Parliament opens lactation room for working mothers
Fact: A lactation room for women has been opened in the parliament building, catering to female staff and visitors.
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In any air war, Israel’s defences would trump Iran’s, but at a high cost
Iran’s aging air defenses make the country vulnerable to an Israeli attack, despite its strong ballistic missiles and drones. Israel’s formidable defense systems have the capability to hit targets inside Iran due to its obsolete air force and aging Russian-based air defense systems. Israel’s main challenge would be successfully striking military bases in western and southern Iran, requiring the use of penetrating bombs. The cost of repelling Iran’s attack could be significantly higher than the cost of the attack itself. Israel is working to replenish its air defense systems in preparation for potential future attacks. Israel is unlikely to rely solely on defense and may respond with significant offensive options if attacked by Iran.
Gold rebounds on market caution, aims for $2,400
Gold is trading around ,370 per troy ounce due to caution amidst geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The US Dollar Index is losing ground, making Gold less expensive for investors using other currencies. Federal Reserve officials have acknowledged that inflation has surpassed expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent comments suggest a potentially hawkish stance on upcoming monetary decisions.
Glittering eco-revolution of Limassol Carnival: A fest of colours and conscious cleanup!
Fact: The Limassol Carnival in Cyprus generated 5 tons and 160 kg of waste that was collected and sent to waste treatment facilities by volunteers from the “City Friends Club.”
Telegram platform to hit 1 bln users within year, founder says
The Telegram messaging app is expected to reach 1 billion active monthly users within a year, according to its founder Pavel Durov. The app, which aims to remain neutral and not involved in geopolitics, has become a crucial tool for both governments and individuals during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite criticism for spreading misinformation.
Italy’s Turin orders outdoor smokers to keep their distance
Turin has banned outdoor smoking unless people are at least five meters away, with a fine of 100 euros for those who do not comply. The ban covers various smoking products and prohibits smoking near children and pregnant women. Milan also has similar restrictions on outdoor smoking, but enforcement of the laws is limited.
Boeing claims no findings of fatigue on older 787 jets ahead of whistleblower testimony
Boeing has not found fatigue cracks on in-service 787 jets that have undergone heavy maintenance inspections.
FACTBOX-Lebanon’s Hezbollah: What weapons does it have?
Hezbollah, a heavily armed non-state group in Lebanon, is a key player in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance” alliance against Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah possesses a vast arsenal of over 150,000 missiles and rockets, including precision weapons, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and anti-ship missiles. The group also has around 45,000 fighters and has used drones in hostilities with Israel.
Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents
Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.
Cyprus and Bahrain discuss tourism ties, air connectivity
Fact: Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis and Ambassador Khaled Yusuf Ahmed Al Jalahma from the Kingdom of Bahrain held a meeting in Nicosia to discuss tourism relations between the two countries, with a focus on air links.