Germany's cross-country skiers, to mark their protest against inclusion of Russia at the ongoing Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, turned their back againts the gold medallist and denied taking a selfie post medal ceremony. This happened on Tuesday (Mar 10) during the women's sprint classic vision impaired event in which Anastasiia Bagiian and her guide Sergei Siniakin won gold. The International Paralaympic Committee (IPC) has allowed the Russian athletes to participate in the ongoing Winter Pralaympics, a first since 2014. The Russian were banned after a state-sponsored doping program was exposed and its war on Ukraine, which started in 2022, further added the restrictions.<h2>Why German athletes denied taking selfie with Russians at Winter Paralympics 2026?</h2>The Germans, along with many other countries, are protesting the inclusion of Russia and its ally Belarus at the ongoing Winter Paralympics 2026. To make their stand clear, seven countries - including Ukraine, had boycotted the opening ceremony of the quadrennial games on Friday (Mar 6). A total of six Russian and four Belarus athletes are taking part in the ongoing games.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-training-with-chatgpt-how-artificial-intelligence-helped-ukraine-athlete-maksym-murashkovskyi-win-silver-at-winter-paralympics-1773105709019">How AI helped Ukraine athlete win silver at Winter Paralympics</a>To further mark their protest, Germany's Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann, who won the silver medal in &nbsp;women's sprint classic vision impaired event on Tuesday (Mar 11), turned their back against the Russian gold medal winners just as the national athem started to play to the medal win. The pair also said no to taking a selfie with the Russians after the medal ceremony.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">When asked to take a selfie, the German Paralympians refused to be photographed with Russian gold medalists Anastasia Bagiyan and Sergey Sinyakov, leaving the Chinese confused. In the end, both Chinese and Russian athletes shared a wholesome photo. <a href="https://t.co/nlEWwl5xxe">pic.twitter.com/nlEWwl5xxe</a>&mdash; Spetsnaℤ 007 🇷🇺 (@Alex_Oloyede2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alex_Oloyede2/status/2031746787531165913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did German athletes say about turning back on Russians?</h2>Speaking to German outlet Bild about the incident, silver winner Kazmaier said: "The medal ceremony felt completely strange. I don't know the [Russians], I don't know if perhaps they also support the system in Russia as little as we do."Perhaps they are really nice people, who we could be friends with. That it is so totally overshadowed by politics is simply a complete shame."Bild report also stated that Kazmaier and Baumann did not take pary in medallists' selfie after the medal ceremony because: "Four years ago in Beijing we had a great exchange with the Ukrainians. We wanted to show solidarity to them," said Baumann."That's why we decided to leave our hats on and not turn towards the flag, because we do not support it."&nbsp;

The International Paralaympic Committee (IPC) has allowed the Russian athletes to participate in the ongoing Winter Pralaympics, a first since 2014. The Germans, who won silver, said no to taking a selfie with the gold winning Russians after women's sprint classic vision impaired event.

Germany's cross-country skiers, to mark their protest against inclusion of Russia at the ongoing Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina, turned their back againts the gold medallist and denied taking a selfie post medal ceremony. This happened on Tuesday (Mar 10) during the women's sprint classic vision impaired event in which Anastasiia Bagiian and her guide Sergei Siniakin won gold. The International Paralaympic Committee (IPC) has allowed the Russian athletes to participate in the ongoing Winter Pralaympics, a first since 2014. The Russian were banned after a state-sponsored doping program was exposed and its war on Ukraine, which started in 2022, further added the restrictions. Why German athletes denied taking selfie with Russians at Winter Paralympics 2026? The Germans, along with many other countries, are protesting the inclusion of Russia and its ally Belarus at the ongoing Winter Paralympics 2026. To make their stand clear, seven countries - including Ukraine, had boycotted the opening ceremony of the quadrennial games on Friday (Mar 6). A total of six Russian and four Belarus athletes are taking part in the ongoing games. Also Read - How AI helped Ukraine athlete win silver at Winter Paralympics To further mark their protest, Germany's Linn Kazmaier and her guide Florian Baumann, who won the silver medal in women's sprint classic vision impaired event on Tuesday (Mar 11), turned their back against the Russian gold medal winners just as the national athem started to play to the medal win. The pair also said no to taking a selfie with the Russians after the medal ceremony.

