Germany's Embassy in New Delhi is lauding India's digital infrastructure. It's being lauded as one of the country's success stories. This praise comes after Germany's federal Minister for digital, transport Volker Wissing took up UPI to make a transaction and was left fascinated. Talking to X formerly known as Twitter, the German Embassy said that it lauded how UPI enables everyone to make transactions in seconds.

India's UPI impresses Germany's digital and transport minister

German minister Volker Wissing was impressed after using UPI at market in India

The Haqqani Network's scion Anas Haqqani has criticised the Indian government and media, claiming that India's policy toward Afghanistan needs to change.

Speaking to WION correspondent Anas Mallick in an interview, he claimed the people of Afghanistan "understand India is not a true friend."

Refuting the news of a dispute in top Taliban leadership, Haqqani has said that there are no differences between Taliban leadership. He alleged that rumours of clashes within the Taliban leadership are being spread by elements linked to the former government of Ashraf Ghani.

He also said that Germany could be the first one to open its embassy in Afghanistan.

The exclusive, uncut interview is below:&nbsp;Anas Haqqani

WION: The US did a drone strike. What are your thoughts on this, and is there any coordination between the US and the Taliban?

Anas Haqqani: They target innocents. We don’t have any arrangements with the US on attacks or allowing them to use drones. We are not allowing Daesh [Islamic State], we can defeat them. If the US has any info, then they need to coordinate with us and we will act.

Zabihullah Mujahid and Ahmadullah Wasiq&nbsp;[Taliban leaders] have also condemned the drone strike. We said they were innocent after our detailed investigation.

WION: The Taliban say they have changed. If so, why are you not part of the cabinet as a young face?

Anas Haqqani: The Talibs have changed. Let's not narrow it down to one person. Government changes will be there. One constant thing will remain: the Taliban's patriotism and their Islamic side will remain.

WION: With regards to women diplomats and their movements, will there be any restrictions per se?

 
Anas Haqqani: There will be female diplomats present. They can work. There will be no restrictions on them, but there will be cultural values that everyone has to respect. 
 
WION: What If the US continues its presence in Afghanistan and people leave Afghanistan? 
 
Anas Haqqani: America being made to go out was a challenge, the reason people even went for suicide attacks. We do not want any outsiders. The people who made America leave Afghanistan are proud of it. Those who want to go out, can go out with their visa and passports, have their formalities completed and they can go. You can ask these questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as I do not have much information on this. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Will Special Immigrant Visa holders be allowed to leave? 
 
Anas Haqqani: Not my place to comment. Those who have formal visas and passports can go and it shouldn't be a problem. 
&nbsp; 
WION: On the UN blacklisting of 14 members of the Taliban govt, what is the way forward? 
 
Anas Haqqani: The talks in Doha, the Islamic Emirate stands by it. Blacklisting is a problem. America's biased attitude is there. They have failed on multiple occasions to stand by their promises. Perhaps they want the conflict to happen again. America's definition of peace is not clear and they flip-flop a lot. The international community too understands this. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are your thoughts on relations with India, given that it has a lot of developmental projects in Afghanistan? 
 
Anas Haqqani: Unfortunately, India has been biased and fuelling the fire of war for the past 20 years. As yet, India has not done anything for peace. As yet, their role has been negative. Even in the media, there is a reflection. It portrayed Talibs as very bad people. They need to change their policy towards Afghanistan.

The people of Afghanistan do understand because of the negativity and India is not a true friend. The Islamic Emirates police are to be diplomatic with everyone. It would be better that they should give up negativity and take positive steps so that the people can live with peace and a better life.

The Haqqani Network's scion Anas Haqqani has criticised the Indian government and media, claiming that India's policy toward Afghanistan needs to change. Speaking to WION correspondent Anas Mallick in an interview, he claimed the people of Afghanistan "understand India is not a true friend.

