Article Outline

If you ever wondered which cities are bursting at the seams with people, the latest United Nations report has the answer. The world’s most populous cities list just got a shake up! According to the new UN data released on 26 November, Jakarta, Indonesia, now claims the crown as the world’s largest city with a staggering 41.9 million residents. Not far behind, Dhaka, Bangladesh, lands in second place—proving that Asia is truly the continent of megacities.

Jakarta: The City That Never Sleeps (Because It’s Too Crowded)

Jakarta has overtaken all other contenders, thanks to its rapid urbanization and population boom. With over 41 million people calling it home, the city buzzes with life 24/7—though, let’s be honest, it must be hard to find a quiet corner to relax! Meanwhile, Dhaka’s growth continues at warp speed, earning it the second spot in the global population race. The city pulses with energy, culture, and enough traffic jams to make even the most patient saint cringe.

Why Does This Matter?

These numbers aren’t just trivia; they reflect massive shifts in where people choose to live and work. Urban planners, policymakers, and even us regular folks need to pay attention—because when cities grow this fast, it brings both exciting opportunities and big challenges. From infrastructure to housing to environmental concerns, the race to accommodate millions is on. Who knows, maybe one day, squeezing onto a Jakarta bus will be considered an Olympic sport!

Sources:

Source

Conwy’s Beloved Royal Superfan Makes Headlines Again!

It seems royal fever never fades in Conwy, thanks to their legendary royal superfan. Known for her unforgettable moment when she boldly kissed King Charles, this spirited local has now set her sights on Prince William. During a recent royal visit, she couldn’t resist asking the future king, “Can I kiss you like I did your dad?” Prince William, ever the charmer, replied wittily, “All the ladies want to kiss me so it wouldn’t be fair, but you…” The crowd erupted in laughter, and social media can’t get enough of this playful exchange.

This light-hearted moment has captured the hearts of royal fans everywhere. It’s not every day you see a member of the royal family handling cheeky requests with such grace—and a sense of humor! The Conwy superfan has once again shown us that age is just a number when it comes to enthusiasm for the royals. The story adds a dose of laughter to the news cycle and proves that even future kings can’t escape the charm of their most loyal admirers.

If only we all had this level of confidence! Maybe next time, Prince William will hand out royal pecks to everyone—or start charging for them. Either way, Conwy’s own royal fan is officially our spirit animal this week.

Sources:

• North Wales Pioneer – Conwy Royal Fan Kisses King Charles, Hugs Prince William

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.

Sources:

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.

Sources:

Source