Could driverless cars be Malta’s future? – Studies kick off

Feb 23 2022

University researchers have started conducting studies into the possible introduction of driverless cars in Malta by using artificial intelligence (AI).

The studies are being carried out by the Department of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure within the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta.

With the project supported by Debono Group and Infrastructure Malta, the research is being conducted on the concept of shared autonomous mobility and assessing the viability of an automated transport system in Malta form both legal and technical perspectives.

The project, called MISAM (Malta’s Introduction of Shared Autonomous Mobility) seeks to bring this technology to the island’s notoriously congested roads.

Such cars use artificial intelligence technology to sense their surroundings. The system would be operating by itself by taking decisions based on an analysis of its environment and performing the necessary functions without any human intervention.

The benefits of these technologies are environmental and social, with a particular focus on sustainability and user-friendliness for less mobile individuals such as persons with disabilities and the elderly.

The project is also exploring the feasibility of reducing dependence on private vehicles as well as quickening the move towards multimodal transport systems to address the traffic problem.

Back in May, Transport Minister Ian Borg said that a pilot project will test self-driving buses on Malta’s streets in the coming months. Project MISAM will be one of the initiatives featured at an online conference being organised by Transport Malta on Thursday.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Infrastructure Malta

Plans for Marsascala marina will be scrapped completely & immediately, says Ian Borg

Feb 23 2022

When asked whether or not there will be alternative plans for the Marsascala yacht marina and if they would be discussed with the residents, Transport Minister Borg echoed Prime Minister Robert Abela’s statements that any plans will be scrapped completely and immediately.

During yesterday’s political rally in Marsascala, the Prime Minister revealed that after discussions with Borg, plans for the yacht marina will be halted.

Borg told Malta Daily that he not only confirms that such plans will be halted but that they had been discussing and monitoring the situation for the past few weeks. The Minister went on to state that despite detailed explanation from the government, the people of Marsascala and beyond did not warm up to the yacht marina plans, which triggered the government to take such a decision.

Borg went on to reveal that he met with the Marsascala local council to discuss certain issues they had brought forward, highlighting that he knows what it means to be a councillor.

Watch the video here:

Do you welcome such plans?

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source (left): Moviment Graffitti

Stop tripping on power – Cardi B speaks about Ukraine crisis

Feb 23 2022

Cardi B went all out on Twitter to express her thoughts about the Ukraine situation. The rapper, boasting 21.8 million followers, was asked on Twitter what she thinks about ‘the whole Russia thing.’

Insisting her phone wasn’t hacked, Cardi told fans that she feels like if she doesn’t say the right things she ‘might get killed.’ She went on to urge world leaders to ‘stop tripping on power.’

It’s me https://t.co/jZaSrUwMWH pic.twitter.com/4QQ8hKygMw

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) February 22, 2022

‘Wish these world leaders stop tripping about power and really think about whose really getting affected (citizens). Besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.’

Fans suspected the account was hacked, but the rapper uploaded a video to show she was genuinely speaking about it.

‘I actually wanna say a lot of things but I’m just gonna mind my business because sometimes I feel like I have such a big platform that if I don’t say the right things I might get killed.’ She went on to say that she is not on NATO’s side or Russia’s side, instead allying herself with the citizens because they are the ones who will suffer.

Wish these world leaders stop tripping about power and really think about whose really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis.War,sanctions,invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about. https://t.co/25qemEtzF9

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) February 22, 2022

Cardi does have a history of commenting politics, with several feuds with campaigning politicians leading to fans even calling for ‘Cardi B for President.’ She had expressed that she wants to urge people to vote, even sitting down for interviews with Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden aimed at young voters.

This all comes as other countries such as the US and the UK introduce several sanctions on Russia as it began its movement into Ukraine through two eastern rebel-controlled regions.

#MaltaDaily

Xkupa Ħadra Tnaddaf – ADPD electoral campaign launched

Feb 23 2022

Carmel Cacopardo, leader of the ADPD – The Green Party, introduced the election campaign theme and slogan: Xkupa Ħadra Tnaddaf – Green Sweeps Clean.

Cacopardo said that their message is one which proposes a commitment which is respectful of our surroundings, of the ecology of which we form part. It is also a commitment in favour of ethical leadership, in favour of good governance. It focuses on the impact of bad governance on public administration.

The electoral manifesto is in the final stages of preparations and will be presented to the party’s Executive Committee for consideration and approval once concluded.

Cacopardo described it as not being ‘a Father Christmas manifesto’ which promises specific sectors individually. It will instead include proposals and electoral premisses which set to address ‘the common good and develop a better country.’

‘The party is dependent on inputs from volunteers. We have no employees. We receive few donations which in 2021 amounted to around €2,600. We will not be organising any campaign to collect funds as we do not wish to place pressures on anyone. The little that we receive is appreciated. We plan our activities within the limits of the resources which we have. The party has no loans or overdrafts. Nor do we have access to commercial companies which serve as a hiding place for the receipt of illegal donations. It is with this in mind that we start this electoral campaign.’

#MaltaDaily