Germany and Poland have hit out at each other over investigation into the Nord Stream explosions Germany has accused Poland of sabotaging the investigation. Poland has denied the accusation claiming it is investigating a possible Russian hand in the attack.

Nord Stream blast probe: Germany accuses Poland of not arresting Nord Stream suspect

Ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India, Berlin is keen to further boost green energy ties with New Delhi. Germany has offered to share its expertise with India in the renewable energy domain.

Ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India, Berlin is keen to further boost green energy ties with New Delhi. Germany has offered to share its expertise with India in the renewable energy domain. Uwe Gehlen, head of development cooperation at the German Embassy in New Delhi, said "I can say for sure that we are just a call away! Our partnership with India is not just about technology transfer; it is about supporting India's leadership, along with other countries, in this global energy transition.” Speaking at the Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP) conversation series, the diplomat pointed out, “By sharing our expertise, fostering regulatory frameworks, and building local capacities, we aim to catalyze a rapid shift towards sustainable energy, leveraging our combined strengths for a cleaner, more resilient future." Also read: Volkswagen announces potential plant closures in Germany amid cost-cutting drive India, which is the world's most populous country, is pursuing an ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity for electricity generation, along with 125 GW for green hydrogen production by 2030. In New Delhi's growing green energy ambition, Berlin is keen to be an important and helpful partner. Dr Ajay Mathur, director general of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), who was present at the occasion said, “the partnership between India and Germany is a powerful example of how global cooperation can drive the clean energy agenda forward. India’s leadership, in collaboration with Germany, can significantly accelerate the deployment of renewable technologies like solar”. Meanwhile, Dinesh Dayanand Jagdale from India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy spoke about the country's journey in this segment and the future course of action. "We are at 205 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, and our aim is to more than double this by 2030," he said. Also read: War imminent? Germany activates air-defence system owing to Russian threat The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) between India and Germany was initiated in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. It provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries in alignment with the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the goals of the Paris Agreement. As part of this is the GSDP Conversation Series which aims at the development of this partnership through regular networking and idea sharing. It was signed on the occasion of the 6th Indo-German Cabinet Consultations held in Berlin in May 2022. In October 2024, the 7th Indo-German Cabinet Consultations will be held in New Delhi. Interestingly, Germany will be participating in RE-INVEST 2024 as a partner country. RE-INVEST is India’s premier platform for showcasing its renewable energy potential to the world.

Germany boosts green energy ties with India ahead of Chancellor Scholz's visit

According to the Berlin Zoo, the two-week-old panda twins in the Berlin Zoo are developing splendidly. "They have now more than doubled their birth weight and currently weigh 510g and 450g," the zoo said. The typical black and white panda look is also becoming more and more apparent.

Two-week old Panda twin cubs at Berlin Zoo makes heads turn

German police shot dead an armed man after an exchange of fire near the Israeli consulate in central Munich on Thursday, officers said. The suspects motive is still under investigation.

Munich Shooting: German Police labels Munich shooting as a terrorist attack

Germany's military put the first Iris-T air-defence system into service on its own soil Wednesday having delivered several of them to war-torn Ukraine to intercept Russian rockets, drones and missiles.

Germany deploys first IRIS-T SLM on its soil

Russian strikes keeps Germany on its toes

Germany activates air defence system citing Russian threat

Germany's military put the first Iris-T air-defence system into service on its own soil Wednesday (Sep 4) having delivered several of them to war-torn Ukraine to intercept Russian rockets, drones and missiles.

Germany's military put the first Iris-T air-defence system into service on its own soil Wednesday (Sep 4) having delivered several of them to war-torn Ukraine to intercept Russian rockets, drones and missiles. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the surface-to-air system was part of a build-up of German and European defences launched after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the Ukraine invasion in 2022. "Russia has been massively rearming for many years, especially in the field of rockets and cruise missiles," Scholz said at the inauguration ceremony at a base in Todendorf near the northern city of Hamburg. Putin had broken disarmament treaties and "deployed missiles as far as Kaliningrad", a Russian exclave located some 530 kilometres (330 miles) from Berlin, he added. "It would be negligent not to respond to this appropriately," the chancellor said. "A failure to act would put peace at risk. I will not allow that." Scholz, who was joined by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, said the system was part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, which also includes long-range defences against ballistic missiles. The German military has ordered six of the Iris-T SLM systems at a total cost of 950 million euros ($1 million) from manufacturer Diehl Defence, to be delivered by May 2027. Also read | Ukraine war: Kyiv plans to indefinitely hold Russian territory it seized, says Zelensky Iris-T success in Ukraine Germany, the second-largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine after the United States, has already supplied four Iris-T SLM systems to Ukraine and pledged another eight. Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov was visiting Germany on Wednesday, a day after a Russian missile attack killed at least 51 people in the Ukrainian city of Poltava, one of the single deadliest bombardments of the war. The Iris-T systems sent to Ukraine feature truck-mounted launchers that fire missiles to intercept aerial threats at a range of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles). Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Germany shocks allies with plans to halve Ukraine aid × Scholz said that "in Ukraine, Iris-T has shot down over 250 rockets, drones and cruise missiles to date and saved countless lives". The German leader said that Europe, aside from defensive systems, would also need more precision missiles of its own "so that there is no dangerous gap with Russia in this strategically important field". In July, Washington and Berlin announced that the "episodic deployments" of long-range US missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, to Germany would begin in 2026. Scholz stressed that "our sole concern is to deter potential attackers. Every attack on us must mean a risk for the attacker. Our concern is to secure peace here and prevent war, and nothing else." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

War imminent? Germany activates air-defence system owing to Russian threat

Germany striker Niclas Fuellkrug said Wednesday he hoped the retirement of several experienced players could be an advantage for the new-look side.

