Switzerland bans new arms exports over Iran conflict, sticking to neutrality. Known for banking, Alps, and political independence.
At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs over Greenland, calling them "fundamentally unacceptable." Macron wore aviator sunglasses to cover a burst blood vessel, sparking jokes and memes, including from UK’s Keir Starmer. Trump mocked Macron’s eyewear and warned of tariffs on French goods. European leaders back Macron’s stance against U.S. coercion.
Capgemini is beginning to divest its US subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, following scrutiny over its contract with ICE for skip tracing services used in immigration enforcement. The move follows recent police shootings in Minneapolis and growing political pressure from France and US lawmakers demanding transparency.
A fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day has resulted in 41 deaths, including an 18-year-old who died in Zurich on January 31. The fire injured over 100, with many victims still hospitalized. Authorities suspect negligence and are investigating the owners and safety compliance.
Zurich has agreed to acquire Beazley in an £8 billion deal, valuing the London-based insurer at nearly 60% above its recent share price. The deal will create a global specialty insurer with $15bn in premiums, leveraging Beazley's Lloyd’s of London presence. The takeover follows Zurich's previous bid rejection.
A fire on a regional bus in Kerzers, Switzerland, resulted in at least six deaths and five injuries. Authorities believe it was caused by a voluntary act, with no evidence of terrorism. The incident echoes a deadly fire in Crans-Montana earlier this year.
A fire at the K Club Kehl in Germany injured three people and caused no fatalities. The incident involved 750 guests, with emergency services attending. The cause is under investigation. This follows a previous deadly nightclub fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on February 6, 2026, with ceremonies held simultaneously in Milan's San Siro stadium and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Games span over 350 kilometers across northern Italy, featuring 2,900 athletes from 90+ countries. The event blends Italian culture with global performances amid protests over U.S. ICE agents' advisory role and political tensions.
Canadian curling teams faced a series of defeats at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the mixed doubles pair Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant eliminated after five consecutive losses. The team struggled with ice conditions and tactical adjustments, raising questions about Canada's curling dominance and future prospects in the sport.
A series of avalanches in southeastern France has resulted in at least five deaths, including three British skiers and a French national. The incidents occurred during heavy snowfall amid high avalanche risk, with authorities warning of ongoing dangers. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.
American curlers Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse advanced to the Olympic gold medal game after defeating Italy in the semifinals. They will face Swedish siblings Rasmus and Isabella Wrana in the final, aiming to secure the first US curling medal since 2018. The match is scheduled for today at 12:05 p.m. ET.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan feature NHL players from multiple countries, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, competing for their nations. This marks the return of top-tier international hockey after a 12-year hiatus, with teams from Europe and North America showcasing their talent amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Switzerland's right-wing Swiss People's Party has gathered enough signatures to hold a referendum on June 14, 2026, to limit the population to 10 million by 2050. The proposal aims to curb migration and overpopulation, risking conflicts with EU agreements and economic stability.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, a series of disputes over 'double-touching' stones and monitoring protocols have led to rule clarifications and increased scrutiny. The controversy involves Canadian, British, and Norwegian teams, highlighting tensions between sportsmanship and officiating standards amid growing professionalism.
Ukraine and Russia are holding two-day negotiations in Geneva, focusing on territorial issues and security guarantees, amid ongoing Russian attacks and international pressure. The talks follow recent military escalations and previous rounds in Abu Dhabi, with key demands including Ukraine's territorial integrity and Russia's recognition of annexed regions.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva to prepare for indirect negotiations with the US, mediated by Oman, amid heightened regional tensions and US military build-up. The talks aim to address Iran's nuclear program, with Iran seeking sanctions relief and the US demanding limits on Iran's missile and proxy activities.
A train in Valais, Switzerland, derailed early Monday due to an avalanche, prompting evacuations and suspending services. No casualties have been confirmed, but rescue efforts are ongoing amid heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. Authorities warn of further natural avalanches in the region.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held diplomatic talks in Geneva on Tuesday, aiming to address Iran's nuclear program and Ukraine conflict. Experts question their prospects for success amid rapid negotiations and unclear motives, raising concerns about the effectiveness of this unconventional approach.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy feature advanced drone tracking for sports and athletes using real-time feedback devices. Athletes also use personalized music to enhance performance, highlighting innovations in sports technology and athlete preparation amid ongoing competition.
A city report shows NYCHA's vacant units doubled from 2,840 in 2022 to 6,740 in 2025, with vacancies lasting up to a year. The cost to renovate each unit is estimated at $52,000, highlighting inefficiencies amid a housing crisis and ongoing safety risks.
Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, EU leaders urge maximum restraint and warn of escalation. Countries respond with diplomatic and military measures, amid concerns over regional stability and international law. The situation remains volatile as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Recent studies reveal accelerating declines in bird populations linked to climate change and intensified agriculture, shifts in tropical plant flowering disrupting ecosystems, and urgent gaps in insect species discovery. Conservation efforts show promise in restoring endangered species' behaviors, while research into centenarians uncovers blood proteins tied to slower aging, highlighting intertwined environmental and biological challenges worldwide.
The annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, traditionally held in Boston, will be hosted in Zurich this year due to safety concerns and visa issues affecting international travel to the US. The event will alternate between Zurich and other European cities every other year, with no immediate plans to return to the US.
The US Trade Representative has launched investigations into over 60 countries, including China, the EU, and India, focusing on forced labor practices. The move aims to assess compliance and potentially impose tariffs, amid ongoing trade tensions and global economic pressures.
The US is launching new investigations into 60 countries, including China and the EU, over unfair trade practices and forced labor, aiming to replace lost tariff revenue after a Supreme Court ruling. The process could lead to new import taxes before July 2026.
A new report from the Austrian Alpine Club documents significant glacier retreat in Austria during 2024-2025, with some glaciers shrinking over 100 meters. The retreat reflects ongoing climate change impacts, with implications for water, energy, and ecosystems across Europe.
Switzerland announced it will not issue new licenses for exporting war materiel to countries involved in the Iran conflict, citing neutrality. Existing licenses to the US are under review, and exports to Israel and Iran remain restricted. The move follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Switzerland’s airspace restrictions.
Recent studies reveal dogs existed over 15,800 years ago, predating previous estimates by thousands of years. Evidence from bones in Turkey and Europe shows early dogs were widespread among hunter-gatherers, with diets similar to humans, indicating a close relationship long before agriculture.
Italian authorities have seized €20 million worth of assets linked to actress Ursula Andress, believed to be proceeds of money laundering connected to a fraud scheme involving her former financial adviser. The assets include properties, vineyards, and artworks in Tuscany. The case stems from Andress's report of financial fraud in Switzerland, with investigations revealing a complex scheme over eight years.
The DRC and M23 have agreed to facilitate humanitarian access, release prisoners within 10 days, and establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism after five days of Swiss talks mediated by Qatar. Despite progress, disagreements remain over sentences and bank reopenings, with fighting continuing in eastern regions.
Wendy Duffy has died at a Swiss assisted suicide clinic after her application was approved, four years after her son's death. The UK bill allowing assisted dying has fallen short in Parliament, while Duffy's case highlights ongoing debates over end-of-life choices and mental capacity assessments.