Which is the Largest House in the World? Where it is Located?

Houses are not just places to live; some are grand, luxurious, and larger than most people can imagine. Around the world, there are homes that span thousands of square feet, with countless rooms, gardens, and amazing features. These enormous residences often reflect wealth, history, and unique architecture. Exploring the biggest houses gives us a glimpse into extreme luxury and the way people design spaces on a massive scale.

Biggest House in the World

Lakshmi Vilas Palace, located in Vadodara, Gujarat, is among the largest residential palaces in the world. Built in the late 19th century, this grand palace is not just a royal home but also a symbol of power, culture, and architectural beauty. Even today, it stands as a reminder of India’s princely era and royal lifestyle.

Location and Historical Background

Lakshmi Vilas Palace is situated in Vadodara, a major city of Gujarat. It was constructed in 1890 for the Gaekwad family, who were the rulers of the former Baroda State. The palace was built under the leadership of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, one of the most progressive and visionary rulers of India.

Architect and Architectural Style

The palace was designed by Robert Chisholm, a famous British architect of that time. It follows the Indo-Saracenic style, which beautifully combines Indian architectural elements with European design ideas. This blend gives the palace a unique look that reflects both tradition and modern thinking.

Size and Grandeur of the Palace

Spread over more than 500 acres, Lakshmi Vilas Palace is often described as one of the biggest houses in the world. The massive palace complex includes large gardens, courtyards, halls, museums, and many other buildings. Its enormous size and royal layout make it larger than several famous palaces across the globe.

Construction Cost and Modern Features

At the time of its construction, the palace was built at an extremely high cost, making it one of the most expensive royal residences of its era. It was also very advanced for its time, featuring modern facilities like elevators, well-planned interiors, and European-style living spaces, similar to large country houses in Europe.

Interior Beauty and Darbar Hall

The interiors of Lakshmi Vilas Palace are richly decorated with elegant furniture, detailed artwork, and fine craftsmanship. The Darbar Hall, used for royal meetings and ceremonies, is especially famous for its grand design, beautiful paintings, and the royal throne, which represents the authority of the Maharaja.

Library and Art Collection

The palace has an impressive library and a valuable collection of art. Renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma was invited to the palace, where he created famous paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses. These artworks helped bring religious imagery closer to common people and had a lasting impact on Indian art.

Palace Grounds and Other Buildings

The vast palace compound includes several important structures, such as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which displays royal belongings, paintings, and sculptures. The property also has banquet halls and convention spaces used for events and cultural programs.

Royal Golf Course

In the 1930s, a golf course was developed within the palace grounds for European guests of the royal family. Later, in the 1990s, it was renovated and opened to the public by Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, making it accessible to common citizens while preserving its royal charm.

Cultural Significance

Lakshmi Vilas Palace is not only a royal residence but also a cultural treasure. It reflects the royal family’s support for art, education, and culture. The palace continues to hold emotional and historical importance for the people of Vadodara.

Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Films

Because of its majestic appearance, the palace has been used as a shooting location for many popular films. These include Prem Rog, Dil Hi Toh Hai, Grand Masti, Sardaar Gabbar Singh, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Indian 2, making it well-known in popular culture.

Present Status

Even today, Lakshmi Vilas Palace remains the residence of the Gaekwad family. Parts of the palace are open to visitors, while other sections are privately owned. Its grandeur, scale, and history continue to attract tourists from all over the world.

Who is the Richest Man in Asia in 2026? Check the List of Top-10 Richest Men of Asia

Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and is home to many powerful business leaders. These wealthy individuals have built huge empires in industries like technology, energy, retail, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Their success reflects strong economic growth, innovation, and smart business decisions. In 2026, Asia’s richest men continue to influence global markets and shape the future of business across the world.

Asia’s Richest Man in 2026

Mukesh Ambani remains the richest person in Asia in 2026. He is the chairman of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest business groups. The company started with oil refining and petrochemicals but later expanded into telecom, retail, and digital services. Reliance Jio changed India’s telecom sector by offering affordable mobile data to millions. Reliance Retail also became one of the country’s biggest retail chains. Recently, Ambani has invested heavily in renewable energy, showing a clear focus on the future. His wealth reflects India’s growing digital economy and rising consumer spending.

