US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Berlin for crisis talks on Ukraine. During a major speech he said that the US and its allies are seeking a diplomatic path to de-escalate tensions caused by Russia across Ukraine border.

Seeking diplomatic path to de-escalate tensions caused by Russia across Ukraine border, says Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held crisis talks on Ukraine with European allies in Berlin ahead of talks with Russia aimed at preventing war.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds talks with EU allies in Berlin over Ukraine

Goats have been put on the map in Berlin - quite literally. a map which shows where the city's goats are and if they are free to visit or if you must pay an entrance fee.

Two IT experts created Digital to track down city's goats in Berlin

An estimated 2000 wild foxes live in Berlin. So why has Berlin emerged as a habitat for foxes? Our next report has the details.

Why is Berlin emerging as habitat for foxes?

Berlin's metro network has come up with a curious idea to ease travel stress of commuters. It is selling edible tickets laced with hemp oil. hemp is cannabis grown for medicinal use.

"This way you can travel hassle-free around Berlin all day and then simply swallow your Christmas stress along with your ticket," said public transport operator BVG, known for its quirky marketing stunts.

The hemp tickets cost 8.80 euros (USD 9.95). The tickets have been made of edible paper. BVG says the edible paper has been sprinkled with "no more than three drops" of hemp oil.

They are valid for 24 hours and are "completely legal", the company said.

"Hemp oil is 100 percent vegetarian and also makes an excellent salad dressing," it added, suggesting that customers may like to wash their tickets down with one of Berlin's famous doner kebabs.&nbsp;

The new German government, sworn in last week, has agreed to legalise recreational use of cannabis.

But BVG said it was "against any kind of drug use -- whether illegal or legal. That is why there is a strict ban on drugs and alcohol in all BVG vehicles and stations."

In 2018, hundreds of people braved long early-morning queues when BVG launched a limited-edition pair of Adidas sneakers that also functioned as an annual metro ticket.

Retailing at 180 euros, the shoes bearing the design of seat covers on Berlin's U-Bahn trains were fitted with an annual ticket normally worth 761 euros.

(With inputs from agencies)

Berlin's metro network has come up with a curious idea to ease travel stress of commuters. It is selling edible tickets laced with hemp oil. hemp is cannabis grown for medicinal use.

Berlin's metro network has come up with a curious idea to ease travel stress of commuters. It is selling edible tickets laced with hemp oil. hemp is cannabis grown for medicinal use. "This way you can travel hassle-free around Berlin all day and then simply swallow your Christmas stress along with your ticket," said public transport operator BVG, known for its quirky marketing stunts. The hemp tickets cost 8.80 euros (USD 9.95). The tickets have been made of edible paper. BVG says the edible paper has been sprinkled with "no more than three drops" of hemp oil. They are valid for 24 hours and are "completely legal", the company said. "Hemp oil is 100 percent vegetarian and also makes an excellent salad dressing," it added, suggesting that customers may like to wash their tickets down with one of Berlin's famous doner kebabs. The new German government, sworn in last week, has agreed to legalise recreational use of cannabis. But BVG said it was "against any kind of drug use -- whether illegal or legal. That is why there is a strict ban on drugs and alcohol in all BVG vehicles and stations." In 2018, hundreds of people braved long early-morning queues when BVG launched a limited-edition pair of Adidas sneakers that also functioned as an annual metro ticket. Retailing at 180 euros, the shoes bearing the design of seat covers on Berlin's U-Bahn trains were fitted with an annual ticket normally worth 761 euros. (With inputs from agencies)

Berlin metro is selling edible hemp tickets for 'calming effect' on travellers

A German court said today that the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in Berlin was ordered by Russia.

Russian suspect&nbsp;Vadim Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison after he was allegedly found guilty of killing Georgian national Tornike Kavtarashvili, 40, in a Berlin park in 2019.

Judge Olaf Arnoldi said the "Russian state authorities" had ordered the assassin to "liquidate the victim". "Four children lost their father, two siblings their brother," the judge said.&nbsp;

Germany expelled two Russian diplomats after the verdict. Foreign minister&nbsp;Annalena Baerbock called it a "serious violation of German law and of Germany's sovereignty".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-analyst-who-compiled-dossier-linking-trumps-election-to-russia-arrested-426905">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian analyst who compiled dossier linking Trump’s election to Russia arrested</a>

The judge said the victim was a Kremlin opponent even as Moscow hit out against the ruling. According to the court, Russian security services allegedly provided Krasikov with a false identity to carry out the assassination including a fake passport.

The assassination had led to a diplomatic row between Russia and Germany earlier. The German government had expelled two Russian diplomats after the reported assassination as Russia in a tit-for-tat move had ordered two German diplomats to leave the country.

Kavtarashvili had reportedly fought in the second Chechen war against Russia was allegedly designated as terrorist by Putin's regime.

