The latest Joker draw took place with a prize of €7,800,000. The winning numbers are 3, 4, 6, 33, 36, and the Joker number is 13. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Winners will share the substantial prize. Participation in the Joker remains popular among players.
The police were mobilized in Limassol following reports of gunshots in a central area. Initial information indicates that the shots targeted a hotel complex. The assailants are believed to have escaped on a motorcycle. Police teams are on-site conducting examinations and investigations. More details are expected soon.
President Nicos Christodoulides had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The call coincided with Cyprus taking over the Presidency of the EU Council. Zelensky congratulated Christodoulides and updated him on the latest developments in Ukraine. Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus's ongoing support for Ukraine, emphasizing that this will be a priority during the Cypriot Presidency. Cyprus aims to enhance Ukraine's EU integration process.
Maria Sakkari accepted Konstantinos Mitsotakis's marriage proposal as the couple takes the next step in their relationship after five years. Sakkari is now wearing a beautiful engagement ring, a family heirloom from the Mitsotakis family. The news was confirmed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a conversation with the President of the Republic. Following the proposal, the top tennis player traveled to Australia to compete in the United Cup. The ring drew attention in videos she posted from Australia.
The first baby of 2026 was born in Limassol just hours after the new year began. It is a baby girl, born through natural delivery, weighing 3 kilograms. The parents are of Russian descent and both the mother and the baby are in good health. The delivery was attended by Dr. Natalia Sachnova. This birth symbolizes a hopeful start for the new year.
The CIA stated that there is no evidence of a recent drone attack on Vladimir Putin's residence in Russia, contradicting the Russian president's claims. Donald Trump, after being briefed by the CIA, appeared more cautious regarding the issue. He noted that Putin personally conveyed the allegations but admitted that the information might not be accurate. Analysts believe Putin's claims could be an attempt to undermine peace efforts. Trump maintains contact with European leaders and is in negotiations for peace in Ukraine.
The year 2026 is expected to be significant for science with many important developments. Notable among them are manned missions to the Moon and new treatments for rare diseases. Clinical trials are also anticipated to utilize Artificial Intelligence for early cancer diagnosis. Changes in regulatory frameworks in the UK will accelerate the process of clinical trials. The aim is for promising treatments to reach patients faster.
The new year will begin with strong winds reaching up to 8 Beaufort and a yellow warning issued by the Meteorological Department. Very strong winds are expected to impact mainly the southwestern, western, and northern parts of the island. Isolated rain and snow are also anticipated in higher regions. Temperatures will range around 14 degrees in the interior and 3 degrees in the mountains. From Friday, temperatures are expected to drop below the average seasonal levels.
The new Minister of Health, Neofytos Charalambidis, states that his priority is the smooth operation of the General Health System (GHS). He emphasized the need for corrections regarding issues such as personnel shortages and infrastructure improvements. He aims to facilitate collaboration with stakeholders to find solutions. The minister expresses optimism about the changes he will implement during Cyprus's EU presidency. His approach focuses on the individual and the value of healthcare services.
The "photovoltaics for all" plan concluded in 2025, but government subsidies will continue with a new plan. The main change will be in the billing process, shifting from net metering to net billing. To qualify for the new subsidy, applicants will need to install energy storage as well. More details about the requirements and subsidy amounts will be revealed in the coming months. International trends suggest that prices for energy storage may decrease over time.
Archbishop George proposes that elections for Bishops and Metropolitans will only be conducted by the Holy Synod, with the public participating only in the election of the Archbishop. This change is expected to spark discussions among the faithful as it limits their involvement. Despite potential reactions, it appears that the majority of the Holy Synod is open to the idea. The Archbishop stated he would not impose the proposal but hopes for its adoption. All procedures are expected to be formalized with the submission of the proposal to the Holy Synod.
Cyprus begins its Presidency of the EU Council today with ambitious goals. Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna states they aim to lead substantial negotiations and achieve tangible results. There is already a high level of preparedness and collaboration among all ministries. Despite challenges and scrutiny, Cyprus is ready and optimistic about its mission. Their strategy focuses on shaping proposals and solutions to enhance the European agenda.
A 40-year-old man has been accused of supplying drugs to four minors to sexually abuse them. The victims were aged between 12 and 16 years. The man admitted to providing cannabis to the girls and attempted to touch them inappropriately. Despite the seriousness of the offenses, he received a five-year prison sentence. The case raises concerns due to the young ages of the victims.
Police unions are taking actions against the Chief of Police's decision to change the working hours affecting over 1,000 officers. The Police Association of Cyprus decided to request further examination of this decision and has scheduled a meeting with the Minister of Justice. They believe the new schedule impacts their labor rights and are considering legal actions. Additionally, they plan to address their concerns directly to the President of the Republic. The new schedule proposes reducing shifts from 12 hours to 11, which could financially and personally affect the officers.
The Statistical Service is making changes to the Consumer Price Index for measuring inflation. Starting in January 2026, new weighting factors and changes in the composition of the household basket will take place. The new basket will include 850 goods and services, compared to 805 previously. These changes are based on research conducted from 2023 to 2024. Although the method of measuring inflation will not change, the composition of the basket will reflect contemporary consumer habits.