Switzerland has recently garnered attention due to its role in international trade discussions, particularly as the U.S. engages in negotiations with multiple countries following the imposition of sweeping tariffs. The Swiss president announced that Switzerland is among 15 nations involved in "privileged" negotiations with the U.S., highlighting its strategic position in global economic dialogues. Additionally, the upcoming 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel has placed Switzerland in the cultural spotlight, showcasing its vibrant arts scene.
Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country in west-central Europe, bordered by Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Known for its neutrality, Switzerland has not been involved in military conflicts since 1815 and is home to numerous international organizations, including the Red Cross and various United Nations agencies. The country boasts a high standard of living, a robust economy driven by finance, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, and is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural diversity.
-
As the Eurovision Song Contest unfolds in Basel, Switzerland, protests against Israel's participation intensify. Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, is set to perform her song 'New Day Will Rise' amid calls for Israel's exclusion from the event due to ongoing violence in Gaza. The contest runs from May 13 to 17, 2025.
-
As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 approaches, excitement mounts for the event in Basel, Switzerland. With 37 countries competing, the contest promises a mix of traditional performances and modern trends, alongside controversies surrounding lyrics and social media pressures. The grand final is set for Saturday night, May 17, 2025.
-
Recent studies reveal that weight loss medications, specifically semaglutide and liraglutide, significantly reduce alcohol consumption among users. Research indicates a decrease in average weekly alcohol intake by nearly two-thirds, highlighting potential benefits beyond weight management. This finding is crucial as excessive alcohol use is linked to numerous health risks, including liver disease and cancer.
-
The World Trade Organization (WTO) forecasts a 0.2% decline in global merchandise trade for 2025, primarily due to escalating tariffs between the US and China. North America is expected to see the steepest drop, with exports projected to fall by 12.6%. The situation poses significant risks for vulnerable economies, particularly in Africa.
-
A new Asian elephant calf was born at the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park in Thailand on Saturday. The calf, born to mother Farha and father Thai, is part of conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. Zoo officials remain cautious about the calf's health during its early weeks.
-
The World Economic Forum has initiated an investigation into founder Klaus Schwab following allegations of financial misconduct, including misuse of funds and ethical violations. Schwab resigned as executive chair amid these claims, which he and his family have denied. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe has been appointed interim chair.
-
Harvard University is in a standoff with the Trump administration over demands to alter its governance and diversity policies. The administration has frozen $2.2 billion in funding and threatened further financial repercussions after Harvard refused to comply with controversial requests. This conflict raises significant questions about academic freedom and federal oversight.
-
President Trump has hinted at a delay in imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, urging companies to relocate production to the U.S. Major firms like Merck and Roche are responding with significant investments in U.S. manufacturing to mitigate potential costs. The situation remains fluid as the industry braces for possible tariffs next week.
-
Three men were sentenced at London's Old Bailey for their roles in a conspiracy to murder Paul Allen in 2019. Daniel Kelly and brothers Louis and Stewart Ahearne received lengthy prison terms, with sentences totaling up to 36 years. The case involved a complex crime spree, including theft and attempted sale of stolen artifacts.
-
A new report reveals that while antisemitic incidents peaked in late 2023, they declined in 2024 in most countries. However, Australia and Italy saw significant increases. The report emphasizes the need for better enforcement of laws against antisemitism, as many incidents go unpunished.
-
Nestlé reported a 2.8% sales growth in Q1 2025, primarily driven by price increases due to soaring coffee and cocoa costs. The company raised prices by 2.1% overall, with some markets experiencing double-digit hikes. Despite initial consumer demand impacts, the situation is stabilizing as adjustments are made.
-
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter expressed satisfaction with recent tariff negotiations in Washington, where the U.S. aims to resolve trade issues with a group of 15 countries, including Switzerland. The discussions follow a pause on steep tariffs that could impact Swiss imports, with significant investments from Swiss firms like Roche in the U.S. planned.
-
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, from May 13 to 17, 2025. Featuring acts from 37 countries, the event promises a mix of music, cultural pride, and geopolitical tensions, continuing its legacy as a vibrant celebration of diversity.
-
Amnesty International's annual report claims Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing specific intent to destroy the population. Israel vehemently denies these accusations, asserting its actions are in self-defense against Hamas. The report highlights severe humanitarian crises and widespread civilian casualties since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
-
Recent studies reveal alarming connections between microplastics and health issues, including cardiovascular disease and reproductive health risks. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for regulatory action to mitigate exposure, particularly in regions with high plastic production. The UK is notably lagging behind international efforts to address this growing concern as new findings emerge.
-
As of May 8, 2025, President Trump remains noncommittal about signing new trade deals, despite previous claims of imminent agreements. The stock market has reacted negatively to mixed messages from the administration, particularly regarding negotiations with China and Canada. Investors are anxious as tariffs and trade discussions continue to unfold.
-
Reddit is grappling with the infiltration of AI-generated content, threatening its identity as a platform for authentic human interaction. CEO Steve Huffman emphasizes the need for community-driven knowledge, while recent experiments with AI bots raise ethical concerns. The company is also enhancing business features amid significant user growth.
-
On May 12, 2025, the US and China announced a temporary trade agreement, reducing tariffs significantly. The US will lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will cut its tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10%. This deal aims to stabilize economic relations and set the stage for future negotiations.
-
BYD's electric vehicle factory in Szeged, Hungary, is rapidly progressing, with plans to produce 200,000 vehicles annually. The €4 billion investment marks BYD's strategy to expand in Europe, countering Tesla's declining sales amid political controversies. The factory is expected to begin operations in late 2025.
-
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent will meet with China's lead economic representative on Thursday, marking the first confirmed trade discussions since the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. The talks aim to address trade tensions and explore de-escalation strategies.
-
Experts recommend booking Memorial Day weekend trips on Sunday, May 18, at 6 a.m. for the best prices. This advice follows analysis showing that airlines adjust fares over the weekend, making it the most cost-effective time to secure travel plans.
-
Koyo Kouoh, the first African woman to lead the Venice Biennale, passed away on May 10, 2025, at age 57. Known for her significant contributions to contemporary art and advocacy for African artists, her death leaves a profound impact on the art community. Kouoh was set to unveil the theme for the 2026 Biennale shortly before her passing.
-
Senior officials from the US and China met in Geneva on May 10, 2025, to discuss escalating trade tensions. The talks aim to de-escalate a trade war that has seen tariffs rise significantly, impacting global markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China's Vice Premier He Lifeng are leading the discussions.
-
On May 12, 2025, the US and China announced a trade agreement following two days of negotiations in Geneva. The deal includes a temporary suspension of tariffs and a commitment to ongoing discussions, aiming to ease tensions that have escalated due to heavy tariffs imposed by both nations.
-
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have parted ways after a six-month coaching partnership. The split follows Djokovic's disappointing performance this season, including three consecutive match losses. Both players expressed gratitude for their time together, with Murray wishing Djokovic well ahead of the upcoming French Open.
-
CERN's Large Hadron Collider has achieved a groundbreaking feat by briefly transmuting lead into gold through innovative near-miss particle interactions. This experiment produced 29 picograms of gold nuclei, showcasing the potential of advanced particle physics in understanding elemental transformations.
-
May 14, 2025 ____