Category: Feature Stories

The world has more millionaires than ever before. According to the latest Global Wealth Report by Swiss banking group UBS, around one million people crossed the threshold into dollar‑millionaire status in 2023 — an average of 2,600 new millionaires per day. Nearly half of them live in the United States, underscoring the country’s continued dominance in global wealth creation. A sharp rise driven by markets and currency effects UBS reports that global private wealth increased by 10.8 percent, the strongest growth in years. The bank attributes this to buoyant financial…

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Vienna — The Vienna Chamber of Labour (AK) is issuing a clear warning to residents: keep calm and stay alert when dealing with emergency locksmiths and other quick-response handymen. A growing number of people have reported being confronted with overpriced bills, pressure tactics and demands for immediate cash payments after simple door openings. It happens in seconds: you take out the trash, the door snaps shut, and the key is still inside. In that moment of stress, many people quickly search online for a locksmith — and often end up…

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When summer heat turns oppressive, many people reach instinctively for fans or air conditioners. They promise relief, cooler rooms, and a chance to breathe again. But these popular heat‑helpers have a hidden side. Used incorrectly, poorly maintained, or set to extreme temperatures, they can become genuine health hazards — with consequences far more serious than a stiff neck or watery eyes. The Invisible Dangers: Dust, Mold, and Bacteria Fans and AC units don’t just move air. They move everything in the air — dust, allergens, mold spores, and microbes. And…

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When the mercury rises, the human body switches into emergency mode. To prevent overheating, it produces sweat—sometimes in large amounts. What we lose in the process is not just moisture, but also essential minerals. The consequences show up quickly: reduced concentration, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and a noticeable drop in performance. So how much should you actually drink on a scorching summer day? Are the usual two liters still enough—or can too much water even become dangerous? Normal needs vs. heat stress Under everyday conditions, adults are advised to drink around…

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Europe’s ambitious new border-control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), is facing mounting pressure just weeks after its EU‑wide launch — and airport authorities are warning that the situation could spiral as the continent enters peak holiday season. The system, designed to register every non‑EU traveller with biometric data and make that information instantly available to police forces across the bloc, went live on 15 June. Brussels has promoted it as the most advanced border‑security system in the world, intended to stop criminals and terror suspects at the border and curb…

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The cost of eating at McDonald’s varies dramatically from country to country. A Big Mac in Zurich can cost more than double the price of the same burger in Manila. These differences reveal how local wages, supply chains, inflation, and economic conditions shape the global fast‑food landscape. A Global Brand With Local Price Tags McDonald’s operates in more than 120 countries, serving millions every day. But while the menu looks familiar everywhere, the prices certainly don’t. A combination of factors — from labor costs to import duties — determines how…

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The European Union has moved a significant step closer to launching a digital version of its currency. On Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) approved the legal framework for the digital euro, marking a milestone in the bloc’s efforts to modernize its payment landscape. The proposal passed with 43 votes in favor, 14 against, and one abstention, clearing the way for the full Parliament to consider the measure in early July. If no objections are raised, negotiations with EU member states can begin. A European…

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Even if you don’t consider yourself superstitious, chances are you’ve knocked on wood, avoided opening an umbrella indoors, or instinctively covered your mouth when yawning. These tiny rituals feel harmless — but many of them come from centuries‑old fears, ghost stories, and attempts to ward off evil forces. 1. Knocking on Wood People do it to “avoid tempting fate.” The custom likely stems from ancient tree‑worshipping cultures — especially the Celts — who believed spirits lived inside trunks. Touching wood was a way to call on these beings for protection.…

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Sleeping with the window open in summer may feel like the most natural thing in the world — but experts warn it can seriously disrupt your rest and even harm your health. Here’s why closing the window at night is often the smarter choice when temperatures rise. Noise that your brain never ignores Even if you think you sleep deeply, your brain stays on alert. A study by the Center for Cardiology at University Medical Center Mainz, led by Dr. Thomas Münzel, shows that nighttime noise — from traffic, partying…

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