Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Tuesday his side have an "unbelievable amount of work to do" six months from hosting Euro 2024 after falling to a 2-0 friendly defeat against Austria in Vienna.

Germany fell behind to a Marcel Sabitzer goal in the first half and then lost Leroy Sane early in the second to a red card, the Bayern Munich winger pushing Austria defender Phillipp Mwene in the face and forcing him to the ground.&nbsp;

Christoph Baumgartner then scored a second for Austria as Nagelsmann's side struggled to fight back with 10 men.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/argentina-beat-brazil-in-world-cup-qualifiers-after-kick-off-delayed-due-to-clash-between-police-and-fans-661330">Argentina beat Brazil in World Cup qualifiers after kick-off delayed due to clash between police and fans</a>

"We're not playing freely. We've an unbelievable amount of work to do in each position," Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF.

"We need to accept the situation but we can't fall into the role of being victims."

Nagelsmann said his side was "a really well-functioning group at training, but it's not transferring onto the pitch".

"We're missing some self-confidence, which is not a surprise when you see the past few months."&nbsp;

Germany have now won just three of 11 games since the four-time World Cup winners' embarrassing group-stage exit in Qatar a year ago.&nbsp;

Captain Ilkay Gundogan lamented his side's "homemade" mistakes, saying things "couldn't be worse" before Euro 2024.

"Doing it this way, we won't be successful," he admitted, adding that his team were lacking cohesion.

"We have to be honest and say it's not only the defence. I said after Turkey (Germany's 3-2 loss last weekend) that defence starts up front, with the way we run and pass, and with our attitude.

"We need to infuse ourselves with some positive energy, with some emotion and defend emotionally -- right now we're doing the opposite."

Defender Mats Hummels, one of the few 2014 World Cup winners remaining in the Germany squad, was confident the team could turn things around before the Euro starts in June.&nbsp;

"It takes a while. We have a bit of time until the Euro. I think we can take massive steps," he said.

"If we work hard, it could be a really good tournament for us."

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Tuesday his side have an "unbelievable amount of work to do" six months from hosting Euro 2024 after falling to a 2-0 friendly defeat against Austria in Vienna.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Tuesday his side have an "unbelievable amount of work to do" six months from hosting Euro 2024 after falling to a 2-0 friendly defeat against Austria in Vienna. Germany fell behind to a Marcel Sabitzer goal in the first half and then lost Leroy Sane early in the second to a red card, the Bayern Munich winger pushing Austria defender Phillipp Mwene in the face and forcing him to the ground. Christoph Baumgartner then scored a second for Austria as Nagelsmann's side struggled to fight back with 10 men. Also Read: Argentina beat Brazil in World Cup qualifiers after kick-off delayed due to clash between police and fans "We're not playing freely. We've an unbelievable amount of work to do in each position," Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF. "We need to accept the situation but we can't fall into the role of being victims." Nagelsmann said his side was "a really well-functioning group at training, but it's not transferring onto the pitch". "We're missing some self-confidence, which is not a surprise when you see the past few months." Germany have now won just three of 11 games since the four-time World Cup winners' embarrassing group-stage exit in Qatar a year ago. Captain Ilkay Gundogan lamented his side's "homemade" mistakes, saying things "couldn't be worse" before Euro 2024. "Doing it this way, we won't be successful," he admitted, adding that his team were lacking cohesion. "We have to be honest and say it's not only the defence. I said after Turkey (Germany's 3-2 loss last weekend) that defence starts up front, with the way we run and pass, and with our attitude. "We need to infuse ourselves with some positive energy, with some emotion and defend emotionally -- right now we're doing the opposite." Defender Mats Hummels, one of the few 2014 World Cup winners remaining in the Germany squad, was confident the team could turn things around before the Euro starts in June. "It takes a while. We have a bit of time until the Euro. I think we can take massive steps," he said. "If we work hard, it could be a really good tournament for us."

'We've work to do,' says Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann after defeat vs Austria in friendly

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday.

The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said.&nbsp;

The cause of the crash is still unknown and an investigation has been opened. Autopsies have been ordered to identify the victims.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF said flying conditions in the Salzburg province were "very difficult" on Thursday with strong winds and dense clouds.

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday. The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said.

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday. The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said. The cause of the crash is still unknown and an investigation has been opened. Autopsies have been ordered to identify the victims. Austrian public broadcaster ORF said flying conditions in the Salzburg province were "very difficult" on Thursday with strong winds and dense clouds.

Four dead after light plane crashes in central Austria

A recent survey of first- and second-generation Black immigrants across 13 European Union countries has brought to light a&nbsp;troubling increase in racism, with Germany, Austria, and Finland reporting the highest rates of discrimination and harassment.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) conducted the survey, showing that within six years since the previous study, the percentage of respondents who reported experiencing racial discrimination in the past 12 months had risen by 10 points to reach 34 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2>Austrian&nbsp;and German stats</h2>

In Austria and Germany, the proportion was a concerning 64 per cent, nearly double the previous level of 33% in Germany and significantly higher than the 42 per cent&nbsp;recorded in Austria six years earlier. Finland followed closely with 54% reporting racial discrimination.

FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty told Reuters that the lack of improvement since the last survey was shocking, highlighting that people of African descent face increasing discrimination solely due to the colour of their skin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-speaks-out-on-racism-he-faced-as-a-child-growing-up-in-uk-305942">Also read |&nbsp;Rishi Sunak speaks out on racism he faced as a child growing up in UK</a>

The survey also examined respondents who reported feeling racially discriminated against over the past five years, which had risen to 45 per cent&nbsp;across the 13 countries surveyed, marking a six-point increase from the previous study. The top three countries remained the same, with Germany reporting the highest rate at 76 per cent.

The extensive poll, conducted by Ipsos for the FRA, involved 16,124 immigrants and their descendants across 15 countries. The survey took place between October 2021 and September 2022 and will produce several reports on other ethnic minorities and Muslims. The current report, titled "Being Black in the EU," is the first to be published from this broader survey, focusing on 6,752 individuals born in sub-Saharan Africa or with at least one parent born there residing in 13 EU countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-nurses-accused-of-tying-sikh-mans-beard-with-gloves-leaving-him-in-urine-report-exposes-641949">Also read |&nbsp;UK nurses accused of 'institutional racism' after reports of a Sikh man being mistreated emerge</a>

The proportion of respondents who reported experiencing racist harassment over the past five years remained unchanged at 30 per cent&nbsp;compared to six years earlier. Germany reported the highest national rate at 54 per cent, followed by Finland and Austria. In contrast, Portugal and Sweden had the lowest harassment rates and, along with Poland, reported the lowest levels of racial discrimination according to respondents.

The FRA report included a set of recommendations for EU member states, urging them to enforce anti-discrimination legislation rigorously and consider racial bias as an aggravating circumstance when determining penalties for crimes.

A recent survey of first- and second-generation Black immigrants across 13 European Union countries has brought to light a troubling increase in racism, with Germany, Austria, and Finland reporting the highest rates of discrimination and harassment.

A recent survey of first- and second-generation Black immigrants across 13 European Union countries has brought to light a troubling increase in racism, with Germany, Austria, and Finland reporting the highest rates of discrimination and harassment. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) conducted the survey, showing that within six years since the previous study, the percentage of respondents who reported experiencing racial discrimination in the past 12 months had risen by 10 points to reach 34 per cent. Austrian and German stats In Austria and Germany, the proportion was a concerning 64 per cent, nearly double the previous level of 33% in Germany and significantly higher than the 42 per cent recorded in Austria six years earlier. Finland followed closely with 54% reporting racial discrimination. FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty told Reuters that the lack of improvement since the last survey was shocking, highlighting that people of African descent face increasing discrimination solely due to the colour of their skin. Also read | Rishi Sunak speaks out on racism he faced as a child growing up in UK The survey also examined respondents who reported feeling racially discriminated against over the past five years, which had risen to 45 per cent across the 13 countries surveyed, marking a six-point increase from the previous study. The top three countries remained the same, with Germany reporting the highest rate at 76 per cent. The extensive poll, conducted by Ipsos for the FRA, involved 16,124 immigrants and their descendants across 15 countries. The survey took place between October 2021 and September 2022 and will produce several reports on other ethnic minorities and Muslims. The current report, titled "Being Black in the EU," is the first to be published from this broader survey, focusing on 6,752 individuals born in sub-Saharan Africa or with at least one parent born there residing in 13 EU countries. Also read | UK nurses accused of 'institutional racism' after reports of a Sikh man being mistreated emerge The proportion of respondents who reported experiencing racist harassment over the past five years remained unchanged at 30 per cent compared to six years earlier. Germany reported the highest national rate at 54 per cent, followed by Finland and Austria. In contrast, Portugal and Sweden had the lowest harassment rates and, along with Poland, reported the lowest levels of racial discrimination according to respondents. The FRA report included a set of recommendations for EU member states, urging them to enforce anti-discrimination legislation rigorously and consider racial bias as an aggravating circumstance when determining penalties for crimes.

Study shows increasing anti-Black racism in EU, most discrimination in Germany

Archaeologists in Austria have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing a child's shoe dating back over two millennia (2,000 years) that still boasts its original laces.&nbsp;The leather shoe, believed to be from the second century BC and roughly equivalent to a modern EU 30 (US 12), was found at the site of Dürrnberg in western Austria. This area has a history of rock salt mining dating back to the Iron Age, according to a recent statement by the German Mining Museum Bochum-Leibniz Research Museum for Geo-resources, media reports said.&nbsp;

<h2>Preserved by salt&nbsp;</h2>

The remarkable preservation of the shoe can be attributed to the rock salt deposits in the region, known for their exceptional ability to protect organic materials.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-organ-damage-in-long-covid-patients-who-required-hospitalisation-638826">Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation</a>

Professor Thomas Stoellner, head of the Research Department at the German Mining Museum, expressed his astonishment at the shoe's condition, saying, "Our research activities at Dürrnberg have been providing us with valuable finds for decades in order to scientifically explore the earliest mining activities. The condition of the shoe found is outstanding."

<h2>Lives of iron age miners</h2>

The ongoing excavations at Dürrnberg aimed to dig up more details on the lives and work of Iron Age miners, as per the museum.&nbsp;The shoe was discovered alongside other organic remains, including a fragment of a wooden shovel blade and remnants of fur with lacing, possibly part of a fur hood.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-federal-aviation-administration-proposes-revolutionary-way-to-limit-human-litter-in-earths-orbit-638666">US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit</a>

The laces of the shoe were identified as likely made from flax or linen, as per the statement.&nbsp;

The discovery of a child's shoe held particular significance as it indicates the presence of children in the underground mining operations. The museum said that finding the child's shoe is&nbsp;"always something special."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-metoo-activist-stands-trial-for-subversion-638828">China: #metoo activist stands trial for subversion</a>

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Stoellner added, "Organic materials generally decompose over time. Finds like this child's shoe, but also textile remains or excrement like those found on Dürrnberg, offer an extremely rare insight into the life of Iron Age miners."

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Archaeologists in Austria have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing a child's shoe dating back over two millennia (2,000 years) that still boasts its original laces.

Archaeologists in Austria have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing a child's shoe dating back over two millennia (2,000 years) that still boasts its original laces. The leather shoe, believed to be from the second century BC and roughly equivalent to a modern EU 30 (US 12), was found at the site of Dürrnberg in western Austria. This area has a history of rock salt mining dating back to the Iron Age, according to a recent statement by the German Mining Museum Bochum-Leibniz Research Museum for Geo-resources, media reports said. Preserved by salt The remarkable preservation of the shoe can be attributed to the rock salt deposits in the region, known for their exceptional ability to protect organic materials. Also Read | Study reveals organ damage in long covid patients who required hospitalisation Professor Thomas Stoellner, head of the Research Department at the German Mining Museum, expressed his astonishment at the shoe's condition, saying, "Our research activities at Dürrnberg have been providing us with valuable finds for decades in order to scientifically explore the earliest mining activities. The condition of the shoe found is outstanding." Lives of iron age miners The ongoing excavations at Dürrnberg aimed to dig up more details on the lives and work of Iron Age miners, as per the museum. The shoe was discovered alongside other organic remains, including a fragment of a wooden shovel blade and remnants of fur with lacing, possibly part of a fur hood. Also Read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit The laces of the shoe were identified as likely made from flax or linen, as per the statement. The discovery of a child's shoe held particular significance as it indicates the presence of children in the underground mining operations. The museum said that finding the child's shoe is "always something special." Watch | China: #metoo activist stands trial for subversion × Stoellner added, "Organic materials generally decompose over time. Finds like this child's shoe, but also textile remains or excrement like those found on Dürrnberg, offer an extremely rare insight into the life of Iron Age miners." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Remarkable! 2,000-year-old child's shoe with intact laces found in Austria

Austrian Former Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl transported her ponies on a Russian military plane. Kneissl has moved to St. Petersburg and will head a think tank. What is the history between Kneissl and Putin? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Austrian diplomat flies ponies on Russian military plane

Former Austrian minister Karin Kneissl moved to Russia, along with her two ponies, which she transported to the country via a Russian military plane.

Kneissl, in a conversation with Russia's state-owned Tass news agency, revealed that she would be moving to St Petersburg to work at the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues [GORKI].

The think tank was set up to "help define the policies for the Russian Federation" with a focus on the Near and Middle East.&nbsp;

"I co-founded the Gorki centre and manage it," Tass news agency quoted Kneissl as saying. "Since there is a lot of work there and it requires a lot of attention, I cannot do this in passing. I decided to move to St. Petersburg for this work."&nbsp;

As per a report by Russian investigative website The Insider, Kneissl's ponies were flown to Saint Petersburg on a military aircraft last week from the Russian air base at Hmeimim in Syria.

"It was impossible for me to drive a lorry through Syria under the circumstances of the war," Kneissl confirmed to news agency AFP on Wednesday (September 13).

"Due to sanctions, there are no flights or DHL (shipping service)," Kneissl wrote on Telegram, flabbergasted that her "move has become a political issue". &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-not-for-sale-taipei-slams-elon-musk-over-latest-china-comments-635952">Taiwan 'not for sale': Taipei slams Elon Musk over ‘blindly flattering’ comments for China</a>

In the year 2018, the then-foreign minister of neutral Austria, Kneissl made headlines when she invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to her wedding in Austria and also danced with him. She left the government the very next year and moved to France in September 2020.

The 58-year-old claimed that she was pressured to leave which is why she had temporarily settled in a small village in Lebanon.

In the year 2021, Kneissl joined the Board of Directors of the Russian oil giant Rosneft.

She stepped down from her position in May 2022 after the European Parliament passed a resolution threatening sanctions against Europeans still on the boards of major Russian companies.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former Austrian minister Karin Kneissl moved to Russia, along with her two ponies, which she transported to the country via a Russian military plane. Kneissl, in a conversation with Russia's state-owned Tass news agency, revealed that she would be moving to St Petersburg to work at the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues [GORKI].

Former Austrian minister Karin Kneissl moved to Russia, along with her two ponies, which she transported to the country via a Russian military plane. Kneissl, in a conversation with Russia's state-owned Tass news agency, revealed that she would be moving to St Petersburg to work at the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues [GORKI]. The think tank was set up to "help define the policies for the Russian Federation" with a focus on the Near and Middle East. "I co-founded the Gorki centre and manage it," Tass news agency quoted Kneissl as saying. "Since there is a lot of work there and it requires a lot of attention, I cannot do this in passing. I decided to move to St. Petersburg for this work." As per a report by Russian investigative website The Insider, Kneissl's ponies were flown to Saint Petersburg on a military aircraft last week from the Russian air base at Hmeimim in Syria. "It was impossible for me to drive a lorry through Syria under the circumstances of the war," Kneissl confirmed to news agency AFP on Wednesday (September 13). "Due to sanctions, there are no flights or DHL (shipping service)," Kneissl wrote on Telegram, flabbergasted that her "move has become a political issue". Also read: Taiwan 'not for sale': Taipei slams Elon Musk over ‘blindly flattering’ comments for China In the year 2018, the then-foreign minister of neutral Austria, Kneissl made headlines when she invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to her wedding in Austria and also danced with him. She left the government the very next year and moved to France in September 2020. The 58-year-old claimed that she was pressured to leave which is why she had temporarily settled in a small village in Lebanon. In the year 2021, Kneissl joined the Board of Directors of the Russian oil giant Rosneft. She stepped down from her position in May 2022 after the European Parliament passed a resolution threatening sanctions against Europeans still on the boards of major Russian companies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Austrian minister moves to Russia, flies her two ponies on board Russian military plane

In the European nation of Austria, the climate Minister has offered free train travel for a year to anyone who gets a tattoo.

Austrian green MP's deal for tattoo lovers

Austria’s former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been charged with making false statements during a parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption in his first government, said the prosecutor’s office for economic crimes and corruption, on Friday (August 18). This comes after the 36-year-old resigned two years ago following a series of accusations in the aftermath of the ‘Ibiza-gate’ scandal.&nbsp;

<h2>Accusations against Austrian politician</h2>

An indictment was filed against the conservative politician and his former chief of staff, Bernhard Bonelli, and a third person at the state court in Vienna, said the prosecutor’s office, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that they have been accused of giving false testimony before the Ibiza committee of inquiry in the Austrian parliament “regarding the alleged corruptibility of his government.”&nbsp;

The trial on the case is set to begin on October 18. If found guilty, Kurz, also the former leader of the conservative People’s Party, could face up to three years in prison, said the Vienna court.&nbsp;

The court also identified the third person as Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, the former head of Casinos Austria, who is accused of making false statements regarding the appointment of a board member at that entity.

<h2>What was the case about?</h2>

The charges against Kurz stem from an investigation that was launched in 2021 when he was still in office and is about the testimony to a parliamentary probe that focused on alleged corruption in the coalition that he led starting in 2017, before its collapse in 2019.&nbsp;

The case also centres on the question of whether the then-chancellor answered truthfully when asked about appointments to state holding company OBAG. Kurz was accused of downplaying his role in the appointment in June 2020 of Thomas Schmid, the company’s boss.&nbsp;

He also went on to claim that he was informed in advance about the decision but did not participate any further. However, the prosecutors citing evidence from chat messages have alleged that Kurz was more involved than he previously let on.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Schmid told prosecutors Kurz was aware of the embezzlement of public funds between 2016 and 2018 in order to promote his rise to the leadership of his party and the country, according to local media report leaks.&nbsp;

<h2>Kurz defends himself</h2>

Prior to the indictment being announced, Kurz denied the accusations. “We look forward to the truth finally coming to light and the accusations turning out to be groundless,” said Kurz, on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

Kurz’s government collapsed in 2019 following the ‘Ibiza-gate’ scandal where his vice chancellor resigned after a video of him in Ibiza with a woman posing as a Russian oligarch’s niece went public.&nbsp;

In the video, he apparently offers to fix state contracts and explains how to dodge party financing laws. However, Kurz rose to power again with the environmentalist Greens in early 2020 and was not until October 2021 that he quit.&nbsp;

This was after the prosecutors placed nine people, including him under investigation. The investigation included suspicion of breach of trust, corruption and bribery with various levels of involvement.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Austria’s former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been charged with making false statements during a parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption in his first government, said the prosecutor’s office for economic crimes and corruption, on Friday (August 18).

Austria’s former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been charged with making false statements during a parliamentary inquiry into alleged corruption in his first government, said the prosecutor’s office for economic crimes and corruption, on Friday (August 18). This comes after the 36-year-old resigned two years ago following a series of accusations in the aftermath of the ‘Ibiza-gate’ scandal. Accusations against Austrian politician An indictment was filed against the conservative politician and his former chief of staff, Bernhard Bonelli, and a third person at the state court in Vienna, said the prosecutor’s office, in a statement. It added that they have been accused of giving false testimony before the Ibiza committee of inquiry in the Austrian parliament “regarding the alleged corruptibility of his government.” The trial on the case is set to begin on October 18. If found guilty, Kurz, also the former leader of the conservative People’s Party, could face up to three years in prison, said the Vienna court. The court also identified the third person as Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, the former head of Casinos Austria, who is accused of making false statements regarding the appointment of a board member at that entity. What was the case about? The charges against Kurz stem from an investigation that was launched in 2021 when he was still in office and is about the testimony to a parliamentary probe that focused on alleged corruption in the coalition that he led starting in 2017, before its collapse in 2019. The case also centres on the question of whether the then-chancellor answered truthfully when asked about appointments to state holding company OBAG. Kurz was accused of downplaying his role in the appointment in June 2020 of Thomas Schmid, the company’s boss. He also went on to claim that he was informed in advance about the decision but did not participate any further. However, the prosecutors citing evidence from chat messages have alleged that Kurz was more involved than he previously let on. Furthermore, Schmid told prosecutors Kurz was aware of the embezzlement of public funds between 2016 and 2018 in order to promote his rise to the leadership of his party and the country, according to local media report leaks. Kurz defends himself Prior to the indictment being announced, Kurz denied the accusations. “We look forward to the truth finally coming to light and the accusations turning out to be groundless,” said Kurz, on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kurz’s government collapsed in 2019 following the ‘Ibiza-gate’ scandal where his vice chancellor resigned after a video of him in Ibiza with a woman posing as a Russian oligarch’s niece went public. In the video, he apparently offers to fix state contracts and explains how to dodge party financing laws. However, Kurz rose to power again with the environmentalist Greens in early 2020 and was not until October 2021 that he quit. This was after the prosecutors placed nine people, including him under investigation. The investigation included suspicion of breach of trust, corruption and bribery with various levels of involvement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former Austrian leader Sebastian Kurz charged for making false statement in corruption inquiry

A supermarket in Austria's Krems an der Donau was closed after a highly venomous spider was spotted. According to a report by TMZ on Thursday (August 10), the Brazilian Wandering Spider was spotted in the Penny Supermarket on Tuesday, leading to people being evacuated.

A supermarket in Austria's Krems an der Donau was closed after a highly venomous spider was spotted. According to a report by TMZ on Thursday (August 10), the Brazilian Wandering Spider was spotted in the Penny Supermarket on Tuesday, leading to people being evacuated. The supermarket has been closed ever since. The report said that the spider is still on the loose despite an extensive search of the supermarket. The spider has reached Europe before, usually by hiding in branches of bananas being shipped to stores. During the search, officials at the Penny Supermarket sealed all banana crates. What is the Brazilian Wandering Spider? The Brazilian Wandering Spider is one of the most venomous spiders on Earth. According to Live Science, the spider's bite delivers neurotoxic venom and can be deadly to humans, especially children. The bite can also deliver long and painful erections to human males, and several studies have looked at incorporating venom into drugs for erectile dysfunction. This spider has been named the world's most venomous spider multiple times by the Guinness World Records. There are nine species of Brazilian wandering spider, all of which are nocturnal and can be found in Brazil, Live Science says. How long can the spider get? As per the Natural History Museum in Germany's Karlsruhe, the Brazilian Wandering Spiders are large with bodies reaching up to 2 inches (5 centimetres) and a leg span of up to 7 inches (18 cm). Live Science says the species vary in colour, though all are hairy mostly brown and grey, although some species have lightly coloured spots on their abdomen. The spider found in the Penn Supermarket in Krems an der Donau had a black and red colour. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Supermarket in Austria evacuated, closed after spotting of highly venomous spider

At least three people were killed after floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in northeastern and central parts of Slovenia, said officials, on Friday (August 4). Meanwhile, no deaths or injuries were immediately reported in neighbouring southern Austria, where some villages were disrupted due to floods.&nbsp;

<h2>Slovenia on ‘red alert’</h2>

The Slovenian environmental agency issued a “red alert” – the highest level&nbsp;– after a month’s amount of rain fell within 24 hours in the capital Ljubljana, along with Maribor and Celje. “Three people have died over the last 24 hours in weather-related incidents,” police spokeswoman Maja Adlesic told AFP.&nbsp;

Among those killed&nbsp;were two Dutch citizens in the mountains surrounding Kranj affected by the storms, reported Slovenian news agency STA. The third person was said to be an elderly Slovenian woman who&nbsp;died in the flooded town of Kamnik. 
 
However, the exact circumstances of their deaths remain unknown and are currently under investigation, said the police.&nbsp;The Dutch officials also confirmed the deaths but not the cause. 
 
According to the country’s meteorologists, heavy rains will continue for at least the next 24 hours. Officials in Slovenia, on Friday, also warned of more floods in other areas because of swiftly swelling rivers.

<h2>Damage and evacuations in parts of Slovenia</h2>

Authorities have ordered the&nbsp;evacuation of several thousand people in parts of the town of Celje along the surging Savinja River. This comes after the same river swept away houses and caused landslides in the town of Ljubno.&nbsp;

According to Slovenian media reports, flooding has caused the closure of the highway connecting the capital Ljubljana with the country’s north as well as some railway lines. This comes after rivers in the nearby areas have overflowed, and bridges as well as several houses have reportedly been destroyed.&nbsp;

So far, around 16,000 households suffered power cuts and several villages were reported to be inaccessible. “Some areas are completely cut off and communication is also difficult,” said the country’s civil protection chief Srecko Sestan.&nbsp;

This comes as rescuers, on Friday struggled to reach flooded areas and issued a public call for rubber boats in parts of the county which had been cut off because of road closures and impassibility due to landslides.

