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Behind the Scenes of Security as Malta Welcomed 800+ Delegates for the OSCE Ministerial Council

Behind the Scenes of Security as Malta Welcomed 800+ Delegates for the OSCE Ministerial Council
Dec 7 2024 Share

Malta this week hosted the 31st OSCE – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council, welcoming over 800 international leaders and delegates to the island. Ensuring the safety and smooth running of such a high-profile event required the dedication of the Malta Police Force, who worked behind the scenes and on the front line to maintain order and security.

From meticulous planning and training to coordinating traffic and securing key venues like the MFCC and nearby hotels, officers worked in diverse roles to make sure everything went according to plan. The force’s efforts were especially important given the challenging weather conditions and heightened security demands surrounding this international event.

The Malta Police Force expressed heartfelt thanks to their officers for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment, stating they truly represented Malta with excellence. They also extended gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation, which proved vital to the event’s success.

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Thousands Without Power as Storm Darragh Hits UK

Thousands Without Power as Storm Darragh Hits UK
Dec 7 2024 Share

Thousands of homes across the UK remain without power as Storm Darragh brings 93mph winds and severe weather conditions. A red ‘danger to life’ warning was issued on 6 December, affecting three million homes and urging residents to stay indoors.

National Grid reports that over 55,000 customers are without electricity in South West, South Wales, and the West Midlands, with South Wales bearing the brunt. However, 376,000 customers have had their power restored since the storm began.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the situation as “challenging,” emphasising that National Grid teams are on standby to address further issues. Meanwhile, temporary air traffic restrictions have been imposed at Heathrow and Gatwick, and National Rail has warned of “significant disruption” across its network due to delays and cancellations.

The Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool has also been postponed as the storm continues. Weather warnings are expected to lift by 6am on Sunday. Passengers and residents are advised to follow updates and stay safe amid these hazardous conditions.

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Helicopter Link Between Gozo And Mater Dei Is In Final Phases

Helicopter Link Between Gozo And Mater Dei Is In Final Phases
Dec 7 2024 Share

Health Minister Joe Abela has revealed that a direct helicopter link between Gozo and Mater Dei Hospital is in its final stages.

The service aims to cut transfer times for critical patients, ensuring faster access to emergency care. Minister Abela emphasized that “every minute counts” in life-threatening situations, highlighting the initiative’s potential to save lives. The new service is expected to be operational soon, enhancing healthcare access for Gozitan residents.

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Appeals Court Upholds TikTok Ban in the U.S.

Appeals Court Upholds TikTok Ban in the U.S.
Dec 7 2024 Share

A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled to uphold a law that could lead to TikTok being banned in the United States unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake in the app. This decision is a major blow to TikTok as it tries to fight off concerns from U.S. lawmakers about national security risks.

The court’s three judges agreed unanimously that the law is constitutional, with Senior Judge Douglas Ginsburg stating, “The government acted to protect national security, not to stifle free speech.”

The law, passed in April, gives TikTok until 19 January 2025 to cut ties with ByteDance or risk removal from app stores and web-hosting services. TikTok has promised to take the fight to the Supreme Court, claiming the ban infringes on Americans’ right to free speech.

Concerns centre on TikTok’s ties to China, with fears it could be used for espionage or influence operations. ByteDance has warned that selling TikTok’s core recommendation algorithm would be nearly impossible.

Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the ruling, saying it will help protect American data from misuse. As the deadline approaches, lawmakers remain hopeful that TikTok could stay afloat through U.S.-led ownership.

#MaltaDaily