Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has risen to second place with a population of almost 37 million and is projected to become the world ’s largest urban center by 2050.

Experts note that the shift highlights the rapid population expansion in parts of South and Southeast Asia , where cities are swelling at unprecedented rates.

According to the UN report, the number of megacities — defined as having populations exceeding 10 million — has quadrupled from just eight in 1975 to 33 in 2025. The majority of these are concentrated in Asia.

In 1950, only around 20% of the global population lived in cities; today that figure has risen to 45%. By contrast, Dhaka and Jakarta have expanded at more than seven and five times the pace of Tokyo’s growth since 2000.

Projections suggest Dhaka will continue its upward trajectory, reaching more than 52 million inhabitants by 2050, narrowly edging out Jakarta by around 300,000 people . Tokyo, meanwhile, is expected to drop to seventh place, overtaken by rapidly expanding cities such as Shanghai and New Delhi.

While the total number of megacities worldwide is expected to rise from 33 to 37 by 2050, none of the new entrants will be European. London, Istanbul and Moscow are set to remain the continent’s only megacities, with London ranking 33rd globally.

London’s population is forecast to increase by around 1.5 million over the next quarter century, but the UN highlights that the capital is an outlier. Most British cities fall within the global norm of small to mid-sized urban centres.

Despite the dominance of sprawling megacities in headlines, the report emphasises that the vast majority of urban areas remain relatively small: 96% have fewer than one million residents, and 81% fewer than 250,000. 

Worldwide, 36% of people live in towns and 19% in rural communities.

For example, in Queensland the top trio includes Japanese, German and Chinese, while in Western Australia it’s Italian, Indonesian and Japanese. In Victoria, Italian leads the way, with Indonesian and French close behind. These patterns underscore how the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority language courses mesh with migration, trade and community language trends.

Official data shows this mix of modern priorities and tradition: while over 20 languages are taught in Australian primary and secondary schools, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Japanese, Indonesian, French, German, Spanish and Auslan remain the most common picks .

At the same time, studies reveal that participation in government-priority Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian has declined in recent years — for instance, one 2024 study found that enrolment in these dropped from 4.25 % of HSC students in 2001 to 3.43 % in 2021.

So what’s driving the state-by-state differences? Several factors like the strength of local migrant communities (Italian in Victoria, Indonesian in WA), the links schools maintain with trade partners (Japan and China), and state education policy.

The Australian Curriculum explicitly encourages students to learn another language alongside English, citing expanded cultural, social and employment opportunities.

Current global trends add urgency to these choices. With Australia aiming to deepen trade and diplomatic ties across Asia and Europe, knowing Japanese or Mandarin is more than cultural; it’s strategic.

At the same time, community languages such as Italian or German continue to thrive in regions with strong heritage linkages. Notably, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in April this year, committed A$25 million to support 600 community-language schools teaching more than 84 languages nationwide.

These nations came together with a simple but powerful goal to build peace, stability, and economic growth in a region that had seen its share of conflict.

Over the years, more countries joined the club. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995. Then Laos and Myanmar joined in 1997, and Cambodia completed the ten-member group in 1999.

Fast forward to 2025, and Timor-Leste (East Timor) officially becomes ASEAN’s newest and youngest member .

Today, ASEAN represents over 700 million people and is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. But what makes this expansion so interesting isn’t just the numbers but what they mean.

For a small country like Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN means access to bigger markets, stronger partnerships, and a seat at the table in regional decision-making. For the older members, it’s a sign that ASEAN is still growing, adapting, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. The region faces big challenges from economic inequality to political tensions and competition between global powers like the U.S. and China .

As Reuters has already reported , ASEAN’s new economic integration plan aims to strengthen unity and make the region more competitive, but balancing national interests will always be tricky.

The picture is telling some regions glow in green (very likely), others linger in pale yellows, and some turn red (very unlikely).

The Report defines “helping a stranger” as one of three benevolent acts surveyed by Gallup alongside donating money and volunteering, and connects these acts directly to how people rate their own lives.

Over the past years, the world witnessed a “benevolence bump” triggered by COVID-19, during which acts of kindness surged and remarkably stayed elevated. Even in 2024, helping strangers remained, on average, 18% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

On that spectrum, some nations stand out. In Africa, parts of West and Central Africa show higher-than-average willingness (darker green).

