Brazil orders Apple to stop iPhone sales without charger despite EU changes

Sep 7 2022

Brazil’s government issued a statement on Tuesday, aimed at Apple Inc, to stop selling iPhones without battery chargers in the country.

Brazil claims that the company provides an incomplete product to consumers, with the Justice Ministry fining Apple $3.2 million. They also ordered the cancellation of the sale of the iPhone 12 and newer models, as well any iPhone without a charger.

In the order, published in the country’s official gazette, the ministry argued that the iPhone was lacking an essential component in a “deliberate discriminatory practice against consumers.”

The authorities rejected Apple’s argument that the practice had the purpose of reducing carbon emissions, saying that there is no evidence of environmental protection from selling the phones without a charger.

With Apple declining to comment on the matter, this comes as the common mobile phone charger legislation receives the green light from the European Parliament.

Within two years, electronic devices from smart phones to tablets will have to use a common charger if sold within the EU. The new rules were spearheaded by Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba.

Speaking about Apple’s previous reluctance to change its charging system, Agius Saliba said that if Apple wants to benefit from the EU market it will have to abide by its rules. ‘Apple has two years to conform if it wants to market and sell its smart phones in the EU.’

#MaltaDaily

‘Red Hot Needle’: Exterminator shows severe effects of hornet sting

Sep 7 2022

Taking to Facebook, Exterminator Arnold Sciberras showed the severity of being stung by the Oriental hornet, which is currently plaguing many Maltese urban areas.

‘For those still not convinced’ read the statement, ‘the Oriental hornet sting is one of the worst in the local terrestrial animal kingdom. The sensation is like being stabbed by a red-hot needle.’

Accompanied by images of his own hands, one stung and the other not, the post highlighted how the anguish from the sting lingers and how the swelling ends up taking place.

A ‘substance called mastoparan, not found in bee venom, and phospholipase synergistically act to degrade immune cells and spur widespread inflammation.’

‘In combination with kinins, these chemicals can break down blood and muscle cells. Usually, the stung part severely swells and continues aching for a few days.’

Speaking to MaltaDaily, Arnold highlighted what to do when facing a hive of these hornets. He urges people to not act like ‘cowboys’ and not to experiment with ways to deal with them.

The hornets ‘are not simply an ugly creature, like the cockroach, but a very dangerous one as well’ he said. Dealing with these hornets requires professional help so as to avoid any nasty and painful injuries.

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Scottish landlords banned from raising rents… should Malta follow suit?

Sep 7 2022

The Scottish government has just introduced an immediate rent freeze for both social tenants and private renters, as well as a freeze on all evictions.

The freeze will last until next spring, with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon saying that the move was part of plans to deal with the humanitarian emergency caused by soaring energy bills and cost-of-living prices.

Scotland’s tenants union, Living Rent, described the measure as a “huge win that would not have been possible without years of organising by members.”

Sturgeon said that the government does not have the power to stop energy bills from rising, but they can take action to ensure that rent does not rise.

Looking at the local context, research published in June of 2022 showed that housing prices doubled since 2013 in Malta. Young couples could only afford apartments that around 115 square metres, with singles struggling to afford to purchase property.

The research was carried out by Grant Thornton and Dhalia, which showed that a property which sold for €100,000 in 2013 H1 would be selling at €200,000 in 2022.

Rental price specifically was reported to have gone up by some 42% over the nine year period. Should the Maltese government introduce a scheme similar to Scotland’s?

The Scottish freeze scheme is facing opposition from property investors who are also facing living costs on the rise as well. However, it does seem as though London’s mayor Sadiq Khan is intrigued by the idea, having proposed a freeze on rents as well some time before.

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s women football team finish World Cup qualifiers with 2-0 win over Montenegro

Sep 7 2022

Malta’s International Women’s Football team ended their qualification phase for the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Montenegro.

Maria Farrugia and captain Emma Lipman scored one first-half goal each, with the latter’s score being the first one for her country. Sealing a victory for coach Mark Gatt during his final game in charge of the team, the Maltese team finished their campaign with 7 points.

This is their best record in the new format of this competition. Despite a Montenegro ferociously playing to earn their remaining points, Malta still held off the team and come out on top at the end.

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The Maltese team could have scored more goals as they mounted pressure throughout the whole match, meaning that despite not increasing their already great goal-count, their performance was stellar nonetheless.

The victory was praised by many, including Energy Minister Miriam Dalli who shared an appreciation post of the team, saying that they are making all of Malta very proud. And we couldn’t agree more!

#MaltaDaily