Published on: February 13, 2025
Snippets : 13 FEBRUARY 2025
Snippets : 13 FEBRUARY 2025
- The Karnataka government has introduced a Clean Mobility Policy at the Global Investors Meet, aiming to create 1 lakh jobs and attract ₹50,000 crore in investments by 2030. The policy envisions making Karnataka Asia’s leading hub for clean mobility technology and EV manufacturing, while also developing EV charging and hydrogen station infrastructure. Key incentives include capital subsidies, exemptions from stamp duty and registration fees, and electricity tariff benefits for EV manufacturers, battery producers, and MSMEs. Special EV clusters are planned in Chikkaballapur, Dharwad, and Ramanagara. The policy also encourages last-mile connectivity by promoting e-rickshaws and EV auto-rickshaws in collaboration with public transport agencies. Major clean energy investments include Hero Future Energies’ ₹20,000 crore e-methanol plant, Epsilon Group’s ₹15,350 crore battery testing facility, and TVS Motor’s ₹2,000 crore expansion. Karnataka already has ₹25,000 crore EV investments, 2.5 lakh EVs registered, and 5,403 charging stations installed, ranking third highest in India for EV adoption.
- The Karnataka State Action Plan for Clean Air, approved by a high-level committee, aims to combat rising pollution levels across the state by aligning with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The plan consolidates existing measures and emphasizes strict enforcement of regulations across industries, transportation, agriculture, construction, and waste management to reduce PM10 emissions. Special focus is given to Bengaluru, targeting vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, and construction dust through measures like controlling roadside dust, promoting LPG use, and enforcing construction site regulations. Key policy highlights include mandatory industrial air quality monitoring, sustainable waste management technologies, and strong governance backed by financial support. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been instructed to accelerate the utilization of ₹280 crore from the 15th Finance Commission for air quality improvement projects. This action plan marks a crucial step toward improving air quality and fostering environmental sustainability in Karnataka.
- India and France have further strengthened their strategic partnership by deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, defense, and various other domains. In nuclear energy, both nations are collaborating on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) while expanding civil nuclear projects beyond Jaitapur. In defense, India has agreed to procure three additional Scorpène-class submarines under the P75-AS program, offered the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher to France, and is negotiating for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. Beyond defense, the partnership extends to Indo-Pacific security initiatives, artificial intelligence research, and space exploration, reinforcing their commitment to global stability and technological advancement.
- India ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, marking a decline from 93rd place in 2023. Its score dropped to 38 from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. Among neighboring countries, China ranked 76th, Sri Lanka 121st, Pakistan 135th, and Bangladesh 149th. Denmark remains the least corrupt nation, followed by Finland and Singapore. The global average CPI score is 43, with two-thirds of countries scoring below 50. Corruption severely affects governance and climate action, leading to misuse of climate funds and obstructing environmental policies. The CPI ranks countries based on perceived public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). It is published annually by Transparency International, a Berlin-based organization founded in 1993, known for its Global Corruption Barometer and CPI reports.
- The 2025 US Open has introduced significant changes to its mixed doubles format to attract top-ranked players and boost its popularity. The format has been shortened: matches will be best-of-three sets, played till four games per set, with tiebreakers at 4-4 instead of 6-6, and only the final will follow a traditional Grand Slam format. With a $1 million prize purse, the tournament aims to attract big names. However, many doubles specialists have criticized the move. Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori (2024 winners) called it a “profound injustice,” while Ellen Perez and Rohan Bopanna argued it disrespects doubles players and limits opportunities for non-singles specialists. Historically, doubles was a priority, with legends like John McEnroe (77 singles & 77 doubles titles) and Martina Navratilova (41 Major doubles/mixed titles vs. 18 singles titles) excelling in both. However, modern singles players avoid doubles due to packed schedules and higher singles rewards. Doubles now holds little commercial value, with tennis revenue dominated by singles Grand Slams. The US Open’s move is seen as a way to maximize profits rather than revive doubles, with separate ticketing and increased broadcasting revenues expected.
- The agriculture ministry has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), increasing the procurement limit of crops to 25% from 20%. The guidelines have been revised to encourage states to implement the MIS. The MIS is implemented on the request of the state/UT government for procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities such as tomato, onion, potato, etc, for which minimum support price (MSP) is not applicable and there is a reduction of at least 10% in market prices in states/UTs as compared to the rates of the previous normal season.
- The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish (Bagarius suchus) in the Bahini River, located in the Basistha locality of Guwahati, has raised concerns about potential ecological disruptions. This large, predatory catfish, native to South and Southeast Asia, is known for its voracious appetite and can consume prey significantly larger than itself. Its introduction into a new ecosystem can lead to the decline of native fish populations, disrupting the food chain and causing imbalances within the aquatic environment. Given its size and predatory nature, the Crocodile Catfish could pose a significant threat to the biodiversity of the Bahini River.
