Latest news with #STA
Euronews
a day ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Switzerland revives wartime bunkers amid heightened security concerns
Switzerland is seeking to revive its system of wartime bunkers, many of which have remained unused since the 1990s. Triggered by heightened security concerns following Russia's all-out war in Ukraine, the Swiss military is reconsidering the role of an estimated 8,000 bunkers scattered across the country, some dating back to 1886, and how to best modernise them. Originally constructed to guard strategic locations, such as the Gotthard railway and Alpine passes, the system of bunkers became a key component of the Swiss National Redoubt, a network of fortifications designed to repel invasion during World War II and the Cold War. While many bunkers were once fitted with advanced defence systems to shield against Soviet missile threats, their use declined after the Cold War. Budget cuts and changing defence priorities led to many of the sites being sold to civilians. Buyers found surprising new uses for them, from cheese cellars and art galleries to data storage hubs and hotels. Some were even turned into high-security vaults for cryptocurrencies, such as the Swiss Fort Knox in Bern canton. However, in 2023, the Swiss army halted all sales of these shelters, opting instead to assess how best to repurpose them. "We have to make use of what we've got," Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli told domestic media. 'The nature of military threats has changed. The bunkers are poorly placed and the weapons they contain will only last for another ten or twenty years,' he added. For the army, the goal is to convert these bunkers into 'difficult-to-attack defence nodes' using cutting-edge technology, while ensuring the upgrades are cost-effective and require minimal staffing. Aside from strengthening national defence, some cantons have also adapted civilian shelters into temporary accommodation for refugees. According to local media, the Swiss Society for Technology and Armed Forces plans to host an 'innovation day' in mid-September, where more details will be unveiled and participants can pitch their ideas. "We're looking for ideas from all sectors, not just defence," the STA emphasised.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Slovenia passes assisted dying law
SARAJEVO (Reuters) -Slovenia approved a law to allow assisted dying on Friday, joining an increasing number of countries giving terminally-ill adults the right to end their lives if they face unbearable suffering with no expectation of improvement. Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium are among the countries to permit assisted dying, as well as some U.S. states. Last month, Britain's parliament voted to legalise assisted dying, although the bill must still clear the upper chamber of parliament. Slovenia's lawmakers approved the bill with 50 votes in favour, 34 against, and three abstentions. The legislation follows a consultative referendum last year in which 55% of voters called for such a law. Treatment options will have to be exhausted, and the right to assisted dying will not be available in the case of unbearable suffering resulting from mental illness, STA news agency reported. A civil group that opposes the new law said on Friday it would try to gather enough public support to force a referendum on the new law. Solve the daily Crossword
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ahtesham, Romaisa win Westbury tennis
Winners and runners-up players seen with chief guest Rasheed Jan Mohammad, STA officials and guests after the finals of KC Westbury Tennis on Friday. Photo: STA Ahtesham Humiyoon SNGPL outplayed Kashan Tariq 8-2 to win the mens singles title at the 21st addition of KC Westbury National tennis championship which concluded at Karachi Club on Friday. Earlier on Thursday, Eschelle Asif becruised past Tahreem Yousuf 8-0 to win the Ladies Singles title. Ahtisham Humiyon of SNGPL was in great form and also proved too good for Hassan Usmani of SNGPL, beating him 6 -1, 3 -0 rtd to clinch the under-18 singles tennis title. Romaisa Malik beat Eschelle Asif 6-3,6-1 to win the under-18 girls title. Rasheed Jan Muhammad, CEO of Westbury Group was the Chief Guest who distributed tennis balls plus 150,000 cash prizes and trophies among winners and runners up of various events. In his speech he appreciated the efforts of Sindh Tennis Association and spoke about his company's relationship with STA since last 21 years. He also announced to continue sponsoring 22nd addition in 2026 as well. The Sports Conveener Karachi Club Raseed Jambo. Gulzar Firoz, Ahmed Ali Rajpt and Muhammad Khalid Rehmani also addressed the sizeable gathering. Results Juniors Under 18 Singles Final: Ahtisham Humiyon SNGPL beat Hassan Usmani SNGPL6 -1, 3 -0 rtd. Girls Under 18 Singles Final: Romaisa Malik beat Eschelle Asif 6-3,6-1 Girls Under 14 Singles Final: Romaisa Tanveer Malik beat Shahnoor Umer Lahore 4-0,4-1 Men's Singles Final: Ahtesham Humiyoon SNGPL beat Kashan Tariq 8-2, Ladies Singles Final: Eschelle Asif beat Tahreem Yousuf 8-0 Girls Under 12 Singles Final: Shahnoor Umer Lahore beat Shahreen Umer Lahore 4-2,4-2 Wheelchair Tennis mens Singles Final: Mathew beat Sajjad Khan 8 4 Under-10 Singles final: Ashtar Alam Khan beat Azan Imran 4-0, 4-2.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
STA urges kanwariyas to use reflective tape to curb accidents
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The transport department has launched a safety initiative for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, recommending kanwariyas to attach retro reflective tape to their bamboo slings or 'bahungis' (kanwars) to prevent road accidents, especially at night. The advisory comes close on the heels of the death of a kanwariya after being hit by a fire service vehicle in Koraput district's Boipariguda block on July 13. A senior officer of the state transport authority (STA) said, "We have issued an advisory as thousands of devotees embark on their annual pilgrimage, often walking along highways and major roads both day and night." STA said their primary concern is the safety of both kanwariyas and other road users. "The retro reflective tape will make the pilgrims more visible to approaching vehicles, especially under low light conditions," the official said, adding, "We've observed that most accidents involving pilgrims occur during dawn and dusk. The reflective tape is a cost-effective solution that could save many lives." STA has also instructed devotees to follow proper safety protocols while walking and crossing roads. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo The guidelines suggest walking in queues on the extreme left side of the road and avoiding central positions. Devotee Ramesh Singh, who has been participating in the yatra for the past two years, welcomed the initiative. "This is a practical solution. Many of us walk through the night, and this will definitely help drivers spot us from a distance," he said.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
Slovenia passes assisted dying law
SARAJEVO, July 18 (Reuters) - Slovenia approved a law to allow assisted dying on Friday, joining an increasing number of countries giving terminally-ill adults the right to end their lives if they face unbearable suffering with no expectation of improvement. Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium are among the countries to permit assisted dying, as well as some U.S. states. Last month, Britain's parliament voted to legalise assisted dying, although the bill must still clear the upper chamber of parliament. Slovenia's lawmakers approved the bill with 50 votes in favour, 34 against, and three abstentions. The legislation follows a consultative referendum last year in which 55% of voters called for such a law. Treatment options will have to be exhausted, and the right to assisted dying will not be available in the case of unbearable suffering resulting from mental illness, STA news agency reported. A civil group that opposes the new law said on Friday it would try to gather enough public support to force a referendum on the new law.