Top-10 Richest Men in Asia in 2026

The list below shows Asia’s wealthiest men based on estimated net worth in 2026. These figures change due to stock markets, business performance, and currency movements, so they should be seen as approximate values.

Here is the list of top-10 richest men in Asia in 2026:

Name Country Estimated Net Worth (2026) Main Industry 
Mukesh Ambani India $95–100 billion Energy, Telecom, Retail
Gautam Adani India $85–90 billion Infrastructure, Energy
Zhong Shanshan China $60–65 billion Consumer Goods, Pharma
Tadashi Yanai Japan $45–50 billion Apparel Retail
Ma Huateng China $40–45 billion Technology
William Lei Ding China $38–42 billion Online Gaming
Zhang Yiming China $35–40 billion Social Media
Li Ka-shing Hong Kong $33–36 billion Real Estate, Ports
Colin Huang China $30–33 billion E-commerce
Jack Ma China $28–30 billion E-commerce, Technology

Country-Wise Presence in Asia’s Richest List

China dominates the top 10 list with the highest number of billionaires. Its huge population, strong digital platforms, and manufacturing strength support rapid business growth. India ranks second, driven by infrastructure expansion, telecom growth, and rising consumption. Japan and Hong Kong contribute fewer names but represent stable, long-term wealth built through global brands and asset-based businesses.

Impact on Economic Growth

Asia’s richest men represent more than personal success. Their stories show how economic growth, innovation, and long-term planning shape wealth creation. Energy, infrastructure, technology, and consumer services played a major role in transforming Asian economies. As these sectors expanded, they created jobs, innovation, and global influence.

Understanding these journeys helps readers see how Asia’s economies work beyond net-worth numbers. These business leaders reflect the region’s resilience, ambition, and growing role in global economic power.

Third Edition of Future Warfare Course Launched in New Delhi

India has formally begun preparing its military leadership for the wars of the future. On February 2, 2026, the third edition of the Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi, bringing together officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force along with defense industry experts. The three-week programme focuses on how technology, geopolitics and new domains of warfare are reshaping military operations. The course aims to ensure that India’s Armed Forces stay adaptive, integrated and future-ready.

What Is the Future Warfare Course?

  • The Future Warfare Course is a tri-services professional military programme conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in partnership with Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
  • The course is designed to study how modern wars are changing due to technology, new domains and evolving geopolitical realities.
  • It encourages officers to rethink doctrines, strategies, concepts and tactical procedures required for future conflict scenarios.

Key Focus Areas of the Course

  • This edition features an expanded and advanced curriculum.
  • It focuses on emerging military technologies, domain-specific warfare and the impact of innovation on combat operations.
  • Participants attend practical demonstrations, expert lectures and institutional visits linked to India’s defence capability.
  • Special attention is given to cyber warfare, space, AI-driven systems, supply-chain vulnerabilities and rare-earth dependencies.
  • The goal is to develop a deep understanding of how these factors influence planning and execution of future military operations.

Who Are the Participants?

  • The course includes officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, ranging in rank from Majors to Major Generals and equivalent officers.
  • Junior officers contribute technical expertise, while senior officers add operational and strategic experience.
  • In addition, representatives from defence startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and private industry also participate.
  • This mixed structure ensures open dialogue between warfighters and industry innovators, helping bridge operational needs with technological solutions.

Role of Industry and Experts

  • A key strength of the course is its interaction with a wide range of experts. Veterans, serving officers, former diplomats, industry professionals and academic scholars participate in discussions.
  • Subjects such as global geopolitics, regional security challenges, critical minerals and defence supply chains are examined.
  • This multidisciplinary approach allows officers to understand not just battlefield tactics, but also economic, diplomatic and industrial factors shaping future warfare.

Vision Behind the Programme

  • The expanded three-week programme builds on the success of its first edition held in September 2024.
  • It aligns with the vision of Anil Chauhan, who has emphasised preparing officers for complex, technology-driven and multi-domain conflicts.
  • The course aims to ensure India’s Armed Forces remain integrated, forward-looking and capable of addressing future security challenges effectively.

Question

Q. The Future Warfare Course is conducted under the aegis of which organization?

A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Indian Army Headquarters
C. Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
D. DRDO

Sarvesh Ranjan Promoted to Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India

Union Bank of India has announced a key leadership change with the promotion of Shri Sarvesh Ranjan to the position of Chief General Manager (CGM). This development follows the superannuation of Shri Bhaskara Rao Kare and reflects the bank’s focus on leadership continuity and operational strength.

Background of Leadership Change at Union Bank

  • Union Bank informed that Shri Bhaskara Rao Kare, who served as Chief General Manager, retired from the bank’s services on January 31, 2026.
  • During his tenure, he played an important role in strengthening operations, guiding leadership initiatives, and supporting strategic projects across the bank.

Promotion of Shri Sarvesh Ranjan

  • After the retirement of Shri Bhaskara Rao Kare, Union Bank promoted Shri Sarvesh Ranjan.
  • Who was earlier serving as General Manager, to the post of Chief General Manager, effective February 1, 2026.
  • This promotion highlights the bank’s confidence in his experience, leadership abilities, and long-standing contributions to the organisation.

Professional Profile of Shri Sarvesh Ranjan

  • Shri Sarvesh Ranjan is an engineering graduate and a highly experienced banker with nearly 30 years of experience in the banking sector.
  • Before his promotion, he was working as General Manager – Central Reconciliation, Transaction Monitoring & Anti-Money Laundering (AML) at Union Bank.

His career includes exposure to,

  • Branch banking
  • Regional and zonal offices
  • Staff training college
  • Corporate office roles

This wide experience gives him strong operational and managerial understanding of banking systems.

Leadership Training and Technical Qualifications

Apart from his banking experience, Shri Ranjan has completed several leadership and professional development programs, including,

  • Leadership programs from the University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
  • Executive education from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
  • IT and Cyber Security certification from IDRBT, Hyderabad
  • These qualifications prepare him well to handle modern banking challenges such as digital security, governance, and risk management.

Question

Q. Who has been promoted to the position of Chief General Manager of Union Bank of India with effect from February 1, 2026?

A. Bhaskara Rao Kare

B. Sarvesh Ranjan

C. Rajnish Kumar

D. Atul Kumar Goel

New Orchid Species Discovered in Kanthalloor, Kerala

India’s biodiversity has gained fresh attention after scientists discovered a new orchid species in Kerala’s Kanthalloor region. Announced in January 2026, the finding highlights how India’s forests still hold many unexplored plant species. Orchids are among the most sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, and this discovery reinforces the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.

Where Was the New Orchid Found

  • The new orchid species was discovered in Kanthalloor, a high-altitude region in Kerala’s Idukki district.
  • This area lies close to the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight major biodiversity hotspots. Kanthalloor is known for its unique climate, forest patches, and agricultural landscapes.
  • The presence of an undiscovered orchid species shows that even human-influenced landscapes can support rare and specialised plant life.
  • Such regions often remain under-studied compared to protected forests, making discoveries like this scientifically significant.

Why Orchids Are Ecologically Important

  • Orchids are highly specialized plants that depend on specific pollinators, soil fungi, and microclimatic conditions. Because of this, they are considered bio-indicators, meaning their presence reflects a healthy ecosystem.
  • The discovery of a new orchid species suggests that Kanthalloor’s habitat still maintains delicate ecological balance.
  • Orchids also contribute to genetic diversity and help scientists understand plant evolution, especially in ancient landscapes like the Western Ghats.

Western Ghats: A Global Biodiversity Hotspot

  • The Western Ghats stretch along India’s western coast and are recognized globally for their exceptional biodiversity and high level of endemism.
  • Nearly 30% of India’s plant species are found here, many of them nowhere else in the world.
  • Discoveries of new species, even today, show that the region remains biologically rich but also vulnerable.
  • Habitat loss, climate change, and land-use pressure continue to threaten these ecosystems, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.

Scientific and Conservation Significance

  • Finding a new plant species is not just a scientific achievement but also a conservation signal.
  • Once identified, species can be assessed for vulnerability and included in protection plans.
  • Such discoveries strengthen the case for conserving lesser-known habitats beyond national parks and sanctuaries.
  • They also highlight the importance of field-based research, taxonomy, and long-term ecological studies in understanding and preserving biodiversity.

Question

Q. The newly discovered orchid species was found in which state?

A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Assam

Adampur Airport Renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport

Punjab’s aviation map witnessed a symbolic and developmental shift on 2 February 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur airport in Jalandhar after the revered saint Guru Ravidas, while also inaugurating a new civil terminal at Halwara airport in Ludhiana. The twin announcements combine cultural recognition with infrastructure development, strengthening regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme and fulfilling long-standing public and political demands in the state.

Why Adampur Airport Was Renamed After Guru Ravidas

  • The Adampur airport in Jalandhar has been renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport, honouring the legacy of Guru Ravidas, a prominent social reformer and Bhakti movement saint.
  • The decision fulfilled a long-pending demand raised by multiple political parties and social groups in Punjab.
  • A resolution seeking this renaming was passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 2020, and the demand was reiterated by the current state government.
  • The move carries strong social and cultural significance, particularly for communities that deeply revere Guru Ravidas.

Adampur Airport: Infrastructure and Connectivity Status

  • Revamped at a cost of ₹125 crore under the UDAN 5.0 scheme, the Adampur airport serves Punjab’s Doaba region.
  • Spread over 40 acres, the civil terminal operates using the Adampur Air Force Station airstrip.
  • It resumed operations on 31 March 2025 after a four-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Currently, it operates limited flights, including services by Star Air and IndiGo, connecting cities like Mumbai, Nanded and Bengaluru, though connectivity remains constrained.

Challenges Around Adampur Airport Operations

  • Despite infrastructure upgrades, passengers continue to flag concerns about the 4.3-km rural approach road, which remains narrow.
  • Officials have cited land acquisition delays as the main hurdle in widening the road.
  • Earlier, routes to Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai were discontinued due to low passenger demand, highlighting the challenge of sustaining regional air routes despite infrastructure availability.
  • This reflects a common issue under regional connectivity schemes.

Halwara Airport: New Civil Terminal for Ludhiana

  • Alongside the renaming, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the newly constructed civil terminal at Halwara airport in Ludhiana district.
  • Built at a cost of ₹54 crore, the terminal has been developed by expanding the Halwara Air Force base.
  • It has the capacity to handle 300 passengers at a time, significantly improving civil aviation facilities in the industrial hub of Ludhiana.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect Details
Why in News? Adampur airport renamed; Halwara terminal inaugurated
Cultural Significance Named after Guru Ravidas
Connectivity Push UDAN-based regional aviation
New Facility Civil terminal at Halwara, Ludhiana

Question

Q. Adampur airport in Punjab has been renamed after which personality?

A. Guru Nanak
B. Guru Gobind Singh
C. Guru Ravidas
D. Bhagat Singh

Devika Sihag Wins Maiden BWF Super 300 Title at Thailand Masters

Indian badminton has a new rising star. Devika Sihag, a 20-year-old shuttler from Haryana, has captured national attention after winning her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026. The victory marks the biggest achievement of her young career and signals India’s growing depth in women’s singles badminton. With consistent performances and growing confidence on the international circuit, Devika’s breakthrough win adds another promising chapter to India’s badminton success story.

What Happened at the Thailand Masters Final

  • The women’s singles final at the Thailand Masters ended dramatically when Goh Jin Wei was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury.
  • At the time of retirement, Devika Sihag was completely dominant, leading 21–8, 6–3.
  • The match showcased Devika’s aggressive stroke play, sharp net control, and mental composure on a big stage.
  • Though the final ended prematurely, Devika’s performance throughout the tournament left no doubt about her deserving the title.

Why This Title Is a Big Milestone for Devika

  • This Thailand Masters victory is Devika Sihag’s first Super 300-level title, making it the most significant win of her career so far.
  • Super 300 tournaments are part of the BWF World Tour and offer crucial ranking points and international exposure.
  • Beating higher-ranked opponents and reaching the final itself was a major achievement.
  • Winning the title will significantly boost Devika’s confidence, ranking, and visibility, helping her compete regularly in higher-level tournaments such as Super 500 and Super 750 events.

About the Opponent: Goh Jin Wei

  • Goh Jin Wei entered the final as a strong contender. Ranked World No. 68, she is a two-time former World Junior Champion, known for her speed and tactical play.
  • Her retirement due to injury was unfortunate, but until that point, Devika had clearly controlled the match.

