Special Sick Leave For Childbirth Loss Proposed

Oct 3 2023

Ahead of the upcoming Budget 2023-2024, the General Worker’s Union has put forth a number of proposals for the government’s consideration.

Among them, the union has suggested a special sick leave for women who endure loss at childbirth or during pregnancy.

‘This compassionate leave offers support in a time of difficulty and loss by recognising the emotional and physical effect of a pregnancy on a prospective mother.’

In a similar vein, the GWU is also calling for more childcare facilities and health clinics in industrial zones. Among the other proposals are flexible work arrangements; equal pay for equal work and capping of the number of contracted workers on the workplace; a mental health first aider on the workplace; containing the compensation scheme for asbestos-relates illnesses and deaths; and much more.

What do you make of such proposals?

#MaltaDaily

Two More Cute Hedgehogs Rescued In Gozo

Oct 3 2023

Despite having just released Lynn and Francesco, Nature Trust’s Gozo Section have rescued another two hedgehogs and had them placed into rehabilitation.

The two latest additions, Halo and Massimo, have joined Dolly, Natalia and Andrea for further care.

‘Halo was found this week in the middle of the main road leading from Ghajnsielem to Qala. He is a male hoglet, and although he seemed ok at first glance, a closer look revealed a patch of missing spines. He is also too young to be on his own and had likely gotten separated from his mother.’

‘Massimo was found last week near the Lunzjata Valley in Kercem. He is a very large adult male, and he also has bald patches with missing spines.’

Unfortunately, both had intestinal infections, inhibiting their abilities to eat. They are now eating well and will be treated against the cause of the bald patches before release.

‘Hedgehogs rely on their spines as their main form of defense against attacks and predators. Bald patches of missing spines means that a hedgehog is very vulnerable in the wild. There can be a number of causes, and they will need treatment before their spines grow back.’

#MaltaDaily

Apple Teases Upcoming (And Expensive) iCar

Oct 3 2023

Apple has danced around iCar speculations for a decade, but the surge in Tesla’s popularity has reportedly urged the tech giant to push further for its development.

Even Elon Musk confirmed in 2016 that Apple’s vehicular endeavours were an industry-wide open secret, remarking to the BBC, “It’s pretty hard to hide if you hire a thousand engineers to do it.”

In that same year, Apple seemingly acknowledged this when they informed US transport regulators of their enthusiasm for automated systems, particularly in transportation.

The vehicle, informally dubbed the “iCar,” is internally referred to by Apple engineers as “Project Titan.” It is expected to operate on Apple’s proprietary iOS, a logical step given the prevalence of Apple CarPlay.

This integration will forge a close bond with the iPhone, likely featuring an integrated display for music, navigation, and potentially vehicle access. Positioned as a rival to Tesla, the iCar is projected to be electric, implying a focus on comfort and utility over high-speed performance.

Initial reports envisioned a fully autonomous iCar, sans steering wheel or pedals, allowing passengers to relax, watch TV, or play games while the vehicle handled the driving. Recent industry insights, however, indicate that this level of technology is not currently viable.

According to various sources, Apple is leaning towards a less ambitious model, possibly featuring both steering controls and pedals, and functioning in a semi-autonomous capacity. It may offer autonomous capabilities on highways, but prompt drivers to assume manual control on city streets or in adverse weather conditions.

The eagerly anticipated iCar has seen its projected release date delayed multiple times. The latest reports suggest Apple is aiming for a launch window between 2025 and 2027.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for accurate Apple product predictions, recently asserted that for a 2025 release, Apple may need significant acquisitions from existing EV and autonomous vehicle manufacturers, tweeting, “If Apple doesn’t pursue an acquisition strategy for entering the automotive market, I doubt the Apple Car can achieve mass production in the next few years.”

#MaltaDaily

Steve Zammit Lupi Kicks Off First Bicycle Bus To University

Oct 3 2023

Posting to social media, activist Steve Zammit Lupi shared how the first attempt at a bicycle bus as an alternative to other mainstream modes of transportation was a big success.

‘From Siġġiewi to the University of Malta in 40 minutes at a light pace,’ explained Zammit Lupi. ‘The main response upon arrival was how quick and comfortable the trip was.’

Writing in the comments, Steve revealed that the next one will take place next Monday and will go to Junior College and University.

The response to the concept seems to have been quite high, as many reached out to inquire for more information.

The activist had recommended the concept at the end of September as schools were preparing to reopen and worry about morning traffic skyrocketed.

#MaltaDaily