Over 2,500 Protected Bird Carcasses Found In Crime Bust

Mar 31 2024

After weeks of intensive investigations, the Malta Police Force arrested two Maltese men who are thought to form part of a circle of alleged organised crime in connection with the importation of protected birds as well as the stuffing of the same birds from abroad.

The two men, one a 42 year old resident of Żurrieq and the other a 57 year old resident of Gudja, were arrested earlier this week after searches conducted at the same time in their residences.

From these residences, the police found seven firearms as well as 2,500 species of stuffed birds.

From the Żurreiq residence, the police force confiscated over 100 carcasses of various protected bird species which were frozen to be stuffed.

The carcass of an African Genet, a protected mammal, which was also ready for stuffing, was also found.

At the same time, over 40 bird carcasses were found in the Gudja residence ready for stuffing. Police investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s New Airline Officially Kicks Off Flights Today

Mar 31 2024

It’s the beginning of a new era as Malta’s new airline – KM Malta Airlines – kicks off its first official operation this Easter Sunday, 31st March 2024.

Taking to social media, the airline shared images from its inaugural flight KM640 from Malta to Catania on 9H-NEF, departing from the Malta International Airport at 06:00hrs.

The first flight was piloted by Captain Denise Casolani and First Officer Warren Zammit, accompanied by Inflight Manager Paulianna, and cabin crew members Nadine, Annalise, and Paul.

‘It also signifies the beginning of our summer 2024 schedule, featuring an extensive network of flights connecting Malta to 17 destinations across Europe.’

This comes after the former national airline Air Malta ended its services following some controversy.

The last Air Malta flight departed from London Heathrow at 20:30hrs, landing for the last time in Malta at 12:40am on Sunday. The last flight from Malta reportedly left at 16:55hrs.

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Apple To Launch iPhone-Updating Device Which Looks Like a Toaster

Mar 30 2024

Apple has introduced “Presto,” an innovative device designed to wirelessly update iPhones in their boxes with the latest iOS software, as reported by the French tech website iGeneration. This new technology, likened to a toaster oven in appearance, features a simple silver design equipped with several racks that can accommodate up to six iPhones each, enabling mass updates of new devices simultaneously.

The creation of Presto addresses the issue of new iPhones sitting in storage for extended periods before sale, during which time Apple often releases new iOS updates. These updates, which include new features and bug fixes, cannot be installed on devices that remain boxed and unopened. Presto streamlines the updating process, ensuring that consumers receive new iPhones with the most current software already installed, sparing them the time it would otherwise take to download these updates themselves.

Presto reportedly completes updates within 15 to 30 minutes, a task that typically takes consumers about 20 minutes to do manually. While the exact mechanism behind Presto’s operation remains unclear, speculation from Ars Technica suggests that it might involve connecting the iPhones’ NFC chips to Wi-Fi to facilitate the installation of updates.

#MaltaDaily

Hoods & Chains In Xagħra As Part of Good Friday Procession

Mar 30 2024

On Good Friday, the town of Xagħra in Gozo hosted a deeply moving procession that captured the solemnity and reverence of the day, a tradition mirrored across Malta and Gozo.

Footage from the event showcased hooded individuals draped in white cloaks, their feet bound by chains, as they slowly made their way through the streets.

This poignant display is rooted in the Roman Catholic contemplation of suffering, death, and resurrection, drawing on practices that date back to the era of the Knights of St. John. Historically, Muslim slaves who converted to Christianity participated in these processions, the chains around their feet symbolising their penance or expressing gratitude for divine blessings received.

This tradition offers a visceral reminder of faith and reflection, allowing participants and observers alike to engage deeply with the spiritual significance of Good Friday.

The imagery of the procession in Xagħra serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these practices, fostering a sense of community and shared devotion among the faithful.

#MaltaDaily