India’s Growing Strength in Women’s Badminton

  • Devika’s win reflects the strong pipeline of women shuttlers in India beyond established stars.
  • Over the years, India has invested in grassroots training, sports academies, and international exposure.
  • Young players like Devika are now stepping up on the global stage, ensuring continuity in India’s badminton success.
  • Such victories also help India strengthen its medal prospects in future multi-sport events and major badminton championships

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect Details
Why in News? Devika Sihag wins Thailand Masters 2026
Tournament Level BWF Super 300
Final Result Opponent retired; Devika led 21–8, 6–3
Opponent Goh Jin Wei (Malaysia)
Significance Maiden Super 300 title for Devika

Question

Q. Devika Sihag won her maiden BWF Super 300 title at which tournament?

A. All England Open
B. India Open
C. Thailand Masters
D. Malaysia Open

Army and ITBP Join Forces in Arunachal For Exercise Agni Pariksha

Exercise Agni Pariksha has recently drawn attention after being conducted in Arunachal Pradesh. The joint training exercise brought together personnel of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to improve coordination and battlefield effectiveness. The exercise focused on live artillery firing and practical combat drills, helping non-artillery troops understand firepower integration. This unique initiative reflects India’s growing emphasis on jointness among forces, especially in sensitive border regions requiring seamless coordination and rapid operational response.

What Is Exercise Agni Pariksha?

  • Exercise Agni Pariksha is a joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
  • It is designed to enhance coordination between military and paramilitary forces during combat situations.
  • The exercise is considered first-of-its-kind as it actively involved non-artillery personnel in artillery firing drills.
  • By sharing operational practices and combat techniques, the exercise aims to build mutual understanding and seamless cooperation during real-world deployments, especially in high-altitude and border areas.

Location and Participating Units

  • The exercise was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh, a strategically important border state.
  • Personnel from the Spear Corps, artillery regiments, infantry battalions and ITBP units participated.
  • Spearhead Gunners played a key role by guiding and supervising the training.
  • The choice of terrain helped troops adapt to realistic combat conditions similar to those faced along the Line of Actual Control and other sensitive frontier regions.

Aim and Objectives of the Exercise

  • The main aim of Exercise Agni Pariksha was to familiarise infantry and ITBP personnel with artillery procedures.
  • Participants were trained in coordination mechanisms, fire mission execution and communication during combat.
  • The exercise focused on improving understanding of how artillery firepower supports ground troops in dynamic battle scenarios.
  • By enabling non-artillery troops to independently conduct firing drills under expert supervision, the exercise strengthened firepower integration and joint operational readiness.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect Details
Why in News? Joint Army-ITBP exercise conducted
Exercise Name Exercise Agni Pariksha
Location Arunachal Pradesh
Key Focus Artillery firepower integration
Participating Forces Indian Army & ITBP

Question

Q. Exercise Agni Pariksha is a joint exercise between which forces?

A. Indian Army and Navy
B. Indian Army and Air Force
C. Indian Army and ITBP
D. ITBP and BSF

Which Indian City is known as the Shrimp Capital of India?

Shrimp farming has become one of the most important parts of India’s coastal economy. With a long coastline, suitable climate, and growing global demand for seafood, India produces large quantities of high-quality shrimp every year. Some regions are especially famous for advanced aquaculture practices, large shrimp farms, and strong export networks. These areas play a major role in supporting livelihoods and boosting India’s seafood exports worldwide.

Which Place is known as the Shrimp Capital of India?

Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh is known as the Shrimp Capital of India. The district tops the country in shrimp farming area, production volume, and export-oriented aquaculture. Its contribution is so large that Nellore plays a crucial role in maintaining India’s position in the global shrimp market.

Why is Nellore known as the Shrimp Capital of India?

Nellore earns this title because it has the highest concentration of shrimp farms in India. Several natural and economic factors support large-scale shrimp cultivation in the district. These include a long coastline, availability of brackish water, fertile coastal plains, and favourable weather throughout the year. Together, these conditions allow farmers to produce shrimp consistently and in large quantities.

Geographical Location of Nellore

Nellore is located on the southeastern coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh, along the Bay of Bengal. The district lies close to the Pennar River basin and coastal wetlands, which provide saline and semi-saline water ideal for shrimp aquaculture. This natural setting makes Nellore one of the best regions for shrimp farming in the country.

Importance of Shrimp Farming in Nellore’s Economy

Shrimp farming is the backbone of Nellore’s coastal economy. Thousands of local farmers depend on aquaculture as their main source of income. Apart from farming, the sector supports many related industries such as shrimp hatcheries, feed production units, ice plants, cold storage facilities, processing factories, transportation services, and export logistics. Together, these activities generate large-scale employment in rural and semi-urban areas.

