes that by the middle of the 19th century: Goan cooks were especially sought after… These cooks introduced vindaloo into the repertoire of Anglo-Indian curries… Goan cookery books referred to it as a ‘Portuguese curry’. For the British, the Goans applied the techniques of vindaloo to all sorts of meats, with duck being the favourite. By the 1920s a Goan cook had become a marker of status…The Goans had preserved the Portuguese talent for magical desserts and the British enthused over their chocolate fondants and sugar-coated fruits. A classic Anglo-Indian dish known as beveca, made from sugar, rice flour, coconut cream and rose water, was a simplified version of the Goan layered coconut cake, bebinca.

Why did Portuguese colonialists marry Indian women? Book sheds light into the real reason

A large brass statue of Cristiano Ronaldo which was unveiled at a park in Goa`s beach village of Calangute, has created a stir in the coastal state over the footballer`s Portuguese linkage. 
 
The statue, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, with the aim of inspiring youngsters to emulate the maestro, triggered black flag protests at the site, with protesters accusing the state authorities of neglecting local football legends like Arjuna award winner and former India football team captain Bruno Coutinho, who also hails from Calangute. 
 
However, according to local BJP MLA and Ports Minister, Michael Lobo, the plan to install the 410-415 kg brass statue, depicting the living legend in action, has been in the offing for the last two years. 
 
"This is the first statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in India. This is nothing but to inspire our youth. If you want to take football to the another level, then this is what will inspire boys and girls by looking at him, taking selfies with him. 
 
"We require good infrastructure for our boys and girls to go there and play. Statue is only to inspire. We want good grounds from the government, good infrastructure and good coaches," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-cristiano-ronaldo-scott-mctominay-star-in-manchester-uniteds-3-1-win-over-burnley-441404">Premier League: Cristiano Ronaldo, Scott Mctominay star in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Burnley</a>

Lobo added that despite India`s vast population, the country`s football team could not beat even the small nations and that players who have brought laurels for Goa and India should be given proper coaching facilities in every Goan village. 
 
"People who come to the Cristiano Ronaldo park will be inspired to become like him and play for Goa and India... We want to inspire Calangute, Candolim and the coastal belt villages first, then the rest of India," he said. 
 
Meanwhile, owner of popular nightclub, Titos in Calangute, Ricardo D`Souza, has said that statues of local football icons like Bruno Coutinho and Samir Naik should have been installed instead. 
 
"Very disappointed to hear of the statue of Ronaldo being erected. Learn to take pride in our own icons like Samir Naik and Bruno Coutinho," he said. 
 
At the unveiling ceremony, some right-wing demonstrators also alleged that erecting a statue of Ronaldo, a Portuguese national, was an insult to Goa, especially when the state is celebrating its 60th anniversary of liberation from Portuguese rule which spanned 451 years.

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"To erect a statue of a Portuguese footballer this year is sacrilegious. We condemn this. There are many freedom fighters in Goa who have been insulted. If Lobo wanted to erect `footballers statues, he should have erected Bruno Coutinho`s statue," right-wing activist Guru Shirodkar said. 
 
Reacting to his allegations, Lobo said: "There are few people who are opposing this. Looks like they hate football. Football belongs to everyone. It is not divided by religion or caste but still they are opposing with black flags. Their minds are black. One cannot argue with people who have black minds."

A large brass statue of Cristiano Ronaldo which was unveiled at a park in Goa`s beach village of Calangute, has created a stir in the coastal state over the footballer`s Portuguese linkage.