Germany face Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday, having said goodbye to 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, while captain Ilkay Gundogan has also retired since the home Euros in the summer.

Joshua Kimmich was named Germany captain on Monday and Fuellkrug, who at 31 is now one of the more experienced members of the squad despite making his debut in 2022, said his side would be hungrier.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-record-speaks-viral-olympics-breakdancer-claims-she-is-australias-best-b-girl-755865">'My record speaks...': Viral Olympics breakdancer claims she is Australia's best B-girl</a>

"We've lost players with an incredible amount of experience and success. As Jo (Kimmich) said yesterday, we've got no more world champions in the team.&nbsp;

"Of course it's a disadvantage, but we want to turn it into an advantage. We want to be a troupe which may be inexperienced but we're hungry, greedy for success."

Fuellkrug said a team that had not won anything "wants success just a bit more than a group that has had it".

Fuellkrug singled out Mueller's absence, saying Germany was already missing one of the country's best-known characters, both on and off the pitch.&nbsp;

"When he walks into the room he has a real presence. Since he left, of course, it's been a bit quieter," Fuellkrug said smiling. "But we still miss him."

The centre-forward has 13 goals from 21 games for Germany, coming off the bench in all but six of those matches.

Fuellkrug moved from Borussia Dortmund to Premier League side West Ham United in the summer, having spent his entire career in Germany.&nbsp;

He is yet to score or assist in four games in England, three of which he came from the bench.

"I still need a bit more time to settle in," Fuellkrug said, adding that the Premier League was "more physical and dynamic, but less tactical" than the Bundesliga.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Germany striker Niclas Fuellkrug said Wednesday he hoped the retirement of several experienced players could be an advantage for the new-look side. Germany face Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday, having said goodbye to 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, while captain Ilkay Gundogan has also retired since the home Euros in the summer.

Germany striker Niclas Fuellkrug said Wednesday he hoped the retirement of several experienced players could be an advantage for the new-look side. Germany face Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday, having said goodbye to 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, while captain Ilkay Gundogan has also retired since the home Euros in the summer. Joshua Kimmich was named Germany captain on Monday and Fuellkrug, who at 31 is now one of the more experienced members of the squad despite making his debut in 2022, said his side would be hungrier. Also Read: 'My record speaks...': Viral Olympics breakdancer claims she is Australia's best B-girl "We've lost players with an incredible amount of experience and success. As Jo (Kimmich) said yesterday, we've got no more world champions in the team. "Of course it's a disadvantage, but we want to turn it into an advantage. We want to be a troupe which may be inexperienced but we're hungry, greedy for success." Fuellkrug said a team that had not won anything "wants success just a bit more than a group that has had it". Fuellkrug singled out Mueller's absence, saying Germany was already missing one of the country's best-known characters, both on and off the pitch. "When he walks into the room he has a real presence. Since he left, of course, it's been a bit quieter," Fuellkrug said smiling. "But we still miss him." The centre-forward has 13 goals from 21 games for Germany, coming off the bench in all but six of those matches. Fuellkrug moved from Borussia Dortmund to Premier League side West Ham United in the summer, having spent his entire career in Germany. He is yet to score or assist in four games in England, three of which he came from the bench. "I still need a bit more time to settle in," Fuellkrug said, adding that the Premier League was "more physical and dynamic, but less tactical" than the Bundesliga. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Greedy for success...,' says striker Niclas Fuellkrug about new look Germany

The far-right Alternative for Germany won its first state election in the country's east on Sunday and was expected to finish at least a close second to mainstream conservatives in a second poll, according to estimates.

Far-right party wins first German state election

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD.

The contests in Thuringia and Saxony come just over a week after three people were killed in a suspected Islamist attack, which has fuelled a bitter debate over immigration in Germany.

Opinion polls have the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while also predicting a strong showing for the upstart far-left BSW.

Also watch |&nbsp;Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections

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The two parties have found a receptive audience in the eastern states for their criticism of the government in Berlin and of military aid to Ukraine.

An election victory for the AfD would be a landmark in Germany's post-war history and represent a rebuke for Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025.

In both states, Scholz's Social Democrats are polling at around six per cent, while their coalition partners, the Greens and the liberal FDP, lag even further behind.

But even if the AfD does come out on top in the elections, it is unlikely to come to power because other parties have ruled out working with the far right to form a government.

Voting stations close at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), with the first exit polls expected shortly after.

<h2>Far-right rise</h2>

Created in 2013 as an anti-euro group before morphing into an anti-immigration party, the AfD has capitalised on the fractious three-way coalition in Berlin to rise in opinion polls.

In June's EU Parliament elections, the party scored a record 15.9 per cent overall and did especially well in eastern Germany, where it emerged as the biggest force.

Saxony is the most populous of the former East German states and has been a conservative stronghold since reunification.&nbsp;

Thuringia, meanwhile, is more rural and the only state currently led by the far-left Die Linke, a successor of East Germany's ruling communist party.

A third former East German state, Brandenburg, is also due to hold an election later in September, where polls have the AfD ahead on around 24 per cent.

The picture in each state is slightly different but "in any case, it is clear that the AfD will unite a very strong number of votes behind it", Marianne Kneuer, a professor of politics at the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), told AFP.

The AfD has found stronger support in the east, where more voters "identify with its nationalist and authoritarian positions," and many are dissatisfied with the mainstream parties, Kneuer said.

At the party's last campaign meeting on Saturday in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, Thorsten Haentzsche, a 52-year-old voter, said he was "dreaming of an absolute majority" for the AfD.&nbsp;

"But we are realistic. A score of at least 33 per cent would be great because it would give us a blocking minority in the (regional) parliament," he said.

<h2>New challenger</h2>

Dissatisfaction with the government has also fed support for BSW, founded in January by the firebrand politician Sahra Wagenknecht after she quit Die Linke.

Like the AfD, Wagenknecht and her party have made hay with a dovish stance towards Russia and calls for a radical crackdown on immigration.

BSW scored an immediate success in June's European elections, hauling in around six percent of the German vote, and is polling a strong third in Saxony and Thuringia.

Other parties' refusal to work with the AfD leaves BSW as potentially the kingmaker in Thuringia and Saxony, despite serious policy disagreements with potential partners, especially on Ukraine.&nbsp;

The run-up to the votes in Saxony and Thuringia has, however, been dominated by an outcry over immigration stirred up by the deadly stabbing in the western city of Solingen.

The alleged attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian man with suspected links to the Islamic State group, was slated for deportation but evaded attempts by authorities to remove him.&nbsp;

The government has sought to respond to the alarm by announcing stricter knife controls and rules for migrants in Germany illegally.

The conservative CDU, which holds hopes of winning both elections, has said the initial measures do not go far enough and urged a halt to arrivals from Syria and Afghanistan.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD.

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD. The contests in Thuringia and Saxony come just over a week after three people were killed in a suspected Islamist attack, which has fuelled a bitter debate over immigration in Germany. Opinion polls have the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while also predicting a strong showing for the upstart far-left BSW. Also watch | Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections × The two parties have found a receptive audience in the eastern states for their criticism of the government in Berlin and of military aid to Ukraine. An election victory for the AfD would be a landmark in Germany's post-war history and represent a rebuke for Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025. In both states, Scholz's Social Democrats are polling at around six per cent, while their coalition partners, the Greens and the liberal FDP, lag even further behind. But even if the AfD does come out on top in the elections, it is unlikely to come to power because other parties have ruled out working with the far right to form a government. Voting stations close at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), with the first exit polls expected shortly after. Far-right rise Created in 2013 as an anti-euro group before morphing into an anti-immigration party, the AfD has capitalised on the fractious three-way coalition in Berlin to rise in opinion polls. In June's EU Parliament elections, the party scored a record 15.9 per cent overall and did especially well in eastern Germany, where it emerged as the biggest force. Saxony is the most populous of the former East German states and has been a conservative stronghold since reunification. Thuringia, meanwhile, is more rural and the only state currently led by the far-left Die Linke, a successor of East Germany's ruling communist party. A third former East German state, Brandenburg, is also due to hold an election later in September, where polls have the AfD ahead on around 24 per cent. The picture in each state is slightly different but "in any case, it is clear that the AfD will unite a very strong number of votes behind it", Marianne Kneuer, a professor of politics at the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), told AFP. The AfD has found stronger support in the east, where more voters "identify with its nationalist and authoritarian positions," and many are dissatisfied with the mainstream parties, Kneuer said. At the party's last campaign meeting on Saturday in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, Thorsten Haentzsche, a 52-year-old voter, said he was "dreaming of an absolute majority" for the AfD. "But we are realistic. A score of at least 33 per cent would be great because it would give us a blocking minority in the (regional) parliament," he said. New challenger Dissatisfaction with the government has also fed support for BSW, founded in January by the firebrand politician Sahra Wagenknecht after she quit Die Linke. Like the AfD, Wagenknecht and her party have made hay with a dovish stance towards Russia and calls for a radical crackdown on immigration. BSW scored an immediate success in June's European elections, hauling in around six percent of the German vote, and is polling a strong third in Saxony and Thuringia. Other parties' refusal to work with the AfD leaves BSW as potentially the kingmaker in Thuringia and Saxony, despite serious policy disagreements with potential partners, especially on Ukraine. The run-up to the votes in Saxony and Thuringia has, however, been dominated by an outcry over immigration stirred up by the deadly stabbing in the western city of Solingen. The alleged attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian man with suspected links to the Islamic State group, was slated for deportation but evaded attempts by authorities to remove him. The government has sought to respond to the alarm by announcing stricter knife controls and rules for migrants in Germany illegally. The conservative CDU, which holds hopes of winning both elections, has said the initial measures do not go far enough and urged a halt to arrivals from Syria and Afghanistan. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German regions go to polls amid expected surge of far-right AfD

German authorities have ordered Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the leader of the now-banned Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), to leave the country within two weeks. Hamburg’s interior ministry said on Thursday (August 29) that Mofatteh must depart by September 11, or face deportation.

