United Pinoy Basketball in Austria (UPBA) Concludes Season 7 Rise Van Rental Cup with Three Undefeated Champions

Vienna, Austria — January 4, 2026 — The United Pinoy Basketball in Austria (UPBA) proudly concluded its highly anticipated Season 7 Rise Van Rental Cup with an electrifying Championship Day held at the Stadthalle in Vienna. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd whose energy and team spirit fueled an unforgettable finale. Organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, families, and communities who filled the venue with cheers, as well as to the league’s main sponsors whose unwavering support made the season possible. According to the UPBA Committee, the overwhelming…

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New in 2026: Nurses can retire early, but must take action

On January 1, 2026, nursing professions were included in the Heavy Labor Regulation. Specifically, this means that if you meet the requirements, you can retire as early as age 60. However, you must take action yourself. Since January 1, 2026, nursing professions in Austria have been classified as heavy labor. The Ministry of Social Affairs expects this regulation to result in around 1,000 women retiring early each year, as explained to 5 Minuten. Meanwhile, Austria’s major hospital associations are not really concerned that there could suddenly be a shortage of…

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Why sugar causes the body to age faster

Whether in coffee, in snacks between meals, or hidden in processed foods, this sweet substance is everywhere. However, according to longevity specialist Gerd Wirtz, a consistently high sugar intake can contribute to accelerating the body’s aging process. More sugar than many people realize Sugar is not only found in sweets, but also in bread, sauces, and ready-made products. According to Wirtz, this constant availability means that people in Western countries consume significantly more sugar than the body needs. In addition, sugar activates the reward system in the brain and can…

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Coffee Meets Canvas: Artist Lisa Pangan Leads New Year Workshop in Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt, Austria — The new year at the Pädagogische Hochschule Burgenland will begin with a burst of creativity and aroma as artist Lisa Pangan hosts a coffeepainting workshop on January 10, 2026. The event will take place in Seminarraum 7, located at Thomas-Alva-Edison-Straße 1, 7000 Eisenstadt, and will run from 10:00 to 13:00. The workshop is organized in cooperation with Welt Laden Eisenstadt, highlighting a shared commitment to cultural exchange, sustainability, and artistic exploration. Pangan, known for her warm, introspective visual language, has developed a distinctive artistic style that blends…

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Humans are a monogamous species

Modern humans belong to a small minority of mammals that live monogamously – and rank between the Eurasian beaver and the white-handed gibbon in terms of partner fidelity. This is shown by a comparison of Homo sapiens with 34 other mammal species. To determine the level of monogamy in a species, evolutionary anthropologist Mark Dyble from the University of Cambridge in England compared sibling data from genetic studies of various mammals. Specifically, he examined the ratio of full siblings to half-siblings – i.e., offspring with only one common parent –…

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Major Travel Changes Coming in 2026: What Holidaymakers Need to Know

The year 2026 will bring a wave of new regulations and fees that affect travellers across the globe. From currency changes to stricter entry requirements and updated traffic rules, those who prepare early can avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is an overview of the most important changes awaiting travellers in the coming year. Bulgaria Adopts the Euro Goodbye currency exchange hassles. Starting 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will officially join the Eurozone. The Bulgarian lev will be replaced by the euro, making travel significantly easier for visitors. No more conversion calculations, no…

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Austrians Wish for Health as Inflation Fears Deepen

A growing number of Austrians are entering the new year with mounting concerns about inflation and the rising cost of living, according to a new IMAS study. One in four citizens no longer believes the economy will recover within the next two years. The survey shows that around 60 percent of respondents are deeply worried about inflation, making it the country’s most pressing concern. This is followed by anxieties over immigration (45 percent) and the overall economic situation (44 percent). Confidence in an economic rebound remains low: a quarter of…

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Solar and Lunar Eclipses – What Austria Can Expect in 2026

Austria is set for a year full of spectacular celestial events in 2026, including eclipses, meteor showers, and striking planetary appearances. Stargazers and night owls in Austria have every reason to look up in 2026. The new year promises a rich lineup of astronomical highlights, from shooting‑star spectacles to rare eclipse events and eye‑catching planetary formations. Meteor Showers Kick Off the Year As tradition dictates, the Quadrantids opened the celestial calendar. The meteor shower reached its peak last weekend, though the low position of its radiant limited visibility and kept…

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Bitter Cold Across Europe: Winter Weather Causes Widespread Chaos

A wave of Arctic air continues to grip large parts of Europe, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and severe disruptions to transport and daily life. Even Spain, known for its scorching summers, is shivering under sub-zero conditions. Netherlands: Rail Network Brought to a Standstill Train services across the Netherlands were almost completely halted on Tuesday due to a combination of harsh winter weather and a major technical failure. No trains ran anywhere in the country until 10 a.m. as frozen switches and a computer malfunction crippled the network. Services slowly…

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