Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in 01.

X HAS OFFICIALLY CHANGED THE IRAN FLAG EMOJI FROM THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC FLAG TO THE secular IRANIAN FLAG
In recent days, a viral claim has spread across social media: “X has officially changed the Iran flag emoji from the Islamic Republic flag to the secular Iranian flag.” For many users, the story felt dramatic, symbolic, and deeply political. Emojis, after all, are not just digital decorations; they represent nations, identities, and history in the palm of our hands. But did X (formerly Twitter) actually change Iran’s national flag emoji? And if not, why did so many people believe it did? To understand the controversy, we need to look at how emojis are created, who controls them, and why even small visual changes can carry enormous political weight. Who Controls Flag Emojis? Contrary to popular belief, social media companies do not decide what national flags appear as emojis. All standard emojis—including country flags—are defined by the Unicode Consortium, an international nonprofit organization that maintains the global text encoding system used by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and other major tech companies. When you type 🇮🇷 on your phone, you are not inserting an image owned by X, Apple, or Android. You are using a Unicode character that represents the country code for Iran. Each platform then renders that emoji using its own artwork style. That means Apple, Google, and Microsoft can make the flag look slightly different in shape, shading, or texture—but they cannot legally redefine what the flag represents. So if Iran’s official flag emoji were to change worldwide, it would require a formal decision by Unicode, something that happens rarely and only after extensive review. No single platform, including X, has the authority to alter a country’s emoji for everyone. What Did X Actually Do? What appears to have happened is far less dramatic than the viral headlines suggested. Some users noticed that on X’s interface, the Iran flag looked different—closer to a “secular” or pre-1979 design rather than the current flag of the Islamic Republic. This led to the conclusion that X had “replaced” the emoji. In reality, X can only modify how emojis are displayed within its own app or website. If X adjusted its internal emoji font, user interface elements, or graphic assets, the flag might appear different on X while remaining unchanged everywhere else—on iPhones, Android devices, messaging apps, and other social media platforms. In other words, any visual shift would be platform-specific, not a global change to the official Iran flag emoji. Why Did the Story Go Viral? The reason this claim spread so quickly has less to do with emojis and more to do with politics and symbolism. Iran’s flag is not just a piece of fabric; it represents a deep historical divide. The current flag, adopted after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, includes religious symbolism tied to the Islamic Republic. Many Iranians in the diaspora, as well as secular activists and opposition groups, continue to use older versions of the flag as a symbol of resistance and national identity outside the religious framework of the state. So when people thought that X had replaced the official flag with a “secular” version, it felt like a political statement—a public rejection of the Islamic Republic and an endorsement of a different vision of Iran. Supporters celebrated it as bold. Critics condemned it as interference in national identity. The emotional charge made the claim spread faster than any technical explanation could keep up. Could Unicode Ever Change It? In theory, yes—but in practice, it is extremely unlikely. Unicode bases flag emojis on internationally recognized country codes, not on political preferences or internal disputes. As long as the Islamic Republic of Iran is the internationally recognized government of Iran, the 🇮🇷 emoji will continue to represent the official national flag. Changing it would require not just a design update, but a fundamental shift in global recognition—something far beyond the scope of tech companies or emoji committees. Emojis as Modern Political Symbols This episode highlights a larger truth: emojis have become political objects. A tiny icon can carry meanings about sovereignty, legitimacy, and identity. We have seen similar controversies over flags, skin tones, gender symbols, and even which countries are included at all. In a digital world, representation matters. For millions of people, especially those living in exile or under restrictive regimes, the symbols they use online are one of the few ways to express identity and resistance. That is why even the rumor of an emoji change can ignite intense global debate. The Bottom Line X did not—and legally cannot—“officially change” the Iran flag emoji for the world. Any difference users may have seen is limited to X’s own platform design or to images that merely resemble emojis. The Unicode 🇮🇷 flag remains the internationally recognized symbol for Iran across operating systems and apps. Yet the reaction to this rumor reveals something powerful: in the 21st century, even a tiny digital flag can become a battlefield for history, politics, and national identity. Whether on streets or screens, symbols still matter—and sometimes, a single emoji is enough to start a global conversation.
By Mustafaabout 12 hours ago in 01
What I Learned About Pest Control After Living in Detroit
Living in Detroit for several years has taught me that pest problems are not just a seasonal inconvenience — they’re often a long-term reality. From mice seeking warmth during winter to insects becoming active in the summer, pests tend to find their way into homes regardless of how careful you are.
