New democratic network

When Sören Claus talks about the project he heads as chief technical officer from his modest office in Annaberg-Buchholz, his eyes start to shine. To outsiders, his Smart Rail Connectivity Campus (SRCC) may sound a tad too technical — to Claus it's nothing less than the stuff that rail traffic's digital future in Europe is made of. It doesn't happen very often that the Saxon town of Annaberg in the Erzgebirge mountains close to the German-Czech border gets the attention of people dealing with next-generation mobility issues. But for a couple of years, it's no doubt been piquing the interest of researchers and businesspeople alike, at least ever since Europe's first fully digital rail switch tower was inaugurated there on a stormy night in January 2018. This signal box is an integral part of the SRCC project pursued jointly by German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, the town of Annaberg-Buchholz and the Chemnitz University of Technology. The rail campus has already attracted well … [Read more...] about Saxony: Where smart rail connections are not just a dream

Ribeiro, the successor of Harlem Désir, was appointed as OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) in December 2020. The Portuguese, who holds a degree in philosophy, has extensive experience in politics, diplomacy, human rights and the media. Prior to being RFoM, she was Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, while serving as President of the National Commission for Human Rights. DW: What do you think are the biggest threats to press freedom in 2021? Teresa Ribeiro: There are so many threats to media freedom in the world at the moment. To name one, I find the growing distrust of the news media very disturbing. A trend sparked by several factors, including by populist politicians and authorities who want to sow doubt in order to cover up their anti-democratic tendencies and deeds. In the past years, it has become ever more dangerous for journalists to do their work. This touches the heart of our democratic … [Read more...] about OSCE Representative Ribeiro: Growing distrust of the news media ‘very disturbing’

Volvo has outlined a roadmap to an all-electric future for its cars by 2030, with all sales to follow Tesla's lead and become online-only. The Swedish carmaker, which is owned by China's Geely, joins other major brands to have set a clear path away from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles in recent weeks and months as a surging number of countries move to outlaw fossil fuel engines. The UK has set a deadline of 2030 for a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel models as part of its commitment to tackle climate change . Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player How many major countries will go net zero? Volvo projected that 50% of its global sales would be fully-electric by 2025 and the other half hybrid models. It said that hybrids would also be banished from its line-up by 2030. Advertisement Ahead of the launch of the company's second all-electric car, the C40, Volvo said a whole new range would be revealed over … [Read more...] about Volvo joins race to go all-electric by 2030 and will shift all sales online

In the summer of 2018, rumors began circulating on WhatsApp groups about a kidnapping gang operating in India's western state of Maharashtra. The rumors eventually inspired a lynch mob that killed five migrant workers who were suspected of being kidnappers after they arrived at a village in the state's Dhule district. This wasn't an isolated case. Child-abduction rumors spread by viral WhatsApp messages were connected to at least 17 murders across India in 2018. Rumors of cattle traders and organ harvesters also resulted in violent attacks on innocent people. Since then, India's fake news problem has continued to grow . More than 400 million Indians now use the internet, but digital literacy and social media regulation have yet to catch up. "People get cheap internet-based tech on their smartphones, but they don't have the necessary education on how to assess the veracity of claims made in the messages," said Rajneil Kamath a publisher at the Indian fact-checking portal … [Read more...] about India fake news problem fueled by digital illiteracy

Arminia Bielefeld replace Neuhaus with Kramer F1 refuse Bahrain vaccine offer Bobic to leave Frankfurt? March 2 Kramer unveiled as new Bielefeld coach The day after sacking Uwe Neuhaus, the man who got Arminia Bielefeld promoted last season, the club have moved to sign on Frank Kramer as his replacement. Kramer, 48, has recently coached a number of Germany's youth teams and had short stints as head coach of Fortuna Düsseldorf (2015) and Greuther Fürth (2013-15). "Frank is a multi-faceted coach with a wealth of experience in the professional and youth sectors. We are convinced that with his professional and analytical qualities, he is the type of coach that fits the Arminia path and that we need for the next development steps," said sporting director Samir Arabi. Bielefeld currently sit in 16th, the relegation playoff spot, and host Union Berlin on Sunday. Dimitrios Grammozis tipped as fifth Schalke coach Schalke are set to sign Dimitrios … [Read more...] about Sports News Feed: Dimitrios Grammozis to take helm at Schalke?