The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has launched a legal challenge against Germany’s domestic intelligence agency for designating the far-right party an “extremist” organisation.

Germany's AfD sues intelligence agency over 'extremist' label

Three children, 8-year-old twin boys and a 10-year-old boy, were recovered from the house of horror in the Spanish city of Oviedo, where they had been confined since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In a jolt to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, the country’s domestic intelligence agency has designated it as an ‘extremist organisation’.
AfD had garnered 20.8% of the vote in Germany’s federal election in February, the highest vote share in the party’s history, and was the second best performer.

Germany’s Far-right Party AfD Labelled As ‘Extremist Organisation’ By Spy Agency BfV

In a jolt to Germany&rsquo;s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, the country&rsquo;s domestic intelligence agency has designated it as an &lsquo;extremist organisation&rsquo;. AfD had garnered 20.8% of the vote in Germany&rsquo;s federal election in February, the highest vote share in the party&rsquo;s history, and was the second best performer.
Germany&rsquo;s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the country&rsquo;s domestic intelligence agency, issued an update on its investigation into the far-right Alternative f&uuml;r Deutschland (AfD), classifying it as a &ldquo;confirmed right-wing extremist organisation.&rdquo; Earlier, only the AfD&rsquo;s state associations in certain parts of Germany were classified as such, but the national party was given a lower, &ldquo;suspected&rdquo; status.
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Germany&rsquo;s domestic intelligence agency, Bundesamt f&uuml;r Verfassungsschutz (BfV), responsible for safeguarding Germany&rsquo;s constitutional order, said the announcement comes after an &ldquo;intense and comprehensive&rdquo; examination.
&ldquo;The ethnicity-and ancestry-based conception of the people that predominates within the party is not compatible with the free democratic order,&rdquo; the BfV said on Friday. &ldquo;It aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to treatment that violates the constitution, and thereby assign them a legally subordinate status.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;The ethnicity- and ancestry-based conception of the people that predominates within the party is not compatible with the free democratic order,&rdquo; said a Reuters report quoting BfV statement. &ldquo;It aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to treatment that violates the constitution, and thereby assign them a legally subordinate status,&rdquo; it added.
The AfD does not consider German citizens of immigrant background from predominantly Muslim countries as equal members of the German people, it added.
<h2>AfD treats citizens with foreign roots as &lsquo;second-class Germans&rsquo;: Faeser</h2>
The outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that AfD was running a campaign against democratic order. &ldquo;The AfD represents an ethnic concept that discriminates against entire population groups and treats citizens with a history of migration as second-class Germans,&rdquo; Faeser said in a statement on Friday.&nbsp; &ldquo;Their ethnic attitude is reflected in racist statements, especially against immigrants and Muslims,&rdquo; she added. There was &ldquo;no political influence whatsoever&rdquo; in the findings of the BfV agency based on a 1,100-page report, Faeser added.
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The assessment is likely to reignite the debate about banning the AfD, though it is not an automatic process and requires the Bundestag, the Bundesrat or the government to initiate it by applying to the federal constitutional court.
<h2>Possible ban proceedings must not be rushed, warns Scholz</h2>
The outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday that though BfV has provided a detailed justification for classifying the far-right Alternative for Germany as extremist but possible proceedings to ban the party must not be rushed.&nbsp; &ldquo;I am against a quick shot, we have to evaluate the classification carefully,&rdquo; he said at a church convention in Hanover.
<h2>Support for AFD rising since February election</h2>
The AfD repeatedly courted controversies with its senior officials dismissing Germany&rsquo;s Nazi era as &ldquo;bird shit&rdquo; in the nation&rsquo;s history, and even claiming that Adolf Hitler was &ldquo;forced&rdquo; to invade Poland. Ahead of the parliamentary election in February this year, US billionaire Elon Musk endorsed the party, saying it was the only party that &ldquo;can save&rdquo; Germany. &nbsp;
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The populist party secured 20.8% of the votes in the February election, finishing second behind incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz&rsquo;s CDU/CSU bloc, which had 28.6% of the vote, but recent polls indicate it is closing the gap with the conservatives, and one poll published last week even put it ahead of CDU/CSU.
<h2>&lsquo;Severe blow to German democracy&rsquo;: AfD</h2>
AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla said they would take legal action against the BfV&rsquo;s classification of the party as extremist, and termed the decision a &ldquo;severe blow to German democracy&rdquo;.
&ldquo;The AfD is being publicly discredited and criminalised shortly before change of government,&rdquo; they said.
&ldquo;It is sad to see the state of democracy in our country when the old parties are now even using the most politically questionable means against the strongest opposition party,&rdquo; said Anton Baron, an AfD lawmaker

World: The AfD does not consider German citizens of immigrant background from predominantly Muslim countries as equal members of the German people, the BfV report added.

In a jolt to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, the country’s domestic intelligence agency has designated it as an ‘extremist organisation’. AfD had garnered 20.8% of the vote in Germany’s federal election in February, the highest vote share in the party’s history, and was the second best performer. Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the country’s domestic intelligence agency, issued an update on its investigation into the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), classifying it as a “confirmed right-wing extremist organisation.” Earlier, only the AfD’s state associations in certain parts of Germany were classified as such, but the national party was given a lower, “suspected” status. Also Read | CIA wants to hire Chinese agents to spy for US: Its new luring tool is social media videos Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV), responsible for safeguarding Germany’s constitutional order, said the announcement comes after an “intense and comprehensive” examination. “The ethnicity-and ancestry-based conception of the people that predominates within the party is not compatible with the free democratic order,” the BfV said on Friday. “It aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to treatment that violates the constitution, and thereby assign them a legally subordinate status.” WATCH | IAF conducts take-off and landing exercises of Rafale, Jaguar on Ganga Expressway “The ethnicity- and ancestry-based conception of the people that predominates within the party is not compatible with the free democratic order,” said a Reuters report quoting BfV statement. “It aims to exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to treatment that violates the constitution, and thereby assign them a legally subordinate status,” it added. The AfD does not consider German citizens of immigrant background from predominantly Muslim countries as equal members of the German people, it added. AfD treats citizens with foreign roots as ‘second-class Germans’: Faeser The outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said that AfD was running a campaign against democratic order. “The AfD represents an ethnic concept that discriminates against entire population groups and treats citizens with a history of migration as second-class Germans,” Faeser said in a statement on Friday. “Their ethnic attitude is reflected in racist statements, especially against immigrants and Muslims,” she added. There was “no political influence whatsoever” in the findings of the BfV agency based on a 1,100-page report, Faeser added. Read more | Bill Gates daughter accidently reveals his medical condition. Here's what she said The assessment is likely to reignite the debate about banning the AfD, though it is not an automatic process and requires the Bundestag, the Bundesrat or the government to initiate it by applying to the federal constitutional court. Possible ban proceedings must not be rushed, warns Scholz The outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday that though BfV has provided a detailed justification for classifying the far-right Alternative for Germany as extremist but possible proceedings to ban the party must not be rushed. “I am against a quick shot, we have to evaluate the classification carefully,” he said at a church convention in Hanover. Support for AFD rising since February election The AfD repeatedly courted controversies with its senior officials dismissing Germany’s Nazi era as “bird shit” in the nation’s history, and even claiming that Adolf Hitler was “forced” to invade Poland. Ahead of the parliamentary election in February this year, US billionaire Elon Musk endorsed the party, saying it was the only party that “can save” Germany. Also Read | Caught on camera! Mike Waltz photographed using Signal the day before he was ousted by Trump - Who was he texting? The populist party secured 20.8% of the votes in the February election, finishing second behind incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU/CSU bloc, which had 28.6% of the vote, but recent polls indicate it is closing the gap with the conservatives, and one poll published last week even put it ahead of CDU/CSU. ‘Severe blow to German democracy’: AfD AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla said they would take legal action against the BfV’s classification of the party as extremist, and termed the decision a “severe blow to German democracy”. “The AfD is being publicly discredited and criminalised shortly before change of government,” they said. “It is sad to see the state of democracy in our country when the old parties are now even using the most politically questionable means against the strongest opposition party,” said Anton Baron, an AfD lawmaker

Germany’s far-right party AfD labelled as ‘extremist organisation’ by spy agency BfV, ban threat looms

What happens when a doctor's sense of service is overpowered by lust for murder, medicine turns into a deadly weapon. Watch this report to learn about a German doctor who turned into a murderer.

