Category: General Interest

Travellers who have booked accommodation through Booking.com are being urged to exercise extra caution when receiving emails related to their reservations, as consumer advocates warn of a sophisticated scam targeting customers. Austria’s Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer, AK) has issued a warning about fraudulent messages that appear to come from legitimate accommodation providers listed on Booking.com. The emails are designed to trick travellers into revealing sensitive information or making payments to criminals. According to the AK, the scam messages may contain accurate personal details and travel information, making them appear authentic.…

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VIENNA – Austrians are among Europe’s keen coffee drinkers, consuming an average of around 2.75 cups per day, according to a representative survey conducted last year. While moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe, new research suggests that regularly drinking large amounts of coffee could have negative effects on cognitive health later in life. Scientists from the United States and Australia reported at the 2024 International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Association (AAIC) that consuming four or more cups of coffee daily may accelerate the decline of so-called “fluid intelligence” –…

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In the quest for a longer, healthier life, many people are constantly searching for the latest superfood, dietary supplement, or fitness trend. Yet while the wellness industry promotes new solutions almost daily, researchers have long agreed on a simpler truth: longevity is influenced not only by what we add to our lives, but also by what we choose to leave behind. The encouraging news is that improving life expectancy does not necessarily require expensive programs, extreme diets, or revolutionary lifestyle changes. Often, the most effective steps are surprisingly straightforward. According…

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Apple has officially launched the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable smartphone — a major milestone for the company and one of the most anticipated tech releases of 2026. The device was introduced during Apple’s Surprise and Shine event in Cupertino, marking a transformational shift in the iPhone’s design philosophy and user experience. A Breakthrough Foldable Design The iPhone Duo features a book-style foldable form factor with two Super Retina XDR OLED displays that share the same aspect ratio for seamless scaling. Closed, users get a compact 5.4-inch outer display offering…

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The digital euro is accelerating toward launch, with EU lawmakers clearing major hurdles and negotiations now entering their final stretch. After years of debate, the project designed to give Europe its own sovereign digital payment option is rapidly taking shape. The initiative passed its first major milestone in June, and the EU Council, the European Parliament, and the European Commission are now working intensively on the legal framework that will govern how the new currency functions across the bloc. A European Alternative in a U.S.-Dominated Market According to EU officials,…

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The debate has been going on for years, yet the routine remains unchanged. Although the European Union once aimed to abolish the seasonal clock change, millions across Europe — including Austria and Germany — will again adjust their clocks twice in 2026. As summer slowly fades, the familiar question returns: When exactly is the next time change? Winter time begins on 25 October 2026 Since the night of Saturday, 28 March to Sunday, 29 March, Europe has been on Mitteleuropäische Sommerzeit (MESZ), Central European Summer Time. The next switch comes…

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New assessments from German food and nutrition authorities show that eating rice every day is far less harmless than many households assume. Rice on the daily menu — a hidden problem In many kitchens, rice is a staple eaten almost every day. It is widely seen as a light, healthy alternative to pasta and is valued for its versatility. But according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), frequent rice consumption can increase exposure to inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance linked to cancer and other long‑term health problems. Rice…

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Netflix is increasing its subscription prices in Austria and Germany, marking the first adjustment in more than two years. According to updated information on the streaming provider’s website, all major plans in both countries are affected. Price hikes across core plans The Basis subscription in Austria now costs 10.99 euros per month, up from 8.99 euros. The Premium tier — offering 4K resolution and 3D sound — rises from 19.99 to 21.99 euros. The Standard plan increases from 13.99 to 15.99 euros. In Germany, the ad-supported tier also becomes more…

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August 28, 2026 – Skywatchers are in for a rare celestial spectacle on Friday morning as a deep partial lunar eclipse unfolds just weeks after a partial solar eclipse. Although this event will not produce a full “blood moon,” astronomers say it offers a remarkable viewing opportunity with an unusual twist: the eclipse reaches its peak at the exact moment the Moon sets below the horizon. The maximum phase of the eclipse is expected at 6:13 a.m., when nearly 93 percent of the Moon’s visible surface will be immersed in…

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