Krasikov lawyers had reportedly pleaded for acquittal claiming it was a case of mistaken identity. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the allegation of Russian involvement was "absolutely groundless".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-man-charged-for-spying-at-parliament-for-russian-intelligence-366192">Also Read:&nbsp;German man charged for spying at parliament for Russian intelligence</a>

Krasikov was reportedly arrested by police just after he carried out the assassination as witnesses raised an alarm.

Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev dismissed the verdict saying it was "biased, politically-motivated decision that seriously aggravates already difficult Russian-German relations".&nbsp;

Kavtarashvili had taken refuge in Germany after he had reportedly survived assassination attempts in Georgia.&nbsp;

Berlin court spokesperson Lisa Jani said: "The defendant is said to have been a part of the state's security apparatus and he is said to have come to Germany disguised as a tourist to carry out this murder in a most professional manner with the support of aides stationed in Berlin."&nbsp;

"The court views this matter as state terrorism because&nbsp;Russian government offices, according to the judges, were responsible for this contract killing," Jani added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A German court said today that the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in Berlin was ordered by Russia. Russian suspect Vadim Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison after he was allegedly found guilty of killing Georgian national Tornike Kavtarashvili, 40, in a Berlin park in 2019.

A German court said today that the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in Berlin was ordered by Russia. Russian suspect Vadim Krasikov was sentenced to life in prison after he was allegedly found guilty of killing Georgian national Tornike Kavtarashvili, 40, in a Berlin park in 2019. Judge Olaf Arnoldi said the "Russian state authorities" had ordered the assassin to "liquidate the victim". "Four children lost their father, two siblings their brother," the judge said. Germany expelled two Russian diplomats after the verdict. Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock called it a "serious violation of German law and of Germany's sovereignty". Also Read: Russian analyst who compiled dossier linking Trump’s election to Russia arrested The judge said the victim was a Kremlin opponent even as Moscow hit out against the ruling. According to the court, Russian security services allegedly provided Krasikov with a false identity to carry out the assassination including a fake passport. The assassination had led to a diplomatic row between Russia and Germany earlier. The German government had expelled two Russian diplomats after the reported assassination as Russia in a tit-for-tat move had ordered two German diplomats to leave the country. Kavtarashvili had reportedly fought in the second Chechen war against Russia was allegedly designated as terrorist by Putin's regime. Krasikov lawyers had reportedly pleaded for acquittal claiming it was a case of mistaken identity. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the allegation of Russian involvement was "absolutely groundless". Also Read: German man charged for spying at parliament for Russian intelligence Krasikov was reportedly arrested by police just after he carried out the assassination as witnesses raised an alarm. Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechayev dismissed the verdict saying it was "biased, politically-motivated decision that seriously aggravates already difficult Russian-German relations". Kavtarashvili had taken refuge in Germany after he had reportedly survived assassination attempts in Georgia. Berlin court spokesperson Lisa Jani said: "The defendant is said to have been a part of the state's security apparatus and he is said to have come to Germany disguised as a tourist to carry out this murder in a most professional manner with the support of aides stationed in Berlin." "The court views this matter as state terrorism because Russian government offices, according to the judges, were responsible for this contract killing," Jani added. (With inputs from Agencies)

Germany expels Russian diplomats after court accuses Russia of 'state terrorism' in Berlin park murder case

Apart from shining and glittering tree, Christmas is also famous for an old man in a red suit- Santa Claus. They are getting ready in Berlin along with their angels, but with covid rising in Germany, the celebrations will be low-key.

Only a handful of Santas get ready for Christmas cheer this year

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing&nbsp;Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.

On&nbsp;Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October.

According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic.

Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381">&nbsp;'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge</a>

However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak.

“It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times.

She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system.

“We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grave-concern-covid-cases-soar-in-germany-426732">&nbsp;'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany</a>

Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent.

About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports.

“What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”. On Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections. According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October. According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic. Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations. Also read | 'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak. “It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times. She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system. “We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying. Also read | 'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent. About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports. “What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Unvaccinated Germans responsible for fourth Covid wave, say experts

A knife attack in a German train has left at least three people injured, out of which two are being reported to be in critical condition but do not have life-endangering injuries.

The local police also reported that the&nbsp;alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is in police custody where he will now be interrogated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-train-attack-man-dressed-as-joker-wanted-to-kill-lots-of-people-426163">Tokyo train attack: Man dressed as 'Joker' wanted to 'kill lots of people'</a>

As of now, the motive behind this stabbing has not been made clear.

The incident took place on an ICE high-speed train between Regensburg and Nuremberg on Saturday morning, as per local news outlet, BILD.

"According to preliminary information, several people were injured," police in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz said in a statement, assuring that "there is now no more danger".

The police, reportedly, received a call about the attack around 9:20 am. The train was stopped at Seubersdorf, south of Nuremberg. "At the moment, there is no further information about the persons involved," the statement added.

For now, train service between the affected stations have been temporarily suspended.

As of now, a terrorist background has been ruled out, according to local reports.

A knife attack in a German train has left at least three people injured, out of which two are being reported to be in critical condition but do not have life-endangering injuries.

