Industrial Safety in Malta: A powerful blast at the Ta’ Lourdes fireworks factory in Magħtab/Mosta early Monday damaged homes and farms and sent a thick smoke plume across the island; two men (47 and 67) were treated for minor injuries/shock after working in nearby fields, while authorities say no factory employees were inside and the area was cordoned off as emergency services checked for further risks. Travel & Consumer Impact: The UK Foreign Office updated Malta advice, urging Brits to stay away from the immediate Magħtab/Mosta area while services remain on scene. Politics & Business Climate: Malta’s Labour Party won a record fourth consecutive term, with PM Robert Abela calling it a historic mandate focused on stability and economic growth amid Middle East-linked uncertainty that could hit tourism and costs. EU Compliance Watch: The European Commission opened infringement steps against 20 Member States, including Malta, over delayed transposition of EU green-claims rules due to apply from September 2026. AI in Finance Ops: OKX, which has designated Malta as a Europe hub, says it will factor AI use into staff performance reviews, rolling out AI tool access and measuring usage in mid-year appraisals.