Microsoft Launches BioEmu: A Groundbreaking AI to Accelerate Protein Research

In a major scientific and technological breakthrough, Microsoft has launched BioEmu, a powerful AI-based system designed to revolutionize how we study proteins — the tiny building blocks that drive every process in the human body. Announced by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, BioEmu aims to speed up what used to be a slow, complex, and expensive process of understanding protein movement and behavior.

Nadella described it as a tool that delivers insights in hours instead of the years of computer simulation previously required.

Why Are Proteins So Important?

Proteins are essential molecules that carry out almost every function inside living organisms. From repairing tissues to digesting food and defending against viruses, proteins are involved in it all. What makes them tricky to study is that they are not static — they constantly change shape and move, a process scientists call “conformational changes.”

Understanding these shifts in structure is critical to:

Learning how diseases form
Designing new drugs
Advancing genetic and synthetic biology

But until now, studying these movements has been extremely time-consuming and required supercomputers and expensive simulations.

What Is BioEmu and What Does It Do?

Developed by Microsoft Research’s AI for Science team, BioEmu is an AI system built to simulate how proteins move and behave inside the human body. It can predict protein structures, how they shift over time, and even identify hidden features within them — something that traditional methods often miss.

What Makes BioEmu Unique?

It uses deep learning models trained on massive datasets including:

Over 200 milliseconds of molecular dynamics simulations
More than 500,000 protein stability experiments
Vast amounts of 3D structural data

Instead of taking years, BioEmu can generate these predictions in just a few hours.
It’s capable of detecting “cryptic binding pockets” — hidden parts of proteins that could become new drug targets.

These features make BioEmu vastly faster and more efficient than traditional methods.

How Accurate Is BioEmu?

According to Microsoft Research, BioEmu version 1.1 can closely match real-world experimental results:

Its prediction error is less than 1 kcal/mol, which means it’s incredibly precise.
It shows strong correlation scores above 0.6 when tested against large datasets of protein behavior.

This level of accuracy proves that BioEmu isn’t just fast — it’s also reliable and scientifically valid.

What Problems Does It Solve?

Traditionally, understanding how a single protein behaves could take months or even years of using powerful GPUs (graphics processing units) to run molecular dynamics simulations. These simulations are complex because they need to calculate how every atom moves over time.

BioEmu eliminates this bottleneck by predicting the entire range of movements a protein can take — called a “structural ensemble” — without the need for such long simulations.

It can even capture large domain shifts, local unfolding, and other complex movements that are often key to a protein’s function in disease or healing.

Impact on Drug Development and Medical Research

One of the most exciting uses of BioEmu is in drug discovery. Many drugs work by attaching to proteins and changing their behavior. But if we don’t fully understand how a protein changes shape, it’s hard to make a drug that fits perfectly.

BioEmu helps solve this problem by:

Revealing new drug-binding sites
Helping design better-targeted therapies
Speeding up the early stages of medical research and development

This means that scientists can go from idea to testing in a fraction of the time, potentially speeding up how quickly new treatments reach the public.

A Tool for the Future of Science

BioEmu isn’t just useful in healthcare. It also opens doors in fields like:

Synthetic biology (designing new proteins from scratch)
Genetics and DNA engineering
Basic biological research in universities and labs

Because BioEmu is based on generative AI, it can imagine a wide range of possible protein behaviors and predict unseen possibilities, just like AI can generate text or images.

Its speed and intelligence are expected to redefine what’s possible in life sciences.

Published and Peer-Reviewed

The science behind BioEmu has already been peer-reviewed and published in the prestigious journal Science, showing that the technology has passed rigorous checks from experts in the field. This confirms that BioEmu isn’t just a tech demo — it’s a scientifically proven tool ready for real-world use.

Which District is Known as the Moonland of Rajasthan? Know the Name

Rajasthan is a land of colors, culture and deserts. Every district in this state has its own charm and story. Some places are known for their forts, some for their lakes and others for their wildlife. But there is one special district in Rajasthan that looks so unique and different, people say it feels like walking on the surface of the moon. Let’s explore this magical place.

An Overview of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a large state in northwestern India, known as the ”Land of Kings.” It covers a big part of the Thar Desert and is the largest state in India by area. Rajasthan shares its borders with Pakistan and five Indian states, including Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The Tropic of Cancer also passes through its southern tip, making its climate mostly hot and dry.

Number of Districts in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has 33 districts, which are organized into seven administrative divisions. Each district is then further divided into sub-districts and blocks. This system helps the state manage governance and services more efficiently.

Moonland of Rajasthan

Kishangarh, a city in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, is known as the Moonland of Rajasthan. This name comes from its marble dumping yard, where white marble waste covers the ground, making it look like a snowy or moon-like surface. The area has become a popular spot for photography and tourism because of its unique appearance.

Why is Kishangarh Known as the Moonland of Rajasthan?

Kishangarh got this unique title because of a marble dumping yard nearby. This yard is filled with white marble waste, like slurry and dust, from the local marble industry. Over time, this white waste covered the ground completely, creating a snow-like surface.

When you look at the area, it feels like you are walking on the moon or in snow-covered mountains. Because of this dreamy look, people started calling it the ”Moonland of Rajasthan” or even the ”Switzerland of Rajasthan.”

It has also become a popular photography spot for tourists, filmmakers and wedding shoots.

An Overview of Kishangarh

Kishangarh is a city in Rajasthan, India, known for its rich art, history and marble industry. It is called the ”Marble City of India” because of its large marble market. Kishangarh is also famous for its unique painting style, especially the Bani Thani artwork. The city has beautiful places to visit, like the Kishangarh Fort and Gondulav Lake, attracting many tourists.

Kumar Mangalam Birla Joins US-India Business Forum Board

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). This is a major step that strengthens the business and economic partnership between India and the United States.

Birla Joins USISPF Board Executive Committee

Kumar Mangalam Birla, one of India’s top business leaders, has joined the Executive Committee of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). He said it is an “honour” to be part of the committee. The announcement was made during the USISPF Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC.

The USISPF is a key organization that builds strong ties between the two countries by bringing businesses and governments together. It has members from global companies worth over $10 trillion and employing over 6 million people worldwide.

Big Investments in the United States

Mr. Birla leads the Aditya Birla Group, India’s third-largest business group, and the biggest Indian greenfield investor in the United States. The group has invested more than $15 billion in 15 US states.

One major project is a $4.1 billion aluminium rolling and recycling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama, developed by Novelis, a US-based company owned by the Group. This plant is the largest industrial investment in Alabama’s history and the first of its kind in 40 years.

A Leader in Global Business

Over the past 30 years, Kumar Mangalam Birla has transformed the Aditya Birla Group into a global company worth $66 billion, operating in more than 40 countries with 180,000 employees. He has led over 60 global acquisitions, one of the most by any Indian business leader.

At the Leadership Summit, Mr. Birla received the 2025 Global Leadership Award for his strong role in international business and in improving US-India economic relations.

Praise from Global Business Leaders

Several global leaders welcomed Mr. Birla to the board. John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF, said Mr. Birla will help the group explore “new paths.”
Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, called Mr. Birla a “visionary leader.”
Raj Subramaniam, CEO of FedEx, said Birla’s global vision will make the board stronger.

Mr. Birla said, “The US-India partnership is one of the most important in the world. Together, we can shape the future of global business and innovation.”

Which is the Smallest City of Japan by Population?

Japan is a country full of exciting and busy cities like Tokyo and Osaka. But not all cities in Japan are big. Some are very small, quiet and peaceful. Have you ever wondered which city in Japan has the fewest people? In this article, we will explore the smallest city in Japan and learn why it is so unique and different from the rest.

An Overview of Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia, found in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of mainland Asia. It has four main islands and over 14,000 smaller ones. Japan covers a large area with many mountains and forests, so most people live in cities along the coast. The country has 47 prefectures and 8 regions. With over 123 million people in 2025, Japan is the 11th most populated country. Its capital and biggest city is Tokyo.

Smallest City in Japan by Population

Utashinai is the city with the smallest population in all of Japan. As of December 31, 2020, it had only around 3,019 people living there. Once a busy coal mining town, Utashinai has faced a long period of decline after the coal mines closed. Today, it is a quiet city trying to rebuild its future through tourism and new ideas.

Location of Utashinai

Utashinai is located in Hokkaido, which is Japan’s northernmost island. It lies in the Sorachi Subprefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature. The Penkeutashunai River flows through the city, and Mount Kamoi rises in the northwest part of the areas. The city has cold winters with lots of snow, making it a good place for skiing and winter sports. Nearby cities include Sunagawa, Akabira and Takikawa, where many residents now travel for school or work.

History of Utashinai

Utashinai’s history began in 1890, when the Sorachi Coal Mine opened. That same year, the town was founded and quickly became a center for coal production. In 1906, it became a Second-Class Municipality and by 1919 it was upgraded to a First-Class Municipality. It officially became a town in 1940 and then a city in 1958.

The city’s population reached its highest point in 1948, with about 46,000 people living there. Coal mining brought jobs and growth, but everything began to change in the 1970s. In 1971, the Utashinai Mine closed, followed by the Kamiutashinai Mine in 1988 and the Sorachi Mine in 1995. As the coal industry disappeared, so did many jobs and people began moving away. The population kept dropping every year. In 2007, the local high school was shut down due to the lack of students and now teenagers travel to nearby towns for their education.

List of Top 10 Biggest Tourism Economies In 2024–25

The global travel and tourism sector is not just recovering; it’s rewriting economic records. In a stunning display of resilience and renewed consumer confidence, the industry contributed a staggering US$10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2023. Projections for 2024–25 indicate an even more robust performance, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting a continued upward trajectory. This powerful resurgence comes despite the lingering shadows of the pandemic and contemporary challenges like climate pressures and localized tourism fatigue.

The WTTC’s “2024 Economic Impact Trends Report” paints a vibrant picture of an industry in full throttle. Looking further ahead, the World Economic Forum (WEF) amplifies this optimism, predicting the sector will burgeon into a $16 trillion industry by 2034, accounting for over 11 percent of the global GDP. This remarkable growth underscores the pivotal role of travel and tourism as a primary engine of economic prosperity and job creation worldwide.

The Titans of Tourism: A Look at the Top 10 Economies

A familiar powerhouse retains its crown as the United States continues to dominate the global tourism landscape. With an unprecedented economic contribution of $2.36 trillion in 2024, it stands in a league of its own, nearly doubling the contribution of its closest competitor. This commanding lead is a testament to the sheer scale and diversity of its tourism offerings, attracting both domestic and international visitors in massive numbers.

Following in the second position is China, with a formidable contribution of $1.3 trillion. The WTTC projects that within the next decade, China is on track to dethrone the U.S. and claim the top spot, a shift that will reshape the global tourism dynamics.

The 2024-25 rankings reveal a mix of established European destinations and rising Asian powerhouses. Germany holds strong in third place with a contribution of $487.6 billion, showcasing the enduring appeal of its cultural and historical attractions. A remarkable ascent is seen for Japan, which has climbed to the fourth position, contributing $297 billion as it reaps the benefits of a tourism boom.

The United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain continue to be mainstays in the top 10, a reflection of their deep-rooted tourism infrastructure and timeless allure.

List of the world’s top 10 biggest tourism economies for 2024–25, according to the WTTC Economic Impact Research:

Rank	Country	Economic Contribution (US$, billion)
1	United States	$2,360
2	China	$1,300
3	Germany	$487.6
4	Japan	$297
5	United Kingdom	$295.2
6	France	$264.7
7	Mexico	$261.6
8	India	$231.6
9	Italy	$231.3
10	Spain	$227.9

The Indian Surge: A New Giant Awakens

India’s ascent in the global tourism rankings is one of the most compelling stories of 2024. The nation has climbed to the eighth position with a substantial economic contribution of $231.6 billion, a significant jump from its previous tenth position. This upward mobility highlights India’s growing prominence on the world tourism map.

Fueling this growth is a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, exemplified by its 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it sixth globally for the number of such prestigious recognitions. The diversity of its landscapes, from the Himalayan peaks to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, offers a vast spectrum of experiences for every type of traveler.

The WTTC is particularly bullish on India’s future, forecasting that it will leap to the fourth position within the next decade. This projection is buoyed by a burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable income for travel, coupled with significant government investment in tourism infrastructure and a renewed focus on promoting a wide array of tourism products, from spiritual and wellness tourism to adventure and eco-tourism.

Emerging Hotspots and Shifting Tides

Beyond the top 10, the global tourism map is being redrawn by a host of dynamic and rapidly growing economies. Asian nations such as Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and the Philippines are fast emerging as regional powerhouses, attracting significant investment and visitor numbers.