A knife attack in a German train has left at least three people injured, out of which two are being reported to be in critical condition but do not have life-endangering injuries. The local police also reported that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is in police custody where he will now be interrogated. Also read | Tokyo train attack: Man dressed as 'Joker' wanted to 'kill lots of people' As of now, the motive behind this stabbing has not been made clear. The incident took place on an ICE high-speed train between Regensburg and Nuremberg on Saturday morning, as per local news outlet, BILD. "According to preliminary information, several people were injured," police in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz said in a statement, assuring that "there is now no more danger". The police, reportedly, received a call about the attack around 9:20 am. The train was stopped at Seubersdorf, south of Nuremberg. "At the moment, there is no further information about the persons involved," the statement added. For now, train service between the affected stations have been temporarily suspended. As of now, a terrorist background has been ruled out, according to local reports.

Several injured in German train stabbing, attacker arrested

German security services believe that a man found dead in a street outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin last month was an undercover agent of Russia's FSB intelligence service, Der Spiegel reported.

The body was found on the morning of October 19. As per reports, he fell from the upper floor of the Russian embassy building. However, it is still unclear why he fell. The cause of death also remains unclear.

The magazine report further states that the officers called an ambulance.

In a statement to the Interfax news agency, the embassy confirmed that a Russian diplomat had died but said it was "not commenting on this tragic event for ethical reasons".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-inhumane-japanese-death-row-inmates-sue-over-same-day-executions-426958">Also read |&nbsp;'Extremely inhumane': Japanese death row inmates sue over same day executions</a>

Der Spiegel and investigative site Bellingcat have reported that the dead diplomat had been recognised as the second secretary at the Russian embassy in Berlin. However, the German security officials believe he was an undercover officer for Russia's FSB. The officials also believed that he was related to a high-ranking FSB officer.

The Kremlin has denied any link between the killing and the Russian state. Also, the Russian embassy refused an autopsy of the diplomat.

The embassy, in a statement, said, "A tragic accident with a Russian diplomat occurred on October 19, 2021."

"All the formalities related to sending the diplomat's body to his homeland were promptly settled with the competent law enforcement and medical authorities of Germany in accordance with the current practice."

"We consider the speculation that appeared in a number of Western media in the context of this tragic incident to be absolutely incorrect."

German security services believe that a man found dead in a street outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin last month was an undercover agent of Russia's FSB intelligence service, Der Spiegel reported.

German security services believe that a man found dead in a street outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin last month was an undercover agent of Russia's FSB intelligence service, Der Spiegel reported. The body was found on the morning of October 19. As per reports, he fell from the upper floor of the Russian embassy building. However, it is still unclear why he fell. The cause of death also remains unclear. The magazine report further states that the officers called an ambulance. In a statement to the Interfax news agency, the embassy confirmed that a Russian diplomat had died but said it was "not commenting on this tragic event for ethical reasons". Also read | 'Extremely inhumane': Japanese death row inmates sue over same day executions Der Spiegel and investigative site Bellingcat have reported that the dead diplomat had been recognised as the second secretary at the Russian embassy in Berlin. However, the German security officials believe he was an undercover officer for Russia's FSB. The officials also believed that he was related to a high-ranking FSB officer. The Kremlin has denied any link between the killing and the Russian state. Also, the Russian embassy refused an autopsy of the diplomat. The embassy, in a statement, said, "A tragic accident with a Russian diplomat occurred on October 19, 2021." "All the formalities related to sending the diplomat's body to his homeland were promptly settled with the competent law enforcement and medical authorities of Germany in accordance with the current practice." "We consider the speculation that appeared in a number of Western media in the context of this tragic incident to be absolutely incorrect."

Russian diplomat found dead outside Berlin embassy declared as secret agent by officials

A play on the fact this exhibit is being held in an unused casino in German capital Berlin, but also a reference to video games, which clearly influenced some artists in the show.

Art and technology exhibitions combine to create artists' funhouse in Berlin

Tesla has opened the doors to its controversial new Gigafactory near Berlin. Construction at the plant had started two years ago. However, opposition from locals over environmental concerns has held up the final approval.

Berlin: Tesla halts Gigafactory construction after local outrage

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery.

The SPD and its candidate Olaf Scholz narrowly won last week's vote on 25.7 percent, with Merkel's CDU-CSU alliance plunging to an all-time low of 24.1 percent as she prepares to leave the stage after 16 years in power.

The result leaves the SPD in pole position to form a government, but conservative leader Armin Laschet has also vowed to begin coalition talks in a last-ditch effort to keep the ailing CDU-CSU in power.

In the complex calculations for a coalition, the makeup of the next German government essentially hinges on which of the two parties can persuade the Greens and the liberal FDP to sign up for a partnership.

First up in what Der Spiegel magazine has described as the "poker game for power" is the SPD, which will huddle with the FDP on Sunday afternoon and the Greens in the evening.

Their rivals, the CDU-CSU, will meet with the FDP on Sunday evening and the Greens on Tuesday.