A large brass statue of Cristiano Ronaldo which was unveiled at a park in Goa`s beach village of Calangute, has created a stir in the coastal state over the footballer`s Portuguese linkage. The statue, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, with the aim of inspiring youngsters to emulate the maestro, triggered black flag protests at the site, with protesters accusing the state authorities of neglecting local football legends like Arjuna award winner and former India football team captain Bruno Coutinho, who also hails from Calangute. However, according to local BJP MLA and Ports Minister, Michael Lobo, the plan to install the 410-415 kg brass statue, depicting the living legend in action, has been in the offing for the last two years. "This is the first statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in India. This is nothing but to inspire our youth. If you want to take football to the another level, then this is what will inspire boys and girls by looking at him, taking selfies with him. "We require good infrastructure for our boys and girls to go there and play. Statue is only to inspire. We want good grounds from the government, good infrastructure and good coaches," he said. ALSO READ | Premier League: Cristiano Ronaldo, Scott Mctominay star in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Burnley Lobo added that despite India`s vast population, the country`s football team could not beat even the small nations and that players who have brought laurels for Goa and India should be given proper coaching facilities in every Goan village. "People who come to the Cristiano Ronaldo park will be inspired to become like him and play for Goa and India... We want to inspire Calangute, Candolim and the coastal belt villages first, then the rest of India," he said. Meanwhile, owner of popular nightclub, Titos in Calangute, Ricardo D`Souza, has said that statues of local football icons like Bruno Coutinho and Samir Naik should have been installed instead. "Very disappointed to hear of the statue of Ronaldo being erected. Learn to take pride in our own icons like Samir Naik and Bruno Coutinho," he said. At the unveiling ceremony, some right-wing demonstrators also alleged that erecting a statue of Ronaldo, a Portuguese national, was an insult to Goa, especially when the state is celebrating its 60th anniversary of liberation from Portuguese rule which spanned 451 years. ALSO READ | Premier League: Newcastle game against Southampton postponed amid injuries and COVID-19 cases "To erect a statue of a Portuguese footballer this year is sacrilegious. We condemn this. There are many freedom fighters in Goa who have been insulted. If Lobo wanted to erect `footballers statues, he should have erected Bruno Coutinho`s statue," right-wing activist Guru Shirodkar said. Reacting to his allegations, Lobo said: "There are few people who are opposing this. Looks like they hate football. Football belongs to everyone. It is not divided by religion or caste but still they are opposing with black flags. Their minds are black. One cannot argue with people who have black minds."

Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in Goa lands in trouble over colonial Portuguese linkages

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25.

"This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year."

The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels.

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Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said.

Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time.

Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

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Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday.

The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period.

Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant.

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25. "This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year." The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels. Also Read | US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said. Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time. Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also Read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday. The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period. Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat

Portugal, one of the countries with the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates worldwide, began inoculating over-fives Saturday, and France said it was ready to roll out jabs for them from next week.

Europe is currently battling to rein in the spread of the highly mutated Omicron variant of the coronavirus, believed to be much more infectious, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned the new strain could be dominant in Europe by mid-January.&nbsp;

A number of countries have already opened up their immunisation drives to younger children, even though the EU's health agency has warned that jabs alone will not be sufficient to stop the variant's rise.

In Portugal, where 88.9 percent of the population is vaccinated, more than 60,000 children aged between five and 11 were set to receive their first jab of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine this weekend.&nbsp;

And in France, health minister Olivier Veran said that jabs will start to be administered to children in the same age group from Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-evidence-to-suggest-new-variant-omicron-less-severe-than-delta-reveals-uk-study-437843">Also read |&nbsp;No evidence to suggest new variant Omicron less severe than Delta, reveals UK study</a>

"If all goes well, we will start vaccination of children on the afternoon of December 22 in specially adapted centres," he told France Inter radio.

But even as children line up to get jabs, the EU health agency ECDC has said measures like mask-wearing, distance working and the prevention of crowds were essential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems in the time available, with vaccines alone taking too long.

The EU's medicines watchdog last month approved the lower-dosage Pfizer-BioNTech shot for five to 11-year-olds, an age group experiencing high coronavirus infection rates across the continent.

Denmark, which has seen a surge in cases attributed to the new Omicron variant, and some Austrian regions already began offering jabs to younger kids in November.

The United States was the first large country to take the plunge and has so far vaccinated more than five million children in the five-to-11 age bracket.&nbsp;

Portugal, one of the countries with the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates worldwide, began inoculating over-fives Saturday, and France said it was ready to roll out jabs for them from next week.