In contrast, much of Eastern Europe and Central Asia is shaded red or pale, indicating that helping strangers is seen as unlikely. These visual contrasts mirror the wider inequalities in social trust, institutional stability, and communal norms.

Take Nigeria, for example, despite media narratives often casting it in a negative light, it reportedly ranked 7th globally in terms of kindness to strangers in the 2025 report—even though its overall happiness ranking was much lower (105th).

That gap tells us something essential: a society’s warmth toward strangers can exist independently of broader economic conditions or institutional strength.

It’s telling that the report also highlights a psychological twist: people consistently underestimate how kind others are. Experiments involving “dropped wallet” scenarios revealed that actual return rates of lost wallets are often twice as high as what respondents anticipated.

In some Nordic countries, the long-standing front-runners in happiness, the expected and real rates of wallet returns rank among the highest globally.

In the real world, that misbelief can have consequences if we assume others won’t help; we limit cooperation, trust, and social cohesion before they even begin. The Report finds that expecting kindness from others is a stronger predictor of happiness than major harms people fear.

At the forefront is Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, a journey so extensive it has been described as “the cruise of all cruises.” Spanning 274 nights, it circles the globe across seven continents, 65 countries, and more than 150 ports, including 11 world wonders.

Sailing aboard the Serenade of the Seas , this nine-month adventure is divided into four epic segments—covering the Americas, Asia Pacific , Africa and Southern Europe, and finally Europe and beyond.

Royal Caribbean first unveiled the itinerary in 2021, and as it concluded in September 2024, passengers reflected on the experience as “beautiful,” highlighting both the breathtaking sights, such as Antarctica’s icebergs, and the unique camaraderie that developed among long-term voyagers.

While Royal Caribbean dominates with scale, Silversea Cruises is charting its own course with a very different kind of epic. Its 2026 World Cruise, titled The Curious and the Sea, runs for 140 nights from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon. Designed as a journey of discovery rather than sheer length, it will visit 70 destinations across 37 countries, including 26 rarely visited or long-paused ports and nine overnight stays.

Inspired by the routes of ancient explorers, the cruise passes through both the Panama and Suez Canals, traces historic trade paths, and ventures to remote locations such as Easter Island and islands linked to the voyages of Darwin and Captain Cook. Silversea describes this itinerary as its most immersive yet, and one that redefines luxury by blending comfort with the romance of exploration.

Other major lines are also joining this surge of ultra-long itineraries. Oceania Cruises will offer a 180-night voyage, while Azamara charts a 155-night journey and Regent Seven Seas Mariner sets sail on its Sense of Adventure world cruise, lasting 154 nights. Seabourn has curated a 129-night itinerary titled Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems, Crystal Serenity is offering 123 nights, and MSC Magnifica rounds out the list with 119 nights.

Each of these itineraries reflects the industry’s shift toward deeper, more sustained travel, where passengers can live aboard a ship for months at a time and explore dozens of countries without repacking once.

The rise of these marathon cruises demonstrates the desire for narrative and continuity in travel. Passengers are retracing the routes of explorers, crossing oceans with a sense of story, and creating a floating community along the way.

“There is a real risk that they will not embrace something that could literally save lives. We need to remember not to ignore the need for community sensitisation and mobilisation,” she said.

Her comments come as African countries begin to roll out new malaria tools, including vaccines and child-specific treatments, in regions where the disease remains the leading cause of death for children.

Using Uganda as an example, Krystal highlighted the importance of community-level systems like Village Health Teams. These teams, made up of trained volunteers, play a key role in educating the public, offering basic treatment, and referring patients for care, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

“We have the new vaccines coming in, which is excellent. But if people are not educated to this, if they’re not sensitised, then it could all fall flat,” Krystal added. Malaria kills hundreds of thousands in Africa every year, the majority of them children .

The new drug, designed specifically for babies, could help fill a major treatment gap, but for it to work, advocates say, communities must first know it exists.

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, leading to halted transportation systems, grounded flights, and widespread communication failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities ranging from technical failures to cyberattacks.​

In Spain, the outage brought public transportation to a standstill . Madrid's metro system was evacuated, and traffic lights ceased functioning, causing significant congestion. Airports operated on backup generators, leading to flight delays nationwide.

