Rare Blind Shrimp Found Only In St Julian’s Cave

Aug 21 2024

A rare type of blind shrimp has been discovered in Malta’s only fully-submerged terrestrial cave. Known as the Ħarq il-Ħammiem cave-amphipod, this shrimp is unique to the cave in St Julian’s. which has three different kinds of water: freshwater at the top, brackish in the middle, and seawater at the bottom.

A group of scientists led by Italian scholars Sabrina Lo Brutto and Davide Iaciofano, naturalist Arnold Sciberras, marine biologist Alan Deidun, and fieldwork specialists Jeffrey and Justin Sciberras made the discovery. Ten specimens in all were gathered by them: two damaged, seven slightly smaller females, and one male measuring 1.6 cm.

Sadly, there’s a threat to the cave. Over the years, construction and roadworks have severely harmed it, and current events have made matters worse. This endangers the cave’s survival as well as that of its unique prawns.

#MaltaDaily

Motors Inc. Becomes Stellantis Distributor For Leapmotor In Malta

Aug 21 2024

Motors Inc., a leading local automotive local distributor, is proud to announce that it has been chosen as its official local importer. Leapmotor is a cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) brand, to be soon introduced to the Maltese market. The introduction of Leapmotor vehicles in Malta is part of a broader expansion strategy by Leapmotor International. This venture aims to establish Leapmotor as a key player in the global electric vehicle market. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in sustainable mobility for Malta, bringing innovative and affordable electric vehicles to customers.

Leapmotor, a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor is a technology-driven EV company based in Hangzhou, China. The brand has rapidly emerged as a major player in the global automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, with a strong focus on intelligent driving, electric motor control, and battery system development. Leapmotor’s vehicles are equipped with industry-leading technologies, including the first mass-produced Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology and a unique Eight-in-One Electric Drive System.

Motors Inc. will initially introduce to the Maltese market Leapmotor’s flagship models, the C10 SUV and the T03 urban commuter. Leapmotor will be launching two new models a year for the next three years.

The C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product, built according to global design and safety standards. The C10 is based on Leapmotor’s self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, featuring industry-leading intelligent electric technology such as central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and its flagship intelligent cockpit. It is a fully equipped, family-centric D-segment vehicle with best-in-segment premium ride and handling experience, featuring 420 km WLTP range, and is able to meet the 5-star E-NCAP rating standard. After winning the “2023 International CMF Design Award” for its technological and natural aesthetic design, it recently won the 2024 Gold Award from the French Design Awards (FDA) and the 2024 Gold Award from the US MUSE Design Awards.

The T03 is a small five-door, A-segment urban boutique commuter car with B-segment interior space. The T-03 features a 265 km WLTP range is stylish in design and comfortable to drive. The T03 has been ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study in the small BEV segment.

Matthew Fenech Motors Inc. CEO – “We are thrilled to bring Leapmotor’s innovative electric vehicles to Malta.This partnership aligns with our commitment to providing sustainable, high-quality mobility solutions to our customers. Leapmotor’s advanced technology and dedication to excellence make them the perfect partner for Motors Inc., and we are confident that these vehicles will resonate well with the Maltese market. Indeed, we believe that the price quality proposition will be unbeatable!”

As Leapmotor importer in Malta, Motors Inc. will ensure that the local customers receive the highest level of service and support, from vehicle purchase to after-sales care. The company is committed to making Leapmotor’s electric vehicles a popular choice for Maltese drivers seeking an affordable environmentally friendly and technologically advanced transportation solutions.

For more information about Leapmotor vehicles and Motors Inc.’s offerings, please visit the official Leapmotor Malta page.

#MaltaDaily

Moon Covers Saturn In Rare Astronomical Event

Aug 21 2024

Early this morning, at around 5.30 am, Malta joined several countries in Western Europe and North Africa in witnessing a rare celestial event known as lunar occultation.

This phenomenon occurs when the moon covers planets or stars that align directly behind it as it orbits Earth. With the moon being its closest and largest this year, it easily obscured Saturn, which is approximately 1.3 billion kilometres away.

As the occultation began, Saturn and the moon were low in the sky, but as the event progressed, the ringed planet remained near the moon throughout the night.

However, viewing Saturn’s rings and moons required high-powered binoculars or a telescope, making the spectacle difficult to see with the naked eye.

Maltese photographer Alexei Pace captured this extraordinary event by aiming his Canon 6D and Celestron C14 telescope towards the southwestern sky as Saturn set in the Aquarius constellation at 5.41 am local time.

Pace managed to photograph Saturn as it disappeared behind the 97% illuminated waning gibbous moon.

“After 45 minutes, Saturn reappeared from behind the Moon’s dark edge, concluding the celestial alignment,” Pace wrote in a blog post, describing the impressive sight witnessed by dedicated observers despite the brightening dawn sky.

#MaltaDaily

2,118 New Dwellings & 453 Permits Approved Between April & June

Aug 21 2024

In the second quarter of 2024, a total of 2,118 new dwellings were approved in Malta, marking a 13.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

Building permits, which indicate future construction activity, showed a decline, with 453 permits issued, representing an 8.3% drop from the previous year. On average, each permit accounted for 4.7 new dwellings.

Apartments made up the majority of new dwellings approved, with 1,491 units (70.4% of the total). These were followed by penthouses (333), maisonettes (205), terraced houses (66), and other residential units (23).

When compared to the same quarter in 2023, the number of approved new dwellings in Malta decreased by 17.5%, while Gozo and Comino saw an 8.4% increase.

Regionally, the Northern Harbour district recorded the highest number of approved dwellings, totaling 542, while the Western district saw the fewest approvals with 191.

Among individual localities, San Pawl Il-Baħar had the most approvals with 130 new dwellings, followed by Ħaż-Żabbar (128), Il-Mosta (124), Birkirkara (114), and Ta’ Sannat (111).

These statistics reflect a cooling in the construction sector in Malta during this period, particularly on the main island, while Gozo and Comino experienced modest growth.

#MaltaDaily

Source: NSO