And the safest city in the world in 2021 is…

Sep 23 2021

Safety is a major concern for travelers seeking to find the next global gem, and with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of what exactly constitutes a safe country has been put up for the test even more. The top spot of 2021 has been occupied by a European destination, despite Asian cites like Tokyo, Singapore and Osaka having consistently occupied these top ranks for consecutive years. This time, however, it is Copenhagen’s, Denmark’s capital, time to shine. Scoring 82.4 points out of 100 in the annual report, Copenhagen jumped from 8th place to the top, largely due to the introduction of the environmental security section being added to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index (SCI).

Lord mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss stated that Copenhagen’s crime rate is currently at it’s all time lowest in more than a decade, with social cohesion and the relatively narrow wealth gap contributing to its safety. Weiss described the city as a hub where the cleaning assistant and the CEO meet each other at the local supermarket and have their kids in the same school. In second place came Canada’s Toronto, scoring 82.2 points, followed by Singapore at 80.7. The bottom five was occupied by Nigeria’s Lagos, Egypt’s Cairo, Venezuela’s Caracas, Pakistan’s Karachi and Myanmar’s Yangon.

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Malta has the 59th best internet quality around the globe

Sep 23 2021

According to Digital Quality of Life index, Malta has one of the worst internet qualities from all of the countries in Europe. Compiled by the cybersecurity company Surfshark, the survey ranked Malta at 40th place in terms of digital wellbeing across 110 countries around the world. The survey ranked the digital wellbeing through analysing five main indicators: internet affordability, internet quality, e-infrastructure, e-security and e-government.

In terms of internet quality, Malta ranked at 59th and 52nd in terms of electronic security. Malta’s best score came in e-government and e-infrastructure, where it ranked in 30th place. Malta also proved to have the 43rd most affordable internet in the world, with Maltese residents having to work 6.25 minutes to afford the cheapest mobile internet and 135 minutes to afford the cheapest broadband internet services. Globally, Denmark ranked the best quality of life index, followed by The Republic of Korea, Finland and Israel.

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Photo Source: CBC

Apple developing software to detect mental health issues on phones

Sep 22 2021

Apple is currently working on technology which will make iPhones capable of detecting depression, anxiety and other mental health issues of users. The tech giant has just released the iOS 15, with updates which facilitate use greatly. Apple has however expressed bigger plans beyond just refining user experience. iPhone and Apple Watch have already introduced heart, sleep and activity monitoring, but detecting mental health could be a massive step for technology as a whole. Apple are allegedly working with UCLA and a biotech firm called Biogen to develop tech which can accurately detect such mental health issues.

Recently in Malta, a new survey revealed that 15% of students between the ages of 13 and 16 considered self-harm at least once throughout the pandemic. Another 61% revealed that they felt unease and afraid about the future and a whopping 87% expressed concern for their family’s well-being. Given the boost of mental health issues due to the pandemic, and the awareness surrounding mental health, this Apple development could revolutionize how we view such a topic. Of course, the technology and ethics behind it would have to be of expert quality given the nature of mental health, but it could potentially make people more aware and accepting of how to deal with such issues.

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Photo Source: Engadget, ABC News

5 year old Maltese model with Down Syndrome owns international catwalk

Sep 22 2021

The London Fashion Week catwalk was completely owned by Francesca Rausi, a 5-year-old Maltese model with Down Syndrome. Rausi, who already has several awards and trophies under her belt, represented Malta last Sunday as she made her way across the international catwalk to a host of cheers and support. Her mother shared a video of Rausi rocking the catwalk to Facebook, stating that this is the day her beloved daughter shines and makes Malta proud. Little Francesca has been dominating local competitions, having started to compete in the scene at the early age of just 3.

Her mother Michelle said her daughter made it and was ‘the first child with Down Syndrome to represent Malta in London Fashion Week. Francesca garnered fans and support from all over the island and abroad, showing everyone what a complete natural she truly is at the craft. Donning her pink elegant dress and flowery head band, Francesca was the star of the night, walking with poise and elegance unparalleled. Well done little one!

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Photo Source: Michelle Rausi FB