German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is in New Delhi. The high-level visit aims to facilitate bilateral defence cooperation and explore avenues for strategic partnership. India was one of the first countries to end the state of war with post-war Germany in 1951. It was also amongst the first countries to recognize the federal republic of Germany.

India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies

India: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi, focus on bilateral defence cooperation

<p>India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system. The matter was raised during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi. India hopes to establish a privileged partnership with Germany, like the ones Berlin has with Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Indian defence ministry highlighted that both ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and explored ways to enhance collaboration, particularly in defence industrial partnerships. India emphasised the opportunities in the defence production sector and invited German investments in the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian defence minister stressed the potential for a symbiotic relationship between India and Germany based on shared goals and strengths. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive costs, while Germany brings high technology and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian side also advised Germany to avoid unreliable and challenging sources, urging them to invest in India. They provided a list of items for early approval of exports and suggested establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India. India cautioned Germany about Pakistan's untrustworthiness in handling Western defence equipment, warning that these technologies could end up being reverse-engineered and shared with Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the discussions, the German side raised the proposal of submarines. India's Project 75 (India)-class submarines, or P-75I, aims to acquire six conventional diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy. New Delhi is looking for a foreign partner for the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Germany have had a Strategic Partnership since 2000, which has been further strengthened through Inter-Governmental Consultations since 2011 at the level of Heads of Government. Pistorius arrived in India on June 5 for a four-day visit. He is scheduled to visit the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai on June 7.&nbsp;</p>

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India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system.

India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system. The matter was raised during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi. India hopes to establish a privileged partnership with Germany, like the ones Berlin has with Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. In a statement, the Indian defence ministry highlighted that both ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and explored ways to enhance collaboration, particularly in defence industrial partnerships. India emphasised the opportunities in the defence production sector and invited German investments in the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Indian defence minister stressed the potential for a symbiotic relationship between India and Germany based on shared goals and strengths. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive costs, while Germany brings high technology and investment. The Indian side also advised Germany to avoid unreliable and challenging sources, urging them to invest in India. They provided a list of items for early approval of exports and suggested establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India. India cautioned Germany about Pakistan's untrustworthiness in handling Western defence equipment, warning that these technologies could end up being reverse-engineered and shared with Beijing. During the discussions, the German side raised the proposal of submarines. India's Project 75 (India)-class submarines, or P-75I, aims to acquire six conventional diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy. New Delhi is looking for a foreign partner for the project. India and Germany have had a Strategic Partnership since 2000, which has been further strengthened through Inter-Governmental Consultations since 2011 at the level of Heads of Government. Pistorius arrived in India on June 5 for a four-day visit. He is scheduled to visit the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai on June 7. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India seeks key equipment support from Germany amid Russia-Ukraine conflict impact

<p>Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy. The submarines will be made in India, a major win for India’s campaign to boost local defence manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deal is expected to be announced at a time when Russia’s defence industry is struggling due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to look for other partners to source military hardware for its armed forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Preliminary agreement to be signed this week</strong></h2>

<p>A preliminary agreement or a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between Germany and India during the two-day visit of Boris Pistorius. As per a report by Hindustan Times, Thyssenkrupp AG’s marine arm and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited are expected to jointly bid for the $5.2bn deal.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies</strong></p>

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<p>Germany is hopeful it will get the multibillion-dollar deal as France pulled out of the project last year. Pistorius told German media that he will assist discussions between executives of his nation and their Indian counterparts over the signing of the submarine deal when he visits India’s financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday. “This would be a big and important contract not only for German industry but also for India and the Indian-German strategic partnership,” Pistorius said.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s dependence on Russia “not in Germany’s interest”</strong></h2>

<p>Pistorius also said that the goal of his nation was to wean India off its security dependence on Russia and emerge as a strong defence partner of New Delhi. “But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.</p>

<h2><strong>Germany’s focus on Indo-Pacific</strong></h2>

<p>Germany is keen to boost its defence ties with India amidst the rising security threat from China. Berlin also identifies the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in terms of security, freedom of navigation and international economic challenges.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-presses-germany-to-send-back-baby-ariha-living-in-berlin-foster-care-calls-it-infringement-of-rights-600117"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India presses Germany to send back baby Ariha living in Berlin foster care, calls it ‘infringement of rights’</strong></a></p>

<p>Pistorius explained that Germany may not have an active role in the region, but it will continue to mark its presence by deploying warships and vessels. Germany deployed its first warship to the Indo-Pacific – the frigate Bayern – in 2021 and will send another ship to the region in 2024.</p>

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Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy.

Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy. The submarines will be made in India, a major win for India’s campaign to boost local defence manufacturing. The deal is expected to be announced at a time when Russia’s defence industry is struggling due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to look for other partners to source military hardware for its armed forces. Preliminary agreement to be signed this week A preliminary agreement or a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between Germany and India during the two-day visit of Boris Pistorius. As per a report by Hindustan Times, Thyssenkrupp AG’s marine arm and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited are expected to jointly bid for the $5.2bn deal. Watch: India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies × Germany is hopeful it will get the multibillion-dollar deal as France pulled out of the project last year. Pistorius told German media that he will assist discussions between executives of his nation and their Indian counterparts over the signing of the submarine deal when he visits India’s financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday. “This would be a big and important contract not only for German industry but also for India and the Indian-German strategic partnership,” Pistorius said. India’s dependence on Russia “not in Germany’s interest” Pistorius also said that the goal of his nation was to wean India off its security dependence on Russia and emerge as a strong defence partner of New Delhi. “But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Germany’s focus on Indo-Pacific Germany is keen to boost its defence ties with India amidst the rising security threat from China. Berlin also identifies the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in terms of security, freedom of navigation and international economic challenges. Also read: India presses Germany to send back baby Ariha living in Berlin foster care, calls it ‘infringement of rights’ Pistorius explained that Germany may not have an active role in the region, but it will continue to mark its presence by deploying warships and vessels. Germany deployed its first warship to the Indo-Pacific – the frigate Bayern – in 2021 and will send another ship to the region in 2024. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Germany expected to sign $5.2bn deal to manufacture submarines in India

German Defence Min Boris Pistorius & Rajnath Singh meet: Visit agenda includes submarine deal

All eyes on - Lloyd Austin's diplomatic trip to India - he is currently on a two-day visit to India - to discuss a range of bilateral issues with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The whole world is watching his arrival in India. Watch the video to know more.

India's Defence Min Rajnath Singh to host US' Lloyd Austin, Germany's Boris Pistorius | World DNA

<p>Germany will send two warships to the Indo-Pacific in 2024, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan and over the disputed South China Sea.</p>

<p>Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's most important security conference, Pistorius said countries needed to stand up for the rules-based international order and the protection of major maritime passages.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-landslide-claims-14-lives-in-sichuan-province-5-still-missing-600355">China: Landslide claims 14 lives in Sichuan province, 5 still missing</a></p>

<p>"To this end, the German Federal Government sent a frigate to the Indo-Pacific in 2021, and will again, in 2024, deploy maritime assets – this time a frigate and a supply ship - to the region," he said, according to a script of his speech distributed by the defence ministry in Berlin.</p>

<p>He added the deployments were not directed against any nation, a remark apparently addressed at China.</p>

<p>"To the contrary: They are dedicated to the protection of the rules-based international order that we all signed up to and which we all should benefit from – be it in the Mediterranean, in the Bay of Bengal or in the South China Sea."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-magnitude-6-jolts-indonesias-maluku-600379">Earthquake of magnitude 6 jolts Indonesia's Maluku</a></p>

<p>By showing a greater military presence in the region, Germany is walking a tightrope between its security and economic interests as China is Berlin's most important trading partner.</p>

<p>In 2021, a German warship sailed into the South China Sea for the first time in almost 20 years, a move that saw Berlin joining other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region amid growing alarm over China's territorial ambitions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Chinese astronauts return to Earth | East-Asian space race | World News</strong></p>

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<p>China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite an international tribunal ruling that Beijing has no legal basis for these claims, and has built military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing.</p>

<p>Some 40% of Europe's foreign trade flows through the South China Sea.</p>

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Germany will send two warships to the Indo-Pacific in 2024, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan and over the disputed South China Sea.

