4th August - Notes on Daily Karnataka Current Affairs for KAS Prelims and Mains

Notes on Daily Karnataka Current Affairs for KAS Prelims and Mains

30th July, 2025

Lesson Based Assessment:

Started by Karnataka’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL)For the academic year 2025-26In Government, aided and unaided schoolsClass 1 to 10thIt aims to enhance student learning outcomes and promote competency-based evaluation

Key Features of the Lesson-Based Assessment (LBA)

Structure and Implementation:

• Unit Tests: LBA involves conducting short tests after each lesson, typically out of 25 marks (reduced to 15 marks for some classes following feedback). These tests include multiple-choice questions (65% easy, 25% moderate, 10% difficult) and, for SSLC (Class 10), a mix of short, long, and comprehension-based questions to encourage creative responses.

• Scope: Applicable to Classes 1–10 in English medium and Classes 4–10 in Kannada medium, covering subjects like Kannada, English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

• Digital Integration: Marks are recorded in the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS), with evaluations supported by a mobile app developed by Vidya Samiksha Kendra. A comprehensive question bank aligned with lesson objectives is available on the DSERT portal.

• Objective: The LBA aims to monitor student progress continuously, identify learning gaps, provide immediate feedback, and reduce exam stress by integrating assessments into daily classroom learning. It seeks to improve learning outcomes, motivate students, and enhance teacher assessment capacity.

Process:

• Teachers conduct assessments after each lesson, update lesson plans, activities, and marks in SATS, and provide supplementary teaching to students lagging behind. Re-tests are conducted if needed.

• The system is designed to ensure grade-appropriate competencies, with materials supporting both print and digital formats for accessibility.

• The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) provides resources like worksheets and model question papers to align with the new assessment pattern.

Goals:

• Shift from test-centered to learning-focused evaluation.

• Foster stakeholder collaboration (teachers, students, parents) to ensure no student is left behind.

• Standardize assessment practices across Karnataka’s 46,757 government schools, impacting over 42.92 lakh students.

Criticisms of the Lesson-Based Assessment

Despite its intentions, the LBA has faced significant criticism from teachers, educationists, and school associations, as outlined below:

Excessive Administrative Burden:

• Teachers report that entering marks for each lesson into SATS is a time-consuming task, especially for subjects like Social Studies with 30–40 chapters and classes of 30 or more students. This administrative workload detracts from lesson planning and reflective teaching practices.

• Teachers feel reduced to “data entry operators,” as the repetitive task of updating SATS leaves little time for professional discussions or creative teaching.

Promotion of Rote Learning:

• Critics argue that the LBA’s focus on frequent testing encourages rote memorisation rather than fostering critical or creative thinking. Educationists note that the system prioritizes learning answers to score marks over deeper conceptual understanding.

• The rigid structure of uniform tests is seen as stifling, limiting opportunities for process-oriented learning.

Assessment Fatigue:

• Both students and teachers experience “assessment fatigue” due to the frequency of tests after every lesson. This repetitive cycle can reduce engagement and motivation.

• Teachers argue that the department should provide flexible guidelines and exemplar tools rather than rigid formats to allow for more dynamic assessments.

Technical Challenges:

• Updating SATS has been problematic due to server issues and technical glitches, particularly for private school teachers who lack proper login IDs (e.g., KGID numbers provided to government school teachers). This has led to calls for simpler systems, such as Excel sheet updates.

• Private schools face additional difficulties as the LBA was initially not mandated for them but later extended, causing confusion and implementation issues.

Increased Pressure on Teachers:

• Teachers are under “unnecessary pressure” due to the LBA’s demands alongside other responsibilities like midday meals, census duties, and election-related work. This multitasking is seen as overwhelming, particularly in government schools.

• The Karnataka State Primary School Teachers’ Association has requested fewer questions for lower classes, with the department agreeing to issue an order to address this

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The ‘Rare Blood Donor’ Programme:

Initiated by Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre under the Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) in collaboration with the Karnataka State Blood Transfusion Council (KSBTC)

Key Features of the Programme:

Rare Blood Donor Registry:

• The program establishes a database of voluntary donors with rare blood groups, defined as those present in less than 1% of the population (e.g., Rh null, D- -, In b negative, or the newly discovered CRIB antigen). This registry ensures that compatible blood is readily available for patients in need.

• As of October 2024, 60 donors have been enrolled after testing 500 individuals, and by July 2025, testing of 2,108 regular repeat donors identified 21 donors with very rare blood types.

Repository of Frozen Red Cell Units:

• BMST maintains a repository of frozen red cell units of rare blood types, enabling long-term storage and availability for emergencies.

Advanced Testing for Rare Blood Types:

• The program employs serology and molecular techniques to identify rare blood types among donors, patients, and their family members. This includes testing for minor blood group systems like Rh, Duffy, Kell, MNS, and others beyond the major ABO and RhD systems.

• Donors identified with rare blood types receive their blood type details via WhatsApp, and free testing is offered to their siblings and children to expand the registry.

Support for Specific Medical Conditions:

• The program focuses on patients with conditions like thalassemia, cancer, or those requiring multiple transfusions, as they often develop antibodies that necessitate precisely matched blood to avoid adverse reactions.

• It also addresses challenges faced by women with rare blood types during pregnancy, where mismatched blood can lead to complications like haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which has a high mortality rate if not managed properly.

International Collaboration and Data Sharing:

• The program is supported by technical expertise from the National Institute of Immunohematology (NIIH), ICMR Mumbai, New York Blood Center, and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT, Amsterdam).

• Anonymized data of rare blood donors is shared with the International Rare Donor Panel to enhance global access to rare blood types. BMST is one of only two centers in India (alongside NIIH Mumbai) with such a registry.

Training and Awareness:

• The program includes training and awareness initiatives for blood centers across Karnataka to improve understanding and management of rare blood groups.

Achievements and Impact:

• Historic Discovery: In July 2025, the program led to the discovery of a new blood group antigen, CRIB (Cromer India Bengaluru), in a woman from Kolar, Karnataka, whose blood was incompatible with all tested samples. This underscores the program's role in advancing immunohematology. Mayo Clinic.

• Scale of Operations: The Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre collects around 35,000–40,000 units of blood annually from voluntary donors and supports over 90,000 patients yearly, with a significant focus on rare blood group management.

• Thalassemia Support: In 2022–23, 2,105 units of blood were provided free to thalassemia patients, showcasing the program's commitment to vulnerable groups.

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31st July, 2025:

Karnataka announces Rs 300-crore comprehensive plan to tackle sea erosion in the coastal districts:

To combat sea erosion in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada.

Key Features of the Plan

• Scientific Approach: The plan includes consultations with technical experts to develop sustainable solutions, moving away from temporary measures that have often failed. IIT Madras has provided recommendations, such as rock bunds extending 100 meters, costing approximately Rs 15 crore each.

• Phased Implementation: Projects will be executed in phases, with Deputy Commissioners of the coastal districts directed to prepare detailed action plans and proposals.

• Focus on Udupi: Udupi district will receive Rs 100 crore specifically for sea erosion control and an additional Rs 50 crore for landslide mitigation, totaling Rs 150 crore.

• Complementary Initiatives: The plan aligns with the Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (K-SHORE) project, funded by the World Bank, which emphasizes nature-based solutions like mangrove planting and beach nourishment.

• Funding: Rs 200 crore will be sourced from the National Calamity Mitigation Fund to support sea erosion prevention works, as outlined in the Karnataka Budget 2025.

Reasons for Coastal Erosion in Karnataka

Coastal erosion along Karnataka’s 320-km coastline is driven by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors:

Natural Processes:

• Monsoon-Induced Wave Action: High-energy waves during the monsoon season, particularly in June and July, erode beaches and shorelines, especially in areas like Ullal, Someshwara, and Padukere.

• Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels due to climate change exacerbate erosion, with 33.6% of India’s coastline and 48.4% of Dakshina Kannada’s 36.66 km coastline affected over the past three decades.

• Geomorphic Features: The absence of major delta formations and the presence of sandbars in estuaries make the Karnataka coast vulnerable to erosion. Erosion rates can exceed 8 meters per year in some areas.

