A 62-year-old man was found dead in his living room in Limassol with a knife wound. The knife was found next to him, and the crime scene was immediately cordoned off. Authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances of the death, and the forensic examination results are awaited. The victim's wife has been questioned, but many details remain unknown.
Asma al-Assad, wife of the former Syrian dictator, is in critical condition due to acute myeloid leukemia. Despite her previous battle with breast cancer, her health has worsened, and her chances of survival are only 50%. She wishes to travel to the UK for better medical care but is considered unwelcome by the British government. Her father is by her side in Moscow, concerned about her condition.
A woman in Limassol reportedly killed her husband with a knife. The incident occurred early in the evening at an apartment complex in the area. After the murder, the woman called the police herself. Authorities are currently investigating the scene.
The situation of the reservoirs in Cyprus is dire, despite the rains brought by the storm Elena. The stored water levels are extremely low, with most reservoirs operating at only 25.3% of their capacity. Some reservoirs are nearly empty, with alarming figures, such as the Bysakia reservoir at 3%. However, there is hope for better conditions in the upcoming hydrological months.
Azerbaijan Airlines stated that the aircraft that crashed in Kazakhstan experienced external intervention, ruling out technical failure. There are indications that it may have been hit by Russian anti-aircraft systems. The flight deviated from its original destination due to poor weather and threats from Ukrainian drones. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge caution in drawing conclusions.
In Nicosia, a 31-year-old was subjected to a racist and homophobic attack by a group of masked individuals during a prearranged meeting. The assailants assaulted him and stole personal belongings while subjecting him to homophobic slurs. The police are investigating the case and attempting to identify the perpetrators through surveillance footage. So far, the attackers remain unidentified.
A 31-year-old man was the victim of a racist attack by a group of 5 to 10 individuals in Nicosia. The assailants beat him and stole his phone, wallet, and car keys. After the attack, he was taken to the hospital with various bruises and injuries. The police are investigating the incident and have found his car keys near the scene.
Greece and Cyprus warn the European Union about Turkish actions in Syria that violate Cyprus's sovereign rights. They emphasize that such actions could negatively affect EU-Turkey relations and EU support for Syria. The governments are closely monitoring the situation and warning of consequences if Turkish actions continue. Both Greek and Cypriot authorities state they will not allow new faits accomplis in the region.
The weather system 'Elena' is affecting the area with storms and snowfall in mountainous regions. Local rains and isolated thunderstorms are expected today and over the weekend. Hail may occur during storms, along with potential snowfall in higher altitudes. Temperatures will vary from 5 to 16 degrees, with frost in elevated areas.
By 2028, definitive solutions are expected for the water supply issues in the free Famagusta district, including areas such as Ayia Napa and Paralimni. Ongoing infrastructure improvement projects costing 29 million euros will include a new pumping station and storage tanks. The outdated pipelines and lack of alternative water sources exacerbate water supply problems. The new project aims to enhance the quality and reliability of water supply in the area.
The company Ride Now in Cyprus is considering measures to reduce risks associated with young drivers in the car-sharing system. Following a fatal accident in Nicosia, the company has implemented age restrictions and is examining the possibility of checking drivers' sobriety. The company's representative stated that efforts would be made to introduce a pre-rental check for drivers. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of users and drivers.
In 2024, significant advances in healthcare were announced, including new treatments for serious conditions like resistant acute leukemia and breast cancer. Lenacapavir, a new treatment for HIV/AIDS, shows particular promise in preventing infection. Despite this progress, ensuring quick and easy patient access to new therapies remains a challenge. The healthcare sector still faces issues in addressing unmet medical needs.
The Minister of Transport announced a decree that will allow the management of vehicle recalls starting in 2025, focusing on defective airbags. It is emphasized that the responsibility for 'grey' vehicles in Cyprus is unclear, as owners have not adhered to notification procedures. The Legal Service is called to clarify responsibilities, while the need for swift action becomes urgent. European regulations require appropriate measures for vehicle safety.
Approximately 50% of the buildings in Cyprus were built without energy efficiency standards, leading to higher electricity costs and increased environmental pollution. Necessary upgrades for energy saving are estimated at €15 billion, while a more realistic estimate puts the cost at €800 million for the period 2020-2030. However, previous upgrades have not had a significant impact on the energy status of the residential sector. Over 50% of homes have not implemented any energy-saving measures.
Starting in January 2025, banks in the Eurozone will offer fast payments with lower fees for all citizens. Money transfers will be completed in 10 seconds and the costs will be the same for domestic and cross-border transactions. Additionally, an application will be introduced that allows free instant transfers via mobile, making it easier for users. These changes aim to increase competition and innovation in the payments sector.