Portugal, one of the countries with the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates worldwide, began inoculating over-fives Saturday, and France said it was ready to roll out jabs for them from next week. Europe is currently battling to rein in the spread of the highly mutated Omicron variant of the coronavirus, believed to be much more infectious, and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has warned the new strain could be dominant in Europe by mid-January. A number of countries have already opened up their immunisation drives to younger children, even though the EU's health agency has warned that jabs alone will not be sufficient to stop the variant's rise. In Portugal, where 88.9 percent of the population is vaccinated, more than 60,000 children aged between five and 11 were set to receive their first jab of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine this weekend. And in France, health minister Olivier Veran said that jabs will start to be administered to children in the same age group from Wednesday. Also read | No evidence to suggest new variant Omicron less severe than Delta, reveals UK study "If all goes well, we will start vaccination of children on the afternoon of December 22 in specially adapted centres," he told France Inter radio. But even as children line up to get jabs, the EU health agency ECDC has said measures like mask-wearing, distance working and the prevention of crowds were essential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems in the time available, with vaccines alone taking too long. The EU's medicines watchdog last month approved the lower-dosage Pfizer-BioNTech shot for five to 11-year-olds, an age group experiencing high coronavirus infection rates across the continent. Denmark, which has seen a surge in cases attributed to the new Omicron variant, and some Austrian regions already began offering jabs to younger kids in November. The United States was the first large country to take the plunge and has so far vaccinated more than five million children in the five-to-11 age bracket.

Portugal, France begin vaccinating younger children

Portugal detected 13 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Monday, all involving players and staff members of Lisbon soccer club Belenenses SAD, after one player recently returned from South Africa, health authority DGS said.

The new variant, which according to the World Health Organization is likely to "spread internationally", was found after Belenenses played a Primeira Liga match against Benfica on Saturday.

The game started with only nine Belenenses players on the pitch because the rest were isolating and only seven returned to the field after halftime. The match was abandoned two minutes into the second half with Benfica leading 7-0.

A club spokesman said 44 players and staff, including himself, were self-isolating at home and waiting to repeat the tests.

"Two or three players and two or three staff have symptoms, but nothing too serious, the rest are asymptomatic," he added.

Benfica and Belenenses presidents told a news conference on Saturday they had no choice but to play the match or risked being punished for an "unjustified absence". They blamed the league and DGS for not allowing the game to be postponed.

DGS chief Maria da Graca Freitas told SIC broadcaster it was not up to the health authority to postpone the game but to assess the COVID-19 situation and implement measures such as putting people in isolation.

Nearly all the players had been vaccinated but still contracted the disease, she said, adding that it was good news that most were asymptomatic.

Portugal, which has one of the world`s highest vaccination rates against COVID-19, suspended flights to and from its former colony Mozambique from Monday to prevent the spread of the variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, and last week announced the return of restrictions.

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Potentially more contagious than prior variants, Omicron has also been found in Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands.

Belenenses defender Cafu Phete tested positive for COVID-19 after returning on Nov. 17 from international duty in South Africa.

Belenenses, including Phete, played against third-division club Caldas on Nov. 21. A Caldas spokesman said they would test their players.

A Benfica spokesman said none of their players were in isolation as the Belenenses players they faced on Saturday were not considered high-risk contacts. Benfica`s next match is scheduled for Friday.

Portugal detected 13 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Monday, all involving players and staff members of Lisbon soccer club Belenenses SAD, after one player recently returned from South Africa, health authority DGS said.

Portugal detected 13 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus on Monday, all involving players and staff members of Lisbon soccer club Belenenses SAD, after one player recently returned from South Africa, health authority DGS said. The new variant, which according to the World Health Organization is likely to "spread internationally", was found after Belenenses played a Primeira Liga match against Benfica on Saturday. The game started with only nine Belenenses players on the pitch because the rest were isolating and only seven returned to the field after halftime. The match was abandoned two minutes into the second half with Benfica leading 7-0. A club spokesman said 44 players and staff, including himself, were self-isolating at home and waiting to repeat the tests. "Two or three players and two or three staff have symptoms, but nothing too serious, the rest are asymptomatic," he added. Benfica and Belenenses presidents told a news conference on Saturday they had no choice but to play the match or risked being punished for an "unjustified absence". They blamed the league and DGS for not allowing the game to be postponed. DGS chief Maria da Graca Freitas told SIC broadcaster it was not up to the health authority to postpone the game but to assess the COVID-19 situation and implement measures such as putting people in isolation. Nearly all the players had been vaccinated but still contracted the disease, she said, adding that it was good news that most were asymptomatic. Portugal, which has one of the world`s highest vaccination rates against COVID-19, suspended flights to and from its former colony Mozambique from Monday to prevent the spread of the variant, which was first detected in southern Africa, and last week announced the return of restrictions. Also Read: Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed Potentially more contagious than prior variants, Omicron has also been found in Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands. Belenenses defender Cafu Phete tested positive for COVID-19 after returning on Nov. 17 from international duty in South Africa. Belenenses, including Phete, played against third-division club Caldas on Nov. 21. A Caldas spokesman said they would test their players. A Benfica spokesman said none of their players were in isolation as the Belenenses players they faced on Saturday were not considered high-risk contacts. Benfica`s next match is scheduled for Friday.

Omicron hits Portugal as 13 members of Lisbon football club Belenenses SAD test positive

Is your boss texting you after your shift has ended? In Portugal, you can now sue them for doing so. Portugal has passed a law that bans bosses from contacting employees once they've left office. Which other countries have this law? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Portugal bans employers from texting employees after shift hours

Work from home has helped save commute time but it has also brought in extended working hours, calls from bosses after office hours and more fatigue. To beat the diminishing work-life balance, Portugal wants to make it illegal for bosses to call their employees outside of their official hours.<o:p></o:p>

In a first, Portugal government has issued labour laws for digital workers which offer protections to workers. One of the main laws states that if any employer calls workers outside of office hours, the company will have to pay monetary fine.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/work-from-home-employees-are-quitting-instead-of-returning-to-the-office-389202">Work from home: Employees are quitting instead of returning to the office</a></o:p>

"We consider Portugal one of the best places in the world for these digital nomads and remote workers to choose to live in, we want to attract them to Portugal," Ana Mendes Godinho, Portugal's Minister of Labour and Social Security, said at the recent Web Summit conference in Lisbon. "The pandemic has accelerated the need to regulate what needs to be regulated."<o:p></o:p>

The laws have also urged companies to pay for the expenses an employee bears while working from home such as electricity and Wi-Fi charges.<o:p></o:p>

While some laws were approved, there were a few that did not see the daylight. Laws such as ‘right to disconnect’, the right to switch off all work devices and messaging services after work hours was not approved by lawmakers.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-fashion-firm-introduces-pajama-suit-for-work-from-home-350413">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japanese-fashion-firm-introduces-pajama-suit-for-work-from-home-350413/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Experts believe that while there are benefits of working from home, there needs to be proper regulations that can help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. The new rules are a direct response to the rising trend of work-from-home culture all over the world.<o:p></o:p>

Portugal also hopes that this will attract people from other countries to find employment in the country, especially during the pandemic years.<o:p></o:p>

Work from home has helped save commute time but it has also brought in extended working hours, calls from bosses after office hours and more fatigue. To beat the diminishing work-life balance, Portugal wants to make it illegal for bosses to call their employees outside of their official hours.

Work from home has helped save commute time but it has also brought in extended working hours, calls from bosses after office hours and more fatigue. To beat the diminishing work-life balance, Portugal wants to make it illegal for bosses to call their employees outside of their official hours. In a first, Portugal government has issued labour laws for digital workers which offer protections to workers. One of the main laws states that if any employer calls workers outside of office hours, the company will have to pay monetary fine. Also read | Work from home: Employees are quitting instead of returning to the office "We consider Portugal one of the best places in the world for these digital nomads and remote workers to choose to live in, we want to attract them to Portugal," Ana Mendes Godinho, Portugal's Minister of Labour and Social Security, said at the recent Web Summit conference in Lisbon. "The pandemic has accelerated the need to regulate what needs to be regulated." The laws have also urged companies to pay for the expenses an employee bears while working from home such as electricity and Wi-Fi charges. While some laws were approved, there were a few that did not see the daylight. Laws such as ‘right to disconnect’, the right to switch off all work devices and messaging services after work hours was not approved by lawmakers. WATCH | Experts believe that while there are benefits of working from home, there needs to be proper regulations that can help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. The new rules are a direct response to the rising trend of work-from-home culture all over the world. Portugal also hopes that this will attract people from other countries to find employment in the country, especially during the pandemic years.

This country has made it illegal for bosses to call employees after office hours

How much Cristiano Ronaldo earns per week? Mind-boggling salary of Manchester United star and his net worth

Afghanistan's U-17 female football team begin training in Lisbon after fleeing their home country. Afghanistan's U-17 female football team have started their training in Lisbon after the players fled their home country when the Taliban took control over Afghanistan.

Portugal grants asylum to Afghanistan's U-17 Football team

Leaving her homeland Afghanistan was painful, says 15-year-old Sarah but says "I Am Free". Now safely in Portugal, she hopes to pursue her dream of playing soccer professionally - and be like her idol, star striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Afghan girls soccer squad finds new home in Portugal

The Portuguese port receives sunshine throughout the year, making it the perfect destination for renewable sources of energy. In fact, solar parks and wind turbines generates nearly 70% of Portugal's energy.

Portugal's 70% of power is generated by renewable sources of energy

Olympiakos centre-back Ruben Semedo was released on 10,000 euros ($11,860) bail on Thursday after the Portuguese international was accused of rape.

The examining magistrate and the prosecutor agreed the 27-year-old, accused of the rape of a 17-year-old girl, could be released without any restrictive conditions, according to judicial officials.

Semedo, who made the last of his three Portugal appearances in November, was arrested on Sunday, after the teenage girl told police he, and a 40-year-old Nigerian man, who was arrested on Monday, had lured her back to his house and raped her.

The Sporting Lisbon academy product met the girl at a bar in the seaside town of Oropos for drinks on Saturday and then drove her to his home in the Athens suburb of Glyfada where the girl said she was raped.

Semedo testified in person to the examining magistrate on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

He denied the accusations, admitted he had sexual intercourse with the girl with her consent and he said he did not know her age, the judicial officials told AFP.

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"Do not worry my friends, you'll see," Semedo told reporters gathered outside the courtroom on Thursday.

Earlier in the day the 17-year old also testified in person, as well as the 40-year old Nigerian.

Greek champions Olympiakos said earlier this week they would take no action against the player, nor would they comment on the matter pending a judgement.

"Olympiakos fully respect the presumption of innocence," a club statement said.

Semedo has recently been linked with a move to Porto or Torino.

He joined Olympiakos two years ago on a four-year contract from Villarreal.

He left the Spanish club after being convicted of attempted murder for which he was given a five-year jail term, but he avoided going to prison in exchange for an eight-year ban on entering Spanish territory under an agreement struck in 2020. He was also fined 46,000 euros ($54,550).

Olympiakos centre-back Ruben Semedo was released on 10,000 euros ($11,860) bail on Thursday after the Portuguese international was accused of rape. The examining magistrate and the prosecutor agreed the 27-year-old, accused of the rape of a 17-year-old girl, could be released without any restrictive conditions, according to judicial officials.