Germany will send two warships to the Indo-Pacific in 2024, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Sunday, amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan and over the disputed South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's most important security conference, Pistorius said countries needed to stand up for the rules-based international order and the protection of major maritime passages. Also Read | China: Landslide claims 14 lives in Sichuan province, 5 still missing "To this end, the German Federal Government sent a frigate to the Indo-Pacific in 2021, and will again, in 2024, deploy maritime assets – this time a frigate and a supply ship - to the region," he said, according to a script of his speech distributed by the defence ministry in Berlin. He added the deployments were not directed against any nation, a remark apparently addressed at China. "To the contrary: They are dedicated to the protection of the rules-based international order that we all signed up to and which we all should benefit from – be it in the Mediterranean, in the Bay of Bengal or in the South China Sea." Also Read | Earthquake of magnitude 6 jolts Indonesia's Maluku By showing a greater military presence in the region, Germany is walking a tightrope between its security and economic interests as China is Berlin's most important trading partner. In 2021, a German warship sailed into the South China Sea for the first time in almost 20 years, a move that saw Berlin joining other Western nations in expanding its military presence in the region amid growing alarm over China's territorial ambitions. Watch | Chinese astronauts return to Earth | East-Asian space race | World News × China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite an international tribunal ruling that Beijing has no legal basis for these claims, and has built military outposts on artificial islands in the waters that contain gas fields and rich fishing. Some 40% of Europe's foreign trade flows through the South China Sea. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Germany to send two warships to Indo-Pacific in 2024 amid South China Sea tensions

Several people were injured when far-left demonstrators clashed with police in Leipzig in Eastern Germany. The demonstrators were showing support for a woman activist who was arrested after she took part in a series of attacks on alleged neo-nazis and right-wing extremists. This comes after Antifa which is the political movement in Germany composed of multiple far left and other left-wing groups had called on social media for an anti-fascist march dubbed as Day X.

Riots escalate to the second day in Germany, police carry out raid to disperse crowd

According to German media, several former officers of the German air force have been instructing Chinese pilots for years through businesses in the Seychelles. A thorough probe was promised by defence minister Boris Pistorius.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius promises investigation on former air force pilots

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Germany to revoke licenses of 4 out of 5 Russian consulates

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<p>In a major operation involving more than 1,000 federal and state police officers, seven suspects accused of collecting money to send to the Islamic State group in Syria were arrested, informed German prosecutors on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The officers were involved in raids across several states to bust the terrorist financing network whose connection lay with the IS. The suspects - four Germans, a German-Moroccan dual national, one Kosovar and a Turkish citizen were arrested&nbsp;from&nbsp;North Rhine Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bremen region.</p>

<p>Notably, the raids also took place in Berlin, Bavaria, Hamburg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony with a lone property in the Netherlands targetted by the officers. Overall, 90 properties were raided as the authorities completed one of the biggest busts in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors in Karlsruhe said the seven suspects acted as financial intermediaries and played a "central role" in the fundraising group. Since 2020, using the Telegram messaging service, they had been appealing for contributions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least $71,552 were transferred using this way and went to support IS members imprisoned in Syria. The money also allowed them to escape from detention in some cases.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-gets-tough-with-climate-activists-596379"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Germany gets tough with climate activists</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Stringent German laws on aiding terror outfits</strong></h2>

<p>According to German intelligence agencies, despite the peak phase of IS ending in 2016, there are extremists and IS cells active in both Iraq and Syria. Since early 2014, German citizens or residents who commit any act in favour of IS are subject to prosecution under the criminal code.</p>

<p>The law is stringent and prohibits any kind of social media activity or demonstration in favour of the terrorist group. raising money, material and recruitment of fighters is completely banned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-recession-in-germany-will-impact-the-indian-economy-596892"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Explained | How recession in Germany will impact the Indian economy</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah loyalists arrested&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, federal prosecutors also arrested two&nbsp;Hezbollah members, suspected of recruiting and organising activities for the Iran-backed Shiite movement.</p>

<p>Lebanese national Hassan M. and German-Lebanese dual citizen Abdul-Latif W. were arrested in northern Germany. The former joined Hezbollah in 2004 while the latter was a relative rookie, having joined the outfit in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair is alleged to have represented Hezbollah in the Bremen region of northern Germany, handling organisation and logistics for the group.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a major operation involving more than 1,000 federal and state police officers, seven suspects accused of collecting money to send to the Islamic State group in Syria were arrested, informed German prosecutors on Wednesday.

In a major operation involving more than 1,000 federal and state police officers, seven suspects accused of collecting money to send to the Islamic State group in Syria were arrested, informed German prosecutors on Wednesday. The officers were involved in raids across several states to bust the terrorist financing network whose connection lay with the IS. The suspects - four Germans, a German-Moroccan dual national, one Kosovar and a Turkish citizen were arrested from North Rhine Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bremen region. Notably, the raids also took place in Berlin, Bavaria, Hamburg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony with a lone property in the Netherlands targetted by the officers. Overall, 90 properties were raided as the authorities completed one of the biggest busts in recent times. The prosecutors in Karlsruhe said the seven suspects acted as financial intermediaries and played a "central role" in the fundraising group. Since 2020, using the Telegram messaging service, they had been appealing for contributions. At least $71,552 were transferred using this way and went to support IS members imprisoned in Syria. The money also allowed them to escape from detention in some cases. WATCH | Germany gets tough with climate activists × Stringent German laws on aiding terror outfits According to German intelligence agencies, despite the peak phase of IS ending in 2016, there are extremists and IS cells active in both Iraq and Syria. Since early 2014, German citizens or residents who commit any act in favour of IS are subject to prosecution under the criminal code. The law is stringent and prohibits any kind of social media activity or demonstration in favour of the terrorist group. raising money, material and recruitment of fighters is completely banned. ALSO READ | Explained | How recession in Germany will impact the Indian economy Hezbollah loyalists arrested Earlier this month, federal prosecutors also arrested two Hezbollah members, suspected of recruiting and organising activities for the Iran-backed Shiite movement. Lebanese national Hassan M. and German-Lebanese dual citizen Abdul-Latif W. were arrested in northern Germany. The former joined Hezbollah in 2004 while the latter was a relative rookie, having joined the outfit in 2016. The pair is alleged to have represented Hezbollah in the Bremen region of northern Germany, handling organisation and logistics for the group. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany breaks 'Islamic State' finance network after arresting 7 suspected fundraisers

<p>Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow continue to deteriorate in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Now, a spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Russia&nbsp;has been asked to shut down four consulates operating on its soil. "We have decided to withdraw consent for the operation of four of the five Russian consulates operating in Germany," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>This comes after the Kremlin imposed tighter limits on Berlin regarding the number of employees Germany’s embassy and cultural institutions can hire in Russia. The ongoing tussle between the two nations has been referred to as a “diplomatic declaration of war” by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.</p>

<h2><strong>Tit-for-tat diplomatic strikes</strong></h2>

<p>In April, Moscow placed new limits on people the German embassy and institutes like the Goethe Institute language school can hire in Russia. The rule will go into effect from June 1st, resulting in the expulsion of hundreds of German diplomats, teachers and employees from Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters quoted a source from the German foreign ministry as saying, "This limit, set by Russia for the beginning of June, requires a major cut in all areas of our presence in Russia."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Poland seizes school run by Russian embassy</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier in April, the two nations had expelled 40 workers from their respective embassies after declaring them personae non grata. Following this, the German foreign ministry in a statement said, “In view of this unilateral, unjustified, and incomprehensible decision, the Federal Government is now concerned with ensuring a minimum presence of intermediaries in Russia while also maintaining a diplomatic presence.”</p>

<h2><strong>Diplomatic standoff between EU and Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European nations have expelled several&nbsp;Russian diplomats. In March alone, four European nations expelled at least 40 Russian diplomats suspected of spying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and Germany are known for having deep cultural and economic links,&nbsp;however, things have turned upside down over the last 15 months. Russia has been accusing Berlin of escalating conflict in Ukraine as the latter in January announced it will send Leopard 2 tanks to the war-torn nation. Following this announcement, Russia accused Germany of abandoning its "historical responsibility to Russia" arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-expel-34-out-of-over-90-german-diplomats-working-in-moscow-585173"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Russia to expel 34 out of over 90 German diplomats working in Moscow</strong></a></p>

<p>In early May, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that his nation will back Ukraine "for as long as it is necessary", while further promising military aid worth €2.7bn ($2.9bn).</p>

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Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow continue to deteriorate in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Now, a spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Russia has been asked to shut down four consulates operating on its soil.

Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow continue to deteriorate in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Now, a spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Russia has been asked to shut down four consulates operating on its soil. "We have decided to withdraw consent for the operation of four of the five Russian consulates operating in Germany," the spokesperson said. This comes after the Kremlin imposed tighter limits on Berlin regarding the number of employees Germany’s embassy and cultural institutions can hire in Russia. The ongoing tussle between the two nations has been referred to as a “diplomatic declaration of war” by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. Tit-for-tat diplomatic strikes In April, Moscow placed new limits on people the German embassy and institutes like the Goethe Institute language school can hire in Russia. The rule will go into effect from June 1st, resulting in the expulsion of hundreds of German diplomats, teachers and employees from Russia. Reuters quoted a source from the German foreign ministry as saying, "This limit, set by Russia for the beginning of June, requires a major cut in all areas of our presence in Russia." Watch: Poland seizes school run by Russian embassy × Earlier in April, the two nations had expelled 40 workers from their respective embassies after declaring them personae non grata. Following this, the German foreign ministry in a statement said, “In view of this unilateral, unjustified, and incomprehensible decision, the Federal Government is now concerned with ensuring a minimum presence of intermediaries in Russia while also maintaining a diplomatic presence.” Diplomatic standoff between EU and Russia Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European nations have expelled several Russian diplomats. In March alone, four European nations expelled at least 40 Russian diplomats suspected of spying. Russia and Germany are known for having deep cultural and economic links, however, things have turned upside down over the last 15 months. Russia has been accusing Berlin of escalating conflict in Ukraine as the latter in January announced it will send Leopard 2 tanks to the war-torn nation. Following this announcement, Russia accused Germany of abandoning its "historical responsibility to Russia" arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two. Also Read | Russia to expel 34 out of over 90 German diplomats working in Moscow In early May, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that his nation will back Ukraine "for as long as it is necessary", while further promising military aid worth €2.7bn ($2.9bn). WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany

In a major operation involving more than 1,000 federal and state police officers, seven suspects, accused of collecting money to send to the Islamic State group in Syria were arrested, informed German prosecutors on Wednesday.

Germany arrests seven suspected members of IS fundraising network

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - South Korea to expand arms exports to Europe, North Korea to launch first spy satellite, Poland to set up commission on Russian influence, Clashes in Germany after Erdogan's victory, 17th air attack on Kyiv this month.

North Korea to launch 1st spy satellite | S. Korea to expand arm exports to Europe

Germany is facing a threat of drought and lower water levels. With an anticipation of a hotter summer ahead, German companies are looking for ways to innovate and adapt to the weather conditions. German chemicals giant BASF, together with the shipping company Stolt, has developed a ship that can sail in such shallow waters.

Rhine cargo ships built for shallow water get underway in hopes of beating drought drama

Germany has become the first major economy to enter a recession. But only a few economies in the world are currently in recession. However, that has not stopped people from worrying about the recession. A multi-nation survey by polling agency ipsos has found that the fears about recession are far more widespread than actual recession.

Is the world really in recession?

In accordance with the Russia-Ukraine war, the first group of about 400 Ukrainian servicemen began their training for operating and maintaining American M1 Abram tanks in Germany. Additionally, about 200 soldiers will receive training and basic tasks such as mock combat and medical knowledge. Ukraine claims that the first step towards its much-promised counteroffensive has begun.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainians begin training on US M1 Abrams tanks in Germany

<p>Hundreds of German civil servants working in the education and cultural fields in Russia will have to leave after they were expelled following a request from Moscow, a government source from Berlin told AFP news agency on Saturday.</p>

<p>According to the source, the decision comes after Russia decided to compel Germany to reduce its diplomatic personnel and presence at public institutions like the Goethe Institute cultural organisation and the German school in Moscow by the beginning of June.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/night-train-connecting-brussels-berlin-starts-operations-push-for-less-polluting-alternatives-to-air-travel-597009">Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel</a></p>

<p>Earlier a report in the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung described it as a "diplomatic declaration of war by Moscow" in Berlin.&nbsp;The source confirmed the same to AFP.&nbsp;"This is a unilateral, unjustified and incomprehensible decision," the German foreign ministry said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Germany-Russia ties after invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and continued with the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, significantly impacted Germany-Russia ties.&nbsp;Germany, which was a key economic partner of Russia before Moscow invaded Ukraine, has recently cut ties with Moscow and is aiding Kyiv financially and militarily in the crisis.</p>

<p>Germany, along with the European Union (EU) and other Western countries, imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. These sanctions targeted individuals, entities, and sectors of the Russian economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aid-worker-arrives-in-belgium-after-prisoner-swap-with-iranian-diplomat-597006">Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat</a></p>

<p>According to German security agencies, Russian espionage in Germany has increased at a rate that hasn't been seen in previous years since the start of the crisis in Ukraine. To "reduce the presence of intelligence services," Germany removed a number of Russian diplomats in the middle of April. In retaliation, Moscow expelled some 20 members of the German diplomatic staff.</p>

<p>The number of German diplomats and public organisation representatives permitted to remain in Russia was limited by the Russian foreign ministry in April, according to the German foreign ministry. "This limit set by Russia from the beginning of June implies major cuts in all areas of (Germany's) presence in Russia," the source told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry did not provide a figure for the affected population, but a government source claimed that the report from Sueddeutsche Zeitung that several hundred individuals were impacted was "correct." According to the newspaper, German officials have been attempting unsuccessfully in recent weeks to persuade the Russian government to change its mind.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>German government employees, including those in the diplomatic, consular, and notably the fields of culture and education, will thus need to pack their bags soon. Germany removed some 40 Russian diplomats in the spring of 2022 because Berlin saw them as a security danger.</p>

<p>Germany has contributed troops and resources to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence initiative to enhance deterrence and defence measures in the region. Arne Schoenbohm, the chief of Germany's cybersecurity agency, was let go in October after press reports exposed his close ties to a firm that was allegedly in touch with Russian intelligence agents.</p>

<p>A month later, a German reserve officer was handed a suspended prison sentence of a year and nine months for spying for Russia. German officials have strongly criticised Russia and expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. It condemned the violation of international law and the use of force by Russia.<br />
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Hundreds of German civil servants working in the education and cultural fields in Russia will have to leave after they were expelled following a request from Moscow, a government source from Berlin told AFP news agency on Saturday.

Hundreds of German civil servants working in the education and cultural fields in Russia will have to leave after they were expelled following a request from Moscow, a government source from Berlin told AFP news agency on Saturday. According to the source, the decision comes after Russia decided to compel Germany to reduce its diplomatic personnel and presence at public institutions like the Goethe Institute cultural organisation and the German school in Moscow by the beginning of June. Also Read | Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel Earlier a report in the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung described it as a "diplomatic declaration of war by Moscow" in Berlin. The source confirmed the same to AFP. "This is a unilateral, unjustified and incomprehensible decision," the German foreign ministry said in a statement. Germany-Russia ties after invasion of Ukraine The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and continued with the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, significantly impacted Germany-Russia ties. Germany, which was a key economic partner of Russia before Moscow invaded Ukraine, has recently cut ties with Moscow and is aiding Kyiv financially and militarily in the crisis. Germany, along with the European Union (EU) and other Western countries, imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. These sanctions targeted individuals, entities, and sectors of the Russian economy. Also Read | Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat According to German security agencies, Russian espionage in Germany has increased at a rate that hasn't been seen in previous years since the start of the crisis in Ukraine. To "reduce the presence of intelligence services," Germany removed a number of Russian diplomats in the middle of April. In retaliation, Moscow expelled some 20 members of the German diplomatic staff. The number of German diplomats and public organisation representatives permitted to remain in Russia was limited by the Russian foreign ministry in April, according to the German foreign ministry. "This limit set by Russia from the beginning of June implies major cuts in all areas of (Germany's) presence in Russia," the source told AFP. The ministry did not provide a figure for the affected population, but a government source claimed that the report from Sueddeutsche Zeitung that several hundred individuals were impacted was "correct." According to the newspaper, German officials have been attempting unsuccessfully in recent weeks to persuade the Russian government to change its mind. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28 × German government employees, including those in the diplomatic, consular, and notably the fields of culture and education, will thus need to pack their bags soon. Germany removed some 40 Russian diplomats in the spring of 2022 because Berlin saw them as a security danger. Germany has contributed troops and resources to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence initiative to enhance deterrence and defence measures in the region. Arne Schoenbohm, the chief of Germany's cybersecurity agency, was let go in October after press reports exposed his close ties to a firm that was allegedly in touch with Russian intelligence agents. A month later, a German reserve officer was handed a suspended prison sentence of a year and nine months for spying for Russia. German officials have strongly criticised Russia and expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. It condemned the violation of international law and the use of force by Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Kremlin expels German civil servants working in Russia, Berlin calls it unjustified, incomprehensible decision

