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Nationalist Party proposes minimum living income for fair wages

Nationalist Party proposes minimum living income for fair wages
Jan 29 2022 Share

The Nationalist Party has proposed the introduction of a minimum living income in Malta which seeks to combat the reality of material good deprivation. 

A proposal was put forth by PN MP Ivan Bartolo at a press conference titled ‘Living or Existing?’, during which Opposition leader Bernard Grech said that society had an obligation and a moral duty to observe the reality of those deprived of material goods. 

The PN made public four proposals that would form part of its electoral manifest in areas tied to poverty and social justice. ‘We don’t want people working 40 hours a week stretching themselves thin over and above that just to put food on the table’ said Bartolo. 

He said the Opposition was looking at several financial models which would see an adjustment in wages without straining taxpayers or employers but also giving low wage earners the possibility to attain a decent standard of living. 

Saying that the party wants to have employers seeing raising wages as an exercise in getting more value from their employers, Bartolo said that investing in individuals and the work they are doing will result in them doing the work more efficiently and wasting less time. 

The mechanism would seek to expand families’ disposable income, with more details expected to be announced in the run-up to a general election. The party also proposed setting up poverty watch coalitions between NGOs and government entities to have ‘realistic information on poverty and take timely preventive action.’ 

The party would also be committed to tackling the waiting list of homeless people currently waiting for a place in a shelter. With around 300 such people, he said temporary housing solutions would be found to prevent them from sleeping rough in the interim. Finally, the concept of corporate social responsibility in all sectors of business would be introduced. 

Bernard Grech said that ‘we can boast about statistics that indicate that poverty is going down, but statistics do not feed those who are literally going hungry. There are thousands of people in this country who are simply existing and not living.’ 

Noting that the economy had substantially grown during the years preceding the pandemic, he also noted how the need for food banks and soup kitchens to cater for those unable to keep with rising costs also did. 

“Some have told me that inflation is not just a Malta problem, but a global problem and this is why the PN has previously proposed setting up a fund that tackles issues like importation prices,” he said.

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Juventus complete biggest signing of the transfer window

Jan 29 2022 Share

Juventus have completed the signing of Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović from rival club Fiorentina. He will take over the coveted no.7 shirt which was worn by the great Cristiano Ronaldo before his move to Manchester United.

The deal will reportedly cost the Bianconeri a staggering €80 million whilst they will pay the Serbian around €7 million a year. Juventus will first pay a fee of €70 million over the next 3 financial years whilst the rest of the deal will be payed in performance related bonuses.

 

 

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Fiorentina wanted to sell their prime asset after he made it clear to the ownership that he didn’t want to extend his deal which would have expired in 18-months. He reportedly only wanted the Bianconeri, even rejecting opportunities from English clubs Arsenal and Tottenham. It was also reported that Fiorentina preferred to sell him abroad but were sort of forced to sell him to their historic rivals in order to get a price worthy of the player.

Vlahović had his breakout season last year scoring an impressive 21 goals in 40 appearances for Fiorentina and has continued his fine form by scoring 20 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.

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Apple’s next iOS update could let you use Face ID with a mask

Apple’s next iOS update could let you use Face ID with a mask
Jan 29 2022 Share

Face masks due to COVID-19 have almost become a fashion item at this point, and Apple seems to be recognising the reality of them maybe sticking around for a while. 

Due to this, the company appears to be testing a feature that will let you use Face ID to unlock the phone even if you are donning a mask. The first developer beta for iOS 15.4 has a screen that asks if you want to be able to use Face ID while wearing a mask at the cost of reduced security. 

This comes through photos from MacRumours and other Apple investigators and leakers. The feature will unfortunately be only available for those who own a newer device. 

According to photos posted by Brandon Butch on Twitter, Apple says that ‘iPhone can recognise the unique features around the eye area to authenticate’. A warning was issued to state that it would be more accurate if it is set to work without a mask. 

9to5Mac reports that this feature only works on the iPhone 12 and 13 lines, but as of yet no 2018 iPad Pro owner was able to use it. This feature does come however as many more people called for Apple to try and develop this technology. 

Apple has already introduced various updates to help – iOS 13.5 would detect that you’re wearing a mask and quickly ask for a passcode. 14.5 also let people with Apple Watches use Face ID while wearing a mask.

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Photo Source: Tom’s Guide

Village feasts could return in April under health authority protocol

Village feasts could return in April under health authority protocol
Jan 29 2022 Share

Malta’s traditional village feasts could be making their return by April of this year as long as this is done responsibly and in line with Health Authorities’ protocols. 

This was revealed by the Band Clubs Association on Friday, following a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela, Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent for Public Health Charmaine Gauci. 

The association said that if the COVID-19 cases in the community remain under control, from April, both religious and non-religious activities will be allowed as long as they are organised responsibly.’

Feasts in February and March must continue to follow the present protocols, but this means that Good Friday could be celebrated by the outdoors procession with some protocols in place. 

If the situation remained under control as summer approached, village feasts could be organised in a normal way. The statement said that feasts enthusiasts should continue to get vaccinated so that the situation remains under control. 

Village feasts were halted from celebrating in their usual fashion since before the pandemic. They were briefly allowed in the summer of 2020 when all rules were lifted, but large case clusters reverted the decision. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that feast enthusiasts can look ahead to spring and summer with enthusiasm, with the health officials highlighting the importance of the booster dose. 

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Photo Source: World Nomads