A noteworthy trend is the dramatic surge in international tourism spending in several countries compared to pre-pandemic levels. Saudi Arabia leads this charge with an incredible 91.3% increase, a direct result of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan which heavily features tourism development. Other nations experiencing a significant influx of international tourist dollars include Türkiye (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%), and Egypt (+22.9%), signaling a diversification of global travel interests.

As the world fully embraces post-pandemic travel, the economic impact of tourism is set to reach new heights. While traditional destinations continue to thrive, the rapid emergence of new and resurgent economies promises a more diverse and dynamic future for the global travel and tourism industry.

Key Facts About World Population Day 2025

Global Initiatives and Campaigns in 2025

Launch of New Population Policies

World Population Day 2025 marks a pivotal moment for nations to unveil significant population-focused policy strategies. A noteworthy example is Jamaica, which is officially launching its National Population and Sustainable Development Policy on July 11. This strategic document aligns Jamaica’s demographic goals with the nation’s broader sustainable development framework, as part of Vision 2030. In conjunction with the launch, Jamaica is also releasing the 2025 State of World Population Report, produced in collaboration with UNFPA, signaling strong government commitment to tackling demographic challenges and building a future grounded in resilience, equity, and inclusiveness.

High-Level Dialogues on Demographic Change

In China, World Population Day 2025 is marked by a high-profile dialogue on fertility and youth empowerment held in Shanghai. Hosted by UNFPA and national academic partners, this forum commemorates the 35th anniversary of the observance. The central theme, “Empowering young people in a world of declining fertility,” acknowledges the profound demographic shift occurring globally and especially in East Asia. China is experiencing record-low fertility rates, sparking national conversations about sustainable family support systems. The event convenes government officials, academia, civil society, and private sector leaders to explore inclusive solutions, ranging from family-friendly workplace policies to social investments for the next generation.

Regional Partnerships for Awareness

In the Pacific region, World Population Day 2025 is driving a narrative shift through initiatives led by UNFPA and the University of the South Pacific. Their panel discussion, themed “From Overpopulation to Reproductive Justice,” challenges traditional fears of overpopulation and re-centers the focus on individual reproductive rights. This regional event emphasizes the freedom to choose whether and when to have children, with youth, educators, and policymakers collaboratively promoting rights-based family planning.

In Pakistan, diverse stakeholders including government ministries, NGOs, and community groups conduct countrywide workshops and seminars. These gatherings emphasize youth-driven decision-making in areas like reproductive health and family planning education, particularly in rural areas. The collective action highlights Pakistan’s drive to localize global themes and address unique demographic needs.

Empowering Youth Campaigns

India, now the world’s most populous country with over 1.46 billion people, is using World Population Day to promote its youthful demographic as a national asset. Campaigns stress the idea of a demographic dividend, focusing on education, employment, and healthcare as essential investments to harness the potential of the country’s youth. NGO-led programs that develop youth skills and deliver health education are being celebrated across states as powerful case studies in building economic resilience through human capital.

Innovations in Population Data and Visualization

AI-Enhanced Population Counting

2025 is witnessing a technological transformation in how demographic data is gathered and analyzed. Researchers highlight a growing concern over the “quiet crisis” of incomplete census data, as participation rates drop. In response, countries are deploying AI-powered satellite imagery and building footprint mapping to enhance census accuracy, particularly in hard-to-reach or conflict-prone areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These innovations, supported by organizations such as UNFPA and national statistical offices, are closing data gaps and supporting evidence-based policy decisions.

Interactive Demographic Dashboards

New tools such as the Wittgenstein Centre Human Capital Data Explorer 3.0 are revolutionizing how global populations are visualized. Updated in late 2024 and widely used during 2025, this online dashboard enables policymakers and researchers to simulate population trends to 2100, incorporating variables such as education levels, fertility rates, and migration. These projections make it easier to plan for long-term investments in education and infrastructure.

For example, visualizations show that global population surpassed 8.2 billion in 2025, a milestone that highlights the need for coordinated development strategies. Regional overlays also reveal hotspots of youth population density, aiding governments in focusing their youth empowerment initiatives.

Data Collection Goes Digital

More countries have adopted “digital-first” censuses, using mobile applications and online surveys to reach populations efficiently. These digital tools are not only cost-effective but also enable real-time anomaly detection through machine learning algorithms, allowing census teams to re-validate questionable data promptly. This proactive approach minimizes errors that traditionally would only be discovered years later. In 2025, governments and UN agencies are also promoting community-driven data initiatives such as gamified survey apps and open data portals, helping ensure that data is not only accurate but also transparent and engaging for citizens.

