The OPAP Joker draw took place tonight, with one or more lucky winners sharing at least €2,420,000. The drawn numbers are 12, 17, 24, 34, 42, and the Joker number is 10. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Participation continues to grow, providing additional incentives for players.
A 17-year-old from Wisconsin is accused of murdering his parents in order to finance the assassination of President Donald Trump. Investigations revealed he had plans for more attacks and was affiliated with a neo-Nazi group. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder. The FBI discovered evidence related to terrorist activities and manifestos on his phone.
Sirens sounded in various areas of Israel following a missile launch from Yemen. The Israeli military confirmed the launch and reported interception attempts. Residents were advised to stay in shelters for at least ten minutes. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified their attacks on Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war.
A recent concern arose in Patras, where a 13-year-old was seriously injured while participating in the 'superman challenge' on TikTok. Dangerous online challenges, such as the 'blackout challenge,' 'fire challenge,' and 'tide pod challenge,' pose significant risks to children's safety. Georgios Nikolaidis advises parents to help their children find alternative ways to express themselves and to avoid seeking negative publicity.
The Iraqi government announced an agreement for the construction of a subsea oil pipeline in collaboration with Italy and Turkey. The pipeline will have the capacity to transport 2.4 million barrels of oil per day. The Italian company Micoperi and the Turkish Esta are involved in the project's implementation. No details have been released regarding the destination of the oil exports.
The Maronites are making demands regarding their occupied villages, seeking support from the Republic of Cyprus, Lebanon, and the Pope. Their issues include the resettlement in the villages of Asomatos and Agia Marina and the restoration of their churches. Despite repeated pressures, Turkey has not responded to their requests. The Maronite community and the governments are working to advance their demands for a viable solution.
A 24-year-old sustained serious injuries from a firecracker explosion in Larnaca today and has been transported to the General Hospital of Nicosia. The explosion occurred while handling the firecracker. The police warn about the dangers of using firecrackers.
A team of experts from the United States is visiting Cyprus to review the country's application for the Visa Waiver Program. This program aims to enhance safety and economic relations between the US and Cyprus. Participating countries must meet specific requirements, including issuing secure travel documents. Joining the program will facilitate legal travel to the US.
Renowned actor Spyros Stavrinidis passed away at the age of 79, leaving a rich legacy in Cypriot theater. He worked tirelessly for fifty years, inspiring both audiences and peers with his craft. His contribution to the Cyprus Theatre Organization was invaluable, and his humanity will always be remembered. His funeral was held with deep sorrow from the artistic community.
The Natural Gas Infrastructure Company is in advanced negotiations for the completion of the natural gas terminal in Vasilikos, despite challenges from various interests. The company aims to reach an agreement with a major European firm and find immediate solutions for construction work. Despite existing difficulties, there is hope for a positive outcome before Holy Week. However, external interventions are also noted that are slowing down progress.
The presidential tour in the United States opened new channels for strategic partnerships, with commitments for American investments in Cyprus. Deputy Minister Irini Piki discusses the interest from major companies like OpenAI and Nvidia, looking into potential setups in Cyprus. The credibility of Cyprus is viewed as our strongest asset. Additionally, there is significant interest in repatriating Cypriot scientists, with an event planned for May.
Nikos Anastasiades argues that claims regarding the failure of negotiations in Crans-Montana are misleading. He asserts that the blame has been unjustly placed for political reasons and provides specific evidence to support his position. He references confidential UN records and public statements as corroborating evidence. His aim is to restore the historical truth and debunk myths surrounding this critical process.
Ankara is adopting a tactic of sudden shifts in its stance on Greek-Turkish issues, threatening escalations while simultaneously trying to project progress on the Cyprus issue. Despite ongoing discussions about Confidence-Building Measures, Turkey seems disinclined to take substantive actions. Ankara's strategy focuses on maintaining its high ambitions in the region. Maria Angela Olguin, the new UN Secretary-General's envoy, is taking on her duties amid this challenging context.
The government faces challenges due to rising expenditures and potential violations of EU fiscal rules. The Fiscal Council warns that without intervention, the Commission may impose measures in 2027. New rules require spending limits and debt sustainability. Non-compliance could negatively impact Cyprus's economy.
Turkey's relations with Central Asian countries are at a critical point. The announcement from the EU summit confirmed Ankara's failure to leverage the Organization of Turkic States for the recognition of the occupied regime. Instead, three countries are upgrading their diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cyprus. This represents a significant success for Cypriot diplomacy.
The 'Limassol Greens' project in Limassol is a major investment of 400 million euros, featuring luxury villas, apartments, and a golf course. Construction began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in about a decade. Many units have already been sold to buyers from 19 different countries, with the first deliveries set for 2025. The project incorporates sustainable practices, including the use of recycled water for irrigation.