<h2>'Serious situation'&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

In the town of Skofja Loka, vehicles and trucks were submerged or taken by torrents, as per Reuters, people were evacuated using helicopters. “We have not seen floods like these not just in 500 years, but in a 1,000 years,” Roman Kocilija, chief of the rescuers in the village of Most pri Komendi, told Slovenia’s N1 television.&nbsp;

The administration for civil protection and disaster relief recorded more than 1,000 weather-related incidents within 12 hours across the country, reported STA. Additionally, over 100 buildings including a sports hall were flooded in Skofja Loka where roads were also blocked.&nbsp;

“The situation is serious,” Defence Minister Marjan Sarec told reporters, adding that the army had joined rescue and firefighter teams to help citizens in the most affected areas. He also urged people to stay at home and not drive anywhere.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob returned to the country after&nbsp;cutting&nbsp;his vacation short and&nbsp;met&nbsp;with civil protection staff on Friday afternoon.

<h2>What’s happening in Austria?</h2>

Similarly, in Austria roads to some villages in the southern state of Carinthia were blocked, reported the local authorities, on Friday while the district of Volkermarkt, bordering Slovenia particularly badly affected.&nbsp;

Residents in St. Paul in the Lavanttal Valley of Carinthia were also asked to stay on the upper floors and avoid basements and bridges. As of Friday morning, around 4,000 households were without electricity, as per the utility company Energie Steiermark.&nbsp;

<h2>Croatia and Bosnia next?</h2>

Forecasters in Slovenia also warned that the heavy rain and floods are expected to spread to neighbouring Croatia and Bosnia further to the south.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
 
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At least three people were killed after floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in northeastern and central parts of Slovenia, said officials, on Friday (August 4).

At least three people were killed after floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in northeastern and central parts of Slovenia, said officials, on Friday (August 4). Meanwhile, no deaths or injuries were immediately reported in neighbouring southern Austria, where some villages were disrupted due to floods. Slovenia on ‘red alert’ The Slovenian environmental agency issued a “red alert” – the highest level – after a month’s amount of rain fell within 24 hours in the capital Ljubljana, along with Maribor and Celje. “Three people have died over the last 24 hours in weather-related incidents,” police spokeswoman Maja Adlesic told AFP. Among those killed were two Dutch citizens in the mountains surrounding Kranj affected by the storms, reported Slovenian news agency STA. The third person was said to be an elderly Slovenian woman who died in the flooded town of Kamnik. However, the exact circumstances of their deaths remain unknown and are currently under investigation, said the police. The Dutch officials also confirmed the deaths but not the cause. According to the country’s meteorologists, heavy rains will continue for at least the next 24 hours. Officials in Slovenia, on Friday, also warned of more floods in other areas because of swiftly swelling rivers. Damage and evacuations in parts of Slovenia Authorities have ordered the evacuation of several thousand people in parts of the town of Celje along the surging Savinja River. This comes after the same river swept away houses and caused landslides in the town of Ljubno. According to Slovenian media reports, flooding has caused the closure of the highway connecting the capital Ljubljana with the country’s north as well as some railway lines. This comes after rivers in the nearby areas have overflowed, and bridges as well as several houses have reportedly been destroyed. So far, around 16,000 households suffered power cuts and several villages were reported to be inaccessible. “Some areas are completely cut off and communication is also difficult,” said the country’s civil protection chief Srecko Sestan. This comes as rescuers, on Friday struggled to reach flooded areas and issued a public call for rubber boats in parts of the county which had been cut off because of road closures and impassibility due to landslides. 'Serious situation' In the town of Skofja Loka, vehicles and trucks were submerged or taken by torrents, as per Reuters, people were evacuated using helicopters. “We have not seen floods like these not just in 500 years, but in a 1,000 years,” Roman Kocilija, chief of the rescuers in the village of Most pri Komendi, told Slovenia’s N1 television. The administration for civil protection and disaster relief recorded more than 1,000 weather-related incidents within 12 hours across the country, reported STA. Additionally, over 100 buildings including a sports hall were flooded in Skofja Loka where roads were also blocked. “The situation is serious,” Defence Minister Marjan Sarec told reporters, adding that the army had joined rescue and firefighter teams to help citizens in the most affected areas. He also urged people to stay at home and not drive anywhere. Meanwhile, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob returned to the country after cutting his vacation short and met with civil protection staff on Friday afternoon. What’s happening in Austria? Similarly, in Austria roads to some villages in the southern state of Carinthia were blocked, reported the local authorities, on Friday while the district of Volkermarkt, bordering Slovenia particularly badly affected. Residents in St. Paul in the Lavanttal Valley of Carinthia were also asked to stay on the upper floors and avoid basements and bridges. As of Friday morning, around 4,000 households were without electricity, as per the utility company Energie Steiermark. Croatia and Bosnia next? Forecasters in Slovenia also warned that the heavy rain and floods are expected to spread to neighbouring Croatia and Bosnia further to the south. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 3 killed amid heavy rains, floods in Slovenia and Austria

In pics | 'Not a typical flood event': Heavy rains, landslides hit in parts of Slovenia, Austria

In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield. The Germany-led efforts come amid threats highlighted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which began over a year ago and in a bid to strengthen Europe’s air defences.&nbsp;

<h2>Switzerland and Austria intend to join defence initiative</h2>

The Swiss and Austrian defence ministers, Viola Amherd and Klaudia Tanner signed a memorandum of understanding to join the air defence system known as Sky Shield, in Bern, during a meeting with their German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. &nbsp;

So far, 19 countries, including Bern and Vienna, have joined the Europe-wide defence system which also involves countries including the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic countries, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

The initiative includes procurement and an agreement to promote research cooperation in the field of armaments, said the Swiss government. The German-led initiative which began in August, last year, is designed to allow European countries to buy defence systems together and train together.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neutral-switzerland-blocks-big-arms-sale-to-ukraine-boosts-russian-fortunes-in-ongoing-war-609887">'Neutral' Switzerland blocks big arms sale to Ukraine, boosts Russian fortunes in ongoing war</a>

In line with the initiative to strengthen and bridge the gap in Europe’s air defences, Germany proposed Sky Shield as a fast and cost-efficient plan which involves the procurement of available systems off-the-shelf from suppliers like the United States and others.&nbsp;

<h2>Swiss and Austrians move away from ‘neutrality’?</h2>

Both Switzerland and Austria have stressed their neutrality remains unchanged. In a statement, the Swiss government said, “It is in Switzerland’s interest to gear its security and defense policy more consistently towards international cooperation, and to increase its contributions.”&nbsp;

The Swiss government also said, “Switzerland and Austria also set out the terms regarding neutrality, in an additional declaration,” adding that it includes terms like “they will not participate or be involved in international military conflicts.”

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Switzerland signs up for Sky Shield project

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Meanwhile, Austria has argued that by pooling military resources it is able to maintain its neutral status.

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war affects Switzerland’s historic neutral stance</h2>

The effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Switzerland’s recent moves have led many to question the viability of its traditionally strict neutrality. Since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, Switzerland has joined the European Union-led (EU) efforts to impose sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;

While the Swiss, whose neutrality dates back to the 19th century, were able to defend their borders during World War II by making compromises with both Allied and Axis powers, it will be difficult to do so now. Since Switzerland is a member of the United Nations and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is seen as a violation of the UN charter.&nbsp;

“For the first time in a long time we are facing a conflict in which a country has clearly violated the UN Charter as an aggressor and which activates the right to collective defense, and the question as to whether Switzerland should participate is very controversial,” Thomas Cottier, professor emeritus of European and international economic law at the University of Bern told Spanish newspaper El País.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-exports-to-russia-dropped-marginally-while-pharma-registered-strong-growth-despite-sanctions-581005">Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions</a>&nbsp;

“Traditional neutrality is not sustainable, it’s not morally acceptable in my view,” said Social Democrat MP Jon Pult, earlier this year, as quoted by BBC. He added, “If Swiss neutrality means we’re somehow the advocates of international law and of the UN charter then I’m ok with neutrality, because then Switzerland can be a power of peace and freedom and rules-based world order.”

Last month, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard-1 tanks to Kyiv, which the Swiss cabinet said would go against the country’s laws. However, it was not related to a separate sale of Leopard-1 tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG. Under the proposed terms of the sale, these tanks cannot be sent to Ukraine but could be used to replace tanks that Germany is sending from its own stock.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield.

In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield. The Germany-led efforts come amid threats highlighted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which began over a year ago and in a bid to strengthen Europe’s air defences. Switzerland and Austria intend to join defence initiative The Swiss and Austrian defence ministers, Viola Amherd and Klaudia Tanner signed a memorandum of understanding to join the air defence system known as Sky Shield, in Bern, during a meeting with their German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. So far, 19 countries, including Bern and Vienna, have joined the Europe-wide defence system which also involves countries including the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic countries, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. The initiative includes procurement and an agreement to promote research cooperation in the field of armaments, said the Swiss government. The German-led initiative which began in August, last year, is designed to allow European countries to buy defence systems together and train together. ALSO READ | 'Neutral' Switzerland blocks big arms sale to Ukraine, boosts Russian fortunes in ongoing war In line with the initiative to strengthen and bridge the gap in Europe’s air defences, Germany proposed Sky Shield as a fast and cost-efficient plan which involves the procurement of available systems off-the-shelf from suppliers like the United States and others. Swiss and Austrians move away from ‘neutrality’? Both Switzerland and Austria have stressed their neutrality remains unchanged. In a statement, the Swiss government said, “It is in Switzerland’s interest to gear its security and defense policy more consistently towards international cooperation, and to increase its contributions.” The Swiss government also said, “Switzerland and Austria also set out the terms regarding neutrality, in an additional declaration,” adding that it includes terms like “they will not participate or be involved in international military conflicts.” ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Switzerland signs up for Sky Shield project Meanwhile, Austria has argued that by pooling military resources it is able to maintain its neutral status. Russia-Ukraine war affects Switzerland’s historic neutral stance The effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Switzerland’s recent moves have led many to question the viability of its traditionally strict neutrality. Since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, Switzerland has joined the European Union-led (EU) efforts to impose sanctions against Moscow. While the Swiss, whose neutrality dates back to the 19th century, were able to defend their borders during World War II by making compromises with both Allied and Axis powers, it will be difficult to do so now. Since Switzerland is a member of the United Nations and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is seen as a violation of the UN charter. “For the first time in a long time we are facing a conflict in which a country has clearly violated the UN Charter as an aggressor and which activates the right to collective defense, and the question as to whether Switzerland should participate is very controversial,” Thomas Cottier, professor emeritus of European and international economic law at the University of Bern told Spanish newspaper El País. ALSO READ | Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions “Traditional neutrality is not sustainable, it’s not morally acceptable in my view,” said Social Democrat MP Jon Pult, earlier this year, as quoted by BBC. He added, “If Swiss neutrality means we’re somehow the advocates of international law and of the UN charter then I’m ok with neutrality, because then Switzerland can be a power of peace and freedom and rules-based world order.” Last month, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard-1 tanks to Kyiv, which the Swiss cabinet said would go against the country’s laws. However, it was not related to a separate sale of Leopard-1 tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG. Under the proposed terms of the sale, these tanks cannot be sent to Ukraine but could be used to replace tanks that Germany is sending from its own stock. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Neutral Switzerland, Austria to join German-led European Sky Shield defence initiative

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Authorities in Austria, on Sunday (June 18) said they foiled a possible attack on a pride parade which was to be held in the capital of Vienna on Saturday. The police have arrested three suspects, aged 20, 17 and 14, who allegedly sympathised with the extremist Islamic State group.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the officials say about the possible attack?</h2>

The pride parade in the Austrian capital city which was held to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights took place on Saturday with around 300,000 people, said the officials. The three suspects were arrested an hour before the parade by Austria’s Cobra special forces, the head of the domestic intelligence service told reporters.&nbsp;

“Through the successful and also timely intervention, we managed to defuse the moment of danger for Vienna Pride and to ensure the safety of all participants,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner from the State Protection and Intelligence Directorate. He also went on to assure that there was “no danger for the participants of the parade at any time.”

According to the Austrian public broadcaster ORF, the country’s intelligence service had recently received information about the suspects’ alleged plans and placed them “under constant control”. The arrest took place following the orders of the St. Poelten public prosecutor’s office and house searches on Saturday in which officials reportedly found evidence, including weapons.&nbsp;

While Haijawi-Pirchner did not give details about how the&nbsp;attack could have taken place, he said items found at the suspects’ house were prohibited under Austria’s weapons law. However, the head of the intelligence service did say that the suspects would have used knives and a car for the attack.&nbsp;

The joint operation was conducted by the Vienna police and Austria’s state protection service. Speaking about the possibility of the&nbsp;cancellation of the event, Haijawi-Pirchner said that it was discussed but in the end, they decided not to after they were certain the three men had no accomplices based on well-founded and reliable investigative findings.&nbsp;

The organisers of the parade were informed about the events after the police raid had taken place, on Saturday. Speaking about the incident, Ann-Sophie Otte, chairwoman of the Homosexual Initiative Vienna, said “We will not let the enemies of rights for LGBTQI people, democracy and an open society get us down,” as quoted by Austrian news agency APA.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the suspects?</h2>

According to Haijawi-Pirchner, three suspects aged between 14 and 20 were Austrian citizens with Bosnian and Chechen roots and had radicalised online and sympathised with the Islamic State group. However, the suspect’s identities were not revealed. He added, one of the suspects was already known to police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Austrian lawmakers express shock</h2>

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, on Sunday, took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude to the investigators for preventing “a possible Islamist attack in Vienna.” He added, “This shows once again that we must never give in in the fight against radicals and extremists.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig expressed shock over the report and said, “There must be no place for hate and exclusion in Vienna. Our city is colorful and cosmopolitan,” as quoted by APA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Authorities in Austria, on Sunday (June 18) said they foiled a possible attack on a pride parade which was to be held in the capital of Vienna on Saturday. The police have arrested three suspects, aged 20, 17 and 14, who allegedly sympathised with the extremist Islamic State group.

Authorities in Austria, on Sunday (June 18) said they foiled a possible attack on a pride parade which was to be held in the capital of Vienna on Saturday. The police have arrested three suspects, aged 20, 17 and 14, who allegedly sympathised with the extremist Islamic State group. What did the officials say about the possible attack? The pride parade in the Austrian capital city which was held to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights took place on Saturday with around 300,000 people, said the officials. The three suspects were arrested an hour before the parade by Austria’s Cobra special forces, the head of the domestic intelligence service told reporters. “Through the successful and also timely intervention, we managed to defuse the moment of danger for Vienna Pride and to ensure the safety of all participants,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner from the State Protection and Intelligence Directorate. He also went on to assure that there was “no danger for the participants of the parade at any time.” According to the Austrian public broadcaster ORF, the country’s intelligence service had recently received information about the suspects’ alleged plans and placed them “under constant control”. The arrest took place following the orders of the St. Poelten public prosecutor’s office and house searches on Saturday in which officials reportedly found evidence, including weapons. While Haijawi-Pirchner did not give details about how the attack could have taken place, he said items found at the suspects’ house were prohibited under Austria’s weapons law. However, the head of the intelligence service did say that the suspects would have used knives and a car for the attack. The joint operation was conducted by the Vienna police and Austria’s state protection service. Speaking about the possibility of the cancellation of the event, Haijawi-Pirchner said that it was discussed but in the end, they decided not to after they were certain the three men had no accomplices based on well-founded and reliable investigative findings. The organisers of the parade were informed about the events after the police raid had taken place, on Saturday. Speaking about the incident, Ann-Sophie Otte, chairwoman of the Homosexual Initiative Vienna, said “We will not let the enemies of rights for LGBTQI people, democracy and an open society get us down,” as quoted by Austrian news agency APA. What do we know about the suspects? According to Haijawi-Pirchner, three suspects aged between 14 and 20 were Austrian citizens with Bosnian and Chechen roots and had radicalised online and sympathised with the Islamic State group. However, the suspect’s identities were not revealed. He added, one of the suspects was already known to police. Austrian lawmakers express shock Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, on Sunday, took to Twitter and expressed his gratitude to the investigators for preventing “a possible Islamist attack in Vienna.” He added, “This shows once again that we must never give in in the fight against radicals and extremists.” Meanwhile, the Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig expressed shock over the report and said, “There must be no place for hate and exclusion in Vienna. Our city is colorful and cosmopolitan,” as quoted by APA. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austrian police foil planned attack on Vienna’s pride parade; three arrested

Some 200 passengers in Austria were evacuated on Wednesday (June 7) after the train they were travelling in caught fire in a tunnel in Tyrol. Speaking to the news agency AFP, local police said that around 45 passengers suffered minor injuries, likely from smoke inhalation. According to a spokesperson for the Austrian rail operator OeBB, the train headed to Hamburg and Amsterdam was passing through a tunnel close to&nbsp;Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps when its overhead wire snapped.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire&nbsp;appeared to be a faulty overhead electric wire that fell on a trailer attached to the train that was transporting passengers’ cars and set two vehicles ablaze.

"The fire was extinguished at 22:19, and the evacuation was complete by 23:40 local time," the official added.

<h2>Authorities remove train from the tunnel</h2>

On Thursday, authorities started removing the train from the tunnel where it got stuck. Following the removal, the train was set to be hauled back to the central station in Innsbruck, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;

Initially, officials had said that around 370 passengers might be on board but later said this was an estimate based on total ticket reservation numbers that turned out to be inaccurate on closer inspection at the scene.&nbsp;

"According to our current information, there is a total of 33 people with light injuries, who were taken to nearby hospitals for further evaluation," a statement said, adding&nbsp;700 emergency services were at the incident site.&nbsp;

Passengers who did not need any medical attention&nbsp;were taken by bus to Innsbruck, where they were offered accommodation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Some 200 passengers in Austria were evacuated on Wednesday (June 7) after the train they were travelling in caught fire in a tunnel in Tyrol. Speaking to the news agency AFP, local police said that around 45 passengers suffered minor injuries, likely from smoke inhalation.

Some 200 passengers in Austria were evacuated on Wednesday (June 7) after the train they were travelling in caught fire in a tunnel in Tyrol. Speaking to the news agency AFP, local police said that around 45 passengers suffered minor injuries, likely from smoke inhalation. According to a spokesperson for the Austrian rail operator OeBB, the train headed to Hamburg and Amsterdam was passing through a tunnel close to Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps when its overhead wire snapped. The cause of the fire appeared to be a faulty overhead electric wire that fell on a trailer attached to the train that was transporting passengers’ cars and set two vehicles ablaze. "The fire was extinguished at 22:19, and the evacuation was complete by 23:40 local time," the official added. Authorities remove train from the tunnel On Thursday, authorities started removing the train from the tunnel where it got stuck. Following the removal, the train was set to be hauled back to the central station in Innsbruck, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Initially, officials had said that around 370 passengers might be on board but later said this was an estimate based on total ticket reservation numbers that turned out to be inaccurate on closer inspection at the scene. "According to our current information, there is a total of 33 people with light injuries, who were taken to nearby hospitals for further evaluation," a statement said, adding 700 emergency services were at the incident site. Passengers who did not need any medical attention were taken by bus to Innsbruck, where they were offered accommodation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria: 200 passengers evacuated after train catches fire

The house in Austria where Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was born will be converted into a human rights training centre for police officers, Austria's Interior Ministry announced this week.

<h2>Where was Adolf Hitler born?</h2>

Adolf Hitler was born in a building in northwest Austria's Braunau am Inn, 284 km east of Vienna on April 20, 1889. He lived there until his family left when he was three years old.

<h2>What exactly is happening to the place where Hitler was born?</h2>

The building where Hitler was born will accommodate the human rights training facility along with a police station.&nbsp;

The plan was first disclosed by the Austrian government in 2019.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-depicted-as-hitler-on-posters-in-france-avignon-police-initiate-probe-594370">Posters depicting Macron as Hitler found on 120 billboards in France’s Avignon city, cops initiate probe</a>

The decision was made based on the recommendations of an interdisciplinary expert commission concerned with depriving the property of its "mythical appeal to extremist circles," the ministry said in a statement.

"We have to face our past and give this historically burdened place a life-affirming perspective," historian Oliver Rathkolb, a professor at the Institute of Contemporary History at the University of Vienna, reportedly said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

<h2>Who owned the place where Hitler was born?</h2>

The building belonged to Gerlinde Pommer&nbsp;whose family owned the building for decades until the Interior Ministry began renting the site from her in 1972.

It was reportedly rented out to various charities.&nbsp;

The three-storey house is reportedly empty since 2011, when the tenant, a disability centre, vacated the premises.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots

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After initial calls for the demolition of the building, the government acquired it from Pommer after invoking "special legal authorisation".

After securing the site, the Austrian government remained concerned that it might attract neo-Nazis and others sympathetic to Hitler’s ideology.

"It will be an office for the largest human rights organisation in Austria – the police – and it will also be a centre for training in this fundamentally important topic," Hermann Feiner, the former head of construction and real estate projects at the Ministry of the Interior, said in an official statement.

The conversion is estimated to cost €20 million ($21.5 million). It is expected to be completed by 2025.

After catapulting to Berlin's corridors of power in the 1930s, Hitler&nbsp;devised a plan to create his ideal 'master race' by eliminating Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and political opponents by forcefully sending them to concentration camps, where they were tortured to death. The Nazis killed about 11 million people under Hitler's regime.

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The house in Austria where Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was born will be converted into a human rights training centre for police officers, Austria's Interior Ministry announced this week.

The house in Austria where Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was born will be converted into a human rights training centre for police officers, Austria's Interior Ministry announced this week. Where was Adolf Hitler born? Adolf Hitler was born in a building in northwest Austria's Braunau am Inn, 284 km east of Vienna on April 20, 1889. He lived there until his family left when he was three years old. What exactly is happening to the place where Hitler was born? The building where Hitler was born will accommodate the human rights training facility along with a police station. The plan was first disclosed by the Austrian government in 2019. ALSO READ | Posters depicting Macron as Hitler found on 120 billboards in France’s Avignon city, cops initiate probe The decision was made based on the recommendations of an interdisciplinary expert commission concerned with depriving the property of its "mythical appeal to extremist circles," the ministry said in a statement. "We have to face our past and give this historically burdened place a life-affirming perspective," historian Oliver Rathkolb, a professor at the Institute of Contemporary History at the University of Vienna, reportedly said at a press briefing on Tuesday. Who owned the place where Hitler was born? The building belonged to Gerlinde Pommer whose family owned the building for decades until the Interior Ministry began renting the site from her in 1972. It was reportedly rented out to various charities. The three-storey house is reportedly empty since 2011, when the tenant, a disability centre, vacated the premises. ALSO WATCH | Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots × After initial calls for the demolition of the building, the government acquired it from Pommer after invoking "special legal authorisation". After securing the site, the Austrian government remained concerned that it might attract neo-Nazis and others sympathetic to Hitler’s ideology. "It will be an office for the largest human rights organisation in Austria – the police – and it will also be a centre for training in this fundamentally important topic," Hermann Feiner, the former head of construction and real estate projects at the Ministry of the Interior, said in an official statement. The conversion is estimated to cost €20 million ($21.5 million). It is expected to be completed by 2025. After catapulting to Berlin's corridors of power in the 1930s, Hitler devised a plan to create his ideal 'master race' by eliminating Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and political opponents by forcefully sending them to concentration camps, where they were tortured to death. The Nazis killed about 11 million people under Hitler's regime. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hitler's birthplace in Austria to be converted into a human rights training centre

The picturesque backdrop of Austrian town, Hallstatt, filled with mountains is believed to have inspired Arendelle, the kingdom of Disney’s Frozen. So, every year, millions of tourists flock to town hoping to click some selfies with the world-famous view.

The tourists have been thronging the town in such huge numbers that the authorities recently decided to erect a fence to stop the visitors from clicking pictures.

However, the action faced backlash over the social media and the fence has now been removed. The authorities had hoped that the fence would prevent tourists from gathering at one spot which is popular for taking selfies and disturbing the resident by making too much noise.

Hallstatt’s Mayor Alexander Scheutz has stated that he wishes to place a banner at the tourist spot which will remind tourists about the fact that people live in the area.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-beautiful-town-imposes-hefty-fine-on-tourists-for-taking-selfies-585629">Italy's beautiful town imposes hefty fine on tourists for taking selfies</a>

<h2>Why do tourists throng Hallstatt in such huge numbers?</h2>

Hallstatt is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is filled with traditional houses against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and clear waters of Hallstatter See.

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of tourists visited the town every year. Hallstatt was a popular destination, especially among tourists from East and South East Asia.

The town was also featured on a Korean TV show in 2006 and its replica was built in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China in 2011. It is said that this Austrian was also the inspiration for the fictional kingdom of Arendelle which was in the famous Disney movie Frozen.

With the end of the pandemic era, the number of tourists has once again picked up and the town is planning to curb overtourism. Already daily limits have been introduced on the number of buses and cars that can get entry into the town by the authorities in Hallstatt.

However, the town regularly reaches its capacity and Mayor Scheutz has asked the Austrian press that residents just need to be left alone.

WATCH |&nbsp;Death toll mounts in Italy's worst flooding in 100 years

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<h2>Selfie-bans – a popular trend across Europe</h2>

Hallstatt is not the only travel destination in Europe which intends to stop tourists from taking selfies. Portofino - a picturesque town on the Italian Riviera - has imposed no-waiting zones for the same.

People caught hanging around on the quay for a long time between 10:30 am and 6 pm can be fined around €270. This policy is aimed at preventing large groups of tourists from gathering on the pier to take selfies in front of the colourful buildings of Portofino.

The town, which has only 400 residents, sometimes is swamped by around 10,000 tourists, which results in traffic jams and overcrowded streets.

