5 Minute News

3 months ago

A lucky player won a record €19,890,000 in the latest Joker draw, becoming a multimillionaire in just a few minutes. This amount is the largest ever won in the game's history. Additionally, five players in the second category each won €100,000.

During the Joker draw on Thursday, January 30, the lucky numbers were announced: 4, 7, 30, 34, 37, and the Joker number 18. The total amount to be shared by the winners is at least €19,800,000, which is the highest in the game's history. The previous record was set on April 15, 2010, with €19.3 million. This draw has generated significant interest among players.

An incident occurred in Limassol when police attempted to stop a driver who refused to comply. The driver, a Syrian with a Cypriot ID, accelerated and caused an accident. Police later discovered drugs and offensive weapons in the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to the Limassol Police Department.

The Kykkos Monastery is selling a plot of land measuring 20,640 square meters near the Alphamega supermarket in Engomi. The land has residential zoning and allows for up to 8 floors to be built. Interested parties must submit their bids by February 14, 2025. For more details, they can contact the phone number 22390000.

Science teachers in Cyprus are expressing concern about the preparation of students for the upcoming PISA 2025 test. They highlight that the limited teaching hours are insufficient to familiarize students with the content and methodology of the exams. They emphasize that Cyprus has the lowest representation of science subjects in its curriculum within the EU. The educators are calling for an enhancement in teaching to ensure that students can compete internationally.

The mother of 3-year-old Angel is accused of ignoring the torture her child endured at the hands of her partner. While she denies any responsibility, she coldly describes the violence, mentioning that attacks occurred with a crib stick. She claims she was afraid to speak out and reveal the situation, even though she had repeated urges to intervene. Angel's condition remains critical in the ICU.

The hearing for the quadruple fatal accident continues, with the expert testifying that the driver's speed exceeded 108 km/h. The driver did not brake and was speeding to beat the red light. The investigation of the scene indicated serious negligence on the part of the accused. The witness stated that the minimum speed required to stop in time was 88 km/h.

A 16-year-old named Christos Panagis from Larnaca died in a traffic accident. His death was caused by a craniocephalic injury and other severe injuries, as shown by the autopsy results. The accident occurred while he was riding an unknown motorbike. Authorities are investigating the incident, examining testimonies and surveillance footage.

The renovation of the old GSP is nearing completion after four years of work and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025. The project will be available as a 'cold shell' to allow managers to customize the interior spaces. The total investment amounts to around €19.7 million, which includes a 10-year maintenance plan. The area will feature various facilities and amenities, including parking, green spaces, and restaurants.

Police in Athens arrested a 76-year-old wanted man accused of sexual abuse against a minor. The arrest was made based on a European warrant issued by Cypriot authorities. The allegations involve acts committed during the summer of 2023. The man has been brought before the prosecuting authority for further legal proceedings.

The police are seeking information to locate a man wanted in connection with a burglary case in Limassol. The burglary took place on January 22, 2025, and photos of the suspect have been published. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police station or the nearest police station.

Hopes for survivors from the plane crash in Washington are fading as authorities have recovered the first 'black box' from the Potomac River. The American Airlines aircraft collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Airport, resulting in the crash. So far, 19 bodies have been found, and searches are ongoing. President Trump has expressed concerns about air traffic control services.

The Police are investigating the identity of a driver who overtook 20-year-old George Theofanous before a fatal collision with another vehicle. George suffered fatal injuries, while the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Investigations are ongoing to check for cameras in the area that may have recorded the accident.

Organized parents in Secondary Education are expressing their opposition to the bill that allows English-language programs at public universities. They plan to consider legal measures and possibly even closing schools. The situation has sparked strong reactions, and the Pan-Cypriot Confederation of Parents will review how to proceed. Parents are concerned about equality and the potential creation of two-tier students.

Parents support the change in operating hours of primary schools, while expressing concerns about the implications of this change. There is a call for the expansion of the All-Day School system and acknowledgment of existing issues regarding student meals. Parents also request faster installation of air conditioning and worry about delinquency in schools. The committee chairman urges parents to engage in discussions about these proposals.

Last night, police in Limassol arrested a 44-year-old woman who was driving under the influence with her 2-year-old child in the car. The alcohol test revealed her blood alcohol level was nearly four times over the legal limit. The child was taken by a social worker and investigations are ongoing. Fortunately, there were no injuries from a prior vehicle collision involving the car.

Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption. He was found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for political influence on behalf of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez plans to appeal the decision, and his co-defendants were also sentenced. His wife's trial has been postponed due to her cancer treatment.

In a fatal road collision in Nicosia, a 20-year-old motorcyclist, Giorgos Theofanous, lost his life. Theofanous collided with a vehicle driven by a 64-year-old, resulting in injuries to both drivers. The young man was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other driver was discharged. The Traffic Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

A fatal traffic accident occurred last night in Larnaca, claiming the life of a 16-year-old student. Christos Panayi, while riding his moped, lost control and crashed into a sidewalk and then a sign. Despite medical efforts, he could not be saved. The police are investigating the causes of the accident.

The international airports of Larnaca and Paphos are set for expansion aimed at improving passenger experience and increasing capacity. At Larnaca Airport, the terminal will be extended by 20,000 sq. m. to accommodate 12.5 million passengers annually. Paphos Airport's expansions will increase the building's capacity by 30%. Before construction begins, measures have been proposed to protect the surrounding environmental areas.

The discussion in the Legal Committee highlighted issues in the process of serving fines from traffic cameras. Many fines are returned due to incorrect addresses or because citizens do not pick them up. The Ministry of Transport plans to inform citizens via SMS about pending fines. The legal basis of the platform was mentioned as uncertain in some cases.

The Prosperity Group CY has proposed reviving the development of the Larnaca port and marina despite doubts about the previous management by Kition. The proposal is currently under examination by the Ministry of Transport, while Kition seeks payment following the termination of its contract. Questions have arisen about the security of the investment and the reliability of the proposal. The government appears to have closed the chapter on Kition.

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) has commissioned a foreign firm to conduct a study for evaluating the General Healthcare System (GHS) nearly six years after its implementation. This study aims to develop mechanisms to assess the needs of health services. The initial evaluation will focus on hospital care and will later extend to all service providers. The HIO emphasizes the importance of ensuring both the quantitative and qualitative adequacy of services to better meet citizens' needs.

In 2025, the government will focus on the country's development and security, with the Cyprus issue being a central theme. President Christodoulides announced five key objectives, including digital transformation and rebuilding citizens' trust. Additionally, major infrastructure projects and new electronic services are planned to enhance public sector service. The year 2025 is expected to be a crucial year for reforms in the country.

Foreigners are buying properties in Cyprus, impacting prices and making it difficult for locals, especially young couples, to find housing. Despite legislation imposing restrictions, there are increasing reports that foreigners circumvent these rules through legal entities. Today, the parliamentary interior committee will examine a relevant bill aimed at updating the legal framework. The goal is to enhance transparency and control in the process of property acquisition by foreigners.

The government announced an increase in child allowances, adding 16,000 children to the eligible recipients and providing subsidies of up to 80% for nursery school fees. Additionally, support for housing will rise, with a budget of over 75 million euros for 2025. Housing plans will increase by 20% for young displaced persons. Tax reforms are expected to improve the disposable income of households, aiming to support the middle class.