The International Paralaympic Committee (IPC) has allowed the Russian athletes to participate in the ongoing Winter Pralaympics, a first since 2014. The Germans, who won silver, said no to taking a selfie with the gold winning Russians after women's sprint classic vision impaired event.

Winter Paralympics | WATCH - German athletes deny selfie with Russians after turning back at podium

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time Wednesday, expressing optimism that the two countries can overcome disagreements on trade and geopolitics to forge a strategic partnership.


German Chancellor Merz Meets Xi For First Time

Austria has decided to convert the house where Adolf Hitler was born into a police station, a move aimed at preventing the site from becoming a far-right pilgrimage location. The decision has triggered mixed reactions in Braunau am Inn, with some locals arguing the space could have been used as a centre for education and peace dialogue. We break down the controversy, Austria’s ongoing debate over Holocaust responsibility, and how the rise of the far-right Freedom Party adds to the political context surrounding the decision.


Hitler’s Birthplace to Become Police Station

Snow swept across Frankfurt on Thursday, disrupting operations at Germany’s busiest airport. Dozens of flights were cancelled and arrivals delayed by more than an hour on average.


Germany Snowstorm: Winter Delays Hit Air Travel 

Major NATO military exercises are underway in Germany as NATO launches Steadfast Dart 26, a large-scale drill involving around 10,000 troops from 11 allied nations. The exercise is being hosted in Putlos, Germany, underscoring Berlin’s growing role in European defense coordination.


NATO’s Steadfast Dart 26 Begins in Germany With 10,000 Troops

Germany’s economy is under pressure from demographic change as its workforce declines from about 51 million today to an estimated 37 million–45 million by 2070 according to demographic projections. This sharp drop in the working-age population reflects low fertility and ageing trends and poses challenges for sectors such as manufacturing and construction. With fewer workers available over the coming decades, potential economic growth may weaken and labour shortages could intensify across key industries.


Germany Economy Faces Shrinking Workforce As Demographics Bite | WION 

Germany has called on France to increase its defence spending, emphasizing that Europe cannot fully protect itself without robust collective investment. German Foreign Minister Roderich Wadephul highlighted the importance of coordinated military readiness, particularly in light of the ongoing Ukraine war, which has now entered its fourth year. The appeal comes as European nations reassess security priorities, with NATO allies closely monitoring defense budgets and readiness levels.


Germany Urges France To Raise Defence Budget Amid European Security Concerns 

Germany is moving toward tougher social media restrictions for children, with the SPD backing measures that could significantly reshape how young users access major platforms. The proposal includes “youth modes” that would function without recommendation algorithms, aiming to reduce addictive content exposure and online risks.


Germany Pushes Child Social Media Ban, SPD Backs Strict Platform Restrictions

Five European countries – the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands – have accused Russia of poisoning and killing opposition leader Alexey Navalny in 2024 based on lab results from a sample taken from his body.

European Nations Blame Russia for Killing Navalny | Russia Calls Allegations as Propaganda | Poison Dart Frog

The 62nd annual Munich Security Conference is underway, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for a stronger transatlantic partnership. European leaders are seeking to mend ties with Washington, while the British Prime Minister urged Europe to reduce its reliance on the United States for defence.


British PM Starmer Urges Europe To Reduce Its Reliance on US For Its Defences

Germany is moving to strengthen ties with Gulf states as Berlin signals a potential free trade deal with the UAE and signs key cooperation agreements. The outreach also includes a pledge to support de-escalation in rising Iran-US tensions while seeking a trade boost in the region.


Germany Deepens Gulf Ties, Signals Free Trade Deal With UAE

Germany’s economy is showing signs of deep structural strain as poverty levels rise sharply.
New data from official sources reveals that 13.3 million people in Germany are now living in poverty. That is 16.1 percent of the population.


Spotlight on Germany's Economic Inequality: 13.3 Million People in Germany Live in Poverty

Germany’s economy is showing signs of deep structural strain as poverty levels rise sharply.
New data from official sources reveals that 13.3 million people in Germany are now living in poverty. That is 16.1 percent of the population.

Germany: 16% of German Population Lives in Poverty

Frankfurt Airport in Germany has come to a standstill as heavy snow and black ice sweep across the country, causing widespread travel disruptions. Flights are delayed or canceled, and authorities are warning commuters to exercise caution.