German authorities have ordered Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh, the leader of the now-banned Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH), to leave the country within two weeks. Hamburg’s interior ministry said on Thursday (August 29) that Mofatteh must depart by September 11, or face deportation. Who is Mohammad Hadi Mofatteh? Mofatteh has been in charge of the IZH since the summer of 2018. According to Hamburg’s domestic intelligence agency, he served as the official representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Germany during his tenure at the IZH. Also Read: Iran to deliver calculated response to 'Zionist' regime in Israel, claims armed forces chief Following Germany’s decision in July to ban the IZH and its affiliated organisations for "pursuing radical Islamist goals," social media platforms and websites linked to the IZH have also been blocked in the country. Stricter security measures in Germany following deadly stabbing in Solingen German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Thursday (August 29) that the government will introduce stricter measures following a deadly stabbing at a festival in Solingen. Faeser said, "tough measures" are being prepared to address the threat posed by such incidents. The new rules will include banning knives at festivals, sports events, and similar public gatherings. Also Read: Israel agrees to 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza to combat polio outbreak Additionally, the interior minister said that Germany would withhold benefits payments to migrants who are set to be deported to other European Union countries. The announcement comes after the knife attack in Solingen during the "Festival of Diversity", where three people including two men aged 56 and 67 and a 56-year-old woman were killed and eight others injured by a 26-year-old Syrian man believed to have ties to the Islamic State group. Who's the suspect behind Solingen stabbing? The Syrian man, who arrived in Germany in December 2022 under a protected immigration status granted often given to those fleeing war-torn Syria, confessed to the crime and turned himself in. The attack has intensified the ongoing debate over immigration in Germany and increased pressure on the government as elections approach. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany expels head of banned Muslim group; prepares stricter measures after Solingen knife attack

The German government on Thursday announced a proposed package of tighter security and asylum measures following a deadly stabbing spree linked to Islamic State that has fuelled far-right opposition and criticism of Berlin's migration policies.

Germany mass-stabbing: German coalition govt discusses harsher rules for asylum seekers

#Gravitas For nearly 36 months, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl hailing from Thane district has been separated from her parents and placed in foster care in Germany. The incident has sparked concerns and diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing her back to India. As per reports, India's Ministry of External Affairs is actively working to secure the return of the young girl and reunite her with her parents.

Indian Girl Taken Away from Parents in Germany Three Years Ago

According to a report by CNBC, the harmonised German consumer price index eased to 2 per cent in August, preliminary data from the country’s statistics office Destatis said Thursday. This was lower than the 2.3 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts. The poll forecasted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would be 2.3 per cent.&nbsp;

This decline in inflation can be attributed to several key factors, such as the reduction of energy costs, weakening core inflation, lower-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI), and fading growth momentum.&nbsp;

In July, the harmonised CPI figure was 2.6 per cent on an annual basis. Further, the harmonised CPI dipped by 0.2 per cent on a monthly basis. Inflation readings are harmonised in the euro area and in the European Union to ensure comparability. This is done through the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices.&nbsp;

What Is the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and its relevance?&nbsp;

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is a measure of inflation in the European Union (EU). It reflects change over time in the prices paid by households for a representative basket of goods and services.&nbsp;

The European Central Bank (ECB) uses the HICP for Eurozone, comprising the 20 European Union states, using the euro common currency to pursue its price stability objective, defined as 2 per cent annualised inflation over the medium term.&nbsp;

How was the core inflation number as per the nation’s statistics office?

Core inflation, which strips out energy and food costs, came in at 2.8 per cent compared with the same period last year, slightly lower than the 2.9 per cent in July. Destatis data showed a 5.1 per cent annual drop in energy costs in August.&nbsp;

Several major German states had reported easing inflation earlier in the day Thursday. The data came a day before euro area inflation figures. They are due to be released, which investors will be closely watching for clues about the outlook for forthcoming interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank.&nbsp;

Questions about a potential September rate trim have been swirling after the central bank held rates steady in July. It had reduced interest rates in June.&nbsp;

“If confirmed by tomorrow’s eurozone inflation data, today’s German data should make the decision to cut interest rates at the September meeting a bit easier for the ECB,” Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro for ING Research, said in a note Thursday.&nbsp;

“Fading inflationary pressure combined with fading growth momentum offers an almost perfect macro backdrop for another rate cut.”&nbsp;

However, forward-looking inflation indicators, including wage growth and selling price expectations, suggest caution is still needed, Brzeski noted.

