Germany

Germany has officially legalised the possession and private consumption of cannabis for adults. As of this week, individuals over 18 can carry up to 25 grams and cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use. The new law, passed by the Bundestag, also allows for “cannabis clubs” where members can grow and share the plant legally. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach defended the legislation as “a step towards a more responsible drug policy.” The move has divided opinion in Europe and beyond. While medical professionals have raised concerns, civil rights groups have praised it as a progressive measure. In India,…

Germany has approved a large-scale trial of the four-day work week, involving more than 60 companies across industries including tech, manufacturing, and services. The six-month pilot begins this June, coordinated by the New Work Institute in Berlin. Employees will retain full pay while working fewer hours, with companies measuring productivity, stress, and work-life balance. Advocates argue it leads to better mental health and efficiency. This trend is drawing attention in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh where work-life balance is becoming an increasingly discussed issue. Some Indian startups have already begun testing shorter work weeks internally.

Germany has launched a six-month trial of a four-day workweek in over 40 companies, without reducing employees’ salaries. The move, led by the Berlin-based think tank “New Work Now,” aims to improve mental health and productivity. Early responses from workers are highly positive. Critics, however, argue the model may not suit all industries, especially manufacturing. South Asian business leaders are watching the experiment closely. If successful, such models could influence policy debates in India, Nepal, and Bhutan around work stress, unemployment, and labor reforms.

Germany has officially announced a ban on the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars by 2035, aligning with the European Union’s push for a carbon-neutral future. The country plans to shift entirely to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, making it one of the most ambitious climate policies in the auto industry. Transportation Minister Volker Wissing stated, “This is a necessary step toward a sustainable future. Germany must lead in green mobility.” Automakers like Volkswagen and BMW have already started ramping up electric vehicle (EV) production. Critics argue that the transition could impact jobs in the traditional automotive industry, but the government…

Germany has announced a large-scale expansion of its renewable energy sector, committing to invest billions in solar and wind power projects. The move is part of its ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The government plans to increase the country’s solar capacity by 80% and wind energy production by 50% over the next decade. Recent data shows that renewables currently account for 46% of Germany's electricity consumption, with hopes to exceed 80% by 2030. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that the transition would reduce reliance on imported energy and create thousands of jobs. However, challenges remain, including the need…

Germany has confirmed that it will ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035 to combat climate change. The government will invest in expanding charging infrastructure and providing incentives for electric vehicle purchases. Car manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW, have already committed to transitioning to fully electric fleets. The move aligns with the European Union’s carbon neutrality goals and is expected to reduce air pollution significantly. Environmentalists have welcomed the decision, while some industry leaders argue that a faster transition could disrupt the economy.

Germany has announced the rollout of a digital identification system that will allow citizens to access government services online. The new digital IDs will be linked to secure biometric data, enabling individuals to complete tasks such as tax filing, voting, and applying for benefits remotely. The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity and simplify interactions with government agencies. Germany’s leaders believe the program will modernize public administration and serve as a model for other European countries.

Germany has unveiled a comprehensive national hydrogen strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. The program will focus on producing "green hydrogen" using wind and solar power, with a target of generating at least 10 gigawatts by 2030. The government will invest billions in research, production facilities, and international partnerships. Germany’s industrial sector is expected to benefit from hydrogen fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This strategy reflects Germany’s ambition to lead the world in renewable energy technologies.