KARNATAKA

• Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has launched its new sonic identity, “Rhythm of BLR,” a unique musical expression created with BrandMusiq. The airport’s operator, BIAL, stated this initiative is part of a broader campaign to connect with travelers on an emotional level. The anthem, composed by Grammy winner Ricky Kej, blends traditional Carnatic instruments like the mandolin and mridangam with Western instruments, symbolizing a “jugalbandi of heritage and modernity.” This sonic branding aims to evoke a sense of home and Bengaluru’s spirit.

ECONOMY

• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) proposes market coupling in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) of power exchanges. Market coupling is an economic model that aggregates buy/sell bids from all power exchanges (IEX, PXIL, HPX) to discover a single, uniform electricity price across platforms. This enhances efficiency, market liquidity, and potentially reduces energy loss, by ensuring one uniform price for traded electricity.

ENVIRONMENT

• In Nagaland’s Peren district, Naga youths are spearheading the revival of the critically endangered Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys). With just ~500 adults in Northeast India, threats include poaching and habitat loss. The Nagaland Forest Department and Turtle Survival Alliance India have launched a rewilding project using soft release methods. Local youths, trained as “Tortoise Guardians,” patrol and track tortoises using VHF telemetry. This initiative emphasizes community-led conservation and aims to restore wild populations and habitats.
• Despite rapid growth, India’s electric vehicle (EV) adoption lags behind its 2030 target of 30%, reaching only 7.6% of total vehicle sales in 2024, as per a NITI Aayog report. While two- and three-wheelers show strong performance, electric cars and long-haul trucks remain weak. Challenges like high costs, range anxiety, and poor charging infrastructure persist. The newly launched India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) ranks states by EV adoption, infrastructure, and innovation, with Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka among the top performers.
• As the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee resumes in Geneva to finalize a Global Plastics Treaty, a Lancet report highlights the severe health and environmental impacts of plastic pollution. Plastics are now linked to multiple diseases, costing over $1.5 trillion annually. The report emphasizes the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in human organs and calls for a legally binding international agreement backed by evidence-based laws and strict policy enforcement to curb this escalating global threat.
• To address 186 elephant deaths on rail tracks since 2009, the Centre, in collaboration with 14 states, conducted a joint survey covering 127 railway stretches across 3,452 km. Of these, 77 stretches were marked for urgent mitigation. A total of 705 structures including ramps, overpasses, and underpasses were proposed. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are being implemented across 926 km. Assam, Maharashtra, and UP lead in planned mitigation, while Karnataka has the highest elephant population (6,049 as per 2017 data).

SCIENCE

• India is set to introduce iron-rich bio-fortified potatoes, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, to combat micronutrient deficiencies or “hidden hunger.” Unlike food fortification, biofortification enriches crops during growth through breeding or biotech methods. Trials are ongoing with ICAR–CPRI Shimla, while CIP’s South Asia Regional Centre will be established near Agra. The initiative follows successful deployment of vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes in multiple Indian states, aiming to boost nutrition and market access for farmers.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Manipur swimmers dominated the first day of the 41st Sub-Junior National Aquatics Championships, winning four gold medals. Koijam Athoiba Singh, Hemanshu Nahakpam, and Maisnam Arindham Singh were the gold medalists in the boys’ Group III events. Karnataka secured two gold medals, with Shwiti Diwakar Suvarana winning the girls’ 100m butterfly and anchoring her team to victory in the 200m freestyle relay. In water polo, Karnataka’s men’s and women’s teams also secured convincing wins.
• India’s men’s cricket team secured a dramatic six-run victory over England in the final Test at The Oval, leveling the series 2-2. Defending a target of 374, India’s bowlers, led by a sensational spell from Mohammed Siraj, dismissed England’s remaining four batsmen in under an hour on the final day. This hard-fought series victory marks a successful test for a young Indian side in transition, with Siraj named Player of the Match.