Pharmacists have decided not to accept any changes to the operating hours of their private pharmacies. In an extraordinary general assembly, they voted in favor of maintaining the current hours and rejected the Minister of Health's proposals. Official announcements from the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association are expected soon. The Ministry of Health holds the ultimate authority over the operating hours.
The Cyprus Banks Association expresses its sadness over the damages caused by the major wildfire in Limassol. In support of the fire victims, they are offering a six-month suspension of loan payments and preferential loans. Individuals and businesses affected can take advantage of these measures by contacting their banks. The banks aim to provide immediate relief to those in need.
On Wednesday at 11:25 local time, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Kamchatka, Russia, marking one of the strongest quakes in recent years. Although tsunami warnings were issued, the subsequent waves turned out to be less destructive than feared. Geologically, the area is active due to the collision of tectonic plates, responsible for generating such powerful earthquakes. Scientific analysis explains that this process can lead to megathrust earthquakes with significant magnitude.
A technical issue caused flight disruptions at airports in the UK, leading to passenger inconvenience. Flights from London, Edinburgh, and Birmingham were particularly affected, with Heathrow being the most impacted. Although the problem was resolved in the afternoon, air traffic remained in limbo. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates.
BMW has announced a recall for vehicles manufactured between 2006 and 2008 due to faulty Takata airbags. Owners are advised to immobilize their vehicles and contact Char. Pilakoutas Ltd for guidance. Additionally, CITROEN has issued a recall for specific models concerning issues with the passenger airbag. Vehicle owners should also reach out to their distributor for instructions.
The fire on July 26 caused severe ecological damage and resulted in the loss of two lives. Journalist Giorgos Chrysanthou reported on the developments and consequences of the fire, focusing on the damages and the state's response. The discussion includes the shortcomings of the government response and political decisions. The broadcast will be live, despite the summer hiatus.
The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, supports the laws passed by the Parliament regarding multiple pensions in principle. However, he requests minor changes before the laws are sent back to Parliament to ensure their constitutionality. The law allowing officials to voluntarily waive their pension has already been signed, while the other laws are pending. The President provides specific suggestions for necessary modifications.
Turkish media reports claims of an alleged Israeli military plan to liberate the occupied areas of Cyprus from Turkey. The plan, referred to as 'Poseidon's Fury', allegedly involves cooperation between Israel, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus. Israeli analyst Sai Gal warns that Turkey's presence on the island poses a strategic threat to Israel and calls for action. Such reports are deemed unfounded and contribute to a climate of exaggeration.
The European Commission is eliminating the 100 ml limit for liquids in carry-on luggage on flights from EU airports, provided the stations are equipped with new scanners. Passengers will be allowed to carry liquids up to two liters, such as wine and perfumes. Airports like those in Berlin and Rome have already implemented the new measure, while others, like Heathrow, are not yet equipped. This may cause confusion for passengers, especially on return flights with different security protocols.
The police investigation continues into the fatal accident in Aglandjia, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Kyriakos Antoniou. The road where the accident occurred will be closed for reconstruction purposes. According to the Deputy Mayor, the driver was reportedly speeding at three times the allowed limit. The police are investigating the speed of the vehicles involved.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is continuing the installation of smart meters across various regions in Cyprus starting from August 1st. Consumers are reminded that a brief power interruption will be necessary, but it should last no longer than 20 minutes. The installations are taking place in specific areas of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Paralimni. The EAC apologizes for any inconvenience that might arise during this process.
The Cabinet approved a financial support plan of €1.3 million for workers affected by the fires in Limassol. Eligible recipients include employees and self-employed individuals, with coverage of their salaries and social security contributions. Payments will be made through employers or directly to the self-employed. The plan aims for quick implementation to assist those impacted.
Minister of Agriculture Maria Panagiotou stated that the resignation of the Cabinet members is available to the President from their first day in office. She mentioned that the President had oriented the Cabinet members before they began their duties. She emphasized that during critical moments, their priority is to support the citizens, particularly those affected by fires.