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The picturesque backdrop of Austrian town, Hallstatt, filled with mountains is believed to have inspired Arendelle, the kingdom of Disney’s Frozen. So, every year, millions of tourists flock to town hoping to click some selfies with the world-famous view.

The picturesque backdrop of Austrian town, Hallstatt, filled with mountains is believed to have inspired Arendelle, the kingdom of Disney’s Frozen. So, every year, millions of tourists flock to town hoping to click some selfies with the world-famous view. The tourists have been thronging the town in such huge numbers that the authorities recently decided to erect a fence to stop the visitors from clicking pictures. However, the action faced backlash over the social media and the fence has now been removed. The authorities had hoped that the fence would prevent tourists from gathering at one spot which is popular for taking selfies and disturbing the resident by making too much noise. Hallstatt’s Mayor Alexander Scheutz has stated that he wishes to place a banner at the tourist spot which will remind tourists about the fact that people live in the area. ALSO READ | Italy's beautiful town imposes hefty fine on tourists for taking selfies Why do tourists throng Hallstatt in such huge numbers? Hallstatt is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is filled with traditional houses against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and clear waters of Hallstatter See. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of tourists visited the town every year. Hallstatt was a popular destination, especially among tourists from East and South East Asia. The town was also featured on a Korean TV show in 2006 and its replica was built in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China in 2011. It is said that this Austrian was also the inspiration for the fictional kingdom of Arendelle which was in the famous Disney movie Frozen. With the end of the pandemic era, the number of tourists has once again picked up and the town is planning to curb overtourism. Already daily limits have been introduced on the number of buses and cars that can get entry into the town by the authorities in Hallstatt. However, the town regularly reaches its capacity and Mayor Scheutz has asked the Austrian press that residents just need to be left alone. WATCH | Death toll mounts in Italy's worst flooding in 100 years Selfie-bans – a popular trend across Europe Hallstatt is not the only travel destination in Europe which intends to stop tourists from taking selfies. Portofino - a picturesque town on the Italian Riviera - has imposed no-waiting zones for the same. People caught hanging around on the quay for a long time between 10:30 am and 6 pm can be fined around €270. This policy is aimed at preventing large groups of tourists from gathering on the pier to take selfies in front of the colourful buildings of Portofino. The town, which has only 400 residents, sometimes is swamped by around 10,000 tourists, which results in traffic jams and overcrowded streets. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Austrian town, that inspired Disney's Frozen, erects fence to stop tourists from taking selfies

A train in Austria started playing Hitler's speeches through the intercom. How did the culprit hijack the intercom? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Austrian train plays Hitler's speeches

The Munich Security Conference is presently underway in Germany and amidst a series of conversations, discussions and all debates that have been hosted on the platform. The forum itself is at the centre of debate questions are being raised about its significance.

Austrian FM Alexander Schallenberg speaks to WION, says 'Munich Summit not an eco chamber of West'

Austria is facing heavy criticism after the country granted visas to Russian lawmakers who have been sanctioned amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine to attend the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) meeting in Vienna. This comes as the European Union member nation has tried to balance its long-standing position of military neutrality amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. At least 81 OSCE delegates from 20 countries criticised Austria’s decision, in a letter and called upon the government to ban the participation of the sanctioned Russians, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The letter in question was addressed to Austria’s chancellor, foreign minister and other officials in which&nbsp;at least 81 delegates from 20 countries including France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine, and so on have called upon the government in Vienna to ban the participation of sanctioned Russian lawmakers. They wrote, “Russian parliamentarians are an integral part of the power system and complicit in the crimes Russia commits every day in Ukraine.”

Therefore, lawmakers from Moscow “have no place in an institution tasked with promoting sincere dialogue and opposition to the war,” the letter added. They also said that Russia would use the meeting to “sow disinformation, fake news and hate speech” and their participation would be read as “indirect legitimisation and part of a return to ‘business as usual,’” reported AFP.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the conflict, while the Austrian government has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has asserted the need to maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow. The European country is also home to several international organisations, including the 57-member nation OSCE which was established during the Cold War to facilitate dialogue between the East and West, of which Russia is also a part.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that Moscow plans to send delegates on February 23 and 24 when the OSCE’s parliamentary assembly is set to convene. However, the Russian delegation includes at least 15 lawmakers who have been sanctioned by the EU. Earlier this month, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also defended the government’s decision to issue visas to the sanctioned Russian lawmakers.&nbsp;

He argued that despite the “brutal Russian attack against Ukraine”, it is important to have open channels of communication with Moscow. Additionally, the foreign ministry said that they are legally obligated as the host of OSCE headquarters in the country’s capital city to grant visas to representatives of nations who want to participate. So far, Austria has only sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine but unlike most of its EU counterparts has not sent weapons to Kyiv.&nbsp;

This also comes days after Austria expelled four Russian diplomats for acting “in a manner inconsistent with their diplomatic status”. Out of the four diplomats, the two stationed at the Russian Embassy in Austria were declared personae non-gratae and ordered to leave the country by February 8. Whereas the other two worked at the Russian mission to the United Nations in Vienna, said the Austrian foreign ministry, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, the two working with the UN, acted in a way that was inconsistent with the host country agreement between the United Nations and Austria. While the ministry did not detail the actions of the diplomats, officials speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters said that the case involved spying.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Austria is facing heavy criticism after the country granted visas to Russian lawmakers who have been sanctioned amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine to attend the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) meeting in Vienna.

Austria is facing heavy criticism after the country granted visas to Russian lawmakers who have been sanctioned amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine to attend the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) meeting in Vienna. This comes as the European Union member nation has tried to balance its long-standing position of military neutrality amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. At least 81 OSCE delegates from 20 countries criticised Austria’s decision, in a letter and called upon the government to ban the participation of the sanctioned Russians, reported the Associated Press. The letter in question was addressed to Austria’s chancellor, foreign minister and other officials in which at least 81 delegates from 20 countries including France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Ukraine, and so on have called upon the government in Vienna to ban the participation of sanctioned Russian lawmakers. They wrote, “Russian parliamentarians are an integral part of the power system and complicit in the crimes Russia commits every day in Ukraine.” Therefore, lawmakers from Moscow “have no place in an institution tasked with promoting sincere dialogue and opposition to the war,” the letter added. They also said that Russia would use the meeting to “sow disinformation, fake news and hate speech” and their participation would be read as “indirect legitimisation and part of a return to ‘business as usual,’” reported AFP. Since the beginning of the conflict, while the Austrian government has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it has asserted the need to maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow. The European country is also home to several international organisations, including the 57-member nation OSCE which was established during the Cold War to facilitate dialogue between the East and West, of which Russia is also a part. Reports suggest that Moscow plans to send delegates on February 23 and 24 when the OSCE’s parliamentary assembly is set to convene. However, the Russian delegation includes at least 15 lawmakers who have been sanctioned by the EU. Earlier this month, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg also defended the government’s decision to issue visas to the sanctioned Russian lawmakers. He argued that despite the “brutal Russian attack against Ukraine”, it is important to have open channels of communication with Moscow. Additionally, the foreign ministry said that they are legally obligated as the host of OSCE headquarters in the country’s capital city to grant visas to representatives of nations who want to participate. So far, Austria has only sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine but unlike most of its EU counterparts has not sent weapons to Kyiv. This also comes days after Austria expelled four Russian diplomats for acting “in a manner inconsistent with their diplomatic status”. Out of the four diplomats, the two stationed at the Russian Embassy in Austria were declared personae non-gratae and ordered to leave the country by February 8. Whereas the other two worked at the Russian mission to the United Nations in Vienna, said the Austrian foreign ministry, in a statement. It added, the two working with the UN, acted in a way that was inconsistent with the host country agreement between the United Nations and Austria. While the ministry did not detail the actions of the diplomats, officials speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters said that the case involved spying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria faces criticism for granting visas to sanctioned Russian lawmakers for the upcoming OSCE meeting

Austria's foreign ministry said on Thursday (February 2) that it expelled four Russian diplomats, including two accredited with the United Nations in Vienna. According to a statement, the diplomats have been asked to leave Austria within a week, i.e. by February 8. The foreign ministry said that two diplomats of the Russian embassy engaged in acts incompatible with their diplomatic status. "Therefore, they are declared personae non gratae under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the statement added.&nbsp;

On the other hand, two diplomats of the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN committed acts which were incompatible with the Headquarters Agreement and they would have to leave Austria, the foreign ministry statement further said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-firm-offers-two-advanced-drones-to-ukraine-for-just-a-dollar-558181">American firm offers two advanced drones to Ukraine for just a dollar</a>

The ministry did not specify what any of these four diplomats had done. However, an official who wished to remain anonymous told news agency Reuters on Thursday that the case involved spying.&nbsp;

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Statement of the Austrian Foreign Ministry on four Russian diplomats in Vienna <a href="https://t.co/LBmOMNzHeU">https://t.co/LBmOMNzHeU</a> <a href="https://t.co/W0hdqsbP97">pic.twitter.com/W0hdqsbP97</a>
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Diplomatic expulsions have been rare in Austria,&nbsp;which enjoyed close relations with Russia before its offensive in Ukraine&nbsp;that will soon complete one year.&nbsp;

In April last year, Austria had expelled four Russian diplomats as part of a coordinated European Union reaction after the discovery of alleged killings of Ukrainian civilians by Moscow in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, a report by news agency AFP on Thursday said.&nbsp;

And in 2020, a Russian diplomat accused of espionage was expelled. Since this year, Austria has expelled nine Russian diplomats.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-the-war-in-ukraine-rages-on-will-2023-be-the-year-of-defence-companies-556570">Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies?</a>

Austria's capital city Vienna has been a major diplomatic centre that hosts the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and organisations of the UN including the International Atomic Energy Agency. Many large countries, including the United States and Russia, have separate ambassadors to Austria, the OSCE and the UN organisations, the Reuters report said.&nbsp;

Vienna also has a reputation for being a den of spies. The extensive diplomatic presence allows stationing intelligence agents there under a diplomatic cover, granting them diplomatic immunity, the report added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Austria's foreign ministry said on Thursday (February 2) that it expelled four Russian diplomats, including two accredited with the United Nations in Vienna. According to a statement, the diplomats have been asked to leave Austria within a week, i.

Austria's foreign ministry said on Thursday (February 2) that it expelled four Russian diplomats, including two accredited with the United Nations in Vienna. According to a statement, the diplomats have been asked to leave Austria within a week, i.e. by February 8. The foreign ministry said that two diplomats of the Russian embassy engaged in acts incompatible with their diplomatic status. "Therefore, they are declared personae non gratae under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the statement added. On the other hand, two diplomats of the Russian Permanent Mission to the UN committed acts which were incompatible with the Headquarters Agreement and they would have to leave Austria, the foreign ministry statement further said. ALSO READ | American firm offers two advanced drones to Ukraine for just a dollar The ministry did not specify what any of these four diplomats had done. However, an official who wished to remain anonymous told news agency Reuters on Thursday that the case involved spying. Statement of the Austrian Foreign Ministry on four Russian diplomats in Vienna https://t.co/LBmOMNzHeU pic.twitter.com/W0hdqsbP97 — MFA Austria (@MFA_Austria) February 2, 2023 × Diplomatic expulsions have been rare in Austria, which enjoyed close relations with Russia before its offensive in Ukraine that will soon complete one year. In April last year, Austria had expelled four Russian diplomats as part of a coordinated European Union reaction after the discovery of alleged killings of Ukrainian civilians by Moscow in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, a report by news agency AFP on Thursday said. And in 2020, a Russian diplomat accused of espionage was expelled. Since this year, Austria has expelled nine Russian diplomats. ALSO READ | Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies? Austria's capital city Vienna has been a major diplomatic centre that hosts the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and organisations of the UN including the International Atomic Energy Agency. Many large countries, including the United States and Russia, have separate ambassadors to Austria, the OSCE and the UN organisations, the Reuters report said. Vienna also has a reputation for being a den of spies. The extensive diplomatic presence allows stationing intelligence agents there under a diplomatic cover, granting them diplomatic immunity, the report added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria expels four Russian diplomats, asks them to leave within a week

During his maiden visit to Vienna, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on Monday (December 2) addressed a press conference with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg. In response to questions, he also spoke about New Delhi’s stance on a range of issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as called Austria a “serious and consequential partner” in terms of bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

In a separate interview, with&nbsp;Austria’s National Public Broadcaster, ORF the EAM also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and India’s ties with Russia, and called out Europe for their energy imports from Moscow. Additionally, he also addressed issues regarding Pakistan and China in the context of terrorism and recent&nbsp;skirmishes along the LAC.&nbsp;

Jaishankar about India’s stance on Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;