Anthropogenic Factors:

• Sand Mining: Unregulated sand mining disrupts natural sediment supply, weakening coastal stability.

• Urbanization and Industrial Activity: Dense population, growing urbanization, and industrial activities along the coast increase pressure on coastal ecosystems, reducing their natural resilience.

• Hard Structures: Seawalls and groynes, often used as temporary solutions, can exacerbate erosion in adjacent areas by altering wave patterns.

• Pollution and Ecosystem Degradation: Marine plastic pollution and the loss of mangroves, sand dunes, and wetlands diminish natural barriers against erosion.

Impacts of Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion in Karnataka has significant environmental, economic, and social consequences:

Environmental Impacts:

• Loss of Coastal Ecosystems: Erosion threatens mangroves, sand dunes, wetlands, and coral reefs, which are critical for biodiversity and coastal protection.

• Shoreline Retreat: A 2024 study by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management reported that 28% of Karnataka’s 328.55-km coastline (91.6 km) is experiencing high erosion, a 110% increase since 1990.

• Marine Pollution: Erosion contributes to sediment runoff, worsening marine plastic pollution and affecting marine life.

Economic Impacts:

• Threat to Livelihoods: Coastal communities, particularly fishermen, face loss of fishing grounds and damage to infrastructure like jetties and berths. Tourism, a key economic driver, is also affected by degraded beaches.

• Infrastructure Damage: Roads, homes, and public facilities in areas like Uchila, Someshwara, and Mooluru are regularly damaged, requiring costly repairs. For instance, 2015 estimates pegged damages at Rs 35 crore across the three districts.

• Cost of Mitigation: Over Rs 200 crore has been spent in the past 25 years on temporary measures, often with limited success, straining public finances.

Social Impacts:

• Displacement of Communities: Residents in erosion-prone areas like Ullal and Chellanam face the risk of losing homes, forcing relocation.

• Safety Risks: Erosion increases vulnerability to natural disasters, endangering lives during monsoons.

• Socioeconomic Stress: Loss of land and livelihoods disproportionately affects marginalized coastal communities, including fisherfolk, exacerbating poverty.

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Problems created by Centre’s cancellation of mandate to install Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) at coal fired power plants:

What is Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)?

• Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) is a technology used in coal-fired power plants to reduce harmful sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.

• When coal is burned to produce electricity, it releases flue gas, which contains pollutants like SO₂, carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (dust).

• SO₂ is particularly harmful because it can turn into sulfuric acid in the atmosphere, causing acid rain, and it contributes to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is linked to serious health issues like respiratory and heart diseases.

FGD systems work by "scrubbing" the flue gas to remove SO₂ before it’s released into the air. There are different types of FGD systems:

• Wet Scrubbing: Uses a liquid (like limestone slurry) to capture SO₂, producing byproducts like gypsum, which can be used in construction.

• Dry Scrubbing: Uses a powdered substance (like limestone) to react with SO₂, suitable for smaller plants.

• Seawater Scrubbing: Uses seawater’s natural alkalinity to neutralize SO₂, often used in coastal plants.

FGD systems are expensive to install (around ₹1.2 crore per megawatt of power plant capacity) and require water and maintenance, but they can reduce SO₂ emissions by up to 95%, significantly improving air quality.

Background: The 2015 FGD Mandate

• In 2015, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced strict rules requiring all coal-fired thermal power plants (about 180 plants with 600 units, totaling 230 gigawatts of capacity) to install FGD systems by 2017.

• The goal was to control SO₂ emissions, as India is one of the world’s largest emitters of SO₂, largely due to its reliance on coal for 56.5% of its electricity.

However, compliance was slow for several reasons:

• High Costs: Installing FGD systems costs billions of rupees. For example, projects worth ₹98,946 crore were planned across India.

• Time-Intensive: It takes about two years to install an FGD system.

• Supply Issues: There weren’t enough vendors or domestic manufacturing capacity to supply FGD equipment for all plants.

