Switzerland opened the world’s steepest cable car, connecting Stechelberg to Mürren, featuring a 159.4% incline. The cable car leads to Piz Gloria, the rotating restaurant from the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This innovative project is expected to boost tourism, capitalizing on the rising trend of set-jetting.
England will defend their Women’s Euro title in Switzerland in July 2025. Wales qualified for their first major tournament, while Scotland and Northern Ireland missed out. The tournament draw is on December 16th, 2024. Sixteen teams will compete across eight Swiss cities. England could face tough group-stage opponents.
Europe’s leading freestyle resort, LAAX, Switzerland, is launching a thrilling winter season with new snow parks, family-friendly activities, expanded facilities, and a renewed commitment to sustainability. Get ready for exhilarating freestyle action, delicious culinary experiences, and breathtaking alpine scenery.
The Global Innovation Index, compiled by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), reveals Switzerland as the world’s most innovative nation, outpacing even scientific giants like the US and China. The index, encompassing a wide range of indicators including R&D spending, technological advancements, and even film production, highlights Switzerland’s remarkable innovation prowess. However, despite the global innovation boom experienced between 2020 and 2022, the world is witnessing a slowdown in innovation, with key indicators like scientific publications and venture capital investments declining. Notably, even China, despite its rise in the rankings, faces challenges in its venture capital industry, prompting the government to explore unorthodox solutions.
Switzerland has expressed support for a Chinese-led peace initiative to end the war in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in its approach to the conflict. The initiative, which gained traction after incorporating the UN Charter, has drawn criticism from the US, which points to China’s indirect support for Russia’s war effort. Switzerland, which hosted a peace summit in June, is now seeking to broaden its engagement by partnering with countries from the ‘global South.’
Switzerland’s government has given its support to a potential bid to host the 2038 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. This follows a previous rejection for the 2030 and 2034 Games, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has offered Switzerland the opportunity to engage in “privileged dialogue” for the 2038 Games. The government believes hosting the event would be beneficial for the country’s society, economy, and international image.
The death of an American woman in a controversial suicide pod in Switzerland has sparked a legal investigation, with Swiss authorities arresting four individuals on charges of incitement and aiding suicide. The case has brought the legality of the Sarco pod into question, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding assisted suicide in Switzerland.
Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a woman died using a new ‘suicide capsule’ called Sarco. The device, designed to allow individuals to end their lives peacefully with nitrogen gas, has sparked debate over Switzerland’s assisted suicide laws. The incident also highlights the complexities of regulating such technology and the ethical concerns surrounding assisted suicide.
In a referendum, Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allocate more funding for biodiversity protection. The initiative, which aimed to safeguard the country’s threatened plant and animal life, was opposed by the government and many right-wing parties, who argued it would harm the economy. The vote highlights the ongoing tension between environmental concerns and economic considerations.
Switzerland, a nation renowned for its natural beauty, faces a critical decision regarding its biodiversity. A nationwide vote this Sunday will determine whether to boost public funding for environmental protection, a measure met with opposition from the government and some rural voters. The proposal aims to increase protected areas and encourage sustainable practices, but opponents argue it would hinder economic development. The outcome could have significant implications for the country’s natural heritage and future.
