government

€8 mln boost for 2030 Capital of Culture

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€8 mln boost for 2030 Capital of Culture

The government of Cyprus has pledged to grant €6.5 million to the town chosen as the “European Capital of Culture for 2030.” Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa are all competing for the title. The chosen town will also receive a €1.5 million bonus. The funds will cover 60% of the city’s budget for cultural events and activities. Paphos, which was the European Capital of Culture in 2017, received €5 million in funding. The Deputy Minister for Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, believes that the title will bring economic growth and showcase the country’s culture and heritage. The Cypriot capital of culture for 2030 will share the title with one of five Belgian candidates.

UK: Machete and 'zombie' knives to be banned

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UK: Machete and 'zombie' knives to be banned

The dangerous "zombie" knives and machetes will be banned in order to stop their circulation on the country's streets. The ban will make the possession, sale, construction, or transportation of these specific knives illegal. The government defines "zombie" knives as blades with a cutting edge, serrated edge, and images or words indicating their use for violence. The crime rate involving knives has increased by 77%, causing significant harm to young people. The Labor Party criticizes the ban for not including other dangerous knives such as "ninja swords" or "Rambo knives." The ban also does not cover the sale of already legal knives online or illegally. The Labor Party aims to restore the rule of law on the streets and take urgent action to protect young people from knife crime.

US exhibition shines light on Putin's vision of his robot army – See what it will look like

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US exhibition shines light on Putin's vision of his robot army - See what it will look like

The content of the text is about the potential use of robotics in the Russian Armed Forces to reduce dependence on human personnel. The RAND think tank suggests that Moscow may see robotization as a way to mitigate its reliance on human resources. According to the report, the Russian military aims to replace soldiers with robotic systems to enhance effectiveness and reduce casualties. The share of robotic systems in the overall structure of weapons is expected to reach approximately 30% by 2025. The Russian government is also exploring scientific and technological collaborations with China to overcome limitations in innovation. However, the report warns that increased robotization could potentially lead to a higher tendency for the use of military violence.

Chartered pension fund donates , €9.5 mln to BOCOC

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Chartered pension fund donates , €9.5 mln to BOCOC

The former Chartered Bank staff pension fund donated €9.5 million to the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre (BOCOC) to replace three linear accelerators. The Bank of Cyprus CEO announced that the bank has contributed a total of €70 million to the oncology center over the past 25 years. The center has treated over 55,000 patients since its establishment in 1998, accounting for 60% of diagnosed cancer cases on the island during the past 25 years.

EXPLAINER-German protests against far-right head into third week

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EXPLAINER-German protests against far-right head into third week

Fact: Hundreds of thousands of Germans have been protesting against right-wing extremism and the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Fact: The protests were sparked by a report that some senior AfD officials discussed policies such as mass deportation of citizens of foreign origin.
Fact: Civil society groups, mainstream parties, trade unions, and churches are organizing the protests.
Fact: The AfD has sought to distance itself from the deportation proposal and minimize the protests.
Fact: The protesters are calling for curbing support for the AfD and raising awareness of the danger it represents.
Fact: The AfD gained popularity by criticizing Angela Merkel’s open-door policy on migration, campaigning against COVID-19 lockdowns, and opposing Germany’s green transition and support for Ukraine.
Fact: The protests have had a slight impact on support for the AfD, but the party remains number two in polls.
Fact: Mainstream politicians have welcomed the protests and some have attended them.

Migrant child dies in hospital

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Migrant child dies in hospital

A three-year-old girl died after being rescued from a small boat off the coast of Cyprus. Two other children are in critical condition. The children were found unconscious on the boat along with 55 other individuals. The boat had departed from Lebanon and those on board were believed to be Syrian nationals. A 47-year-old individual believed to be in charge of the smuggling operation was arrested. The Interior Minister called for Syria to be designated as a safe country to prevent nationals from seeking asylum or refuge. The President of Cyprus emphasized the need for collaboration with Europol and Lebanon’s authorities to monitor borders and restrict the influx of irregular migrants. Cyprus has implemented measures that have resulted in a decline in the number of migrants arriving in the country.

IBM told to fix e-Justice after system collapse

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IBM told to fix e-Justice after system collapse

The e-justice platform in Cyprus, which is meant to digitize the electronic submission of documents for courts and allow access by state agencies, collapsed shortly after its launch due to glitches. The government’s IT and digital services agency has warned IBM, the contractor responsible for the platform, to fix the issues within five working days or risk losing the contract. The glitches include functional problems, performance issues, and a failure of the payment system. Lawyers have staged protests and strikes in response to the system’s failure, arguing that it will further delay the already slow justice system. The Bar Association has called the situation unacceptable and has planned further demonstrations. Some users have reported difficulties finding their cases and have raised concerns about data security. Despite calls to revert to manual registration, the Deputy Minister of Innovation has stated that shutting down the system without exploring repair solutions would be irresponsible. The e-justice platform was intended to replace the previous i-Justice system and was planned to be implemented in three stages.

Police get help to tackle crime, 500 new recruits

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Police get help to tackle crime, 500 new recruits

Law enforcement authorities have received resources to enhance public safety in response to an increase in criminal activities, including mafia-style executions and shootings. The police force presented proposals to the Justice Minister for discussion and plans to increase the number of police officers operating in key areas. 500 new officers will be recruited this year, but it is unclear if they will immediately join the force. Immediate measures include increasing officer patrols, enhancing the Police Information Management and Analysis Sub-Division, and providing additional resources to the Financial Crime Investigation Branch. The government will implement undisclosed additional measures for national security. Stringent measures will be introduced during sports events to address football violence, including thorough checks of people entering stadia and the potential closure of supporters’ associations and clubs. The police will recommend the cancellation or suspension of high-risk matches. The goal is to restore citizens’ sense of security.

Plan to boost Akamas museums

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Plan to boost Akamas museums

The government plans to attract more people to museums in the Akamas villages. President Nikos Christodoulides announced that a specific plan will be prepared to provide incentives for the museums to attract more visitors. The plan aims to link the projects in the communities and promote them more effectively. The government will announce a concrete plan before the summer season starts. Additionally, the government has included provisions to cover the operational expenses of community infrastructures in all Akamas communities for the period 2024-2028. The government is also implementing initiatives to boost the economic development of Akamas.

Plan to boost Akamas museums

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Plan to boost Akamas museums

The government plans to attract more people to museums in the Akamas villages. President Nikos Christodoulides announced that a specific plan will be prepared to provide incentives for the museums to attract more visitors. The plan aims to link the projects in the communities and promote them more effectively. The government will announce a concrete plan before the summer season starts. The government has also included provisions to cover the operational expenses of community infrastructures in all Akamas communities for the period 2024-2028. Additionally, the government is implementing initiatives to boost the economic development of Akamas, including subsidizing agricultural landowners, establishing a Local Coordination Office, and financing public utility projects.