USA

The future of work: Why we need to think beyond the hype of the four-day week

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The future of work: Why we need to think beyond the hype of the four-day week

Since the 19th century, the number of hours spent at work has been steadily declining in developed countries. The four-day week emerged in the 90s as a demand for a more equal division of work, developed in 1993 by French economist Pierre Larrouturou and tested in 1996 with France’s de Robien law. Antoine Riboud, CEO of Danone, supported the idea, and Volkswagen adopted the four-day week in 1994 but abandoned it in 2006. The Covid crisis renewed interest in the four-day week, with 56% of British employees willing to earn less for more free time. New Zealand introduced a four-day week post-pandemic to boost productivity and work-life balance, with Japan and several companies, including Hitachi and Microsoft, following suit. Belgium and the Nordic countries implemented a model where working hours are concentrated over four days without salary reduction. In contrast, Southern Europe, including Spain and Portugal, has explored a 32-hour week aiming to maintain productivity by reducing unproductive time. The concept of the four-day week challenges traditional work paradigms and suggests a shift towards valuing personal and collective fulfillment over individual success.

North a safe haven for criminals

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North a safe haven for criminals

– At least 11 fugitives wanted by Interpol have been located in Northern Cyprus in the last 20 months.
– These fugitives, including notable criminals from Australia, Russia, China, and Italy, had purchased real estate and obtained residence permits from the Turkish Cypriot administration.
– All arrested fugitives were extradited to Turkey, as Northern Cyprus, not recognized by any state other than Turkey, has no extradition treaties and relies on Turkey for Interpol-related arrests and extraditions.
– Northern Cyprus is described as a safe haven for criminals due to lack of international recognition, oversight, and adequate controls on entry and activities within the country.
– Moldovan authorities believe fugitive oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc is hiding in Northern Cyprus.
– The 2023 Global Organised Crime Index indicates that Northern Cyprus has a significant presence of individuals wanted by Interpol and is a hub for organized crime activities.
– A study based on Transparency International’s methodology found widespread bribery in Northern Cyprus, with 40% of business executives admitting to engaging in bribery.
– The uncontrolled entry of individuals into Northern Cyprus poses a security threat, with instances of apprehended terrorists and foiled terror attacks highlighted.
– Authorities estimate that the number of Iranians living in Northern Cyprus has reached 15,000, with over 40,000 entering through air and seaports in 2023.
– In the last 20 months, 21 individuals were deported for reasons such as threatening public law and order, and 29 Nigerians, many affiliated with violent cults, were also deported.
– The issuance of student visas and the presence of 23 universities hosting around 110,000 students, many of whom are not attending classes, are identified as factors contributing to illegal activities.

US expected to impose new sanctions against occupied West Bank outposts, Axios reports

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US expected to impose new sanctions against occupied West Bank outposts, Axios reports

The Biden Administration is expected to impose new sanctions on two illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank and on three Israeli settlers. These sanctions are in response to attacks by “extremist” Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The U.S. aims to target entities and individuals providing logistical and financial support to these attacks. Previously, in February, the administration imposed sanctions on four Israeli men for settler violence and criticized Israel’s settlement expansion as inconsistent with international law. Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, where it has built settlements deemed illegal by most countries, a claim Israel disputes. Recent increases in raids in the West Bank have been noted since the Gaza war began in October, with significant casualties reported in both the West Bank and Gaza.

Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

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Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is technically prepared for nuclear war but sees no immediate need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He warned that U.S. troop deployment in Ukraine would be seen as a significant escalation. Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s military readiness for a nuclear confrontation but highlighted the lack of necessity for such measures in the current context. He also mentioned that Russia has annexed four regions of Ukraine, considering them fully part of Russia. The Biden administration has no plans to send troops to Ukraine but aims to support Ukrainian forces with a security aid bill. Putin’s nuclear rhetoric was described by a Ukrainian official as propaganda and intimidation, while the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief downplayed the likelihood of nuclear war. Putin reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons is outlined in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which includes conditions such as a response to an attack with weapons of mass destruction or a conventional attack threatening Russia’s existence. Additionally, Putin offered talks on Ukraine and emphasized the need for written security guarantees in any settlement.

ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

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ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

A rift has developed between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over potential military actions in Gaza, particularly concerning a ground offensive in the south of the enclave. This situation has led to discussions within the U.S. administration about possibly leveraging military aid to encourage Israel to facilitate humanitarian relief in Gaza and minimize civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas. Despite Biden’s historical support for Israel, he has shown signs of frustration with Netanyahu’s responses and has not ruled out the possibility of conditioning military aid on Israel’s actions, especially regarding an invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. The U.S. has begun airdropping humanitarian supplies into Gaza and plans to build a floating aid dock off the Gaza coast. Conversations have occurred within the U.S. State Department about limiting military aid to Israel, though this idea has not gained traction among senior leadership. Biden’s approach to the situation is influenced by his 2024 re-election bid, aiming to balance support among pro-Israel voters and progressive Democrats. Public messaging from the U.S. has intensified following incidents that resulted in Palestinian civilian casualties.

