water

Former officials can keep pocketing extra allowances, ministry says

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Former officials can keep pocketing extra allowances, ministry says

Former state officials in Cyprus, named by Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, including former presidents George Vassiliou and Nicos Anastasiades, and former House speakers Yiannakis Omirou, Marios Garoyian, and Demetris Syllouris, were investigated for allegedly misusing secretarial allowances. The finance ministry stated that these officials do not have to return the allowances as they are legally entitled to them, either to employ a civil servant or hire someone personally for the role. The allowance is set at €39,089 per year. The audit revealed discrepancies in how the funds were used, with some officials not employing a secretary as claimed or pocketing the difference. Specific findings include Vassiliou receiving a total of €709,352 from 2004 to December 2023, with allegations of employing a secretary through a company owned by his family. Anastasiades received €20,396 in 2023, with recommendations to return €11,314 due to overpayment. Omirou, Garoyian, and Syllouris were also found to have discrepancies in their allowance usage, with recommendations for refunds to the state.

Guest recipes with Serene Tharian

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Guest recipes with Serene Tharian

The text describes a recipe for Thakkali Chor (Tomato Rice), an easy, flavorful Indian dish made with simple ingredients. It emphasizes the importance of rinsing and soaking basmati rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming gummy. The recipe includes basmati rice, ripe tomatoes, onion, ginger and garlic paste, green chili (optional), Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, tomato paste, coconut milk (optional but recommended), chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, ghee (or butter, coconut oil), a bay leaf, and salt. The rice is cooked separately, then mixed with a masala made from the other ingredients. Optional additions include corn, peas, scrambled eggs, and toasted cashew nuts for extra flavor and texture. The dish is served with raita, pappad, and Indian pickle. Serene Tharian, who arranges South Indian Dinner Clubs through her cooking club, The Best Exotic Kerala Kitchen, provides the recipe.

Water carbon tax to be around one cent per 1,000 litres

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Water carbon tax to be around one cent per 1,000 litres

A carbon tax of one cent per cubic meter on water is to be implemented as part of green taxes, announced by the Nicosia Water board in conjunction with World Water Day. This tax is aimed at reflecting the environmental cost of water use and its scarcity. The Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan, introduced three years prior, included provisions for this tax but did not specify an amount. The plan highlights the need for reforms due to the energy-intensive and polluting nature of desalination plants, which Cyprus relies on for its drinking water supply. These plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and are powered by fossil fuels. The government is urged to require desalination plant operators to reduce reliance on conventional energy and switch to renewable sources. The announcement also touched on the importance of transboundary water cooperation for peace and sustainable development, noting that only 24 of the 153 countries with shared waters have comprehensive cooperative agreements. It mentioned the potential for a bi-communal agreement in Cyprus to provide drinking water across the ceasefire line as a confidence-building measure. Additionally, concerns about drought following a mild winter in 2023-2024 were raised, with actions being taken to increase water storage capacity. Current reservoir levels are at 69% capacity, with inflow this season at approximately 20 million cubic meters, compared to 48 million cubic meters in the winter of 2022-2023 and 154 million cubic meters the previous winter.

Government to intensify penalties, enhance firefighting measures

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Government to intensify penalties, enhance firefighting measures

On the International Day of Forests, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced the government’s plans to submit amendments by the end of March to increase penalties for individuals causing fires. She spoke at Athalassa Park, stating that district administrations would conduct wild brush clearance by the end of May to prevent wildfires. Panayiotou emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing the forestry department’s operational readiness, infrastructure, technology, and human resources. She highlighted the introduction of technology, including drones and electromagnetic methods, for fire detection and forest surveillance, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The plan has also facilitated the acquisition of firefighting vehicles and equipment through national funds. Additionally, a coordination meeting at the Presidential Palace led to decisions on further measures for fire prevention and response, including a proposal for integrating the airborne firefighting unit into the National Guard and the reopening of the forestry college in 2025. Additional sensors for early wildfire detection are also to be installed.

‘, Water bug found in Cyprus does not bite toes’

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‘, Water bug found in Cyprus does not bite toes’

The giant water bug, scientifically known as Lethocerus patruelis, has been found in Cyprus, particularly prevalent on the east coast of the island, in areas such as Famagusta and near Ayia Napa. It is commonly found in coastal areas by the sea. The Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute director, Kemal Basat, clarified that this insect does not bite human toes or any part of the human body. Research conducted by Kadir Bogac Kunt, which is peer-reviewed, supports this fact. The giant water bug feeds on other aquatic arthropods, tadpoles, and small fish.