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Germany has reportedly blocked a major Eurofighter Typhoon sale to Turkiye, citing concerns over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The UK, however, remains keen to proceed, viewing Turkiye as a key defense market. The Eurofighter project, a joint venture between Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain, now faces diplomatic tension and delays.

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Germany’s reputation for engineering and efficiency is under scrutiny after a major bridge collapse in Dresden. With over 5,000 bridges in need of urgent repair, infrastructure decay now threatens Germany’s economy and global image.

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Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK revealed the US-Ukrainian military headquarters in Germany, calling it a "secret weapon" for planning military operations during the war with Russia.
Zaluzhnyi said the headquarters is located in &nbsp;Wiesbaden, Germany, adding that it has become a secret weapon for our partners.&nbsp;
"This headquarters has truly become a secret weapon for our partners and me in planning operations and formulating the requirements for their implementation," Zaluzhnyi said in a post on Facebook on April 8.&nbsp;
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He further said that in the beginning, the coordination centre took shape in April 2002 at the US European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, before moving to Wiesbaden.&nbsp;
Zaluzhnyi highlighted that the headquarters allowed Ukrainian and NATO planners to assess operational needs in real-time and shape logistics accordingly.&nbsp;
Despite backing Russia in several terms, the US-Ukrainian joint operational headquarters came in picture to asses the need for weapons and equipment for Ukraine.&nbsp;
"Over time, we realized that we needed a joint operational headquarters with our partners to assess the needs for weapons and equipment based on the planning of operations," he wrote.
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He stressed that the need became critical in the summer of 2022 when Western partners questioned the utility of some weapons Ukraine was requesting.
<h2>What does the HQ help with?&nbsp;</h2>
The HQ is also supported by the UK and enables the &nbsp;planning of operations, coordination of logistics, and NATO-standard formulation of requirements.
It also helped conduct war games, forecast battlefield needs, and relay supply demands directly to Washington and European capitals, Zaluzhnyi said.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;The headquarters is where operations were planned, war simulations were held, and the Ukrainian armed forces&rsquo; needs were evaluated in order to send the relevant information to Washington and European capitals.&rdquo;
However, US President Donald Trump has begun to limit some aspects of American cooperation with Ukraine, including in Wiesbaden, as he seeks to de-escalate the war.&nbsp;
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(With inputs from agencies)

World: Zaluzhnyi said that the headquarters allowed Ukrainian and NATO planners to assess operational needs in real-time and shape logistics accordingly.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK revealed the US-Ukrainian military headquarters in Germany, calling it a "secret weapon" for planning military operations during the war with Russia. Zaluzhnyi said the headquarters is located in Wiesbaden, Germany, adding that it has become a secret weapon for our partners. "This headquarters has truly become a secret weapon for our partners and me in planning operations and formulating the requirements for their implementation," Zaluzhnyi said in a post on Facebook on April 8. Also read: Russia invites Indian PM Modi to attend 80th ‘Victory Day’ parade marking end of WW2 He further said that in the beginning, the coordination centre took shape in April 2002 at the US European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, before moving to Wiesbaden. Zaluzhnyi highlighted that the headquarters allowed Ukrainian and NATO planners to assess operational needs in real-time and shape logistics accordingly. Despite backing Russia in several terms, the US-Ukrainian joint operational headquarters came in picture to asses the need for weapons and equipment for Ukraine. "Over time, we realized that we needed a joint operational headquarters with our partners to assess the needs for weapons and equipment based on the planning of operations," he wrote. Also read: 'How is China going to respond?': Ukraine captures Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia; Zelensky demands answers from Beijing He stressed that the need became critical in the summer of 2022 when Western partners questioned the utility of some weapons Ukraine was requesting. What does the HQ help with? The HQ is also supported by the UK and enables the planning of operations, coordination of logistics, and NATO-standard formulation of requirements. It also helped conduct war games, forecast battlefield needs, and relay supply demands directly to Washington and European capitals, Zaluzhnyi said. Also read: Mole inside Zelensky’s inner circle? Ukraine breaks out 'lie detectors' after Trump' mineral deal draft leaks “The headquarters is where operations were planned, war simulations were held, and the Ukrainian armed forces’ needs were evaluated in order to send the relevant information to Washington and European capitals.” However, US President Donald Trump has begun to limit some aspects of American cooperation with Ukraine, including in Wiesbaden, as he seeks to de-escalate the war. Also read: Explainer: Russia's mysterious nuclear-armed Poseidon torpedo can annihilate a city. But some say it's not even real (With inputs from agencies)

'US-Ukraine Secret Weapon': How Kyiv, Washington planned operations against Russia at 'hidden' military HQ in Germany?

Germany is considering relocating its significant gold reserves, currently stored at the U.S. Federal Reserve in New York, due to concerns over the reliability of the United States as a partner. Watch in for more details!

Germany considers moving gold reserves from US

Germany is considering relocating its significant gold reserves, currently stored at the US Federal Reserve in New York, due to concerns over the reliability of the United States as a partner. The stockpile, amounting to 1,200 tons of gold, making Germany's reserves the second largest in the world, has been kept in the vaults beneath Manhattan for decades. Watch in for more details!

Germany rethinks US gold storage amid tensions

When the German police were informed about a naked female "dead body" in the woods, little did they know it would turn out to be something unimaginable. A murder inquiry was initiated, and the demolition site where it was found was cordoned off.&nbsp;
A dog walker found the "dead body" in a secluded area in a small German city and immediately called the police. Within minutes, homicide and forensic officers, along with pathologists with a bunch of equipment descended on the so-called crime scene. Investigations continued for five hours. Someone then touched the body and realised it wasn't a real human but a sex doll.
The incident was reported in the city of Rostock at 8 pm on Saturday (March 29). Police officers and others investigating the crime scene came with drones and a specialist 3D scanner.
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All the formalities linked to a murder scene began. The evidence was collected and photographed. The "dead body" was measured using a ruler, and people were told to stay away. A funeral director was also hired to transport the body to a morgue.
After five hours of work, one of the officers touched the "body" and realised it wasn't real. It seemed to have been made with synthetic material, and so they realised what they were dealing with.
Whoever dumped the sex doll had burned it and stuffed it into a blue bag. It looked so real that the officers didn't notice that what they had been investigating wasn't a real human dead body. The funeral director was informed about the discovery and asked to leave.
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German outlet Nordkurier reported that investigators believe the doll was burned and disposed of in a public place deliberately. Everyone who was working at the scene was baffled to see a human-like doll and agreed this was the weirdest case they had dealt with in their entire careers.
<h2>Sex doll found on Thai beach</h2>
 A similar incident occurred in Thailand in 2022 when beachgoers spotted a "naked body" in Bangkok. It only had a t-shirt over its head. Police received several calls about it and rushed to the site. But the "naked body" turned out to belong to a $604 sex doll.

A sex doll was found in the woods in a German city, which was initially mistaken to be the dead body of a female. It came as a rude shock to the police. World Trending

