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Upswing in UK services firms points to renewed economic growth

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Upswing in UK services firms points to renewed economic growth

British services companies reported the strongest upswing in activity in almost a year during April, with the S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 55.0, its highest level since May 2023. The survey also showed a robust increase in new orders and the biggest acceleration of cost pressures since August. This increase in costs was attributed to a 10 per cent increase in the national minimum wage in April, leading to a slowdown in employment growth. The UK economy is expected to grow at a quarterly rate of 0.4 per cent, pulling further out of last year’s shallow recession. The composite PMI, which combines services and manufacturing data, rose to 54.1 from 52.8 in March, marking a one-year high.

UNSG personal envoy on third visit to Cyprus

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UNSG personal envoy on third visit to Cyprus

Maria Angela Holguin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary General, will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday evening and stay until May 14. This will be her third mission to the island as she seeks common ground between parties in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

Six suspects in Lakatamia murder attempt remanded after marathon court session

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Six suspects in Lakatamia murder attempt remanded after marathon court session

– Nicosia district court Judge Niovi Petridou issued a remand order for six of the nine suspects arrested in connection with the attempted murder in Lakatamia in April.
– The decision for the remaining three suspects will be announced at noon on Tuesday.
– One of the suspects is a convict being held in the central prisons, sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2021 for attempted murder.
– The 45-year-old suspect allegedly paid the shooter €10,000 euros and promised him a monthly sum of €1,500 for life.
– The 45-year-old was presented as the new Nicosia gang leader and in conflict with the victim over control of properties, primarily betting agencies.
– The fifth suspect allegedly tried to shoot the victim on two separate occasions but hesitated, leading the sixth suspect to take over the job.
– Serious evidence has been sent for tests and the exact motive of the crime will be announced after completion of the investigation.
– The weapon used in the crime has not been found yet, and a burned motorbike found in Aglantzia is being investigated for links to the case.

Warren Buffett predicts ‘higher taxes are likely’ since the national debt won’t pay for itself

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Warren Buffett predicts ‘higher taxes are likely’ since the national debt won’t pay for itself

Warren Buffett predicts that companies like his may have to pay higher taxes in the future, and he is fine with the idea.

UK lawmakers to grill markets watchdog over , ‘naming and shaming’ plans

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UK lawmakers to grill markets watchdog over , ‘naming and shaming’ plans

Fact: Britain’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), is facing criticism over its proposals to name companies while an investigation is underway, rather than after a probe has been concluded.

French carmakers target fourfold jump in EV sales by 2027

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French carmakers target fourfold jump in EV sales by 2027

Fact: France aims to ramp up electric car sales fourfold by 2027 under a strategy agreement with the government.

Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

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Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

The Home for Cooperation marked 13 years since its opening on Monday. They transformed an empty space designed to keep people apart into a melting pot where first steps to come closer can be taken. They hope to continue walking together, transforming physical and mental barriers along the way towards the united Cyprus they dream of.

Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

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Israel strikes Gaza city of Rafah after evacuation order

Israel conducted airstrikes in Rafah after instructing Palestinians to evacuate parts of the city where over a million war-displaced people are sheltering. Ceasefire talks in Cairo are stalling, and Hamas warns that any Israeli operation in Rafah could jeopardize the truce negotiations. The evacuation order has sparked fears of a full-blown assault, with Hamas declaring readiness to defend Palestinians in Rafah. The UN and aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the evacuation. Israel has been threatening to launch incursions in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages. The US has urged Israel to pursue a hostage deal to avoid a military operation in Rafah.