German car-makers are pressing Lithuania to seek a compromise with China. Reports say Lithuania could ask Taiwan to rename their office in Vilnius to placate Beijing. Why are Europe's big powers abandoning spirited Lithuania? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: German businesses press Lithuania to seek compromise with China

In a diplomatic earthquake, German Navy chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach stepped down on Saturday after his comments in New Delhi which called for rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine can't become a NATO member.

In a diplomatic earthquake, German Navy chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach stepped down on Saturday after his comments in New Delhi which called for rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine can't become a NATO member. His comments went against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe and buildup by Russian troops at the border with Ukraine. Speaking at think tank IDSA on Friday, he said, "Does Russia really wants small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil, integrate the country. No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it, and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. " Ahead of stepping down, he called his comments in Delhi a "mistake". Meanwhile, the Twitter bio of the German Navy chief official handle has been updated to "currently vacant" & the picture of VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach has been removed. Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. @BMVg_Bundeswehr #deutschemarine https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy — chiefdeunavy (@chiefdeunavy) January 22, 2022 × The German Defence Ministry was quick to disown the comments. German newspaper BILD, quoting the German Defence Ministry said, "In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the Defense ministry. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General" Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. @BMVg_Bundeswehr #deutschemarine https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy — chiefdeunavy (@chiefdeunavy) January 22, 2022 × And not just in Berlin, the fallout off comments were seen on Ukraine's capital Kyiv. Ukraine's foreign ministry summoned the German envoy to the country over Navy Chief's remarks. In his Delhi comments, the German Navy chief explained that good ties are needed with Russia to rein in China and Crimea being lost now. He explained, "Even we India, Germany we need Russia, We need Russia against China...Having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, giving them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia". Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders, with countries like Ukraine joining it. It wants "security guarantees" from the west and NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block. The number of talks this month between Russia and the US hasn't yielded any results. The comments in Delhi come even as the German navy chief visit was aimed to show Berlin's increased engagement in the Indo Pacific but ended up with his resignation. The visit of the German Navy chief also coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai, as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

German Navy chief steps down after his New Delhi comments on Putin, Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday that Germany would do everything in its power to guarantee Ukraine's security. She was on her first visit to Ukraine.

"We will do our all to guarantee Ukraine's security. We will do our all to guarantee Europe's security," she said at a press conference following talks with her Ukrainian counterpart, a day before she is due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.

Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops and heavy military equipment along its border with Ukraine. Though Russia claims that it does not intend to invade Ukraine, fears of such an attack remain. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia has already annexed Ukraine Crimean peninsula in 2014. Russia remains fiercely opposed to Ukraine's inclusion in NATO.

Speaking during a visit to Madrid, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "we expect clear steps from Russia to de-escalate the situation".

"Military aggression against Ukraine would have serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia, he added at a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Baerbock's visit to Kyiv comes amid attempts to revive the so-called Normandy Format grouping of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine whose aim is to de-escalate the conflict.

Her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, told reporters following discussions that Ukraine and Germany were "committed to a diplomatic settlement of this conflict".

"Our joint goal is the effective work of the Normandy Format and the holding of a summit of leaders of the Normandy Format," Kuleba said.

He reiterated however Ukraine's intention to receive weapons from the West, after Kyiv in December accused Berlin of blocking the supply of NATO arms.

"Our dialogue with Germany on this issue will continue," Kuleba said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to hold his first meeting with Baerbock on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday that Germany would do everything in its power to guarantee Ukraine's security. She was on her first visit to Ukraine.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday that Germany would do everything in its power to guarantee Ukraine's security. She was on her first visit to Ukraine. "We will do our all to guarantee Ukraine's security. We will do our all to guarantee Europe's security," she said at a press conference following talks with her Ukrainian counterpart, a day before she is due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops and heavy military equipment along its border with Ukraine. Though Russia claims that it does not intend to invade Ukraine, fears of such an attack remain. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia has already annexed Ukraine Crimean peninsula in 2014. Russia remains fiercely opposed to Ukraine's inclusion in NATO. Speaking during a visit to Madrid, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "we expect clear steps from Russia to de-escalate the situation". "Military aggression against Ukraine would have serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia, he added at a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Baerbock's visit to Kyiv comes amid attempts to revive the so-called Normandy Format grouping of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine whose aim is to de-escalate the conflict. Her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, told reporters following discussions that Ukraine and Germany were "committed to a diplomatic settlement of this conflict". "Our joint goal is the effective work of the Normandy Format and the holding of a summit of leaders of the Normandy Format," Kuleba said. He reiterated however Ukraine's intention to receive weapons from the West, after Kyiv in December accused Berlin of blocking the supply of NATO arms. "Our dialogue with Germany on this issue will continue," Kuleba said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to hold his first meeting with Baerbock on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany will do 'all' to ensure Ukraine's security, says foreign minister

