KARNATAKA ISSUES

• Karnataka’s overall score in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 dropped from 562 (2022-23) to 549 (2023-24), reflecting stagnant performance in the ‘learning outcomes and quality’ domain (59.4/240). Despite infrastructure focus via CSR funds, academic improvements in Classes 3, 5, and 8 remain lacking. Karnataka was rated Akanshi-1 (21%–30%) alongside 14 states. Vacant teaching posts hinder progress, though the ‘access’ domain showed improvement. PGI 2.0, based on UDISE+, evaluates 73 indicators across 1,000 points.
• Karnataka government – Under the Kusum-C scheme, construction of solar units with a capacity of around 200 MW has already been completed. In the next few months, solar units with a capacity of 545 MW will be commissioned at 93 locations. This will help provide an adequate daytime electricity supply to farmers

POLITY

• According to powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ECI can cancel registration of 10 political parties

POLICY

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has proposed changes to the 2014 TRP Policy Guidelines to improve transparency, foster competition, and integrate new technologies. Key changes include deleting clauses restricting cross-holdings, updating conflict-of-interest rules, and pushing for smart TV and digital tracking. With only 58,000 people meters covering 230 million households, the current system lacks representation. The move aims to modernize the TRP ecosystem, ensuring it reflects evolving media consumption and allows entry of more rating agencies.
• The “Handloom Hackathon 2025” was launched by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) to revolutionize India’s handloom sector. Scheduled for August 2-3, 2025, at IIT Delhi, this national competition, themed “DREAM IT; DO IT,” will unite students, technologists, and artisans. It focuses on design innovation, sustainability, market access, skill development, and community building, aiming to empower handloom artisans economically. Online registration is open until July 31, 2025.
• India has unveiled ambitious vision documents for its aluminium and copper sectors, aligning with Viksit Bharat by 2047. The aluminium roadmap targets a six-fold production increase by 2047, emphasizing bauxite expansion, recycling, and low-carbon tech. The copper document anticipates a six-fold demand surge by 2047, aiming for 5 million tonnes of smelting/refining capacity by 2030. Both strategies focus on global competitiveness, raw material security, and crucial contributions to India’s energy transition and green technologies

SOCIAL ISSUES

• The report “Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities in India” by Pacta highlights systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the legal system. Despite mandates under the UNCRPD (2008) and RPwD Act (2016), implementation is fragmented. The justice system suffers from a lack of disability-disaggregated data, inaccessible infrastructure, limited staff sensitisation, and poor legal aid access. Employment quotas are poorly enforced, and prisons lack mental health professionals. The report recommends mandatory data collection, audits, and inclusive training.

ENVIRONMENT

• A rare roll cloud recently appeared over Portugal’s coast amid an extreme heatwave and strong winds. Roll clouds are low, tube-shaped, horizontally rotating arcus clouds forming at 2,000–7,000 meters altitude. Though often mistaken for funnel clouds, they are not dangerous and often precede severe weather. Roll clouds are typically seen in coastal or mountainous areas. As a subtype of arcus clouds, they differ from shelf clouds by being detached from the main storm system.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• Report “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”: Launched by NITI Aayog, the report envisions India becoming a global chemical manufacturing hub by 2040, targeting a $1 trillion industry output. Major challenges include a $31 billion trade deficit (2023), heavy import dependence, high logistics costs, low R&D investment (0.7% vs global avg. 2.3%), and a 30% skilled workforce gap. Key interventions include building chemical hubs, offering R&D support, speeding up environmental clearances, and enhancing skill development, aiming to boost exports and achieve net-zero trade.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ by President Christine Carla Kangaloo
• The Durand Cup is the oldest tournament in Asia and is organised by the Indian Armed forces. Originally held in New Delhi, the tournament was shifted to West Bengal in 2019 and has since been hosted across the eastern part of India