Elon Musk’s Twitter Officially Banned In Brazil

Aug 31 2024

X, previously known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil for not complying with a Supreme Court judge’s deadline to appoint a new legal representative in the country.

Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the “immediate and complete suspension” of the social media platform until it complies with all court orders and pays the outstanding fines.

The dispute started in April when the judge ordered the suspension of dozens of X accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation.

Reacting to the decision, X owner Elon Musk said: “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes.”

The social media network is said to be used by at least a 10th of the nation’s 200 million inhabitants.

By Saturday morning some users had reported access to the platform was no longer possible.

Justice Moraes ordered that X accounts accused of spreading disinformation—many of which belong to supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro—must be blocked while under investigation.

He warned that the company’s legal representatives would be held accountable if any of these accounts were reactivated.

X has faced the threat of fines for failing to comply with this order, with both the company and Elon Musk joining critics in Brazil in accusing the judge of having a left-wing bias.

This incident is the latest in a series of disputes involving the tech billionaire, who has previously clashed with the EU over X’s regulation and recently engaged in a war of words with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

#MaltaDaily

“Science in the City 2024: Inspiring Curiosity & Inclusion”

Aug 31 2024

The 2024 Science in the City Festival, themed “Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.),” will take place on September 27-28 in Valletta, Malta, featuring an exciting array of interactive stands, performances, and workshops. Located around the Triton Fountain and nearby venues, the festival aims to engage citizens emotionally and empower them with the knowledge needed to address global challenges.

Festival highlights include interacting with humanoid robots, exploring shipwrecks virtually with Heritage Malta, and 3D modeling microbes. Performances from local and international acts such as Braintastic! Science and The Bad Boy of Science will address topics like neurodiversity and the impact of genetics on identity. The event also emphasizes the importance of research in addressing current environmental, security, and health challenges.

Science in the City has become Malta’s largest science and art festival, attracting 30,000 visitors annually. It involves nearly 100 organizations, and partners include the University of Malta, Malta Chamber of Scientists, and several government ministries. The festival is co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme.

Festival coordinator Dr. Edward Duca stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating that science is for everyone. With diverse programming, the festival aims to inspire curiosity and discovery among people of all backgrounds, contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.

#MaltaDaily

Restoration Work on Siġġiewi Church Of Annunciation Progressing

Aug 31 2024

The historic Church of the Annunciation, situated in the Salib tal-Għolja area of Siġġiewi, is undergoing extensive restoration and underground consolidation. This critical work is aimed at preserving the church, which has long been at risk due to the unstable rock it rests on. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2025.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government, Owen Bonnici, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, visited the site to review the ongoing restoration.

During the visit, Minister Bonnici said, “The restoration of the Church of the Annunciation highlights our dedication to safeguarding Malta’s rich cultural and historical legacy. This project not only restores a significant historic monument but also ensures its stability and safety for future generations.”

Zerafa Civelli also expressed her satisfaction with the progress made.

The original church is believed to have been built in the late 15th century and was later reconstructed between 1680 and 1681. However, it sustained serious damage from earthquakes in 1693, 1856, and 1923.

A total of €1.2 million is being invested in this restoration project, a partnership between the Restoration and Preservation Department and the Archdiocese of Malta.

#MaltaDaily

Transport Minister Addresses Mosta Square Pedestrianisation

Aug 31 2024

Taking to social media, Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Minister Chris Bonett explained Transport Malta and his Ministry’s position on the pedestrianisation of the Mosta Square on Friday and Saturday evenings.

This follows a disagreement between the government and the Mosta local council on whether to do so.

Hon. Bonett explained that the government wants to see local councils proposing masterplans to close off squares and open them to the public on certain days and times.

‘It is useless proselytising about public spaces before the election and then push a motion that goes in the opposite direction’.

The minister explained that the government took the decision that is within its authority as it is the government has the final say on managing traffic. ‘Where we feel that the local council is taking the wrong decision, we intervene, as we did in this case. No one was intimidated.

‘These are not popular decisions, but we are here to take the best decisions which sometimes might not be convenient.’

The Mosta Local Council had issued a statement explaining its position, writing:

‘The Government’s policy, which is being called ‘pedestrianisation’, cannot be applied without planning and consultation because what will be happening is to the detriment of the residents. This is because of the particular nature of the Mosta Square, that, it is not only a Square, but and a main artery for traffic; that when it is closed off for traffic, one will be placing traffic in residential roads instead.’

‘The Mosta Local Councill will continue to work in the best interests of their residents and will not let any authority use its power to intimidate the Mosta Local Council’

#MaltaDaily