park

FACTBOX-What do we know about the deadly attack at the concert hall near Moscow?

by
FACTBOX-What do we know about the deadly attack at the concert hall near Moscow?

At least 139 people were killed and 182 wounded in an attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow. The attackers, armed with Kalashnikov automatic weapons, began shooting at terrified civilians in the venue. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which Russian officials have cast doubt on. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the attackers were heading towards Ukraine when they were detained. The FSB detained 11 people, including the four gunmen who directly carried out the attack.

Mountain lion kills man, injures brother in rare California fatal attack

by
Mountain lion kills man, injures brother in rare California fatal attack

A mountain lion killed a 21-year-old man and gravely wounded his younger brother in a remote wooded area near Georgetown, California. The younger brother managed to call for help despite his injuries. Authorities found the mountain lion near the older brother’s body and later killed the animal. The younger brother underwent multiple surgeries and is expected to make a full recovery. This was the first fatal cougar attack in California in 20 years.

Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace

by
Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace

– Russia conducted a missile strike on critical infrastructure in Lviv, Ukraine, and also targeted Kyiv.
– One Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace according to Warsaw.
– Moscow launched 57 missiles and drones in the attack.
– Lviv’s regional governor, Maksym Kozytskyi, reported two hits on a critical infrastructure facility in Lviv using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
– The energy ministry reported a critical energy facility in Lviv was attacked, causing a fire and power loss.
– Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed 18 of 29 inbound missiles and 25 of 28 attack drones.
– The attacks on Ukraine’s energy system led to widespread blackouts and a halt in electricity exports from Ukraine.
– In Kyiv, air defenses destroyed about a dozen missiles, resulting in only minor damage.
– The attacks are portrayed by Moscow as retaliation for Ukrainian actions during Russia’s presidential election.
– A downed Kh-55 cruise missile was found in a Kyiv park.
– Poland reported a Russian cruise missile violated its airspace, staying for 39 seconds and traveling about 2 km inside.
– Poland demanded an explanation from Moscow and pledged continued support for Ukraine.

Sainz leads Ferrari 1-2 in Australia after Verstappen retires

by
Sainz leads Ferrari 1-2 in Australia after Verstappen retires

Carlos Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix, marking a significant comeback two weeks after undergoing appendicitis surgery. This victory occurred as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen experienced his first retirement in two years due to a brake problem. Sainz, who had missed the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia due to his surgery, managed to secure the win ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, with a virtual safety car situation in the final lap aiding his victory. Lando Norris of McLaren finished third, while his teammate Oscar Piastri came in fourth. Norris now holds the record for the most podiums (14) without a win in Formula 1. Leclerc achieved the fastest lap, contributing to Ferrari’s points tally, bringing them within four points of Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Verstappen leads the drivers’ championship with 51 points, followed by Leclerc with 47 points. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is in third place, one point behind Leclerc, and Sainz is fourth, 11 points behind Verstappen. This race marked Verstappen’s first DNF since the same event in 2022, ending his streak of nine consecutive race wins. Lewis Hamilton retired early due to a power unit problem, and George Russell also retired after crashing, which was influenced by a sudden slow down by Fernando Alonso. Alonso received a 20-second penalty and three penalty points for his role in the incident, which demoted him to eighth place. This adjustment promoted Lance Stroll to sixth and Yuki Tsunoda to seventh. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen finished in ninth and tenth places, respectively. Alex Albon, driving in place of his teammate Logan Sargeant, finished 11th.

Kate praised for , ‘extraordinary dignity’ after cancer diagnosis

by
Kate praised for , ‘extraordinary dignity’ after cancer diagnosis

Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. This diagnosis came after major abdominal surgery in January revealed the presence of cancer. The 42-year-old princess described the diagnosis as a “huge shock.” The news has led to widespread support from the public, including messages from King Charles, Prince Harry, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and U.S. President Joe Biden. King Charles is also undergoing cancer treatment. Kate made a video statement about her condition from Windsor. Her brother, James Middleton, expressed his support on Instagram. British newspapers covered the story extensively, with The Sun and the Daily Mirror highlighting the public’s support and Kate’s own words on the matter. The Daily Telegraph quoted Kate as saying she is “going to be OK,” while the Daily Mail criticized those who speculated about her health.

