treatment

And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

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And then we wonder if it’s a mafia state

An insensitive structure resembling a warehouse was built in a protected area by a Holy Bishopric, breaking the law. The construction of a monastery and a cove were completed illegally, with heavy machinery used to cut rocks. An illegal fundraiser was held to support the construction, offering lavish gifts as incentives. Additionally, a private individual built a structure on government land for a factory, later subletting it to the government for storage of pharmaceuticals. Despite the unsuitability of the structure, the contract was renewed until 2045, leading to damage of drugs due to exposure to heat and rain. The events described highlight the existence of a mafia state, as testified by Makarios Drosiotis.

Efforts to roll out palliative care in Gesy

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Efforts to roll out palliative care in Gesy

Efforts are underway to develop the National Cancer Institute and establish a legal framework to offer palliative care through Gesy in Cyprus. The EU has recognized the need for palliative care in strategic plans for chronic diseases. The Arodafnousa palliative care center offers various programs to improve quality of life for cancer patients. The National Cancer Institute project aims to provide holistic support for cancer patients, including prevention, treatment, and palliative care. The ministry is working on the legal framework to include palliative care services in Gesy. The Christodoula march raises awareness and supports the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Association financially.

Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

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Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.

Record flood waters rise in Russia’s Urals, forcing thousands to evacuate

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Record flood waters rise in Russia’s Urals, forcing thousands to evacuate

Flood waters in Russia’s Ural mountains have caused at least 6,000 homes to flood, forcing thousands of people to evacuate with their pets and belongings. The Ural River burst through a dam in the city of Orsk, leading to the worst floods in decades in the region. President Putin ordered Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov to the affected areas, with flooding expected in other regions as well. The cost of flood damage in the Orenburg region is estimated at around 7 million. The situation is expected to worsen, with flood warnings issued in other Russian regions.

The Island Private School: a holistic learning environment

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The Island Private School: a holistic learning environment

The Island Private School in Cyprus offers a holistic learning environment for students of diverse cultural backgrounds. The school integrates best practices from the International Baccalaureate, Waldorf, and Montessori educational systems, focusing on academic excellence and developing 21st-century skills. The school’s mission is to inspire a passion for learning and prepare students as confident, responsible global citizens who value diversity. The school offers three educational tracks grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aiming for a sustainable and equitable future. The school has integrated ESG considerations into its curriculum through lessons on environmental sustainability, climate change, and conservation, as well as through various environmental initiatives and partnerships. The school engages with the local community, fosters inclusivity and diversity, and promotes social responsibility through various activities and events. The school plans to evolve its ESG initiatives by introducing composting bins, celebrating various faiths and cultures, and focusing on sustainability in its future campus. The school measures and reports on its progress towards ESG-related goals through key performance indicators, data collection, and stakeholder surveys. The school faces challenges in implementing eco-friendly practices due to financial constraints but is seeking funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. The school encourages student-led initiatives related to ESG and plans to use technology to further ESG education and initiatives. The school’s approach to ESG differentiates it from other educational institutions by integrating ESG into its organizational culture, decision-making processes, curriculum, and daily operations. The school envisions its role in the broader ESG landscape within the education sector in the next five to ten years by becoming an international education hub, supporting diverse educational tracks, expanding as a multicultural community, promoting ethical governance, strengthening environmental partnerships, contributing to rural development, developing a green campus, and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Cyprus considers raising retirement age, ending multiple pensions for officials

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Cyprus considers raising retirement age, ending multiple pensions for officials

Cyprus is debating pension reform, with a focus on modernizing the system and addressing sustainability concerns. Multiple pensions for government officials have emerged as a key point of contention, representing less than 10% of the strain on the system. The Ministry of Finance proposes raising the retirement age for government officials and parliamentarians to 65, aligning them with the general population. The International Labour Organisation is studying the Cypriot pension system and has highlighted the need for a balanced and sustainable system. Mercer analyzed 47 global pension systems, with European models performing the best. British Prime Minister Liz Truss sparked opposition for claiming a large annual pension after serving for only 44 days. Former UK Prime Ministers can claim the Public Duty Cost Allowance, but holders of the three great offices of state no longer receive a pension of half their last salary upon leaving office.

Opinion: Thoughts on the upcoming tax reform

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Opinion: Thoughts on the upcoming tax reform

Tax reform should aim for sustainable finances and economic equity. Personal income tax should include taxing family income, with a tax-free bracket of €25,000 per individual or €50,000 per family. A flat 20% tax on all personal income above the tax-free bracket is proposed. Corporate tax should be leveled at 20% to be competitive and fair. A fair tax on immovable property is suggested to combat tax evasion and incentivize property owners to rent out vacant properties. VAT rates can be adjusted, and a flat road tax per car is recommended to cover road infrastructure costs. Carbon emission taxes should be imposed on fuels to fund carbon reduction and renewable energy initiatives.

Senior doctors in England accept new pay offer and end strikes

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Senior doctors in England accept new pay offer and end strikes

Senior doctors in England have accepted an improved offer from the government on pay and conditions, easing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).

Vermont Tax Proposals Would Leave the State and Vermonters Behind

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Vermont Tax Proposals Would Leave the State and Vermonters Behind

The text discusses Vermont tax proposals that include adopting the nation’s highest corporate income tax and the second-highest individual income tax.

One in five Cypriots suffer from spring allergies

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One in five Cypriots suffer from spring allergies

One in five Cypriots suffers from allergic rhinitis, with olive, grass, corn pollen, ragweed pollen, and the fungus Alternaria being common triggers. Respiratory allergies are often hereditary and linked to other allergic conditions, but can also develop in adults. The spring allergy season in Cyprus starts in March and can be influenced by winter weather conditions. House dust mites are another prevalent allergen in Cyprus. Allergic rhinitis can impact quality of life, travel plans, and social activities, and untreated allergies can worsen over time. Pitsios recommends a natural lifestyle and proper treatment for those with allergies. Early exposure to nature can help strengthen the immune system and prevent allergies.