22nd , ‘Cyprus Film Days’ to close with Saturday awards event
The closing ceremony of the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Limassol’s Rialto Theatre.
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Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge for 14-25-year-olds
The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) and the CyberMouflons Cybersecurity Team are organizing the seventh Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge (CCSC) to be held online from May 1-12, 2024. The competition aims to form a national team to represent Cyprus in the European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC). Participants must be aged 14-25 to be eligible for the national team. Top players in CCSC will receive training to compete in the ECSC in Torino, Italy from October 8-11, 2024. The competition is supported by various organizations and sponsors. Registration is open until May 12, 2024.
Judge temporarily blocks Ohio gender-affirming care ban
An Ohio judge has temporarily blocked a Republican-backed state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers and hormones. The law would also prevent transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams. The judge’s order will remain in place for two weeks, or until a hearing on the families’ motion for a longer-term block of the law. Ohio is one of at least 22 Republican-controlled states that have passed laws restricting gender-affirming care. Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, had vetoed the law after hearing from parents of transgender youth that gender-affirming care had been lifesaving for their children. The judge ruled that the families challenging the law were likely to succeed in their argument that it improperly addressed healthcare and sports as separate subjects, rather than a single subject as required by the Ohio constitution.
Stabbed Sydney bishop is a TikTok star beloved by his community
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a church service live streamed from Sydney. He is a social media star with followers worldwide, known for his fiery sermons on various topics. The attack on him was deemed a terrorist act motivated by religious extremism. Emmanuel has been popular on TikTok and YouTube, but his words have been twisted and taken out of context. Residents fear religious persecution in the community where the attack occurred.
Alberta business groups share concern over potential tax hikes as Ottawa balances new spending and fiscal guardrails
The text discusses economists’ expectations of tax increases in the federal budget announcement, with speculation that new taxes may target corporations and the wealthy. Lindsay Tedds, an economist at the University of Calgary, mentioned the need for revenue to bridge spending gaps. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed that Canada’s deficit won’t increase in the upcoming budget. There is concern in the business community about potential windfall taxes on the oil and gas sector and grocery chains. The federal government has not revealed its strategy, but there is speculation about possible tax increases.
Great Greek painter on show in Nicosia
Fact: This will be the first time the printmaking work of acclaimed Greek artist Mario Prassinos is exhibited in Cyprus in its entirety.
India’s Modi promises to create jobs, boost infrastructure if BJP wins third term
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised to create jobs, boost infrastructure, and expand welfare programs if it wins a third term in the upcoming elections. The election will be held in seven stages until June 1, with results expected on June 4. Unemployment, inflation, and rural distress are major concerns despite strong economic growth, and Modi’s focus is on addressing these challenges. The manifesto, titled ‘Modi’s Guarantee,’ aims to create jobs in various sectors and expand welfare programs such as free health insurance and subsidized cooking gas connections. Modi emphasized the importance of improving the quality of life and creating opportunities for India’s youth.
The European Parliament’s achievements through the eyes of the Cypriot MEPs
The European Parliament has been instrumental in enacting reforms to enhance the lives of people in Europe, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic by endorsing the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism and contributing to the NextGenerationEU financial plan. Key achievements also include advancements in Green and Digital Transitions, implementing measures for health, welfare, and daily experiences of EU citizens, and supporting young people through initiatives like the European Year of Skills.
Biden returns to Washington as Iran launches attack on Israel
Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel. Biden cut his weekend trip short to consult with his national security team and meet with top U.S. officials. The United States pledged full support for Israel’s defense against threats from Iran.
Opinion: New taxes would be a mistake. Freeland is still likely to hike levies on corporations and the wealthy
Chrystia Freeland is likely to raise taxes on the country’s largest companies and wealthiest citizens in the upcoming budget to increase government revenues and pay for new programs.