<p>The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has been spearheading Moscow’s fight in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, on Thursday (May 25) said his fighters have begun transferring their positions to the Russian army. In Japan, a masked man carrying what appeared to be a hunting rifle and a knife attacked at least four people in the Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. At least three people, one victim and two police officers, were killed, while police are searching for the suspect who is said to be holed up inside a building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finally, we also bring you updates from Pakistan political scuffle.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the news headline to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-fourth-largest-economy-germany-enters-recession-596490">World’s fourth-largest economy Germany enters recession</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354385-german.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>World’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s largest, Germany, has entered into recession after the country’s GDP recorded its second quarterly contraction.</p>

<p>The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from January to March quarter fell by 0.3 per cent, data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Thursday showed. This was the second consecutive drop from the last quarter of 2022, which showed GDP fall of 0.5 per cent. Two consecutive quarters of decline constitute a technical recession.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-crashes-car-outside-downing-street-gates-arrested-596502">Man crashes car outside Downing Street gates, arrested; cops lockdown area</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354392-crash.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>A man was arrested after he drove his car into the gates outside Downing Street, police said, according to local media reports.</p>

<p>Reports said that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was inside the Downing Street complex when the incident took place. Whitehall —the main road running past Downing Street —has been put under lockdown by the police.</p>

<p>The armed officers caught the man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving. &nbsp;There are no reports of any injuries.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-wagner-withdraws-fighters-from-bakhmut-military-to-take-over-ukraine-partially-confirms-596367">Russia's Wagner withdraws fighters from Bakhmut, military to take over; Ukraine partially confirms</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354300-wion-images-2023-05-25t161110437.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has been spearheading Moscow’s fight in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, on Thursday (May 25) said his fighters have begun transferring their positions to the Russian army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The change was seemingly confirmed by Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar who said that Wagner fighters have been replaced by regular soldiers in the outskirts of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-at-least-three-killed-after-shooting-stabbing-incident-in-nagano-596389">Japan: At least three killed, one injured after shooting, stabbing in Nagano</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354327-wion-images-2023-05-25t170323146.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>According to local media reports, a masked man carrying what appeared to be a hunting rifle and a knife, on Thursday (May 25), attacked at least four people in the Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. At least three people, one victim and two police officers, were killed, while police are searching for the suspect who is said to be holed up inside a building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours later, the NHK reported that the person escaped from the building and that some other people might still be inside.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-great-chance-of-winning-french-open-2023-in-nadals-absence-john-mcenroe-596461">Tennis: Djokovic has great chance of winning French Open 2023 in Nadal’s absence, feels John McEnroe</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354361-djokovic-has-great-chance-of-winning-french-open-in-nadals-absence-mcenroe.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>All eyes are on the forthcoming French Open 2023 edition, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. With no Rafael Nadal -- who announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament due to hip injury -- legendary star John McEnroe feels Novak Djokovic has a great chance of lifting the title at the Roland Garros.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/failure-to-launch-internet-trolls-desantis-after-glitchy-presidential-campaign-twitter-space-596417">'#DeSaster': Internet trolls DeSantis after glitchy campaign launch on Twitter Spaces</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354335-ron-desantis.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>He was preparing to launch his campaign to win the Republican Party nomination for US Presidential Election in 2024. He chose a novel platform to make the announcement, Twitter Spaces. Twitter owner Elon Musk himself was part of the stream. But what should have been quite a noteworthy announcement&nbsp;from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis turned into something that made news for the wrong reasons. The Space&nbsp;crashed repeatedly as he&nbsp;made the announcement, or at least tried to. This cast a shadow on the major event&nbsp;DeSantis hoped would boost his ratings.&nbsp;About 678,000 people tuned in to listen when the glitches and&nbsp;crashes took the shine off the announcement. Musk attributed the crashes to the number of listeners and his large following on Twitter.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scammer-poses-as-friend-using-ai-face-swapping-tech-makes-man-pay-usd-600k-596470">Scammer poses as friend using AI face-swapping tech, makes man pay USD 600k</a><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/27/348034-ai-scam.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now very much become part of our lives. In our imagination previously, the concept was limited to scary looking robots trying to topple humanity. But the true power of AI is on display now as it subtly becomes part of our lives and daily tech use. ChatGPT has already shown that AI can write essays, poetry, code and much much more.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-storey-building-catches-fire-in-sydney-over-100-firefighters-battle-towering-flames-596281">Major fire engulfs seven-storey building in Sydney: Over 100 firefighters battle towering flames</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354238-the-battle-for-kyiv.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>More than 100 firefighters battled towering flames and dense smoke from a fire in a seven-storey building that was spreading to adjacent buildings in central Sydney on Thursday (May 25).</p>

<p>"The building is starting to collapse, while the inferno is beginning to spread to several neighbouring buildings, including residential apartments," Fire and Rescue NSW said in a statement, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the emergency services, more than 100 firemen with 20 fire trucks were "working to contain and extinguish the blaze" on Randle Street near the city's Central Station. At least one close vehicle has been destroyed by fire, they said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/how-buddhism-helped-tina-turner-walk-out-of-abusive-marriage-596387">How Buddhism helped Tina Turner walk out of an abusive marriage&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/12/317481-untitled-design-2022-12-12t125447922.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Tina Turner was often known as the Queen of Rock 'n' roll and was instrumental in heralding R&amp;B as a genre in music. But not many know that she was also a prominent practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. Over the years, she spoke about how Buddhism had helped her steer her life and find the strength to leave her abusive relationship with her former husband Ike Turner in 1976.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the years since then, Turner was known to recite Buddhist chants daily and made its life philosophy an integral part of her life. Many would recall her interview with Larry King on CNN in 1997 when she spoke about how Buddhism helped her cope and she had even chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the celebrity host and recited a few prayer lines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-has-shot-down-36-russian-drones-596275">Ukraine claims it has shot down 36 Russian drones</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/10/337794-zelensky-1.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Some 36 Iranian-made attack drones launched by Russia were downed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country's military claimed on Thursday (May 25). Zelensky alleged that Russia was trying to 'terrorise' Ukraine.</p>

<p>"The enemy continued to terrorise Ukraine by launching 36 Shaheds. None reached their target," Zelensky said in a social media post.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Moscow-appointed governor in Russian-annexed Crimea said that six drones were shot down or blocked in the region. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;</p>


The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has been spearheading Moscow’s fight in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, on Thursday (May 25) said his fighters have begun transferring their positions to the Russian army.

