Fact: The Audit Office calls for a new study on siting an aquaculture project in the area of Moni-Vasilikos due to its possible detrimental effects on an endangered species of seal.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a tax claim of Sh773.8 million to Emerging Capital Partners Kenya (ECP Kenya) for the 2017 sale of Java House.
The Audit Office has requested a revised site allocation study for proposed marine farm facilities in the Moni-Vassiliko area due to the area’s significance for the Mediterranean monk seal. Plans to develop aquaculture facilities in the environmentally sensitive area are facing scrutiny, with a project tender issued for €34 million. The Audit Office recommends updating the National Action Plan for Monk Seal Conservation and ensuring public access to relevant assessments. Delays in project implementation could risk losing funding. The Audit Office criticizes the lack of detail in alternative locations considered in a previous study and recommends a revised study to address the gap. The Department of Environment’s pre-screening report for the Environmental Impact Assessment is criticized for not adequately considering the importance of the area for the Mediterranean monk seal. The proposed project aims to serve seven of the nine existing marine aquaculture farms in Cyprus, providing necessary support infrastructure.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change and environmental protection. Cyprus, due to its geographical position, is expected to be significantly impacted by climate change, especially in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Sinkevičius highlights the need for all Member States, including Cyprus, to implement climate targets to mitigate these effects. Additionally, he stresses the importance of implementing provisions for Natura2000 areas to ensure ecosystems can withstand increasing pressures, warning that Cyprus may end up in the European Court over Natura2000 issues if necessary actions are not taken.
Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.
U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably did not order the killing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny at an Arctic prison camp in February. Putin denied state involvement and had considered exchanging Navalny with the West. The U.S. assessment, based on classified intelligence and public facts, did not absolve Putin of overall responsibility for Navalny’s death, given the history of targeting Navalny by Russian authorities.
Fact: U.S. intelligence agencies have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably didn’t order opposition politician Alexei Navalny killed at an Arctic prison camp in February.
Fact: The First EMODE of the Hellenic Fire Brigade trained Bank of Cyprus SupportCY volunteers on fire laws, fire risk assessment, wildland Urban Interface, fire suppression methods, fire zone construction, and scene safety.
Fact: £95.2 billion was collected in business taxes from April 2023 to March 2024.
Fact: Under a new bill signed into law on March 11, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Revenue will have to satisfy additional standards before it may force affiliated corporate taxpayers to file a unitary combined return.