Olympiakos centre-back Ruben Semedo was released on 10,000 euros ($11,860) bail on Thursday after the Portuguese international was accused of rape. The examining magistrate and the prosecutor agreed the 27-year-old, accused of the rape of a 17-year-old girl, could be released without any restrictive conditions, according to judicial officials. Semedo, who made the last of his three Portugal appearances in November, was arrested on Sunday, after the teenage girl told police he, and a 40-year-old Nigerian man, who was arrested on Monday, had lured her back to his house and raped her. The Sporting Lisbon academy product met the girl at a bar in the seaside town of Oropos for drinks on Saturday and then drove her to his home in the Athens suburb of Glyfada where the girl said she was raped. Semedo testified in person to the examining magistrate on Thursday afternoon. He denied the accusations, admitted he had sexual intercourse with the girl with her consent and he said he did not know her age, the judicial officials told AFP. ALSO READ | Video: Raheem Sterling pelted with beer cups as England players targeted with racial abuses by Hungary supporters "Do not worry my friends, you'll see," Semedo told reporters gathered outside the courtroom on Thursday. Earlier in the day the 17-year old also testified in person, as well as the 40-year old Nigerian. Greek champions Olympiakos said earlier this week they would take no action against the player, nor would they comment on the matter pending a judgement. "Olympiakos fully respect the presumption of innocence," a club statement said. Semedo has recently been linked with a move to Porto or Torino. He joined Olympiakos two years ago on a four-year contract from Villarreal. He left the Spanish club after being convicted of attempted murder for which he was given a five-year jail term, but he avoided going to prison in exchange for an eight-year ban on entering Spanish territory under an agreement struck in 2020. He was also fined 46,000 euros ($54,550).

Portugal's Ruben Semedo released on 10,000 euros bail after rape accusation

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 110th international goal to surpass Iran legend Ali Daie`s tally as he broke the all-time men`s scoring record in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday (local time).Ronaldo first netted a goal in the dying minutes of the match to save the game and then fired another in the stoppage time as Portugal defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1. With this goal, the five-time Ballon d`Or winner has now scored 111 international goals and is now leading the charts. Former footballer Daei scored 109 international goals during his 13-year long illustrious career. Ronaldo had earlier equalled the Iran legend`s record during Euro 2020.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson played a big role in roping the Portuguese striker for Manchester United. In his earlier stint with the Red Devils, Ronaldo led the side to three Premier League titles and the Champions League between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals in 292 games under Alex Ferguson.

"As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester United at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me," Ronaldo told MUTV. "He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion, of course, he had a big role because of the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he`s an unbelievable person. I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United," he added. On Tuesday, the Premier League club confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa, and medical.&nbsp;

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 110th international goal to surpass Iran legend Ali Daie`s tally as he broke the all-time men`s scoring record in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday (local time).

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 110th international goal to surpass Iran legend Ali Daie`s tally as he broke the all-time men`s scoring record in their World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday (local time).Ronaldo first netted a goal in the dying minutes of the match to save the game and then fired another in the stoppage time as Portugal defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1. With this goal, the five-time Ballon d`Or winner has now scored 111 international goals and is now leading the charts. Former footballer Daei scored 109 international goals during his 13-year long illustrious career. Ronaldo had earlier equalled the Iran legend`s record during Euro 2020. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson played a big role in roping the Portuguese striker for Manchester United. In his earlier stint with the Red Devils, Ronaldo led the side to three Premier League titles and the Champions League between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals in 292 games under Alex Ferguson. "As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester United at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me," Ronaldo told MUTV. "He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion, of course, he had a big role because of the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he`s an unbelievable person. I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United," he added. On Tuesday, the Premier League club confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa, and medical.

All hail CR7! Cristiano Ronaldo surpasses Ali Daie's tally, breaks all-time men's international scoring record

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious.

Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return.

But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.

"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."

Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.

"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."

Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal

Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant.

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious. Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return. But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal. "For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries." Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation. "We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures." Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable." (With inputs from agencies)

Delta variant: France warns citizens against travel to Spain, Portugal

Portugal set out to defend their European Championship title with a far better squad than five years ago in France but this time they ultimately proved less adept at chasing games than grinding out results.

Fernando Santos' side bowed out of the tournament earlier than they would have liked in losing 1-0 to Belgium in the last-16 but they did not go out quietly, peppering Thibaut Courtois' goal with shots until the end and hitting the post.

Yet they lacked a cutting edge which might have disappointed fans given the assortment of world stars they had on the pitch, including Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, 126-million-euro man Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo.