The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has been spearheading Moscow’s fight in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, on Thursday (May 25) said his fighters have begun transferring their positions to the Russian army. In Japan, a masked man carrying what appeared to be a hunting rifle and a knife attacked at least four people in the Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. At least three people, one victim and two police officers, were killed, while police are searching for the suspect who is said to be holed up inside a building. Finally, we also bring you updates from Pakistan political scuffle. Click on the news headline to read more: World’s fourth-largest economy Germany enters recession World’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s largest, Germany, has entered into recession after the country’s GDP recorded its second quarterly contraction. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from January to March quarter fell by 0.3 per cent, data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Thursday showed. This was the second consecutive drop from the last quarter of 2022, which showed GDP fall of 0.5 per cent. Two consecutive quarters of decline constitute a technical recession. Man crashes car outside Downing Street gates, arrested; cops lockdown area A man was arrested after he drove his car into the gates outside Downing Street, police said, according to local media reports. Reports said that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was inside the Downing Street complex when the incident took place. Whitehall —the main road running past Downing Street —has been put under lockdown by the police. The armed officers caught the man at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving. There are no reports of any injuries. Russia's Wagner withdraws fighters from Bakhmut, military to take over; Ukraine partially confirms The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which has been spearheading Moscow’s fight in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, on Thursday (May 25) said his fighters have begun transferring their positions to the Russian army. The change was seemingly confirmed by Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar who said that Wagner fighters have been replaced by regular soldiers in the outskirts of Bakhmut. Japan: At least three killed, one injured after shooting, stabbing in Nagano According to local media reports, a masked man carrying what appeared to be a hunting rifle and a knife, on Thursday (May 25), attacked at least four people in the Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. At least three people, one victim and two police officers, were killed, while police are searching for the suspect who is said to be holed up inside a building. Hours later, the NHK reported that the person escaped from the building and that some other people might still be inside. Tennis: Djokovic has great chance of winning French Open 2023 in Nadal’s absence, feels John McEnroe All eyes are on the forthcoming French Open 2023 edition, which kicks off on May 28 in Paris, France. With no Rafael Nadal -- who announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament due to hip injury -- legendary star John McEnroe feels Novak Djokovic has a great chance of lifting the title at the Roland Garros. '#DeSaster': Internet trolls DeSantis after glitchy campaign launch on Twitter Spaces He was preparing to launch his campaign to win the Republican Party nomination for US Presidential Election in 2024. He chose a novel platform to make the announcement, Twitter Spaces. Twitter owner Elon Musk himself was part of the stream. But what should have been quite a noteworthy announcement from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis turned into something that made news for the wrong reasons. The Space crashed repeatedly as he made the announcement, or at least tried to. This cast a shadow on the major event DeSantis hoped would boost his ratings. About 678,000 people tuned in to listen when the glitches and crashes took the shine off the announcement. Musk attributed the crashes to the number of listeners and his large following on Twitter. Scammer poses as friend using AI face-swapping tech, makes man pay USD 600k Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now very much become part of our lives. In our imagination previously, the concept was limited to scary looking robots trying to topple humanity. But the true power of AI is on display now as it subtly becomes part of our lives and daily tech use. ChatGPT has already shown that AI can write essays, poetry, code and much much more. Major fire engulfs seven-storey building in Sydney: Over 100 firefighters battle towering flames More than 100 firefighters battled towering flames and dense smoke from a fire in a seven-storey building that was spreading to adjacent buildings in central Sydney on Thursday (May 25). "The building is starting to collapse, while the inferno is beginning to spread to several neighbouring buildings, including residential apartments," Fire and Rescue NSW said in a statement, as reported by AFP. As per the emergency services, more than 100 firemen with 20 fire trucks were "working to contain and extinguish the blaze" on Randle Street near the city's Central Station. At least one close vehicle has been destroyed by fire, they said. How Buddhism helped Tina Turner walk out of an abusive marriage Tina Turner was often known as the Queen of Rock 'n' roll and was instrumental in heralding R&B as a genre in music. But not many know that she was also a prominent practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism. Over the years, she spoke about how Buddhism had helped her steer her life and find the strength to leave her abusive relationship with her former husband Ike Turner in 1976. In the years since then, Turner was known to recite Buddhist chants daily and made its life philosophy an integral part of her life. Many would recall her interview with Larry King on CNN in 1997 when she spoke about how Buddhism helped her cope and she had even chanted Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the celebrity host and recited a few prayer lines. Ukraine claims it has shot down 36 Russian drones Some 36 Iranian-made attack drones launched by Russia were downed, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country's military claimed on Thursday (May 25). Zelensky alleged that Russia was trying to 'terrorise' Ukraine. "The enemy continued to terrorise Ukraine by launching 36 Shaheds. None reached their target," Zelensky said in a social media post. Meanwhile, the Moscow-appointed governor in Russian-annexed Crimea said that six drones were shot down or blocked in the region. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Top 10 world news: Man crashes car outside Downing Street gates, stabbing in Japan, and more

<p>Germany, long touted as Europe’s growth engine and the world’s fourth largest economy, entered recession as its Gross Domestic Product fell 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2023. This follows a decline of 0.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last year, effectively pushing the country into a recession. Germany’s economy minister Robert Habeck blamed the country’s previous high dependency on Russian gas for the prevailing economic crisis. Speaking at an event in Berlin&nbsp;on Thursday,&nbsp;Habeck said, “We're fighting our way out of this crisis."</p>

<p>While two consecutive quarters of contraction fulfil the common definition of a recession, economists on the euro area business cycle dating committee employ a broader range of data, including employment figures, to assess economic downturns.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Germany facing an economic crisis?</strong></h2>

<p>Germany is the worst-performing economy among G7 nations. Experts believe massive inflation has paralysed consumption growth in the country, which coupled with the persistent energy crisis has spelt doom for the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Germany’s Federal Statistical Office noted, “The persistence of high price increases continued to be a burden on the German economy at the start of the year.”<br />
<br />
“This was particularly reflected in household final consumption expenditure, which was down 1.2% in the first quarter of 2023,” it added.</p>

<p>The country has also failed to sustainably serve the energy needs of its industrial sector, which is designed to produce the best output only when provided with Russian fuel. The political and business class of the country has failed to accommodate new challenges even as Russian fuel supplies remain throttled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To solve the energy crisis, Berlin resorted to imposing a power price cap for some energy-intensive industries. However, that is also poised to further exacerbate the country’s inflation problem.</p>

<p>It is believed that the subsidies in fuel prices to some industries could cost taxpayers as much as $32 billion in the next seven years. The country has already shut down its nuclear power reactors, and plans to shut down its coal-fired power plants by 2030; however, its transition to cleaner modes of energy production has been very slow.</p>

<p>Although the Scholz administration has devised plans to install 625 million solar panels and 19,000 wind turbines by 2030, it fails to cope with the rising demand since almost everything in the country is being electrified, from heating to transportation.</p>

<h2><strong>How the recession in Germany will impact India</strong></h2>

<p>The recession in the German economy is definitely going to hit Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as apparels, footwear, and leather goods destined for the European Union's largest economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exporters are expressing concerns about the repercussions this downturn will have on Indian exports, not only to Germany but also to other European countries experiencing a recessionary period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of Technocraft Industries and a Mumbai-based exporter, was quoted by Indian Express as saying that the long-term recession in Germany will likely result in a decline in Indian exports, with leather products, chemicals, and light engineering items being the most affected sectors.</p>

<p>In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India's exports to Germany amounted to USD 10.2 billion, and this figure is expected to dip as a result of the ongoing recession.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;German economy shrinks over the last 6 months</strong></p>

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<p>Ajay Srivastava, the co-founder of the economic think-tank GTRI, warned that the recession would adversely impact India's exports worth at least $2 billion, including smartphones, apparels, footwear and leather goods. During a recession, daily-use products are typically the first to be affected. Furthermore, the soon-to-be-imposed carbon border tax by Germany will also impact the export of iron and steel products.</p>

<p>Narendra Goenka, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), raised concerns about the recession in Germany affecting order flows into India. He predicted that business would decline by a minimum of 10 per cent, leading to a definite impact on investment flows from Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Saraf mentioned that German investments in India may not be significantly affected, as German companies often seek cheaper alternatives during recessionary conditions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-fourth-largest-economy-germany-enters-recession-596490"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession</strong></a></p>

<p>Yogesh Gupta, Regional Chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) in the Eastern Region, noted that Germany serves as the primary growth driver for the European Union. Therefore, a recession in Germany is expected to have an impact on purchasing activities within the European nation. However, Gupta cautioned that it is still too early to accurately determine the extent of the recession's impact on Indian exports.</p>

<h2><strong>What does India export to Germany?</strong></h2>

<p>In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India's exports to Germany spanned several sectors, from machinery and electronics to footwear and auto components. India’s exports to Germany included machinery worth $1.5 billion, electronics worth $ 1.2 billion, smartphones worth $458 million, apparels worth $990 million, organic chemicals worth $822 million, footwear worth $332 million, leather goods worth $305 million, articles of iron and steel worth $474 million, and auto components worth $406 million. So, India’s exports to EU nations could take a hit for the aforementioned sectors.&nbsp;<br />
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Germany, long touted as Europe’s growth engine and the world’s fourth largest economy, entered recession as its Gross Domestic Product fell 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2023.