Germany: Heavy Snow & Black Ice Sweep Different Parts of Germany |

Frankfurt Airport in Germany has come to a standstill as heavy snow and black ice sweep across the country, causing widespread travel disruptions. Flights are delayed or canceled, and authorities are warning commuters to exercise caution.

Germany Snow Chaos: Frankfurt Airport Halts Operations Amid Ice & Heavy Snow

Germany has stated it cannot send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, citing limitations in its own defence readiness. Meanwhile, France has blocked the supply of certain missiles to Kyiv, adding fresh uncertainty to Western military support for Ukraine. The developments come amid continued Russian strikes and growing pressure on European allies to step up defence assistance.

Germany: Can't Send Patriot Systems, France Blocks Supply of Missiles to Ukraine

In a significant move in European broadcasting and streaming, Zee Entertainment UK has launched its flagship Zee TV as a live FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The move expands Zee’s global footprint while ensuring viewers enjoy authentic, premium South Asian Entertainment. Now German audiences can stream Zee TV’s latest dramas, reality shows, and family entertainment with live 24/7 German subtitles, making content more accessible and inclusive than ever before.The German subtitles will enable German-speaking viewers to enjoy Zee TV’s rich storytelling. This innovation sets a new benchmark for FAST streaming, combining cutting-edge translation technology with Zee’s flagship content. Viewers in Germany can access Zee TV exclusively on Samsung TV Plus on channel number 4210.Zee TV perfectly complements the existing popularity of Zee One and Zee5 in the region, both of which have built a super strong fan base among South Asians and local mainstream audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals who value quality content.Despite their willingness to pay for authentic entertainment, access has been limited or fragmented. By offering live streaming directly to viewers, Zee is enabling Gen 2 and Gen 3 of the diaspora to enjoy content without relying on parents for translation.Amit Goenka, President, International and Digital Businesses, Zee Entertainment, said: “Zee TV Germany is a flagship launch and a defining moment in our global journey to make entertainment truly borderless. This kind of move is not just unprecedented, it’s essential to meet viewers where they are. By going live on Samsung TV Plus with 24/7 German subtitles, we are breaking language barriers and setting a new international benchmark for FAST streaming. As a content and tech media powerhouse, we will continue to reach our audiences in every possible way, accessible and innovative. This is about creating cultural bridges, leading the FAST revolution, and shaping the future of global entertainment with global partners in technology – Samsung.”Benedict Frey, Country Lead DACH + BeNeLux at Samsung TV Plus, expressed excitement to continue their partnership with Zee Entertainment to grow content offering in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the launch of flagship Zee TV on Samsung TV Plus. “This addition strengthens our existing portfolio of Zee channels already available on the platform and brings even more premium South Asian entertainment to our customers. Making this content accessible with live German subtitles is a meaningful step in serving diverse audiences across the region and enriching the viewing experience for all,” Frey said.Hundreds of thousands of followers on Zee TV UK’s social media handles across the three nation reflects the brand’s strong digital presence and loyal fan base. This launch is expected to ignite conversations across Europe and beyond, driving engagement through authentic, legal content.Zee Entertainment UK is Europe’s largest South Asian broadcaster and streaming powerhouse with nine channels across linear TV and FAST platforms, complemented by Zee5’s cutting-edge digital experience. With the recent launch, Zee TV Germany becomes Zee’s ninth channel in Europe, further cementing the company’s leadership as the premier provider of South Asian entertainment across the continent.

The German subtitles will enable German-speaking viewers to enjoy Zee TV’s rich storytelling.