The interview was taken on the channel’s ‘ZIB2 Program’ which is reportedly one of the most-watched TV shows in Austria where the EAM was questioned by an&nbsp;Austrian anchor about a range of issues concerning India including, its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pakistan, and China.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-eam-s-jaishankar-takes-on-europes-charges-calls-out-china-548995">&nbsp;India's EAM S. Jaishankar takes on Europe's charges, calls out China</a> 
 
In several instances, the foreign minister responded by evoking history and reiterated some of his sharp responses against Europe, China and Pakistan. The EAM was asked why India never publicly condemned Russia’s “assault and invasion into the neighbouring country (Ukraine),” and if the situation is really “complicated” as he had called it in the context of international relations.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">“We have always taken the position that the way out for the countries concerned is to get back to dialogue and diplomacy…I can give you many instances of countries who have violated the sovereignty of another country and if I were to ask where Europe stood on a lot of those. I’m afraid I’ll get a long silence”, said Jaishankar, in response to the anchor.&nbsp;</div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">He added, “We make judgments in foreign policy based on what we think are our long-term interests and what is good for the world”. Subsequently, Jaishankar was questioned about his and the Indian PM’s call for “dialogue and diplomacy” and urging both sides to negotiate, “However, can one really urge Ukraine to stop defending itself? After all there are no Ukrainian tanks in Russia but Russian planes, tanks and missiles destroying Ukraine,” asked the anchor.&nbsp;</div>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-says-indias-trade-with-russia-is-quite-small-compared-to-european-nations-540283">Jaishankar says India's trade with Russia is 'quite small' compared to European nations</a> 
 
In response, Jaishankar called this a “misrepresentation”, referring to India’s calls for dialogue and diplomacy and said, “There was dialogue and diplomacy in the early days of the conflict so it’s not like it did not happen. So it is not for us to put conditions and to say this country is equal to that country, that’s your judgement.” He added that this war is not in “anybody’s interest” including Russia’s.&nbsp;</div>

During the interview with Austria’s national broadcaster, the EAM was yet again questioned about India “financing Russia’s war” by not participating in Western sanctions and New Delhi’s imports from Moscow being “increased five times” since the beginning of the invasion, last year.&nbsp;

“Europe imported, in the same period, six times the energy which India did…if it is a matter of principle why didn’t Europe cut on the first day? Why didn’t on 25th February, a complete cut off of energy imports from Russia?”, the EAM questioned. He added, “You can’t say it’s my principle but by the way, I will do it by my timing”. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-purchases-for-the-month-would-be-less-than-what-europe-does-in-an-afternoon-jaishankar-on-russian-oil-470374">Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil</a>

When the Austrian anchor attempted to talk about the difference between increased imports by India and Europe trying to decrease theirs, Jaishankar swiftly shut him down by saying that they have managed to do so in a manner that is “comfortable for Europe”.&nbsp;

He added, “If 60,000 euros or whatever your per capita income is, if you are so caring about your population, I have a population at $2,000 which also needs energy…The price of oil has doubled and Europe also moving into the Middle East and diverting their production into Europe and raising prices…putting pressure on global oil markets and on my imports as well.”

Therefore, if European political leadership understands this and "would like to soften the impact on their population, it is a privilege that they should extend to other political leaderships as well”, said Jaishankar. Subsequently, the Austrian anchor questioned if India is reluctant to criticise Moscow because it is New Delhi’s “biggest supplier of weapons and military equipment?” To which the EAM responded with a history lesson on how Russia and India ties came to be.&nbsp;

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Austrian Anchor: Russia is the most important supplier of weapons.. 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a>: &amp; therefore 
 
Anchor: Are u reluctant to criticize moscow? 
 
EAM: We have a relationship.. relationship built when western democracies used to arm military dictatorship called Pakistan 
 
©️🇦🇹ORF <a href="https://t.co/ADUowoxGQ3">pic.twitter.com/ADUowoxGQ3</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1610147137316347907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jaishankar-sets-the-record-straight-in-moscow-532372">Gravitas: Jaishankar sets the record straight in Moscow</a>

Jaishankar on calling Pakistan the ‘epicentre of terrorism’

The Austrian anchor questioned the EAM about calling Pakistan the “epicentre of terrorism” and being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/yearender-2022-a-year-of-s-jaishankars-undiplomatic-replies-that-laid-out-indias-foreign-policy-542080">“undiplomatic”</a> several weeks ago to which Jaishankar said, “Well, I did it again today without using the word ‘Pakistan’”, referring to the press conference held, earlier, on Monday.&nbsp;

“Because you’re a diplomat, doesn’t mean you are untruthful…I could use much harsher words than an ‘epicentre’...considering what has been happening to us ‘epicentre’ is a very diplomatic word,” said Jaishankar to Austria’s ORF. Subsequently, he went on to blame Pakistan for the attack on the Indian Parliament which happened in 2001 as well as the terrorist attacks in the country’s financial capital, Mumbai in 2008.&nbsp;

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"Bcz u'r a diplomat, u'r untruthful, I could use much harsher words", EAM Jaishankar when an Austrian anchor questions on usage of term 'terror epicenter' for Pakistan. 
 
Vdo ctsy: Austria's ORF <a href="https://t.co/UP1cPFD0wD">pic.twitter.com/UP1cPFD0wD</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1610110602206380032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“If you control your sovereign space…if terrorist camps operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing. Can you really tell me that the Pakistani state doesn’t know what is going on?”, the EAM questioned. He added, “When we speak about judgement and principles…why don’t I hear sharp European condemnation of these practices which have been going on for multiple decades”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jaishankar-counters-pakistan-china-with-facts-543516">Gravitas: Jaishankar counters Pakistan &amp; China with facts</a>

When asked if the world should be concerned about a potential war between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “I think the world needs to be concerned about terrorism…because if you pose it the way you do it gives a free pass to terrorism”.&nbsp;

Jaishankar on&nbsp;China’s possible&nbsp;intervention in Taiwan and relations with India

The Austrian anchor asked the EAM if India shared concerns like many others across the world that in the near future, China may intervene “militarily” in Taiwan. In response, Jaishankar said there is a “larger concern” based on New Delhi’s experience which is not having agreements signed between the two countries observed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-evokes-hillary-clintons-snake-in-the-backyard-analogy-to-slam-pakistan-543593">India's Jaishankar evokes Hillary Clinton's 'snake' analogy to slam Pakistan on terror</a>

He spoke about agreements signed between India and China which said that they would not mass force within their borders which the EAM has said consequently led to the current tension along the borders. Additionally, Jaishankar also spoke about the agreement between New Delhi and Beijing about not changing the LAC unilaterally “which they have attempted to do”.&nbsp;

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As a foreign minister, Jaishankar said that he would be hesitant to predict publicly where else might this status quo change and can only speak from the experiences that India had witnessed. However, from his personal experience, “written agreements were not observed and we have seen military pressures in our view have no justification”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-un-jaishankar-lays-out-indias-norms-for-multilateral-reforms-543141">At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms</a>

“China would say the opposite and say that India has not observed the different agreements…”, said the Austrian anchor. In response, Jaishankar said, “It is difficult for China to say that…the record is very clear, because today there is a lot of transparency of satellite pictures and you can see who moved the forces to the border areas first, the record would be very clear.”&nbsp;

India is ‘deeply concerned’ about the conflict in Ukraine: EAM&nbsp;

In a press conference ahead of the aforementioned interview, the EAM&nbsp;in response to a question about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine the Indian foreign minister said, India remains “deeply concerned” and that a “return to dialogue and diplomacy” is imperative. Jaishankar also said that he spoke about threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism with Austrian leaders. This also included its cross-border practices, violent extremism, radicalisation and fundamentalism.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tawang-skirmish-china-stepped-up-efforts-for-improved-access-near-lac-says-australian-think-tank-544999">Tawang skirmish: China stepped up efforts for improved access near LAC, says Australian think tank</a>

“Their effects cannot be contained within a region especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicentre is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others,” said the EAM in an apparent attack on neighbouring Pakistan.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, speaking about the conflict in Ukraine, echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words that today's era is not of war he called for both countries to resolve their differences at the negotiation table. “With regard to the Ukraine conflict, let me underline that India remains deeply concerned. We sincerely believe that this is not the era of war. Differences must be settled on the negotiating table. It is imperative that there is a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” said the EAM while addressing a press conference with his Austrian counterpart.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-terms-india-a-close-and-trusted-partner-ahead-of-eam-jaishankars-visit-547575">Austria terms India a close and trusted partner ahead of EAM Jaishankar's visit</a>

The EAM also spoke about the Indian PM being in touch with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, and “pressing our point of view in that regard”. He added, “We are increasingly anxious about the knock-on effects of the conflict in terms of accessibility and affordability of fuel, food and fertilisers, this is a growing concern for the global south.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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During his maiden visit to Vienna, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on Monday (December 2) addressed a press conference with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg.

During his maiden visit to Vienna, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S Jaishankar, on Monday (December 2) addressed a press conference with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg. In response to questions, he also spoke about New Delhi’s stance on a range of issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as called Austria a “serious and consequential partner” in terms of bilateral cooperation. In a separate interview, with Austria’s National Public Broadcaster, ORF the EAM also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and India’s ties with Russia, and called out Europe for their energy imports from Moscow. Additionally, he also addressed issues regarding Pakistan and China in the context of terrorism and recent skirmishes along the LAC. Jaishankar about India’s stance on Russia-Ukraine The interview was taken on the channel’s ‘ZIB2 Program’ which is reportedly one of the most-watched TV shows in Austria where the EAM was questioned by an Austrian anchor about a range of issues concerning India including, its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pakistan, and China. ALSO WATCH | India's EAM S. Jaishankar takes on Europe's charges, calls out China In several instances, the foreign minister responded by evoking history and reiterated some of his sharp responses against Europe, China and Pakistan. The EAM was asked why India never publicly condemned Russia’s “assault and invasion into the neighbouring country (Ukraine),” and if the situation is really “complicated” as he had called it in the context of international relations. “We have always taken the position that the way out for the countries concerned is to get back to dialogue and diplomacy…I can give you many instances of countries who have violated the sovereignty of another country and if I were to ask where Europe stood on a lot of those. I’m afraid I’ll get a long silence”, said Jaishankar, in response to the anchor. He added, “We make judgments in foreign policy based on what we think are our long-term interests and what is good for the world”. Subsequently, Jaishankar was questioned about his and the Indian PM’s call for “dialogue and diplomacy” and urging both sides to negotiate, “However, can one really urge Ukraine to stop defending itself? After all there are no Ukrainian tanks in Russia but Russian planes, tanks and missiles destroying Ukraine,” asked the anchor. ALSO READ | Jaishankar says India's trade with Russia is 'quite small' compared to European nations In response, Jaishankar called this a “misrepresentation”, referring to India’s calls for dialogue and diplomacy and said, “There was dialogue and diplomacy in the early days of the conflict so it’s not like it did not happen. So it is not for us to put conditions and to say this country is equal to that country, that’s your judgement.” He added that this war is not in “anybody’s interest” including Russia’s. During the interview with Austria’s national broadcaster, the EAM was yet again questioned about India “financing Russia’s war” by not participating in Western sanctions and New Delhi’s imports from Moscow being “increased five times” since the beginning of the invasion, last year. “Europe imported, in the same period, six times the energy which India did…if it is a matter of principle why didn’t Europe cut on the first day? Why didn’t on 25th February, a complete cut off of energy imports from Russia?”, the EAM questioned. He added, “You can’t say it’s my principle but by the way, I will do it by my timing”. ALSO READ | Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil When the Austrian anchor attempted to talk about the difference between increased imports by India and Europe trying to decrease theirs, Jaishankar swiftly shut him down by saying that they have managed to do so in a manner that is “comfortable for Europe”. He added, “If 60,000 euros or whatever your per capita income is, if you are so caring about your population, I have a population at $2,000 which also needs energy…The price of oil has doubled and Europe also moving into the Middle East and diverting their production into Europe and raising prices…putting pressure on global oil markets and on my imports as well.” Therefore, if European political leadership understands this and "would like to soften the impact on their population, it is a privilege that they should extend to other political leaderships as well”, said Jaishankar. Subsequently, the Austrian anchor questioned if India is reluctant to criticise Moscow because it is New Delhi’s “biggest supplier of weapons and military equipment?” To which the EAM responded with a history lesson on how Russia and India ties came to be. Austrian Anchor: Russia is the most important supplier of weapons.. EAM @DrSJaishankar: & therefore Anchor: Are u reluctant to criticize moscow? EAM: We have a relationship.. relationship built when western democracies used to arm military dictatorship called Pakistan ©️🇦🇹ORF pic.twitter.com/ADUowoxGQ3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 3, 2023 × ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Jaishankar sets the record straight in Moscow Jaishankar on calling Pakistan the ‘epicentre of terrorism’ The Austrian anchor questioned the EAM about calling Pakistan the “epicentre of terrorism” and being “undiplomatic” several weeks ago to which Jaishankar said, “Well, I did it again today without using the word ‘Pakistan’”, referring to the press conference held, earlier, on Monday. “Because you’re a diplomat, doesn’t mean you are untruthful…I could use much harsher words than an ‘epicentre’...considering what has been happening to us ‘epicentre’ is a very diplomatic word,” said Jaishankar to Austria’s ORF. Subsequently, he went on to blame Pakistan for the attack on the Indian Parliament which happened in 2001 as well as the terrorist attacks in the country’s financial capital, Mumbai in 2008. "Bcz u'r a diplomat, u'r untruthful, I could use much harsher words", EAM Jaishankar when an Austrian anchor questions on usage of term 'terror epicenter' for Pakistan. Vdo ctsy: Austria's ORF pic.twitter.com/UP1cPFD0wD — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 3, 2023 × “If you control your sovereign space…if terrorist camps operate in broad daylight in cities with recruitment and financing. Can you really tell me that the Pakistani state doesn’t know what is going on?”, the EAM questioned. He added, “When we speak about judgement and principles…why don’t I hear sharp European condemnation of these practices which have been going on for multiple decades”. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Jaishankar counters Pakistan & China with facts When asked if the world should be concerned about a potential war between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “I think the world needs to be concerned about terrorism…because if you pose it the way you do it gives a free pass to terrorism”. Jaishankar on China’s possible intervention in Taiwan and relations with India The Austrian anchor asked the EAM if India shared concerns like many others across the world that in the near future, China may intervene “militarily” in Taiwan. In response, Jaishankar said there is a “larger concern” based on New Delhi’s experience which is not having agreements signed between the two countries observed. ALSO READ | India's Jaishankar evokes Hillary Clinton's 'snake' analogy to slam Pakistan on terror He spoke about agreements signed between India and China which said that they would not mass force within their borders which the EAM has said consequently led to the current tension along the borders. Additionally, Jaishankar also spoke about the agreement between New Delhi and Beijing about not changing the LAC unilaterally “which they have attempted to do”. Austrian Anchor: China can say India did not agree different agreements EAM Jaishankar: It's difficult for China to say that, record is very clear Vdo ctsy: Austria's ORF pic.twitter.com/qZcEOreLmV — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 3, 2023 × As a foreign minister, Jaishankar said that he would be hesitant to predict publicly where else might this status quo change and can only speak from the experiences that India had witnessed. However, from his personal experience, “written agreements were not observed and we have seen military pressures in our view have no justification”. ALSO READ | At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms “China would say the opposite and say that India has not observed the different agreements…”, said the Austrian anchor. In response, Jaishankar said, “It is difficult for China to say that…the record is very clear, because today there is a lot of transparency of satellite pictures and you can see who moved the forces to the border areas first, the record would be very clear.” India is ‘deeply concerned’ about the conflict in Ukraine: EAM In a press conference ahead of the aforementioned interview, the EAM in response to a question about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine the Indian foreign minister said, India remains “deeply concerned” and that a “return to dialogue and diplomacy” is imperative. Jaishankar also said that he spoke about threats to international peace and security posed by terrorism with Austrian leaders. This also included its cross-border practices, violent extremism, radicalisation and fundamentalism. ALSO READ | Tawang skirmish: China stepped up efforts for improved access near LAC, says Australian think tank “Their effects cannot be contained within a region especially so when they are deeply connected to narcotics and illegal weapons trade, and other forms of international crime. Since the epicentre is located so close to India, naturally our experiences and insights are useful to others,” said the EAM in an apparent attack on neighbouring Pakistan. Meanwhile, speaking about the conflict in Ukraine, echoing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words that today's era is not of war he called for both countries to resolve their differences at the negotiation table. “With regard to the Ukraine conflict, let me underline that India remains deeply concerned. We sincerely believe that this is not the era of war. Differences must be settled on the negotiating table. It is imperative that there is a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” said the EAM while addressing a press conference with his Austrian counterpart. ALSO READ | Austria terms India a close and trusted partner ahead of EAM Jaishankar's visit The EAM also spoke about the Indian PM being in touch with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, and “pressing our point of view in that regard”. He added, “We are increasingly anxious about the knock-on effects of the conflict in terms of accessibility and affordability of fuel, food and fertilisers, this is a growing concern for the global south.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EAM Jaishankar defends India's stance on Russia-Ukraine, calls out Europe on its ‘long silence’

One of the greats in Winter sports has announced his retirement. Austria's Matthias Mayer has called time on his glittering career with three Olympic medals. The 32-year-old won his third gold medal at this year's Beijing Winter Games winning the Super G title.

Austrian Skiing great Matthias Mayer retires as Olympic champion 'reaches his limit'

Austria termed India&nbsp;a "close and trusted partner" ahead of India's foreign minister&nbsp;Dr S. Jaishankar's visit to the country. The Indian minister will be in the country from 1st to 3rd January during which he will hold talks with his counterpart, the Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Jaishankar's visit to Austria is set to be the first by an Indian foreign minister&nbsp;in 27 years, in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of Austria-India diplomatic ties in 2023.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman from the Austrian foreign ministry said, "The conversation between the Ministers will comprise bilateral political, commercial and migration aspects as well as regional and multilateral issues", explaining, " India is a close and trusted partner and democratic ally and can be a strong voice on many pressing global issues."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/austria-thanks-india-for-standing-in-difficult-times-says-will-defend-our-open-societies-340064">Austria thanks India for standing in difficult times; says will defend our open societies</a>

This is the 5th meeting between the two&nbsp;ministers.

Minister Schallenberg travelled to Delhi last March and the two also met at the last Munich Security Conference, Globsec Bratislava Forum and UN General Assembly.

During the visit, EAM will also call on Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, address the Indian diaspora and&nbsp;hold meetings with the Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/in-delhi-austrian-foreign-minister-schallenberg-says-putin-miscalculated-his-invasion-of-ukraine-464487">In Delhi, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg says Putin "Miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine</a>

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The spokeswoman pointed out, "As such, the position of India on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and its global negative ramifications as well as the current Indian G20 Presidency will take centre-stage". During the visit, a joint meeting of the foreign ministers of the Czech republic Jan Lipavský, Slovakia Rastislav Káčer in the Central European “Slavkov” format of dialogue will take place with the foreign ministers of India and Austria. This initiative has been taken by the Austrian FM. Dr Jaishankar will also attend the renowned New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra together with Minister Schallenberg.

The visit of EAM to Austria comes even as India takes over the chairmanship of the Wassenaar arrangement (WA) from 1 Jan 2023. &nbsp;The arrangement is a multilateral export control regime whose member India became in 2017.

At the 26th annual Plenary of the WA held in Vienna on 30 Nov-01 Dec, Ireland handed over the chairmanship to India's Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar.

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Austria termed India a "close and trusted partner" ahead of India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar's visit to the country. The Indian minister will be in the country from 1st to 3rd January during which he will hold talks with his counterpart, the Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Austria termed India a "close and trusted partner" ahead of India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar's visit to the country. The Indian minister will be in the country from 1st to 3rd January during which he will hold talks with his counterpart, the Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg. Jaishankar's visit to Austria is set to be the first by an Indian foreign minister in 27 years, in the run-up to the 75th anniversary of Austria-India diplomatic ties in 2023. A spokeswoman from the Austrian foreign ministry said, "The conversation between the Ministers will comprise bilateral political, commercial and migration aspects as well as regional and multilateral issues", explaining, " India is a close and trusted partner and democratic ally and can be a strong voice on many pressing global issues." ALSO READ | Austria thanks India for standing in difficult times; says will defend our open societies This is the 5th meeting between the two ministers. Minister Schallenberg travelled to Delhi last March and the two also met at the last Munich Security Conference, Globsec Bratislava Forum and UN General Assembly. During the visit, EAM will also call on Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, address the Indian diaspora and hold meetings with the Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi. WATCH | In Delhi, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg says Putin "Miscalculated" his invasion of Ukraine × The spokeswoman pointed out, "As such, the position of India on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and its global negative ramifications as well as the current Indian G20 Presidency will take centre-stage". During the visit, a joint meeting of the foreign ministers of the Czech republic Jan Lipavský, Slovakia Rastislav Káčer in the Central European “Slavkov” format of dialogue will take place with the foreign ministers of India and Austria. This initiative has been taken by the Austrian FM. Dr Jaishankar will also attend the renowned New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra together with Minister Schallenberg. The visit of EAM to Austria comes even as India takes over the chairmanship of the Wassenaar arrangement (WA) from 1 Jan 2023. The arrangement is a multilateral export control regime whose member India became in 2017. At the 26th annual Plenary of the WA held in Vienna on 30 Nov-01 Dec, Ireland handed over the chairmanship to India's Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria terms India a close and trusted partner ahead of EAM Jaishankar's visit

Almost 10 people are reported to be buried in an avalanche that occurred in western Austria's Lech/Zuers free skiing area on Sunday, reported the Austrian Press Agency (APA), adding that the authorities have been able to rescue one person.

"One person was able to be rescued, efforts continue to find the others," a police spokesperson said.

The avalanche took place around 3 pm (1400 GMT) on Christmas day, stated APA, adding that search teams and various helicopters were deployed soon afterwards.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiring-alert-austria-seeks-hunters-of-the-unvaccinated-438971">Hiring alert: Austria seeks hunters of the unvaccinated</a>&nbsp;

"We are doing everything we can to rescue the winter sports enthusiasts," the municipality of Lech was quoted as saying by APA.

The agency reported that around 100 people are involved in the search operation, as headlamps are being requested by the rescuers so that the search operation can continue in the dark.

Lech/Zuers promotes itself as "one of the best ski areas in the world" and says that it is part of the Alpine skiing's cradle.&nbsp;

WATCH| WION Climate Tracker | Global warming is melting Austria's Jamtalferner glacier

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On the website of the resort, it was stated that they closed the ski area around 5 pm (1600 GMT) on Sunday and would update the visitors about opening the ski area around 8 am (0700 GMT) on Monday.&nbsp;

The resort's spokesperson could not be reached immediately for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Almost 10 people are reported to be buried in an avalanche that occurred in western Austria's Lech/Zuers free skiing area on Sunday, reported the Austrian Press Agency (APA), adding that the authorities have been able to rescue one person.

Almost 10 people are reported to be buried in an avalanche that occurred in western Austria's Lech/Zuers free skiing area on Sunday, reported the Austrian Press Agency (APA), adding that the authorities have been able to rescue one person. "One person was able to be rescued, efforts continue to find the others," a police spokesperson said. The avalanche took place around 3 pm (1400 GMT) on Christmas day, stated APA, adding that search teams and various helicopters were deployed soon afterwards. ALSO READ| Hiring alert: Austria seeks hunters of the unvaccinated "We are doing everything we can to rescue the winter sports enthusiasts," the municipality of Lech was quoted as saying by APA. The agency reported that around 100 people are involved in the search operation, as headlamps are being requested by the rescuers so that the search operation can continue in the dark. Lech/Zuers promotes itself as "one of the best ski areas in the world" and says that it is part of the Alpine skiing's cradle. WATCH| WION Climate Tracker | Global warming is melting Austria's Jamtalferner glacier On the website of the resort, it was stated that they closed the ski area around 5 pm (1600 GMT) on Sunday and would update the visitors about opening the ski area around 8 am (0700 GMT) on Monday. The resort's spokesperson could not be reached immediately for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 10 tourists buried in avalanche in Austrian ski resort: APA

Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people. However, during the initial phase of the operation, the officials feared that the snow from the avalanche might have taken them down with it.

"According to the current information, we can assume that no other people are missing," said the police. However, little or no information is available on the skiers' nationalities. As per the reports, the avalanche occurred around 14:00 GMT at an altitude of 2,700m (8,858ft). The snow trail from the avalanche took away the ski track in western Austria, Austria Press Agency (APA) reported.

On Monday, the police updated that they found all the missing people from the avalanche. However, four out of the ten skiers have suffered injuries. Among them, the authorities found one person partially buried and immediately flew him to Innsbruck regional hospital with serious injuries. The other six people remain unaffected by the avalanche.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/almost-10-tourists-buried-in-avalanche-in-austria-apa-546553">At least 10 tourists buried in avalanche in Austrian ski resort: APA</a>

An official statement by the police stated that they retrieved all the missing people. However, they will carry out a final security search for final clarification.&nbsp;

Reports say the avalanche happened on the 2,700-metre Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech. Soon after the disaster, the officials deployed many helicopters and search teams for assistance.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Spain: Six dead, two injured after bus falls off the bridge, rescue operation underway 
&nbsp;

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As many as 200 people helped in the rescue operation for the ten skiers. The search continued till night, due to which the search teams required searchlights and other types of equipment.&nbsp;

Lech/Zuers, a part of the cradle of Alpine skiing, sells itself as 'one of the best ski areas in the world.' According to the resort's website, they closed the ski area till 5 PM on Sunday and provided an update on Monday at 8 AM. Regardless, there has been no voluntary statement from the resort's side.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people.

