Over 5,000 work accidents, 30 deaths in three years
Fact: Thirty people lost their lives on the job since 2021 and more than 4,000 were injured in the workplace in the same period.
air
US probes Tesla recall of 2 million vehicles over Autopilot
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into whether Tesla’s recall of more than 2 million vehicles to install new Autopilot safeguards is adequate.
High dust concentrations persist
High dust concentrations are currently present in the atmosphere on April 26, 2024, based on data from the Air Quality Monitoring Network. The public, especially vulnerable groups, are advised to avoid outdoor activities until the dust levels decrease. Employers must assess risks to outdoor employees and provide appropriate protective measures. Hourly dust concentration values in various areas have been measured, with Nicosia having 98.7 μg/m3 and the daily limit value set at 50 μg/m3 for PM10 particles. For more information and updates, visit the website or mobile application.
Larnaca mayor criticizes Kition over new marina fees
Kition Ocean Marina plans to introduce new fees for coastal boat operators at Larnaca Marina, angering Mayor Andreas Vyras. The mayor expressed disappointment, stating that no fee increases should be implemented, especially as major projects are uncertain. The contracting company has notified boat operators of a €100 monthly rent for kiosks, with a deadline to settle debts by April 30 or risk kiosk removal. The mayor plans to meet with the Boat Operators Association and propose an alternative space for them provided by the Municipality.
China sends astronauts to Chinese space station for six-month stay
China sent three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission. The spacecraft Shenzhou-18, carrying the astronauts, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The astronauts included Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, all former air force pilots. Tiangong can house a maximum of three astronauts for months at an orbital altitude of up to 450 km. China has been launching two crewed missions to Tiangong per year since 2021.
Cyprus’s lack of aircraft laid bare during Limassol fire
A major wildfire in the Limassol State Forest exposed a critical shortage of aerial firefighting resources in Cyprus. The fire, caused by improperly disarmed fireworks, led to ground crews bearing the brunt of firefighting efforts. The Republic of Cyprus currently has only one primary aerial asset, with reinforcements not expected until June. Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou acknowledged the weakness in aerial capabilities and mentioned plans to purchase proprietary aerial assets instead of renting them. Various tenders are underway to secure more firefighting planes and helicopters, with assistance from other countries also being considered in case of large wildfires.
Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.
Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza’s Rafah ahead of threatened invasion
Israel has increased airstrikes on Rafah, killing at least six Palestinians, as part of their ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces are preparing for an all-out assault on Hamas holdouts in Rafah, despite warnings from allies about potential mass casualties. Residents are fleeing the area, seeking safety in nearby locations, but many are uncertain about where to go. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the war now in its seventh month. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.
France, ’s air traffic control strikes ground flights across Europe
Fact: Delays and flight cancellations were set to impact swathes of Europe on Thursday due to a strike by French air traffic control workers.
HMRC collected £95.2 billion in business taxes in the last tax year – Accountancy Age
Fact: £95.2 billion was collected in business taxes from April 2023 to March 2024.