A possible end to internal combustion engines by 2035

Jul 16 2021

Proposals tabled by the European Commission (EU) revealed on Wednesday 14th July signal the ban of sales of new cars and vans that produce carbon emissions as of 2035. The era of internal combustion engines (ICE) is moving towards an end in the EU, with the new rules resulting in the bloc making the shift to electric vehicles towards having almost 100% of cars on roads in 2050 emission free. A package of climate and energy laws have been released by the EU executive, aiming to reduce the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, with net zero the target for 2050.

EU transport commissioner Adina Vălean stated that transport is ‘today the source of 29% of the EU total greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050 we need to cut it by 90%.’ To ward off potential criticism by the industry, a senior EU official stated that the move is in line with the principle of technology neutrality. EU produced cars are allowed at present to emit 95g of carbon per kilometre driven.

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Photo Source: Financial Times

Euro 2020 final watched by over 175,000 people

Jul 16 2021

It is of no doubt that the Euro 2020 final clash between England and Italy captured the attention of many before, during and well after the match. New figures indicate that at least 176,000 people watched the Euro 2020 final, with TVM attracting an estimated peak live TV audience of 48,000 as they broadcasted the match with Italian commentary. TVM2 attracted an estimated 129,000 peak audience, broadcasting the match in English. The total live TV audience for the final exceeded those for semi-finals by around 20,000 viewers.

Italy versus Spain attracted around 154,000 viewers and England versus Denmark just over 156,000 viewers. Television Malta Product Manager Simon Poljsak attributed this to the power of football to bring people together. The match garnered attention well beyond the actual game night, with news concerning the game, for better or for worse, still making headlines.

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Photo Source: Hindustan Times

AirMalta reports 6000 flight bookings cancelled in single week

Jul 16 2021

AirMalta reported the cancellation of over 6000 flight bookings since the new travel rules were announced Friday. A spokesperson told Times of Malta that it had received a ‘significant number of cancellations on the majority of its routes’ for both July and August. Apart from these cancellations, a number of people are also being declined travel daily due to incorrect travel documentation. People failing to turn up to travel as booked has also been noted as an increased phenomenon.

This has occurred across all 19 markets AirMalta operates to, call centres being allegedly ‘inundated’ with customer calls inquiring about the new rules. Many of these calls asking for clarification result in the cancellation of flights. Asked whether cancelling flights due to the situation was being considered, the spokesperson stated that despite as of yet this has not been the case, it is still a possibility should business continue at such a slow pace.

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Photo Source: AirMalta

Calls for England to be banned from World Cup after Euro controversy

Jul 15 2021

Following a string of controversial actions from supporters of the English men’s national football team and a disappointing defeat to Italy on July 11, many have taken to social media to call for England to be banned from next year’s World Cup.

I Hope England get banned for the World Cup and the next Euros for the fans behaviour tonight absolutely disgusting

— oxytellí (@oxygeninnit) July 11, 2021

Ban England from the 2022 world cup. Only way they'll begin to learn that this isn't acceptable.

— Essence of Marula (@marula4all) July 12, 2021

Mayhem ensued in London following England’s loss, with the Metropolitan Police making 49 arrests after the game and having 19 officers injured on top of a wave of racial abuse towards players Marcus Rashford, Jordan Sancho and Buyako Saka.

On top of that, investigations were held after Danish goalkeeper Kasper Scmeichel had a laser pen directed towards his face during a penalty, resulting in a £26,600 fine for the Football Association.

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