Finnish basic income scheme success, Germany bans conversion therapy, hands-free sanitising stations

Photo: Tapio Haaja/Unsplash

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a trial of a basic income scheme in Finland which improved participants’ wellbeing, a win for LGBT+ activists as Germany bans conversion therapy for minor, and a Mumbai start-up which has installed over 1000 hands-free sanitising stations across the city.

A Finnish basic income pilot scheme improved the wellbeing of its participants

The first major study of the innovative idea suggests that recipients experienced a boost in their mental health, confidence, and overall life satisfaction.

Source: The Guardian

Germany bans gay conversion therapy for minors

The controversial practice has been outlawed, with health minister Jens Spahn stating “homosexuality is not an illness.”

Source: Deutsche Welle

A Mumbai start-up has designed and installed over 1000 hands-free sanitising stations in the city

The invention is set to improve access to basic hygiene for large numbers of inhabitants of one of India’s most populous regions.

Source: The Better India

Australian researchers have developed a lithium battery which can power an eletric car for 1000km

The battery might also be able to keep a mobile phone running for five days before the need to recharge arises.

Source: CNN

Sir David Attenborough is to give geography lessons to schoolchildren in lockdown

The renowned zoologist is one of many experts stepping up to offer their knowledge and expertise in order to educate young people learning from their homes.

Source: CNN

A small town in Ohio has passed a momentous human rights ordinance via Zoom

The bill protects the rights of LGBT+ individuals under the civil rights act, making discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity illegal.

Source: Advocate

An art centre in Amsterdam has repurposed greenhouses as “social distancing-friendly dinner pods”

The private dining spaces enable customers to adhere to lockdown guidelines, whilst allowing restaurants to reopen safely.

Source: Euronews

The city of London is planning on substantially increasing cycling opportunities

Parking and traffic lanes will be removed and reduced in order to provide more space for pedestrians and bikes, with some pavements to be doubled in width.

Source: Treehugger

A Lucha Libre wrestler is using his costume-making skills to sew face masks during the pandemic

The mysterious El Hijo del Soberano is creating the protective gear to help protect fellow citizens from coronavirus, whilst also celebrating the rich history and culture behind Mexican wrestling.

Source: Mentalfloss

Barcelona is creating pedestrianised “superblocks” in an attempt to reclaim its car-congested streets

Each plaza is comprised of nine city blocks, with the intention to designate over 400 acres of space to the project.

Source: Inhabitat

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