Austrian officials have rescued a 10-member group of skiers caught in an avalanche near a Lech-Zuers resort in western Austria on Sunday. They used helicopters, searchlights, and avalanche dogs to locate the missing people. However, during the initial phase of the operation, the officials feared that the snow from the avalanche might have taken them down with it. "According to the current information, we can assume that no other people are missing," said the police. However, little or no information is available on the skiers' nationalities. As per the reports, the avalanche occurred around 14:00 GMT at an altitude of 2,700m (8,858ft). The snow trail from the avalanche took away the ski track in western Austria, Austria Press Agency (APA) reported. On Monday, the police updated that they found all the missing people from the avalanche. However, four out of the ten skiers have suffered injuries. Among them, the authorities found one person partially buried and immediately flew him to Innsbruck regional hospital with serious injuries. The other six people remain unaffected by the avalanche. Also read| At least 10 tourists buried in avalanche in Austrian ski resort: APA An official statement by the police stated that they retrieved all the missing people. However, they will carry out a final security search for final clarification. Reports say the avalanche happened on the 2,700-metre Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech. Soon after the disaster, the officials deployed many helicopters and search teams for assistance. Watch| Spain: Six dead, two injured after bus falls off the bridge, rescue operation underway As many as 200 people helped in the rescue operation for the ten skiers. The search continued till night, due to which the search teams required searchlights and other types of equipment. Lech/Zuers, a part of the cradle of Alpine skiing, sells itself as 'one of the best ski areas in the world.' According to the resort's website, they closed the ski area till 5 PM on Sunday and provided an update on Monday at 8 AM. Regardless, there has been no voluntary statement from the resort's side. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Avalanche in Austria: All 10 missing skiers rescued, four injured

Museums have become a target ground for climate activists who have used art time and again to create awareness about the consequences of climate crisis. The latest one being conducted in Austria, where the climate activists who belong to the last generation attacked a painting.

Why are climate activists targeting artwork? | Latest News | WION

In Pics | Holocaust: Unseen ghastly images of Nazis' Kristallnacht pogrom

The announcement by punk rock singer Dominik Wlazny to run for the president’s office came as a surprise for everyone in the country. What made the campaign even more interesting was the name of his political outfit – Beer Party – and the promise of free beer to all his supporters in the campaign.

However, in a major upset, the founder of the Beer Party came third in the election that ended on October 9. In Vienna, the result was better as he ended up in the second position.

With a bit less than 11 per cent of total votes in Vienna, Wlazny was nowhere close to challenging the incumbent Alexander Van der Bellen. However, the media coverage has made his principle of “do it yourself” popular all around the country as the party’s popularity has grown over time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-among-five-injured-after-firing-during-pti-rally-in-pakistan-530857">'Assassination attempt' on Imran Khan: Man fires shots, ex-Pakistan PM injured</a>

"I am extremely satisfied with the result. We have a very small team compared to other parties. The budget for this election campaign was very small. I was only able to put up nine large posters in the whole of Vienna," Wlazny told the local media after the election results were announced.

"But I could make videos to spread my ideas all over the world. And the result is extremely good. I don't have a parliamentary party behind me either, we are doing all this on our own," he added.

Wlazny, who is also a practicing doctor, formed the party back in 2015 as a joke but his arguments for preserving the culture and heritage of the country ended up gaining popularity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-over-90-votes-counted-netanyahu-on-course-to-become-israel-pm-530821" hreflang="en">With over 90% votes counted, Netanyahu on course to become Israel PM</a>

"Whether in beer or in politics, new ideas must be heard. And it is only through novelty and fresh influences that something good can be born," Wlazny said.

"And from this point of view, I see my candidacy as an incentive for the country to think about."

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The announcement by punk rock singer Dominik Wlazny to run for the president’s office came as a surprise for everyone in the country. What made the campaign even more interesting was the name of his political outfit – Beer Party – and the promise of free beer to all his supporters in the campaign.

The announcement by punk rock singer Dominik Wlazny to run for the president’s office came as a surprise for everyone in the country. What made the campaign even more interesting was the name of his political outfit – Beer Party – and the promise of free beer to all his supporters in the campaign. However, in a major upset, the founder of the Beer Party came third in the election that ended on October 9. In Vienna, the result was better as he ended up in the second position. With a bit less than 11 per cent of total votes in Vienna, Wlazny was nowhere close to challenging the incumbent Alexander Van der Bellen. However, the media coverage has made his principle of “do it yourself” popular all around the country as the party’s popularity has grown over time. Also read | 'Assassination attempt' on Imran Khan: Man fires shots, ex-Pakistan PM injured "I am extremely satisfied with the result. We have a very small team compared to other parties. The budget for this election campaign was very small. I was only able to put up nine large posters in the whole of Vienna," Wlazny told the local media after the election results were announced. "But I could make videos to spread my ideas all over the world. And the result is extremely good. I don't have a parliamentary party behind me either, we are doing all this on our own," he added. Wlazny, who is also a practicing doctor, formed the party back in 2015 as a joke but his arguments for preserving the culture and heritage of the country ended up gaining popularity. Also read | With over 90% votes counted, Netanyahu on course to become Israel PM "Whether in beer or in politics, new ideas must be heard. And it is only through novelty and fresh influences that something good can be born," Wlazny said. "And from this point of view, I see my candidacy as an incentive for the country to think about."

Austria's Beer Party gaining national prominence after election success

Who wouldn't want to inherit a fortune worth billions? Meet Austria's Marlene Engelhorn who isn't happy to have inherited a huge fortune from her affluent grandparents.&nbsp; 
 
While most people would kill to be in a situation like hers, Engelhorn hopes that the entire amount is taxed away.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports, the German heiress has expressed her "annoyance" over the incoming inheritance which came her way last month as her grandmother passed away. Engelhorn has inherited a sizeable fortune from the family's long-established chemical firm business. 
 
The 30-year-old heiress told New York Times, "The dream scenario is I get taxed." 
 
According to her, inheritance money should be taxed rather than given to a cause that only interests one individual. 
 
Engelhorn is a co-founder of `Tax Me Now,` an organization of affluent individuals who want wealth to be redistributed in Germany and Austria through higher taxes on the rich. The heiress supports high taxes on inherited wealth, mainly because, in her opinion, the money wasn`t earned by the inheritor; it ought to be distributed equitably. 
 
As per New York Post, Austria, where Englehorn resides, abolished its inheritance tax in 2008. 
 
A Forbes report states, her family's multibillion-dollar business comes from the chemical company BASF which was established in 1865. The family`s net wealth is estimated to be USD 4.2 billion. 
 
The heiress reportedly was raised in a mansion in Vienna and went to French-language schools.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Who wouldn't want to inherit a fortune worth billions? Meet Austria's Marlene Engelhorn who isn't happy to have inherited a huge fortune from her affluent grandparents.

Who wouldn't want to inherit a fortune worth billions? Meet Austria's Marlene Engelhorn who isn't happy to have inherited a huge fortune from her affluent grandparents. While most people would kill to be in a situation like hers, Engelhorn hopes that the entire amount is taxed away. According to reports, the German heiress has expressed her "annoyance" over the incoming inheritance which came her way last month as her grandmother passed away. Engelhorn has inherited a sizeable fortune from the family's long-established chemical firm business. The 30-year-old heiress told New York Times, "The dream scenario is I get taxed." According to her, inheritance money should be taxed rather than given to a cause that only interests one individual. Engelhorn is a co-founder of `Tax Me Now,` an organization of affluent individuals who want wealth to be redistributed in Germany and Austria through higher taxes on the rich. The heiress supports high taxes on inherited wealth, mainly because, in her opinion, the money wasn`t earned by the inheritor; it ought to be distributed equitably. As per New York Post, Austria, where Englehorn resides, abolished its inheritance tax in 2008. A Forbes report states, her family's multibillion-dollar business comes from the chemical company BASF which was established in 1865. The family`s net wealth is estimated to be USD 4.2 billion. The heiress reportedly was raised in a mansion in Vienna and went to French-language schools.

This German heiress wants her $4.2 billion worth inheritance to be taxed away

Scientists at the University College London, UK and Austria’s Innsbruck University have developed a more accurate predictive test that can detect the changes in cells which can lead to cervical cancer. This test also has future implications for detecting other common cancers like breast, womb, and ovarian cancer, as it can pick up DNA markers of these types of cancers.&nbsp;

According to the results published in the journal Genome Medicine, for those without cell changes but had human papilloma virus (HPV), the test detected at least 55% of those would show cell changes within the span of four years. HPV is also one of the leading causes of most cervical cancer cases, said the report by the Guardian.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the scientists behind the test had previously also indicated that by using the cervical cells from a routine smear test they were able to detect ovarian and breast cancer or at least predict the likelihood of developing. However, now researchers have said that this test performs better than current methods for identifying women with advanced cell changes who need treatment.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-cervical-cancer-vaccine-can-turn-the-tables-significantly-doctors-say-515683">India's cervical cancer vaccine can turn the tables significantly, doctors say</a>

Recent research studied DNA methylation – an extra layer of information on top of the DNA – which indicates which bits of the DNA to read, the report indicated. This information, scientists believe, can help detect cancer and possibly also predict the risk of someone developing it in the future. However,&nbsp;factors like being overweight, smoking, pollution and poor diet can also alter these markers and change how the cells behave.&nbsp;

The data for this study included 1,254 cervical screening samples from women, ranging from low to high risk. This also accounted for samples from women with HPV but no cervical cell changes and samples from women who went on to develop high-risk cell changes within four years.&nbsp;

“Vaccination against the virus that causes cervical cancer is now widely implemented and is leading to changes in the amount and types of the virus circulating in the community,” said ULC professor from the department of women's cancer, Martin Widschwendter. He added, that this in turn also calls for a change in approach for testing and building new “risk-predictive screening programmes around existing, effective cervical sample collection offers real potential for cancer prevention in the future.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-hpv-vaccine-lowers-cervical-cancer-rates-by-90-per-cent-says-uk-study-426638">'Historic': HPV vaccine lowers cervical cancer rates by 90 per cent, says UK study</a>

Chief executive of the Eve Appeal charity, Athena Lamnisos praised this development and said, “This new method is more specific and doesn’t lead to over-treatment, which is good news for cervical cancer prevention and great news for everyone who needs to be screened.”&nbsp;

The UK-based charity raises awareness and funds for gynaecological cancers. Lamnisos added that these effective new methods are welcomed since they want to prevent cancer and early intervention can help particularly for cervical cancer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Scientists at the University College London, UK and Austria’s Innsbruck University have developed a more accurate predictive test that can detect the changes in cells which can lead to cervical cancer.

Scientists at the University College London, UK and Austria’s Innsbruck University have developed a more accurate predictive test that can detect the changes in cells which can lead to cervical cancer. This test also has future implications for detecting other common cancers like breast, womb, and ovarian cancer, as it can pick up DNA markers of these types of cancers. According to the results published in the journal Genome Medicine, for those without cell changes but had human papilloma virus (HPV), the test detected at least 55% of those would show cell changes within the span of four years. HPV is also one of the leading causes of most cervical cancer cases, said the report by the Guardian. Furthermore, the scientists behind the test had previously also indicated that by using the cervical cells from a routine smear test they were able to detect ovarian and breast cancer or at least predict the likelihood of developing. However, now researchers have said that this test performs better than current methods for identifying women with advanced cell changes who need treatment. ALSO READ: India's cervical cancer vaccine can turn the tables significantly, doctors say Recent research studied DNA methylation – an extra layer of information on top of the DNA – which indicates which bits of the DNA to read, the report indicated. This information, scientists believe, can help detect cancer and possibly also predict the risk of someone developing it in the future. However, factors like being overweight, smoking, pollution and poor diet can also alter these markers and change how the cells behave. The data for this study included 1,254 cervical screening samples from women, ranging from low to high risk. This also accounted for samples from women with HPV but no cervical cell changes and samples from women who went on to develop high-risk cell changes within four years. “Vaccination against the virus that causes cervical cancer is now widely implemented and is leading to changes in the amount and types of the virus circulating in the community,” said ULC professor from the department of women's cancer, Martin Widschwendter. He added, that this in turn also calls for a change in approach for testing and building new “risk-predictive screening programmes around existing, effective cervical sample collection offers real potential for cancer prevention in the future.” ALSO READ: 'Historic': HPV vaccine lowers cervical cancer rates by 90 per cent, says UK study Chief executive of the Eve Appeal charity, Athena Lamnisos praised this development and said, “This new method is more specific and doesn’t lead to over-treatment, which is good news for cervical cancer prevention and great news for everyone who needs to be screened.” The UK-based charity raises awareness and funds for gynaecological cancers. Lamnisos added that these effective new methods are welcomed since they want to prevent cancer and early intervention can help particularly for cervical cancer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Report: More accurate test for cervical cancer developed by scientists in UK, Austria

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