Skip to main content

Featured

Ukraine Faces Deepening Power Shortages After Russian Strikes

A resident shows a journalist where a Russian drone struck the roof of an apartment building, depriving its residents of water, heat and electricity, in Kyiv. Ukraine is confronting one of its most severe energy shortfalls since the start of the full‑scale invasion, with the country currently able to supply only about 60% of its electricity needs. A new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks has heavily damaged power plants and transmission infrastructure across multiple regions, pushing the grid to the brink. Officials report that nearly every major power‑generating facility has been hit in recent weeks. Cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipro have experienced rolling blackouts, leaving millions of residents coping with limited heating, lighting, and communications during the winter season. Ukraine’s government has warned that the situation remains extremely challenging. Engineers are working around the clock to repair damaged facilities, but repeated strikes have slowed...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Drones Patrol Greek Beaches to Tackle Sunbed Overcrowding


Greek beaches, once synonymous with sunbed-covered shores, are now witnessing a crackdown enforced by drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are on a mission to restore order and combat overcrowding caused by unauthorized sunbeds and umbrellas.

Overcrowding and Unauthorized Businesses

In recent years, Greek public beaches have fallen victim to fly-by-night businesses that set up sunbeds and umbrellas without proper permits. These establishments charge beachgoers for services while encroaching on public spaces. Locals have grown increasingly frustrated, leading to citizen-led movements like “The Beach Towel Movement” and “Free Beaches for All.”

The Drone Solution: Enforcing New Legislation 

To address this issue, the Greek government introduced legislation in March. Drones now patrol popular beaches, including those on the Athens Riviera, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu. Their mission? Detecting illegally placed sunbeds and umbrellas. Citizens also assist by using the MyCoast digital app to report violations.

Legal Requirements and Fines 

The new law mandates that Greek beaches must be 70% sunbed-free (or 85% in protected areas). Violators face hefty fines. For instance, a business operating without a license on Thymari beach received a €220,000 penalty—an hour’s drive south of Athens.

Balancing Tourism and Environment 

Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis emphasizes the need to protect both the environment and citizens’ right to free beach access. By enforcing rules, Greece aims to preserve its pristine coastlines while supporting responsible entrepreneurship.

In summary, drones are now the guardians of Greek beaches, ensuring that sunbeds don’t crowd out the natural beauty that draws tourists from around the world. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment