Doomsday: Clock Moves to 85 Seconds Before Midnight

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Scientists warn humanity is closer than ever to global catastrophe The symbolic Doomsday Clock has been moved forward to 85 seconds before midnight, marking the most perilous moment in its 79‑year history. The announcement came from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, whose panel includes leading researchers and eight Nobel laureates. The clock is designed to illustrate how close humanity is to triggering a worldwide disaster. According to the scientists, the shift by four seconds reflects a growing convergence of global threats. They point to the increasingly confrontational posture of…

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According to a New Ranking: These Are the 12 Most Beautiful Islands in the World – and Palawan in the Philippines Makes the List

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Condé Nast Traveller has unveiled its latest ranking of the world’s most beautiful islands, offering welcome guidance for anyone dreaming of an island getaway but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. After all, when it comes to pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes and true relaxation, few travellers are willing to compromise—especially if the journey requires long-haul travel. The magazine’s new list highlights destinations across the globe, including several European islands that promise wanderlust without the need for intercontinental flights. From volcanic peaks in the Pacific to Mediterranean charm and…

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Unsettled Weather Marks the Start of February

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Austria is heading into a notably changeable start to February, with a mix of sunshine, fog, snowfall and a Mediterranean low-pressure system shaping the week ahead. According to the Hohe Warte and Geosphere Austria, temperatures will swing widely: while mornings may still bring frost and sub-zero readings, some afternoons could climb into the double‑digit plus range. Monday: Sunshine in the West, Fog and Clouds Elsewhere The workweek opens with contrasting conditions across the country. Western regions can expect mostly sunny skies, while low-lying areas begin the day shrouded in fog.…

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Travel to London Set to Become Significantly More Expensive

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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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Airlines Race to Offer Full Economy Rows for Sleeping Comfort

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Long‑haul economy travel may soon feel a little less cramped. Several international airlines are expanding or re‑promoting options that allow passengers to book an entire row of seats to themselves—turning standard economy seating into makeshift beds at a fraction of business‑class prices. Lufthansa Revives Its “Sleeper’s Row” Lufthansa is once again advertising its Sleeper’s Row, a product that gives travelers exclusive use of a full row of three or four economy seats. The offer has existed since summer 2021 on flights longer than eleven hours, but demand immediately after the…

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Earth‑Like Ice Planet Discovered 146 Light‑Years Away

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An international team of astronomers has identified a planet that bears an extraordinary resemblance to Earth — at least in size and orbital rhythm. The newly reported world, designated HD 137010 b, is almost exactly as large as our home planet and circles a Sun‑like star. Yet its surface, sealed beneath a frozen shell, reaches a frigid –70 degrees Celsius. A Near Twin in a Distant System The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights a planet orbiting roughly 146 light‑years from Earth. HD 137010 b is rocky, only…

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Austria’s Changing Seasons: Winter Downpours, Summer Dry‑Spells

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Austria is already feeling the unmistakable effects of climate change. Melting glaciers, more frequent extreme weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, and shifting precipitation patterns are reshaping the country’s water balance. A new study titled “Water in a Changing Climate” now provides a clearer picture of how these developments will intensify in the coming decades — and the findings are sobering. Precipitation Shifts: Less in Summer, More in Winter According to the preliminary results, Austria will see a marked redistribution of rainfall and snowfall. By the middle of…

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Faith and Diplomacy Unite for Peace at UN Vienna’s World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 Conference

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Vienna, 30 January 2026 — Diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives gathered at the Vienna International Centre on 30 January 2026 for a high-level conference marking the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW). Organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in partnership with the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations, Youth and Students for Peace (YSP), and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the conference focused on the theme “The Relevance of Religions for a Peaceful World Order.” Among the distinguished…

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Toll Traps Abroad: What Travelers Need to Know in 2026

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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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