KARNATAKA ISSUES

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a growing global and national health threat, prompting Karnataka to develop its first State Action Plan on AMR, currently awaiting Cabinet approval. This five-year, adaptable strategy—rooted in the One Health approach—integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Based on five pillars (Regulate, Monitor, Educate, Prevent, Lead), it aligns with WHO and National Action Plan guidelines, tailored to Karnataka’s specific needs. Developed under Prof. Swetavalli Raghavan after a year-long study across 11 districts, the plan emphasizes curbing OTC antibiotic sales, tracking usage, improving surveillance, enhancing lab infrastructure, and raising public awareness to ensure responsible antimicrobial use across sectors.
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini), called Nerale Hannu in Kannada, is a seasonal fruit with strong anti-diabetic properties, widely grown in Karnataka’s arid districts like Kolar and Ballari. Despite its short shelf life and vulnerability to rain and pests, its cultivation in dry zones supports climate-resilient agriculture. Traditionally exported only as frozen or powdered form, fresh jamun saw its first export (250 kg) to London on June 19, 2025, from Nelamangala FPO, supported by APEDA. The move marks a milestone in Indian horticulture exports, offering hope to farmers facing price volatility through new markets and value-added processing opportunities.
• The Karnataka government is advancing financial inclusion by empowering rural women through the BC Sakhi initiative. Women from self-help groups are trained and certified by the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) to serve as Business Correspondents under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). These BC Sakhis provide banking services like deposits, withdrawals, and account openings, bridging the gap between rural populations and formal financial institutions. With over 5,000 trained women and a goal of “One Gram Panchayat – One BC Sakhi” by September 2025, the initiative supports schemes like Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti, enhancing financial autonomy and last-mile service delivery.
• The BBMP is adopting Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) technology to repair nearly a dozen flyovers in Bengaluru. SMA is a durable material that provides excellent rut resistance and durability, reducing maintenance costs. BBMP has previously used SMA on KG Road, which remained pothole-free for over six years. The technology requires specialized equipment and high-grade materials but offers long-term benefits. BBMP expects the SMA-resurfaced flyovers to last at least five years without major repairs. The Hebbal flyover was recently resurfaced with SMA, and similar work is planned for other key flyovers, aiming to improve road quality and reduce potholes. It’s a costly solution.
• Yeshwanth P and Himanshi Chowdhary scored contrasting wins to be crowned champions in the men’s and women’s singles sections respectively at the State-ranking table tennis tournament at the KGS Club

SCIENCE

• The Indian government announced Bihar’s first small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) plant under its Nuclear Energy Mission, part of the 2025-26 Union Budget with a Rs 20,000 crore allocation. Bihar will be among the first six states to host an atomic plant, aiming to boost regional energy security and industrial growth. SMRs are safer, cost-effective, and flexible compared to traditional reactors, suitable for smaller grids. The project supports Bihar’s power needs amid infrastructure challenges. Alongside, a 1,000 MW battery storage project will enhance grid stability and renewable energy integration. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of expanding clean energy and technological collaboration with foreign partners.
• Five people have died from leptospirosis in Ernakulam, Kerala, over the past three weeks. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira interrogans. It’s found in the urine of infected animals like rats, cattle, and dogs, and can infect humans through skin wounds. The disease is prevalent in warm, humid countries and can be transmitted through contaminated water or soil. Symptoms include fever, chills, and muscle aches, and if left untreated, can lead to kidney or liver failure. Antibiotics can treat the disease, but prompt medical attention is crucial.
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has inducted Adamya, the first of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa, marking a key step in India’s maritime security and self-reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. FPVs like Adamya are agile, high-speed vessels used for coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. Adamya features controllable pitch propellers, indigenous gearboxes, advanced weaponry, and integrated systems like IBS, IPMS, and APMS. It enhances ICG’s readiness and strengthens coastal defense. As a fully indigenous build, it also supports Make in India goals, with seven more vessels planned for future deployment.

INTERNATIONAL

• The UNESCAP-led civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) conference held in Bangkok aims for 100% birth and death registration by 2030, aligning with SDG 16.9. CRVS systems ensure universal, continuous recording of key life events, supporting legal identity, public health, education, and social protection. The Asia-Pacific region saw a 60% drop in unregistered children under five from 2012 to 2022, though challenges remain. India improved birth registration from 86% to 96%, adopting digital platforms and legal reforms. The new roadmap focuses on digital transformation, data interoperability, and gender equity, enhancing inclusion, governance, and evidence-based policy-making across the region.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the South Asia Regional Centre of the International Potato Center (CIP–CSARC) at Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, making India the second country after China to host a CIP regional centre. Backed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and initiated by the UP Government, the centre will boost food security, farmer income, and rural employment. CIP, headquartered in Lima, Peru, is a CGIAR body focused on potato, sweet potato, and Andean tubers. The ₹171 crore initiative will promote R&D, tech transfer, and regional collaboration, complementing India’s agricultural goals and enhancing agri-based diplomacy.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first maritime NBFC, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime development. Registered as an NBFC with the RBI on June 19, 2025, SMFCL aims to bridge financial gaps and offer sector-specific solutions to ports, MSMEs, startups, and educational institutions. Sonowal emphasized that SMFCL aligns with the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, strengthening India’s goal to become a global maritime leader. The corporation will support sectors like shipbuilding, renewable energy, and cruise tourism, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable growth in India’s maritime sector.

MISCELLANEOUS

• India has entered the top 100 in the Sustainable Development Index for the first time, ranking 99 with a score of 67, as per the 2025 report released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report marks the 10th anniversary of the SDGs, focusing on financing them by 2030. Despite India’s progress from rank 120 in 2021 to 99 in 2025, it still lags behind neighbours like Maldives and Bhutan. The SDG Index uses a 0–100 scale, with a new 2025 indicator on child dietary diversity. Globally, only 17% of SDG targets show progress, with Finland, Sweden, and Denmark leading.