The Haqqani Network's scion Anas Haqqani has criticised the Indian government and media, claiming that India's policy toward Afghanistan needs to change. Speaking to WION correspondent Anas Mallick in an interview, he claimed the people of Afghanistan "understand India is not a true friend." Refuting the news of a dispute in top Taliban leadership, Haqqani has said that there are no differences between Taliban leadership. He alleged that rumours of clashes within the Taliban leadership are being spread by elements linked to the former government of Ashraf Ghani. He also said that Germany could be the first one to open its embassy in Afghanistan. The exclusive, uncut interview is below: Anas Haqqani WION: The US did a drone strike. What are your thoughts on this, and is there any coordination between the US and the Taliban? Anas Haqqani: They target innocents. We don’t have any arrangements with the US on attacks or allowing them to use drones. We are not allowing Daesh [Islamic State], we can defeat them. If the US has any info, then they need to coordinate with us and we will act. Zabihullah Mujahid and Ahmadullah Wasiq [Taliban leaders] have also condemned the drone strike. We said they were innocent after our detailed investigation. WION: The Taliban say they have changed. If so, why are you not part of the cabinet as a young face? Anas Haqqani: The Talibs have changed. Let's not narrow it down to one person. Government changes will be there. One constant thing will remain: the Taliban's patriotism and their Islamic side will remain. WION: With regards to women diplomats and their movements, will there be any restrictions per se? Anas Haqqani: There will be female diplomats present. They can work. There will be no restrictions on them, but there will be cultural values that everyone has to respect. WION: What If the US continues its presence in Afghanistan and people leave Afghanistan? Anas Haqqani: America being made to go out was a challenge, the reason people even went for suicide attacks. We do not want any outsiders. The people who made America leave Afghanistan are proud of it. Those who want to go out, can go out with their visa and passports, have their formalities completed and they can go. You can ask these questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as I do not have much information on this. WION: Will Special Immigrant Visa holders be allowed to leave? Anas Haqqani: Not my place to comment. Those who have formal visas and passports can go and it shouldn't be a problem. WION: On the UN blacklisting of 14 members of the Taliban govt, what is the way forward? Anas Haqqani: The talks in Doha, the Islamic Emirate stands by it. Blacklisting is a problem. America's biased attitude is there. They have failed on multiple occasions to stand by their promises. Perhaps they want the conflict to happen again. America's definition of peace is not clear and they flip-flop a lot. The international community too understands this. WION: What are your thoughts on relations with India, given that it has a lot of developmental projects in Afghanistan? Anas Haqqani: Unfortunately, India has been biased and fuelling the fire of war for the past 20 years. As yet, India has not done anything for peace. As yet, their role has been negative. Even in the media, there is a reflection. It portrayed Talibs as very bad people. They need to change their policy towards Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan do understand because of the negativity and India is not a true friend. The Islamic Emirates police are to be diplomatic with everyone. It would be better that they should give up negativity and take positive steps so that the people can live with peace and a better life.

Afghanistan: Haqqani network's Anas Haqqani says India is 'not a true friend'

Having taken up his post as Germany's ambassador to China merely two weeks ago, Jan Hecker unexpectedly passed away today, the foreign office of Germany declared on Monday.

It was not yet known what caused the death.

"It is with deep sadness and dismay that we learned of the sudden death of the German ambassador to China," said Germany's Federal Foreign Office on its website.

During a regular media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed condolences over Hecker's death.

"We are shocked to learn about the sudden death of Ambassador&nbsp;Hecker, who had been working actively to promote China-Germany relations since assuming his post," he said.

Hecker's family and the embassy will receive assistance from China, he added.

Last Friday, Hecker hosted an event about German artist Joseph Beuys at his Beijing home. The attendees of the event described him as "happy and all right."

At the German embassy in Beijing, the flags of the European Union and Germany flew at half-mast on Monday.

Reuters reports that Hecker, 54, a foreign policy adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel, presented his credentials at the Chinese foreign ministry on Aug. 24.

The German embassy reported that Hecker arrived in China on Aug. 1, and that, as with all arrivals, he would have had to spend time in quarantine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Having taken up his post as Germany's ambassador to China merely two weeks ago, Jan Hecker unexpectedly passed away today, the foreign office of Germany declared on Monday.

