WHO

MPs focus on making online state services more accessible

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MPs focus on making online state services more accessible

The House ethics committee discussed making online state services more accessible for digitally illiterate individuals. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou aims to simplify procedures to reduce delays and improve communication between departments and the public. Changes have been made to speed up processes at the urban planning department and Land Registry. The Department of Road Transport is expected to be fully digitized by June 2025. Measures are being taken to assist citizens who have difficulty with online applications. Labor Minister Yiannis Panayiotou highlighted improvements in streamlining services, such as faster pension payments and increased call center efficiency.

Chapter 8: Tax Fairness for Every Generation

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Chapter 8: Tax Fairness for Every Generation

Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. For generations, this has meant Canada is a place where everyone could secure a better future for themselves and their children. This is in no small part is due to our commitment to progressive taxation, investments in Canada’s strong social safety net, and an effective, … Read more

Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

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Primary school sexual violence case reported to parliament

A 10-year-old student was the tragic protagonist of an extreme case of sexual violence in a primary school reported to the Education Committee of the Parliament. The incident was discussed during a session on misconduct in schools attended by the Ministers of Justice and Education. It was highlighted that primary school students often strip or intimidate their classmates, with drugs circulating in school yards. The responsibility to address these issues lies with the Police, especially when educators fail to report incidents. The Justice Minister mentioned a transitional solution for detaining juvenile offenders until 2026 and emphasized the implementation of the law of 2021, which includes sending young individuals to therapeutic programs. The Education Minister noted the difference between violence/bullying and sexual abuse in schools, urging educators and children to break their silence on the latter. The Police reported a decrease in registered cases involving individuals under 18 from 496 in 2021 to 393 in 2023.

Actor Hugh Grant settles privacy lawsuit against Murdoch’s Sun tabloid

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Actor Hugh Grant settles privacy lawsuit against Murdoch’s Sun tabloid

British actor Hugh Grant settled a lawsuit against the publisher of The Sun over claims of phone tapping and burglary. Grant, known for films like “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill,” has been a vocal advocate for press reform. The settlement raises questions about the publisher’s long-held position of denying wrongdoing. Grant did not want to settle but feared the high legal costs if he lost at trial. The settlement may prevent a trial over unlawful information-gathering, but Prince Harry’s lawsuit against the publisher continues.

Seven arrests for burglaries following police operation

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Seven arrests for burglaries following police operation

A coordinated operation by Ammochostos CID officers led to the arrest of seven individuals suspected of being involved in nine burglary and theft cases in Ayia Napa, where electronic devices, clothing, and footwear worth around 5000 euros were stolen. The suspects were apprehended after being observed behaving suspiciously in a residential complex and failing to provide satisfactory explanations for the possession of stolen property.

UK’s Cameron: clear Israel has decided to respond to Iran attack

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UK’s Cameron: clear Israel has decided to respond to Iran attack

British foreign minister David Cameron stated that Israel had decided to respond to the Iranian drone and ballistic missile attack, expressing hope that the response would minimize escalation. Cameron also emphasized the importance of coordinated sanctions against Iran, advocating for a clear message from the G7.

Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

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Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon

A Cypriot law enforcement vessel was spotted off the coast of Lebanon as part of efforts to prevent Syrian refugees from reaching the island on small boats. Nicosia has suspended processing asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals and wants EU partners to reconsider Syria’s status. The presence of the vessel has led to up to five boatloads of refugees being prevented from continuing their journey.

Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge for 14-25-year-olds

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Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge for 14-25-year-olds

The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) and the CyberMouflons Cybersecurity Team are organizing the seventh Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge (CCSC) to be held online from May 1-12, 2024. The competition aims to form a national team to represent Cyprus in the European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC). Participants must be aged 14-25 to be eligible for the national team. Top players in CCSC will receive training to compete in the ECSC in Torino, Italy from October 8-11, 2024. The competition is supported by various organizations and sponsors. Registration is open until May 12, 2024.

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

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California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California canceled the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to safety concerns and tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to protect campus security, as discussions about the valedictorian selection had become alarming. Tabassum challenged the university’s rationale, questioning if the decision was solely based on safety. USC faced opposition from groups like Trojans for Israel and We Are Tov, who called for Tabassum’s removal as commencement speaker, citing her social media profile and past views on Palestine and Israel. Tabassum’s invitation to speak was withdrawn without USC reviewing her speech, leading to criticism and calls for her reinstatement from groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations.