The Allwyn OPAP Joker lottery draw took place on Thursday, 08/10/2026. The winning numbers drawn are 24, 5, 8, 19, 22, with the Joker number being 13. Draws are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The total prize amount is at least €1,500,000. Stay tuned for more opportunities in future draws.
In a parliamentary Defense Committee session, Irini Charalambidou expressed serious concerns regarding the fire incident at Kalo Chorio. She argued that there was misinformation and that blame was placed on lower-ranking soldiers despite the Chief of the National Guard's presence in the area. Additionally, she stated that the initial communication following the fire was inadequate. The Deputy Chief of the National Guard countered that the Chief was on-site and there were established communication protocols. The discussion revealed the challenges in crisis communication and management.
Averof Neofytou announced Annita Demetriou's withdrawal from the presidential elections. In his statement, he emphasized the need for unity among the supporters of the Democratic Rally. Demetriou's decision highlights the necessity of national awakening and the creation of a just society. Neofytou assured that he would protect the unity of the party. The message conveyed is that they are moving forward together.
Recent rainfall in October has improved the reservoir levels in Cyprus. Currently, the overall fullness stands at 35.6%, significantly higher than last year. The Kalopanayiotis dam has the highest capacity at 100%. Although there is an increase in water reserves, they remain lower than in previous years. The water inflows into the dams have recorded the highest figures of the decade.
Anita Dimitriou announced her withdrawal from the candidacy for the presidential nomination of the DISY party. Following a meeting with Averof Neofytou and Giorgos Pamboridis, the two will now compete for the nomination. This decision creates some turmoil within the party. Official announcements regarding the situation are expected soon. This development is significant for the upcoming presidential elections.
The Cyprus Police and the Health Insurance Organization warn about new SMS scams trying to extract money from citizens. The scammers use the name of Gesy, sending malicious messages that appear official. These messages may contain false warnings about updating personal information. The OAY clearly states that it never requests information via SMS. Citizens are urged to be cautious and not to click on suspicious links.
The Public Service Commission announced the appointment of George Ioannou as the Director of Prisons. His appointment will take effect on November 2, 2026. The announcement was made as part of the procedure to fill a vacant position. The terms of the offer will be detailed in a letter sent to him. Ioannou is scheduled to assume his duties in almost three years.
The leadership of DISY is considering the possibility of a consensus among the candidates for the party's nomination in the presidential elections. Giorgos Pamboridis has expressed a willingness for consultations, and President Annita Dimitriou also wants to meet with Averof Neofytou and Pamboridis. Despite the positive intentions, previous attempts have not been successful. Averof Neofytou remains cautious about any potential collaboration. The situation is being closely monitored by DISY's leadership, which seeks unity for the party's future.
Conflicting information has emerged regarding a possible ban imposed by Nikos Karvelas on Anna Vissi from performing his songs. Karvelas hinted at the possibility of such a ban in a recent statement but did not confirm it. According to his lawyer, this restriction does not actually exist. The news has been denied, suggesting that the situation is different from what has been reported. The developments continue to draw public interest.
The Larnaca Police Directorate held a meeting to address illegal activities in the Filanta complex. Issues of illegal subletting and theft of electricity and water were identified. Two individuals reported that they purchased apartments only to find others living in them. The police will investigate these claims as well as threats against the leadership of the Management Committee. Various relevant agencies participated in the meeting to plan the next steps.
The former cinema 'Othello' in Egkomi has been classified as dangerous due to serious safety concerns. At the same time, businesses are operating on the ground floor, raising health-related issues. The mayor of Nicosia emphasized the need for clear reports regarding the building's condition and the distribution of responsibilities among services. A study has been requested from the Nicosia District Administration Organization to take appropriate measures. The situation remains concerning, with noise pollution being a significant issue.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, clearly expressed support for the Cyprus-Greece electrical interconnection. He emphasized the importance of a new energy architecture in the region and alternative energy suppliers. Rubio plans diplomatic initiatives to remind all parties about the significance of the project. He also stressed the need for these issues to be resolved discreetly and not through public statements. The U.S. does not want to see a deterioration of relations between Greece and Turkey.
In Sfalaggiotissa, six individuals broke into a residence and robbed a foreign couple. They immobilized the couple with threats of knives and stole €5,000 in cash and jewelry worth approximately €200,000. The police were informed in the morning and have begun investigations. Currently, efforts to locate the perpetrators are underway. Depositions have been taken, and footage from surveillance cameras is being examined.