Having taken up his post as Germany's ambassador to China merely two weeks ago, Jan Hecker unexpectedly passed away today, the foreign office of Germany declared on Monday. It was not yet known what caused the death. "It is with deep sadness and dismay that we learned of the sudden death of the German ambassador to China," said Germany's Federal Foreign Office on its website. During a regular media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed condolences over Hecker's death. "We are shocked to learn about the sudden death of Ambassador Hecker, who had been working actively to promote China-Germany relations since assuming his post," he said. Hecker's family and the embassy will receive assistance from China, he added. Last Friday, Hecker hosted an event about German artist Joseph Beuys at his Beijing home. The attendees of the event described him as "happy and all right." At the German embassy in Beijing, the flags of the European Union and Germany flew at half-mast on Monday. Reuters reports that Hecker, 54, a foreign policy adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel, presented his credentials at the Chinese foreign ministry on Aug. 24. The German embassy reported that Hecker arrived in China on Aug. 1, and that, as with all arrivals, he would have had to spend time in quarantine. (With inputs from agencies)

German ambassador to China Jan Hecker suddenly dies just two weeks into the job

Student-led protests that began by demanding the removal of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military ruler, have also become the biggest challenge in decades to a monarchy

Thai protesters march on German embassy to seek probe of king

A labyrinth of concrete blast walls, spotlights, and checkpoints are eating up ever more of Kabul, standing in stark contrast to a similar area in Iraq's Baghdad where easing tensions have seen its barricades come down.

The tale of the two "Green Zones" provides a snapshot of the dramatically changing nature of the Afghan conflict, long overshadowed by the war in Iraq where multiple insurgencies following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003 turned Baghdad into a warzone.

But following the so-called Islamic State group's loss of territory in Syria and Iraq, Baghdad has experienced a sharp reduction in violence.

AFP reported recently on the reopening of Baghdad's Green Zone, with hundreds of streets long sealed off from the public opened as Iraq gets back on its feet after decades of conflict.

Not so in central Kabul, once known as a city of gardens and revered by Babur, the nature-loving founder of the Mughal empire.

Today its once-leafy avenues are increasingly blocked by concrete. Towering blast walls continue to expand along with the addition of an already dizzying number of checkpoints that keep traffic perennially gridlocked and residents stressed across the city.

The expansion began with a devastating truck bomb near the Green Zone in 2017 that killed some 150 people and wounded hundreds more, becoming the deadliest attack since the US invasion of 2001.&nbsp;

It caused extensive damage to the nearby German Embassy, among other buildings, and blew windows out hundreds of metres away.

Shortly after, officials announced that they were expanding the ring of steel around the heart of the city - though with more than a hundred of ways into Kabul they have admitted it is impossible to control all entrances.

Trucks entering Kabul en route to the area must now pass through a new sophisticated scanner near the airport to detect explosives, often waiting hours before they can proceed.

Congestion has grown as more of the area, which contains some of Kabul's key traffic arteries, is sealed off - a security concern, with bombers often targeting rush hour.&nbsp;

Diplomats are increasingly avoiding the roads, opting for expensive minutes-long helicopter flights to the city's airport. Diesel generators add to the roar of the choppers passing every few minutes over once tranquil streets.

Only a tiny portion of the Afghan population is allowed to enter the Green Zone, where vehicles are scanned again and armed sentries at myriad checkpoints inspect cars further.

Most Kabul residents have been locked out of the area for years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The last time I drove my taxi there was during the Taliban rule," recalls Shir Mohammad, a 48-year-old taxi driver.

'Ugly city'&nbsp;

The zone, originally established in 2001 and encompassing buildings such as NATO headquarters and the presidential palace, is classified as "green" in security lingo, while most other areas in the capital are labelled "red" due to their high-threat levels.

In the years after the invasion, as security deteriorated across Afghanistan, the resurgent Taliban and in recent years IS stepped up their attacks on Kabul.&nbsp;

Attacks have dipped slightly in recent months, as the US and Taliban hold ongoing talks aimed at ending the nearly 18-year-old conflict.

But even if a breakthrough comes the threat from other insurgent groups remains, and Kabul officials say they are moving forward with the plans to expand the Green Zone.&nbsp;

The expansion is planned mostly at the north end of the Green Zone near the airport, with the ultimate aim of building a new access road, a security official requesting anonymity tells AFP.

The plans have gotten off to a slow start, the official admits, saying hundreds of land plots must first be levelled and its owners relocated to a new area.

Several officials questioned by AFP refused to speak about the specifics of the project, citing security concerns.&nbsp;

Kabul residents, often trapped in their cars as helicopters travelling in and out of the Green Zone whir overhead, are hopeful the situation will not last forever.

"If the Green Zone opens again it will dramatically ease the traffic pressure in the city," suggests Mohammad.

