Explore

Amnesty International Warns Against Deportation of Afghan Engineer from Germany

Amnesty International Warns Against Deportation of Afghan Engineer from Germany

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the potential deportation of Faridoon Tofan, an Afghan engineer, from Germany. Tofan, who fled Afghanistan in 2022 due to threats from the Taliban, faces deportation after a brief trip to Italy, which violated his residency conditions. Despite having no criminal record, Tofan was detained and is currently in deportation custody. His case has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including Pro Asyl, which argues that deporting Tofan would set a dangerous precedent. Amnesty International and other advocates are calling for a halt to his deportation, citing the risks he faces if returned to Afghanistan.

Germany Deports Afghan Without Criminal Record Amid Controversy

Germany Deports Afghan Without Criminal Record Amid Controversy

Germany has deported an Afghan national without a criminal record for the first time since the Taliban's return to power. The individual was among 31 Afghan men deported, with the others having criminal convictions. This action follows the resumption of deportations to Afghanistan in 2024, which have been contentious due to human rights concerns. Amnesty International reports that at least one deportee was killed after returning to Afghanistan. The deported individual had exhausted his asylum claim and was found living illegally in another European country before being sent back to Germany and subsequently deported.

Brothers Preserve Ancient Charcoal Burning Tradition in Germany

Brothers Preserve Ancient Charcoal Burning Tradition in Germany

In the Harz mountain region of eastern Germany, Immo Feldmer and his brother Sascha are keeping the ancient tradition of charcoal burning alive. They have taken over the Harzköhlerei Stemberghaus business from their father, producing charcoal using traditional earthen kilns. This method involves stacking beech wood inside mounds of earth, allowing it to smolder for weeks until it turns into charcoal. The brothers sell their charcoal primarily for barbecues, as the region no longer mines ore, which historically required charcoal for smelting. To sustain their business, they have also opened a museum, a store, and a restaurant showcasing local specialties cooked over their homemade charcoal.

Virginia Mambelli Leads Italy to Victory in U22 European Softball Championship

Virginia Mambelli Leads Italy to Victory in U22 European Softball Championship

Virginia Mambelli Leads Italy to Victory in U22 European Softball Championship

Germany Considers Dedicated Launch Facility for Armed Forces to Ensure Satellite Deployment

Germany Considers Dedicated Launch Facility for Armed Forces to Ensure Satellite Deployment

Germany is exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated launch facility for its armed forces to ensure that military satellites can be deployed without competing with commercial payloads. This consideration was announced by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during a visit to Isar Aerospace's facilities near Munich. Pistorius highlighted that existing European launch capacities, including those in Norway and the UK, are insufficient to meet future demands. The proposal is in its early stages, and while a specific location for the facility has not been identified, it may not necessarily be on German soil. The idea is to prevent national security missions from being delayed by commercial launch queues.

European Heatwave Intensifies, Leading to Record Temperatures and Wildfires

European Heatwave Intensifies, Leading to Record Temperatures and Wildfires

A new heatwave is expected to hit Europe this week, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C in Spain and 40°C in France, according to the European Union's Copernicus satellite system. This follows a record-breaking June, which was the hottest on record for Western Europe. The extreme heat has exacerbated wildfires, particularly in Spain, where the largest wildfire on record has burned 50,000 hectares. The heatwave has also put pressure on infrastructure, such as Germany's Autobahn, where high temperatures have caused road surfaces to buckle and deform.

BMW to cut several thousand jobs in latest blow to German auto sector

BMW to cut several thousand jobs in latest blow to German auto sector

By Christina Amann and Rachel More BERLIN, July 29 (Reuters) - BMW said on Wednesday it will cut several thousand jobs in Germany by the end of 2027 under a voluntary redundancy programme, the latest German carmaker to axe staff in response to squeezed profits and weak demand.

Internet Disruptions in Q2 2026 Highlight Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Internet Disruptions in Q2 2026 Highlight Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

In the second quarter of 2026, significant internet disruptions were observed globally, with natural disasters and government actions being primary causes. Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused major outages in Guam, while earthquakes in Venezuela and power outages in Tanzania further disrupted connectivity. Government-mandated shutdowns in Iran, UAE, Iraq, and Sudan also impacted internet access, with Iran experiencing an 88-day blackout. Additionally, infrastructure failures, such as a DNSSEC misconfiguration in Germany and a fiber cut in Saint Lucia, highlighted the fragility of internet systems.

Germany Achieves Milestone as Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels

Germany Achieves Milestone as Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels

Germany has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition, with wind and solar power generating more electricity than fossil fuels for the first time. In 2025, wind and solar accounted for 44% of Germany's electricity, surpassing the 43% generated by fossil fuels. This achievement is part of Germany's 'Energiewende' initiative, aimed at increasing renewable energy use and phasing out coal and nuclear power. The country has already shut down its last nuclear plants and plans to eliminate coal power by 2038. Efforts to streamline permitting processes and prioritize renewable energy projects have facilitated this transition.

Elbit Systems Proposes Converting Ships into Drone Carriers for Hermes 650 UAVs

Elbit Systems Proposes Converting Ships into Drone Carriers for Hermes 650 UAVs

Elbit Systems Ltd., an Israeli defense electronics company, is exploring the conversion of naval vessels into drone carriers for its Hermes 650 Spark unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company aims to provide a cost-effective solution for countries needing to monitor large maritime areas without investing in full aircraft carrier capabilities. The Hermes 650 is designed for operational flexibility, featuring a powerful engine, short takeoff and landing capabilities, and compatibility with existing ground control infrastructure. Elbit's proposal involves adapting existing naval platforms to operate 9-12 UAVs, including modifications to the deck, control systems, and mission management.