Seven deaths from flu have been recorded in Cyprus since the beginning of the epidemic season, mostly among elderly patients with underlying conditions. The Ministry of Health held an emergency meeting to coordinate actions against the surge of seasonal infections. Hospitals are facing increased pressure due to the rising number of admissions. Citizens are urged to adhere to individual protection measures such as handwashing and wearing masks. The Ministry asserts that the healthcare system is prepared to manage the situation.
An incident of violence occurred in Larnaca when a 13-year-old student attacked a teacher, hitting her in the stomach. The teacher was taken to the hospital for medical examination. Due to the student's age, being under 14 years old, a specific procedure is being followed by the police. The president of the parents' association emphasized that violence is unacceptable and parents intend to support teachers. The justification for the student's reaction will not be considered.
Anton Panov, an employee of the Russian embassy in Nicosia, had contacts with high-ranking Russian officials, including Sergey Lavrov, before arriving in Cyprus. The timeline of his transfer is unclear, but it may have occurred last autumn. He communicated with various diplomats and officials before traveling to the island. Panov also previously served in the Russian intelligence agencies FSB and SVR. The details of the case were revealed by the Russian website The Insider.
The animal welfare organization 'Volunteers for Animals' publicly denounces the mishandling of a dead sea turtle by employees of the Chloraka Community Council. They claim it is a case of abuse, presenting evidence from a video, and demand the dismissal and prosecution of those responsible. The organization believes the claims of an 'accident' are false and that the actions were deliberate. The video clearly shows the violence inflicted on the turtle, demonstrating the intentions of the perpetrator. Organized actions in the management of a protected species are reported as serious violations of the law.
The Tax Department has launched a new tool for calculating income tax for 2026, making it easier for taxpayers. With this tool, users can calculate tax, deductions, and exemptions based on their family income. Taxpayers need to fill out a request for tax deductions for the changes to be applied to their payroll. The tool also provides information on the previous tax regime. It's essential to select the appropriate section based on the reform.
The body of former President George Vassiliou will lie in state at the Church of the Wisdom of God. Citizens and officials will have the opportunity to pay their respects and sign a condolence book. The book will also be available for diplomats at all diplomatic missions. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, and will be at public expense. The day of the funeral has been declared a public holiday.
The area is affected by weak high pressure. Today's weather will be mainly cloudy with possible rain, especially in the west and mountainous regions. Temperatures will reach 16 degrees inland and around 7 degrees in the mountains, where there may be snowfall. Local rains and snowfall are expected in the highest peaks of Troodos on Saturday. Overall, temperatures are expected to drop over the coming days.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in the pharmaceutical sector, aiding in drug research, clinical trials, and side effect detection. The two major regulatory authorities, EMA and FDA, have agreed on ten principles for the use of AI, ensuring that decisions remain under human responsibility. The aim of these principles is to develop safer drugs and improve transparency in their approval process. Additionally, their implementation seeks to enhance international collaboration and avoid differing regulations in various countries. The economic aspect of the pharmaceutical industry also remains crucial within this regulatory framework.
Cyprus ranks 10th among the highest electricity prices in the EU, with a price of 309.5 euros per MWh. The average price across EU countries is 246 euros per MWh, with Germany being the most expensive. Retail electricity prices in the EU rose by 3% in Q2 2025, largely due to increased taxes and network costs. Significant variations were observed between member states. Meanwhile, electricity consumption remained almost stable, and the share of renewable energy sources stayed at 52% during the same period.
The trial of a 42-year-old man accused of leaking nude photos and videos of 12 women has been delayed for 1.5 years. The defendant has changed lawyers for the second time, leading to another postponement of the case. The issue arose when both his ex and current wives reported that photos of women were shared on various platforms. Multiple women have filed complaints against the accused. The new hearing date is set for February 2026.
The lifting of the parliamentary immunity of Nikos Syka paves the way for a criminal investigation. The Supreme Court's decision follows allegations of physical violence and insulting remarks made by the MP towards the complainant. However, the complainant has decided to withdraw her complaint, stating that she does not wish to pursue criminal action against Syka and that the publicity of the case causes her psychological distress. She cites the difficulty of managing the publicity due to Syka's public figure status as a reason for her withdrawal. This situation raises further questions regarding the legal process and the public image of the involved politician.
Starting from September 2026, a new direction called 'Applied Learning in Trade and Services' will be introduced in high schools. The goal is to provide necessary knowledge and skills to students who wish to enter the job market immediately after graduation. The program includes new thematic units aimed at preparing students for professional responsibilities. Specifically, it targets students who do not wish to pursue higher education. The program will initially be implemented in a pilot phase across four high schools.
The joint session of the College of Commissioners and the Council of Ministers of Cyprus agreed on guidelines for the actions during the Cypriot Presidency in the EU. Officials were divided into four working groups focusing on security, competitiveness, the EU's international role, and social cohesion. President Christodoulides highlighted the importance of strengthening European defense and economic security. He also emphasized the need for support for small and medium-sized enterprises and legislative simplification. The President of the Commission mentioned initiatives like SAFE that will support these efforts.
Anton Panov, an employee at the Russian Embassy in Nicosia, was found dead, raising concerns about the circumstances of his death. Reports suggest he may have been a victim of fraud linked to an expensive property purchase in Crimea. His financial troubles could be associated with the failure to deliver the purchased property. The center where he worked is believed to have ties to security and government communications. Authorities are investigating the situation, with toxicology reports pending.