According to a report by CNBC, the harmonised German consumer price index eased to 2 per cent in August, preliminary data from the country’s statistics office Destatis said Thursday.

According to a report by CNBC, the harmonised German consumer price index eased to 2 per cent in August, preliminary data from the country’s statistics office Destatis said Thursday. This was lower than the 2.3 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts. The poll forecasted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would be 2.3 per cent. This decline in inflation can be attributed to several key factors, such as the reduction of energy costs, weakening core inflation, lower-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI), and fading growth momentum. In July, the harmonised CPI figure was 2.6 per cent on an annual basis. Further, the harmonised CPI dipped by 0.2 per cent on a monthly basis. Inflation readings are harmonised in the euro area and in the European Union to ensure comparability. This is done through the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices. What Is the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and its relevance? The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is a measure of inflation in the European Union (EU). It reflects change over time in the prices paid by households for a representative basket of goods and services. The European Central Bank (ECB) uses the HICP for Eurozone, comprising the 20 European Union states, using the euro common currency to pursue its price stability objective, defined as 2 per cent annualised inflation over the medium term. How was the core inflation number as per the nation’s statistics office? Core inflation, which strips out energy and food costs, came in at 2.8 per cent compared with the same period last year, slightly lower than the 2.9 per cent in July. Destatis data showed a 5.1 per cent annual drop in energy costs in August. Several major German states had reported easing inflation earlier in the day Thursday. The data came a day before euro area inflation figures. They are due to be released, which investors will be closely watching for clues about the outlook for forthcoming interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank. Questions about a potential September rate trim have been swirling after the central bank held rates steady in July. It had reduced interest rates in June. “If confirmed by tomorrow’s eurozone inflation data, today’s German data should make the decision to cut interest rates at the September meeting a bit easier for the ECB,” Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro for ING Research, said in a note Thursday. “Fading inflationary pressure combined with fading growth momentum offers an almost perfect macro backdrop for another rate cut.” However, forward-looking inflation indicators, including wage growth and selling price expectations, suggest caution is still needed, Brzeski noted.

Why has German inflation posted a surprise drop to 2% in August?

State elections are approaching in the East German states and German far-right is banking on its renewable energy in its bid to secure its first electoral victory. Watch in for more details!

Far-right AfD leads in polls in state elections in East Germany

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first stop in Berlin during his two-day visit to Germany and France. Watch in for more details!

UK PM's Germany outreach: Germany & UK may ink defence treaty in 2025

UK PM Keir Starmer in Germany, Germany & UK may ink defence treaty in 2025

Germany, once a beacon of economic stability in Europe, is now facing a growing crisis. The IFO business climate index, a key indicator of economic sentiment, has plummeted to its lowest level in months. This signals a significant downturn in the German economy.

Germany faces recession risk as economic indicators worsen

The world’s oldest sloth has died. Named Jan, the 54-year-old sloth lived at the zoo in the western German city of Krefeld. The zoo in a statement said Jan passed away last week. Born in 1969, it first lived in Hamburg's Hagenbeck Zoo and later spent the last 38 years of its life at Krefeld Zoo.

"It was very difficult for his keepers to say goodbye to him, as some of them had known and cared for him for over 25 years,” the zoo said in a statement.

Jan&nbsp;made headlines in 2021 when he was declared the "Oldest sloth in human care” by the Guinness World Records.

Notably, the previous title of the world’s oldest sloth was also held by a German sloth, from a zoo in the eastern city of Halle. The sloth was called Paula.

As the Krefeld zoo bid adieu to Jan, they highlighted why it was called ‘record sloth’, “not only because of his age, but also because of his high number of offspring," the zoo stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiEwKzsu5WIAxWIUGwGHRolFjAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bed-rotting-sleepy-girl-mocktail-and-more-americans-adopt-viral-sleep-trends-753701" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/bed-rotting-sleepy-girl-mocktail-and-more-americans-adopt-viral-sleep-trends-753701&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEwKzsu5WIAxWIUGwGHRolFjAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">`Bed rotting`, `sleepy girl mocktail` and more: Americans adopt viral sleep trends</a>

According to DW, Jan fathered a whopping 22 sloth pups at Krefeld, with its partners Lolita and Trine. Its age didn’t stop him from fathering the last kid, a baby girl, in March of this year.

According to Guinness World Records, it was believed to be in great shape back in March, as claimed by its keepers. The zoo had nominated April 30 as its birthday and used to celebrate every year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiEwKzsu5WIAxWIUGwGHRolFjAQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-tiktok-star-loses-very-demure-very-mindful-trademark-to-someone-else-753681" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-tiktok-star-loses-very-demure-very-mindful-trademark-to-someone-else-753681&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEwKzsu5WIAxWIUGwGHRolFjAQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">TikTok star loses 'very demure, very mindful' trademark to someone else</a>

Two-toed sloths generally live up to 20 years. It means that Jan died after having witnessed more than double the life expectancy.

