City Scope

04/01/2024

Scientists at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica have documented an unprecedented instance of rainfall, sparking apprehensions regarding potential repercussions on the region’s wildlife, notably penguins.

In early December 2023, the station witnessed drizzle, accompanied by an unusually mild temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, a departure from Antarctica’s typical rigidity.

The station highlighted the rarity of rainfall in Antarctica, which has been seven times since 1989, underscoring the exceptional nature of this recent event. The brief rainstorm, lasting less than two hours, poses a significant threat to the local ecosystem, particularly endangering vulnerable baby penguins whose non-waterproof feathers may result in frostbite when exposed to rain.

04/01/2024

Starting January 31, 2024, the United Kingdom will implement significant changes to its visa rules, expanding business activities for visitor visa holders.

Tourist visas will now permit work with clients and remote work while in the UK, aiming to boost business and tourism. The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will merge into the Standard Visitor route, eliminating the need for a separate visa for paid engagements.

Employees of companies with British and international branches can engage in client work abroad, provided it’s a small part of their overseas responsibilities and crucial for their UK branch. Remote work should not be the primary reason for their stay. Scientists, researchers, academics, and lawyers also have specific allowances under the new rules.

03/01/2024

Marvelous Mouse Travels, a US-based travel agency, is organising the ‘In My Cruise Era’, a Taylor Swift-themed cruise with Royal Caribbean in 2024.

Departing from Miami on October 21, 2024, the four-night cruise promises Swift-inspired activities like a welcome cocktail party, friendship bracelet swapping, themed dance parties, karaoke, trivia, and nightly Era outfit themes.

The cruise will sail to Coco Cay, Nassau, Bahamas, and spend a day at sea before returning to the Port of Miami, offering fans a unique Taylor Swift-inspired experience on the high seas. It is pertinent to note that Swift is not associated with the event.

03/01/2024

A Japan Airlines Airbus A350, flight JL516 from Chitose, Hokkaido, caught fire upon landing at Haneda Airport. The preliminary assessment suggests a collision with a Japan Coast Guard plane.

All 379 occupants, including 367 passengers and 12 crew members were safely evacuated after the accident. The Coast Guard aircraft, JA722A, destined for Niigata for earthquake relief, had six occupants, with five reported dead.

Firefighters battled the blaze for hours at the international hub near Tokyo. The incident occurred on January 2, around 5:47 p.m. local time, and over 70 firefighting vehicles responded to the scene.

02/01/2024

Hollywood actors Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse, who are known for their roles in Twilight movie series and Daisy Jones & The Six TV series, respectively, are set to tie the knot after a five-year romance.

Recent speculations about an engagement were fuelled when Suki was seen wearing a pink and white diamond ring in London. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in July 2018, is also expecting their first child, a revelation made by Suki at a recent concert.

02/01/2024

Forbes recently released the list of the world’s wealthiest nations based on GDP per capita, as per the International Monetary Fund’s estimates.

Despite expectations, the top 10 richest countries by this metric include some of the smallest on the map. GDP per capita, derived by dividing a country’s gross domestic product by its full-time residents, offers insights into the economic well-being of a populace.

It factors in purchasing power parity (PPP), which considers inflation rates and local costs. Although not without limitations, the GDP per capita ranking for 2023 (PPP adjusted) provides a close approximation of a nation’s wealth.

Let’s find out which nation tops the list in this CS Special by

02/01/2024

A series of powerful earthquakes shocked Japan on January 1, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuations along the northwestern coast.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the main quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, striking Ishikawa and neighbouring areas. The seismic activity commenced with a 5.7 magnitude quake at 4:06pm, followed by a 7.6 magnitude tremor at 4:10pm, a 6.1 magnitude shake at 4:18pm, and subsequent quakes of magnitudes 4.5, 4.6, and 4.8 at later intervals.

Tsunami waves up to five feet were anticipated within 300 kilometres of the epicentre in Noto, Ishigawa. Evacuation advisories have been issued.

01/01/2024

Buttar Group of Companies wishes everyone a very happy new year. May this year bless you with good fortune, prosperity, and wealth.

#2024

30/12/2023

Recently, Google released its annual ‘Year in Search’ report for 2023.