By Jamal Mooreabout 17 hours ago in 01
United States Cryptocurrency Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033. AI-Generated.
United States Cryptocurrency Market Outlook The United States Cryptocurrency Market is expected to reach US$ 4.51 billion by 2033, rising from US$ 1.75 billion in 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.11% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research. This steady expansion reflects the growing integration of digital assets into the financial ecosystem, driven by rising institutional participation, advancements in blockchain infrastructure, and increasing consumer acceptance of decentralized financial systems.
By Aaina Oberoiabout 19 hours ago in 01
How to Launch a Crypto PR Marketing Campaign Efficiently in 2026?
The crypto ecosystem continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for projects seeking visibility and credibility. Public relations (PR) in crypto is no longer just about announcements; it involves creating meaningful narratives, managing reputations, and fostering community engagement. In 2026, an efficient crypto PR marketing campaign requires a comprehensive strategy that combines data-driven insights, innovative communication methods, and precise targeting. This blog explores the essential steps and best practices for launching a crypto PR campaign that drives awareness, trust, and long-term engagement.
By Jack santoa day ago in 01
Staying Safe on Solo Home-Care Visits: Fast Alerts, Clear Location, Simple Routines. AI-Generated.
Home care is intimate work—and that’s exactly what can make it unpredictable. You’re often alone, in someone else’s space, with no coworker down the hall and no security desk to lean on. Most visits are calm. But when a client escalates, a family argument turns sharp, or you get that “something’s off” feeling walking back to your car after dark, you don’t have time to unlock a phone, explain, dial, and hope the right person answers.
By Jared Benninga day ago in 01
Italian Brainrot: Gen Alpha
If you walk through a bustling piazza in Milan or stand near a school gate in Rome during the afternoon rush, you might hear a conversation that feels like a glitch in the linguistic matrix. You’ll see a group of twelve-year-olds, dressed in matching tech-fleece tracksuits, shouting about "Skibidi," debating who has the most "Aura," and accusing each other of being from "Ohio." To anyone born before the year 2010, this sounds like a collective mental breakdown. But to the architects of this new reality—Generation Alpha—it is the only language that makes sense.
By Teodor Monescua day ago in 01
Understanding School Closure Chances Through Weather
Understanding School Closure Chances Through Weather Many families now use tools like the snow day calculator to better understand how weather patterns may impact school schedules. Weather has a strong influence on daily school life. Families often begin their mornings by checking forecasts and watching the sky. Students listen closely for updates that could change plans. School officials monitor conditions with responsibility. Weather is never just background noise during winter months. It becomes a deciding factor.
By Astrology Networka day ago in 01
First step is Always the Hardest step
The first step is always the hardest step. This simple sentence carries a deep truth that applies to almost every part of human life. Whether someone is starting a new career, building a business, changing a habit, learning a new skill, or even healing emotionally, the beginning often feels heavy, confusing, and frightening. Yet, despite its difficulty, the first step is the most powerful one—because without it, nothing else can follow.
By shaoor afridia day ago in 01
The Best Head Shaver of 2026, According to User Reviews
For those who shave their heads regularly, the difference between a high-quality tool and a frustrating one is immediately noticeable. Issues like tugging, irritation, uneven patches, and constant cleanup were once unavoidable. However, in 2026, these problems have become much less common.
By CEO A&S Developersa day ago in 01
Ford F-150 Tonneau Cover Install in Under 10 Minutes
Installing a tonneau cover on a Ford F-150 doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Many modern tonneau covers are designed so that truck owners can install them quickly without special tools or professional help.
By Bison Tonneau Covers2 days ago in 01
Europe Books Market Size and Forecast 2026–2034. AI-Generated.
Europe Books Market Outlook The Europe books market is anticipated to increase from US$ 44.68 Billion in 2025 to US$ 62.29 Billion in 2034, driven by sustained demand across educational, academic, professional, and leisure reading segments. It is likely that the market will grow at a CAGR of 3.76% from 2026–2034 due to an increased focus on literacy, the growth of digital audiobooks, expansion of online retail channels, and continued innovation in content by publishers in major European economies.
By Aaina Oberoi2 days ago in 01
How Homeowners in Coastal Alabama Can Plan Residential Repairs Wisely
Owning a home comes with long-term responsibilities, and maintenance is one of the most important. In coastal and southern parts of Alabama, environmental conditions such as heavy rain, humidity, and seasonal storms can gradually affect a home’s structure. Understanding how to plan residential repairs thoughtfully helps homeowners protect their property, manage costs, and avoid larger problems over time.
By M and T Contractor 2 days ago in 01