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Malta National Archives Partners With Ancestry For Free Genealogy Research

Malta National Archives Partners With Ancestry For Free Genealogy Research
Feb 9 2024 Share

The National Archives of Malta and Ancestry have entered a collaboration agreement allowing the National Archives to offer free genealogical research through Ancestry’s extensive global database. Minister Owen Bonnici presided over the signing ceremony, expressing confidence in the agreement’s potential to facilitate family tree construction using Malta’s archival resources within Ancestry’s 40 billion-record database spanning 80 countries.

Minister Bonnici praised the National Archives for enhancing genealogical research quality and hoped it would bolster national memory preservation efforts. National Archivist Dr. Charles Farrugia detailed the acquisition of the Ġuljana Letard Ciantar collection four years ago, emphasizing its significance in genealogical research. He highlighted ongoing efforts in conservation, preservation, and cataloging, making the collection accessible for research soon.

Dr. Farrugia also discussed ongoing discussions with Ancestry to optimize document access and use. Ancestry, a prominent global genealogy company with agreements with major national archives worldwide, will digitize the Ġuljana Letard Ciantar collection under the agreement. The National Archives will retain ownership of Ġuljana, benefiting from inclusion in a comprehensive global genealogical research framework.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese Arrested In International Operation With FBI

Maltese Arrested In International Operation With FBI
Feb 9 2024 Share

In an operation by the Malta Police Force assisting the US FBI, a 27 year old Maltese man was arrested in connection to sales of illegal malware on the darkweb.

The convicted was also arrested due to the exchanging of mentoring of services on what is known as the ‘Hack Forum’. 

The malware, known as RAT (Remote Access Trojan) is used by criminals to gain access and control of the computers and/or servers of the victim. 

Despite there being multiple victims of this malware in the US, there are no confirmed victims from Malta. 

The investigations were carried out by the Cyber Crime unit after aid was requested by the United States after indications showed that the suspect was Maltese. The suspect was identified as Maltese and was revealed to be in association with other criminals who were not Maltese and did not live in Malta. 

On the 7th of February 2024, Maltese police arrested the suspect on his workplace in Gudja.

The 27 year old was arraigned in court on Thursday afternoon so that procedures for his extradition to the US can begin. The suspect gave his consensus for his extradition to the US and is being held in Corradino Correctional Facility. 

In association with this investigation, a Nigerian man living in Nigeria was also arrested. Other operations in various countries related to this malware are being undertaken by Europol in association with other countries and states. 

#MaltaDaily 

You Cannot Stack Draw 2 Cards On Each Other, UNO Says

You Cannot Stack Draw 2 Cards On Each Other, UNO Says
Feb 9 2024 Share

Having taken to Twitter (X) on September of 2022, the card game UNO revealed that the rumours are true – one cannot officially stack a Draw 2 on a Draw 2.

Of course, the word officially was italicised, given that players are known to make up their own rules – often announcing them mid-way through the game instead at the beginning of a match as ethics would suggest. 

Playing UNO has been known to break relationships and instil deep hatreds due to the stacking of +4 or +2 cards as they mount up and some poor soul has to pick up the entire deck.

Tag someone who you HATE playing UNO with. 

#MaltaDaily 

Funding Opportunities For Environmental Sustainability Projects

Funding Opportunities For Environmental Sustainability Projects
Feb 9 2024 Share

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