2025’s Record-Breaking Demographic Milestones

Global Population Highs

United Nations projections confirm that by mid-2025, the global population crossed 8.2 billion, up over 200 million since the milestone of 8 billion in 2022. While the growth rate has slowed to around 0.85% annually, the sheer scale of human population presents both opportunities and challenges. With most growth occurring in low- and middle-income countries, policymakers face new pressure to provide sustainable livelihoods, education, and healthcare to growing populations.

India Becomes the Most Populous Nation

A defining demographic shift of 2025 is India surpassing China to become the most populous country. With over 1.46 billion people, India now has the world’s largest human population, and importantly, a relatively young median age of 28 years. This transition is prompting policy shifts toward expanding vocational training, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing healthcare access to leverage the potential of this enormous working-age population.

Largest Youth Generation in History

The year 2025 marks the peak of a unique demographic phase: 1.8 billion young people aged 10–24 now live across the globe, representing the largest youth generation in history. This demographic bulge, especially prominent in Africa and South Asia, presents unprecedented possibilities for economic and social transformation. However, these opportunities hinge on investment in education, youth employment, and health services. This theme is central to World Population Day campaigns across the globe, emphasizing the need for governments to meet the aspirations of this generation.

Fertility and Aging Extremes

While youth populations grow in some regions, others face the opposite challenge. In 2025, countries like China and Japan report record-low fertility rates, with China seeing its births per woman drop to the lowest in its recorded history. At the same time, global life expectancy remains at near-peak levels, contributing to an aging world. The population aged 65 and older is at an all-time high. These parallel trends of aging and low fertility are spurring policy responses such as enhanced childcare, retirement system reforms, and work-life balance incentives.

Regional Highlights: Stories and Campaigns of Note

Caribbean – Jamaica’s New Strategy

Jamaica’s leadership in population policy is being recognized globally, thanks to the launch of its National Population and Sustainable Development Policy (NPSDP). This strategy integrates demographic analysis with environmental and economic planning, aligning with Vision 2030. Supported by UNFPA, the initiative addresses urbanization, migration, and aging, and is seen as a template for other small island developing states (SIDS).

East Asia – China Confronts Low Fertility

In response to a rapidly aging society, China hosted a World Population Day summit in Shanghai, focusing on reproductive freedom and family formation. The event reframed declining fertility not as a crisis, but as a call to empower individuals to make informed family decisions. Initiatives like gender-equal workplace reforms and expanded childcare access are being explored to support young families.

Asia-Pacific – Spotlight on Pacific Islands

UNFPA’s collaboration with the University of the South Pacific brought attention to high adolescent birth rates in island nations such as Samoa, Kiribati, and Vanuatu. World Population Day 2025 initiatives in these regions focus on reproductive justice, promoting comprehensive sex education, youth-friendly health services, and women’s empowerment.

South Asia – Pakistan’s Nationwide Outreach

Pakistan mobilized a nationwide awareness campaign, bringing together ministries, NGOs, and youth groups to promote family planning and gender equity. Events emphasized the importance of girl’s education and contraceptive access as tools to manage rapid population growth. These outreach programs included rural education drives, media campaigns, and partnerships with religious leaders to destigmatize reproductive health topics.

Global South Perspectives

In India, population growth is being rebranded as an opportunity. Public discourse frames the demographic wave as a chance to lead the global economy, with youth as innovators and problem-solvers. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, countries like Rwanda and Nigeria are showing progress: Rwanda through education-driven fertility reduction, and Nigeria with youth innovation hubs that blend technology and entrepreneurship.

Youth, Indigenous, and Underrepresented Voices

Youth at the Forefront

World Population Day 2025 has evolved into a platform where young leaders not only share their experiences but also influence policies. From Asia to Africa, youth panels are integral to official observances. Advocates express concerns over climate change, mental health, and employment, pushing for long-term planning and youth-inclusive governance.

Inclusion of Marginalized Communities

Inclusivity has taken center stage in 2025, with a concerted effort to represent indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the elderly. In Latin America, indigenous youth are advocating for education and health infrastructure, while in Europe, migrant and refugee communities demand equitable access to data collection and services. The UN’s emphasis on “Leave No One Behind” has translated into grassroots-level engagements and inclusive census strategies.