The Energy Minister announced that the Electricity Authority will cover 500 euros from the electricity bills for customers in the fire-affected areas. Customers will not need to take any action to deduct this amount from their bill. Additionally, the Electricity Authority has decided to suspend all power disconnections until September 2025. The Minister thanked the Electricity Authority for its ongoing support to the affected communities.
The Cabinet approved financial support measures for citizens affected by the wildfires in the Limassol district. Affected families will receive one-time aid of up to €10,000 and rent subsidies starting September 2025. The damage restoration process will be completed within the first ten days of August, and additional provisions will be made for housing and business categories. The government has committed to providing full support for those affected.
The Ministry of Interior blames the Legal Service for the delay in the operation of the Public Warning System during the recent fire in Limassol. The announcement states that the bids for the system's procurement were submitted but canceled due to appeals. Despite the Civil Defense's attempts to expedite the process, legal restrictions further delayed the procurement. The outcomes include serious consequences, with two fatalities and extensive damages.
Japan is facing a tsunami threat of up to 3 meters due to a strong 8.7 magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka. The first waves are expected to reach coastal areas of the Japanese archipelago. Authorities are on high alert, with evacuation warnings in place. In Hokkaido, waves of 30 centimeters have already been observed.
The current jackpot for the Joker lottery has reached €18,000,000 following a series of jackpot events. On Thursday, 31/07/2025, the winners of the first category will share at least this amount. In the last draw, four lucky tickets from the second category won €100,000 each. Draws are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
A three-year-old child was seriously injured after falling from the balcony of their home in Limassol. The incident occurred on Monday morning while two siblings were with their 19-year-old sister, who was watching them. The child sustained severe injuries but is currently out of danger and is hospitalized at Makarios Hospital.
Psychologist Anthia Christodoulou-Theofilou discusses the psychological effects of disasters on individuals, such as depression, anxiety, and anger. She notes that citizens feel a sense of absolute insecurity and grief for their losses. She urges the state to take preventive measures and provide psychological support to those affected. Additionally, she emphasizes that mental resilience is a collective responsibility, not just an individual one.
Five individuals were convicted for the murder of 41-year-old Tansou Cidan at the Central Prison, raising concerns about the conditions in the facility. Two prison guards were found guilty of manslaughter and dereliction of duty, highlighting a lack of control within the correctional institution. Additionally, four other participants in the case were also convicted. The court's decision emphasized findings that reveal the uncontrolled situation within the prisons.
More than 1,450 students secured their spots at the University of Cyprus, even as other applicants are vying for places at Greek universities. At TEPAK, 1,021 students confirmed their reservations. Applications for second allocations and special criteria are underway, with results expected soon. Additionally, an orientation event for new students at the University of Cyprus will take place today.
The Health Insurance Organization warns of an increased risk of shortages in oncology drugs, partly due to their sale to citizens for use in pets. Hospitals are urged to strictly distribute these medications only to eligible GESY beneficiaries. If the situation continues, there may not be available drugs for cancer patients. The need for separate procurement processes for veterinary medication is emphasized.
Following the recent wildfire in the mountainous area of Limassol, community leaders from affected areas have reported receiving pressure from individuals wanting them to participate in a protest against the government. This situation has arisen due to political exploitation of the tragedy. The community leaders are asking the state to take responsibility and avoid repeating past mistakes. There are concerns that the protest may be used for partisan purposes.
Agencies are preparing reports on the deadly fire in Limassol. The reports will analyze the actions of involved services and examine potential weaknesses in the response. The President has requested that the reports be made public so citizens can review the state's reaction. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The Statistical Service announced figures showing that 36.5% of employees in Cyprus earn a gross salary below €1,500. One in three Cypriots has a salary under this threshold, while the percentage of foreigners earning similarly reaches 49.2%. Despite the average salary increase, the wage gap remains significant, affecting both Cypriots and foreign workers.