Four People Being Born Every Second

Jan 3 2025

As of January 1, the global population has reached a record 8.09 billion, marking an increase of over 71 million in 2024, according to estimates.

This 0.9% growth rate reflects a slight slowdown compared to the previous year’s rise of 75 million.

The rate of population growth also means that in 2024, every second saw an average of 4 people being born.

In the United States, the population is projected to reach 341 million, fueled by a mix of births, deaths, and international migration, with a new resident added approximately every 21 seconds.

This growth contributes to a 2.9% population increase throughout the 2020s, continuing the trend of declining growth rates observed since the 2010s.

#MaltaDaily

Flight Leaves Hong Kong in 2025 Arrives in Los Angeles in 2024

Jan 3 2025

Taking off from Hong Kong International Airport just after midnight on January 1, 2025, the flight crossed the International Date Line mid-journey, effectively turning back the clock.

The plane touched down at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on December 31, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m., giving passengers a rare opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve for a second time after already ringing in the new year.

This fascinating “time-travel” experience is a unique feature of transpacific flights that cross the International Date Line.

By traveling eastward, flights appear to move backward in time due to the quirks of global time zones. While this phenomenon is relatively common for routes in this region, it never fails to amaze passengers experiencing it firsthand.

For those aboard Flight 880, the journey was more than just a trip — it was a chance to begin 2025 in an unforgettable way by living through the final hours of 2024 once again.

A marvel of modern aviation and time zone mathematics, it’s a story they’ll surely share for years to come.

#MaltaDaily

3 Years Since Tragic Murder Of Paulina Dembska

Jan 2 2025

In remembrance of Paulina Dembska, the Polish woman tragically murdered in Sliema on the 2nd of January of 2022, a collar with her name engraved has been placed on the notorious cat statue in the Independence Garden on the 3rd anniversary of her death.

Dembska, a dedicated cat feeder, was found murdered near the spot where she cared for strays, three years ago today. Her murder sparked a national outcry and led to the introduction of femicide in Malta’s criminal code.

The gesture, shared by artist Matthew Pandolfino, honours her love for animals and her tragic death.

The case remains in court, and the memorials nearby continue to honour her legacy.

Rest in peace Paulina.

#MaltaDaily

Youtuber & Independent Mep Proposes In Front Of Santa Clause

Jan 2 2025

Cypriot politician, Fidias Panayiotou, recently announced his engagement to his now-fiancée Styliana Averkiou.

Panayiotou is originally a Youtuber and has close to 3 million subscribers on the platform. At just 24 years old, he was elected as an MEP for Cyprus after running as an independent candidate and stating his wish to promote the involvement of youth in politics.

Fidias made his proposal truly unforgettable by asking his girlfriend to marry him in front of Santa Claus in Finland, the official home of Santa Claus.

Surrounded by snow and festive lights, Fidias surprised his partner with the heartfelt moment at Santa Claus Village.

#MaltaDaily