A fire that broke out in a house in Strovolos has been brought under control. The residents were taken to the hospital as a precaution due to smoke inhalation. The fire caused extensive damage to the house and its equipment. Authorities will investigate the cause of the fire tomorrow.
Parents of secondary education have unanimously decided to oppose the government bill regarding foreign-language programs at public universities in Cyprus. They are against the offering of English-language programs, viewing it as harmful to public schooling and equality among students. They plan to take legal actions and other measures. A new announcement from the Parents' Confederation is expected shortly.
Early this morning, searches were conducted at the Central Prison under the authority of the Police. During the operation, an electronic device and a notebook were seized from the cell of detainee Simon Mistriel Aykut, who is involved in a major property embezzlement case. The searches were initiated due to security concerns, although no further details have been confirmed at this time. The operation took place at 2:00 AM and involved multiple prisoner cells.
The Fire Service has been alerted due to a house fire in Strovolos. Two fire trucks have been dispatched to the scene, where there is a risk from a large gas cylinder located outside the house. Firefighters are using breathing apparatuses and water hoses to extinguish the fire. The situation is being monitored, and updates will follow as it develops.
Superhome Center has been sold to Vasilitsi DIY Ltd for €94 million, with 100% of the shares moving to a new management. CEO Giorgos Tziovanis and his team will continue to lead the company. The agreement is expected to be finalized in February and is anticipated to bring positive developments for the company. The goals are to foster growth and create new opportunities.
Since 2015, the sale of properties in Cyprus to foreigners has significantly increased, with 83% of sales documents in Paphos involving foreign buyers. Despite these high percentages, 96.73% of the properties in Cyprus belong to Cypriots. The sales to foreigners highlight some gray areas, as transactions involving companies are not fully documented. Nevertheless, the values of properties purchased by foreigners have been rising.
The Foreign Ministry expresses satisfaction with the UN Security Council resolution 2771/2025, which renews the mandate of UNFICYP. Thanks to diplomatic efforts from Nicosia, certain points in the draft were amended, ensuring a more positive approach to refugee issues and avoiding references to a gap between the two sides. The importance of restarting negotiations for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue is also highlighted. The Security Council monitors developments in the area and urges all parties to avoid unilateral actions.
A property owner in Liopetri applied for a building permit, but his request was denied due to a protection zone around munitions storage. The Ministry of Defense stated that development affects the designated protection area. Residents are concerned for their safety since the protection zone is adjacent to populated areas and public spaces. Questions have been raised regarding the determination of the protection zone and the lack of information provided to affected citizens.
A butcher was convicted for violating COVID-19 measures. He claimed health issues prevented him from taking a rapid test and presented a doctor's certificate, which was not accepted by the court. He was fined €1,800, and his appeal was rejected. His case highlights the importance of compliance with public health regulations.
China is building the world's largest military command center near Beijing. The site includes deep tunnels and shelters for the protection of military leaders. U.S. intelligence estimates that the center will be at least ten times larger than the Pentagon. The construction began in 2024 and aligns with the People's Liberation Army's efforts to showcase its military capabilities by 2027.
The source of the wastewater ending up in the Polimidion dam has been identified using a drone. Investigations are underway regarding potential industrial waste pollution. Authorities are collecting samples and tracing the origin of the wastewater. The issue arose following a complaint from the Movement for the Environment.
The Bank of Cyprus announced a reduction in the reference interest rate for loans from 3.15% to 2.90%, effective from February 2025. This decision is linked to the general decline in interest rates by the European Central Bank. It is expected that this reduction will benefit 12,000 borrowers by lowering their monthly payments. The bank reaffirms its commitment to support the economy with competitive interest rates.
A woman from Limassol has filed a complaint about the indifference of the Police and Ambulance Services when she sought help for her five-year-old nephew who had severed his thumb. Despite informing the services of the severity of the situation, she received no assistance and had to transport the child herself. Unfortunately, upon arriving at the Paphos hospital, the doctor stated that the finger could not be reattached. The woman emphasizes the need for better empathy and support in emergency situations.
The initiative from the Ministry of Education proved successful as the 12 schools in the Dromolaxia-Meneou Municipality will not close on Monday. The unions SEK and PEO announced the suspension of strike measures while awaiting the arrangement of payments for the council's employees. If the commitments are not met next week, the possibility of an indefinite strike will be considered. The Ministry proposed temporarily transferring duties of the Dromolaxia-Meneou School Board to Nicosia.
The Cyprus exams for 2025 will begin on June 6 with the subject of New Greek and will conclude on June 26. The Guide for the 2025 Entrance Examinations has been published on the relevant website. Students can find all the necessary information regarding the exams there.
In the community of Meniko, dozens of dead animals were found in a lake containing pig waste, shocking local residents. The community leader has called on the relevant authorities to ensure the health of the citizens. At the same time, residents are expressing their discontent over the strong odor coming from the area. This incident highlights serious public health and environmental protection issues.
Five European agencies are warning about the widespread use of azole fungicides in agriculture, as it may exacerbate antibiotic resistance related to aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is caused by the Aspergillus fungus and can lead to severe respiratory infections. The common application of these chemicals in both agriculture and human medications makes it crucial to approach their use with caution. The agencies are joining forces to address the risks arising from this situation.
Nineteen EU leaders, including the President of Cyprus and the Prime Minister of Greece, are requesting financial support for the defense industry through a joint letter. This letter was sent ahead of the European Council, emphasizing the need for reinforcement in light of ongoing security challenges in Europe. The leaders recommend reassessing lending rules to facilitate the growth of the security and defense sector. They believe the European Investment Bank should increase funding to address current and future challenges.
A lucky ticket in the 1st category of the JOKER won 19.8 million euros in the recent draw. Five additional tickets won 100,000 euros in the 2nd category. The winners of the 1st category will share at least 1,000,000 euros in the next draw. This draw will take place on Sunday, 02/02/2025.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is launching mandatory recording of medicine shortages at the European level, focusing mainly on antibiotics and injectable diabetes medications. This year's stock situation appears to be better due to the release of new weight loss medications. However, some insulin supplies still face shortages. The recording platform will facilitate joint management of shortages and cooperation among EU member states.
The file related to Metropolitan Isaias of Tamassos and Oreni has been returned to the Police for further investigation after the initial phase was completed. Investigators found issues that require clarification and additional examinations were requested. The case is expected to be clarified in February, with the Legal Service monitoring its progress. There are also other pending cases related to the Monastery of Abakum.
During a meeting of negotiators regarding the opening of crossing points, no new information emerged. Colin Stewart will meet with leaders Christodoulides and Tatar to discuss the issue of new crossing points. Tatar mentioned a significant development that was not confirmed regarding the opening of a crossing point in Mia Milia. Discussions about political equality and crossings are ongoing.
Trade unions are worried about the President's statement regarding cooperation for the modernization of the ATA. They argue that linking the ATA to productivity could harm the institution. The government appears to support this connection, although the Minister of Finance assured that he supports the ATA.
The Ministry of Transport announced that it will not immobilize 84,000 vehicles with defective Takata airbags, unless directed by the manufacturer. Vehicle owners are encouraged to implement recalls promptly. As of Monday, February 3, regulations ensuring road safety will come into effect. Immobilization will only apply to vehicles with specific alerts from manufacturers.
The Electricity Authority is looking for ways to install two new gas turbines, but the cost of 140 million euros raises concerns. Authorities are trying to find solutions to cover the costs, while initial bids from contractors are unsatisfactory. There are discussions about possibly canceling the current tender and launching a new, international competition. The situation remains complex and needs careful attention to ensure electrical energy sufficiency.