Hungarian wins over $33 million Eurojackpot
Budapest: All previous Hungarian lottery records have been broken after a Hungarian hit the Eurojackpot by winning more than 10 billion forints ($33 million), Szerencsejatek, the official Hungarian gambling service provider announced here on Saturday. According to the announcement, the winner was the second Hungarian to ever hit the Eurojackpot, the Xinhua news agency reported. Besides the Hungarian winner, two other lotto players also hit the jackpot, said Szerencsejatek. In 2017, a Hungarian won a total of 7 billion forints. ($1 = 302.29 HUF). Eurojackpot started in 2012. It is currently playable in 18 countries in Europe. The first drawing in Hungary took place in October 2014. (IANS)
Sixth-century shipwreck discovered in Cyprus
Nicosia: An official with the Department of Antiquities confirmed on Saturday the discovery of an ancient shipwreck laden with cargo of ceramic pots off the south shores of Cyprus. Ceramics expert at the University of Cyprus, Stella Demesticha, explained in an interview with state radio that an abundance of underwater findings were ceramic pots dating back to the end of the sixth or the seventh century AD, the Xinhua news agency reported. Extensive remains of broken amphorae were found scattered over an area of approximately 1,30,000 square meters on a rocky outcrop close to a partially submerged breakwater, which seemed to be part of an ancient commercial port at an area known as Dreamer’s Bay of the Akrotiri Peninsula. Access to the area is restricted as it is part of the British Akrotiri Air Base and is close to military installations. Marine archeologists also found an Aswan granite column in the middle of the wreck which is believed to belong to the sunken vessel. An extensive survey of the area revealed almost 800 shoulders and rims of amphorae, denoting that the vessel was a rather big one. Findings on land and underwater revealed that the area was a busy port where vessels made landfall when approaching Cyprus from the south or sailing to the east or west. (IANS)
Pope rides in carbon-free popemobile in Japan
Nagasaki: Pope Francis rode in a carbon-free popemobile at his Mass in Nagasaki, an appropriate choice in line with his environmental concerns. Organisers say Francis used a Toyota hydrogen-powered Mirai, customised with a stand and handrails. He will use a similar model while in Tokyo. The pope held a big Mass at a Nagasaki city baseball stadium. Earlier Sunday, he demanded world leaders renounce atomic weapons and the Cold War-era doctrine of deterrence, and paid respects at a memorial for the 26 martyrs. Environmental protection is one of Francis’ key agenda items and is also part of the theme of his Japan visit. (AP)