Youth-Led Advocacy and Solutions

From TikTok-based awareness campaigns in the Philippines to #EveryoneCounts census mobilizations in Nigeria, youth are leading innovative efforts to ensure their communities are represented. Collaborations with NGOs and universities have given rise to digital tools that disseminate reproductive health information, while youth hackathons across Africa focus on tech-driven solutions to address population and health challenges.

Tech and Data: Tackling Population Challenges with Innovation

Artificial Intelligence for Census Accuracy

Artificial Intelligence is now central to census modernization. Algorithms capable of analyzing satellite imagery to identify buildings and settlements are being deployed in areas with low census response rates. In 2025, countries such as South Africa and Congo have benefited from AI-derived population density maps. Additionally, automated systems are used to flag irregularities in census data, enabling swift corrections.

Big Data for Planning and Response

Governments are integrating population data with geospatial and mobile analytics to create predictive models for service delivery. These models help anticipate demand for healthcare services, contraceptives, and even emergency aid during natural disasters. Such AI-powered planning was showcased during World Population Day events as essential for climate resilience and public health management.

Technology Bridging Outreach Gaps

World Population Day 2025 also highlights how technology bridges knowledge gaps. Digital helplines via WhatsApp bots, chatbots, and mobile apps provide youth with access to family planning resources. Telecom providers, in collaboration with UNFPA, are zero-rating data costs for health-related websites, expanding reach in remote or low-connectivity regions.

Public-Private Partnerships and Global Commitments

Corporate Sector Engagement

UNFPA’s World Population Day 2025 virtual briefing convened corporations and philanthropists to examine “The Real Fertility Crisis“. The discussion emphasized how private companies can adopt family-friendly workplace policies and invest in community reproductive health programs. Several firms announced CSR-driven initiatives, including expanded health benefits and youth mentorship centers.

Data Collaborations for Insight

A successful example of private-public synergy is the UNFPA–YouGov global survey, which polled over 14,000 participants across 14 countries. The findings revealed that young people desire larger families than they currently have, but economic pressures and lack of support prevent them from doing so. This collaborative model is shaping future reproductive health policies and is being considered for replication in other global surveys.

Grassroots and Government Synergies

In countries like Sri Lanka, UNFPA partnered with the National Youth Services Council to collect feedback from youth across regions. These dialogues led to a policy brief submitted to government leaders. Similarly, cross-sector partnerships in Pakistan, Nigeria, and Indonesia have united ministries, civil society, and even faith leaders to promote population health literacy.

Long-Term Development Commitments

Large international organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation used World Population Day to reaffirm funding commitments for family planning and youth programs. A landmark project in West Africa, involving a telecom company, health NGO, and government, sent SMS messages on reproductive health to millions of people. Such partnerships illustrate that achieving universal reproductive rights and sustainable population management requires cooperation across sectors and borders.

Maharashtra Government Declares Ganeshotsav as State Festival

Maharashtra government declared Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as an official state festival. The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar during the Legislative Assembly session. This decision is important as it gives government support and funding to one of the state’s biggest cultural celebrations.

Ganeshotsav Gets State Festival Status

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed a big announcement by Ashish Shelar, the state’s Cultural Affairs Minister, declaring Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav a state festival. This means the state government will now bear the cost of organising large-scale Ganesh celebrations across cities and villages in Maharashtra.

The move is seen as a step to preserve and promote Maharashtra’s rich culture and traditions. Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, also known as Public Ganesh Festival, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the state.

Historical Roots and Cultural Significance

The minister reminded everyone that freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak had started Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in 1893. His aim was to unite people and inspire the spirit of freedom and nationalism during the British rule.

Minister Shelar said the festival is not just a religious event, but also a symbol of unity, pride in the Marathi language, and Maharashtra’s cultural identity. He added, “Ganeshotsav is more than just a celebration – it represents Maharashtra’s cultural pride.”

What This Means for the Future

By making it a state festival, the Maharashtra government will now take care of promotion, management, and expenses related to the festival. This will include support for local organising committees, decoration, and public events.

The announcement has received positive feedback from various cultural groups and Ganesh mandals. It is expected to bring more attention to traditional art, music, and community gatherings during the 10-day festival.