Senior Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Paris along with French and German counterparts. The talks lasted eight hours and all parties agreed to a ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine.

Four Way Normandy Talks: Moscow, Kyiv agree to ceasefire in East Ukraine

Amid all the mounting fears of an armed conflict, diplomatic avenues for de-escalation remain open, and France has initiated a fresh attempt to defuse the simmering tension. Diplomatic advisers from Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, the so-called Normandy Four, will meet for talks in Paris tomorrow

4 way Normandy Talks' to be held on January 26th

Ukrainian Ambassador to Berlin Andriy Melnyk hailed the resignation of German Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schonbach.

Ukrainian envoy welcomes German Navy chief's resignation over remarks on border conflict

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun. The perpetrator is dead."

The area has been cordoned off and a major police operation was underway. "Colleagues are still on site with strong forces - we will provide further information here," the statement read.

Taking to their Twitter handle, the police urged people to&nbsp;clear the area "so that rescue workers and emergency services can travel freely".

The police asked motorists to drive around Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg to help rescue workers and emergency services reach the scene.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-move-to-enhance-defence-nato-sends-extra-force-to-eastern-europe-447169">Also read |&nbsp;In a move to enhance&nbsp;defence, NATO sends extra force to eastern Europe</a>

This is not the first time that a shooting has taken place at a university. Earlier in December, a &nbsp;5-year-old student opened fire at his Michigan high school, killing three teenagers and wounding eight other people. This was considered the deadliest US school shooting on the year 2021.&nbsp;

The suspect was taken into custody and a semi-automatic handgun was seized. However, there was no immediate explanation for what might have prompted the attack in Oxford.

"There was no resistance during the arrest and the suspect has asked for a lawyer and has not made any statements as to a motive," the sheriff's office said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun.

Several people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a lecture hall at Heidelberg University in southwestern Germany. The perpetrator is now dead. Mannheim police, in a statement, said, "A lone perpetrator injured several people in a lecture hall with a long gun. The perpetrator is dead." The area has been cordoned off and a major police operation was underway. "Colleagues are still on site with strong forces - we will provide further information here," the statement read. Taking to their Twitter handle, the police urged people to clear the area "so that rescue workers and emergency services can travel freely". The police asked motorists to drive around Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg to help rescue workers and emergency services reach the scene. Also read | In a move to enhance defence, NATO sends extra force to eastern Europe This is not the first time that a shooting has taken place at a university. Earlier in December, a 5-year-old student opened fire at his Michigan high school, killing three teenagers and wounding eight other people. This was considered the deadliest US school shooting on the year 2021. The suspect was taken into custody and a semi-automatic handgun was seized. However, there was no immediate explanation for what might have prompted the attack in Oxford. "There was no resistance during the arrest and the suspect has asked for a lawyer and has not made any statements as to a motive," the sheriff's office said. (With inputs from agencies)

Several people injured after gunman opens fire at university in Germany

Ukraine's ambassador to Germany has welcomed the resignation of German navy chief however he says that the resignation is not sufficient to restore Ukraine's trust in Germany. Achim Schoenbach stepped down from his position of Germany's vice admiral on Saturday this came after he drew criticism for saying that Russian president Vladimir Putin deserved respect.

Ukraine's ambassador to Germany welcomes resignation of German navy chief Schoenbach

Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa is in talks to buy a 40% stake in Italy's state-owned Alitalia's, following a newspaper report that a deal could be unveiled next week.

Germany: Lufthansa in talks to buy 40% stake in Italy's ITA Airways

Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner&nbsp;has said that his country will intensify cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

His comments come even as German frigate FGS Bayern (F217) made a port call to Mumbai as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

He said, "It is the beginning of intensified cooperation…”

Germany, along with other European countries like France, UK, have upped the engagement in the region.

