August 23: Today's Swiss information

Data indicate that, following the severe heatwave that hit Europe, more than 30,000 excess deaths have been recorded in this season alone. It is emphasised that older people, those with underlying health conditions, and residents of urban heat-accumulation areas are at higher risk, and that precautions such as heat alerts, access to shade, and adequate hydration are essential. The debate over whether Switzerland should further tighten its neutrality policy is intensifying again. Recent opinion polls suggest that public support for sweeping changes may be limited; many people’s views reflect the need to strike a balance between security, foreign relations, and humanitarian responsibilities. A useful piece of information for taxpayers: in Switzerland, some donations can be treated as tax-deductible. Recognised donations to public-benefit organisations can be claimed as deductions if supported by specific documentation; however, assistance to individuals or non-compliant money transfers are generally not included. Announcements indicate that in September 2026, a range of regulatory changes, fee adjustments, and revisions to service procedures may come into effect in the country. As this could lead to changes in procedures related to residence permits, transport, telecommunications, or insurance, it is important to pay attention to guidance issued by your canton. Among the main news discussed in Switzerland this week, issues related to the economy, migration administration, weather challenges, and social services were at the forefront. In particular, rising temperatures drew increased attention to pressure on urban infrastructure and the preparedness of the health sector. Today’s gold price: 24-carat, 118.56 CHF per gram; 22-carat, 108.68 CHF. In the weather outlook, the trend of persistent heat may be seen in many regions; it is advisable to use morning and evening hours for outdoor tasks and to act cautiously during peak daytime heat. Today’s Tamil date: Parabhava year — Avani 7. In this context, an interesting scientific note: the natural “plant–water–soil” process on Earth is not straightforward in space. Because of reduced gravity, water may not drain through soil and can instead float as droplets, potentially affecting oxygen availability to roots; to address this, NASA tested the ‘Veggie’ system on the ISS with LED lighting, controlled humidity/airflow, and ‘plant pillows’. This may support access to fresh food on long-duration space missions and the mental health of astronauts; it also offers lessons for food production on Earth with limited water and space. --- **Information sources:** <ul><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.ch/20260822/heatwave-hit-europe-logs-over-30000-excess-summer-deaths" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heatwave-hit Europe logs over 30,000 excess summer deaths</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thelocal.ch/20260822/swiss-likely-to-vote-no-to-tougher-neutrality" </a></li></ul>