In a significant move in European broadcasting and streaming, Zee Entertainment UK has launched its flagship Zee TV as a live FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The move expands Zee’s global footprint while ensuring viewers enjoy authentic, premium South Asian Entertainment. Now German audiences can stream Zee TV’s latest dramas, reality shows, and family entertainment with live 24/7 German subtitles, making content more accessible and inclusive than ever before. The German subtitles will enable German-speaking viewers to enjoy Zee TV’s rich storytelling. This innovation sets a new benchmark for FAST streaming, combining cutting-edge translation technology with Zee’s flagship content. Viewers in Germany can access Zee TV exclusively on Samsung TV Plus on channel number 4210. Zee TV perfectly complements the existing popularity of Zee One and Zee5 in the region, both of which have built a super strong fan base among South Asians and local mainstream audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals who value quality content. Despite their willingness to pay for authentic entertainment, access has been limited or fragmented. By offering live streaming directly to viewers, Zee is enabling Gen 2 and Gen 3 of the diaspora to enjoy content without relying on parents for translation. Amit Goenka, President, International and Digital Businesses, Zee Entertainment, said: “Zee TV Germany is a flagship launch and a defining moment in our global journey to make entertainment truly borderless. This kind of move is not just unprecedented, it’s essential to meet viewers where they are. By going live on Samsung TV Plus with 24/7 German subtitles, we are breaking language barriers and setting a new international benchmark for FAST streaming. As a content and tech media powerhouse, we will continue to reach our audiences in every possible way, accessible and innovative. This is about creating cultural bridges, leading the FAST revolution, and shaping the future of global entertainment with global partners in technology – Samsung.” Benedict Frey, Country Lead DACH + BeNeLux at Samsung TV Plus, expressed excitement to continue their partnership with Zee Entertainment to grow content offering in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the launch of flagship Zee TV on Samsung TV Plus. “This addition strengthens our existing portfolio of Zee channels already available on the platform and brings even more premium South Asian entertainment to our customers. Making this content accessible with live German subtitles is a meaningful step in serving diverse audiences across the region and enriching the viewing experience for all,” Frey said. Hundreds of thousands of followers on Zee TV UK’s social media handles across the three nation reflects the brand’s strong digital presence and loyal fan base. This launch is expected to ignite conversations across Europe and beyond, driving engagement through authentic, legal content. Zee Entertainment UK is Europe’s largest South Asian broadcaster and streaming powerhouse with nine channels across linear TV and FAST platforms, complemented by Zee5’s cutting-edge digital experience. With the recent launch, Zee TV Germany becomes Zee’s ninth channel in Europe, further cementing the company’s leadership as the premier provider of South Asian entertainment across the continent.

The German subtitles will enable German-speaking viewers to enjoy Zee TV’s rich storytelling.

Zee Entertainment UK launches flagship Zee TV with live German subtitles on Samsung TV Plus in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded a two-day visit to India on January 13, 2026, marking 25 years of the strategic partnership with PM Narendra Modi through high-level talks in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. Modi raised the case of baby Ariha, a German-Indian custody dispute, urging swift resolution during bilateral discussions on trade, defense, and migration.


India-Germany: Merz's India Visit Celebrates 25 Years of Strategic Partnership 

France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway are deploying troops to Greenland (under Denmark) for joint NATO exercises amid U.S. President Trump's territorial ambitions, while Poland has declined to participate in these specific deployments.


France, Germany, Sweden, Norway to Send Troops in Denmark, Poland Refuses Deployment

A 21-year-old German-Iranian man, identified as Shahriar J. and known online as "White Tiger," stands trial in Hamburg for allegedly grooming over 30 minors aged 11-15 across Germany, the UK, Canada, and the US between 2021-2023. He faces 204 charges, including one count of murder and five attempted murders, for pressuring vulnerable children-often found in suicide forums-into self-harm, sexual acts, and livestreamed suicides via blackmail with prior recordings.


A German Groomer Drove Children to Die by Suicide, but He is Not Working Alone

Black ice and freezing rain have disrupted daily life across western Germany, forcing authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia to close thousands of schools as a safety precaution. With severe weather warnings in place, many students have switched to remote learning, reviving systems first used during the pandemic to keep education running without risking lives.


Germany: Freezing Rain Shuts 5,400 Schools | WION 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad for his first official visit to India, where he was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi ahead of wide‑ranging talks aimed at strengthening India‑Germany ties in trade, investment, defence, technology, education and green growth. India and Germany recorded record bilateral trade of over $51 billion in 2024‑25 as both partners mark 75 years of relations and 25 years of strategic partnership.

Watch: German Chancellor on First State Visit to India

A group of European countries, led by Britain and Germany, is discussing plans to boost their military presence in Greenland to show U.S. President Donald Trump that the continent is serious about Arctic security, as per reports.