Asked if Germany will join any diplomatic group or exercises such as the Malabar exercises, the top German envoy said, “Not going in details. In general, we will be more active in the Indo-Pacific region. We will see what kind of organisation it means and includes—whether it’s a military organisation or a diplomatic organisation. It shows that our focus is shifting more to the region than it was before.”

The Malabar exercise is an annual naval exercise between India, US, Australia and Japan in the region.

In 2020, the German government announced its policy on the Indo‑Pacific with the aim to strengthen the country's role in the region in the long term.

Envoy Lindner, who was on the visit of the frigate, explained, that it’s a “symbolic act that we walk the talk, we are just not issuing nice papers in strategy, but we send a symbol”.

The visit of the German frigate to Mumbai marks the last stop of its deployment, after a decade-long presence in the Indo-Pacific.

The ship also helped enforce the UN-administered arms embargo against North Korea prior to its journey through the South China Sea.

The envoy’s visit coincided with the visit of the chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach to Delhi.

Commander Tilo Kalski of the frigate, who was also present at the virtual presser, said, “This tour has been kind of an ice breaker, kind of the beginning of new era”.

Indo-Pacific has emerged as one of the key focuses of the world leaders, given that it houses more than 50 per cent of the world population, and a substantial trade passes through its waters.

Speaking on China, the envoy said that Beijing is a “partner in some respect for the global challenges" it is also an "economic competitor and a systemic rival which means we have a different system. We have a democratic system just like India has.”

On the Chinese aggressiveness in the region, he said. “We don’t turn a blind eye on (such) behaviour that threatens international law...We are in favour of respect for the rules-based international community.”

Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner has said that his country will intensify cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. His comments come even as German frigate FGS Bayern (F217) made a port call to Mumbai as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner has said that his country will intensify cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. His comments come even as German frigate FGS Bayern (F217) made a port call to Mumbai as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. He said, "It is the beginning of intensified cooperation…” Germany, along with other European countries like France, UK, have upped the engagement in the region. Asked if Germany will join any diplomatic group or exercises such as the Malabar exercises, the top German envoy said, “Not going in details. In general, we will be more active in the Indo-Pacific region. We will see what kind of organisation it means and includes—whether it’s a military organisation or a diplomatic organisation. It shows that our focus is shifting more to the region than it was before.” The Malabar exercise is an annual naval exercise between India, US, Australia and Japan in the region. In 2020, the German government announced its policy on the Indo‑Pacific with the aim to strengthen the country's role in the region in the long term. Envoy Lindner, who was on the visit of the frigate, explained, that it’s a “symbolic act that we walk the talk, we are just not issuing nice papers in strategy, but we send a symbol”. The visit of the German frigate to Mumbai marks the last stop of its deployment, after a decade-long presence in the Indo-Pacific. The ship also helped enforce the UN-administered arms embargo against North Korea prior to its journey through the South China Sea. The envoy’s visit coincided with the visit of the chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach to Delhi. Commander Tilo Kalski of the frigate, who was also present at the virtual presser, said, “This tour has been kind of an ice breaker, kind of the beginning of new era”. Indo-Pacific has emerged as one of the key focuses of the world leaders, given that it houses more than 50 per cent of the world population, and a substantial trade passes through its waters. Speaking on China, the envoy said that Beijing is a “partner in some respect for the global challenges" it is also an "economic competitor and a systemic rival which means we have a different system. We have a democratic system just like India has.” On the Chinese aggressiveness in the region, he said. “We don’t turn a blind eye on (such) behaviour that threatens international law...We are in favour of respect for the rules-based international community.”

Germany to intensify cooperation in Indo-Pacific: Envoy Lindner

After creating a storm back home on his remarks over Russia and China during a visit to India, the German naval chief has now resigned after apologizing for his remarks.

German Navy chief resigns after flak over his remarks on Russia and China

Germany, a key partner in the NATO alliance has reportedly blocked Estonia from sending military hardware into Ukraine, and it has done this by refusing to issue permits for the export of German-made weapons.

Germany blocks Estonia from sending military hardware into Ukraine amid tensions with Russia

Germany's new coalition government wants to attract 400,000 qualified workers from abroad each year to tackle both a demographic imbalance and labour shortages in key sectors that risk undermining the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

"The shortage of skilled workers has become so serious by now that it is dramatically slowing down our economy," Christian Duerr, parliamentary leader of the co-governing Free Democrats (FDP), told business magazine WirtschaftsWoche.

"We can only get the problem of an ageing workforce under control with a modern immigration policy... We have to reach the mark of 400,000 skilled workers from abroad as quickly as possible," Duerr added.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, Duerr's libertarian FDP and the environmentalist Greens agreed in their coalition deal on measures like a points system for specialists from countries outside the European Union and lifting the national minimum wage to 12 euros ($13.60) per hour to make working in Germany more attractive.

The employer-friendly German Economic Institute estimates that the labour force will shrink by more than 300,000 people this year as there are more older workers retiring than younger ones entering the labour market.

This gap is expected to widen to more than 650,000 in 2029, leaving an accumulated shortage of people of working age in 2030 of roughly 5 million. The number of Germans in employment grew to nearly 45 million last year despite the coronavirus pandemic.

After decades of low birth rates and uneven migration, a shrinking labour force also poses a demographic time bomb for Germany's public pension system, in which fewer employees are burdened with the task of financing the pensions of a growing mass of retirees who are enjoying longer life expectancy.

Germany's new coalition government wants to attract 400,000 qualified workers from abroad each year to tackle both a demographic imbalance and labour shortages in key sectors that risk undermining the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Germany's new coalition government wants to attract 400,000 qualified workers from abroad each year to tackle both a demographic imbalance and labour shortages in key sectors that risk undermining the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. "The shortage of skilled workers has become so serious by now that it is dramatically slowing down our economy," Christian Duerr, parliamentary leader of the co-governing Free Democrats (FDP), told business magazine WirtschaftsWoche. "We can only get the problem of an ageing workforce under control with a modern immigration policy... We have to reach the mark of 400,000 skilled workers from abroad as quickly as possible," Duerr added. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, Duerr's libertarian FDP and the environmentalist Greens agreed in their coalition deal on measures like a points system for specialists from countries outside the European Union and lifting the national minimum wage to 12 euros ($13.60) per hour to make working in Germany more attractive. The employer-friendly German Economic Institute estimates that the labour force will shrink by more than 300,000 people this year as there are more older workers retiring than younger ones entering the labour market. This gap is expected to widen to more than 650,000 in 2029, leaving an accumulated shortage of people of working age in 2030 of roughly 5 million. The number of Germans in employment grew to nearly 45 million last year despite the coronavirus pandemic. After decades of low birth rates and uneven migration, a shrinking labour force also poses a demographic time bomb for Germany's public pension system, in which fewer employees are burdened with the task of financing the pensions of a growing mass of retirees who are enjoying longer life expectancy.

Germany plans to attract 400,000 foreign workers per year

After creating a storm back home on his remarks over Russia and China during a visit to India, German naval chief has now apologised for his remarks. In his tweet, Vice Admiral says that he should not have said things the way he did and that it was in fact a misjudgment.

German naval chief apologises for his remarks, says  it was misjudgment

After creating a storm back home on his remarks over Russia and China during a visit to India, German naval chief has now apologised for his remarks. In his tweet, Vice Admiral says that he should not have said things the way he did and that it was in fact a misjudgement.

German naval chief apologises for his remark over Russia, China

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments&nbsp;where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis,&nbsp;terming&nbsp;it as a “mistake”.

Speaking at a think tank in New Delhi on Friday, he said, "Does Russia really wants small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil, integrate the country. No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it, and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. "

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Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. <a href="https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMVg_Bundeswehr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deutschemarine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deutschemarine</a> <a href="https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy">https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy</a>
— chiefdeunavy (@chiefdeunavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/chiefdeunavy/status/1484873540755152898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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His comments went against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe and the build-up of the Russian troops at the border with Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-delhi-german-navy-chief-bats-for-good-ties-with-russia-to-rein-in-china-says-ukraine-cant-be-nato-member-446688">In Delhi, German Navy chief bats for good ties with Russia to rein in China, says Ukraine can't be NATO member</a>

The navy chief’s response came hours after the German Defence ministry distanced itself from his comments.

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German Defence Ministry to <a href="https://twitter.com/BILD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BILD</a>: "In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the <a href="https://twitter.com/BMVg_Bundeswehr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMVg_Bundeswehr</a>. 
Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General." <a href="https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao">https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao</a>
— Julian Röpcke (@JulianRoepcke) <a href="https://twitter.com/JulianRoepcke/status/1484842415714406404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Issuing a statement to German newspaper BILD, the ministry said, “In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the Defence ministry. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General.”

The German Navy chief was delivering a talk on ‘Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’ at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi.

He explained that good ties are needed with Russia to rein in China and added that Ukraine can’t be a NATO member.

“Even we India, Germany we need Russia. We need Russia against China...Having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, gives them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia.”

Admiral Schönbach further said that Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders, with countries like Ukraine joining it.

It wants "security guarantees" from the west and the NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block, he said.

Numerous talks have taken place this month between Russia and US, but it hasn't yielded any results.

The comments in Delhi come even as the German Navy chief visit was aimed to show Berlin's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific, but ended up with a diplomatic crisis in Berlin with sharp reactions seen back home in Germany.

The visit of the German Navy chief also coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai, as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis, terming it as a “mistake”.

The German Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, withdrew his comments where he called for rapprochement with Russian President Putin amid the Ukraine crisis, terming it as a “mistake”. Speaking at a think tank in New Delhi on Friday, he said, "Does Russia really wants small and tiny strip of Ukraine soil, integrate the country. No, this is nonsense. Putin is probably putting pressure because he knows he can do it, and he splits EU opinion. What he really wants is respect. " Unbedacht, fehleingeschätzt in der Situation, hätte ich das so nicht tun dürfen. Da gibt es nichts zu deuteln, das war ein klarer Fehler. @BMVg_Bundeswehr #deutschemarine https://t.co/rJhoKqGYUy — chiefdeunavy (@chiefdeunavy) January 22, 2022 × His comments went against the present narrative coming from Europe amid the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe and the build-up of the Russian troops at the border with Ukraine. Also read | In Delhi, German Navy chief bats for good ties with Russia to rein in China, says Ukraine can't be NATO member The navy chief’s response came hours after the German Defence ministry distanced itself from his comments. #BREAKING German Defence Ministry to @BILD: "In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the @BMVg_Bundeswehr. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General." https://t.co/j8wvoVjvao — Julian Röpcke (@JulianRoepcke) January 22, 2022 × Issuing a statement to German newspaper BILD, the ministry said, “In terms of content and choice of words, the statements in no way correspond to the position of the Defence ministry. Admiral Schönbach is given the opportunity to make a statement to the Inspector General.” The German Navy chief was delivering a talk on ‘Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’ at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi. He explained that good ties are needed with Russia to rein in China and added that Ukraine can’t be a NATO member. “Even we India, Germany we need Russia. We need Russia against China...Having this big country, even if it's not a democracy, as a bilateral partner, gives them a chance. It's easy and keeps Russia away from China because China needs resources of Russia.” Admiral Schönbach further said that Russia doesn't want NATO to reach its borders, with countries like Ukraine joining it. It wants "security guarantees" from the west and the NATO that Ukraine doesn't join the security block, he said. Numerous talks have taken place this month between Russia and US, but it hasn't yielded any results. The comments in Delhi come even as the German Navy chief visit was aimed to show Berlin's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific, but ended up with a diplomatic crisis in Berlin with sharp reactions seen back home in Germany. The visit of the German Navy chief also coincides with the visit of German frigate “Bayern” making a port call in Mumbai, as part of its seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Political storm in Berlin: German Navy chief calls Delhi comments on Putin ‘mistake’

Former pope Benedict XVI failed to stop four clergymen accused of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Munich, the law firm that carried out a key probe said on Thursday.

Former Pope Benedict XVI failed to act against abusive priests in Germany

Germany has declined to join allies such as the US and UK in shipping weapons to Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says weapons exports to Ukraine aren't a good idea right now.

Germany refuses to supply weapons to Ukraine

A German zoo has now welcomed Polar bear twins. The birth of the twins is an important event for species conservation.

A German Zoo welcomes Polar bear twins

The mysteries around the betrayal of Anne Frank, might have been solved. A Jewish notary has been identified as the 'prime suspect' who betrayed the teen diarist and her family to the Nazis. Frank, who died aged 15, was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish heritage and emerged as one of the most discussed victims of the Holocaust. Anne and her sister died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Anne became popular posthumously with the 1947 publication of 'The Diary of a Young Girl'. She documented her life while in hiding from 1942 to 1944. The diary became one of the most haunting accounts of the Holocaust.