Electricity cable from Turkey , ‘will mark a new era’

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Electricity cable from Turkey , ‘will mark a new era’

The construction of an electricity cable between Turkey and the north is seen as marking a new era, according to Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar. This statement was made after an Iftar meal in Istanbul, attended by various dignitaries including Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Turkey’s ambassador in Nicosia Metin Feyzioglu. Tatar highlighted the support from Turkey in bringing big ideas to life in the north, such as the completion of a water pipeline in 2020 and investments in infrastructure and communication. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to make the TRNC worthy for future generations and stated that Turkish Cypriots remain an integral part of Turkey. Yilmaz spoke of the historical ties between Turkish Cypriots and Turkey and mentioned the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus peace operation. He also referred to the construction of a new ‘presidential’ palace and ‘parliament’ building in Ayios Dhometios, expected to be completed by November, and the commencement of feasibility studies for the planned electricity cable. Additionally, both Tatar and Yilmaz praised Murat Kurum for his contributions, particularly in the opening of Varosha. The local elections in Turkey are scheduled for March 31, with Kurum challenging the incumbent mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Greece must bolster flood defences and reduce water-guzzling crops, experts say

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Greece must bolster flood defences and reduce water-guzzling crops, experts say

Greece is advised to enhance river flow space and defenses in the Thessaly plain to prevent future floods. Thessaly, contributing 25% to Greece’s agricultural output and 5% to its GDP, was severely affected by Storm Daniel’s record rains last year. A plan by HVA suggests moving dykes, deepening riverbeds, and restricting construction on floodplains. Despite potential water shortages due to groundwater extraction for irrigation, HVA recommends planting less water-intensive crops. Thessaly faces a 500 million cubic meter annual water deficit, expected to rise with climate change. The proposed plan, costing about 4.5 billion euros, aims to address flood risks and water scarcity, potentially enhancing Thessaly’s agricultural competitiveness. The government is reviewing the plan for implementation. HVA also proposes tripling Lake Karla’s size to support agriculture. Public consultation on these proposals ends on March 29.

Massive bug sighted: keep your toes out of the water

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Massive bug sighted: keep your toes out of the water

Scientists have identified a giant water bug, known as the toe-biter, along the shores of Cyprus. This species, which inhabits lakes and slow-moving freshwater, had not been previously recorded on the island but is known in neighboring Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel. A team of scientists from various institutions in Cyprus, led by Michalis Hadjikosnstantis of the Cyprus Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection Society, Yiakoumis Giortzis from the agriculture ministry, and Kadir Boğaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute, are studying the species. Their findings were published in the journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Grigore Antipa. The giant water bug is the largest true bug and water insect in Europe, with a diameter of up to 12 cm, and is known for delivering painful bites. Sightings of the bug on the eastern coast of Cyprus were reported in late spring and summer of 2020 and 2021, with a total of seven sightings recorded: five from social media and two after direct communication with the researchers. Two samples were taken and morphologically examined to verify the species. The sudden appearance of the species in Cyprus may be linked to migratory events from neighboring countries or environmental factors. Further investigation is required to determine if the species has become established on the island.

Restoration of historical aqueduct complete

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Restoration of historical aqueduct complete

Restoration works at the historical Arif Bey aqueduct near the village of Afania have been completed. The aqueduct, originally 457 meters in length with 270 meters and 69 arches surviving to the present day, was built to channel water from a local stream to the Ornuta farm. The restoration involved general cleaning, removal of asbestos and vegetation, reconstruction of stone walls, and re-grouting to strengthen its structural integrity. The project was funded by the European Union and supported technically by the United Nations Development Programme.

UN sounds ‘Red Alert’ as world smashes heat records in 2023

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UN sounds ‘Red Alert’ as world smashes heat records in 2023

– Every major global climate record was broken last year, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
– The WMO’s annual State of the Global Climate report indicated that average temperatures reached 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the highest in 174 years of record-keeping.
– Ocean temperatures were the warmest in 65 years of data, with over 90% of the seas experiencing heatwave conditions during the year.
– WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the unprecedented ocean warmth, glacier retreat, and Antarctic sea ice loss as particularly concerning.
– Ocean heat is considered “almost irreversible,” potentially taking millennia to reverse.
– Climate change and the El Nino climate pattern were significant factors in pushing the world into record territory in 2023.
– There is a high probability that 2024 will set new heat records, particularly because the year after an El Nino is typically warmer.
– Antarctic sea ice levels saw a significant decrease, with the peak level measured at 1 million km2 below the previous record.
– The rate of sea-level rise has more than doubled over the past decade compared to the 1993-2002 period.
– Ocean heat was concentrated in the North Atlantic, with temperatures averaging 3 degrees Celsius above average in late 2023.
– Warmer ocean temperatures have affected marine ecosystems and caused many fish species to migrate north seeking cooler temperatures.
– Celeste Saulo emphasized the importance of scaling up the urgency and ambition of climate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.