5 Minute News

The Joker lottery draw took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The winning numbers are 26, 35, 38, 41, and 34, with the Joker number being 1. At least €1,000,000 will be shared among the winners. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Entries for upcoming draws are now open.

A G3 military rifle was found in shallow waters in Xylofagou, prompting a response from the British Bases Police. Citizens alerted authorities about the discovery of the weapon. The British Bases Police are working closely with the Republic of Cyprus to investigate. Currently, no further information is available. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

European destinations known for cheap beer and affordable wine are emerging as popular choices for travelers in 2026. The Czech Republic, Malta, Spain, and Portugal continue to offer budget-friendly prices for alcoholic beverages, with Greece remaining competitive. Visitors can enjoy beers and wines at low costs in coastal towns and historic centers. Notably, Prague and Valletta provide unique experiences at affordable rates. Spain, especially La Palma, is recognized for its natural beauty and inexpensive drink options.

An Arab residing in Cyprus is alleged to be a key figure of Hamas according to an indictment in Israel. He is said to have guided two individuals planning terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers. The charges include gathering information and plotting bomb attacks. One of the accused reportedly expressed willingness to carry out an attack but needed more preparation time. Authorities have requested the detention of both individuals until the trial is completed.

Nepal uses a different calendar system, the Bikram Sambat, which places the country in the year 2083 while most of the world is in 2026. The new year began on April 14, 2026, and the calendar is widely used in public services and local celebrations. Additionally, the country has a unique time zone, UTC+5:45, which is 15 minutes ahead of India. These differences may confuse visitors, but for residents, it's just a normal part of life. These peculiarities strengthen Nepal's cultural identity between its large neighbors, India and China.

The new Archaeological Museum of Cyprus is a complex project that is progressing well without any additional costs despite the delay in completion until 2027. The total cost of the project is fixed at 144 million euros. Despite challenges, there is good cooperation between the consortium and the state. The museum features modern technology and a minimal environmental footprint. Its construction is vast, requiring extensive materials and innovations.

BP has discovered a significant oil reserve in Brazil, known as Bumerangue. The reserve is 1,000 meters tall and includes 100 meters of crude oil and 900 meters of natural gas. Drilling is set to begin in 2027 pending regulatory approvals. BP plans to carry out three special drilling operations by 2027 to assess the reserve. This discovery has substantial potential for the energy sector.

The parliamentary elections on May 24 altered the political landscape of Cyprus, resulting in the most right-wing Assembly in its history. Right-leaning parties now cover two-thirds of the electorate. The new Assembly includes strong political forces like the Democratic Rally and ELAM. AKEL remains the main left-wing party with 15 seats, but political alliances are still possible. Party mechanisms played a crucial role in mobilizing voters.

Turkey is moving forward with the construction of bidirectional natural gas pipelines connecting Turkey to the occupied territories. These projects hold strategic and geopolitical importance, aiming to elevate Turkey as a regional energy hub. Technical studies have been completed, with construction expected to start in 2026 at an estimated cost of about $700 million. However, it remains unclear where the natural gas that will be transferred to Turkey will originate from. The plans also face scrutiny regarding the gas rights of the Republic of Cyprus.

The cooperation of the center-right appears to have been disrupted after the recent elections, with Annita Dimitriou and Nicolas Papadopoulos facing challenges regarding their ambitions. The Presidency of the Parliament is now linked to the presidential elections of 2028, and the relationship between DISY and DIKO is strained. The upcoming week is considered crucial for the political landscape. Despite the difficulties, there is necessary cooperation on major issues such as the economy. Annita Dimitriou wishes to run for re-election, anticipating the presidential elections of 2028.

Anita Dimitriou emphasizes that the decision to pursue the Presidency of the Parliament was unanimous among the DISY parliamentary team. She states that past successes and satisfactory election results justify this decision. She also highlights the significance of the election process and the collaboration between DISY and DIKO. The election results indicate that citizens value serious political proposals and responsible attitudes. She reiterates that the supporters of DISY have moved to a united and outward-looking party.

Stefanos Stefanou, Secretary-General of AKEL, states that the Presidency of the House is not connected to the presidential elections. He noted that the main goal for AKEL is the presidential elections of 2028. The party recorded a rise in the recent parliamentary elections, ending a 15-year decline. It has the potential to cooperate with other progressive forces. Stefanou emphasizes the optimism within the party.

AccelerateEU is the new energy doctrine of the European Commission aimed at creating a resilient and secure Energy Union. It focuses on clean energy as a security infrastructure, targeting the development of domestic energy and better cooperation among member states. Cyprus stands to benefit significantly from this initiative due to its energy isolation. AccelerateEU includes measures to protect against energy crises and improve infrastructure. This policy recognizes the importance of clean energy for the security and stability of Europe.