Was Anne Frank betrayed? How Nazis found her hiding place in 1944

Western countries fear that Russia is preparing a pretext for a new assault on Ukraine while Moscow denies any plans for an attack. It has signaled an unspecified military action unless the West agrees to its demands amid this Russian aggression.

Germany, Canada extends support to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia

The vaccine mandate bill in Germany has sparked a debate at a time when the country has hit a daily COVID-19 infections record; the country has recorded over 80,000 new covid-19 cases. The government is now pushing for expanded vaccine mandate.

Germany records over 80,000 new covid-19 cases, govt pushes for expanded vaccine mandate

The vaccine mandate bill in Germany has sparked a debate at a time when the country has hit a daily COVID-19 infections record.

Germany: Vaccine mandate bill sparks a debate amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases driven by Omicron

Germany has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe with at least 10 per cent of the population strongly refusing to get jabbed. So what is the best way to convince the Germans to get a shot of the vaccine? Our next report gets you more.

German civilian inspires people to get vaccinated with help of sheep

The northern Bremen state in Germany has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country.

Around 84 per cent of the population in Bremen, the smallest of Germany's 16 federal states with fewer than 700,000 people, are double-vaccinated, compared with a national figure of around 72 per cent, reports news agency Reuters.

Roughly 44 per cent of the population have received a booster shot, compared with 42 per cent nationally.

Yet, Bremen is reporting one of the highest coronavirus cases in the country spurred by the Omicron variant.

The seven-day infection rate in Bremen stood at 800 cases per 100,000 residents on Thursday, the highest in Germany and more than double the national rate of 303, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.

A data from the RKI on Thursday highlighted that Omicron accounts for more than 85 per cent of Covid infections in Bremen, well above the national figure of around 44 per cent.

As Omicron rages in the country, Germany's leaders are holding a discussion on Friday to discuss how to respond to the new variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/party-gone-wrong-canadian-passengers-stranded-in-mexico-after-airlines-refuse-to-fly-them-home-442907">Party gone wrong: Canadian passengers stranded in Mexico after airlines refuse to fly them home</a>

Among the measures that are being considered include shortening COVID-19 self-isolation periods over fears that health services might be stretched as case numbers spike.

The latest spurge in cases among the vaccinated corroborates several studies which noted that Omicron easily bypass immunity offered by the Covid vaccines.

However, the study also stated that vaccines help lower hospitalisation rates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wionews.com/world/omicron-surge-uk-to-deploy-troops-military-medics-to-help-hospital-staff-442887">Omicron surge: UK to deploy troops, military medics to help hospital staff</a>

This is being witnessed in Breman. According to spokesperson for the state’s health senate Lukas Fuhrmann, the hospitals in the region were not as burdened as they were in the first three waves of the pandemic.

He said the patients infected with the new variant were coming in with milder symptoms.

However, doctors say that the non-intensive care units were already overburdened with patients with milder symptoms and added that the situation can worsen in the coming days.

(With inputs from agencies)

The northern Bremen state in Germany has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country. Around 84 per cent of the population in Bremen, the smallest of Germany's 16 federal states with fewer than 700,000 people, are double-vaccinated, compared with a national figure of around 72 per cent, reports news agency Reuters.

The northern Bremen state in Germany has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country. Around 84 per cent of the population in Bremen, the smallest of Germany's 16 federal states with fewer than 700,000 people, are double-vaccinated, compared with a national figure of around 72 per cent, reports news agency Reuters. Roughly 44 per cent of the population have received a booster shot, compared with 42 per cent nationally. Yet, Bremen is reporting one of the highest coronavirus cases in the country spurred by the Omicron variant. The seven-day infection rate in Bremen stood at 800 cases per 100,000 residents on Thursday, the highest in Germany and more than double the national rate of 303, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases. A data from the RKI on Thursday highlighted that Omicron accounts for more than 85 per cent of Covid infections in Bremen, well above the national figure of around 44 per cent. As Omicron rages in the country, Germany's leaders are holding a discussion on Friday to discuss how to respond to the new variant. Also read | Party gone wrong: Canadian passengers stranded in Mexico after airlines refuse to fly them home Among the measures that are being considered include shortening COVID-19 self-isolation periods over fears that health services might be stretched as case numbers spike. The latest spurge in cases among the vaccinated corroborates several studies which noted that Omicron easily bypass immunity offered by the Covid vaccines. However, the study also stated that vaccines help lower hospitalisation rates. Also read | Omicron surge: UK to deploy troops, military medics to help hospital staff This is being witnessed in Breman. According to spokesperson for the state’s health senate Lukas Fuhrmann, the hospitals in the region were not as burdened as they were in the first three waves of the pandemic. He said the patients infected with the new variant were coming in with milder symptoms. However, doctors say that the non-intensive care units were already overburdened with patients with milder symptoms and added that the situation can worsen in the coming days. (With inputs from agencies)