The special report by Google at the end of every year debriefs us all about what grabbed people’s attention globally during the year. Analysing various topics by the number of search hits and traffic, Google compiles a run-down of all things that were most looked for on the search engine.

From path-breaking movies and shows, fan-favourite actors and singers, sought-after travel destinations, to even mouth-watering dishes, Google shows us everything that people went gaga over in the last year.

Let’s know what caught people’s interest globally with this CS Special by

29/12/2023

Scientists recently declared July 2023 as the hottest month the planet has ever seen. We’re now officially in the era of ‘Global Boiling’.

Amid much disheartening news and serious discussions about global boiling, there is humour hidden in dark corners of the Internet. With serious discussions sometimes come brilliant, albeit funny or even impossible suggestions.

While the intentions are noble, some ideas will leave you in splits. So, just for today, let’s fight the global boiling of climate and personal stress with wit and humour.

Article: ; Design:

As the temperatures continue to rise, we have entered the era of global boiling. Let's ponder upon some of the humourous ways to combat it.

29/12/2023

Indian Prime Minister recently became the world’s first leader to have over 20 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel.

This feat not only surpasses his international counterparts but also leaves Indian political rivals far behind, solidifying Modi’s global leadership with a strong online presence. His YouTube channel boasts an impressive 4.5 billion video views.

In comparison, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is the second-leading world leader on YouTube with 6.4 million subscribers. Additionally, Modi holds the title of the most popular world leader on Instagram, with 82.7 million followers.

28/12/2023

A 6.5-metre bronze statue of internationally acclaimed singer has been erected in her hometown, Barranquilla, Colombia.

Crafted by sculptor Yino Márquez and his students, the statue captures Shakira’s iconic dance pose from the hit song, “Hips Don’t Lie.” The 46-year-old singer shared images and a video on Instagram, featuring her parents posing alongside the sculpture.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by Barranquilla’s mayor, showcased a plaque at the statue’s base detailing Shakira’s life, including her birth date and accolades for her captivating voice. The plaque also highlights her philanthropy, particularly her foundation “Pies Descalzos”, which promotes early childhood development.

28/12/2023

Hong Kong: The city’s oldest golf course, subject to a controversial reconstruction proposal, received the Award of Distinction at the 2023 Unesco Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Despite this recognition, the Fanling golf course’s management asserted that the accolade would not be used as leverage to preserve the facility. Unesco praised the club for creating a narrative and engaging activities for a broad audience.

The accolade signifies a giant stride in promoting an inclusive conservation management approach for cultural landscapes in Hong Kong and the broader region. The prestigious award reinforces efforts to safeguard the historic course from potential housing development.

#852

27/12/2023

Media reports indicate that Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny and reality TV star have ended their relationship, less than a year after being linked in February earlier this year.

The pair initially grabbed attention with a dinner date alongside Justin and Hailey Bieber. Their public appearances included Coachella, a Met Gala after-party, and the front row of the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week.

Despite the split, sources close to Jenner assert there’s no bad blood between them. The duo also collaborated on a fashion campaign for Gucci and attended a “Saturday Night Live” after-party together.

27/12/2023

Hong Kong: The redevelopment of the iconic Choi Hung Estate, celebrated for its vibrant Instagram appeal, is set to span 15 years, generating 9,200 flats —an increase of 24%.

Housing Secretary Winnie Ho Wing-yin disclosed the redevelopment plan for the 1960s estate, currently accommodating 7,400 households. The phased project will relocate around 2,500 households initially to Mei Tung Estate, with 2,860 flats ready by 2027-28.

Subsequently, their original Choi Hung blocks will be reconstructed. Affected residents are granted priority for 1,460 subsidised flats on Wang Chiu Road. The ambitious initiative aims to revitalise the ageing public housing estate effectively.

#852

26/12/2023

Ranbir Kapoor and delighted fans during their public outing with 13-month-old daughter, Raha Kapoor, at the Kapoor family’s Christmas brunch. This is where they finally revealed Raha’s face for the first time.

The 41-year-old actor and his 30-year-old partner posed for photographers, with Raha dressed in a white and pink frock.

The couple expressed gratitude for the media’s warm wishes on Raha’s “paparazzi debut,” emphasising their previous caution in sharing her photos on social media.

26/12/2023

Google’s ‘Year in Search 2023’ has been released. The stats reveal what the world has been searching the most during the year.

