Angela Merkel

Prosecutors haven't confirmed those reports, but Merkel was asked about the theft of data from her office in a question-and-answer session with lawmakers in parliament Wednesday.

Europe's largest economy has relied more on domestic demand in recent years as the strength of its traditional export engine has faded, and the move echoes a slow easing in neighbouring countries, equally desperate to revive business and society.

Though conceding she did not know how the crisis would develop, Merkel said the risk was huge.

Beginning last week itself, the Air Force of Switzerland has stepped up surveillance of the airspace through radars, ready-to-use fighter jets and ground-based air defence to ensure security in the airspace above Davos.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship signed the Joint Declaration of Intent with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany.

"We have agreed to co-operate on climate protection and green urban mobility and have earmarked 1 billion euros towards this," Merkel said at an event here.

The German delegation had a select group of senior functionaries.

The two leaders, who co-chaired the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), also called on nations to ensure that their territory is not used for terror activities against other countries, in a veiled message to Pakistan.

After the two leaders co-chaired the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations, India and Germany signed five joint declarations of intent and inked 11 pacts in fields such as space, civil aviation, maritime technology, medicine and education.

Merkel, who arrived here on Thursday night, was received by Prime Minister Modi this morning at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where she was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

She made the remarks after being received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where she was accorded a ceremonial welcome after arriving here on Thursday night on a two-day visit.

Merkel was received at the airport by MoS Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh. She will be meeting with the Indian leadership, besides a business delegation during her visit.

Nearly 20 agreements are expected to be signed between India and Germany

India and Germany have a "very longstanding relationship" and there is a huge potential for further building cooperation between the two countries in various areas, Lindner said on Wednesday.

After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".

The government's decision to abolish an income tax surcharge for most employees from 2021 would help support domestic demand and with it overall growth, Merkel said.

In a veiled attack at policies being adopted by countries like the US, she said, "There is a new approach in the world that says shouldn't we look after our own, and ensure that our own are looked after."

A link to Merkel's data showed two email addresses used by the chancellor, a fax number and letters apparently written by her and to her.

Her decision to step down as chairwoman comes after her party suffered its second regional election setback in as many weeks.

She told party top brass her mandate running to 2021 will be "her last term", a party source told AFP, adding that she has no plans to seek a post in the European Commission following that despite speculation to that effect in Brussels.