Verstappen continues pole perfection in Australia

by
Verstappen continues pole perfection in Australia

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix, with Carlos Sainz qualifying second for Ferrari. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, qualified third but will start sixth due to a grid penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg. This penalty promoted McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to start third and fifth, respectively. Verstappen achieved a lap time of one minute, 15.915 seconds, marking his third pole of the season and fourth consecutive. Lewis Hamilton experienced his worst qualifying at Albert Park in over a decade, starting 11th on the grid. George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, outqualified him and will start seventh. Fernando Alonso qualified 10th, while his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll qualified ahead of him. Alex Albon will start 12th after switching to Logan Sargeant’s car due to a crash in practice. Daniel Ricciardo was eliminated in Q1 and will start 18th, with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda starting eighth.

Human Rights Sculpture Park to open in Kolossi

by
Human Rights Sculpture Park to open in Kolossi

The Human Rights Sculpture Park, located in the courtyard of the Apostolos Loukas High School in Kolossi, is set to open early next month. The park features sculptures promoting a human rights-based approach, conceived by visual artist and art teacher Popi Nikolaou and her students. The project, titled “Children Want Peace,” is nearing completion, with the opening ceremony scheduled for April 12, hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides. Nikolaou, recognized among the world’s best teachers, aims for the park to encourage students and future citizens to actively address human rights violations, including human trafficking, child sexual abuse, and women’s rights. The creation of the sculptures involved thorough research and study to effectively convey messages on human rights.

Ferrari, ’s Leclerc fastest in second practice at Australian GP

by
Ferrari, ’s Leclerc fastest in second practice at Australian GP

Charles Leclerc was the fastest in the second free practice at the Australian Grand Prix, with a lap time of one minute, 17.277 seconds. Alex Albon crashed his car during the first session, causing a red flag. Max Verstappen was 0.381 seconds slower than Leclerc, placing second despite a late start due to car damage. Sergio Perez ranked eighth. Lando Norris had the fastest lap in the first practice before the session was halted due to Albon’s crash. Carlos Sainz, returning after surgery, was third fastest in the second practice. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell faced difficulties with their Mercedes, with Hamilton placing 18th in the second practice. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin were fourth and fifth respectively in the second practice. Logan Sargeant went off track during the second practice but was unharmed.

Government to intensify penalties, enhance firefighting measures

by
Government to intensify penalties, enhance firefighting measures

On the International Day of Forests, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced the government’s plans to submit amendments by the end of March to increase penalties for individuals causing fires. She spoke at Athalassa Park, stating that district administrations would conduct wild brush clearance by the end of May to prevent wildfires. Panayiotou emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing the forestry department’s operational readiness, infrastructure, technology, and human resources. She highlighted the introduction of technology, including drones and electromagnetic methods, for fire detection and forest surveillance, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The plan has also facilitated the acquisition of firefighting vehicles and equipment through national funds. Additionally, a coordination meeting at the Presidential Palace led to decisions on further measures for fire prevention and response, including a proposal for integrating the airborne firefighting unit into the National Guard and the reopening of the forestry college in 2025. Additional sensors for early wildfire detection are also to be installed.

It, ’s a boy! Athens zoo welcomes birth of rare pygmy hippo

by
It, ’s a boy! Athens zoo welcomes birth of rare pygmy hippo

A rare and endangered pygmy hippopotamus was born in Athens’ Attica Zoological Park, marking the first birth of its kind in the zoo in 10 years. The lack of male pygmy hippos in captivity had complicated breeding efforts, making the birth of the male calf particularly significant. Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa and are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 2,000-2,500 remaining in the wild. The male calf, weighing 7 kg and born on February 19, joins his parents Lizzie and Jamal as the only pygmy hippos at the zoo. The calf will stay with its mother for a couple of months before venturing into the outdoor enclosure.