WHO

Netanyahu presses bill on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into army

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Netanyahu presses bill on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a bill to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military to a ministerial committee. The issue is sensitive due to ongoing conflicts and high casualties among secular draftees. Ultra-Orthodox parties in Netanyahu’s coalition oppose the exemptions, leading to protests. Economists argue that the conscription waiver keeps ultra-Orthodox out of the workforce, creating a welfare burden. Israel’s Arab minority is also largely exempt from the draft.

Femme Fest returns for third year

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Femme Fest returns for third year

The 3rd Festival for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Femme Fest Cyprus, will take place on 18 and 19 May at the Nicosia Municipal Garden. The festival aims to raise awareness on gender equality, promote discussion of gender issues, and give a platform to women from different sectors to share their stories. The event will include discussions on various topics such as women’s reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and workshops on gender stereotypes. Over 50 organizations will participate, and there will be cultural performances, workshops for children, and food and drinks available. Admission and participation in all activities are free of charge.

Parents upset over difficulty of high school final exams

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Parents upset over difficulty of high school final exams

The difficulty level of the essay section in last Monday’s senior high school Greek language and literature exam has sparked criticism from parents’ associations. The controversy is centered around the complexity of the essay topic and the time allotted for completing the entire exam. Loizos Konstantinou, President of the Pancyprian Confederation of Secondary Education Parents, argued for differentiated papers catering to various student abilities and expressed concern about the impact the difficulty could have on students’ final grades. The essay required students to explore the concept of a democratic school using art, and Konstantinou criticized the exam setters on social media. The marking guide for the exam is expected to be released today.

Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

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Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken performed with a Ukrainian band at a bar in Kyiv, drawing mixed reactions online. The performance came during a surprise trip where Blinken met with President Zelenskiy and pledged unwavering U.S. support for Kyiv. Despite the show of solidarity, some Ukrainians felt the performance was inappropriate given the harsh reality of the ongoing war with Russia. The mood in Ukraine has turned increasingly pessimistic as Russian forces continue to advance in different regions.

Conference strengthens UK-Cyprus business ties

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Conference strengthens UK-Cyprus business ties

The GB-CY International Investment Conference 2024 was a success, featuring key players from the UK and Cyprus showcasing investment opportunities in real estate and other industries. The event aimed to strengthen business networking between the two countries, with a focus on real estate and investment opportunities in the UK. Discussions covered various topics, including real estate, finance, relocation, and investment opportunities in both countries. Areas for collaborative business between the UK and Cyprus were also explored.

Legal Service and Anti-Corruption Authority at odds over Katsounotos

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Legal Service and Anti-Corruption Authority at odds over Katsounotos

The Legal Service and the Anti-Corruption Authority were in conflict over the decision not to prosecute former police drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos. The Anti-Corruption Authority recommended a criminal investigation against Katsounotos for refusing to answer questions during an investigation, but the attorney-general declined the request. The Anti-Corruption Authority believes that allowing witnesses to remain silent during questioning would harm their investigations and effectiveness.

A journey back to yourself

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A journey back to yourself

– Human Design is a system that categorizes individuals into five energy types: Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Projectors, and Reflectors.
– Each energy type has unique characteristics and challenges.
– Human Design also includes defined and undefined centers that influence how individuals process and experience energy.
– The system provides strategies and authorities to guide decisions and align actions with internal energy needs.
– Human Design offers a personalized approach to personal growth and self-discovery, allowing individuals to embrace their true selves and thrive.

Nicosia events to celebrate International Museum Day

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Nicosia events to celebrate International Museum Day

Fact: Several Nicosia museums and cultural institutions are celebrating International Museum Day on May 18 with free cultural events throughout the week, including a special educational program for children at CVAR – Severis Foundation and a walking performance at the Cyprus Museum organized by the Department of Antiquities.

Pedalion Yachting ties with Italy, ’s prestigious Apreamare shipyard

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Pedalion Yachting ties with Italy, ’s prestigious Apreamare shipyard

Pedalion Yachting has partnered with the Italian shipyard Apreamare to introduce a line of luxury yachts to Cyprus.

Trump, ’s lawyers assail estranged fixer Michael Cohen’s credibility at hush money trial

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Trump, ’s lawyers assail estranged fixer Michael Cohen’s credibility at hush money trial

Fact: Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former fixer, testified that Trump ordered him to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to stay quiet about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter, and then approved a plan to reimburse Cohen through bogus invoices.