Small independent publishing projects in Valencia are enriching the literary landscape despite financial challenges and lack of institutional support. Josep Martínez of Pruna Llibres publishes Catalan works of hybrid genres, while Alberto Haller of Barlin Libros and Raúl E. Asencio of La Caja Books manage their presses with distinct identities and personal sacrifices. They express frustration with the precarious nature of the industry and the need for stronger distribution networks, especially in Latin America. Despite the hardships, moments of gratification come from engaging literary discussions and successful titles. The lack of political support is a concern, with calls for the Generalitat to recognize and support small talented projects to stimulate the publishing industry.

In Spain, thousands of people, many of them migrant women, are trapped in domestic work, facing endless labor and chronic poverty. Without contracts and with meager wages, they are hostages to a legal quagmire that limits them to domestic jobs despite varied professional backgrounds. A study by Oxfam Intermón and Universidad Carlos III shows that over a third of the 630,000 domestic workers live below the poverty threshold, and many do not contribute to social security. The article shares personal stories of women like Victoria, Gabriela, and Betty, who have faced exploitation and legal challenges in their search for a better life. The newly formed Red Estatal de Trabajadoras del Hogar y los Cuidados aims to improve conditions for these workers.

The article discusses the challenges of maintaining mental health after the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain, highlighting the scarcity of psychological resources and the potential for excessive catastrophism. It features insights from various professionals, including clinical psychologists and healthcare workers, who emphasize the importance of normalizing emotional responses to the pandemic and caution against overmedicalization. The article also addresses the low ratio of psychologists to population in Spain compared to the European average and the need for integrating psychological care into primary healthcare. It concludes with a call for increased resources and a more nuanced understanding of mental health issues.

The year 2021 begins with the implementation of a new European drone regulation that standardizes continental airspace usage, with an upcoming royal decree expected to expand the areas where drones can operate. This is not an immediate revolution but will help boost a sector poised to transform logistics, transportation, and communications in the 21st century. The drone market generated $22.5 billion globally in the previous year, with Asia, North America, and Europe being the leading contributors. Spain currently has 5,244 drone operators registered with AESA, and despite a decrease in professional operators, there's a significant increase in flight requests, indicating a willingness to take to the skies. The new European regulation categorizes operations based on risk and drone performance, simplifies bureaucracy, and anticipates a future where drones are as common as smartphones. The industry faces challenges such as economic impact, social integration, environmental response, privacy concerns, and international competition, particularly from China.

The article discusses the future of the maritime sector, focusing on the development and implications of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). It highlights the progress in automation and the regulatory efforts by the International Maritime Organization since 2017. The article mentions several pilot projects, including the Yara Birkeland, Eidsvaag Pioneer, and an autonomous ship developed by IBM and Promare. It also addresses the potential benefits and controversies of autonomous shipping, such as labor cost savings and the elimination of human error, alongside legal and safety challenges. The impact on employment is a significant concern, with differing opinions on whether automation will create or destroy jobs. The article also touches on the issue of flags of convenience and the environmental impact of autonomous shipping. It concludes that while technology will assist operations, the complete replacement of human crews is not imminent, and there is a need for technological training for seafarers to keep up with advancements.

Teleworking, once a future concept, became widespread due to COVID-19, but it has brought challenges such as misunderstandings, communication issues, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Companies like La Tienda Home and Holded have faced difficulties in maintaining team cohesion and company culture. Some, like Sending, have managed remote work successfully for years. Human resources professionals emphasize the need for a new approach to telework that considers emotional well-being and productivity, rather than just technological adaptation.

Enaire, a public entity, is participating in two European projects to demonstrate flying taxis in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela in 2022. The announcement was made by director Ángel Luis Arias at a virtual congress on urban air mobility. The flights in Galicia and Catalonia will use large platforms and, depending on regulatory development, will carry either people or test dummies. AESA plans to test flying taxis from half a dozen companies in 2021. Private initiatives like Tecnalia have already made progress, with a one-passenger flying taxi tested in 2019. The company has improved vehicle control and has been approved for a European project to fly in three cities. The second flying taxi in Spain was to start in Llíria with Ehang, but has been delayed to 2021. Major aviation companies like Boeing and Airbus are also working on air mobility solutions. However, flying taxis will not operate in European airspace until at least 2023 when the EU is expected to approve the regulatory framework.

The article focuses on the experiences of migrants who were rescued by the Aquarius ship and brought to Valencia, Spain, in 2018. It highlights the challenges they face, such as obtaining legal status and integrating into Spanish society. Moses, the president of the association Supervivientes del Aquarius, and other members like Muk and Ousmane, share their struggles with finding stable jobs, high living costs, and the bureaucratic hurdles in legalizing their status. Despite these challenges, they have formed an association to support other migrants, raise social awareness, and break stereotypes about African immigrants. They also engage in community activities and cultural programs to educate and integrate into the local community. The article also touches on the broader issues of immigration policies in Spain and the perception of migrants in Europe.

After 40 years of slot machines being a normalized part of leisure in Spanish bars and restaurants, the Valencian Community becomes the first autonomous region to agree on their restriction. The regional government has decided to set a distance of 850 meters between bars with slot machines and educational, health, and sports centers. While some amendments, such as the removal of slot machines from bars within 10 years, were softened with a four-year moratorium, the move is seen as a pioneering step in gambling regulation. Personal stories of individuals affected by gambling addiction, such as Carlos and Nacho, highlight the human cost of these machines. The article also discusses the historical context of slot machines in Spain, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and anti-smoking laws on gambling in bars, and the perspectives of various stakeholders, including psychologists, addiction support groups, and industry representatives.