'Historic defeat'

In a poll for the ZDF broadcaster on Friday, 59 percent of respondents said they were in favour of an SPD-Greens-FDP coalition, also known as the "traffic-light" combination after the parties' colours.

Only 24 percent said they would prefer the combination led by the CDU, a coalition known as "Jamaica" after the colours of that country's flag.

Some 76 percent said they thought Scholz should be the next German chancellor, with just 13 percent backing Laschet.

In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine Friday, Scholz said it was "clear from every poll that people don't want the (CDU-CSU) to be part of the next government".

"The election result is clear. The CDU and CSU have suffered a historic defeat and have been voted out," he said.

But the conservatives are not giving up, with Markus Blume, general secretary of the CSU, insisting on Friday that "Jamaica has a chance".

The CSU, the smaller Bavarian partner in the conservative alliance, had provoked consternation earlier in the week by conceding that Scholz had won the election and should be first in the queue to form a government.

- Secret selfie -

The stance broke ranks with Laschet, who at that point had not publicly congratulated Scholz and had claimed "no party" -- not even the SPD -- could claim a mandate to govern from the vote outcome.

Laschet has faced a barrage of criticism over his election performance and his refusal to admit defeat, including calls to resign from within his own party -- but has so far given no indication that he plans to do so.

With the SPD and the conservatives scrambling for the affections of the Greens and the FDP, the smaller parties find themselves in an outsize position of power as potential kingmakers.

"For now, Greens and FDP are in the driver's seat," said Holger Schmieding, an analyst for the Berenberg bank.

The two parties have aready held two sounding-out sessions, with their leaders posting a much-shared selfie on social media in a show of unity after a secret gathering on Tuesday.

But it remains to be seen "whether they can really choose between traffic light and Jamaica, and the extent to which they can shape the agenda", Schmieding said.

The two smaller parties are not natural bedfellows, diverging on issues like tax hikes and public investment in climate protection.

After Germany's last election in 2017, the FDP dramatically walked out of negotiations with the CDU-CSU and the Greens, with leader Christian Lindner declaring it was "better not to govern at all than to govern badly".

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery.

German political parties will hold exploratory talks from Sunday as they jostle to form the next government after a close election, with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) battling Angela Merkel's conservatives for the chancellery. The SPD and its candidate Olaf Scholz narrowly won last week's vote on 25.7 percent, with Merkel's CDU-CSU alliance plunging to an all-time low of 24.1 percent as she prepares to leave the stage after 16 years in power. The result leaves the SPD in pole position to form a government, but conservative leader Armin Laschet has also vowed to begin coalition talks in a last-ditch effort to keep the ailing CDU-CSU in power. In the complex calculations for a coalition, the makeup of the next German government essentially hinges on which of the two parties can persuade the Greens and the liberal FDP to sign up for a partnership. First up in what Der Spiegel magazine has described as the "poker game for power" is the SPD, which will huddle with the FDP on Sunday afternoon and the Greens in the evening. Their rivals, the CDU-CSU, will meet with the FDP on Sunday evening and the Greens on Tuesday. 'Historic defeat' In a poll for the ZDF broadcaster on Friday, 59 percent of respondents said they were in favour of an SPD-Greens-FDP coalition, also known as the "traffic-light" combination after the parties' colours. Only 24 percent said they would prefer the combination led by the CDU, a coalition known as "Jamaica" after the colours of that country's flag. Some 76 percent said they thought Scholz should be the next German chancellor, with just 13 percent backing Laschet. In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine Friday, Scholz said it was "clear from every poll that people don't want the (CDU-CSU) to be part of the next government". "The election result is clear. The CDU and CSU have suffered a historic defeat and have been voted out," he said. But the conservatives are not giving up, with Markus Blume, general secretary of the CSU, insisting on Friday that "Jamaica has a chance". The CSU, the smaller Bavarian partner in the conservative alliance, had provoked consternation earlier in the week by conceding that Scholz had won the election and should be first in the queue to form a government. - Secret selfie - The stance broke ranks with Laschet, who at that point had not publicly congratulated Scholz and had claimed "no party" -- not even the SPD -- could claim a mandate to govern from the vote outcome. Laschet has faced a barrage of criticism over his election performance and his refusal to admit defeat, including calls to resign from within his own party -- but has so far given no indication that he plans to do so. With the SPD and the conservatives scrambling for the affections of the Greens and the FDP, the smaller parties find themselves in an outsize position of power as potential kingmakers. "For now, Greens and FDP are in the driver's seat," said Holger Schmieding, an analyst for the Berenberg bank. The two parties have aready held two sounding-out sessions, with their leaders posting a much-shared selfie on social media in a show of unity after a secret gathering on Tuesday. But it remains to be seen "whether they can really choose between traffic light and Jamaica, and the extent to which they can shape the agenda", Schmieding said. The two smaller parties are not natural bedfellows, diverging on issues like tax hikes and public investment in climate protection. After Germany's last election in 2017, the FDP dramatically walked out of negotiations with the CDU-CSU and the Greens, with leader Christian Lindner declaring it was "better not to govern at all than to govern badly".

