Malta And Poland Sign First Agreement On Scientific Research And Innovation

Dec 3 2024

Last week, a Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Research and Innovation was signed in Warsaw between the Maltese Government and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti signed on behalf of Malta, while Professor Andrzej Szeptycki, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, signed for Poland.

This marks the first formal agreement between Malta and Poland focused on scientific research and innovation. The Memorandum aims to foster closer collaboration, promote the exchange of expertise, and share best practices in these fields.

Parliamentary Secretary Azzopardi Tanti thanked the Maltese Embassy in Warsaw for its critical role in finalizing this agreement after months of negotiations.

He explained that the Memorandum lays the foundation for joint research, the development of bilateral and multilateral initiatives, and the exchange of scientists and experts between both countries.

The agreement also facilitates shared access to research infrastructure and technical equipment. Key areas of cooperation include marine and maritime technologies, digital innovation, health and well-being, sustainable resource use, smart manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, space, and cultural heritage.

The signing was followed by a bilateral meeting between Azzopardi Tanti, Malta’s Ambassador to Poland, Dr. Marisa Farrugia, and Under-Secretary Szeptycki.

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Bove ‘Awake, Alert & Oriented’, ACF Fiorentina Reveal

Dec 3 2024

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is conscious and recovering in hospital after collapsing during Sunday’s Serie A match against Inter Milan, which was abandoned after 16 minutes.

Fiorentina confirmed on Monday that Bove had been extubated and was awake, alert, and speaking with family, teammates, and club officials at Florence’s Careggi Hospital.

Further tests will be conducted to determine the cause of his sudden collapse.

Initial examinations ruled out major damage to Bove’s central nervous and cardio-respiratory systems.

Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari said Bove had urged his teammates to play their scheduled Italian Cup match against Empoli on Wednesday as part of returning to normalcy.

Ferrari added that it was too early to speculate on Bove’s playing future, noting Italy’s stringent medical requirements for professional athletes.

The incident evoked memories of Christian Eriksen’s 2021 cardiac arrest during the European Championship and the tragic death of Fiorentina’s former captain Davide Astori in 2018.

Concerned fans remained at the stadium long after Sunday’s match was stopped, awaiting updates. Serie A officials are meeting to reschedule the fixture, with reports suggesting it will be played in February. Both teams and fans are now focused on Bove’s recovery and well-being.

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Almost 1000 Reports Of Disability Discrimination Handled By CRPD In 2023

Dec 3 2024

In 2025, several legislative changes will be presented in Parliament, including the introduction of a panel to ensure faster remedies for disability discrimination complaints.

In 2023, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) handled 988 reports of alleged disability discrimination. Of these, 591 were pending from previous years, while 397 were filed that year.

Key issues include accessibility, goods and services, education, and employment. Accessibility, particularly physical access, remains the leading concern, with structural works often causing delays. Of the cases reviewed, 107 revealed no evidence of discrimination.

The CRPD also processed 118 public requests for advice or consultation, bringing the total cases handled by its Investigations Unit in 2023 to 1,106. Notably, 88% of resolved cases ended successfully, with satisfactory outcomes for both the complainants and the Commission.

Another planned reform involves the European Accessibility Act, under which the CRPD will monitor market compliance with accessibility standards.

Minister Julia Farrugia emphasized the importance of strengthening structures for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

CRPD Commissioner Rhoda Garland highlighted growing public trust in the Commission and awareness of disability rights.

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Local Band SterjoTipi Release New Song ‘Sigra Tal-Milied’

Dec 3 2024

This festive season, Maltese band SterjoTipi is delivering a heartfelt message of hope and unity with their latest release, Siġra tal-Milied.

The song pairs the joy and light of Christmas with a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in various parts of the world. Its uplifting message, “be the light in the darkness” (kun int id-dawl fid-dlamijiet), encourages listeners to embrace compassion, peace, and resilience during the holiday season.

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The music video, filmed in the serene setting of a chapel, enhances the emotional depth of the song. SterjoTipi collaborated with La Voix Studios, featuring a children’s choir of over 30 young voices. The angelic harmonies add a profound and heartfelt dimension to the track.

“Our aim with Siġra tal-Milied is to remind everyone of the true essence of Christmas—a time of love, kindness, and the courage to shine even in the darkest moments,” said Mark Micallef Costa, lead singer of SterjoTipi. “Collaborating with La Voix Studios brought such purity and hope to the song.”

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