Hospitals suspended routine operations, relying on emergency power to treat critical patients. Retailers like IKEA closed stores or limited access, and oil refineries , including those operated by Moeve and Petronor, halted operations due to the power failure.​

Portugal faced similar challenges. Lisbon's metro and train services were suspended, and traffic signals failed across the country. Water supplier EPAL warned of potential disruptions, and residents rushed to purchase emergency supplies. All IKEA stores in Portugal closed for the day, and airports operated on limited capacity.​

The exact cause of the outage remains unclear. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese operator REN are investigating, with initial reports suggesting a possible technical failure in the high-voltage network. Authorities have not ruled out a cyberattack, and Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is examining the possibility.​

A fire in southwest France, between Perpignan and Narbonne, damaged a high-voltage power line, which some speculate may have contributed to the outage. However, French grid operator RTE stated that the incident was unrelated to the blackout.​

Power restoration efforts began within hours in some regions. By early afternoon, electricity returned to parts of the Basque Country and Barcelona. However, full restoration across affected areas is expected to take longer, with Portuguese utility EDP unable to provide a definitive timeline.​

The outage also impacted cultural events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended as electronic systems failed, leaving players and spectators in the dark.

Según un comunicado oficial de la Alcaldía de Bello, las evidencias obtenidas de las cámaras de seguridad han permitido reconocer a los responsables del asesinato. Sin embargo, por razones de seguridad en la investigación, no se han divulgado los nombres de los implicados. La Alcaldía aseguró que se está trabajando en la confirmación de sus identidades con el fin de avanzar en el proceso judicial.

El crimen ha sido descrito como un acto de odio; Sara fue brutalmente golpeada, sufriendo múltiples fracturas antes de ser arrojada a una quebrada por sus agresores, quienes incluso bloquearon la ayuda de terceros. A pesar de las difíciles circunstancias, fueron dos hombres locales quienes se aventuraron a rescatarla, en lugar de los bomberos.

Para ayudar en la captura de los responsables, las autoridades han ofrecido una recompensa de hasta 100 millones de pesos a quienes brinden información relevante. Se exhorta a la ciudadanía a comunicarse con la Policía Nacional para reportar cualquier dato que ayude en este caso.

From explosive celebrations to sacred rituals, here are 10 of the most unique Easter traditions practised around the world.

Sweden: Easter witches

Forget the Easter Bunny—in Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches,” donning colourful clothes and painted cheeks as they go door to door trading drawings for sweets, a whimsical blend of Halloween and Easter.

Germany: Easter egg trees and bonfires

Germans bring colour to their gardens with Ostereierbaum—trees decorated with hand-painted eggs. The season is also marked by towering Easter bonfires, meant to chase away the dark of winter and welcome spring.

Slovakia: Whipping tradition

In Slovakia, Easter Monday comes with a quirky and controversial custom: men playfully whip women with decorated willow branches, believed to bring beauty and vitality for the year ahead.

Greece: Rocket wars and clay pots

On the island of Chios, two rival churches engage in a thrilling "rocket war ," firing thousands of homemade fireworks across the night sky. Meanwhile, in Corfu, residents hurl clay pots from balconies to ward off evil spirits.

France: Giant omelette for a thousand

In the town of Haux, chefs cook a giant omelette made with over 4,000 eggs—enough to feed an entire village. Legend has it that Napoleon once ordered a massive omelette here, and the tradition stuck.

Guatemala: Flower carpets

In Antigua, streets bloom with intricate alfombras—vibrant carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruit that line the roads for Easter processions. These temporary artworks are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

Philippines : Self-crucifixion

In a dramatic and controversial act of faith, some Filipino devotees reenact Christ’s crucifixion —complete with nails and crosses—as a form of penance. Though discouraged by the Church, the practice draws large crowds each year.

Papua New Guinea: Cigarette trees

Churches in Papua New Guinea hang tobacco leaves and cigarettes on trees around Easter, encouraging congregants, especially men, to attend services and receive their “reward.”

Despite global challenges, some countries continue to lead the way in fostering environments that support happiness, community, and balance. Here’s a look at the top 10 happiest countries in the world in 2025:

1. Finland

For the eighth year in a row, Finland retains its top spot. The Nordic country is praised for its strong social safety nets, trust in government, low crime rates, and deep connection to nature. Finns also report high levels of personal freedom and life satisfaction.

2. Denmark

Denmark remains a close contender, thanks to its robust welfare system, work-life balance, and strong community ties. Citizens benefit from access to quality healthcare, education, and a sense of collective responsibility.

