Iran is considering relocating its capital from Tehran to Makran, a coastal city, to address Tehran’s overpopulation, water scarcity, and pollution, and to boost the country’s struggling economy. This move, proposed to improve trade via Makran’s proximity to the Gulf of Oman, has faced significant criticism due to its substantial cost and potential disruption to Iran’s cultural identity. The project is currently in an exploratory phase, seeking input from various experts. While potentially beneficial economically, the plan’s feasibility and timeline remain uncertain.
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The number of homeless in Japan hits a record low. This headline caught my attention because it seems almost too good to be true. I remember my time in Japan vividly, and I must admit, I rarely encountered visibly homeless individuals during my travels. However, as I delved deeper into the issue, I learned about the concept of ‘Jouhatsu’, the ‘evaporated people’ who are homeless but unreported, living off-grid. These individuals choose to remain hidden due to the shame associated with losing a career or being unable to provide for their families. The presence of thousands of ‘Jouhatsu’ individuals, unaccounted for in official statistics, sheds light on a hidden aspect of homelessness in Japan.… Continue reading
Paris Residents Vote on Plan to Triple Parking Charges for SUVs
SUVs are becoming a plague in Europe, where the traditional cities are unfit for such vehicles. It’s high time we address this issue before we resort to destroying buildings for the sake of wider roads. Now, Paris residents are set to vote on a plan to triple parking charges for SUVs, in an effort to combat air pollution and climate breakdown.
The initiative, led by green activists in Paris, aims to tackle the increasing presence of large, heavy, and polluting SUVs driven by non-residents. The city hopes to send a strong message to car manufacturers, urging them to stop building SUVs.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker