KARNATAKA

• In 2024, cybercriminals exploited over 65,000 mule bank accounts from Karnataka to facilitate illegal money transfers, according to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre. These mule accounts act as intermediaries, enabling fraudsters to launder stolen funds. Karnataka ranked fifth among states in the number of first-layer mule accounts, with over 50,000 created last year—more than double the average in other states. Investigators blame bank negligence for the high number, as fraudsters use fake or genuine accounts, often purchased or created with faulty KYC documents. The widespread use of mule accounts highlights the urgent need for stricter banking security measures.

POLITY

• Bihar has become the first Indian state to launch a mobile-based e-voting system for urban local body elections, with a pilot scheduled for June 28, 2025. The system utilizes two Android applications—e-Voting SECBHR developed by C-DAC and another app by the Bihar State Election Commission—incorporating advanced security features such as blockchain-based vote recording, biometric verification (face matching, liveness detection), and audit trails similar to VVPAT. Aimed at increasing voter accessibility and turnout, the system prioritizes migrant workers, senior citizens, pregnant women, divyang voters, and the seriously ill. With 10,000 voters already registered and capacity for 50,000 mobile votes, the initiative sets a new benchmark in electoral innovation. Globally, few nations like Estonia have adopted remote e-voting. Bihar SEC’s proven use of facial recognition, OCR counting, and digital EVM locks reinforces its pioneering role.

SCHEME

• The PMGSY QR Code Initiative, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, aims to improve rural road connectivity and governance. Introduced in June 2025, it mandates all states to install QR-coded boards on PMGSY roads. Citizens can scan these bilingual QR codes to submit real-time feedback and photos, which are analysed using AI/ML for objective performance evaluations. This enhances transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. The system is integrated with e-MARG, a web-mobile platform that monitors post-construction maintenance over five years. Implemented by NRIDA under MoRD, it strengthens infrastructure oversight, especially in remote and Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas.

SCIENCE

• India is pushing for electric vehicle (EV) adoption to curb road transport emissions, which contribute 12% of its CO₂ output, reduce urban pollution, and cut energy imports. EVs—comprising BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs—use electric motors, lithium-ion batteries, and regenerative braking. Unlike hybrids, pure EVs emit no tailpipe emissions. India plans to scale EV production from 0.2 million to 2.5 million by 2030, targeting global leadership. Government schemes like FAME, PLI, and e-AMRIT support this shift. Despite benefits like energy security and job creation, challenges persist in cost, charging infrastructure, battery recycling, and global competitiveness, especially against China’s dominance.
• The Union Health Ministry plans to integrate India’s Rare Donor Registry with e-Raktkosh to ensure the efficient management and availability of rare blood groups nationwide. e-Raktkosh is a centralized, web-based blood bank management system developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission. It offers a scalable, modular architecture accessible to all stakeholders and includes over 3800 registered blood centers. Key features include Aadhar-linked donor records, real-time blood availability, and six modules covering donor tracking, testing, inventory, waste, and alert systems. This integration aims to enhance coordination among blood banks and streamline access to rare and repeat donors across the country.
• Recently, the FDA approved Lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug. LEN is an injectable antiretroviral used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative individuals at risk. Studies show it prevents 99.9% of HIV transmissions. Developed by Gilead Sciences and marketed as Yeztugo, LEN is administered twice yearly via injection. It works as a capsid inhibitor, blocking the HIV virus’s protein shell needed for replication. Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, LEN offers a discreet, highly effective, long-acting alternative, improving adherence and reducing the risk of infection.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Finland’s Parliament has voted to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines, citing concerns over a potential military threat from neighboring Russia. The Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was adopted in 1997 to eliminate the use, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines, aiming to reduce casualties and suffering. It requires member states to destroy stockpiles within four years, clear mined areas within ten, and provide assistance to survivors. Currently, 165 countries are members, but Finland’s decision reflects evolving security considerations amid regional tensions. Notably, India is not a signatory to the treaty
• Carlos Alcaraz won his second Queen’s Club title
• Marketa Vondrousova won the Berlin WTA title
• The annual JCB Prize for Literature, the most expensive literary award — Rs 25 lakh — in the country, has been shut down. The discontinuation of the award, which was last given to writer Upamanyu Chatterjee for ‘Lorenzo Searches for the Meaning of Life’, in 2024. Established in 2018, the JCB Prize for Literature, besides carrying a hefty cash prize, was a pioneer in celebrating Indian fiction, particularly translations.
• In 2019, Goa’s State Cabinet declared the Ghumot as the state’s heritage instrument, excluding monitor lizard skin, sparking an aesthetic debate on folk music. The Ghumot, a traditional membranophone, features an earthen clay pot with one open side covered by animal hide—historically monitor lizard, now replaced by goat hide—secured around the rim. It is warmed near a bonfire to tighten the skin, producing sharp beats when struck. It holds cultural significance in Hindu and Christian rituals, such as Ganesh festivals, pre-wedding ceremonies, and harvest festivals like Shigmo and Holi. Originally crafted and played by local tribal communities, the Ghumot remains a vital symbol of Goa’s cultural heritage.