3. Iceland

With its stunning landscapes and close-knit communities, Iceland continues to rank highly. Low crime rates, strong gender equality, and high levels of trust in institutions contribute to Icelanders’ well-being.

4. Sweden

Sweden’s emphasis on equality, sustainability, and progressive social policies keeps it near the top. It ranks highly in personal freedoms and generosity, with citizens placing great value on community welfare.

6. Netherlands

The Dutch enjoy a strong sense of freedom, excellent infrastructure, and high levels of trust in their government. Their culture of openness, innovation, and community support contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction.

What makes a country happy?

The report underscores that happiness is not just about wealth—it’s about community, trust, equality, and access to opportunities. Nations that invest in education, healthcare, civic freedom, and social support systems consistently rank higher.

As the world continues to evolve post-pandemic and amid geopolitical challenges, these countries demonstrate that well-being remains a cornerstone of resilient societies.

Leading the class is Amna Mohamed Ahmed, a 63-year-old educator who has spent three decades helping hundreds regain access to learning. "To watch someone go from not knowing how to read or write to graduating from university, getting a job, and supporting their family—it's incredible," she says.

Ahmed’s school provides a second chance for those who missed out on formal education, especially women who were denied schooling due to cultural or financial barriers.

In a country torn by conflict, her work has helped uplift several young people in her community.

Kapinga's marital journey commenced in 1961, embracing polygamy under the influence of his father's encouragement in the 1960s.

A year later, after marrying his first wife, he had his first child, and his father encouraged him to expand the family, even offering to pay dowries for more wives.

Eventually marrying 20 women, Kapinga now lives with 16, including seven sisters who chose to marry him due to his admirable qualities.

Despite the size of his family, jealousy is not an issue in Kapinga’s home, where each wife has individual homes and kitchens.

"This is not just a home; it is a system, and it works,” Kapinga explained.

Kapinga is known to be a fair and understanding husband, keen to hear his wives of their issues instead of imposing authority. Conflicts that arise are often settled amicably among the wives or brought to him for resolution.

The family achieves self-sufficiency through farming practicalities, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, cassava, and bananas, supplemented by livestock.

Despite occasionally forgetting names among his numerous offspring, Kapinga vividly recalls them upon sight. His family has not been without tragedy, as he has mourned the loss of 40 children due to health issues and accidents.

Nevertheless, he maintains a focus on his family’s welfare. "This family runs because of the women; I am only here to guide them," Kapinga said.

“Our family is not very big, so people getting married on the same day as us is something very special,” newlywed Gerardo Galvan told the AFP.

For many couples, like Carlos Tapia and Leticia Martinez, the idea of a mass wedding had long been on their minds. “For several years now, we had always seen the mass weddings and kind of had that idea,” said Carlos, 32, as he and his bride celebrated their union.

Municipal official Adalberto Perez explained that preparations began weeks in advance. “This was done two weeks in advance. We appointed them (the couples) in the office to receive their documentation and to take their signatures and fingerprints,” he said.

Mass weddings are a popular tradition in Mexico, often organized by local governments to help couples legally formalize their unions in a festive and cost-effective way. 

"It is challenging, but progress is being made," says Rashida Mahmud Abdirahman, a lawyer advocating for women’s participation in sports, told the AFP.

Amuna Adam, co-founder of the Ubah Fitness Centre, recalls the backlash she faced when starting the initiative. "When we started this centre, many people were saying this is a Westernised idea; it is against Islam and such, so we have been facing a lot of challenges," she explains.

For Hafsa Omer, captain of a local sports team, the journey has been equally difficult. "It was tough for us to be told, 'You are girls, you are not supposed to play.' The culture and the religion were not allowing us to play. Some of our parents did not even allow us to play," she shares. However, she notes a gradual change in attitudes, particularly among families. "We need to exercise our bodies for health purposes, so they eventually accepted, but the community still finds it surprising when girls play sports."

Abdirahman highlights the societal stigma many women face when participating in sports. "If a girl plays football, basketball, swims, or goes to the gym, many in society view it as shameful. They ask, 'What are you doing? You're a girl.' It is challenging, but progress is being made. Now, we have a football team, a basketball team, and several places where girls can exercise," she says, while acknowledging that obstacles remain.

The event, held in the heart of Algiers, was organized by the municipality of Alger Centre and aimed to bring together Algerians from all walks of life, with a special focus on younger generations.

