Famagusta suffers water shortage
Fact: Famagusta is currently suffering a water shortage due to a malfunction in the pipe connecting the town with the Panagra reservoir.
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Training, tech, and transformation: Long-term steps to address the healthcare shortage
Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) projects a 10 million shortfall of healthcare workers by 2030 globally.
Greece to bring in Egyptian farm workers amid labour shortage
Greece will bring in 5,000 seasonal farm workers from Egypt to address a labor shortage, with plans to expand the scheme to other sectors. The countries aim to cooperate on preventing illegal migration flows, as Egypt has successfully reduced migrants attempting to cross into Europe since 2016.
Holiday home prices hit 8-year high
The vacation home sector in Cyprus has fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, with rental rates and sale prices reaching eight-year highs. Rental rates for vacation homes have surged, with prices more than doubling in Limassol. Sale prices for holiday homes have also climbed, with prices increasing by about 40% for apartments and 20% for homes.
Japan tells US that Biden’s ‘xenophobia’ comment is regrettable
Japan has expressed regret over U.S. President Joe Biden’s comment that “xenophobia” is hindering the country’s economic growth. Despite this, Japan’s ties with the United States remain strong, with Tokyo aiming to strengthen them further. Biden had stated that immigration has been beneficial for the U.S. economy, contrasting it with countries like China, Japan, Russia, and India, which he claimed are struggling due to being xenophobic towards immigrants. Japan, known for its homogeneity, has been hesitant about immigration but is facing a labor shortage due to declining birthrates and an aging population. Prime Minister Kishida mentioned the possibility of inviting skilled workers to Japan but ruled out a comprehensive immigration program, citing resistance within Japanese society towards continuous immigration from overseas.
$100 million-plus tax hike on oil company Hilcorp added to carbon storage bill
Hilcorp would pay over 0 million more in state taxes per year under a provision added by Alaska lawmakers to a carbon sequestration bill.
No, beetroot isn, ’t vegetable Viagra
Fact: Beetroot may give some modest boost to sex for men and women, likely by helping circulation, but it’s unlikely to transform your sex life or act as vegetable Viagra.
Globe editorial: The junk-food economics of corporate subsidies
Corporate subsidies have become a significant problem for the Canadian economy, with Ottawa projected to spend .4 billion on subsidies by fiscal 2028. Economist John Lester’s analysis shows that the majority of these subsidies are ineffective and actually harm the economy. Only 20% of total subsidies have a positive impact on real income. The subsidies also contribute to a fiscal burden, requiring Ottawa to raise taxes or issue debt to cover the costs. The Liberal government’s continued indulgence in corporate subsidies, particularly in the electric vehicle industry, is criticized for not creating the promised jobs of the future and potentially shifting workers from Canadian-owned firms. Scrapping these subsidies could provide an economic boost and free up billions of dollars for other priorities, such as reducing the deficit, cutting taxes, or funding national defense or child care.
800 kg meat seized ahead of Easter
Authorities seized 800 kg of meat products from the market ahead of Easter, not for health reasons but mostly for labeling issues. Meat prices are up compared to last year, with lamb and kid meat being 10% more expensive. Chicken prices have dropped by 3 to 4%. Meat consumption during Easter typically amounts to 800,000 kg, with 40,000 animals slaughtered.
High Easter travel abroad for Cypriots, domestic bookings limited
– Large numbers of Cypriots are spending the Easter holidays abroad.
– The number of Cypriots holidaying abroad will be comparable to 2023.
– Cypriot travelers’ top destinations are traditionally Greece followed by the United Kingdom.
– Reservations for summer holidays are in full swing.
– Domestic tourism bookings for the Easter period are relatively limited.
– Overseas visitors bookings for 2024 show a reduction compared to 2023.
– Travel to Cyprus is expected to remain at lower levels due to limited available flights and airlines facing an aircraft shortage.