Pro-Palestine protestors to gather in Nicosia marking six months since October 7

Pro-Palestine protestors to gather in Nicosia marking six months since October 7

Hundreds are gathering in Nicosia on April 7 to mark six months since the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Organisers are calling it a “genocidal crime” and demanding an end to the blockade. The protest, co-organised by various left-wing groups, highlights the Palestinians’ struggles with food and medical shortages. The demonstration criticizes the Cypriot government’s support for the “Amalthea programme,” seen as a public relations move that doesn’t address the core issue of the blockade.

Smugglers , ‘advertising Cyprus on social media’

Smugglers , ‘advertising Cyprus on social media’

Fact: People smugglers are advertising voyages to Cyprus on social media.

Summary: Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that people smugglers are using social media to advertise voyages to Cyprus. He also mentioned the increasing trend of smugglers setting sail from Lebanon and the challenges in preventing boats from entering Cypriot waters. Additionally, there have been difficulties in returning migrants to Lebanon and efforts to relocate migrants to other European Union member states.

President to discuss spike in migrants with EU chief, visit Lebanon

President to discuss spike in migrants with EU chief, visit Lebanon

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides will discuss with the head of the European Commission an unprecedented surge in mainly Syrian refugees arriving on the island. Over 800 arrivals have been counted since March 31, with more arriving every day. Cyprus is lobbying for increased assistance to Lebanon, the starting point for most irregular crossings, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The president will visit Lebanon to address the difficult situation and offer technical assistance to contain migrant outflows. Cyprus also wants the EU to declare some parts of Syria safe to facilitate returns under strict conditions.

Lebanon no longer accepting migrant returns from Cyprus

Lebanon no longer accepting migrant returns from Cyprus

Lebanon is no longer accepting returns of Syrian migrants from Cyprus due to the large number of Syrian migrants within its own borders.

Needle residency programme hosts six emerging artists

Needle residency programme hosts six emerging artists

Larnaca 2030 has launched the “Needle” artistic residency program for six emerging artists to create new works inspired by the city’s cultural heritage.

Scientists investigate thousands of dead Antarctic penguins for bird flu

Scientists investigate thousands of dead Antarctic penguins for bird flu

Researchers are investigating if bird flu has caused the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of penguins in Antarctica. The H5N1 virus is suspected to be the cause, but field tests were inconclusive. Samples are being sent to labs for further analysis. The disease has spread rapidly in wildlife since arriving in South America in 2022 and has now reached Antarctica. Penguins, including threatened species like Adelie and emperor penguins, are at risk of being impacted by the virus.

Limassol coastline awash with pollen as sea painted yellow

Limassol coastline awash with pollen as sea painted yellow

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) has determined that the yellow substances along the Cypriot coastline are caused by pollen from springtime tree blossoming. Water samples were analyzed to confirm this. The phenomenon is currently more concentrated in the Limassol coastal area, and similar events have been seen in previous spring seasons.

Wellness Retreat at Nissi Beach

Wellness Retreat at Nissi Beach

– The Armonia Retreat on April 26-28 at Nissi Beach Resort will offer a three-day curated journey of guided breathwork, yoga, meditation, sound healing, and other expert-led wellness workshops.
– The retreat is open to locals, travelers, digital nomads, and anyone interested in self-discovery and personal wellbeing.

UAE, ’s non-oil business activity growth eases slightly in March

UAE, ’s non-oil business activity growth eases slightly in March

Fact: Growth in the United Arab Emirates’ non-oil business sector eased slightly in March, with supply constraints from shipping disruption in the Red Sea contributing to backlogs.