Category: General Interest

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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Physical activity is often associated with gym workouts, running sessions, or structured fitness programs. Yet new scientific findings suggest that everyday movements—many of them far less intense—may play a surprisingly important role in supporting long‑term health. A Closer Look at the Study The analysis draws on a large-scale longitudinal study involving nearly 70,000 adults aged 43 to 78. Researchers set out to understand how light daily activity influences the risk of disease and overall mortality. This included simple, routine actions such as doing housework, standing, or walking at a slow…

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Color is one of the first things people notice about us. Before we speak, before we shake hands, before we even smile, the shades we choose to wear send subtle signals about who we are and how we move through the world. Psychologists, designers, and cultural historians agree on one thing: clothing colors are not random. They reflect mood, identity, and even long‑term personality traits. This doesn’t mean your wardrobe is a psychological X‑ray. But it does mean that the hues you gravitate toward—consciously or not—offer a fascinating window into…

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2026 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for sky‑watchers. From dazzling meteor showers to dramatic eclipses and a radiant Jupiter, the night sky over Central Europe will offer a series of rare and unforgettable moments. Anyone willing to look up at the right time will be rewarded with some of the most striking astronomical events of the decade. Jupiter Opens the Year With a Brilliant Show The first highlight arrives early: on 10 January, Jupiter reaches opposition, placing Earth, the Sun, and the gas giant almost perfectly in…

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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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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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