Germany, long touted as Europe’s growth engine and the world’s fourth largest economy, entered recession as its Gross Domestic Product fell 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2023. This follows a decline of 0.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last year, effectively pushing the country into a recession. Germany’s economy minister Robert Habeck blamed the country’s previous high dependency on Russian gas for the prevailing economic crisis. Speaking at an event in Berlin on Thursday, Habeck said, “We're fighting our way out of this crisis." While two consecutive quarters of contraction fulfil the common definition of a recession, economists on the euro area business cycle dating committee employ a broader range of data, including employment figures, to assess economic downturns. Why is Germany facing an economic crisis? Germany is the worst-performing economy among G7 nations. Experts believe massive inflation has paralysed consumption growth in the country, which coupled with the persistent energy crisis has spelt doom for the economy. Germany’s Federal Statistical Office noted, “The persistence of high price increases continued to be a burden on the German economy at the start of the year.” “This was particularly reflected in household final consumption expenditure, which was down 1.2% in the first quarter of 2023,” it added. The country has also failed to sustainably serve the energy needs of its industrial sector, which is designed to produce the best output only when provided with Russian fuel. The political and business class of the country has failed to accommodate new challenges even as Russian fuel supplies remain throttled. To solve the energy crisis, Berlin resorted to imposing a power price cap for some energy-intensive industries. However, that is also poised to further exacerbate the country’s inflation problem. It is believed that the subsidies in fuel prices to some industries could cost taxpayers as much as $32 billion in the next seven years. The country has already shut down its nuclear power reactors, and plans to shut down its coal-fired power plants by 2030; however, its transition to cleaner modes of energy production has been very slow. Although the Scholz administration has devised plans to install 625 million solar panels and 19,000 wind turbines by 2030, it fails to cope with the rising demand since almost everything in the country is being electrified, from heating to transportation. How the recession in Germany will impact India The recession in the German economy is definitely going to hit Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as apparels, footwear, and leather goods destined for the European Union's largest economy. Exporters are expressing concerns about the repercussions this downturn will have on Indian exports, not only to Germany but also to other European countries experiencing a recessionary period. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of Technocraft Industries and a Mumbai-based exporter, was quoted by Indian Express as saying that the long-term recession in Germany will likely result in a decline in Indian exports, with leather products, chemicals, and light engineering items being the most affected sectors. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India's exports to Germany amounted to USD 10.2 billion, and this figure is expected to dip as a result of the ongoing recession. Watch: German economy shrinks over the last 6 months × Ajay Srivastava, the co-founder of the economic think-tank GTRI, warned that the recession would adversely impact India's exports worth at least $2 billion, including smartphones, apparels, footwear and leather goods. During a recession, daily-use products are typically the first to be affected. Furthermore, the soon-to-be-imposed carbon border tax by Germany will also impact the export of iron and steel products. Narendra Goenka, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), raised concerns about the recession in Germany affecting order flows into India. He predicted that business would decline by a minimum of 10 per cent, leading to a definite impact on investment flows from Germany. However, Saraf mentioned that German investments in India may not be significantly affected, as German companies often seek cheaper alternatives during recessionary conditions. Also Read | Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession Yogesh Gupta, Regional Chairman of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) in the Eastern Region, noted that Germany serves as the primary growth driver for the European Union. Therefore, a recession in Germany is expected to have an impact on purchasing activities within the European nation. However, Gupta cautioned that it is still too early to accurately determine the extent of the recession's impact on Indian exports. What does India export to Germany? In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India's exports to Germany spanned several sectors, from machinery and electronics to footwear and auto components. India’s exports to Germany included machinery worth $1.5 billion, electronics worth $ 1.2 billion, smartphones worth $458 million, apparels worth $990 million, organic chemicals worth $822 million, footwear worth $332 million, leather goods worth $305 million, articles of iron and steel worth $474 million, and auto components worth $406 million. So, India’s exports to EU nations could take a hit for the aforementioned sectors. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | How recession in Germany will impact the Indian economy

<p>Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin.</p>

<p>As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen.</p>

<p>On Friday (26 May), Berlin police released a statement saying that they were investigating Waters for incitement to hatred.</p>

<p>As per the images circulated on social media, Waters could be seen wearing a long, black coat with red armbands on stage at the Mercedes-Benz arena last week.</p>

<p>"We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace," police spokesman Martin Halweg told AFP, confirming an earlier report by Jewish News.</p>

<p>"The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer," Halweg added.</p>

<p>Waters is known to be a pro-Palestinian activist and has also been condemned for holding anti-Jewish views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent weeks, the singer has performed in several German cities as part of his "This Is Not A Drill" tour.</p>

<p>The crooner has denied the anti-Semitism condemnations arguing that he was demonstrating against Israeli policies and not the Jewish people.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, at the controversial Berlin concert, Waters flashed the names of several deceased people on a large screen, including that of Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager who died in a Nazi concentration camp.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Roger Waters</strong></h2>

<p>What drew particular outrage from social media users in Israel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh being listed immediately before Holocaust victim Anne Frank.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. <a href="https://t.co/4tcrV6f8mt">pic.twitter.com/4tcrV6f8mt</a></p>
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1661272469238435840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Good morning to everyone but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust," Israel's foreign ministry tweeted earlier this week.</p>

<p>The Simon Wiesenthal Centre also took to Twitter and criticised the event further calling for the German authorities to officially charge Waters for invoking and distorting Holocaust images.</p>

<p>"Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community," the centre tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RogerWaters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RogerWaters</a> this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community. <a href="https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h">https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h</a></p>
— SimonWiesenthalCntr (@simonwiesenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonwiesenthal/status/1661144197578248193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Will Germany prosecute #RogerWaters for Holocaust distortion or will promoters rush to book the anti-Semite for more lurid 3-D anti-Israel + #Antisemitic hatefests masquerading as concerts?" it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin. As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen.

Last week, Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the rock band Pink Floyd, drew flak for donning a 'Nazi-style uniform' at a concert in Berlin. As per the local media reports, Waters performed at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, where the words, "The show will start in 10 minutes and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite, just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly," were projected on a screen. On Friday (26 May), Berlin police released a statement saying that they were investigating Waters for incitement to hatred. As per the images circulated on social media, Waters could be seen wearing a long, black coat with red armbands on stage at the Mercedes-Benz arena last week. "We are investigating on suspicion of incitement to public hatred because the clothing worn on stage could be used to used to glorify or justify Nazi rule, thereby disturbing the public peace," police spokesman Martin Halweg told AFP, confirming an earlier report by Jewish News. "The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer," Halweg added. Waters is known to be a pro-Palestinian activist and has also been condemned for holding anti-Jewish views. In recent weeks, the singer has performed in several German cities as part of his "This Is Not A Drill" tour. The crooner has denied the anti-Semitism condemnations arguing that he was demonstrating against Israeli policies and not the Jewish people. As per AFP reports, at the controversial Berlin concert, Waters flashed the names of several deceased people on a large screen, including that of Anne Frank, the Jewish teenager who died in a Nazi concentration camp. Israeli Foreign Ministry condemns Roger Waters What drew particular outrage from social media users in Israel and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh being listed immediately before Holocaust victim Anne Frank. Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/4tcrV6f8mt — Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) May 24, 2023 × "Good morning to everyone but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust," Israel's foreign ministry tweeted earlier this week. The Simon Wiesenthal Centre also took to Twitter and criticised the event further calling for the German authorities to officially charge Waters for invoking and distorting Holocaust images. "Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community," the centre tweeted. Shame on Frankfurt authorities and Mercedes Benz arena in Berlin — a place from where Jews were deported by the Nazis — for providing anti-Semite #RogerWaters this venue for his concert with no concern/care for the Jewish community. https://t.co/XYAS4bFi7h — SimonWiesenthalCntr (@simonwiesenthal) May 23, 2023 × "Will Germany prosecute #RogerWaters for Holocaust distortion or will promoters rush to book the anti-Semite for more lurid 3-D anti-Israel + #Antisemitic hatefests masquerading as concerts?" it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Berlin police to investigate Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters for inciting hatred by donning ‘Nazi-style’ uniform