When the German police were informed about a naked female "dead body" in the woods, little did they know it would turn out to be something unimaginable. A murder inquiry was initiated, and the demolition site where it was found was cordoned off. A dog walker found the "dead body" in a secluded area in a small German city and immediately called the police. Within minutes, homicide and forensic officers, along with pathologists with a bunch of equipment descended on the so-called crime scene. Investigations continued for five hours. Someone then touched the body and realised it wasn't a real human but a sex doll. The incident was reported in the city of Rostock at 8 pm on Saturday (March 29). Police officers and others investigating the crime scene came with drones and a specialist 3D scanner. Also Read: Rowdy female passenger bites flight attendant following 'body odour' brawl All the formalities linked to a murder scene began. The evidence was collected and photographed. The "dead body" was measured using a ruler, and people were told to stay away. A funeral director was also hired to transport the body to a morgue. After five hours of work, one of the officers touched the "body" and realised it wasn't real. It seemed to have been made with synthetic material, and so they realised what they were dealing with. Whoever dumped the sex doll had burned it and stuffed it into a blue bag. It looked so real that the officers didn't notice that what they had been investigating wasn't a real human dead body. The funeral director was informed about the discovery and asked to leave. Also Read: '1/2-a-million-dollar job no one wants': Why an Australian town is struggling to find a doctor German outlet Nordkurier reported that investigators believe the doll was burned and disposed of in a public place deliberately. Everyone who was working at the scene was baffled to see a human-like doll and agreed this was the weirdest case they had dealt with in their entire careers. Sex doll found on Thai beach A similar incident occurred in Thailand in 2022 when beachgoers spotted a "naked body" in Bangkok. It only had a t-shirt over its head. Police received several calls about it and rushed to the site. But the "naked body" turned out to belong to a $604 sex doll.

Murder of a sex doll: 5hr probe reveals 'dead body' was not what German police thought

Denmark and Greenland have jointly reaffirmed their territorial sovereignty, sending a strong message amid renewed tensions over past U.S. remarks about Greenland. As leaders mark strategic territory in Arctic waters, unity between Copenhagen and Nuuk is on full display.

Denmark and Greenland reassert sovereignty amid US tensions

In Germany, low water levels after a dry spell are preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded on the Rhine River. As a result, cargo owners are facing higher transport costs. Watch in for more details!

Dry spell in Germany after severely low rain; drought conditions hinder Rhine shipping

The German ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann has pushed for early conclusion of the India European Free trade agreement, saying that "time is good to develop the free trade agreement and to negotiate it as quickly as possible". India and the European Union earlier this year agreed to conclude the FTA by the end of this year, as both diversify markets and amid concerns over Donald Trump's tariff announcements.
The top German diplomat in India said, "Let me say, in all honesty, you have the President of the Commission of the European Union and the Prime Minister of India sitting together and saying, we commit ourselves that by the end of 2025 this agreement is negotiated and ready to be put on the table. Now that's an imperative according to which we have to react. So I think it comes from the top level, and that's where we want to see". He expressed his confidence in the talks, and termed the FTA as a "game changer for our business in India, as we see more investment".
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The urgency for FTA comes amid Trump's focus on reciprocal tariffs that could shake up the global trading system in place for years. Asked for his reaction, he said, "Germany and the European Union, we are promoters for free trade. We are sitting together and trying to develop a free trade agreement with India, to shape it, to negotiate it. So it goes without saying that tariffs on goods are not to our liking". He added, "We have made it very clear that we think it's not the right way. But you know, it's, of course, at the discretion of any country to shape its economic policy. I don't foresee this as a great success in trade policy, international trade policy."
President Donald Trump is set to announce a significant new round of tariffs later today. The highly anticipated announcement could see sweeping duties that, according to the new administration in Washington, aim to protect US interests. The tariffs are expected to build on previous measures Trump has enacted since taking office, including a 20% duty on all Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, and earlier levies on Canada and Mexico tied to immigration and drug trafficking concerns.
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On India-German ties, the ambassador said, "We will have a new government in a couple of weeks, but I can assure you that there will be a huge continuity when it comes to the political relationship with India. We will continue our focus on India. We will continue to work together with India". Germany is in the process of forming a new government following the federal election held on February 23, 2025. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, emerged as the largest bloc in the Bundestag, securing 28.5% of the vote and positioning Merz as the likely next chancellor.
The ambassador was speaking on the sidelines of the climate talk organised by the German embassy in Delhi under the aegis of GSDP- Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between India and Germany. Climate envoys of Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden were present on the occasion. The climate talk explored India's key role in advancing climate action, including investments in green technology, infra, and shaping a low-carbon economy.&nbsp;
"Climate change, global warming, green and sustainable development are at the core of our collaboration", the German ambassador Dr Ackermann said at the meeting.