Orthodoxou Aviation appointed Air India sales agent in Cyprus

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Orthodoxou Aviation appointed Air India sales agent in Cyprus

Orthodoxou Aviation Ltd has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air India in Cyprus, responsible for the airline’s marketing and sales activities in the Cypriot market. Air India, a leading global carrier and a member of Star Alliance, connects 39 cities across five continents and 45 cities within India. The airline is undergoing a five-year transformation plan, including receiving 470 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing and refurbishing its wide-body fleet’s interiors. Air India operates non-stop flights to Delhi from nine locations in seven European countries. Orthodoxou Aviation Ltd, part of the Orthodoxou Group of Companies, specializes in services for airlines, travel agents, tour operators, and the public, based in Cyprus since 1995.

US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

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US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

The U.S. Army has dispatched the General Frank S. Besson from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia to Gaza, carrying equipment to establish a temporary pier for delivering humanitarian supplies. This action follows President Joe Biden’s announcement to provide humanitarian assistance by sea to Gaza, made during his State of the Union address. The announcement came after U.N. warnings of widespread famine in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli navy blockade since 2007. The plan involves using Cyprus for cargo screening, involving Israeli officials, to facilitate aid delivery without the need for security checks in Gaza.

US, UK, French military shoot down dozens of Houthi drones after attack on bulk carrier, destroyers

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US, UK, French military shoot down dozens of Houthi drones after attack on bulk carrier, destroyers

U.S., French, and British forces downed dozens of drones in the Red Sea area after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis targeted the bulk carrier Propel Fortune and U.S. destroyers. The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. They targeted the cargo vessel and U.S. war destroyers with 37 drones. The U.S. military and coalition forces downed at least 28 drones over the Red Sea, with no damage to U.S., Coalition Navy vessels, or commercial ships reported. A French warship and fighter jets shot down four combat drones, protecting the cargo ship True Confidence and other vessels. Britain’s HMS Richmond repelled a Houthi drone attack, shooting down two drones with no injuries or damage reported. Three seafarers were killed in a missile strike by the Houthis on the Greek-operated True Confidence. The Propel Fortune was targeted, likely due to outdated U.S. ownership data, but all crew were safe, and the vessel proceeded to its next port.

McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

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McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership role after nearly 17 years, making him the longest-serving party leader in the chamber’s history. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, cited age as a reason for his departure. His stepping down will leave a significant gap in negotiations with Democrats and the White House, particularly concerning spending deals to prevent government shutdowns. McConnell has been a central figure in shaping the conservative direction of the Supreme Court, notably in blocking Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016 and facilitating the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, contributing to a 6-3 conservative majority. He has had a contentious relationship with Donald Trump, especially after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, despite voting to acquit Trump, he blamed him for inciting the insurrection. Senators John Thune and John Cornyn are expected to compete for McConnell’s leadership position.

The Heritage Private School

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The Heritage Private School

The Heritage Private School and Institute is located along the Limassol to Troodos road in Cyprus, offering views of the mountains and sea. It serves over 1,500 students aged 2 to 19 from diverse cultural backgrounds. The school is approved by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and is academically selective, aiming to provide a high-quality education comparable to reputable UK private schools. Instruction is in English, following the Cambridge International Primary Programme and the National Curriculum for England. Students can earn qualifications such as Cambridge International Checkpoints, IGCSEs, A Levels, and a formal School Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion) at the end of Year 13. The Heritage is a Cambridge International Fellowship Centre and a center for Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel International Examinations, as well as ICDL. Most students advance to universities in the UK, Europe, the USA, and other parts of the world, including prestigious institutions like the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, MIT, Berklee College of Music, Johns Hopkins University, and Sciences Po.

The school incorporates technology into the curriculum, including an iPad 1-1 program, and collaborates with Engino® in the Early Years and Primary School to integrate STEM principles and develop robotics and computer programming skills. Outdoor learning is emphasized, especially in the School Forest. The Secondary School offers a Gifted and Talented Programme for identifying and nurturing gifted students.

The school’s ethos focuses on academic excellence, personal and social development, respect, collaboration, and self-discipline. It has a well-qualified staff, a School Counsellor, and a Special Education Needs Coordinator to support student mental health and learning. Over 100 after-school clubs and academic Institute classes are available, along with sports teams, drama and music classes, a school choir, and an orchestra. The school participates in various EU educational and community projects, Model United Nations Conferences, and offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Scheme.

The Heritage Private School holds the British Council International School Award (ISA) since 2008, is the only APSnet UNESCO certified private school in Cyprus, and one of two PASCH accredited schools in the country. It has received 11 Cyprus Education Leaders Awards, eleven CY GPP environmental awards, and several Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel Outstanding Learner Awards. The Executive Head was a member of the Cambridge International Education Advisory Board.