Russian troops have launched a large-scale offensive to regain territory from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Lieutenant General Apti Alaunidnov stated that Russian forces are making significant progress in various directions on the front. However, despite Russian claims, Ukrainian sources dispute the situation and report that enemy attempts to invade Sudzha have failed. The situation remains fluid and developments are being closely monitored.
Roopkund Lake in the Himalayas is known for the skeletons that appear on its floor during the summer months. Among 600-800 skeletons, 14 have been identified as originating from Crete. Scientists have conducted extensive research and confirmed that these skeletons belong to people with DNA linked to modern Europe. The mystery surrounding their presence remains, as it is unlikely that Cretans traveled to such a remote location.
The Associations of Popular Depositors announce that the first compensation for affected individuals will occur in the first half of 2025. There are no changes to the agreements in place, and payments will be made only to verified beneficiaries. The electronic platform for new applications will open in the second half of 2025, without affecting the initial payouts. New applicants will participate in future payouts after their verification process is completed.
A Cypriot artist reported the police for their handling of a wanted individual. After meeting with him, she informed the authorities, but the person was not arrested because, as they told her, 'he did nothing wrong.' The wanted individual allegedly tried to pose as someone else with a fake identity. The situation raises questions about the police's procedures.
The European Commission's proposal for 150 billion euros in defense investments has sparked a confrontation between France and Germany. The disagreement centers on whether the funds should only support EU industries or also include those from non-EU countries like Turkey. Macron advocates for financing only European arms, while Scholz calls for the inclusion of non-EU partners. This situation raises concerns that the initiative might be stalled due to the differing views of member states.
The two wildfires that broke out in Panagia, Paphos district, have been brought under full control. The immediate response from the Department of Forests and the Fire Service was crucial. One fire started in Panagia, while the other was located between Panagia and the Chrysorrogaitissa Monastery. There was damage to trees and vegetation.
Gene Hackman, an iconic Hollywood actor, died at the age of 95 from heart disease, one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman, who had health issues, was found dead at his home, with his wife's body in a state of decay. Autopsies confirmed the causes of death and revealed the actor's serious heart conditions. The couple was found in separate rooms of their mansion in Santa Fe.
Two fires broke out in the mountainous area of Paphos, near the community of Panagia. One is near a forest area, while the other is between the community and the Monastery of Chrysohoraitissa. Firefighting forces and the Department of Forests are working to extinguish the fires. The situation is under control, with no immediate danger to inhabited areas or the monastery.
Police in Limassol are investigating a terrorism-related incident involving social media posts by a 21-year-old Syrian. The young man is accused of posting videos with threats and terrorist material, though he claims that a friend in Syria made the posts. He has been arrested and is being held for eight days for further questioning. During the investigation, weapons and Islamic State flags were found and examined.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulides met at the Maximos Mansion, focusing on the Cyprus issue. Following the recent Brussels Summit, they highlighted the need for investments in defense and protection of the European Union's borders. The two leaders agreed on the importance of the upcoming five-party meeting in Geneva and the resumption of talks regarding Cyprus. Greece will continue to support Cyprus's efforts for a fair and viable solution.
Odysseas Michaelides, the former Auditor General, referred to the high pensions the President would receive if re-elected, mentioning a lump sum of €769,705 instead of €402,836. He expresses concern about the situation in Cyprus and criticizes the Presidential response as negative. He also supports the existence of bills aimed at addressing these distortions. The government opposes the proposals related to limiting the privileges of officials.
Mihalis Lytras, the president of the Pancyprian Leukemia Association, highlights the struggles faced by leukemia patients who are forced to travel abroad for treatment, despite the availability of specialized doctors and facilities in Cyprus. Legislative delays are preventing the provision of these services locally. Families are also affected, as they must accompany patients, leading to significant economic and social impacts. The government appears willing to advance the necessary legislative adjustments.
The Administrative Court rejected a Russian oligarch's request to reverse the decision concerning the revocation of his golden passport and that of his family. Vadim Moskowitz, a significant businessman in Russia and Cyprus, obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2017. The citizenship was revoked due to EU sanctions imposed in 2022. His lawyers are seeking a suspension of the decision, but the court found no grounds to issue such an order.
The daughter of a war prisoner from 1974 shares her father's memories of being held captive in Turkish camps for three months. The story reflects the silence and emotional scars left by this experience, as well as his return to Cyprus. After living in Canada for years, he eventually returned to Cyprus but never spoke about his captivity. Central themes include captivity, migration, and returning to one's homeland.
Limassol is steadily progressing with the development of TEPAK, transforming the city into a university campus. Construction of student residences in the Vereggaria area is underway with completion aimed for spring 2026. Despite some delays due to strikes, positive developments continue for future projects, including sports facilities. Authorities are seeking funding to complete the planned developments in the area.
The new recruitment system in education is a major concern for educators as the year 2027 approaches, marking the end of the traditional list of eligible teachers. The PODE expresses serious concerns about the process and plans general assemblies to discuss its stance. Despite these issues, no proposals have been made by the Ministry of Education. There are voices highlighting distortions in the new system, which has been in transition for nearly 12 years.
The police are investigating a surrogacy case linked to a non-existent medical center called World Center Of Baby. The findings indicate that the center promised same-sex couples the chance to have children but failed to provide legal birth certificates. Previously, instances of couples getting trapped due to document issues had been reported. The matter of surrogacy is quite complex and may involve the exploitation of women.
The Ministry of Finance is planning to reduce the benefits of state officials with the new bill. If approved, pensions will be abolished, and officials will receive only a gratuity, with reductions of up to 82% for members of parliament. The President of the Republic will see an 80% decrease in his benefits. The bill aims to reduce state costs and avoid simultaneous payments of salaries and pensions.