• Low Sulfur in Indian Coal: Indian coal has relatively low sulfur content (0.25–0.5%), producing less SO₂ (1,500–2,000 micrograms per cubic meter) compared to global standards, leading some to argue FGDs were less critical.

Because of these challenges, the government extended the deadline multiple times—first to 2022, then to 2024, and most recently to 2027–2029, depending on the plant’s location. As of April 2025, only 8% of coal plants (39 out of 537 units, or 16.5 gigawatts) had installed FGD systems, mostly by the public-sector company NTPC.

What Changed in 2025?

In July 2025, the MoEFCC issued a notification that rolled back the 2015 mandate, exempting most coal-fired power plants from installing FGD systems. Here’s what the new policy says:

• Exemptions: About 79% of thermal power plant units (those located more than 10 km from cities with over 1 million people or critically polluted areas) are no longer required to install FGD systems.

• Case-by-Case Review: Around 11% of plants (Category B), located within 10 km of critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities (cities failing air quality standards for five years), will be evaluated individually by an Expert Appraisal Committee to decide if FGDs are needed. These plants have until December 2028 to comply if required.

• Mandatory FGDs: Only 10% of plants (Category A), located within 10 km of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with over 1 million people (per the 2011 Census), must install FGDs by December 2027.

This decision was based on recommendations from a high-powered committee led by the Principal Scientific Advisor, Ajay Sood, in April 2025. The committee argued that:

• Indian coal’s low sulfur content means SO₂ levels are often within safe limits (below 80 micrograms per cubic meter in most areas).

• SO₂ levels near plants with and without FGDs were similar, suggesting FGDs might not be necessary everywhere.

• FGD systems are costly and could increase electricity tariffs, impacting consumers.

• Sulfates (formed from SO₂) might have a cooling effect on the climate, offsetting some environmental concerns.

Impact of this roll back?

The policy rollback has created uncertainty for FGD-related projects worth around ₹3,000–3,500 crore, especially in states like Karnataka. Here’s why:

• Contracts Already Awarded: Companies like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Techno Electric, and NGSL had secured contracts to install FGD systems in various power plants. For example, Techno Electric was working on a ₹3,190 million (₹319 crore) FGD project for the Damodar Valley Corporation’s Bokaro “A” Thermal Power Station.

• Projects Halted: With the mandate lifted for most plants, these projects are now “in limbo,” meaning they’re on hold or at risk of cancellation. Companies may lose money if contracts are terminated, and workers involved in these projects face uncertainty.

• Karnataka-Specific Impact: In Karnataka, thermal power projects worth ₹3,500 crore are affected, as reported by Deccan Herald. These projects were likely part of the state’s efforts to comply with the 2015 mandate, but the new policy has paused their progress.

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1st August, 2025:

Quantum India Bengaluru Summit

First such SummitJuly 31–August 1, 2025, at Hilton Bengaluru Embassy.India’s first major event focused on quantum technology.Organized by the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), the Department of Science and Technology, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)Theme - “Building a Quantum Ecosystem: Qubits to Society.”

Key Decisions and Highlights:

Karnataka’s Quantum Roadmap:

• Launched a $20 billion quantum economy plan by 2035.

• Introduced a Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission to make Karnataka Asia’s quantum capital.

• Planned a Quantum City (Q-City) near Bengaluru with research hubs, manufacturing units, and quantum data centers.

• Set up a Task Force to oversee research, manufacturing, talent development, and global partnerships.

• Announced quantum chip fabrication facilities by the end of 2025.

Annual Summit:

• Karnataka committed to hosting QIB annually to sustain quantum advancements.

MoUs Signed:

• Two landmark agreements between industry and academia to boost quantum innovation and collaboration.

Awards and Recognition:

• Pancharatnam Prize: A new award honoring Indian physicist S. Pancharatnam, with ₹2 lakh for researchers bridging quantum science and applications.

• Poster Awards: Four winners (Shuvarati Roy, Kanad Sengupta, Ayan Majumder, Purna Pal) received ₹20,000 each for outstanding research posters.

Focus Areas:

• Explored quantum applications in healthcare (e.g., cancer research, non-invasive imaging), AI, finance, security, and hardware.

