KARNATAKA

• The Karnataka Innovation Authority (KIA) is set to become operational as India’s first pan-sector regulatory sandbox initiative, enabling the testing of disruptive innovations like AI, gene editing, and cryptocurrency in a safe, monitored environment. Designed to bridge policy gaps, it allows legal but unregulated ideas to be trialed under expert oversight. Post-trials, policy recommendations may follow. The sandbox model promotes innovation with legal safeguards, aligning Karnataka with global practices like the UK’s 2015 Financial Conduct Authority sandbox.
• Blindness-Free Shivamogga, India’s first universal eye care initiative, aims to eliminate preventable blindness by ensuring free eye treatment for the entire population (~18 lakh), not just BPL families. Launched by Zilla Panchayat CEO N Hemanth, trained ASHA workers use mobile apps for early detection and refer patients to sub-health centres. Specialist visits and free treatment are provided at reputed hospitals. The program addresses diseases like cataract and glaucoma, offering a proactive, inclusive model that could inspire national replication.
• With BBMP now split into five corporations, key governance concerns have arisen regarding the division of duties with the new Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Experts recommend “activity mapping” to assign roles in budgeting, service delivery, and infrastructure. While B-SMILE may manage major projects, individual bodies will handle local roads. Waste management remains with BSWML, and BWSSB may take over lakes and stormwater drains. GBA will oversee high-rises, while small buildings and possibly trade licences may stay with local bodies.

ECONOMY

• AI tools have significantly boosted India’s tax revenue, adding ₹11,000 crore in the last four years by encouraging over one crore taxpayers to voluntarily update returns, according to CBDT Chairman Ravi Agarwal. These tools also helped uncover ₹29,000 crore in previously undisclosed foreign assets and ₹1,000 crore in foreign crypto income during 2024-25. The Income Tax Department utilizes AI to identify potential filers among 31 crore non-filing taxpayers and ensures accurate returns from existing filers through its NUDGE system.

SCIENCE

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), along with RMRC-Bhubaneswar, NIMR, and DBT-NII, is developing AdFalciVax, a novel malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum. It provides dual-stage protection—before red blood cell infection and during the transmission stage—offering both personal immunity and reduced mosquito transmission. Produced using Lactococcus lactis, it offers broader immune response, long-term protection, and room-temperature stability. Currently in preclinical stages, the vaccine supports India’s malaria elimination and Make in India initiatives, with plans for open licensing.
• A large-scale Danish study published in Lancet Psychiatry analyzed data from 88,764 newborns (1981–2005) and found that low neonatal vitamin D levels were linked to increased risks of schizophrenia (18%), ADHD (11%), and autism (7%). No significant association was found with depression or bipolar disorder. Using genetic methods to rule out reverse causation, the study also linked higher vitamin D-binding protein to reduced schizophrenia risk. For India, tackling widespread vitamin D deficiency requires preventive care, maternal screening, and nutrition policies.
• The Indian Army has received three advanced Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from Boeing, USA, marking a significant boost to its combat capabilities. This delivery is distinct from the earlier 2015 deal for 22 Apaches for the Indian Air Force. The AH-64E features Longbow radar, MUM-T technology, night vision, crash-resistant armor, and electronic countermeasures. With the ability to share data across platforms, these helicopters strengthen India’s network-centric warfare, particularly enhancing strike capabilities along the Western Front.
• The Agriculture Ministry has intensified regulation of biostimulants—substances that enhance plant growth without being classified as pesticides or growth regulators. Amid rising complaints about forced bundling with subsidised fertilisers and doubts over product efficacy, the government issued directives to stop such practices. With the market valued at USD 355.5 million in 2024 and growing rapidly, nearly 30,000 unregulated products have been reduced to around 650. New measures under the Fertiliser Control Order aim to protect farmers and ensure product validation.
• Kerala health authorities recently introduced the Cy-TB test, a third-generation intradermal skin test for tuberculosis (TB) infection, aligning with the National TB Elimination Programme. This highly specific test involves injecting TB-specific antigens; a 5mm+ induration within 48-72 hours indicates infection. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects lungs and spreads airborne. India bears 26% of the global TB burden, being a hub for drug-resistant TB and related deaths, underscoring the test’s importance.
• The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX), launched in 2015 at Delhi’s IGI Airport by IITM under MoES, has completed 10 years of studying North India’s dense winter fog. Supported by IMD and NCMRWF, WiFEX developed a high-resolution fog prediction model with over 85% accuracy, improving aviation safety and early warnings. It revealed links between fog, pollution, and urban heat. Now entering WiFEX-II, the project expands runway-specific forecasts across North India for safer, efficient winter operations