As in their 4-2 defeat to Germany in the group stage, they were incapable of finding their way back into the game and mainly resorted to hopeful long-range efforts, only troubling Courtois a couple of times despite having 23 shots.

Critics can certainly point the finger at Santos, a reactive coach who built his reputation in international&nbsp;football&nbsp;by helping Greece punch above their weight.

After leading Portugal to their first major trophy with often cagey tactics and astute game management, his side never really took a step forward and looked uncomfortable once they were no longer the underdogs.

They also seemed to lack the unity and work rate of their predecessors, as Santos alluded to after the heavy defeat to Germany when he remarked: "That was not the Portugal we all know".

Pepe, one of the few surviving members of the Euro 2016 side, latched on to a similar theme when he said: "We need to be what we have always been, a combative team which plays with solidarity".

In the Euro 2020 group stage alone, Portugal conceded more goals than in their victorious Euro 2016 campaign.

But to be fair to Santos, his side was given a far harder draw this time around, meeting the last two world champions in France and Germany in Group F in addition to gritty Hungary.

They could only finish third and had to face Belgium, who 2018 World Cup semi-finalists and ranked number one in the world.

Their unforgiving path contrasted with 2016, when they met Iceland, Austria, and Hungary in their group and then faced Poland, Croatia and Wales in the knockout stage before riding their luck in the final to beat hosts France 1-0 in extra-time.

Their winning goal in Paris was a hit-and-hope shot from Eder and five years on in Seville, the shoe was on the other foot as Thorgan Hazard's piledriver proved the difference, ending Portugal's reign as European champions.

Many of the players who fell short here will get another chance at next year's World Cup in Qatar and Santos will hope they will be wiser from the experience and better equipped to break down teams as good as them.

Portugal set out to defend their European Championship title with a far better squad than five years ago in France but this time they ultimately proved less adept at chasing games than grinding out results.

Portugal set out to defend their European Championship title with a far better squad than five years ago in France but this time they ultimately proved less adept at chasing games than grinding out results. Fernando Santos' side bowed out of the tournament earlier than they would have liked in losing 1-0 to Belgium in the last-16 but they did not go out quietly, peppering Thibaut Courtois' goal with shots until the end and hitting the post. Yet they lacked a cutting edge which might have disappointed fans given the assortment of world stars they had on the pitch, including Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes, 126-million-euro man Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo. As in their 4-2 defeat to Germany in the group stage, they were incapable of finding their way back into the game and mainly resorted to hopeful long-range efforts, only troubling Courtois a couple of times despite having 23 shots. Critics can certainly point the finger at Santos, a reactive coach who built his reputation in international football by helping Greece punch above their weight. After leading Portugal to their first major trophy with often cagey tactics and astute game management, his side never really took a step forward and looked uncomfortable once they were no longer the underdogs. They also seemed to lack the unity and work rate of their predecessors, as Santos alluded to after the heavy defeat to Germany when he remarked: "That was not the Portugal we all know". Pepe, one of the few surviving members of the Euro 2016 side, latched on to a similar theme when he said: "We need to be what we have always been, a combative team which plays with solidarity". In the Euro 2020 group stage alone, Portugal conceded more goals than in their victorious Euro 2016 campaign. But to be fair to Santos, his side was given a far harder draw this time around, meeting the last two world champions in France and Germany in Group F in addition to gritty Hungary. They could only finish third and had to face Belgium, who 2018 World Cup semi-finalists and ranked number one in the world. Their unforgiving path contrasted with 2016, when they met Iceland, Austria, and Hungary in their group and then faced Poland, Croatia and Wales in the knockout stage before riding their luck in the final to beat hosts France 1-0 in extra-time. Their winning goal in Paris was a hit-and-hope shot from Eder and five years on in Seville, the shoe was on the other foot as Thorgan Hazard's piledriver proved the difference, ending Portugal's reign as European champions. Many of the players who fell short here will get another chance at next year's World Cup in Qatar and Santos will hope they will be wiser from the experience and better equipped to break down teams as good as them.

Football: Early exit shows Portugal better at being hunted than hunter

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