Swiss Identity

Iceland tops world gender equality list

This content was published on Oct 27, 2009 The Swiss-based group ranked countries according to how much they reduced gender disparities based on economic participation, education, health and political empowerment while attempting to strip out the effects of a nation’s overall wealth. Switzerland moved up one spot over last year, placing 13th in the Global Gender Gap Report 2009. In 2007 it ranked…

Demographics

UBS manager appointed to financial watchdog

This content was published on Oct 27, 2009 Mark Branson will head the division for banks at Finma as of January 1, the body said in a statement on Tuesday. Branson, a British citizen, apologised in 2008 to a US Senate panel for UBS’s assistance to US tax evaders and said the bank would accelerate its withdrawal from certain businesses in the US.…

History

Anti-racism group calls minaret ban unnecessary

This content was published on Oct 27, 2009 The society for minorities in Switzerland and the Swiss foundation against racism and anti-Semitism said in Bern on Tuesday that such a move to change the constitution had to be soundly rejected. The anti-minaret initiative, which goes to a public vote on November 29, was proposed by members of the rightwing Swiss People’s Party and…

Culture

Design 2009

This content was published on Oct 27, 2009 The Swiss Design Awards, which recognise new Swiss talent, have taken place every year since 1918. Each winning project receives either SFr25,000 ($24,830) in cash, or six months’ work experience at a famous design studio or London workshop.

Rising tennis star keeps her eye on the ball

This content was published on Oct 27, 2009 The unseeded 20-year-old from Belmont-sur-Lausanne tells swissinfo.ch how her game has improved since her breakthrough tournament at the Zurich Open in 2006, and where she is headed in 2010. She is also quick to confess her limitations and says she could “never” be the next Martina Hingis. On Sunday she powered through the WTA Tour…

Demographics

Foreign ministry computer network hacked

This content was published on Oct 26, 2009 The foreign ministry characterised the incident as a “virus attack” but said computer systems were targeted with the intent of gathering specific information. The extent of the breach is unknown and officials did not say what information was targeted. They are still trying to track down the source of the attack. The hack was apparently…

Demographics

Vatican re-opens talks with Society of St Pius X

This content was published on Oct 26, 2009 The “doctrinal consultations” with the Swiss-based seminary took place behind closed doors, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, with neither side wanting to comment. In January the pope welcomed back into the Roman Catholic Church four bishops from the Society of St Pius X who were excommunicated in 1988 after being ordained without Vatican permission. The…

Demographics

“Troubleshooter” to clean up army software mess

This content was published on Oct 26, 2009 Alder will head a task force that will identify problems within the military’s hardware and software systems. Defence Minister Ueli Maurer announced the appointment on Monday. A spokesman called Alder an “experienced troubleshooter”. The group will begin its work at the beginning of 2010. In April Maurer received a report identifying management and training problems…

Education

Flu shot debated ahead of vaccinations

This content was published on Oct 26, 2009 The government will outline its mass immunisation plans on Friday in a joint press conference given by the Federal Commission for Vaccinations, the medical supervisory agency and the Swiss Medical Association. Two vaccines are expected to be given the go-ahead by Swissmedic, which has been overseeing trials of the brands in laboratories in Switzerland. Further…

Demographics

Modified fuel tax “would benefit regions”

This content was published on Oct 26, 2009 A group of parliamentarians from centre-right and rightwing parties said the funds would help bolster Switzerland’s competitive edge and recognise the importance of aviation. The issue comes to a nationwide vote on November 29, alongside two highly controversial issues: a proposed ban on the construction of minarets and on the export of weapons and other…

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Swiss Identity

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Iceland tops world gender equality list

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UBS manager appointed to financial watchdog

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Anti-racism group calls minaret ban unnecessary

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Design 2009

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Rising tennis star keeps her eye on the ball

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Foreign ministry computer network hacked

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Vatican re-opens talks with Society of St Pius X

More

“Troubleshooter” to clean up army software mess

More

Flu shot debated ahead of vaccinations

More

Modified fuel tax “would benefit regions”

Popular Stories

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