World

Ukraine Turns to Solar as Power Infrastructure Is Attacked

In autumn 2024, Russia launched massive aerial assaults on Ukraine, pounding its energy system and raising fears about the safety of its nuclear power plants. Several reactors were disconnected from the grid. One shut down entirely. "It wasn't that we were scared," says Shaun Burnie, recalling that night. "It was that we were terrified."

A Bookshop Holiday in Wigtown, Scotland

Running a cozy little bookshop where readers can meet and connect over their favorite authors is a dream shared by many book nerds. But beyond the romanticized idea, the independent bookstore business is renowned for being risky, which is why most people never get to follow that dream.

UK bans tobacco sales for people born 2009 or later

Children who do not reach the age of 18 before January 1, 2027 will never be permitted to buy cigarettes or tobacco products in the UK, once a new law that has now completely cleared parliament gets royal assent from King Charles III.

Söder Calls for Compulsory Military Service

Skip next section WW2 bomb defused in Rhineland-Palatinate April 26, 2026 WW2 bomb defused in Rhineland-Palatinate The village of Prüm in Rhineland-Palatinate had to be evacuated after a 250-kilogram bomb from the Second World War was discovered. Some 800 people had to temporarily leave their homes on Sunday as authorities defused the bomb.

Sawe breaks two-hour barrier to win London Marathon

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has become the first person to run a marathon in under two hours. The 30-year-old set the milestone by winning the London Marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds on Sunday, breaking the previous record.

Mali violence: Rebels claim Kidal; minister killed in bombing

Fighting continued between rebels and Mali's military junta on Sunday, with UN chief Antonio Guetterres calling for more security coordination across the Sahel region. The attacks began on Saturday when Tuareg rebels teamed up with al-Qaeda-linked jihadis to launch attacks against Mali's ruling military junta, which is supported by Russian mercenaries.

The Eulenburg Affair: Scandal That Shook Imperial Germany

Embellished with a gilded iguana and a bouquet of fruits topped with a pineapple, an ostentatious piece of queer history was sold on April 24 for €300,000 ($350,000) at the Berlin branch of Germany's Lempertz auction house.

Modi Targets TMC as Bengal Enters Final Voting Phase

Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Modi holds rallies in West Bengal to gather support for BJP candidates ahead of phase 2 of polling Modi condemns political violence after shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner Fresh clashes have erupted in India's northeastern state of Manipur Veteran photojournalist Raghu

Merz reignites Germany's pension debate

Pensions have been a hot-button issue in Germany for many years, but this week, Chancellor Friedrich Merz himself reignited the controversy. "Statutory pension insurance alone will, at best, still provide only basic coverage for old age.

Islamabad talks stall — Iran conflict: what’s next?

Live Published April 26, 2026 last updated April 26, 2026 No direct talks took place between US and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad. A ceasefire in the Iran war continues to exist, but a roadmap to lasting peace remains elusive. DW has the latest.