Which is the Smallest University of Uttar Pradesh? Know About It

Uttar Pradesh has many universities that offer higher education in different fields. Some are very large and famous, while others are small but still important. A few universities have limited campuses, fewer students and offer only selected courses. These smaller universities still help many students, especially in rural areas. In this article, we will learn about the smallest university in Uttar Pradesh.

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. It has the highest population in India, with over 241 million people. This means about 16.5% of India’s people live here. It shares borders with nine other states and Nepal. UP is the fourth-largest state by area. Lucknow is its capital, and Prayagraj is the judicial capital. The state has 18 divisions and 75 districts.

Number of Districts in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has a total of 75 districts. For better management, these districts are grouped into 18 administrative divisions. Each division handles several districts to make the administration smoother and more efficient across the state.

Smallest University of Uttar Pradesh

Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (SSV), located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest and most respected Sanskrit universities in the world. It was earlier known as Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya and Government Sanskrit College, Varanasi. Although it is not the smallest in size or number of courses, it is often referred to as a ”small” university due to its focused aim on preserving Sanskrit education.

History of Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya

Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya has great historical value as one of India’s oldest institutions for Sanskrit learning. Founded in 1791 by British officer Jonathan Duncan, it was created to preserve and promote ancient Indian knowledge. Over time, it became a center for advanced studies, rare manuscripts and classical education. In 1958, it became a university due to the efforts of Sampurnanand. The university continues to play a key role in keeping Sanskrit language and Indian traditions alive.

Assam Launches ‘Gajah Mitra’ to Protect People and Elephants

Assam Cabinet approved a new plan called the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to reduce growing clashes between humans and elephants in the state. The move comes after hundreds of deaths of both people and elephants over the years. The scheme aims to protect wildlife, create safe spaces for elephants, and help villages deal with such situations in a peaceful way.

A New Scheme for Peaceful Coexistence

The ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme, approved on Thursday, is Assam’s answer to the serious problem of human-elephant conflict. The scheme will focus on 80 high-risk areas across the state where elephants and people frequently come into contact. The government will grow bamboo and Napier grass, two favorite elephant foods, to keep elephants from entering villages.

Rapid response teams will also be sent to these areas to help villagers guide elephant herds away using safe and non-violent methods.

Why the Scheme Is Needed

Between 2000 and 2023, over 1,400 people and 1,209 elephants died due to these conflicts, according to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The report says that 626 elephant deaths were caused by human actions like electrocution from illegal or unsafe fences. These fences are often used by farmers to protect their crops but end up harming animals.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the situation has become unmanageable, and the government must act fast to ensure safety for both people and elephants.

Affected Areas and Rising Deaths

Places like Nagaon, Sonitpur West, Dhanasiri, and Karbi Anglong East have seen the highest number of elephant deaths. The WII report also highlights that 527 villages have been affected, with Goalpara being the worst hit.

In some cases, elephants die due to territorial fights (81 deaths) or natural causes (158 deaths), but most deaths happen because elephants are losing access to food and migration paths. This forces them into farmlands and villages, often resulting in the destruction of crops and deadly confrontations.

What’s Next for Assam

The government plans to build sustainable habitats and improve food sources for elephants to prevent them from wandering into human areas. Community participation, through awareness and quick support, will be a key part of the scheme. Officials hope that ‘Gajah Mitra’ will create a model for peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

Ujjain to Boost Broadcasting with New Akashvani Kendra

On July 8, 2025, the Central Government announced the setting up of a new Akashvani Kendra (radio station) in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This step aims to improve regional radio services and provide accurate and quick information to the people. The announcement was made during a meeting between Union and state leaders.

New Akashvani Centre in Ujjain

The government will build a new Akashvani Kendra in Ujjain under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme. This centre will help improve communication services in the area. It will focus on reaching more people through radio, especially in rural and remote areas of Madhya Pradesh.

Centre–State Collaboration for Better Communication

The decision was taken after a meeting between Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. They discussed how the Central and State governments can work together to improve media outreach, public communication, and broadcasting services.

An official statement confirmed that both leaders agreed to take steps that would benefit the people of the state through better access to information and stronger infrastructure.

About the BIND Scheme

The BIND scheme is a major project of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It supports the development of broadcasting infrastructure like Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan (DD) across the country. Its aim is to ensure that even the remotest villages can receive important government messages, news, and cultural programs.

The new Akashvani Kendra in Ujjain is part of this effort and will help preserve local culture, share government updates, and provide educational and entertainment content.