Author: switzerlandtimes.ch

In the United Kingdom, housing disrepair is a serious and often under‑recognised problem. For many council or housing association tenants, persistent damp, mould, leaks, or structural issues severely affect their quality of life — and, alarmingly, their health. SilverOak Solicitors is stepping in as a powerful advocate for tenants dealing with these issues, offering access to justice and compensation through their dedicated Housing Disrepair team. What Is Housing Disrepair — and Why It Matters Housing disrepair refers to a property being in a state that is unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unfit for habitation. Under UK law, landlords — including social…

Perched high in the Western Ghats, Munnar stands as one of Kerala’s most enchanting hill stations. Known for its cool climate, lush valleys, and sweeping tea estates, the destination has long captured the hearts of travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Yet beneath its postcard-perfect surface lies a landscape rich with history, biodiversity, and cultural warmth. Anyone journeying through munnar india soon realises that this beloved haven offers far more than scenic viewpoints; it presents a complete sensory experience shaped by mist, mountains, and timeless charm. A Scenic Tapestry of Hills and Valleys Munnar’s landscape is nothing short of breathtaking.…

Swiss motorists face another increase in car-insurance premiums next year. A survey by Comparis of 13 major insurers indicates that most intend to raise rates in 2026, citing higher repair costs, more expensive spare parts and a rise in weather-related damage. Several insurers—including Generali, Zurich Switzerland, Allianz, PostFinance, TCS and Bâloise—report an inflation in claims costs. Repairs have become markedly pricier as labour charges and component prices rise. Generali says it will need to adjust premiums next year to cover higher costs; Zurich also expects to raise tariffs. Insurers are mostly reluctant to say by how much premiums will go…

Switzerland may be close to securing a 15% tariff on its exports to the US, in what would be a relief for the country after it was hit with a punishing 39% levy in August, according to people familiar with the matter, reported Bloomberg. A deal may be concluded within weeks, said the people, who declined to be identified discussing ongoing negotiations. They also warned that nothing is finalized and the talks could still come undone, as happened during discussions between US and Swiss trade negotiators in late July. A spokesperson for the Swiss government declined to comment. The White House…

Swiss citizens will head to the polls on March 8th 2026 to vote on four national measures: initiatives on cash, public broadcasting, and a climate fund, as well as a referendum on individual taxation, reported the government this week. Cutting the bill for public broadcastingThe “200 francs is enough” initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), the Swiss Union of Arts and Crafts and the Young Liberals, seeks to cap the annual licence fee for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SSR) at CHF 200, and to exempt all companies from the levy. Parliament rejected the proposal, but the federal…

A popular initiative by Switzerland’s Green Party to make solar panels mandatory on most rooftops has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, enough to trigger a national vote once the federal chancellery formally validates them, reported RTS. The proposal seeks to require the installation of photovoltaic systems on nearly all new and existing buildings, though exemptions would apply to protected structures. The Greens argue that Switzerland’s rooftops provide ample space to generate all of the country’s electricity needs. Mandating solar panels, they say, would ease the energy transition and reduce dependence on foreign power. Strong resistance from property and energy sectorsThe…

Pregnancy is a revolution disguised as a whisper. It begins quietly, often privately — a realization, a heartbeat, a transformation blossoming under the surface. Yet as the months unfold, what was once hidden becomes undeniable: a new life is being written not with ink, but with heartbeat, breath, emotion, and light. This is the chapter that deserves documentation not in pixels alone, but in meaning. Luxury maternity photography exists for the modern mother — the woman who is strong yet soft, ambitious yet emotional, contemporary yet deeply connected to timeless beauty. She is not seeking just photos. She is seeking…

Bern’s emergency shelters are under strain—and most of those using them are not Swiss.A new regulation introduced in October 2025 by the canton of Bern restricts access to emergency accommodation to people with valid papers, in an effort to ration scarce spaces. The measure, intended to ensure that limited places go to those legally entitled to them, has provoked opposition in the city. Fresh figures this week have added fuel to the debate. Data obtained by Swiss broadcaster SRF show that Bern’s main homeless shelter, with 60 beds, was consistently full in 2024. Just under a third of residents—30%—were Swiss.…

With winter setting in, Switzerland’s Gotthard Pass and the hiking and cycling trail through the Schöllenen Gorge will shut for safety reasons. The closures, announced by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), take effect on November 7th, 2025. FEDRO said on Thursday that the Gotthard route between Hospental in Uri and Airolo in Ticino will be closed to all traffic from Friday owing to winter conditions. During the closure, vehicles will continue to use the Gotthard road tunnel as normal. Following a rockfall in Jostbach in September, which caused damage in the area, snow-retention structures are being installed above the Teufelsbrücke…

Switzerland’s road deaths have risen by a third over the past five years, even as fatalities have fallen across much of Europe. The country’s accident-prevention bureau (BPA) on Tuesday lamented the trend and called for a more coherent road-safety policy backed by all stakeholders. According to the BPA, the number of people killed on Swiss roads has increased by 34% since 2019, whereas the European average has dropped by 12%, figures from the European Transport Safety Council show. Over a decade, the contrast is also stark: deaths are up by 2.9% in Switzerland, but down 17% across Europe. A grim…