Author: DW

If you read German reports about the recent flooding disaster in the southern part of the country, you will likely come across mention of “Vb weather conditions.” These conditions, which are seldom reported in English-language media, were first described in 1891 by German meteorologist Wilhelm Jacob van Bebber, who cataloged typical paths of low-pressure systems and labeled them with Roman numerals. Although the terms Va, Vc and Vd have since fallen out of popular usage, Vb (pronounced five-B weather conditions, V = Roman 5) is still used by meteorologists to describe a rare pressure system that can bring heavy rainfall,…

“Europe is being destroyed. The consequences of pointless aid for Ukraine.” This quote has been attributed to Till Lindemann, lead singer of the German band Rammsteinon social media. However, Lindemann has never made such a statement as the band’s management confirmed to the German Press Agency DPA.  This is just one example of a pattern to spread disinformation. The popularity of a famous person is used to polarize or influence people’s opinions mainly on controversial political topics. Lindemann is not the only celebrity used to spread anti-Ukrainian sentiments. Some German actors and international stars have been affected as well. Fake quote cards featuring…

The European Union (EU) has been on a mission to become more geopolitical and style itself as the partner of choice for the so-called Global South in the past five years. But with EU elections approaching, analysis by DW’s data team shows members of the European Parliament have paid little attention to most countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America in their speeches since 2019, as global conflicts and competition have kept the focus on Ukraine, Russia and China. Countries including Turkey, Syria, Iran, Belarus and India have gotten some airtime in the parliament’s chamber — though none were featured in more…

A 23-year-old woman has died in a dog attack at a house in southwest Ireland.Emergency services were called to the incident in Ballyneety, County Limerick, at around 11.40pm on Tuesday.The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been taken to University Hospital Limerick for a post-mortem.The dog involved was put down and several others have been seized.A minister who recently set up a group to examine dog control said she was “appalled by the news” and was “committed” to making laws stronger.Rural minister Heather Humphreys said: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family…

Another one of Europe’s seven reigning royal houses has gone through a generational change. After the Netherlands (2013), Belgium (2013), Spain (2014) and Britain (2022), it is Denmark’s turn: 83-year-old Queen Margarethe II has handed over the scepter to her son Frederik on Sunday, January 14, 2023, after exactly 52 years on the throne. The surprise announcement from the Danish royal family follows a trend. With the exception of Britain’s royal family, many monarchs no longer die on the throne. Instead, they retire and make way for their children. At 55, Frederik of Denmark has already spent a lifetime preparing for the…

The South Korean government has warned it is planning countermeasures against North Korea, which has dramatically ramped up provocations following a failed attempt to place a spy satellite into orbit on May 27. South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) convened a meeting of its emergency committee on Monday to consider responses to the North’s actions since the rocket carrying the satellite exploded in mid-air shortly after launch. Since late May, North Korea has jammed GPS signals over a wide area off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, potentially endangering civilian air and maritime traffic. The North also fired…

Banknotes bearing a portrait of King Charles entered circulation in Britain on Wednesday, almost two years after he succeeded the late Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Charles’ image will appear on the new £5, £10, £20 and £50 bills, as existing notes featuring his mother will continue to circulate. “This approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimize the environmental and financial impact of this change,” the Bank of England said.  “This means the public will begin to see the new King Charles III notes very gradually.” Coins with the King’s portrait entered circulation in…

Amanda Knox has lost her bid to overturn a slander conviction in Italy.The American woman was eventually cleared of the brutal 2007 murder of her flatmate, 21-year-old Meredith Kercher, in the apartment they shared in the Italian university town of Perugia. But she was only released, in 2011, after four years in prison in Italy.The slander conviction for wrongly accusing a Congolese bar owner of the murder during an interrogation was the only charge against Knox that withstood five court rulings that ultimately exonerated her. Image: Meredith Kercher. Pic: PA What does court ruling mean for Knox?Knox and her husband…

On June 5, banknotes featuring a portrait of King Charles III will be released in the UK. But fans of Queen Elizabeth II need not fear — notes bearing the late-monarch’s image will not needlessly be taken out of circulation. The Bank of England said banknotes featuring the king will only be printed to replace those that are worn or damaged. The decision to sparsely print the new notes was in line with the Royal Household’s guidance. Ever the environmental champion, King Charles III aims to minimize the environmental impact of printing a large amount of new currency. His face will appear on 5, 10,…

Who are the favorites? The bookmakers have 2020 Euro runners-up England as favorites ahead of World Cup runners-up France and hosts Germany. Defending champions Italy are only sixth in the betting. Albania, Slovakia and European Championship newcomers Georgia look to be the biggest outsiders. Based on the FIFA world rankings, the title should go to France, who are No. 2 behind world champions Argentina. The best-placed Euro 2024 participants behind them are Belgium (3rd), England (4th) and Portugal (6th). Germany (16th) are currently only the ninth-best team in Europe according to the rankings. Debutants Georgia (75th) are the lowest-ranked European Championship…