Greenland Showdown: UK, Germany To Boost Greenland Forces, Say Reports

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad for his first official visit to India, where he was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi ahead of wide‑ranging talks aimed at strengthening India‑Germany ties in trade, investment, defence, technology, education and green growth. India and Germany recorded record bilateral trade of over $51 billion in 2024‑25 as both partners mark 75 years of relations and 25 years of strategic partnership.


Merz In Ahmedabad On Maiden Visit: India-Germany Ties Grew In 2024-2025

Greenland Showdown: UK, Germany Discuss NATO Forces in Greenland to Calm US Threat Says Report

Left-wing extremists admit arson attack knocking out power to 45,000 Berlin homes. Substation blaze causes massive blackout; authorities hunt perpetrators amid infrastructure sabotage fears.


Berlin Blackout: 45,000 Homes Dark After Arson Attack

In a tragic incident, a 25-year-old student from India’s Telangana was killed after he jumped from his apartment in an attempt to escape from a fire in Germany on December 31. The student, identified as Hruthik Reddy of Malkapur village in Jangaon district, has been living in Brandenburg near Berlin. His family has appealed to Indian authorities for help in repatriating his body.The fire erupted in the building and quickly spread to the floor where his apartment was, trapping him inside, said his family. Reddy reportedly jumped from the upper floor in an attempt to escape the flames and thick smoke trapping him. However, he sustained critical head injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.The cause of the fire is not known yet. German authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has left his family and village community in shock. Reddy was about to visit his home for the festival of Sankranti, but his death has turned the New Year into a period of mourning for his family.Reddy moved to Germany in June 2023 and was pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Potsdam, southwest of Berlin. He completed his engineering degree from Vaagdevi College of Engineering in Warangal in 2022.His relatives in Malkapur said that the German authorities informed them of his death. They have requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Germany to facilitate the return of his mortal remains for final rites.In another tragic incident involving a Telangana student last month, a 24-year-old woman from Jangaon district died in a house fire in the United States. Two other students from the state were killed in a car crash in California.

Reddy was about to visit his home for the festival of Sankranti, but his death has turned the New Year into a period of mourning for his family.

In a tragic incident, a 25-year-old student from India’s Telangana was killed after he jumped from his apartment in an attempt to escape from a fire in Germany on December 31. The student, identified as Hruthik Reddy of Malkapur village in Jangaon district, has been living in Brandenburg near Berlin. His family has appealed to Indian authorities for help in repatriating his body. The fire erupted in the building and quickly spread to the floor where his apartment was, trapping him inside, said his family. Reddy reportedly jumped from the upper floor in an attempt to escape the flames and thick smoke trapping him. However, he sustained critical head injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The cause of the fire is not known yet. German authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has left his family and village community in shock. Reddy was about to visit his home for the festival of Sankranti, but his death has turned the New Year into a period of mourning for his family. Reddy moved to Germany in June 2023 and was pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Potsdam, southwest of Berlin. He completed his engineering degree from Vaagdevi College of Engineering in Warangal in 2022. His relatives in Malkapur said that the German authorities informed them of his death. They have requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Germany to facilitate the return of his mortal remains for final rites. In another tragic incident involving a Telangana student last month, a 24-year-old woman from Jangaon district died in a house fire in the United States. Two other students from the state were killed in a car crash in California.

Reddy was about to visit his home for the festival of Sankranti, but his death has turned the New Year into a period of mourning for his family.

Tragic! Indian student in Germany dies after jumping off apartment to escape fire

It sounds like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. But police say this one was all too real. In what investigators are comparing to the film Ocean’s Eleven, a highly organised gang drilled its way into the vault of a german savings bank in Gelsenkirchen escaping with cash, gold and jewellery worth an estimated 35 million dollars.

German bank vault hit in Ocean's Eleven-style heist in Gelsenkirchen 

Germany is quietly preparing for the possibility of a major NATO war with Russia. It is quietly redrawing its defence playbook, preparing for a scenario in which cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation are no longer just background noise.


Germany prepares blueprint for NATO war against Russia

In western Germany, thieves took advantage of the Christmas lull to pull off a major heist at a retail bank. They drilled into a vault and emptied thousands of safe deposit boxes. Police say the haul is worth around 30 million euros (about $35 million) and includes valuables from customer deposit boxes.


Germany bank heist: Thieves drill into vault, loot $35 million 

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