19th June, 2025 - Notes on Daily Karnataka Current Affairs

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Centre grants Karnataka two years to meet RDSS eligibility norms

RDSS - Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

• Within two years, Karnataka govt needs to clear all pending arrears of electricity supply companies (ESCOMS).

• Karnataka missed out on RDSS as various government departments owe over ₹8,500 crore to ESCOMS in Karnataka.

  
  

What is RDSS and its features?

• Launched by the Union Govt in July 2021.

• Aims to transform the power distribution sector by improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and Power Departments (excluding private sector DISCOMs).

• Financial assistance for DISCOMs is given under the scheme but is conditional and based on meeting criteria like timely publishing of audited accounts of DISCOMS, clearing all dues of DISCOMS, etc

• Under the scheme, A 15% subsidy (up to ₹900) will be provided by the Union government to consumers for installing Smart meters. It is now mandatory for all new and temporary connections in Karnataka to install smart meters. It will help the consumers if RDSS is implemented in Karnataka.

• Distribution Infrastructure Upgradation: Modernization of networks to reduce technical losses, handle growing demand, and improve reliability.

• Aims to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12–15% by 2024–25 (national level).

• Skill enhancement for DISCOM personnel through targeted training programs.

• Improves quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply, especially in remote areas

• Focus on providing daytime electricity to farmers through separation of agriculture feeders, converging with PM-KUSUM for solarization of feeders.

• Leverages advanced technologies like AI/ML for data analytics, theft detection, and predictive analysis

  
  

RDSS’ Smart Meter Programme:

• It has started World’s largest smart metering initiative, replacing 250 million traditional meters with prepaid smart meters

• Smart meters will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to analyze data for loss reduction, demand forecasting, Time of Day (ToD) tariffs, and renewable energy integration

• Smart meters support prepaid functionality, remote disconnection, and firmware-over-the-air upgrades, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Prepaid smart meters empower consumers with better control over usage and billing transparency.

  
  

Electricity Sector in Karnataka:

Pre-2002: The Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB) was a single entity responsible for all aspects of electricity – generation, transmission, and distribution across the state.

Post-2002 Reforms: Karnataka embarked on significant power sector reforms. KEB was dissolved, and its functions were unbundled into separate corporations:

• Generation: Primarily handled by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).

• Transmission: Handled by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).

• Distribution: Handled by various Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs).

  
  

Regulatory Body: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) was established in November 1999 as a statutory body to regulate the entire electricity sector in the state.

Key Organizations:

A. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited:

• A company wholly owned by the Government of Karnataka

• KPTCL was formed on 1-8-1999 by carving out the Transmission and Distribution functions of the erstwhile Karnataka Electricity Board (KEB).

• KPTCL took over the transmission and distribution functions initially, with distribution later transferred to ESCOMs in 2002.

• Transmits power from generating stations (state-owned, central, or independent power producers) to ESCOMs’ distribution networks. It only deals with Transmission, not distribution.

• Tariff and Charges: Collects transmission charges from ESCOMs as determined by KERC.

• KPTCL is the sole transmission utility in Karnataka, responsible for the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the high-voltage transmission network (66 kV and above).

• It also facilitates power procurement for ESCOMs by transmitting electricity from generating stations to distribution substations.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Develops green energy corridors to evacuate power from wind and solar projects, aligning with Karnataka’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets.

  
  

B. Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) / DISCOMS

Role: ESCOMs are responsible for electricity distribution within their designated geographical areas. They purchase power from generating companies (like KPCL and other Independent Power Producers - IPPs) and KPTCL, and then distribute it to end-consumers (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, etc.).

Structure: There are five main ESCOMs operating in Karnataka, each serving specific districts:

• Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM): Covers Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, and Davanagere districts. BESCOM is the largest ESCOM in the state.

• Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (MESCOM): Serves Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga districts.

• Hubli Electricity Supply Company Limited (HESCOM): Responsible for power distribution in Dharwad, Gadag, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, and Belagavi districts.

• Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company Limited (GESCOM): Covers Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppala, Raichuru, Yadagiri, and Vijayanagara districts.

• Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC, Mysuru): Entrusted with power distribution in Mysuru, Chamarajanagara, Mandya, Hassan, and Kodagu districts.

  
  

Functions:

• Procurement of electricity.

• Maintenance of the distribution network (substations, transformers, low-tension lines).

• Billing and collection of electricity charges from consumers.

• Customer service and grievance redressal.

• Managing power outages and restoration.

  
  

Ownership: These ESCOMs are owned by the Karnataka Government.

C. Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)

Role: KERC is an independent regulatory body established under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998 (and subsequently the Electricity Act, 2003). Its primary function is to regulate the electricity sector in Karnataka to ensure a fair and transparent environment for all stakeholders (generators, transmitters, distributors, and consumers).

Functions:

• Tariff Determination: Determines the tariff for the generation supply, transmission, and wheeling of electricity. This includes approving proposals for electricity rate increases or decreases through the ESCOMs.

• Licensing: Issues licenses to entities involved in the generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity.

• Promoting Renewable Energy: Promotes the development and integration of renewable energy sources into the state's power grid.

• Consumer Protection: Protects the interests of electricity consumers, including addressing complaints and setting performance standards.

• Dispute Resolution: Serves as a forum for resolving disputes related to the electricity sector.

  
  

Structure: Comprises a Chairperson and members, all appointed by the state government.

Impact: KERC's decisions significantly influence electricity prices, quality of supply, and the overall development of the power sector in Karnataka.

Under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, Chamundi Hills are being renovated:

3 sites in Karnataka are being renovated in PRASHAD scheme - a. Sri Renuka Yellamma temple in Saundatti in Belagavi, b. Paapnaash Shiv Temple in Bidar and c. Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

Chamundi Hills in Mysuru

• Average elevation: 1,000 meters (approx. 3,300 feet) above sea level.

• They are are stand alone hills, part of Mysuru plateau. Dry Deciduous forests.

• Named after Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga.

• She is believed to have killed the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

• It is a Reserved forest and a treasure trove of biodiversity. Mammals that find sanctuary in Chamundi Hills reserve forest include bonnet macaque, common leopard, rusty spotted cat, small indian civet, common palm civet, golden jackal, black-naped hare, pangolin, etc.

  
  

Religious Significance

Chamundeshwari Temple:

• Dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Durga.

• Believed to be built in the 12th century by the Hoysalas; later improved by the Wodeyars of Mysuru.

• The goddess is the tutelary deity of the Mysore royal family.

• Famous for Dasara celebrations when the deity is specially worshipped.

  
  

Mahabaleshwara Temple:

• Older than Chamundeshwari Temple; dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Constructed in the 9th century.

  
  

Significance of the name:

• Named after Chamundi, who is believed to have slain the demon Mahishasura.

• A giant statue of Mahishasura (about 10 feet tall) is present near the hilltop.

  
  

Access and Highlights

• 1,008 Steps: Stone steps lead to the top from the base; popular with pilgrims and trekkers.

• Nandi Statue:

• A majestic monolithic statue of Nandi (bull) halfway up the steps.

• About 16 feet long and 25 feet high, carved in the 17th century.

  
  

Sri Renuka Yellamma temple in Saundatti in Belagavi

• The present temple was commissioned in 1514 by Bomappa Nayaka of Raybag.

• However, excavations reveal it stands atop an earlier Chalukyan–Rashtrakuta shrine from around the 8th–11th centuries, with evidence such as megalithic tombs and pottery dating to 3rd century BCE–1st century CE

• Goddess Renuka, also worshipped as Yellamma, is revered as the mother of Parashurama, one of Vishnu’s incarnations

• Built in a hybrid style of Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and Dravidian architecture.

• Pilgrimage hub for devotees across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh

  
  

Paapnaash Shiv Temple in Bidar

• The name Papnash comes from Sanskrit: pāpa (sin) + naś (destruction), symbolizing the belief that the spring and tank within the temple grounds can wash away devotees' sins.

• It’s believed that Lord Rama himself installed the Shiva Linga here during his journey back from Lanka to Ayodhya

• Shivaratri is the temple’s most significant festival, drawing large crowds for evening pujas and night-long vigils.

  
  

About The PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme:

• Year: 2014–15

• Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

  
  

  Objectives

• Improve infrastructure at pilgrimage and spiritual sites.

• Preserve and promote the cultural and spiritual heritage of India.

• Facilitate divinely immersive and safe experiences for pilgrims and tourists.

• Encourage local economic development and employment through tourism.

• Emphasis on green infrastructure, digital displays, disabled-friendly facilities, and cultural storytelling at sites.

• Integrated with the Dekho Apna Desh initiative to promote domestic tourism.

Unlike Swadesh Darshan (which covers thematic tourist circuits), PRASHAD focuses specifically on pilgrimage and heritage sites.

K. Shivalingappa Handihal Wins Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2025 in Kannada

• Collection of short stories called Notebook written by him has won the award.

• The Bal Sahitya Puraskar recognises outstanding contributions to children’s literature in various Indian languages.

• Awarded by - The Sahitya Akademi

  
  

The Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0

• Comprehensive assessment tool developed by the Union Ministry of Education, Government of India, to evaluate the performance of the school education system at the state, union territory (UT), and district levels.

• Categories and Domains: The index comprises 1,000 points across 73 indicators, grouped into two main categories:

• Outcomes: Includes Learning Outcomes (LO), Access (A), Infrastructure & Facilities (IF), and Equity (E).

• Governance & Management: Includes Governance Processes (GP) and Teachers’ Education and Training (TE&T).

  
  

Grading System: States/UTs are assigned grades based on their scores, ranging from:

• Daksh (941–1,000 points, highest grade) to Akanshi-3 (401–460 points, lowest grade).

• Other grades include Utkarsh (881–940), Atti-Uttam (821–880), Uttam (761–820), Prachesta-1 (701–760), Prachesta-2 (641–700), Prachesta-3 (581–640), Akanshi-1 (521–580), Akanshi-2 (461–520).

  
  

• Data Sources: The index uses data from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM-POSHAN (mid-day meal program), PRABANDH portal, and Vidyanjali portal.

Key Findings from PGI 2.0 (2022-23 and 2023-24)

• Top Performers: No state/UT achieved the top four grades (Daksh, Utkarsh, Atti-Uttam, Uttam). Chandigarh was the highest performer, attaining Prachesta-1 with a score of 703 in 2023-24, followed by Punjab (631.1) and Delhi (623.7) in Prachesta-3.

• Lowest Performer: Meghalaya scored the lowest, falling into Akanshi-3 with 417 points in 2023-24.

  
  

Karnataka’s Performance in PGI 2.0

• Score and Grade: In the PGI 2.0 report for 2022-23 and 2023-24, Karnataka falls in the Akanshi-1 grade, scoring between 521–580 points out of 1,000. This places Karnataka in the middle ranks among states/UTs, alongside states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.

• Score Decline: Karnataka is among the 12 states/UTs that experienced a decline in scores from 2022-23 to 2023-24, though specific score details for Karnataka are not fully provided in the referenced sources.

• Karnataka’s Akanshi-1 grade suggests it performs moderately well but has room for improvement, particularly in domains like Learning Outcomes, which are critical and challenging to enhance compared to infrastructure or access.

  
  

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) Decline in Karnataka: Sample Registration System

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Number of deaths of infants under 1 year of age per 1,000 live births𝗀 births.

Karnataka’s IMR Trends (2010–2022)

• IMR in 2010–12: 34.9

• IMR in 2020–22: 17.3

• ⮕ Drop of 50.4% over a decade

  
  

  Latest Year-wise Data:

  
  

• 2021: IMR = 17

• 2022: IMR = 15

• Urban-Rural Comparison:

• Both segments saw a similar ~50% decline, indicating progress across geographies.

  
  

Reasons for Improvement in IMR

Healthcare Infrastructure Improvements

• Institutional Deliveries have increased significantly.

• Upgradation of government hospitals and establishment of:

• Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) in district hospitals and taluks.

• Better infection control protocols in neonatal units.

  
  

Private Sector Participation

• Private hospitals in tier-2 and tier-3 cities have improved access to quality neonatal care.

• Collaboration between public and private sectors.

  
  

Technological & Management Advancements

• Use of modern equipment, such as warmers and ventilators in NICUs.

• Better data-driven health management at the district level.

  
  

Vaccination and Preventive Care

• Improved vaccination coverage, including for:

• Polio, BCG, DPT, Hepatitis B, etc.

• Awareness campaigns for early prenatal registration and care.

  
  

Persistent Challenges in Reducing IMR

Despite progress, key challenges remain:

Medical Causes

• Infections (such as sepsis, pneumonia)

• Premature births and low birth weight

• Congenital anomalies

  
  

Systemic Gaps

• Regional disparities between well-performing and backward districts.

• Underutilisation of available funds and health schemes.

• Shortage of trained human resources in rural health centres.

  
  

Recommendations for Further Improvement

Reduce Regional Disparities

• Implement successful models from better-performing districts.

• Strengthen infrastructure and human resources in underdeveloped areas.

  
  

Enhance Neonatal Care

• Focus on newborn mortality (death of babies within 28 days of the birth), which accounts for majority of infant deaths.

  
  

• India’s Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):

• 2021: 19

• 2022: 19

  
  

• Karnataka’s NMR:

  
  

• 2021: 13

• 2022: 12

• Goal: Achieve single-digit NMR by 2030

  
  

Improve Preterm and High-risk Birth Management

• Timely administration of antenatal corticosteroids to mothers with preterm labour.

• Ensure presence of at least one trained staff in newborn resuscitation at every birthing facility.

  
  

Promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

• Skin-to-skin contact improves:

• Thermoregulation

• Breastfeeding success

• Infant bonding and survival

• Has shown reduction in infections and enhanced care outcomes.

  
  

Broader Implications

• IMR reduction aligns with SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• Improves Human Development Index (HDI).

• Reflects effective policy implementation in maternal and child health programmes such as:

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

• LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative)

  
  

School dropout rate in Karnataka at secondary level is higher than the national average:

• Karnataka's dropout rate at secondary level (Classes 9 & 10): 22.2%

• National average: 14.1%

• Karnataka is significantly above the national average, making it one of the worst-performing states in India.

• Karnataka’s 22.2% is the highest in South India (except Bihar and Assam).

• Better-performing Southern States:

• Kerala: 3.41% (Lowest)

• Tamil Nadu: 7.68%

• Telangana: 11.43%

• Andhra Pradesh: 12.48%

• Only 2 other states are performing worse than Karnataka:

  
  

• Bihar: 25.63%

• Assam: 25.07%

  
  

• NEP 2020 Targets:

• Achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.

• Improve both:

  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) – proportion of students enrolled regardless of age.

  • Net Enrolment Ratio (NER) – students enrolled at the official age for a grade.

• High dropout rates hinder these targets.

  
  

Concerns Specific to Karnataka

• High dropout rate (22.2%) implies:

• Weak student retention at secondary level.

• Gaps in transition from primary to secondary schooling.

• Lack of support systems for economically weaker families.

• Higher dropout among girls, rural children, and marginalised communities.

• Risk of failing NEP 2020 and SDG-4 (Quality Education) targets.

  
  

Way Forward for Karnataka

• Conduct micro-level re-enrolment drives across districts.

• Implement remedial education and bridge courses for returning students.

• Increase financial support – scholarships, bicycles, free uniforms/textbooks.

• Strengthen mid-day meal incentives at secondary level.

• Empower School Management Committees (SMCs) to monitor dropout risks.

• Collaborate with NGOs for tracking, mentoring, and community counselling.

• Recruit and train counsellors and social workers in schools.

• Special focus on tribal regions, urban slums, and rural girls' education.

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