Published on: September 2, 2024

Snippets : 2 SEPTEMBER 2024

Snippets : 2 SEPTEMBER 2024

  • Sudha Murty’s 300th book Grandpa’s Bag of Stories released
  • Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) is expanding its Nandini brand into Telangana, starting with a daily supply of 20,000 litres of milk through a partnership with a private dairy in Warangal. This move comes as milk production in Raichur, Ballari, Koppal, and Vijayanagara districts has led to surplus, which will be sold in Telangana. The expansion, focusing on varieties like toned and full cream milk, is expected to be profitable due to higher milk prices in Telangana. Despite concerns about competition with local enterprises, the plan is moving forward.
  • Karnataka has submitted a third proposal to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) seeking approval to convert the existing PWD guesthouse at Jog Falls into a five-star hotel as part of an eco-tourism initiative, following previous rejections in 2014 and 2021. The Jog Management Authority (JMA) justifies the project, emphasizing the suitability of the location for a ropeway across the Sharavathi River and the necessity of the land for the hotel. Conservationists, however, oppose the project, citing the ecological sensitivity of the Sharavathi Valley. Despite these concerns, the state government is pushing forward with Rs 165 crore worth of infrastructure developments to enhance tourism at Jog Falls, aiming to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
  • Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, considered one of the greatest animators and directors, has won the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Named after the former President of the Philippines, the awards “honor greatness of spirit shown in service to the peoples of Asia”, covering fields such as community service and arts.
  • The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) released a report on Bengaluru lake water quality, revealing that all 110 studied lakes within BBMP and panchayat limits fall under D and E categories, indicating poor water quality, primarily due to untreated sewage contamination and inadequate drainage management.
  • Karnataka has finalized locations for EV clusters under its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2023–28, with Chickballapur, Bidadi, and Hubballi–Dharwad chosen for strategic EV manufacturing. Approximately 800 acres have been identified for these clusters, focusing on co-locating EV manufacturing and OEMs, with possible build-to-suit options and testing facilities. Companies are already operational in Gauribidanur, Chickballapur. Future expansion may include Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Mysuru, aiming for sustainability and enhancing the EV ecosystem. The policy targets ₹50,000 crore in investments and one lakh jobs. Karnataka leads with 5,765 public EV charging stations, with plans to add 100 more, backed by ₹35 crore investment, led by the Energy Department.