Shrimp Species Cultivated in Nellore

The most commonly farmed shrimp species in Nellore is Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). This species is preferred because it grows fast, adapts well to farming conditions, and has high demand in international markets. Black tiger shrimp is also cultivated, but on a smaller scale, mainly for specific export markets.

Nellore’s Role in India’s Shrimp Exports

Most shrimp produced in Nellore is grown specifically for export purposes. Farmers follow strict international standards related to hygiene, quality, and traceability. Shrimp from this region is exported to major markets such as the United States, China, the European Union, and Southeast Asia, strengthening India’s reputation as a reliable seafood supplier.

Largest Shrimp-Producing State in India

Andhra Pradesh is the largest shrimp-producing state in India. Districts like Nellore, Prakasam, and Krishna together contribute the majority of India’s farmed shrimp output. Among them, Nellore stands out as the most productive and export-driven district.

India’s Position in the Global Shrimp Market

Andhra Pradesh is the largest shrimp-producing state in India. Districts like Nellore, Prakasam, and Krishna together contribute the majority of India’s farmed shrimp output. Among them, Nellore stands out as the most productive and export-driven district.

Interesting Facts About Nellore’s Shrimp Industry

  • Aquaculture Hub: Nellore has thousands of shrimp ponds spread across its coastal mandals, forming the largest continuous shrimp farming belt in India.
  • Export-Oriented Production: A major share of shrimp grown in the district is meant for international markets, making Nellore a key export centre.
  • Whiteleg Shrimp Leader: The district is one of the biggest producers of Whiteleg shrimp, which dominates India’s seafood export basket.
  • Employment Generator: Shrimp farming and related industries provide direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people.
  • Technology-Based Farming: Modern techniques such as aeration systems, water quality monitoring, and scientific feed management are widely used to improve productivity.

How Did India Become a Major Engine of Global Urban Growth in 2025

India has officially become one of the top engines of global urban growth in 2025, according to a new United Nations report. Nearly half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and India is at the centre of this transformation. From rapidly expanding megacities like Delhi and Mumbai to fast-growing smaller cities, India’s urban story is reshaping global population trends. This shift highlights new economic opportunities but also raises serious questions about housing, infrastructure, sustainability, and urban governance in the coming decades.

India’s Rising Role in Global Urban Growth

  • The UN report highlights that urban areas house around 45% of the global population in 2025, a dramatic rise from just 20% in 1950.
  • India plays a critical role in this shift.
  • The country currently has five megacities, each with a population exceeding 10 million.
  • New Delhi, with over 30 million people, ranks among the world’s four largest cities, alongside Jakarta, Dhaka, and Tokyo.
  • Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata continue to attract jobs, investment, and migrants.

New Method Changes How Cities Are Counted

  • A major update in the 2025 UN report is the use of the “Degree of Urbanization” method.
  • Instead of relying only on administrative boundaries, this approach defines cities based on population size and density.
  • This means densely populated areas functioning as cities are now counted even if they lie outside official city limits.
  • As a result, population estimates for many Indian and Asian cities have increased.
  • This change allows for more accurate global comparisons and better reflects how people actually live and work in urban spaces today.

Asia’s Dominance and India’s Position

  • The report shows that Asia dominates global urbanization, hosting nine of the world’s ten largest cities and nearly 60% of all megacities. India is a key contributor to this trend.
  • While China and Southeast Asia also show strong urban growth, India stands out due to its young population, internal migration, and expanding service and manufacturing sectors.
  • This makes Indian cities central to the future of the global urban economy and labour markets.

Smaller Cities: The Real Growth Engines

  • While megacities grab headlines, the UN report reveals that most urban growth is happening in small and medium-sized cities.
  • Nearly 96% of cities worldwide have populations below 1 million.
  • In India, these cities are growing faster than major metros due to better roads, digital connectivity, and emerging local industries.
  • Cities like Kozhikode stand out as rare examples of rapidly growing urban centres with populations above 5 million, highlighting the shift away from metro-centric development.

Question

Q. Which organization released the “World’s Cities in 2025” report?

A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. United Nations
D. OECD

Which is the Largest House in the World? Where it is Located?_13.1
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