Shukrullah Khan, another Kabul resident, is anxiously awaiting the day when it "opens up to the public and the blast walls are removed from the city".

"Kabul has become an ugly city," he adds. "They should move the Green Zone to the outskirts."

A labyrinth of concrete blast walls, spotlights, and checkpoints are eating up ever more of Kabul, standing in stark contrast to a similar area in Iraq's Baghdad where easing tensions have seen its barricades come down.

A labyrinth of concrete blast walls, spotlights, and checkpoints are eating up ever more of Kabul, standing in stark contrast to a similar area in Iraq's Baghdad where easing tensions have seen its barricades come down. The tale of the two "Green Zones" provides a snapshot of the dramatically changing nature of the Afghan conflict, long overshadowed by the war in Iraq where multiple insurgencies following the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003 turned Baghdad into a warzone. But following the so-called Islamic State group's loss of territory in Syria and Iraq, Baghdad has experienced a sharp reduction in violence. AFP reported recently on the reopening of Baghdad's Green Zone, with hundreds of streets long sealed off from the public opened as Iraq gets back on its feet after decades of conflict. Not so in central Kabul, once known as a city of gardens and revered by Babur, the nature-loving founder of the Mughal empire. Today its once-leafy avenues are increasingly blocked by concrete. Towering blast walls continue to expand along with the addition of an already dizzying number of checkpoints that keep traffic perennially gridlocked and residents stressed across the city. The expansion began with a devastating truck bomb near the Green Zone in 2017 that killed some 150 people and wounded hundreds more, becoming the deadliest attack since the US invasion of 2001. It caused extensive damage to the nearby German Embassy, among other buildings, and blew windows out hundreds of metres away. Shortly after, officials announced that they were expanding the ring of steel around the heart of the city - though with more than a hundred of ways into Kabul they have admitted it is impossible to control all entrances. Trucks entering Kabul en route to the area must now pass through a new sophisticated scanner near the airport to detect explosives, often waiting hours before they can proceed. Congestion has grown as more of the area, which contains some of Kabul's key traffic arteries, is sealed off - a security concern, with bombers often targeting rush hour. Diplomats are increasingly avoiding the roads, opting for expensive minutes-long helicopter flights to the city's airport. Diesel generators add to the roar of the choppers passing every few minutes over once tranquil streets. Only a tiny portion of the Afghan population is allowed to enter the Green Zone, where vehicles are scanned again and armed sentries at myriad checkpoints inspect cars further. Most Kabul residents have been locked out of the area for years. "The last time I drove my taxi there was during the Taliban rule," recalls Shir Mohammad, a 48-year-old taxi driver. 'Ugly city' The zone, originally established in 2001 and encompassing buildings such as NATO headquarters and the presidential palace, is classified as "green" in security lingo, while most other areas in the capital are labelled "red" due to their high-threat levels. In the years after the invasion, as security deteriorated across Afghanistan, the resurgent Taliban and in recent years IS stepped up their attacks on Kabul. Attacks have dipped slightly in recent months, as the US and Taliban hold ongoing talks aimed at ending the nearly 18-year-old conflict. But even if a breakthrough comes the threat from other insurgent groups remains, and Kabul officials say they are moving forward with the plans to expand the Green Zone. The expansion is planned mostly at the north end of the Green Zone near the airport, with the ultimate aim of building a new access road, a security official requesting anonymity tells AFP. The plans have gotten off to a slow start, the official admits, saying hundreds of land plots must first be levelled and its owners relocated to a new area. Several officials questioned by AFP refused to speak about the specifics of the project, citing security concerns. Kabul residents, often trapped in their cars as helicopters travelling in and out of the Green Zone whir overhead, are hopeful the situation will not last forever. "If the Green Zone opens again it will dramatically ease the traffic pressure in the city," suggests Mohammad. Shukrullah Khan, another Kabul resident, is anxiously awaiting the day when it "opens up to the public and the blast walls are removed from the city". "Kabul has become an ugly city," he adds. "They should move the Green Zone to the outskirts."

From Kabul to Baghdad, a tale of two 'Green Zones'

On 5th International Yoga Day in 2019, German Envoy says, ''Yoga Brings Happiness; Brings Brain, Body & Soul Together'' Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: German Envoy says, ''Yoga Brings Happiness''

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