Breaking news

They Discovered A Huge Amount Of Water On Mars

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 14, 2024

Scientists have found evidence that there are huge amounts of water on Mars. Researchers theorize that this is a sign that there may be extraterrestrial life on the Red Planet.

KEY FACTS

Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Diego have found evidence of large amounts of water deep below the surface of Mars, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers used seismic data from Martian earthquakes, volcanic tremors and meteorite impacts collected by NASA’s InSight lander. Also used are the mathematical models of rock physics that are used to map underground aquifers and oil deposits on Earth.
The water is believed to be between 11.5 and 20 km below the Red Planet’s surface and probably cannot be accessed using currently existing technologies.
However, the researchers say the discovery reveals important details about the history of Mars.

IMPORTANT QUOTE

“Large amounts of water existed on the surface of Mars more than 3 billion years ago. Much of this water is thought to have been trapped in subsurface layers or lost to space. Our results have implications for understanding the Martian water cycle, determining the fate of surface water in the past, searching for past or existing life, and assessing resource utilization for future missions,” the study states.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WATER ON MARS

Although Mars is a desert planet today, there is plenty of evidence that there was once plenty of water on the Red Planet’s surface. Most of these claims are supported by studies of the structure of the planet’s surface, where traces of rivers, oceans, and lakes are visible. The composition of the minerals found there also suggests the former presence of water.

Some water is still found on the surface of Mars – largely locked in minerals in the planet’s crust or frozen in the polar ice caps – but this is only a small fraction of the water that scientists believe flowed to the surface billions of years ago.

Although many scientists believe that Mars’ oceans evaporated into space when the planet lost its atmosphere more than 3 billion years ago, the researchers say their findings show that much of the water was filtered into the crust.

THE BIG NUMBER

12,262 meters. That’s how deep the Kola ultra-deep borehole is, which is located in Northwestern Russia. It is the deepest man-made hole on Earth. According to the study, this may be the lower limit for the depth of water on Mars. Drilling was halted in the early 1990s and the record has yet to be broken, highlighting the technical challenges.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Holds Its Appeal For Investors Despite Energy And Financing Headwinds

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 24, 2026

Cyprus continues to stand out as one of Europe’s more resilient investment destinations. According to the latest EY Cyprus Attractiveness Survey 2026, 83 per cent of international investors still regard the island as attractive for foreign direct investment, even as concerns over energy costs, access to finance and bureaucracy persist.

Presented by Stelios Demetriou, EY Cyprus Head of Strategy and Transactions and M&A Leader for Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe & Central Asia, the report estimates Cyprus’ FDI stock at roughly €82 billion in 2025. Investment remains concentrated in financial services, real estate and information and communications technology.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Investor Confidence Remains Broadly Intact

The survey shows a market that continues to command credibility among global capital allocators. Of the respondents, 56 per cent described Cyprus as definitely attractive and another 27 per cent as fairly attractive. A further 13 per cent were neutral, while only 4 per cent considered the island unattractive.

The findings are based on responses from 80 foreign investors across 23 countries and 11 sectors. Senior executives and investment decision-makers took part, and around 92 per cent of respondents already have business operations in Cyprus.

That established presence is translating into stronger intent. Sixty-seven per cent of respondents said they plan either to enter the Cypriot market or expand existing operations, up from 57 per cent in 2024 and just 29 per cent in 2022.

Among companies already operating on the island, 62 per cent expect to expand over the next 12 months, while 29 per cent intend to maintain current activity levels. Half of those without an existing footprint said they are considering entry into the market.

Tax Still Anchors The Investment Proposition

Tax remains Cyprus’ most powerful competitive advantage. Ninety per cent of respondents rated the country’s corporate tax regime and broader tax framework as attractive. Quality of life followed at 82 per cent, while political and social stability scored 65 per cent.

Investor confidence in the local workforce was also notable, with 58 per cent citing skills as a strength. Nearly half, 49 per cent, pointed to the country’s growth prospects.

The emphasis on taxation carries added significance after Cyprus raised its corporate income tax rate from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent at the start of 2026 as part of wider tax reform. The European Commission has noted that corporate income tax still plays an unusually large role in Cyprus’ public finances, accounting for about 20 per cent of tax revenues, more than twice the EU average.

Energy, Finance And Red Tape Remain The Pressure Points

For all the optimism, investors were clear about where Cyprus must improve to sustain momentum.

Energy costs were the most frequently cited weakness, mentioned by 50 per cent of respondents. Access to finance and capital followed at 38 per cent, while the bureaucratic and administrative environment was flagged by 35 per cent. Transport and logistics infrastructure was cited by 33 per cent, and the availability of investment opportunities by 31 per cent.

These concerns extend beyond the EY survey. The European Commission has also identified access to finance and the business environment as areas requiring further reform, while calling for faster progress on renewables, electricity grids and storage to ease energy costs.

Energy has become an even more important issue in 2026. The Commission expects Cyprus inflation to rise to 3.6 per cent next year, largely because of higher energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict, even as it forecasts economic growth of 2.3 per cent this year and 2.7 per cent in 2027.

Geopolitics Is Rising On The Risk Agenda

Geopolitical uncertainty is now firmly in investors’ line of sight. Seventy-four per cent of respondents identified geopolitical tensions and conflicts as a potential threat to Cyprus’ attractiveness over the next three years.

That concern ranked well ahead of low connectivity, adverse reputation and a heavier regulatory burden, each cited by 29 per cent. Tight labour market conditions followed at 27 per cent, while volatile energy prices and supply problems were noted by 26 per cent.

Beyond The Core Economy, New Growth Areas Are Emerging

Despite the risks, investors are looking beyond Cyprus’ traditional strengths. While 48 per cent said future investment would focus on the sale of products and services, 21 per cent identified research and development, and 19 per cent pointed to business support services. Continued interest in regional headquartering also signals the island’s evolving role as a corporate base for wider markets.

Looking ahead, 60 per cent of respondents expect Cyprus to become more attractive for FDI over the next three years, including 9 per cent who anticipate a significant improvement. Another 24 per cent expect little change, while 6 per cent foresee deterioration.

Real estate, infrastructure and construction were seen as the sectors most likely to drive longer-term growth, cited by 23 per cent of investors. Tourism and leisure, as well as ICT and telecommunications, followed at 14 per cent each, with payments and fintech at 11 per cent.

A Stronger Outlook Than The Wider European Market

Cyprus’ relative resilience comes at a time when Europe’s broader investment environment remains under pressure. EY recorded 5,026 foreign investment projects across Europe in 2025, down 7 per cent from the previous year. Even so, 60 per cent of businesses surveyed across Europe still expect the region’s attractiveness to improve over the next three years.

For Cyprus, the message is clear: the island retains powerful structural advantages, but preserving investor confidence will depend on reducing costs, improving financing conditions and cutting the friction that still slows business activity.