However, as per experts, they generally live longer, up to 30-40 years, in captivity. They feed on leaves, fruit, and tree sap, but eat very little because it takes them ages to digest food. Apparently, their stomachs are also like them only—slow.

(With inputs from agencies)

The world’s oldest sloth has died. Named Jan, the 54-year-old sloth lived at the zoo in the western German city of Krefeld. The zoo in a statement said Jan passed away last week.

The world’s oldest sloth has died. Named Jan, the 54-year-old sloth lived at the zoo in the western German city of Krefeld. The zoo in a statement said Jan passed away last week. Born in 1969, it first lived in Hamburg's Hagenbeck Zoo and later spent the last 38 years of its life at Krefeld Zoo. "It was very difficult for his keepers to say goodbye to him, as some of them had known and cared for him for over 25 years,” the zoo said in a statement. Jan made headlines in 2021 when he was declared the "Oldest sloth in human care” by the Guinness World Records. Notably, the previous title of the world’s oldest sloth was also held by a German sloth, from a zoo in the eastern city of Halle. The sloth was called Paula. As the Krefeld zoo bid adieu to Jan, they highlighted why it was called ‘record sloth’, “not only because of his age, but also because of his high number of offspring," the zoo stated. Also read: `Bed rotting`, `sleepy girl mocktail` and more: Americans adopt viral sleep trends According to DW, Jan fathered a whopping 22 sloth pups at Krefeld, with its partners Lolita and Trine. Its age didn’t stop him from fathering the last kid, a baby girl, in March of this year. According to Guinness World Records, it was believed to be in great shape back in March, as claimed by its keepers. The zoo had nominated April 30 as its birthday and used to celebrate every year. Also read: TikTok star loses 'very demure, very mindful' trademark to someone else Two-toed sloths generally live up to 20 years. It means that Jan died after having witnessed more than double the life expectancy. However, as per experts, they generally live longer, up to 30-40 years, in captivity. They feed on leaves, fruit, and tree sap, but eat very little because it takes them ages to digest food. Apparently, their stomachs are also like them only—slow. (With inputs from agencies)

‘It was very difficult...,’ World’s oldest sloth, father of 22 pups, has died

German police said they were holding a 26-year-old Syrian man in custody on Sunday after a knife attack in the city of Solingen in which three people were killed and eight injured, adding that they were looking into the suspect's possible links with Islamic State.

Germany mass-stabbing: IS said a 'soldier' carried out attack in 'revenge for Palestine'

Germany mass-stabbing: German police arrest Syrian man on stabbing charges

The Islamic State group on Saturday (Aug 24) claimed one of its members carried out the deadly attack in Germany in "revenge" for Muslims "in Palestine and everywhere".

"The perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State" group, said a statement from the jihadists' Amaq news agency on the Telegram messaging app. The attack was carried out "in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", the statement&nbsp;added.

Earlier on Saturday, the German police&nbsp;detained a 15-year-old teenager for the&nbsp;deadly knife attack in the western city of Solingen, which killed three and injured others.

The attack happened at 9:40 pm local time on Friday. Two men and one 56-year-old woman were left dead and eight were left injured, four of them critically. The weapon that may have been&nbsp;used in the attack was recovered from a bin in Solingen city centre.

In a press briefing, police said they won’t rule out a “terrorist motive” and that the arrested individual was not being treated as prime accused. The teenager is believed to have known about the attack beforehand and still not reporting&nbsp;it to police.

“He is at this point only suspected of failing to report a crime,” said public prosecutor Markus Caspers.

A manhunt is still on as police try to establish who exactly carried out the stabbings.

Police earlier said the attacker especially targeted victims’ throats and the situation became “very hectic” after the stabbings. “Yes, attacks were very targeted at people's throats and necks,” the police confirmed.

Germany’s Chancellor&nbsp;Olaf Scholz, said he was "shocked" at the incident, saying he stood strong with victims and&nbsp;the perpetrator must be caught quickly and "punished to the full extent of the law".

The main suspect is still at large as authorities try to find which direction the male assailant had fled in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjcxveCjo6IAxVA2TgGHT6qL2IQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-at-least-five-injured-in-knife-attack-at-festival-in-germany-752842" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-at-least-five-injured-in-knife-attack-at-festival-in-germany-752842&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjcxveCjo6IAxVA2TgGHT6qL2IQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Three killed, at least five injured in knife attack at festival in Germany</a>

“Both victims and witnesses are currently being questioned. The police are currently searching for the perpetrator with a large team,” a police spokesperson said, urging the public to be vigilant and cautious.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Herbert Reul, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state – Germany’s most populous region, cautioned that no speculations should be made over the background of the attacker.

“You don’t want to believe what you see here at the crime scene. It’s upsetting,” Reul said.

“Out of nowhere, someone stabs people indiscriminately. We can’t say anything about the person or the motive yet,” he said, acknowledging that the police had very few leads.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State group on Saturday (Aug 24) claimed one of its members carried out the deadly attack in Germany in "revenge" for Muslims "in Palestine and everywhere".

The Islamic State group on Saturday (Aug 24) claimed one of its members carried out the deadly attack in Germany in "revenge" for Muslims "in Palestine and everywhere". "The perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State" group, said a statement from the jihadists' Amaq news agency on the Telegram messaging app. The attack was carried out "in revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", the statement added. Earlier on Saturday, the German police detained a 15-year-old teenager for the deadly knife attack in the western city of Solingen, which killed three and injured others. The attack happened at 9:40 pm local time on Friday. Two men and one 56-year-old woman were left dead and eight were left injured, four of them critically. The weapon that may have been used in the attack was recovered from a bin in Solingen city centre. In a press briefing, police said they won’t rule out a “terrorist motive” and that the arrested individual was not being treated as prime accused. The teenager is believed to have known about the attack beforehand and still not reporting it to police. “He is at this point only suspected of failing to report a crime,” said public prosecutor Markus Caspers. A manhunt is still on as police try to establish who exactly carried out the stabbings. Police earlier said the attacker especially targeted victims’ throats and the situation became “very hectic” after the stabbings. “Yes, attacks were very targeted at people's throats and necks,” the police confirmed. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said he was "shocked" at the incident, saying he stood strong with victims and the perpetrator must be caught quickly and "punished to the full extent of the law". The main suspect is still at large as authorities try to find which direction the male assailant had fled in. Also read: Three killed, at least five injured in knife attack at festival in Germany “Both victims and witnesses are currently being questioned. The police are currently searching for the perpetrator with a large team,” a police spokesperson said, urging the public to be vigilant and cautious. Meanwhile, Herbert Reul, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state – Germany’s most populous region, cautioned that no speculations should be made over the background of the attacker. “You don’t want to believe what you see here at the crime scene. It’s upsetting,” Reul said. “Out of nowhere, someone stabs people indiscriminately. We can’t say anything about the person or the motive yet,” he said, acknowledging that the police had very few leads. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine'

German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The assailant fled after striking in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, sparking a day-long manhunt. "We have just arrested the true suspect," North Rhine-Westphalia region interior minister Herbert Reul said on public television late Saturday evening. "The man we have been looking for all day has, since a short time ago, been (put) in detention," he said, adding that police had evidence to convict him. In a statement on Telegram, IS's Amaq propaganda arm said "the perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State". IS said the attack was carried out as "revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", in an apparent reference to Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The claim has yet to be verified. German officials have said that "a terrorist motive cannot be excluded". According to the newspapers Bild and Spiegel, the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who arrived in Germany in December 2022 and had been granted a protected immigration status often given to those fleeing the war-torn country. He was not previously known to the security services as an extremist, the outlets reported. A police spokesman had told AFP earlier that officers had arrested a man in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers, not far from the scene of Friday's attack. Earlier on Saturday, a prosecutor said another person had also been arrested: a 15-year-old suspected of failing to report a criminal act. Witnesses had allegedly seen the teen discussing the attack just before it happened with a man who could be the killer, said Markus Caspers, prosecutor of Duesseldorf, just west of Solingen. The three people killed Friday were men of 56 and 67 years of age and a 56-year-old woman, officials said. The victims had "no known ties between them", Caspers told a press conference. Four of the people wounded in the attack were in a "serious" condition, officials said, revising down an earlier figure of five. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had said the perpetrator "must be caught quickly and punished". The attack took place as thousands of people gathered for the first night of a "Festival of Diversity", part of a series of events to mark Solingen's 650th anniversary. Also read | Knife attack in Germany's Solingen: Perpetrator aimed specifically for people's throats, say police High terror alert Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, the risk of Islamist plots had "worsened considerably", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, warning that "the threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains high". Jihadists have carried out several attacks in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12. In May, a police officer was killed and five people were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim, with an Islamist motive suspected. Alo read | Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine' Friday's attack occurred as thousands of people gathered in front of a stage for the first night of the three-day festival. Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres away from the attack, not far from the stage, and "understood from the expression on the singer's face that something was wrong". "And then, a metre away from me, a person fell," said Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had had too much to drink. When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground in pools of blood. Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in "shock, horror and great grief". Faeser called for the country to "remain united" as she denounced "those who want to stir up hatred" during a visit to the site of the tragedy. "Let us not be divided", she said. Solingen is a city of some 150,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne. As many as 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend the "Festival of Diversity", which has now been cancelled. Scholz's centre-left coalition faces regional elections next week in the east of the country, where the far-right AfD is leading strongly in the polls. Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. The influx was deeply divisive in Germany and fuelled the popularity of the AfD. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Suspect who killed 3 in Germany knife attack arrested by authorities

A man suspected of a stabbing rampage in the western German town of Solingen has been taken into police custody, some 24 hours after the attack that killed three people. Watch in for more details!

Germany mass stabbing: Main suspect in police custody, questioning underway

German police arrests suspect in stabbing rampage

A knife assault in the western German city of Solingen has killed three people and critically injured four others, according to authorities.

Germany mass-stabbing: Forensic team search scene of mass-stabbing in Solingen

German police search for suspect after knife stabbing attack

Are NATO bases in Europe under threat of an imminent attack? On Thursday, the NATO air base in the German town of Gelsenkirchen raised its security level. In a statement released on social media platform X, the base said that the decision was based on intelligence information indicating a potential threat and that all non-mission essential staff have been sent home. A spokesperson for the base in Gelsenkirchen said that the threat level had been raised to "Charlie", the second highest of four alert states. It is defined as "an incident has occurred" or "intelligence has been received indicating some form of terrorist action against NATO organizations or personnel as highly likely".

NATO Base in Germany Raises Security Level Due to 'Potential Threat'

The residence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (Aug 22) witnessed chaotic scenes that could have led to a diplomatic standoff between Islamabad and Berlin.

PM Sharif was expected to welcome German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms Svenja Schulze, at his official residence.

However, when the minister was about to enter the PM House, the security officials asked her to leave her bag behind and get it checked.

The German minister resisted and refused to do so. In a viral video, one of the officials can be heard saying that&nbsp;“it’s protocol.”

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German Development Minister humiliated at Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office. When Minister Svenja Schulze arrived for her meeting with Pak PM <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a>, his security demanded that she hand over her bag. Schulze turned back to leave &amp; then she was allowed. <a href="https://t.co/AdPXJ59Xo3">pic.twitter.com/AdPXJ59Xo3</a>
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1826607190162985172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Visibly annoyed, the minister discusses the matter with the German ambassador, Alfred Grannas, briefly. Then, the duo makes a U-turn towards their vehicle, in an apparent sign that Schulze was no longer interested in the scheduled meeting.

Subsequently, the security officials relented and let the minister enter the building with her bag.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjz87v1lImIAxX3yDgGHd8dAiYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-two-children-killed-in-firing-on-school-van-in-punjabs-attock-752267" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-two-children-killed-in-firing-on-school-van-in-punjabs-attock-752267&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjz87v1lImIAxX3yDgGHd8dAiYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Pakistan: Two children killed in firing on school van in Punjab`s Attock</a>

According to German media, the German side had previously held detailed talks with Pakistani security ahead of the meeting. Schulze wanted to bring a photographer with her to the meeting, but this request was also rejected by the Pakistani&nbsp;side. But when officials told her to leave her bag behind, they ended up crossing her red line, forcing her to almost cancel the meeting and spark a diplomatic crisis.

But in the end, everything went according to plan. PM Sharif welcomed Schulze for dinner in the presence of nearly his entire cabinet.

Notably, Germany is extremely important for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, being a major export destination. Pakistan majorly exports textiles, leather goods, sports equipment, and medical instruments to Germany. The meeting was also important&nbsp;because Schulze was the first senior Western government official to visit the country since their recent election in February.

(With inputs from agencies)

The residence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (Aug 22) witnessed chaotic scenes that could have led to a diplomatic standoff between Islamabad and Berlin.

The residence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (Aug 22) witnessed chaotic scenes that could have led to a diplomatic standoff between Islamabad and Berlin. PM Sharif was expected to welcome German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms Svenja Schulze, at his official residence. However, when the minister was about to enter the PM House, the security officials asked her to leave her bag behind and get it checked. The German minister resisted and refused to do so. In a viral video, one of the officials can be heard saying that “it’s protocol.” German Development Minister humiliated at Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office. When Minister Svenja Schulze arrived for her meeting with Pak PM @CMShehbaz, his security demanded that she hand over her bag. Schulze turned back to leave & then she was allowed. pic.twitter.com/AdPXJ59Xo3 — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 22, 2024 × Visibly annoyed, the minister discusses the matter with the German ambassador, Alfred Grannas, briefly. Then, the duo makes a U-turn towards their vehicle, in an apparent sign that Schulze was no longer interested in the scheduled meeting. Subsequently, the security officials relented and let the minister enter the building with her bag. Also read: Pakistan: Two children killed in firing on school van in Punjab`s Attock According to German media, the German side had previously held detailed talks with Pakistani security ahead of the meeting. Schulze wanted to bring a photographer with her to the meeting, but this request was also rejected by the Pakistani side. But when officials told her to leave her bag behind, they ended up crossing her red line, forcing her to almost cancel the meeting and spark a diplomatic crisis. But in the end, everything went according to plan. PM Sharif welcomed Schulze for dinner in the presence of nearly his entire cabinet. Notably, Germany is extremely important for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, being a major export destination. Pakistan majorly exports textiles, leather goods, sports equipment, and medical instruments to Germany. The meeting was also important because Schulze was the first senior Western government official to visit the country since their recent election in February. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: German minister almost cancels meet with Pakistan PM following humiliation over bag

Today, August 19, marks 90 years since Germany elected Adolf Hitler as Führer and Reich Chancellor, solidifying his absolute and unchallenged power. A national referendum was held to merge the posts of chancellor and president in which Hitler secured an overwhelming 90 percent majority. This event marked a pivotal moment in history not just in Germany but across the world.

Gravitas Recall: Hitler cements his position of supreme power

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