KARNATAKA NEWS

• Karnataka, home to over a million tech professionals, is a global AI hub with Bengaluru ranking 5th worldwide in the AI and big data ecosystem. Amid concerns of AI-led job disruptions, the state launched the AI Workforce Impact Survey on June 18, 2025, to assess employment shifts and skill needs. Insights will inform IT Policy 2025 and Nipuna Karnataka—a ₹300 crore skilling initiative backed by public-private partnerships. Launched in September 2024, Nipuna aims to future-proof the workforce despite its website being inactive. A ₹28 crore AI Center of Excellence was also approved in Bengaluru to reinforce Karnataka’s leadership in AI.
• Karnataka, a pioneer in innovation and tech startups, is strengthening its global leadership in the digital economy through a joint initiative by the Government of Karnataka, Bangalore Airport City Limited (BACL), and ANSR. Located within BACL’s 28 million sq. ft. Business Park, the flagship project “District I” is a collaborative innovation hub designed to support deep-tech entrepreneurship and R&D. Integrating startups, GCCs, corporates, academia, and public institutions, it focuses on AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and advanced customer technologies across sectors like aerospace, smart cities, and telecom. It promotes a “Live, Work, Learn, Create” model to boost innovation, commercialization, and economic growth.
• Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) set a Guinness World Record by receiving over 5.33 lakh pledges for water conservation in a week, the highest globally for such a campaign. Launched in March with a Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank, the campaign aimed to promote water saving among citizens. The remarkable response from residents made it the record-holder, recognized by Guinness World Records.
• Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam Limited (VJNL) has won ISDA INFRACON National Award for 2025 for using cutting-edge technology in the Yettinahole project. The award is instituted by the Infrastructure Skill Development Academy The award was given for the use of advanced technology in building the 10.47-km aqueduct between 199.62 km and 210.09 km stretch of the Yettinahole drinking water project.

SCHEMES

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous R&D body under the Department of Telecommunications, has launched the ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program to promote innovation in Telecom and ICT domains like 5G/6G, AI, IoT, quantum tech, and cybersecurity. The program supports up to 36 startups annually across two cohorts, offering up to ₹5 lakh grants, office space in Delhi & Bengaluru, lab access, and expert mentorship. Implementation partners include STPI and TiE. Delivered in a hybrid model, the program facilitates product development and investor engagement. Recently, 18 startups were selected in Cohort-1, and grant awards were distributed in New Delhi.

ENVIRONMENT

• Researchers at IISc have uncovered how lac insects produce laccaic acid, used in lac pigment. The study reveals that a symbiotic yeast-like organism inside the insect, not the insect itself, carries the genes necessary for pigment synthesis. The lac insect feeds on certain trees and secretes shellac, but the production of the bright red pigment was a mystery. The team sequenced the microbiome and identified the yeast as the key producer, providing insight into India’s historic lac industry. This discovery highlights the role of symbiotic organisms in natural pigment production, advancing understanding of traditional Indian dyeing and coloring techniques.
• The Kerala High Court has banned single-use plastics in hilly areas, hotels, and during events like weddings from October 2, citing serious environmental threats. The ban covers plastic water bottles under five liters, soft drink bottles under two liters, food containers, plates, cups, and straws, including government-hosted functions. The court emphasized responsible disposal to protect water bodies and urged the government and local bodies to prevent plastic dumping and promote awareness of its harmful effects. It also directed the establishment of kiosks providing safe drinking water, preferably in glass or stainless steel bottles, to reduce plastic waste and safeguard ecosystems.
• The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban marks a significant step toward sustainable urban sanitation. Cities like Guntur, Chennai, and Indore are deploying e-autos, e-rickshaws, and electric trucks, reducing carbon emissions, air and noise pollution, and operational costs. These eco-friendly initiatives promote source segregation, real-time monitoring, and renewable energy use, enhancing efficiency and service quality. They also generate employment and foster community awareness about waste management. Overall, adopting EVs in waste collection exemplifies India’s commitment to cleaner, greener cities, aligning technological innovation with environmental responsibility.
• Two new species of earthworms—Kanchuria tripuraensis and Kanchuria priyasankari—were recently discovered in Tripura, marking a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of soil biodiversity in the region.

MISCELLANEOUS

• The SIPRI 2025 Report highlights escalating global nuclear threats amid rising geopolitical tensions and weakening arms control treaties. Nine nuclear-armed states—US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—collectively possess 12,241 warheads, with 9,614 in military stockpiles and 3,912 deployed with delivery systems. All are modernising arsenals, including canisterised missiles for rapid launch. India increased its warheads to 180 and enhanced missile capabilities, while China’s inventory rose to 600. The US and Russia reported slight reductions. A brief India-Pakistan conflict in early 2025 underscored the danger of misinformation escalating nuclear risks. Strategic treaty frameworks continue to erode.
• Recently, Lucknow officially submitted its nomination to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a “City of Gastronomy.” The UCCN, established in 2004, promotes cooperation among cities leveraging creativity for sustainable urban development. It aims to foster cultural diversity, resilience, and innovation, addressing challenges like climate change and urbanization. Member cities recognize creativity as vital for growth, forming partnerships across sectors. India has ten cities in the network, including Jaipur, Varanasi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Kozhikode, and Gwalior. Lucknow’s inclusion would further highlight India’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage, supporting cultural and economic development.
• India to participate in the eighth edition of the India-French joint military exercise named ‘Shakti’, which will be conducted at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in France
• Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, Wynn Thomas, and Dolly Parton will receive honourary Oscars at the 2025 Governors Awards for their lifetime achievements. Mr. Cruise, nominated four times, is recognised for his dedication to film-making and stunts. Ms. Parton earns Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropy
• India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana moved up to the top spot in ICC ODI batting rankings for the first time since 2019