Nikos Karvelas has filed a legal action against Anna Vissi to prevent her from performing his songs. Their conflict has escalated after disagreements regarding her concert at OAKA and related financial issues. Karvelas notes he has written most of Anna Vissi's over 400 songs, which are key to her repertoire. In his statement, he expresses that he does not feel proud of the concert and warns that if this situation continues, Vissi may need to start over.
The Democratic Rally is preparing for the presidential elections on November 28, with around 49,000 members eligible to vote under certain conditions. Voters must be registered members of the party for at least 90 days prior to the elections and have paid their dues. They can choose any polling station, which is facilitated by electronic voting. So far, candidates for the party leadership include Annita Demetriou and George Pamborides, while Averof Neofytou's participation remains uncertain. Voter turnout is expected to increase, with voting taking place from morning until evening.
This morning, a stabbing occurred at a construction site in Mouttagiaka, Limassol. One person was injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The alleged assailant, who is also a foreign national, fled the scene and is being sought by the police. Police officers are present at the scene conducting investigations. The condition of the victim has not been specified at this time.
In Paphos, a shooting incident occurred around 2 AM. The police found a gun and a shell near the area. Reports indicate that the suspect is known to authorities and has a history with the police. Witnesses saw the suspect firing the gun and fleeing the scene. Investigations are ongoing for his arrest.
Nissim Luk shares the dramatic story of his daughter, Sani, who was killed during the Hamas attack at the music festival on October 7, 2023. Despite the pain of loss, he expresses relief that his daughter was killed quickly and did not suffer. Sani and her friends attempted to escape the attack, but she did not succeed. Her death was confirmed months later, as well as the murder of her partner. Their story reflects the harsh reality of violence in the region.
During his visit to Athens, Marco Rubio refrained from expressing clear support for the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection. He emphasized the importance of having diverse energy corridors and advocated for a diplomatic approach to sensitive issues. Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapatritis stated that the cooperation between Greece and the U.S. in energy has advanced significantly. The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, highlighted the significance of the Great Sea Interconnector project. Discussions also centered on relations with regional countries.
Many schools are facing serious infrastructure issues, such as a kindergarten built over a cemetery and temporary classrooms that lack sufficient space. Education is hindered by a lack of personnel and budget. The number of temporary classrooms stands at 69 for Secondary Education and over 400 for Primary Education. These issues particularly impact kindergartens and special schools. This situation has raised concerns and calls for immediate solutions from the relevant authorities.
The Audit Office has identified serious weaknesses in the management of projects in the Akamas National Forest Park, three years after complaints were made. There were discrepancies from environmental terms and a lack of specific conservation goals. The environmental assessment was not preceded by the necessary area protection. Meanwhile, delays and the proliferation of illegal restaurants in the area are noted, with no action taken five years after relevant advisories. The situation remains uncontrolled, with new illegal premises being established.
A National Civil Protection Mechanism is being established under the Ministry of Interior to improve disaster management. The National Guard will participate in responding to natural disasters, as long as national defense is not affected. The goals include preventing and reducing the impact of disasters, raising public awareness, and enhancing cooperation among agencies. Additionally, it will promote the use of scientific knowledge and ensure a swift response in crisis situations. The mechanism will be supervised by the Council of Ministers.
The Cypriot Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, is in Luxembourg to participate in the Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings. He aims to change the calculation of VAT on electricity bills, proposing to reduce it to 5%. Concurrently, the Cypriot government plans to lower the special consumption tax on heating oil. The goal is to relieve households from the rising energy prices. These measures require the approval of the European Commission.
The World Health Organization has introduced new treatment guidelines for childhood and adolescent obesity, allowing the use of medications from age 10. In Cyprus, one in five 9-year-olds and one in four boys are affected by obesity. The new guidelines emphasize proper nutrition and exercise as key priorities. The WHO recognizes obesity as a chronic disease that requires long-term management and treatment. Statistics show an increasing trend of obesity among children and adolescents globally.
The educational organizations are proceeding with their planned mobilization outside the Presidential Palace today. They express dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Education's updated proposal regarding teacher appointments. The organizations highlight that the proposal does not meet teachers' needs and fails to ensure job security. They also mention that stricter conditions introduce new uncertainties for teachers. They emphasize the need for more teachers in public schools due to the shortage of staff.
The new Organized Crime Combat Directorate (D.A.O.E.) in Cyprus is expected to cost about €4.8 million for building acquisition. The Police Chief stated that the D.A.O.E. is not just an administrative change but a significant reform in the organization and functioning of the police against organized crime. The goal is to dismantle criminal networks and prevent criminal activities. The D.A.O.E. will operate with collaboration and unified management for better utilization of information and operational capabilities. This initiative is part of the 'Police 2030' program aimed at modernizing the Cyprus police.