India news | World | India and the European Union earlier this year agreed to conclude the FTA by the end of this year, as both diversify markets and amid concerns over Donald Trump's tariff announcements.

The German ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann has pushed for early conclusion of the India European Free trade agreement, saying that "time is good to develop the free trade agreement and to negotiate it as quickly as possible". India and the European Union earlier this year agreed to conclude the FTA by the end of this year, as both diversify markets and amid concerns over Donald Trump's tariff announcements. The top German diplomat in India said, "Let me say, in all honesty, you have the President of the Commission of the European Union and the Prime Minister of India sitting together and saying, we commit ourselves that by the end of 2025 this agreement is negotiated and ready to be put on the table. Now that's an imperative according to which we have to react. So I think it comes from the top level, and that's where we want to see". He expressed his confidence in the talks, and termed the FTA as a "game changer for our business in India, as we see more investment". Also read | US no longer safe for tourists? UK, Germany issue travel warnings after woman detained ‘like Hannibal’ The urgency for FTA comes amid Trump's focus on reciprocal tariffs that could shake up the global trading system in place for years. Asked for his reaction, he said, "Germany and the European Union, we are promoters for free trade. We are sitting together and trying to develop a free trade agreement with India, to shape it, to negotiate it. So it goes without saying that tariffs on goods are not to our liking". He added, "We have made it very clear that we think it's not the right way. But you know, it's, of course, at the discretion of any country to shape its economic policy. I don't foresee this as a great success in trade policy, international trade policy." President Donald Trump is set to announce a significant new round of tariffs later today. The highly anticipated announcement could see sweeping duties that, according to the new administration in Washington, aim to protect US interests. The tariffs are expected to build on previous measures Trump has enacted since taking office, including a 20% duty on all Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, and earlier levies on Canada and Mexico tied to immigration and drug trafficking concerns. Also read | 'IT'S LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA': How world is reacting as Trump sets tone for reciprocal tariffs' announcement On India-German ties, the ambassador said, "We will have a new government in a couple of weeks, but I can assure you that there will be a huge continuity when it comes to the political relationship with India. We will continue our focus on India. We will continue to work together with India". Germany is in the process of forming a new government following the federal election held on February 23, 2025. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, emerged as the largest bloc in the Bundestag, securing 28.5% of the vote and positioning Merz as the likely next chancellor. The ambassador was speaking on the sidelines of the climate talk organised by the German embassy in Delhi under the aegis of GSDP- Green and Sustainable Development Partnership between India and Germany. Climate envoys of Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden were present on the occasion. The climate talk explored India's key role in advancing climate action, including investments in green technology, infra, and shaping a low-carbon economy. "Climate change, global warming, green and sustainable development are at the core of our collaboration", the German ambassador Dr Ackermann said at the meeting.

'We are promoters of free trade' says German Amb Dr Ackermann as he pushes for India, EU FTA

Germany is experiencing unseasonably warm weather this April, with temperatures soaring above 20°C. Residents in Cologne and beyond are enjoying sunny days, blooming parks, and peaceful walks along the Rhine as a high-pressure system keeps Europe calm and bright.

Germany enjoys warm April weather as spring blooms everywhere

Meanwhile, people in the western German city of Cologne were seen enjoying a walk in one of the city's parks along the banks of the river Rhine. Flowers are starting to bloom as spring has arrived in Germany. April will bring spring-like temperatures over 20° in some places in the country.

Germany: Cologne parks come alive with spring flowers

Germany's Parliament has convened for its first session after last month's elections, marking several firsts. The far-right AfD party is returning to Parliament as the official opposition party.

