Users of Instagram and Facebook are experiencing connection issues as both social networks are facing outages. These outages are also affecting other Meta services, such as Threads and Messenger. Many users are reporting difficulties accessing these platforms. The situation is being tracked by the Downdetector.com platform.
President Nikos Christodoulides visited London for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He thanked Starmer for the UK's support regarding the Cyprus issue and emphasized the need for resuming negotiations. He also mentioned the significant Cypriot community in the UK and the valuable bilateral relations. He highlighted the necessity of humanitarian aid to Gaza due to regional challenges.
Israel and Cyprus's Energy Ministries are in talks regarding a potential agreement for natural gas supply from Israel to Cyprus via a pipeline. A $1.5 billion contract is expected to be signed, lasting for 10 years. Energean, which operates the Karish gas fields, will handle the gas exports. This collaboration aims to increase the consumption of natural gas in Europe.
A 47-year-old suspect was arrested for possessing large quantities of drugs in the mountainous area of Mouttagiaka. The suspect admitted to acting on behalf of another person and had received €800 for his services. During investigations, 3 kilograms of cannabis and 1.5 kilograms of cocaine were found, and his wife was cleared of any involvement. The suspect will remain in custody for eight days pending further investigation.
A 62-year-old British tourist tragically died in the sea off Peyia. His family searched for him when he disappeared while swimming. He was found unresponsive, and despite resuscitation attempts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The exact cause of his death will be determined after the autopsy.
Two individuals were arrested at Larnaca Airport with approximately 35 kilograms of cannabis in their suitcases. The men, aged 19 and 25, are of Greek descent and traveled from Barcelona via Munich. The police and customs authorities are continuing their investigations into the case. This is not the first incident at the same airport, as there was a recent arrest involving 27 kilograms of cannabis.
The program for the education of delinquent students at the Pancyprian Gymnasium has been terminated following strong reactions from teachers, students, and parents. The Ministry of Education decided not to proceed with the implementation of the program due to concerns raised. An alternative location for the program is being sought, amidst fears of potential conflicts. This situation has triggered serious reactions within the community.
The Olympic Swimming Pool in Larnaca is in terrible condition, with mold in the locker rooms and broken showers. These facilities are used by many athletes and minors, making the issue serious. The president of the Sports Organization, Yiannis Ioannou, has received complaints and promised that repairs will be made. He also requested suggestions for a complete renovation of the facilities.
The case regarding the death of Thanasis Nikolaou is still under review by the Supreme Court, which is considering the request of forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos to annul the coroner's report. The coroner concluded that the death was due to foul play, while both sides presented their legal arguments. Stavrianos claims that he was not adequately represented during the investigative process, while the Nikolaou family argues that his report lacks significance in the examination. The court's decision will be announced at a later date.
The Ministry of Health provides information about the vaccination plan against COVID-19 and flu. Free vaccines like Influvac sab-unit Tetra and Efluelda are available, prioritizing vulnerable groups. Vaccination will be carried out by personal doctors or vaccination centers by appointment or walk-in. It is emphasized that identification documents must be presented during the vaccination process.
The debate intensifies regarding the Ministry of Education's decision to create an alternative school for students with delinquent behavior within the Pancyprian Gymnasium. Teachers are responding against the construction of a wall meant to separate students. OELMEK considers the alternative school's environment unsuitable and depressing for the students. Protests from both students and teachers are ongoing.
Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics for their studies on institutions and their impact on prosperity. The award, valued at 11 million Swedish kronor, highlights the importance of social institutions in addressing economic inequalities. The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Last year, the prize was awarded to Claudia Goldin for her work on wage inequalities.
In Cyprus, underage migrant girls and Cypriot mothers fall victim to human trafficking, with their partners exploiting their situation. Convictions are minimal, as victims are discouraged by the lengthy procedures and lack of supportive structures. The parliamentary discussion highlighted the need for better awareness and support for victims, as well as the recognition of trafficking as a serious crime. The situation requires coordinated efforts from various government agencies.
Larnaca continues to suffer from a strong odor every October due to the deposition of manure in fields. Despite numerous meetings and proposed measures, the problem remains unresolved. Residents express their frustration to local authorities and on social media, calling for immediate action. Environmental inspectors are monitoring the situation while measures are being planned to reduce the smell.
