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Jakarta Crowned the New Megacity King

Big news for city lovers and urban explorers! Jakarta has officially overtaken Tokyo as the most populous city in the world, according to the United Nations. This shift happened after the UN adopted new criteria to better reflect the realities of rapid urbanization. The updated rankings show just how quickly Jakarta has grown, leaving the once-untouchable Tokyo in second place.

A New Era of Urban Growth

The UN’s revised criteria aim to provide a clearer picture of urban expansion, focusing on factors like metropolitan boundaries and daily commuting patterns. Jakarta’s population boom reflects broader trends in global urbanization, especially in Southeast Asia where cities continue to swell at breakneck speed. If you thought the Jakarta traffic was bad before, just wait until you see what the “world’s most crowded city” title brings!

It’s both inspiring and a little mind-boggling—Jakarta has transformed itself from a regional hub into the world’s urban epicenter. As megacities like Jakarta keep growing, the world will watch closely for lessons in sustainability, innovation, and (let’s be honest) how to fit a few more million people into rush hour.

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The Guardian: Jakarta overtakes Tokyo as world’s most populous city

Hong Kong’s iconic bamboo scaffolding has come under intense scrutiny following the city’s deadliest fire in years. On Wednesday, thick smoke and flames swallowed residential towers, and the centuries-old construction method took center stage, raising concerns about its role in modern urban safety.

The Tradition of Bamboo Scaffolding

For generations, workers have used bamboo poles to build the skeletons of Hong Kong’s high rises. The technique, admired for its flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness, has even become a cultural symbol. You’ll spot it everywhere—from glitzy skyscrapers to humble shopfronts.

Safety Concerns in the Spotlight

However, as city officials and residents reel from this tragedy, hard questions arise. Is this time-tested tradition still safe in a city packed tighter than a dim sum basket at brunch? Recent events have sparked debates, with some calling for stricter safety regulations or even a move to modern materials. Others defend bamboo as a vital part of Hong Kong’s identity.

It’s a bit like asking your grandma to swap her recipe for instant noodles—sometimes, tradition meets its toughest test during a crisis.

Will Hong Kong cling to its bamboo roots, or is it time for a new chapter in urban construction? The answer might shape the city’s skyline—and its future—forever.

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A piece of tech history is about to hit the auction block—Apple’s original 1976 founding contract will soon be up for grabs. This rare document, signed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, formed the legal backbone of what would become the world’s most valuable technology company. Christie’s will auction the contract alongside a draft of the U.S. Constitution next year, bringing together two pieces of American innovation under one roof.

A Glimpse into Tech’s Humble Beginnings

While Apple now dominates the global tech scene, this contract hails from a time when Jobs and Wozniak were just ambitious young entrepreneurs in a Los Altos garage. The document, inked in April 1976, shows how big ideas can start on a simple piece of paper. Experts predict this artifact could fetch millions, especially with Apple fans and collectors eager to own a slice of Silicon Valley legend.

From Garage to Global Icon

Isn’t it wild? The same company that puts a computer in your pocket started with a single contract and a crazy dream. You might not be able to afford an original Apple contract, but at least you can still afford an iPhone (for now).

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Two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in a shocking incident that has rattled Washington, D.C. Former President Donald Trump swiftly condemned the attack, calling it an ‘act of terror’. The suspect, reportedly a foreign national from Afghanistan, was taken into custody immediately after the event.

According to authorities, this alarming situation has led the US government to stop processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals indefinitely. This move reflects heightened security concerns and a renewed focus on immigration policy.

Details of the Shooting

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as shots rang out near one of the most secure locations in America. The injured soldiers received immediate medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition. The motives behind the shooting are still under investigation, but officials are treating it as a serious threat to national security.

Political and Social Impact

The incident has reignited debates on border security and immigration controls. Trump’s strong words echo the sentiments of many who are worried about potential threats from abroad. Meanwhile, advocates for Afghan immigrants express concern that this isolated event might unfairly impact thousands seeking safety in the US.

Talk about a bad day at the office! You’re guarding the White House, expecting a dull shift, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a diplomatic crisis. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail and that policies are shaped with both security and compassion in mind.

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