Germany: Far-right party returns with double parliamentary representation

Denmark and Finland have updated their travel advisory for transgender individuals heading to the United States, joining several other European nations that have issued similar warnings in recent weeks following reports of troubling experiences at the US border.
Denmark has advised transgender travellers to contact the US embassy in Copenhagen before setting off, to make sure their travel documents will not cause issues.
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<h2>'US will recognise only two genders'</h2>
The update follows recent moves by Donald Trump, who has focused on reversing protections for transgender and non-binary people. He has declared that the US will recognise only two genders and has signed executive orders aimed at banning transgender people from the military, restricting their participation in sports, and limiting access to gender-transition care for those under 19.
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<h2>Denmark, Finland, and Germany warn transgender travellers </h2>
Although the Danish foreign ministry did not refer to Trump by name, it pointed out that the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application only allows people to select "male" or "female" for gender. Danish law, on the other hand, allows citizens to choose &ldquo;X&rdquo; as a gender marker.
&ldquo;If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the US embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed,&rdquo; Denmark&rsquo;s updated travel advisory now states.
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Authorities noted that no Danish nationals have been denied entry or held at the US border since Trump&rsquo;s return to office. However, LGBT+ Danmark, a national advocacy group, had asked for a change in guidance.
&ldquo;We are worried that people could be stopped at the airport and refused entry, or that something inappropriate and uncomfortable could happen at the airport,&rdquo; said LGBT+ Danmark spokesperson Susanne Branner Jespersen told local broadcaster.
Germany had already updated its own travel advice earlier this month, warning that those with the gender "X" on their passports or whose gender identity has changed should consult US diplomatic offices before departure.
Finland followed shortly after, updating its travel page to warn that &ldquo;if the applicant&rsquo;s current sex on their passport is different from their sex confirmed at birth, the US authorities may refuse entry.&rdquo; 
Several other European countries have also changed their language around US entry requirements.
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&ldquo;The final decision on whether a person can enter the US lies with the US border authorities,&rdquo; a German foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters.
The UK has also revised its advisory, warning that anyone who fails to follow US entry rules may face detention or arrest.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Denmark has advised transgender travellers to contact the US embassy in Copenhagen before setting off, to make sure their travel documents will not cause issues.

Denmark and Finland have updated their travel advisory for transgender individuals heading to the United States, joining several other European nations that have issued similar warnings in recent weeks following reports of troubling experiences at the US border. Denmark has advised transgender travellers to contact the US embassy in Copenhagen before setting off, to make sure their travel documents will not cause issues. Also read: US no longer safe for tourists? UK, Germany issue travel warnings after woman detained ‘like Hannibal’ 'US will recognise only two genders' The update follows recent moves by Donald Trump, who has focused on reversing protections for transgender and non-binary people. He has declared that the US will recognise only two genders and has signed executive orders aimed at banning transgender people from the military, restricting their participation in sports, and limiting access to gender-transition care for those under 19. Also read: Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported Denmark, Finland, and Germany warn transgender travellers Although the Danish foreign ministry did not refer to Trump by name, it pointed out that the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application only allows people to select "male" or "female" for gender. Danish law, on the other hand, allows citizens to choose “X” as a gender marker. “If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the US embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed,” Denmark’s updated travel advisory now states. Also read: Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran Authorities noted that no Danish nationals have been denied entry or held at the US border since Trump’s return to office. However, LGBT+ Danmark, a national advocacy group, had asked for a change in guidance. “We are worried that people could be stopped at the airport and refused entry, or that something inappropriate and uncomfortable could happen at the airport,” said LGBT+ Danmark spokesperson Susanne Branner Jespersen told local broadcaster. Germany had already updated its own travel advice earlier this month, warning that those with the gender "X" on their passports or whose gender identity has changed should consult US diplomatic offices before departure. Finland followed shortly after, updating its travel page to warn that “if the applicant’s current sex on their passport is different from their sex confirmed at birth, the US authorities may refuse entry.” Several other European countries have also changed their language around US entry requirements. Also read: Will Trump pay out of his pocket to Sunita Williams for staying overtime in space? Here's what he said “The final decision on whether a person can enter the US lies with the US border authorities,” a German foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters. The UK has also revised its advisory, warning that anyone who fails to follow US entry rules may face detention or arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

‘X’ gender? Don’t risk it: Denmark, Finland join list of nations warning transgender tourists heading to US

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The United Kingdom and Germany have updated their travel advice for citizens visiting the United States, following several incidents where European travellers were detained under what appear to be increasingly strict entry policies. 
The developments come as President Donald Trump&rsquo;s approach to immigration and border control raises concern abroad.
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<h2>UK strengthens warning</h2>
The UK Foreign Office has revised its guidance, now warning that travellers could face arrest or detention if they fail to comply with US entry rules. The updated advice highlights that laws are &ldquo;strictly&rdquo; enforced.
&ldquo;You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,&rdquo; the advice states.
Earlier this year, the travel warning was less severe, saying, &ldquo;The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules.&rdquo;
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<h2>Tourist detained for 19 days</h2>
The update follows the widely reported case of Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old graphic artist from the UK, who was held for 19 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement over what was described as a &ldquo;visa mix-up.&rdquo;
Her parents, Paul and Andrea Burke, spoke to the BBC about the ordeal, describing how their daughter was taken in &ldquo;leg chains, waist chains and handcuffs.&rdquo;
&ldquo;She is not Hannibal Lecter,&rdquo; said Paul Burke, adding that the experience left Rebecca &ldquo;traumatised.&rdquo; She has since returned home.
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<h2>Germany issues similar advisory</h2>
Germany has also updated its travel advisory to reflect the increasing number of detentions involving its citizens. The German government stressed that having a visa or an entry waiver does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Several German nationals were reportedly detained at the border, with one incident involving a traveller carrying tattoo equipment.
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<h2>Travel warnings and tourism impact</h2>
These high-profile cases, combined with revised travel warnings, are raising concerns in the tourism industry. Experts say that international coverage, Trump&rsquo;s tariffs, and his rhetoric against other nations are making the US less appealing to foreign visitors.
In a recent Fox News interview, Trump claimed the European Union was created to &ldquo;screw&rdquo; the United States and accused the EU of having &ldquo;raped and pillaged&rdquo; the country.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The update follows the widely reported case of Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old graphic artist from the UK, who was held for 19 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The United Kingdom and Germany have updated their travel advice for citizens visiting the United States, following several incidents where European travellers were detained under what appear to be increasingly strict entry policies. The developments come as President Donald Trump’s approach to immigration and border control raises concern abroad. Also read: Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran UK strengthens warning The UK Foreign Office has revised its guidance, now warning that travellers could face arrest or detention if they fail to comply with US entry rules. The updated advice highlights that laws are “strictly” enforced. “You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,” the advice states. Earlier this year, the travel warning was less severe, saying, “The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules.” Also read: Countries issue travel warnings after Hamas and Hezbollah leaders' deaths Tourist detained for 19 days The update follows the widely reported case of Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old graphic artist from the UK, who was held for 19 days by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement over what was described as a “visa mix-up.” Her parents, Paul and Andrea Burke, spoke to the BBC about the ordeal, describing how their daughter was taken in “leg chains, waist chains and handcuffs.” “She is not Hannibal Lecter,” said Paul Burke, adding that the experience left Rebecca “traumatised.” She has since returned home. Also read: Trump trashes report claiming Pentagon would brief Musk on potential war with China, calls it ‘Fake News’ Germany issues similar advisory Germany has also updated its travel advisory to reflect the increasing number of detentions involving its citizens. The German government stressed that having a visa or an entry waiver does not guarantee entry into the United States. Several German nationals were reportedly detained at the border, with one incident involving a traveller carrying tattoo equipment. Also read: Trump 2.0 – Goodbye to soft power, hello to tariffs Travel warnings and tourism impact These high-profile cases, combined with revised travel warnings, are raising concerns in the tourism industry. Experts say that international coverage, Trump’s tariffs, and his rhetoric against other nations are making the US less appealing to foreign visitors. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump claimed the European Union was created to “screw” the United States and accused the EU of having “raped and pillaged” the country. (With inputs from agencies)

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