Equality & Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines Published

Oct 13 2023

The Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, along with Permanent Secretary Ewlieni Tony Sultana, outlined guidelines on the principles of Equality and Gender Mainstreaming.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg explained that these guidelines are intended to concretely strengthen gender equality principles, ultimately making them a part of our society’s culture. She stated that this is a crucial step towards achieving true equality in our country.

These guidelines identify sectors in which the government, individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to take daily steps to address disparities leading to unequal treatment between genders.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg emphasized that these guidelines focus on ensuring participation and visibility for all genders in meetings, events, relationships, publications, advertising, and public procurement. She added that the guidelines also call for greater sensitivity to gender in spoken and written language.

“The choice of these sectors was made after careful consideration because all of these impact society’s perspective and dimension of equality,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Service Tony Sultana expressed satisfaction that the immediate guidelines were issued following extensive consultation with various entities including the National Statistics Office (NSO), the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), and the Advisory Council for Women’s Rights, along with his office. He noted that diversity and different cultures in workplaces have led to significant results.

“This is a Public Administration that we are working towards. A barrier-free Public Administration where everyone works synergistically. Commitments outlined in these guidelines are not just on paper, but we continue to implement them in our daily practices,” stated Mr. Sultana.

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Prime Minister Reads Stories With Żejtun Primary School Kids

Oct 13 2023

Prime Minister Robert Abela joined the children at Żejtun Primary School for a book reading.

The Prime Minister met the staff at the school and, of course, the various students. Joining them first on the yard as they engaged their PE lesson, Abela then sat down with the students to have a reading session.

The Prime Minister said that a book can be a person’s best friend, encouraging them all to read any time they got the chance.

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No Free Tickets For Politicians On New Airline Says Finance Minister

Oct 13 2023

Appearing on an episode of Popolin, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana emphasised his position that no free tickets will be granted to politicians as the new airline is set to launch.

Asked by the host whether the benefits that politicians had previously with AirMalta will still apply, Minister Caruana said that the new airline will be a tabula rasa.

This means a completely blank state, with the new airline not continuing any of the practices that took place under the previous national airline.

The Finance Minister, along with the Prime Minister, had revealed that the new airline will be starting as of 31st March 2024, with 17 new routes announced.

What do you make of this?

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Microchip That Makes Phone Batteries Go 1 Month Without Charging Being Developed

Oct 13 2023

Researchers at Cambridge University are developing a microchip that could potentially extend smartphone battery life to an entire month, requiring only 12 charges per year.

Vaire, a commercial entity affiliated with the university, is receiving support from the UK government to lead semiconductor innovation.

Semiconductors are deemed crucial in today’s tech-driven world. The microchip project, undertaken by skilled mathematicians, centers on designing a silicon chip processor with minimal energy consumption.

This breakthrough could reduce the demand for larger batteries, leading to significantly enhanced smartphone battery performance. While detailed information about the microchip remains limited, it holds substantial promise.

Sean Redmond, CEO of SiliconCatalyst.UK, expressed confidence in the Cambridge team’s ability to deliver on this ambitious claim, highlighting the potential for revolutionary advancements in mobile phone technology.

The microchip, over 100 times smaller than current models, draws inspiration from existing medical devices like cochlear implants. This initiative is part of a $1.5 million program aimed at transforming lives globally, including a chip designed to assist individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Although this technology hasn’t seen significant progress in recent years, researchers are optimistic about future developments.

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