German parties meet as coalition haggling begins

China&nbsp;has denied a&nbsp;German&nbsp;warship&nbsp;on a mission to the contested South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;entry&nbsp;into a&nbsp;harbour, a&nbsp;German&nbsp;foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The ship involved is the frigate Bayern, the spokesperson told a news briefing, but did not identify the Chinese&nbsp;harbour. The vessel set sail from&nbsp;Germany last month for a six-month mission to the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

"China&nbsp;has decided that it does not want a&nbsp;harbour&nbsp;visit, and we took notice of that," the spokesperson said.

China's foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, when asked about the incident, said that&nbsp;China&nbsp;hoped countries outside the region would play a "constructive role" and respect regional countries efforts' to maintain peace and stability.

"China&nbsp;attaches great importance to the development of an all-round strategic partnership between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany, including cooperation between the two militaries," he said, speaking at a briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defector-tried-to-warn-trump-about-covid-19-five-months-before-pandemic-413617">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese defector tried to warn Trump about COVID-19 five months before pandemic&nbsp;</a>

China's defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment.

China&nbsp;claims almost all of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea and has established military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing.

China's claims are contested in part by some of its neighbours including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

The United States and some other countries have also said they do not accept the extent of&nbsp;China's claims in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

Berlin&nbsp;has made it clear that the Bayern mission serves to stress the fact&nbsp;Germany does not accept&nbsp;China's claims though officials have said the&nbsp;German&nbsp;navy would stick to common trade routes

China has denied a German warship on a mission to the contested South China Sea entry into a harbour, a German foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. The ship involved is the frigate Bayern, the spokesperson told a news briefing, but did not identify the Chinese harbour.

China has denied a German warship on a mission to the contested South China Sea entry into a harbour, a German foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. The ship involved is the frigate Bayern, the spokesperson told a news briefing, but did not identify the Chinese harbour. The vessel set sail from Germany last month for a six-month mission to the South China Sea. "China has decided that it does not want a harbour visit, and we took notice of that," the spokesperson said. China's foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, when asked about the incident, said that China hoped countries outside the region would play a "constructive role" and respect regional countries efforts' to maintain peace and stability. "China attaches great importance to the development of an all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany, including cooperation between the two militaries," he said, speaking at a briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Also read | Chinese defector tried to warn Trump about COVID-19 five months before pandemic China's defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment. China claims almost all of the South China Sea and has established military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing. China's claims are contested in part by some of its neighbours including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. The United States and some other countries have also said they do not accept the extent of China's claims in the South China Sea. Berlin has made it clear that the Bayern mission serves to stress the fact Germany does not accept China's claims though officials have said the German navy would stick to common trade routes

China denies German warship entry into harbour, Berlin says

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options;&nbsp;from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless.&nbsp;

From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian,&nbsp;and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/destroying-stereotypes-study-finds-that-older-adults-support-govt-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change-409522">Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change</a>

While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week.

Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens.

According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians.&nbsp;The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year.

After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/blood-soaked-naked-activists-protest-against-meat-consumption-in-spain-385763">'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain</a>

Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him.

Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No.&nbsp;1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2.

Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern.

In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University&nbsp;and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km.

Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent. Also read | Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week. Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens. According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians. The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year. After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services. Also read | 'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him. Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No. 1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2. Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern. In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km. Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless

Thousands of protesters clashed with the Berlin police on Saturday against COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government.

Four officers were injured while 50 demonstrators were detained for injuring cops, the police said.

Some people tried to get past barricades to the government district around the Reichstag parliament building and clashed with officers, police said.

The protesters, few of whom wore masks, waved banners marked with the messages ‘I have my own opinion’ and ‘Covid-84’—a reference to George Orwell’s book “1984” about a totalitarian state, Reuters reported.

The marches came a month before a federal election. The leading candidates vying to replace Chancellor Angela Merkel have promised to dispense with strict lockdowns on the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-travellers-to-undergo-covid-19-tests-declares-germany-amid-rise-coronavirus-cases-401833">Unvaccinated travellers to undergo COVID-19 tests, declares Germany amid rise coronavirus cases</a>

Germany has reported more than 3.9 million Coronavirus cases and is believed to be facing a fourth wave of infections. It reported 10,303 new cases and 22 fatalities on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 92,096.

To exhort more people to get vaccinated, the government has said it will stop offering free tests from October 11, except for those for whom vaccination is not recommended, such as children and pregnant women.

The government will require people to be vaccinated, test negative or have a recovery certificate to enter indoor restaurants, participate in religious ceremonies or do indoor sport.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of protesters clashed with the Berlin police on Saturday against COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government. Four officers were injured while 50 demonstrators were detained for injuring cops, the police said.