Karima Hamzaoui, the deputy mayor of Alger Centre, explained the significance of the event: "The goal is to bring Algerians, especially young people , together to rediscover our rich heritage and traditions," she told the AFP.

The second edition of "La table du couscous Yennayer" (The Yennayer Couscous Table) saw volunteers and city officials working together to prepare a diverse array of couscous dishes, showcasing the variety of regional flavours that are part of the Amazigh culinary tradition.

Dalila Hemiss, a 51-year-old volunteer from France, extended her warm wishes to attendees, saying, "Assegas ameggaz! Happy New Year! Best wishes for the Amazigh year 2975. We are all here today to celebrate together, and it's an honour to be part of this tradition."

The "mega-couscous" event is part of a movement to celebrate and preserve the cultural legacy of the Amazigh people, whose history spans across North Africa.

The mother, Severine Vermard, describes her journey through grief as both harrowing and transformative. She recalls Lucas as a bright, kind-hearted boy who was targeted for his differences (being gay). The bullying he faced was not only physical but also emotional, leaving deep scars that ultimately led to his tragic decision.

Determined to ensure that no other family experiences such a loss, she channelled her grief into writing. Her book, "Lucas's Light: Shining Through the Darkness of Bullying," is a tribute to her son and a powerful tool for education and advocacy.

 "I decided to write a book to raise awareness about harassment so that people would remember Lucas and the fight I am waging right now to get justice for him so that there are no more victims," she told AFP.

Through personal anecdotes, research, and practical advice, the book aims to shed light on the pervasive issue of bullying and its severe consequences.

In addition to raising awareness, the book offers resources for bullying victims. It includes contact information for support organisations, tips for coping with grief, and advice on how to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children.

The mother emphasises the importance of open communication and the need for communities to come together to address this critical issue.

The minstrel carnival, often referred to as the "Kaapse Klopse" or "Cape Town Minstrel Festival," has its roots in the city's history of slavery. The parade honours the heritage of Cape Town's mixed-race community, many of whom are descendants of slaves brought to the city from Africa, Southwest Asia , and Indian Ocean territories during Dutch colonial rule in the 1650s.

Participants don flamboyant costumes, face paint, and carry umbrellas as they march through the streets, performing lively songs and dances. The New Year parade, a highlight of the festival, serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural pride for the community.

"It's a celebration of freedom and our unique identity," one participant, adorned in a sparkling purple suit and golden hat, told the AFP.

For Cape Town's residents, the carnival is more than just a spectacle; it's a deeply personal tradition passed down through generations, blending music , art, and storytelling to keep the spirit of the past alive.

The first formal parade was held in 1907, Muneeb Gambeno, director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association that organises the event, told broadcaster SABC, with slavery abolished in Cape Town in 1834. 

The candlelight vigil in Cetinje's central square was a sad display of solidarity and mourning. Citizens stood in silence, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candles, as they paid tribute to the lives lost. Similar gatherings took place in the capital, Podgorica, where people also came together to honour the victims.

The shooting spree was carried out by a 45-year-old man, identified as Aco Martinovic. According to authorities, Martinovic initially shot four people at a restaurant following an altercation.

He then proceeded to kill eight more individuals, including two children and his sister, at three different locations. The rampage ended when Martinovic turned the gun on himself after being cornered by police.

He later died of his wounds on the way to the hospital in the early hours of Thursday, January 2.

Despite these, the are employees in various parts of the who give out their all at the workplace in terms of work hours.

According to data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are some 5 countries in the world that work the most hours annually.

Here is the list:

Mexico

Topping the list is Mexico, where the average worker clocks in an impressive 2,207 hours per year. This high number reflects the country's labour dynamics, which often involve a six-day workweek.

Costa Rica

Following closely is Costa Rica, with an average of 2,171 hours worked annually. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica's high working hours might come as a surprise. However, the country frequently ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Happy Planet Index, indicating a unique blend of hard work and overall well-being.

Chile

In third place is Chile, where the average annual hours worked is 1,953. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in Latin America, and its workforce is known for its dedication and productivity.

Greece

Greece which is the fourth place has an annual work hours of 1897. Like the rest of the countries on the list, Greece has a stable workforce which drives its innovation and development.

Israel

Rounding out the top five is Israel, with an average of 1,880 hours worked per year. Israel's workforce is known for its high productivity and innovation, contributing to the country's strong economic performance.