In this German state, Omicron spreading among vaccinated people

Germany, which had earlier banned weapons export to Saudi Arabia after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, has now extended the arms ban by one more year.

Germany extends ban on Saudi arms export by one year

Germany has shut down half of its six nuclear power plants, kickstarting its 11-year plan to phase out the use of atomic power.

Under Germany’s energy transition policy, the nuclear plants in the Gundremmingen, Brokdorf, and Grohnde were decommissioned on December 31, 2021, after three-and-a-half decades of operation, as the European country shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Notably, the Brokdorf power plant, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Hamburg on the Elbe River – became a particular target of anti-nuclear protests following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union.

The last three nuclear power plants — Isar 2, Emsland and Neckarwestheim II — will be turned off by the end of 2022

"For the energy industry in Germany, the nuclear phase-out is final," Reuters quoted Kerstin Andreae, the head of energy industry association BDEW, as saying.

The six nuclear power plants contributed to around 12 per cent of electricity production in Germany in 2021, BDEW preliminary figures showed.

The share of renewable energy was almost 41 per cent, with coal generating just under 28 per cent and gas around 15 per cent.

The move to make renewable energy the primary source was taken by the centre-left government of former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 2002.

His successor, Angela Merkel, had decided to speed up the process in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan and set 2022 as the final deadline for shutting them down.

Germany aims to make renewables meet 80 per cent of power demand by 2030 through expanding wind and solar power infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany has shut down half of its six nuclear power plants, kickstarting its 11-year plan to phase out the use of atomic power. Under Germany’s energy transition policy, the nuclear plants in the Gundremmingen, Brokdorf, and Grohnde were decommissioned on December 31, 2021, after three-and-a-half decades of operation, as the European country shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Germany has shut down half of its six nuclear power plants, kickstarting its 11-year plan to phase out the use of atomic power. Under Germany’s energy transition policy, the nuclear plants in the Gundremmingen, Brokdorf, and Grohnde were decommissioned on December 31, 2021, after three-and-a-half decades of operation, as the European country shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Notably, the Brokdorf power plant, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Hamburg on the Elbe River – became a particular target of anti-nuclear protests following the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union. The last three nuclear power plants — Isar 2, Emsland and Neckarwestheim II — will be turned off by the end of 2022 "For the energy industry in Germany, the nuclear phase-out is final," Reuters quoted Kerstin Andreae, the head of energy industry association BDEW, as saying. The six nuclear power plants contributed to around 12 per cent of electricity production in Germany in 2021, BDEW preliminary figures showed. The share of renewable energy was almost 41 per cent, with coal generating just under 28 per cent and gas around 15 per cent. The move to make renewable energy the primary source was taken by the centre-left government of former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 2002. His successor, Angela Merkel, had decided to speed up the process in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan and set 2022 as the final deadline for shutting them down. Germany aims to make renewables meet 80 per cent of power demand by 2030 through expanding wind and solar power infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany pulls the plug on 3 of six nuclear power plants, remaining to be shut by 2022-end

Germany has decided to extend weapon exports ban on Saudi Arabia for one more year. The ban imposed by the Angela Merkel govt was to end on December 31, 2021.

Germany decides to extend weapon exports ban on Saudi Arabia

Germany is all set to phase out three of its six Nuclear power plants as it plans to shift to renewable sources for power.

Germany is all set to phase out three Nuclear power plants & will shift to renewable energy

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Europe. Germany's Health Minister has issued a stark warning saying that the current restrictions in place will not be enough to stop a new COVID wave.

Germany imposes fresh COVID-19 restrictions amid a surge in cases due to Omicron

Germany's Health Minister: Current restrictions not enough to stop a new COVID-19 wave

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