Funding Opportunities For Environmental Sustainability Projects

Feb 9 2024

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) convened researchers from Mediterranean countries for a two-day seminar under the European Programme PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area). The seminar aims to foster collaboration among researchers to devise innovative solutions for sustainable utilization of primary resources, especially in water management, sustainable farming, and the agro-food value chain.

Focused on funding opportunities within the PRIMA programme for the current year, the seminar encouraged proposals from local and international researchers, guided by MCST experts, emphasizing research and innovation in specified thematic areas to enhance environmental preservation.

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti urged local researchers to engage in cross-border collaborations, stressing their potential to revolutionize various sectors, particularly in combating climate change. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering smart, competitive, and resilient sectors through research and innovation.

MCST Chairman Tonio Portughese highlighted the seminar’s role in empowering local stakeholders to form successful consortia, fostering innovative research projects addressing common Mediterranean issues. This initiative aims to drive positive change and advancement in the region.

#MaltaDaily

January 2024 Had Over 181 Hours Of Sunshine

Feb 9 2024

The winter season in the Maltese Islands has been mild, resembling the previous year with warm temperatures and low precipitation.

January saw only 37.3mm of rainfall, significantly below the average, with thunderstorms occurring on two days and one instance of hail.

The month was 1.2°C warmer than usual, reaching a high of 24.5°C on January 18th, though not breaking the record of 25.8°C set in 2021.

The coldest day was January 23rd, hitting 6.7°C, but still warmer than the record low of 1.4°C from 1981. Sunlight exceeded the norm by 11.5 hours, with the gloomiest day on January 11th. Wind speeds remained consistent with the average, peaking at 47 knots on January 6th and 7th.

Forecast for Carnival 2024 anticipates fine weather initially, turning blustery with thundery showers by Sunday. Winds will increase to Force 5-6 by Saturday, persisting through Carnival’s end on Tuesday, accompanied by isolated showers and slightly cooler temperatures, with a maximum of 17°C during the day and 11°C at night on Sunday.

#MaltaDaily

Professional Football Set To Introduce Blue Cards

Feb 9 2024

Plans to introduce sin bins in professional football, pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), include the publication of detailed protocols on Friday, potentially incorporating blue cards.

These blue cards would empower referees to issue 10-minute penalties for dissent or cynical fouls, with repeated infractions leading to player dismissal for the match.

Two blue cards would reportedly result in the player’s dismissal for the rest of the match, as would a blue and a yellow card.

IFAB is expected to greenlight the extended sin bin trial at its annual meeting in March, following successful trials in amateur and youth football in England and Wales. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, highlights the focus on dissent and tactical fouls, considering whether yellow cards suffice for such infractions.

Potential expansion of the trial to address tactical fouls is under consideration.

Sky News suggests the FA Cup in England as a possible testing ground for sin bins, representing a significant shift akin to the introduction of red and yellow cards in 1970. Pierluigi Collina notes the success of grassroots trials, indicating a likely expansion to professional football.

#MaltaDaily

Local Students Break Record With Biggest Muffin Heart

Feb 9 2024

As Valentine’s Day draws closer, the local students at College Thomas More, a secondary school in Santa Lucija, broke a record by creating the biggest heart made out of muffins.

The heart was made out of 1,444 muffins and has a border length of 10 metres 65 centimetres.

The Malta Records presented the school and the team behind the (delicious) record with a placard commemorating their achievement.

The proceeds that went into the achievement of this record will go to Puttinu Cares.

Well done to all involved!

#MaltaDaily