age

All 19 Zahra Street fight suspects on bail

by
All 19 Zahra Street fight suspects on bail

All 19 individuals accused of participating in a mass brawl on Zahra Street in northern Nicosia were released on bail. During the incident, one suspect placed golf clubs in a vehicle and drove to the scene with another suspect. A minor involved in the brawl was seriously beaten by an individual who has not been arrested. The bails set varied based on the severity of the crimes and the ages of the accused. The fight was described by the Turkish Cypriot Nicosia Mayor as a “mafia exercise.” Zahra Street, located in Nicosia’s old town, is known for its social spaces, cafes, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

by
Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

Alexei Navalny’s funeral service and burial are scheduled to take place in Moscow on Friday, as announced by his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh. The service will be held at 2 p.m. (1100 GMT) in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Moscow district of Maryino, where Navalny used to live. Following the service, Navalny will be buried at the Borisovskoye cemetery, located on the opposite side of the Moskva River to the south. Navalny died at an Arctic penal colony on February 16, at the age of 47. His death certificate stated he died of natural causes, but his allies accuse President Vladimir Putin of having him murdered. The Kremlin has denied state involvement in his death. Navalny’s allies attempted to organize a larger event for his farewell but faced obstacles, including being refused a hall for the ceremony. They initially planned the farewell and funeral for February 29, but claimed they encountered resistance from authorities.

Liar to represent Cyprus at Eurovision (photos)

by
Liar to represent Cyprus at Eurovision (photos)

Cyprus’ entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in May in Sweden is “Liar,” performed by Silia Kapsis. The song, written by Demetris Kontopoulos and Elke Tiel, will represent Cyprus at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo. The song addresses fake societal situations, including body shaming and various forms of oppression. The music video, directed by Kostas Karydas, features choreography by Guy Groove and Kelly Sweeney and aims to inspire liberation and joy.

Gaza residents fear possible truce would only pause, not stop, the war

by
Gaza residents fear possible truce would only pause, not stop, the war

Homeless and hungry Palestinians in Gaza are desperate for a lasting ceasefire amid fears of an Israeli assault on their safe haven. The United States mentioned that a temporary truce could be agreed upon soon, with a proposed deal potentially stopping the fighting since a brief truce in November. Negotiators are discussing a six-week truce, but Hamas has expressed that significant differences remain, demanding a permanent end to the fighting. Nearly five months into Israel’s air and ground campaign, about 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, with most houses damaged or destroyed, leading to famine and widespread disease. The war began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages. Israel’s campaign in response has killed approximately 30,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. Conditions for the proposed truce include only a short pause in fighting, with no provisions for displaced residents, especially men of military age, to return to their homes in the north. Despite these limitations, many in Gaza welcome any cessation of hostilities, even if temporary.

Pre-school , ‘misunderstandings’ will be ironed out says minister (video, updated)

by
Pre-school , ‘misunderstandings’ will be ironed out says minister (video, updated)

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou acknowledged misunderstandings with the private preschools association (Sipek) regarding the state’s handling of early childhood education expansion. Sipek members protested potential negative impacts on private preschools and kindergartens, including employment concerns. Michaelidou stated misunderstandings are being resolved and discussed requests concerning the ongoing program. A law under debate proposes compulsory preschool starting at age four, to be implemented over three school years. Sipek’s concerns include loss of autonomy and decision-making. The law is part of Cyprus’ obligation in the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Michaelidou emphasized the importance of finalizing parliamentary discussions for timely program implementation, highlighting private kindergartens as key partners. Parents will have the choice of pre-school attendance, including subsidized attendance at private kindergartens. The program has a budget of approximately €130 million over nine years.

FACTBOX-Details of 40-day Gaza truce draft proposal being studied by Hamas

by
FACTBOX-Details of 40-day Gaza truce draft proposal being studied by Hamas

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has received a draft proposal from Gaza truce talks in Paris, which includes a pause in military operations and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. The first stage of the deal is proposed to last 40 days, with a prisoner-hostage exchange ratio of 10 to one. The proposal outlines several conditions, including the complete cessation of military operations by both parties, the stopping of aerial reconnaissance over Gaza for eight hours a day, and the release of all Israeli detainees under specific categories in exchange for approximately 400 Palestinian prisoners. It also calls for the gradual return of displaced civilians to the northern Gaza Strip, the repositioning of Israeli forces away from densely populated areas, and commitments to humanitarian aid, including the entry of trucks, tents, caravans, and the rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries in Gaza. Additionally, Israel agrees to allow the entry of heavy machinery for humanitarian purposes, with Hamas pledging not to use this equipment to threaten Israel. The first phase’s arrangements will not apply to the second phase, which will require separate negotiations.

The transformative power of make-up

by
The transformative power of make-up

Ilona G Garamvölgyi has been a central figure in Cyprus’ beauty industry for over two decades. She moved from Hungary to Cyprus at the age of 24 and has since become a known makeup artist in the region. Ilona has a makeup shop in Nicosia that also serves as a studio for transformations. She teaches makeup application and the importance of skincare, and she emphasizes the understanding and practice of makeup techniques. Ilona experienced a challenging divorce in her twenties but found strength in her work and considers Cyprus her home. She believes makeup is an art that should enhance individual beauty without imposing unrealistic standards. Her philosophy on makeup is rooted in its ability to empower and transform individuals. Ilona lives in Nicosia with her husband and son and prefers a simple and natural look for herself.

Cyprus has youngest population in Europe

by
Cyprus has youngest population in Europe

– Cyprus has the youngest population in the European Union.
– The median age of Cyprus’ population is 38.4 years old.
– The EU’s median age is 44.5 years old, with Italy having the oldest population at a median age of 48.4 years.
– Cyprus’ median age has increased by 2.2 years over the last decade.
– The EU’s median age has increased by 2.3 years in the same period.
– Except for Malta, Sweden, and Germany, all EU member states have seen an increase in median age over the last 10 years.
– The proportion of working-age people (aged 15-64) in Cyprus is the third lowest in the EU at 24.7%.
– Luxembourg and Ireland have lower proportions of working-age people than Cyprus, with 21.5% and 23.2% respectively.
– Portugal has the highest proportion of working-age people in the EU at 38%.

Cyprus has youngest population in Europe

by
Cyprus has youngest population in Europe

– Cyprus has the youngest population in the European Union.
– The median age of Cyprus’ population is 38.4 years old.
– The EU’s median age is 44.5 years old.
– Italy has the oldest population in the EU with a median age of 48.4 years.
– Cyprus’ median age has increased by 2.2 years over the last decade.
– The EU’s median age has increased by 2.3 years in the last decade.
– The median age increased in all EU member states over the last 10 years, except for Malta and Sweden, where it decreased, and Germany, where it remained the same.
– The proportion of working-age people (15-64 years old) in Cyprus is the third lowest in the EU at 24.7%.
– Luxembourg and Ireland have lower proportions of working-age people than Cyprus, with 21.5% and 23.2%, respectively.
– Portugal has the highest proportion of working-age people in the EU at 38%.