KARNATAKA

• The 2024 Union Government groundwater study identifies five Karnataka districts, including Bengaluru Urban, as overexploited, with extraction beyond 100% (Kolar: 193.35%, Bengaluru Urban: 186.7%). Statewide groundwater has improved, averaging 68.44%, ranking 10th nationally. Measures include the ‘Water is Future’ (Neeriddare Nale) Project, AI-based monitoring of 41,489 lakes, and lake rejuvenation in Bengaluru, raising water tables and boosting agricultural output (vegetables +70%, flowers +80%, fruits +35%). Punjab, Rajasthan, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli lead nationally in extraction.
• The Karnataka Cabinet has revised the Anna Bhagya scheme, replacing the additional 5 kg rice for BPL families with an Indira Kit containing 1 kg each of green gram, tur dal, sugar, salt, and cooking oil. The change responds to surveys showing misuse of extra rice and preference for diversified food items. The scheme covers 1.26 crore BPL families, with kit quantity varying by family size. The modification reduces expenditure by ₹306 crore monthly.
• On October 9, 2025, Karnataka approved the Period Leave Policy–2025, granting one day of paid menstrual leave per month to women employees in government, private, and industrial sectors. The policy, framed after consultations and expert recommendations, aims to support menstrual health while monitoring implementation through the Labour Department. About 60 lakh women are expected to benefit. Karnataka becomes the third Indian state with such a policy, after Bihar and Odisha. Awareness campaigns will precede implementation.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launched the “Water is Future” (NEERIDARE NALE) campaign to promote water conservation and groundwater recharge. The KC Valley Project channels treated wastewater from Bengaluru to lakes in Kolar and Chikkaballapur, significantly improving groundwater levels. The state has invested heavily in lake rejuvenation and groundwater management, reclaiming 35,000 of 41,849 encroached lakes. Around 1,018 lakes are replenished annually, supporting 25 lakh acres. Overdependence on 37 lakh borewells highlights the need for sustainable water management.
• The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has launched a new Mitti Café outlet at Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) Terminal 2. Mitti Café is a non-profit that fosters economic independence and dignity for adults with physical, intellectual, and multiple disabilities.
• Writers Shudra Srinivas, Pratibha Nandakumar, M. Basavanna, D.B. Nayak and Vishvanath Karnad and have been honoured with the Karnataka Sahitya Academy honorary award for the year 2024. In consideration of the remarkable service given to the field of Kannada literature, 10 writers are being given the ‘Sahitya Shri’ award of Karnataka Sahitya Academy for the year 2024. They are: K.Y. Naranaswamy, B.M. Puttaiah, Padmalaya Nagaraj, B.U. Suma, Mamata Sagara, Sabita Bannadi, Abdul Hai Toranagal, Gurulingappa Dabale, H.S. Anupama and Amaresha Yatagal.

SCHEMES

• The draft National Labour and Employment Policy (Shram Shakti Niti, 2025) proposes a universal, portable social security framework integrating EPFO, ESIC, e-SHRAM, PMJAY, and state welfare schemes. Key goals include raising female labour participation to 35% by 2030, promoting green jobs, AI-enabled safety, and skill convergence. Policy provisions cover occupational safety, unified worker registration, formal employment promotion, and AI-driven governance. Implementation spans three phases (2025–post-2030) with real-time monitoring, LPEI benchmarking, and annual parliamentary reporting.
• The Union government plans to promote India’s solar energy initiatives abroad through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), targeting African countries and island nations. Key programmes include PM-KUSUM, focusing on 100 GW solar plants on farmer land, and PM Surya Ghar, promoting rooftop solar. Revised targets aim for 348 GW by 2026. Progress varies: standalone solar pumps (~70% installed), grid-connected pumps (16–25%). ISA provides a platform for global collaboration, showcasing India’s renewable energy leadership.

ENVIRONMENT

• India’s only mud volcano at Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, erupted on October 2, 2025, after over 20 years of dormancy, producing a 3–4 metre mud mound over 1,000 sq. metres. Baratang, 150 km from Port Blair, is a popular tourist spot. Mud volcanoes emit mud, water, and gases but no lava. Nearby Barren Island, an active volcanic island, had minor eruptions in September 2025. Tourist movement is suspended; authorities are monitoring the site.
• Horticultural scientist G. Karunakaran received the Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award 2024 from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, on its 60th Foundation Day. As Principal Scientist at ICAR–IIHR, he popularised dragon fruit cultivation, identified the Siddu jackfruit variety, and developed fruit crops for arid conditions. His work spans crop improvement, value addition, and community-based fruit value chains. With over 26 years of service, he has published 40+ research papers, 3 books, and 12 technical bulletins.
• India will conduct its first National Red List Assessment of nearly 11,000 plant and animal species to evaluate extinction risks scientifically. Following IUCN Red List methodology, the survey aims to standardize species conservation status, create 300 certified assessors, and publish National Red Data Books by 2030. Funded with ₹95 crore by the government, it is overseen by the Zoological Survey of India and the Ministry of Environment, supporting India’s commitments under CBD and KM-GBF.

SCIENCE

• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for pioneering work on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are molecular structures with large internal spaces, enabling applications such as water harvesting, carbon capture, toxic gas storage, and catalysis. Their stable and versatile frameworks allow precise material design. The laureates, working independently yet building on each other’s discoveries, have opened new avenues in materials science and environmental solutions.
• The DRDO, in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff and Tri-Services, released Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) 1.0, India’s first national standard for Software Defined Radios (SDR). IRSA provides a standardized framework for secure, interoperable radio communication, defining interfaces, APIs, execution environments, and waveform portability. Developed under the Standardization of Indigenous SDR initiative, it aligns India with global SDR frameworks (US SCA, Europe’s ESSOR, NATO STANAG) and supports India’s vision to export IRSA-compliant solutions to friendly nations.