London retains top spot in world's best cities 2025 rankings; No Indian city in top 100
London has been named the best city in the world for the 10th consecutive year in the World's Best Cities 2025 rankings, surpassing New York and Paris. Released on 20 November, the rankings, compiled by Resonance Consultancy in collaboration with Ipsos, evaluate cities on livability, lovability, and prosperity.
While London continues to dominate, no Indian city made it to the top 100. Mumbai and Delhi, though strong performers in the Asia-Pacific region, lag behind globally due to challenges in livability.
The rankings were based on a global survey of over 22,000 people across 31 countries, focusing on factors like rent affordability, healthcare quality, cultural vibrancy, economic strength, and social appeal.
Top Cities in 2025
1. London: Renowned for its historic landmarks and modern attractions, London excelled in lovability (1), prosperity (2), and livability (3). Significant investments, including the $305 million Gatwick Airport upgrade, have enhanced its global appeal.
2. New York City: Ranked first in prosperity, New York has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with renewed tourism and infrastructure developments.
3. Paris: Known for its urban transformation and cultural vibrancy, Paris leads in livability and continues to attract visitors with its rich heritage and modern initiatives.
4. Tokyo: With innovative urban projects and a focus on sustainable tourism, Tokyo aims to welcome 60 million tourists by 2030.
5. Singapore: Praised for efficient urban planning and cutting-edge developments, Singapore remains a model of modernity and growth.
Indian cities fall short
Chris Fair, CEO of Resonance Consultancy, noted that while Mumbai and Delhi rank just outside the top 100 globally, they perform well in the Asia-Pacific region. Both cities face challenges in global perception and livability but remain competitive regionally.
The United States dominated the rankings with 36 cities in the top 100, followed by Canada with six. Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro also made notable debuts, reflecting a more diverse global outlook.
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Young woman from MP who shot to fame during Kumbh found to be minor, case registered against husband
Khargone (MP) (PTI): The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes on Friday confirmed that a young woman from Madhya Pradesh who became famous due to her viral videos during the 2025 Maha Kumbh has been found to be a minor after an inquiry.
Citing the findings of an inquiry panel set up by the commission, local BJP leaders alleged that her interfaith marriage in Kerala last month was a case of "love Jihad", and sought legal action.
While the panel had submitted its report in March, ST commission chairman Antar Singh Arya confirmed its findings to the PTI on Friday.
A case for alleged kidnapping and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has already been registered against her husband, a Muslim man, at Maheshwar on the basis of the inquiry findings, police said.
The girl gained national fame after her videos while selling garlands and rudraksha at the Maha Kumbh went viral on social media and also earned her a role in a film.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes set up an inquiry panel after receiving a complaint on March 17 from Pratham Dubey, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, that she was a minor and was being exploited.
Maheshwar BJP MLA Rajkumar Mev and BJP mandal president Vikram Patel, armed with documents, told reporters on Friday that her marriage in Kerala was a case of "love Jihad" and she should be brought back home.
'Love jihad' is a term used by right-wing groups to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into marriage to convert them to Islam.
Police said an investigation is underway, and further action would be taken accordingly.
The girl, who belongs to the nomadic Pardhi community, got married at a temple in Kerala in March. The interfaith marriage drew angry reactions from rightwing Hindu groups.
Her family members and film director Sanoj Mishra -- who had offered her a film role after she became famous -- too alleged that it was 'love Jihad'.
As per the inquiry conducted by the ST commission, records at the Maheshwar government hospital showed the woman's date of birth as December 30, 2009 which meant she was 16 years and two months old at the time of marriage, said Dubey, the complainant.
On a complaint filed by her father, police registered a case against the girl's husband at Maheshwar police station on March 25 for alleged kidnapping and under the POCSO Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Police sources said that a separate case was also registered on March 24 under section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (taking a minor from lawful custody of guardian without their consent) based on the the commission's findings.