Eftychia Panayiotou wins the State Poetry Award for her work "Myths for the End of the World." No awards for novel or study were given due to lack of majority for the nominated works. The awards ceremony will take place on December 3rd and is open to the public. This year's awards highlight notable achievements in Cypriot literature.
A taxi driver who witnessed a quadruple fatal accident testified in court. He described the collision and the horrific aftermath he observed, noting that the atmosphere darkened for a few seconds. There were serious consequences for the victims in the red car, with a woman trying to help. The witness expressed his surprise at the speed of the vehicle that caused the crash.
The Osios Abbakoum Monastery has 15 days to file an appeal against the decision of the Synodal Court that declared the removal of three monks on moral grounds. The decision will be communicated today, and the monks will appear at the appeal with a lawyer, excluding the already disqualified Anastasios Vavouskos. Seven members of the Holy Synod will review the appeal, looking for potential errors in the Synodal Court's decision. The monks will attempt to overturn the ruling by presenting their reasons for believing the decision was unjust.
Paphos Mayor Phaedon Phaedonos raises concerns about the illegal operation of an unaccompanied minors' shelter in the city, highlighting a lack of government intervention. He points out serious issues such as child prostitution and drug trafficking occurring at the shelter. The Mayor states that authorities are aware but the situation remains unchanged. He criticizes the government for its inability to address these problems.
A man was found dead in a supermarket parking lot in Paphos on Sunday. He appears to have been homeless and around 60 years old. Authorities are investigating his identity and an autopsy will be conducted. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of his death.
The transfer of a female prisoner from Nicosia to Paphos was dramatic. Upon her arrival at the police station, she attacked an officer. She had been arrested under a judicial warrant for cases related to Paphos. Following the attack, she was quickly subdued and taken into custody.
The real estate market in Cyprus and Greece remains resilient, providing opportunities for investors despite challenges in the European market. Danos International is organizing an event in Nicosia to showcase investment opportunities and insights about the market. The demand for Class A office spaces is strong, indicating a recovery in confidence in the commercial market. Foreign investments continue to positively impact the real estate market in both Greece and Cyprus.
From 2010 to the second quarter of 2024, rents in Cyprus increased by 9.02%, which is lower than the EU average of 24.83%. During the same period, housing prices in Cyprus remained stable, in contrast to many other EU countries where significant price increases were recorded. Notably, countries like Estonia and Hungary saw the largest increases in both rents and housing prices. Overall, prices and rents in most EU countries are on an upward trend.
Air traffic at Paphos Airport remains high in the first ten days of October, indicating a strong tourist season. Local authorities mention that despite some infrastructure challenges, the increased presence of major airlines helps connect Paphos with more European and international cities. Officials emphasize the importance of cooperation for the success of flight routes and the comprehensive development of tourism in the area. Paphos is on a recovery path, aiming for year-round tourist activity.
Larnaca is awaiting approval for the establishment of a School of Marine Sciences, Technology, and Sustainable Development at the Cyprus Technological University. A feasibility study indicates that the project is financially viable, generating annual revenues of €3.5-€4 million starting in 2027. The school's operation is expected to boost the local economy and provide new job opportunities, particularly benefiting the Mackenzie area. This will position Larnaca as an educational and research center in marine sciences.
The Parliament is set to vote on bills that double the fines for undeclared work, aiming to combat this issue. The fine for each case of undeclared work will increase from €500 to €1000. Additionally, fines will further increase for employers who repeatedly violate the regulations. The objective is to strengthen compliance among employers.
A father of a student with ADHD reported the school's principal for seizing his son's personal journal, where the child recorded distressing incidents. Although the student faces learning difficulties, he does not exhibit behavioral issues. Despite the school being aware of his condition, he was not allowed to leave the classroom even for restroom breaks. The Ministry of Education has been informed and is investigating the matter.
The meeting between leaders Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar in New York with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is anticipated to lead to a new round of discussions regarding the Cyprus issue. There is uncertainty about the intentions of the UN Secretary-General and how he will approach the positions of both sides. The Greek Cypriot side expresses readiness to resume negotiations, while the Turkish Cypriot side emphasizes sovereignty equality as a precondition. The process is expected to have a timeframe, which raises concerns for Nicosia.