Here’s a list of the globe’s top 10 most searched individuals. Leading the pack is NFL sensation, Damar Hamlin, with Hollywood star Jeremy Renner closely following.

The list spans diverse categories, encapsulating actors, athletes, movies, musicians, recipes, and songs. Unveiling global curiosity, Google’s compilation reflects the world’s collective interest in these prominent figures.

Swipe this CS Special by to see the full list and to discover the diverse personalities capturing the global spotlight.

25/12/2023

The stage is set to release the 16th edition. Click the link below and scroll through the latest cover and other stories from our contributors.

Featuring on the cover is Mr. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal who has dedicated his life to wage a war against one of the most daunting adversaries humanity faces — cancer. Let’s uncover more about this beacon of hope and resilience.

Special thanks to Mr. Kuldeep Singh for his unconditional support.

Link: https://issuu.com/cityscopehongkong/docs/city_scope_edition_16_for_release

Featuring on the cover of the 16th edition is Mr. Kulwant Singh Dhariwal who has dedicated his life to wage a war against one of the most daunting adversaries humanity faces — cancer.

25/12/2023

Adding to the festive cheer on the occasion of Christmas, we are all set to reveal the cover of our 16th edition. With this, City Scope has completed four years and is all set to step into the fifth year with more enthusiasm.

Featuring on the cover is Mr. Kulwant Singh Dhariwal who has dedicated his life to wage a war against one of the most daunting adversaries humanity faces — cancer.

Stay tuned to this space as we’ll release the entire edition soon!

24/12/2023

Buttar Group of Companies wishes you a Merry Christmas. As we exchange gifts and relish the festive treats, let’s remember the heartwarming history that traces back to ancient celebrations of light and goodwill, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

We hope this holiday season brings you the warmth of tradition, the joy of giving, and the magic of togetherness. May the Christmas spirit bring laughter to your home and form memories that linger for long.

22/12/2023

Winter Solstice, occurring on December 22, 2023, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, various cultures celebrate this celestial event. In Chinese traditions, the Dongzhi Festival honours the yin and yang balance. Dongzi literally translates to ‘winter’s extreme’.

To celebrate this day, families gather and enjoy festive meals, particularly tangyuan (sweet dumplings). It signifies unity, familial bonds, and the cyclical nature of life. Both Winter Solstice and Dongzhi Festival illuminate the significance of harmony, renewal, and the warmth found in the heart of the coldest season.

#852

21/12/2023

Singer Demi Lovato and musician Jordan ‘Jutes’ Lutes are officially engaged after one year of dating.

The engagement took place in Los Angeles with the couple first revealing their romance in August of the previous year. In photos shared by Demi Lovato, the couple can be seen smiling in matching black attire with an engagement ring on.

Lovato showcased her distinctive triangular-shaped engagement ring from the NYC luxury jewellery boutique Material Good. The pair initially crossed paths while collaborating on their 2022 album, HOLY F**K.

20/12/2023

In a historic moment at the IPL 2024 auction Australia’s World Cup winning captain and fast bowler Mitchell Starc shattered records and became the costliest players ever in the tournament’s 17-year history.

secured Starc for a staggering INR 24.75 crore (US$ 3 million approx.) by outbidding Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals.

An hour before Starc became the most expensive player, in a record move, had secured Cummins for INR 20.50 crore (US$ 2.5 million approx), outbidding Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings.

Before Cummins and Starc, Sam Curran was the most expensive player in auction history as he was picked by for IPL 2023 at price INR 18.50 crore (US$ 2.23 million approx.)

20/12/2023

Croatia’s TasteAtlas unveiled its 2023 ranking of the world’s best cuisines, with Italy claiming the top spot, Japan at second, and Greece securing third. India secured 11th position.

TasteAtlas wrote, “Based on 395,205 (271,819 valid) dish ratings, and 115,660 (80,863 valid) food product ratings, these cuisines have recorded the best average ratings for their respective top 50 highest-rated dishes and food products.”

How many of these have you tried? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: TasteAtlas
CS Special:

19/12/2023

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s a great time to remember a Christmas book we all loved.

Published on December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol”, still continues to enchant readers with its heartwarming tale of redemption and the spirit of generosity.