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>"My last telephone call was some time ago," Scholz told the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper in an interview published Friday. "But I plan to speak to Putin again in due course."</p>

<p>The leaders last spoke by telephone in early December.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During that hour-long call, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Moscow's troops from Ukraine, while the Russian leader accused the West of pursuing "destructive" policies.</p>

<p>Since then, tensions have only escalated between Moscow and Berlin, particularly over the decision by Scholz's government in January to allow German-made heavy battle tanks to be sent to Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/worlds-fourth-largest-economy-germany-enters-recession-596490">Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession</a></p>

<p>In the interview, Scholz insisted that his aim remained to "actively support Ukraine", but "at the same to prevent a direct conflict between NATO and Russia".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And never to act alone, but in close coordination with our friends and allies," he said.</p>

<p>Asked about the prospect of halting the conflict through negotiations, Scholz said that Putin had to understand that the war could not be ended by making "some kind of cold peace".</p>

<p>"For instance, by turning the current front line into the new 'border' between Russia and Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p>"Rather it is about a fair peace, and the prerequisite for that is the withdrawal of Russian troops," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;South Korea, Germany to strengthen solidarity in Europe, Asia</strong></p>

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<p>Ties between Russia and Germany plunged into a deep freeze after Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The invasion, and Moscow's move to slash gas supplies to Europe, hit Germany particularly hard as the country had come to rely on inexpensive Russian energy to power its economy.</p>

<p>The conflict has prompted Germany to drop a traditionally pacifist stance, with Berlin sending a barrage of weaponry to help Kyiv in its fight against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he plans to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin "in due course", holding out the prospect of resuming contact after a near-total breakdown in relations since the Ukraine war. "My last telephone call was some time ago," Scholz told the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper in an interview published Friday. "But I plan to speak to Putin again in due course." The leaders last spoke by telephone in early December. During that hour-long call, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Moscow's troops from Ukraine, while the Russian leader accused the West of pursuing "destructive" policies. Since then, tensions have only escalated between Moscow and Berlin, particularly over the decision by Scholz's government in January to allow German-made heavy battle tanks to be sent to Ukraine. ALSO READ | Germany, world’s fourth-largest economy, enters recession In the interview, Scholz insisted that his aim remained to "actively support Ukraine", but "at the same to prevent a direct conflict between NATO and Russia". "And never to act alone, but in close coordination with our friends and allies," he said. Asked about the prospect of halting the conflict through negotiations, Scholz said that Putin had to understand that the war could not be ended by making "some kind of cold peace". "For instance, by turning the current front line into the new 'border' between Russia and Ukraine," he said. "Rather it is about a fair peace, and the prerequisite for that is the withdrawal of Russian troops," he added. WATCH | South Korea, Germany to strengthen solidarity in Europe, Asia Ties between Russia and Germany plunged into a deep freeze after Moscow sent its forces into Ukraine in February last year. The invasion, and Moscow's move to slash gas supplies to Europe, hit Germany particularly hard as the country had come to rely on inexpensive Russian energy to power its economy. The conflict has prompted Germany to drop a traditionally pacifist stance, with Berlin sending a barrage of weaponry to help Kyiv in its fight against Moscow. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid recession, Germany's Scholz says plans to speak to Putin 'in due course'

<p>Police in Germany on Wednesday (May 24) searched 15 properties across the country over protests by Last Generation, a climate activist group. In Munich, prosecutors are investigating seven suspects aged between 22 and 38. There is suspicion that they were forming or supporting a criminal organisation, said police in a statement. No arrests have reportedly been made.</p>

<p>The suspects are believed to have been raising funds to finance further crimes on behalf of Last Generation. The police say that they have collected at least 1.4 million euros ($1.54 million) in donations.</p>

<p>It is suspected that two of the defendants sabotaged the Trieste-Ingolstadt oil pipeline. It is considered critical infrastructure and hence, is subject to special protection.</p>

<p>The searches took place in Hesse, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Bavaria, Berlin and Schleswig-Holstein. Two accounts were seized and an asset freeze was ordered.</p>

<p>Last Generation activists have been causing large-scale disruption across Germany in recent months through activities such as glueing themselves to roads and blocking rush-hour traffic. They have also flung mashed potatoes on paintings in museums and have blocked airport runways.</p>

<p>Such activities by the group in order to push the government to do more about climate change have divided public opinion in Germany.</p>

<p>At a press conference following the raids, the activists said they will not be bogged down.</p>

<p>Spokeswoman Aimee van Baalen admitted that she was terrified when she learnt about the raids targeting her friends.</p>

<p>"They frighten us, but we must not persist in this fear. The government is steering us into a climate hell with our eyes wide open," she said.</p>

<p>"We must continue our resistance," she said, calling a demonstration next Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Courts take tougher actions</strong></h2>

<p>In recent weeks, dozens of climate activists from the group have been brought to court over their traffic blockade action. Most of them have been fined for disrupting traffic or obstructing police work. But some courts have begun taking tough action and have handed jail time as well.</p>

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his coalition partners, including the Greens, have expressed frustration.</p>

<p>Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens has said the street blockades were "not a helpful contribution to climate protection" because they don't win consensus but they "irritate people".</p>

<p>Scenes of angry motorists shouting at the glued activists or dragging them off the streets have accompanied many of the street blockades.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wfh-spies-germany-faces-unique-demand-from-new-recruits-595429">WFH spies? Germany intelligence agency BND faces unique demand from new recruits</a></strong></p>

<p>The activists argue, however, that their protests are vital in the face of inadequate action taken by the government and society, in general, to protect the environment and prevent catastrophic global warming.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Police in Germany on Wednesday (May 24) searched 15 properties across the country over protests by Last Generation, a climate activist group. In Munich, prosecutors are investigating seven suspects aged between 22 and 38.

Police in Germany on Wednesday (May 24) searched 15 properties across the country over protests by Last Generation, a climate activist group. In Munich, prosecutors are investigating seven suspects aged between 22 and 38. There is suspicion that they were forming or supporting a criminal organisation, said police in a statement. No arrests have reportedly been made. The suspects are believed to have been raising funds to finance further crimes on behalf of Last Generation. The police say that they have collected at least 1.4 million euros ($1.54 million) in donations. It is suspected that two of the defendants sabotaged the Trieste-Ingolstadt oil pipeline. It is considered critical infrastructure and hence, is subject to special protection. The searches took place in Hesse, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Bavaria, Berlin and Schleswig-Holstein. Two accounts were seized and an asset freeze was ordered. Last Generation activists have been causing large-scale disruption across Germany in recent months through activities such as glueing themselves to roads and blocking rush-hour traffic. They have also flung mashed potatoes on paintings in museums and have blocked airport runways. Such activities by the group in order to push the government to do more about climate change have divided public opinion in Germany. At a press conference following the raids, the activists said they will not be bogged down. Spokeswoman Aimee van Baalen admitted that she was terrified when she learnt about the raids targeting her friends. "They frighten us, but we must not persist in this fear. The government is steering us into a climate hell with our eyes wide open," she said. "We must continue our resistance," she said, calling a demonstration next Wednesday. Courts take tougher actions In recent weeks, dozens of climate activists from the group have been brought to court over their traffic blockade action. Most of them have been fined for disrupting traffic or obstructing police work. But some courts have begun taking tough action and have handed jail time as well. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his coalition partners, including the Greens, have expressed frustration. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens has said the street blockades were "not a helpful contribution to climate protection" because they don't win consensus but they "irritate people". Scenes of angry motorists shouting at the glued activists or dragging them off the streets have accompanied many of the street blockades. Also Read | WFH spies? Germany intelligence agency BND faces unique demand from new recruits The activists argue, however, that their protests are vital in the face of inadequate action taken by the government and society, in general, to protect the environment and prevent catastrophic global warming. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Germany: Police carry out nationwide raids against climate activists

<p>World’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s largest, Germany, has entered into recession after the country’s GDP recorded its second quarterly contraction.</p>

<p>The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from January to March quarter fell by 0.3 per cent, data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Thursday showed. This was the second consecutive drop from the last quarter of 2022, which showed a GDP fall of 0.5 per cent. Two consecutive quarters of decline constitute a technical recession.</p>

<p>The figures come as a major blow to the German government after it last month estimated double growth for this year.</p>

<p>German&nbsp;GDP data showed "surprisingly negative signals," Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Thursday. He added that comparing Germany with other highly developed economies, the economy was losing potential for growth.</p>

<p>"I don't want Germany to play in a league in which we have to relegate ourselves to the last positions," he said, referring to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund, which predicted a recession in 2023 only in Germany and Britain among European countries.</p>

<p>Experts say that high inflation contributed to the recession, with prices in April spiking by 7.2 per cent than a year ago.</p>

<p>Germany’s inflation rate is above Europe’s average but below the UK's 8.7 per cent.</p>

<h2><strong>Inflation spiking in Germany</strong></h2>

<p>Data from the statistics office showed that German households decreased their spending in the first quarter, with final consumption expenditure falling 1.2 per cent over that period. Industrial orders were also weaker, reflecting the impact of higher energy prices on businesses. Government spending also witnessed a drop in the first three months of the year.</p>

<p>"The persistence of high price increases continued to be a burden on the German economy at the start of the year," the federal statistics agency Destatis said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Germany enters recession after GDP falls for second successive quarter</strong></h2>

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<p>The latest economic development comes in the wake of high inflation and high-interest rates across the region. The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to raise rates again at its next meeting on June 15. The central bank has lifted its rates by 375 basis points since July.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, German Central Bank Governor Joachim Nagel said that the ECB has “several” more rate increases ahead.</p>

<h2><strong>Less bleak than anticipated?</strong></h2>

<p>Germany, which is heavily reliant on Russian energy, struggled to look for alternative sources as the West-led sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 continued to put a toll on its economy.</p>

<p>A mild winter in Germany meant that the worst scenarios — such as a gas shortage, which would have ravaged the economy — did not occur.</p>

<p>Germany's last recession came as the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 prompted governments to effectively shutter whole sectors of the economy.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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World’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s largest, Germany, has entered into recession after the country’s GDP recorded its second quarterly contraction. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from January to March quarter fell by 0.

World’s fourth-largest economy and Europe’s largest, Germany, has entered into recession after the country’s GDP recorded its second quarterly contraction. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from January to March quarter fell by 0.3 per cent, data released by the Federal Statistical Office on Thursday showed. This was the second consecutive drop from the last quarter of 2022, which showed a GDP fall of 0.5 per cent. Two consecutive quarters of decline constitute a technical recession. The figures come as a major blow to the German government after it last month estimated double growth for this year. German GDP data showed "surprisingly negative signals," Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Thursday. He added that comparing Germany with other highly developed economies, the economy was losing potential for growth. "I don't want Germany to play in a league in which we have to relegate ourselves to the last positions," he said, referring to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund, which predicted a recession in 2023 only in Germany and Britain among European countries. Experts say that high inflation contributed to the recession, with prices in April spiking by 7.2 per cent than a year ago. Germany’s inflation rate is above Europe’s average but below the UK's 8.7 per cent. Inflation spiking in Germany Data from the statistics office showed that German households decreased their spending in the first quarter, with final consumption expenditure falling 1.2 per cent over that period. Industrial orders were also weaker, reflecting the impact of higher energy prices on businesses. Government spending also witnessed a drop in the first three months of the year. "The persistence of high price increases continued to be a burden on the German economy at the start of the year," the federal statistics agency Destatis said in a statement. Germany enters recession after GDP falls for second successive quarter The latest economic development comes in the wake of high inflation and high-interest rates across the region. The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to raise rates again at its next meeting on June 15. The central bank has lifted its rates by 375 basis points since July. Earlier this week, German Central Bank Governor Joachim Nagel said that the ECB has “several” more rate increases ahead. Less bleak than anticipated? Germany, which is heavily reliant on Russian energy, struggled to look for alternative sources as the West-led sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 continued to put a toll on its economy. A mild winter in Germany meant that the worst scenarios — such as a gas shortage, which would have ravaged the economy — did not occur. Germany's last recession came as the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 prompted governments to effectively shutter whole sectors of the economy. (With inputs from agencies)

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Germany enters recession after GDP falls for second successive quarter

<p>‘Bond, James Bond, working from home’ would be an assault on the senses. It will be hard to imagine the suave British spy lazing on his bed (alone), typing away at a keyboard and settling for a stirred Martini because all he has is a mixer at home.</p>

<p>Germany's spy agency, BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst), is facing a unique problem, that of work-from-home spies. An official told Reuters that this is something that is taken for 'granted' by some young recruits.</p>

<h2><strong>‘We cannot </strong>offer certain conditions that are taken for granted today<strong>’</strong></h2>

<p>"We cannot offer certain conditions that are taken for granted today," Bruno Kahl told Reuters. He said finding enough and the right new staff was proving to be a challenge. This is reportedly happening as spies from older generations are heading into retirement.</p>

<p>"Remote work is barely possible at the BND for security reasons, and not being able to take your cell phone to work is asking much from young people looking for a job," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Germany strikes deal with China on Hamburg port</strong></p>

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<p>According to its website, BND has 6500 employees working for it. The spy agency was founded in 1956 in then-existing West Germany. The service remained intact after the reunification in 1989.</p>

<p>The secret service has attracted controversy in recent decades for reportedly working closely with the US before the invasion of Iraq and also for spying on journalists in Germany.</p>

<p>MI6, UK's spy agency, says on its website that it offers “flexible working [which] means you can work around personal commitments”.</p>

<p>America's CIA mentions that it has 'several working groups' that are looking for work from home.</p>

<p>As a major economic, military and political powerhouse, Germany finds itself in the middle of affairs of Europe and even the world. It has a prominent voice within the European Union (EU). Even in the West's response after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has had a central position. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The US and the European Union have poured in millions and millions in humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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‘Bond, James Bond, working from home’ would be an assault on the senses. It will be hard to imagine the suave British spy lazing on his bed (alone), typing away at a keyboard and settling for a stirred Martini because all he has is a mixer at home.

‘Bond, James Bond, working from home’ would be an assault on the senses. It will be hard to imagine the suave British spy lazing on his bed (alone), typing away at a keyboard and settling for a stirred Martini because all he has is a mixer at home. Germany's spy agency, BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst), is facing a unique problem, that of work-from-home spies. An official told Reuters that this is something that is taken for 'granted' by some young recruits. ‘We cannot offer certain conditions that are taken for granted today’ "We cannot offer certain conditions that are taken for granted today," Bruno Kahl told Reuters. He said finding enough and the right new staff was proving to be a challenge. This is reportedly happening as spies from older generations are heading into retirement. "Remote work is barely possible at the BND for security reasons, and not being able to take your cell phone to work is asking much from young people looking for a job," he said. Gravitas: Germany strikes deal with China on Hamburg port × According to its website, BND has 6500 employees working for it. The spy agency was founded in 1956 in then-existing West Germany. The service remained intact after the reunification in 1989. The secret service has attracted controversy in recent decades for reportedly working closely with the US before the invasion of Iraq and also for spying on journalists in Germany. MI6, UK's spy agency, says on its website that it offers “flexible working [which] means you can work around personal commitments”. America's CIA mentions that it has 'several working groups' that are looking for work from home. As a major economic, military and political powerhouse, Germany finds itself in the middle of affairs of Europe and even the world. It has a prominent voice within the European Union (EU). Even in the West's response after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany has had a central position. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The US and the European Union have poured in millions and millions in humanitarian and military aid for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

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Gravitas: Germany strikes deal with China on Hamburg port

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