Nominee for Russian defence minister underlines need to take better care of soldiers
Fact: Andrei Belousov, Russia’s new defense minister, emphasized the need for better access to housing, hospitals, and welfare benefits for soldiers.
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Cyprus government employment sees 5.2 per cent increase
Fact: Employment in the Cypriot government has seen a rise of 5.2% from January to April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, totaling 2,697 individuals.
A new generation of batteries may bolster the EU, ’s green ambitions
– Sodium is being used to develop rechargeable batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
– Sodium-ion batteries are based on more abundant and safer materials than lithium-ion batteries.
– Europe aims to increase its share of global battery-cell production to 25% by 2025.
– Sodium-ion batteries could be cheaper for storing energy in homes, power tools, and small vehicles.
– Sodium-ion batteries offer the prospect of cheaper and cleaner energy for households in Europe.
Meta to expand AI image generation offerings for ads
Meta Platforms is expanding its suite of generative AI ads products to offer tools that can automatically create variations of images and overlay text atop them. The tool will launch in test form without watermarks, and Meta is still working on how labelling will work for ads. The company is also adding text-generation offerings for headlines and key selling points, as well as the capability to overlay text onto generated images directly. Advertisers will be able to upload images of their products and generate other versions by adjusting orientation or showing people using them in different settings.
Greek and Turkish leaders set for talks to maintain positive momentum
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit Turkey on Monday for talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at maintaining positive momentum in bilateral ties. During the visit, they will discuss issues ranging from technology, tourism, and economic ties to counter-terrorism and migration.
Today, ’s weather: Overcast and rainy
Fact: Monday will start off cloudy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms in the eastern half of the island.
Google DeepMind unveils next generation of drug discovery AI model
Fact: Google Deepmind has unveiled the third major version of its “AlphaFold” artificial intelligence model, designed to help scientists design drugs and target diseases more effectively.
Fire services rescue 19-year-old driver trapped in car (Update)
A 19-year-old driver in Larnaca was trapped after deviating from his course and hitting road railings. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate him and he was taken to the hospital with fractures, broken ribs, and a broken nose. The police are investigating the crash, with the driver testing negative for alcohol.
Christodoulides and Holguin to hold second meeting
President Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary General’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin at the Presidential Palace on Monday at 10:30 am. This will be his second meeting with Holguin this month. Holguin will also meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar at 12 noon on the same day. Holguin stated that both leaders are responsible for listening to the demands of civil society and finding common ground for negotiations to restart.
A street food fiesta by the sea
– The Seaside Street Food Festival is a three-day event taking place in Limassol from May 24 to 26 at the Municipal Gardens.
– The festival will feature a variety of dishes from around the world including burgers, souvlakia, sushi, hot dogs, pasta dishes, desserts, Mexican food, pizzas, vegetarian meals, ice creams, and more.
– There will also be a selection of drinks available such as ice-cold beers, bubble tea, wine, signature cocktails, beers, and juices.
– The festival will include live entertainment with DJs performing each night and three live acts scheduled to perform.
– The event is popular among visitors and offers a fun experience for the whole family before the summer season officially begins.