This iconic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, on a transformative journey guided by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Dickens masterfully incorporates themes of compassion and the joy of giving, making it a poignant reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

17/12/2023

Did You Know: Since 2001, Rome has donated proceeds from the Trevi Fountain to the Catholic charity Caritas, aiding the city’s poor through programmes like soup kitchens.

These coins contribute around 15% to Caritas’ annual budget. In 2019, controversy arose over leaked documents indicating Mayor Virginia Raggi’s plan to divert funds for Rome’s infrastructure.

The Trevi Fountain, featured in films like Roman Holiday, holds a legendary belief that tossing a coin ensures a return to the Eternal City.

16/12/2023

Six shirts worn by during Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup were auctioned for US$ 7.8 million at Sotheby’s New York. The collection also included one from the final against France.

Despite falling short of the record in the sports category, the total sum did set a new high for Messi memorabilia. The shirts, worn in various matches, were sold by tech startup AC Momento to an anonymous bidder.

The price surpasses the previous record of US$ 450,000 for Messi’s match-worn clothing. Messi led Argentina to victory in December, defeating France in a thrilling 3-3 draw and securing the highest price for sports memorabilia at auction in 2023.

15/12/2023

A 75-year-old Vietnamese woman Bui Thi Loi has become a viral sensation. She claims to have sustained herself solely on water and sugary soft drinks for 50 years.

Following a lightning strike while aiding injured soldiers in 1963, she lost interest in solid food. Despite occasionally including fruits in her diet post-recovery, by 1970, her sustenance relied exclusively on liquids. Even the scent of solid food induced nausea for her.

While raising her children, she prepared meals without tasting them, resorting to borrowed milk for their sustenance. Now that she's alone, her kitchen remains deserted, stocked only with water and soft drinks. And surprisingly, doctors endorse her liquid-centric diet for vitality.

15/12/2023

Only 15 days are left until a new year begins. Why wait for January 1st to bring in the changes?

Begin today and take small steps towards a brighter future. You can start by transforming habits right away as not just as resolutions but daily choices that shape a better year ahead.

Each moment is an opportunity to build a foundation for success, happiness, and growth. Let’s make every day count and set the tone for a fulfilling year. Don’t delay, start now, and let the journey to a better you unfold with purpose and determination.

14/12/2023

The Geminid meteor shower will be gracing the night skies till December 14, reaching its climax on the night of December 14 (Indian time) or Dec 15 (Hong Kong time). Throughout this timeframe, observers stand a chance of spotting Geminid meteors with the naked eye.

The Geminid meteor shower, distinctively triggered by the meteor 3200 Phaeton, stands out as the only major meteor shower not originating from a comet. When Earth traverses the debris trail left by 3200 Phaeton, certain meteoroids from the meteor combust in our upper atmosphere, creating the spectacular phenomenon known to us as the Geminid meteor shower.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the best suggested observation period is between 8.30pm HKT on December 14 and 6am on December 15. Whereas, in India, the meteor shower will start getting visible around 6.53pm IST on December 14.

13/12/2023

Reflecting Gen Z’s influence on language, Oxford University’s Word of the Year for 2023 is ‘Rizz’.

Defined as someone’s ability to attract others through style, charm, or attractiveness. The term derived from ‘charisma’, gained popularity on social media and symbolises the younger generation’s linguistic trends.

For instance, one might say, “I unintentionally rizzed someone at the bar without trying,” or acknowledge someone’s charisma with, “She possesses undeniable rizz; you should take pointers from her.”

13/12/2023

Give your business the much-needed boost by using ’s end-to-end solutions. Visit our company website now to know more about our services — www.buttar.hk

13/12/2023

The Hong Kong WinterFest is back at West Kowloon Art Park and will be running till January 1, 2024.

A magnificent 20-metre Christmas tree, adorned with sparkling lights and a star topper, sets the festive scene. One will also find ‘LOVE’ installations, elegant trees, vibrant ornaments, and charming reindeers in Christmas Town. The Winterfest will also be made more lively with Santa’s surprise appearances at the giftbox-shaped Christmas hut.

The visitors can also enjoy a 10-day open-air Christmas Market at the Great Lawn with 25 stalls, food, live performances, and pet delights. Furthermore, there will be dazzling 8pm fireworks on December 16, 17, 23-26, featuring festive motifs and a stunning ‘HK’ monogram.

#852