Thousands of protesters clashed with the Berlin police on Saturday against COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government. Four officers were injured while 50 demonstrators were detained for injuring cops, the police said. Some people tried to get past barricades to the government district around the Reichstag parliament building and clashed with officers, police said. The protesters, few of whom wore masks, waved banners marked with the messages ‘I have my own opinion’ and ‘Covid-84’—a reference to George Orwell’s book “1984” about a totalitarian state, Reuters reported. The marches came a month before a federal election. The leading candidates vying to replace Chancellor Angela Merkel have promised to dispense with strict lockdowns on the country. Also read | Unvaccinated travellers to undergo COVID-19 tests, declares Germany amid rise coronavirus cases Germany has reported more than 3.9 million Coronavirus cases and is believed to be facing a fourth wave of infections. It reported 10,303 new cases and 22 fatalities on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 92,096. To exhort more people to get vaccinated, the government has said it will stop offering free tests from October 11, except for those for whom vaccination is not recommended, such as children and pregnant women. The government will require people to be vaccinated, test negative or have a recovery certificate to enter indoor restaurants, participate in religious ceremonies or do indoor sport. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of protesters clash with Berlin police against COVID-19 curbs

A new exhibition in Berlin is exploring how the favorite artists of the Nazi regime continued to work uninterrupted after the Second World War .The exhibition "Divinely Gifted" National Socialists favorite artists in the federal republic" shows how some artists that embraced the Hitler dictatorship continued to create, to teach and to make a living after 1945, without much regard to their past.

Exhibition explores what happened to Hitler's favourite artists after WWII

Berlin introduces the best way to get the jab - a party

Over 3,000 guests attend 'Freedom Dinner' at Berlin's old Tegel airport

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> variant first identified in India, now spreading fast in Britain and elsewhere, has doubled to just over 6 per cent of all new infections in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;during the week ending June 6 from the previous seven days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-dancing-like-theres-no-corona-first-german-nightclub-reopens-391252">Dancing like there's no corona: First German nightclub reopens</a>

"By the autumn, it will be the dominant strain," said Lothar Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI.&nbsp;

It was "biologically logical" for the strain to become dominant simply because it was more infectious, he said.

Data from Britain, which has one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, show that inoculation helps prevent serious disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-demands-replacement-of-60-million-contaminated-jj-vaccine-doses-391456">Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&amp;J vaccine doses</a>

Nevertheless, "that is valid only for fully vaccinated people," said Wieler, noting that those who have received only one jab could still catch the variant and spread it.

Around 29 percent of Germans are fully vaccinated.

Germany&nbsp;has eased most restrictions, reopening restaurants, shops, pools and museums in the last weeks as new infections dip sharply.

On Friday, it recorded 1,076 new cases, while the the number of new cases over a seven day period continued to drop to 10 per 100,000 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-decline-in-covid-cases-germany-prepares-for-concerts-open-air-gigs-386928">With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs</a>

Wieler said however that it was necessary to keep wearing masks indoors, such as on public transport or at offices.&nbsp;

"We have achieved really good results but the virus is still active and please let us give this virus no chance," he urged.

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain.

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain. The Covid variant first identified in India, now spreading fast in Britain and elsewhere, has doubled to just over 6 per cent of all new infections in Germany during the week ending June 6 from the previous seven days. Also read | Dancing like there's no corona: First German nightclub reopens "By the autumn, it will be the dominant strain," said Lothar Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI. It was "biologically logical" for the strain to become dominant simply because it was more infectious, he said. Data from Britain, which has one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, show that inoculation helps prevent serious disease. Also read | Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&J vaccine doses Nevertheless, "that is valid only for fully vaccinated people," said Wieler, noting that those who have received only one jab could still catch the variant and spread it. Around 29 percent of Germans are fully vaccinated. Germany has eased most restrictions, reopening restaurants, shops, pools and museums in the last weeks as new infections dip sharply. On Friday, it recorded 1,076 new cases, while the the number of new cases over a seven day period continued to drop to 10 per 100,000 people. Also read | With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs Wieler said however that it was necessary to keep wearing masks indoors, such as on public transport or at offices. "We have achieved really good results but the virus is still active and please let us give this virus no chance," he urged.

Half of Germans have first jab but variant fuels fears

Naomi Osaka pulled out of next week's Berlin WTA 5000 grasscourt tournament on Monday, raising doubts about the four-times Grand Slam champion's participation at Wimbledon later this month.

The decision comes after Japanese world number two Osaka pulled out of the French Open last week on mental health grounds.

"We have received notification Naomi Osaka cannot start in Berlin. After consulting her management, she will take a break," Berlin event organisers said in a statement ahead of the tournament which begins on June 14.

Osaka has not revealed when she plans to play next, casting doubt on her participation at Wimbledon, which starts on June 28, and the Tokyo Olympics next month.

The 23-year-old released a short social media statement on Saturday to thank her fans for their support over her decision to withdraw from the French Open following a dispute over her refusal to attend press conferences.

