Paulina Dembska’s name added to University bench in remembrance of victims of gender-based violence

Jan 7 2022

After falling victim to a brutal murder on January 2nd, Polish language student and beloved member of the community Paulina Dembska’s name has been etched on a University bench which remembers victims of gender-based violence.

In 2020, the University Student Council KSU had installed the bench on the Quadrangle with the aim of raising awareness on gender-balance violence and remembering the women who fell victim to such acts. The names of these brave women are etched and immortalised on the bench, which was painted purple to increase awareness on domestic violence.

In a recent post on KSU’s page, the council rightfully stated that “violence against women and girls remains, one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world” and “Paulina’s senseless killing must not be forgotten.”

RIP Paulina.

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BMW’s latest concept car actually changes colour and people are losing it

Jan 7 2022

The year is 2021 and while flying cars aren’t exactly a thing yet, BMW’s latest colour-changing concept car is giving people a taste of the future and they’re loving it.

The BMW Flow electric SUV concept can change between black, white and gray and the press of a button thanks to specially-created wrapping along the vehicle’s body. Rather than paint, the SUV’s wrapping is made with e-ink technology similar to that used in e-readers, with electric wiring fixed to each section.

The panels contain millions of tiny capsules with positively-charged black pigments and negatively-charged white pigments, with electric currents allowing the driver to change the car’s hues at will. BMW did not announce any intentions to bring such technology to production vehicles but did acknowledge the benefits of car’s having such features… stealth mode anyone?

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Law students frustrated as University to still hold physical exams amid COVID-19 case surge

Jan 7 2022

Law students within the University of Malta have expressed their frustration at the Faculty of Law’s alleged disregard of ‘a particularly serious issue’ as exams are still to be held physically rather than online.

“Hence, how does the Faculty of Laws presume that law students are able to attend physical examinations under these conditions? It is absolutely absurd to think that a student should be forced to attend a physical exam when Malta is amidst a pandemic, unfortunately leading to a high rise in cases again,” an email sent to the Faculty of Laws read.

A petition organised by the students calling for online exams and lectures has since gathered over 1,800 signatures with both students and reportedly a number of lecturers supporting the petition. The students have highlighted they would be forced to attend against their will and with several students already in quarantine or unwell and around 15,000 active cases, it would put families at greater risk. Notwithstanding the anxiety and stress brought upon by such a situation and the alleged unfair nature of the second examination in February?

Do you agree with the students? Or should exams be held physically?

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Drive-through voting booths being considered for voters in quarantine

Jan 7 2022

Times of Malta have reported that ‘drive-through’ polling booths are being considered for the next general election in order to allow individuals who are positive for COVID-19 to vote.

Sources close to the news platform stated that the electoral commission is currently drawing up plans to present the polling booths as a solution for people who are in quarantine, stating that they are “trying to give every eligible voter a chance to cast their ballot, even if they have contracted COVID-19.”

However, a cut-off date has also been mentioned, meaning that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 on the eve or day of the election may not be allowed to vote. A fixed cut-off date has yet to be set and the booths will host early voting, similar to what happens in elderly homes.

One of the sources stated that the idea would need to be voted on by parliament while another stated that, if both parties agreed on it, it would need to be presented to the House before hand. On Thursday, the Nationalist Party called for the government to present the necessary amendments and allow people in quarantine to be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

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Photo source: ABC News / Element5 Digital