Category: General Interest

The fasting season is just around the corner, and many people are gearing up with fresh motivation. Less sugar, less alcohol, maybe even intermittent fasting. Sounds promising. But here’s the catch: most people dive in completely unprepared. And that can backfire. Not every fasting method delivers the results you expect—and some missteps can make the whole experience unnecessarily difficult. Here are the most common fasting traps you should avoid. 1. Intermittent Fasting Is Overrated Intermittent fasting has become a wellness buzzword, praised as a miracle solution. But the science paints…

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Germany plans to prolong its tightened border controls with all neighboring countries until the autumn, continuing a policy first introduced in May 2025. According to the Interior Ministry, the extension has already been formally notified to the European Commission in Brussels, allowing the measures to remain in place beyond the current deadline of 15 March. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that the government is seeking to renew the temporary controls permitted under Schengen rules. “We are extending border controls at the borders with our neighboring countries. These controls are…

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Walk into any supermarket and you’ll see dozens of brands, bottle shapes and crate formats — enough to confuse even the most health‑conscious shopper. To make sense of it all, here’s a breakdown of the five water categories defined for human consumption and what they mean for your daily hydration 1. Tap Water (Trinkwasser) Strictly regulated and highly controlled Tap water is the most tightly monitored food product. In most of the countries all over the world, quality is governed by the Drinking Water Ordinance, which sets strict limits for…

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As living costs continue to rise, many people are looking for ways to keep tighter control over their finances. One surprisingly effective method is switching from digital payments to cash. Cash Helps You Save Digital payment options such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay offer convenience, but they often make it harder to track spending. With cash, the situation is different: every note and coin you hand over gives you a clear sense of how much money you have left. Experts say this direct awareness helps prevent overspending. A…

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Filipino citizens planning to visit Austria must obtain a visa before travel, as Austria is part of the Schengen Area — a group of European countries that share common entry rules. Austria does not allow visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders for tourism or business purposes; a visa application is a requirement before departure. Here’s what prospective travelers need to know: Where to Apply Filipino applicants must submit their visa applications through VFS Global Austria Visa Application Centres in the Philippines — with locations typically in Manila and Cebu —…

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The cost of travelling to the United Kingdom is expected to rise once again, as the British government plans a further increase in fees for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The charge is set to climb by roughly 25 percent, reaching 20 British pounds—about 23 euros. Since 2 April 2025, Austrian citizens and all other travellers from EU member states have been required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK, unless they hold a British passport or have applied for a visa. The system, similar to the U.S. ESTA,…

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Drivers heading to other European countries in 2026 will face several new toll and vignette rules. Austria’s mobility club ÖAMTC has compiled the most important updates to help travelers avoid costly surprises on the road. Europe’s toll landscape remains a patchwork of systems, and the coming year introduces yet another round of changes. While countries such as Croatia and Italy continue to rely on distance‑based tolls, others—including Austria, Slovenia, and Switzerland—use time‑based vignettes. According to ÖAMTC expert Yvette Polasek, preparation is essential: “Anyone who doesn’t know the rules risks unnecessary…

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January 28, 2026 — West Bengal, IndiaIndia is facing renewed public health concern following the detection of new Nipah virus cases in the eastern state of West Bengal. The virus, known for its extremely high fatality rate of up to 75%, has prompted both national authorities and neighboring Asian countries to strengthen surveillance and emergency preparedness measures. A Dangerous Virus Re-Emerges Indian health officials confirmed five Nipah virus infections connected to a private hospital in Barasat, near Kolkata, with nearly 100 individuals placed under quarantine. Several infected patients are healthcare…

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Energy specialists are sounding the alarm about a hidden drain on household electricity bills: devices that continue to draw power even when they appear to be switched off. This so‑called standby consumption may seem insignificant day to day, but over the course of a year it can noticeably increase energy costs. Desktop Computers in the Home Office As remote work becomes more common, many households now keep desktop computers permanently set up. When these machines are left in standby rather than fully shut down, they can generate an estimated additional…

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