Naomi Osaka pulled out of next week's Berlin WTA 5000 grasscourt tournament on Monday, raising doubts about the four-times Grand Slam champion's participation at Wimbledon later this month.

Naomi Osaka pulled out of next week's Berlin WTA 5000 grasscourt tournament on Monday, raising doubts about the four-times Grand Slam champion's participation at Wimbledon later this month. The decision comes after Japanese world number two Osaka pulled out of the French Open last week on mental health grounds. "We have received notification Naomi Osaka cannot start in Berlin. After consulting her management, she will take a break," Berlin event organisers said in a statement ahead of the tournament which begins on June 14. Osaka has not revealed when she plans to play next, casting doubt on her participation at Wimbledon, which starts on June 28, and the Tokyo Olympics next month. The 23-year-old released a short social media statement on Saturday to thank her fans for their support over her decision to withdraw from the French Open following a dispute over her refusal to attend press conferences.

Tennis: Naomi Osaka withdraws from pre-Wimbledon event in Berlin

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday.

German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating. It said the captain followed procedures and diverted to Berlin, the nearest airport.

Passengers were taken off the plane 'to facilitate extensive security checks of passengers and all baggage',&nbsp;the airline said. Once they were cleared, passengers were flown to Krakow on a spare plane after a seven-hour delay.

German federal police said early on Monday morning that their deployment was finished, but declined to give details of what led to it, news agency dpa reported. A search of the plane found nothing untoward.&nbsp;

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday. German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating.

A Ryanair flight from Ireland to Poland diverted to Berlin after the crew were warned of a 'potential security threat' on the plane, the airline said on Monday. German air traffic control warned the crew of the Dublin-Krakow flight of the potential threat on Sunday, Ryanair said in a statement, without elaborating. It said the captain followed procedures and diverted to Berlin, the nearest airport. Passengers were taken off the plane 'to facilitate extensive security checks of passengers and all baggage', the airline said. Once they were cleared, passengers were flown to Krakow on a spare plane after a seven-hour delay. German federal police said early on Monday morning that their deployment was finished, but declined to give details of what led to it, news agency dpa reported. A search of the plane found nothing untoward.

Ryanair plane diverted to Berlin over 'potential threat'

Now activists in Germany's capital Berlin have launched an initiative to make the cities inner parts almost completely car free.

Berlin activists push for a car-free Germany

German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April.

The platform, named as 'Boystown', had existed since 2019, counted over 400,000 members and was "set up for the worldwide exchange of child pornography", federal police said in a statement.&nbsp;

The darknet forum allowed users to communicate with others and share graphic image and video content which included "serious sexual abuse of toddlers", the statement said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers">Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers</a>

Three men between the ages of 40 and 64 were arrested in seven raids in Germany, while a further suspect was detained in Paraguay on the request of German authorities.

The suspect in Paraguay's Concepcion region, also a German citizen, is to be extradited back to Germany on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by a court in Frankfurt.&nbsp;

Three of the men are accused of having managed the platform as administrators, providing technical support and advice to members on how to avoid being discovered by the authorities, while another was "one of the platform's most active users", police said.

Investigators added that the months-long, German-instigated operation had been coordinated by Europol and supported by law enforcement in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada.&nbsp;

German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April.

German police said on Monday they had shut down 'one of the biggest darknet child pornography platforms in the world' and arrested four of its members in a series of raids in mid-April. The platform, named as 'Boystown', had existed since 2019, counted over 400,000 members and was "set up for the worldwide exchange of child pornography", federal police said in a statement. The darknet forum allowed users to communicate with others and share graphic image and video content which included "serious sexual abuse of toddlers", the statement said. Also read: Berlin police condemn violence during May Day protests which injured 93 officers Three men between the ages of 40 and 64 were arrested in seven raids in Germany, while a further suspect was detained in Paraguay on the request of German authorities. The suspect in Paraguay's Concepcion region, also a German citizen, is to be extradited back to Germany on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by a court in Frankfurt. Three of the men are accused of having managed the platform as administrators, providing technical support and advice to members on how to avoid being discovered by the authorities, while another was "one of the platform's most active users", police said. Investigators added that the months-long, German-instigated operation had been coordinated by Europol and supported by law enforcement in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Canada.

German police smash darknet child porn network with 400,000 members

Germany&nbsp;would support legal action against&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;for under-delivering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19</a> vaccine doses to the EU, but the&nbsp;priority&nbsp;now&nbsp;should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday.

The European Commission is considering a&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;against the Swedish-British pharmaceutical giant for so far delivering just 31 million of the 120 million doses it had promised, according to EU diplomats.

Asked if he thought the&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;was a good idea, Spahn said: "If (the commission) decides to take legal action, then yes... but it's much more important to me that I get this vaccine."

Germany&nbsp;wants to "cooperate with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;to get as many deliveries as possible as quickly as possible", he said, adding that legal issues are "not yet a&nbsp;priority&nbsp;in this phase of the pandemic".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder">Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder</a>

EU diplomats said Thursday no final decision has been taken on legal action but the EU executive has informed member state envoys and wants them to confirm whether they would back a&nbsp;lawsuit.

"As you know,&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;is not delivering the number of doses which have been agreed upon in the contract... This is one of the reasons why we keep our options open together with member states to take any further steps," commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker said on Thursday.

One diplomat told AFP that "not all member states are in agreement" on taking the company to court, stressing that their aim was simply to have&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;deliver the doses it had promised in its contract.

Public confidence in the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;jab has taken a blow after the European Medicines Agency, the bloc's regulator, said it was likely linked to a very rare form of blood clot affecting the brain.&nbsp;

The EMA and the commission have not changed their stance on a general use of&nbsp;AstraZeneca, saying its benefits outweigh the risks, but several EU countries have restricted its use to older citizens.

The EU, however, is&nbsp;now&nbsp;increasingly relying on the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine for its rollout, which has been accelerating since the end of March.

Germany would support legal action against AstraZeneca for under-delivering Covid-19 vaccine doses to the EU, but the priority now should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday.

Germany would support legal action against AstraZeneca for under-delivering Covid-19 vaccine doses to the EU, but the priority now should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday. The European Commission is considering a lawsuit against the Swedish-British pharmaceutical giant for so far delivering just 31 million of the 120 million doses it had promised, according to EU diplomats. Asked if he thought the lawsuit was a good idea, Spahn said: "If (the commission) decides to take legal action, then yes... but it's much more important to me that I get this vaccine." Germany wants to "cooperate with AstraZeneca to get as many deliveries as possible as quickly as possible", he said, adding that legal issues are "not yet a priority in this phase of the pandemic". Also Read | Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder EU diplomats said Thursday no final decision has been taken on legal action but the EU executive has informed member state envoys and wants them to confirm whether they would back a lawsuit. "As you know, AstraZeneca is not delivering the number of doses which have been agreed upon in the contract... This is one of the reasons why we keep our options open together with member states to take any further steps," commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker said on Thursday. One diplomat told AFP that "not all member states are in agreement" on taking the company to court, stressing that their aim was simply to have AstraZeneca deliver the doses it had promised in its contract. Public confidence in the AstraZeneca jab has taken a blow after the European Medicines Agency, the bloc's regulator, said it was likely linked to a very rare form of blood clot affecting the brain. The EMA and the commission have not changed their stance on a general use of AstraZeneca, saying its benefits outweigh the risks, but several EU countries have restricted its use to older citizens. The EU, however, is now increasingly relying on the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine for its rollout, which has been accelerating since the end of March.

Germany says AstraZeneca lawsuit 'not priority' for now

It's a tough time for Berliners, coming out of five months of winter and a continuing lockdown, they are looking for a little colour in their lives. And that is being provided by Dariush Dinarvandi, who has put several thousand Easter decorations in the trees and the garden around his house.

Berlin resident lifts neighbours' mood with Easter-decorations

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.&nbsp;

Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence.&nbsp;

They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament.&nbsp;

Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin.&nbsp;

Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement.

German police were bracing for far-right protests and counter-demonstrations in Berlin on Saturday, with officers being called in from other parts of the country to support local law enforcement. Protests are planned by right-wing groups, including Reich Citizens, or Reichsbuerger, who do not recognise the authority of the modern German state, reports Xinhua news agency. The head of Berlin state's intelligence service, Michael Fischer, described these protesters as having clear extremist tendencies and willing to use violence. They are set to march from the Brandenburg Gate to the nearby Reichstag, the building that houses the German parliament. Left-wing counter-protesters have said they will gather to oppose the march. Meanwhile, a demonstration by critics of the government's coronavirus restrictions are planning their own rally at Alexanderplatz, a major transport hub and shopping area in central Berlin. Demonstrations last year in Berlin saw tens of thousands of Germans taking to the streets to protest lockdown measures, leading to violent confrontations with police and hundreds of people taken into custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Berlin braces for far-right protests, counter-demonstrations 

When Art meets technology, then comes augmented reality-based concept A-R Exhibitions. With access from anywhere, it gives art enthusiasts added advantage and convenience, this digital artwork exhibition was launched as part of the Berlin Fashion Week.

Berlin, Augmented Berlin: An A-R exhibition; Bringing art galleries to your phone

German police carried out early morning raids in 26 locations in Berlin and surrounding areas after Germany ban a radical Islamist group.

Germany: Police raid 26 locations in Berlin after banning radical Islamic group

Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel has promised that the lockdown will not last a day longer than necessary. Merkel told the Parliament that lockdown extensions were important to avoid the third wave of COVID-19.

COVID-19: Germany Chancellor Merkel says 'lockdown will not be extended further'

Germans say that they are ready to receive Russian's Sputnik V as the European Union is facing falt for slow inoculation. The Berlin residents have said that they will take the Russian jab as they have to accept whatever has been offered. Russian Scientists have given Sputnik V the green light saying that it's 92% effective.

Germans demand Russian vaccine amid slow rollout

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