• Highlighted innovations like portable cardiac scanners and quantum-enhanced drug modeling.

Startup and Research Support:

• Hosted a Startup Pitch Fest to connect quantum startups with investors.

• Featured a Quantum Poster Showcase with 41+ research posters to promote young researchers.

Global Collaboration:

• Included 70+ speakers, including Nobel Laureates Duncan Haldane and David Gross, from 10+ countries.

• Emphasized global partnerships to advance India’s quantum ecosystem.

Causes of Urea Shortage in Karnataka (2025 Kharif Season)

Surge in Demand Due to Early Monsoon and Expanded Crop Coverage

The early arrival of the monsoon in 2025, coupled with an increase in sown area, has driven a sharp rise in urea demand. Farmers in districts like Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Gadag have expanded cultivation, particularly of nitrogen-intensive crops like maize, which increased by about two lakh hectares. This unexpected demand spike has outstripped available supplies, leaving farmers struggling to secure urea for timely application.

Hoarding by Dealers

Some dealers are stockpiling urea during off-seasons to sell at inflated prices during peak demand periods. In Karnataka, reports indicate that traders are selling urea at double the subsidized rate of ₹280–₹300 per bag, exploiting the shortage. This practice has led to long queues and protests, with farmers in places like Koppal blocking roads to demand fair access.

Shift Toward Nano Urea

Efforts to promote nano urea, a more efficient but expensive alternative, have reduced the availability of traditional urea. Manufacturers and distributors, finding nano urea more profitable, are prioritizing its supply, which limits access to conventional urea that farmers prefer for its affordability. The lack of subsidies for nano urea spraying equipment has further hindered its adoption, leaving farmers reliant on scarce granular urea.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Logistical challenges, including delays in shipments from the central government, have exacerbated the shortage. For the 2025 Kharif season, Karnataka required 6.8 lakh metric tonnes of urea from April to July, but only 5.16–5.46 lakh metric tonnes were supplied. Some fertilizer companies have also expressed an inability to meet allocated quotas, further straining availability.

Policy and Distribution Mismanagement

The state’s reliance on central government allocations, combined with reduced buffer stock funding (from ₹1,000 crore previously to ₹400 crore in 2025), has limited Karnataka’s ability to maintain adequate reserves. Inefficient distribution through rural cooperatives and government outlets has led to accusations of mismanagement, with some alleging that subsidized urea is being diverted to the black market.

Effects of Urea Shortage and Overuse in Karnataka

Disrupted Agricultural Productivity

The shortage has caused critical delays in urea application during the 2025 Kharif season, threatening crop yields. Farmers in districts like Haveri, Koppal, and Davangere, unable to secure enough urea, face stunted crop growth and yellowing leaves, particularly for maize and other high-yield crops. This could lead to significant losses, with small and marginal farmers hit hardest due to their inability to afford black-market prices.

Soil Degradation

Overuse of urea due to its low cost, leads to soil acidification, particularly in North Karnataka’s black calcareous soils, which are low in iron and prone to chlorosis. Acidic soils reduce nutrient availability, requiring costly amendments and threatening long-term agricultural sustainability.

Water Contamination

Excessive urea application causes nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water. In Karnataka, this contributes to water pollution, affecting drinking water quality and causing environmental issues like algal blooms in rivers and tanks, which are vital for irrigation in regions like the Tungabhadra command area.

Environmental Harm

Urea overuse releases nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and ozone layer depletion.

Increased Pest Vulnerability

High nitrogen levels from urea make crops like maize and rice more susceptible to pests, forcing farmers to rely on costly pesticides. This creates a vicious cycle of chemical dependency, increasing expenses and environmental risks.

Public Health Risks

Nitrate pollution from urea overuse has led to health concerns in Karnataka, including risks of blue baby syndrome in infants, where high nitrate levels in drinking water reduce blood oxygen levels. This is a growing issue in rural areas with heavy fertilizer use, such as Kalaburagi and Raichur.

Economic Strain on Farmers

The shortage has forced farmers to buy urea at exorbitant black-market prices, with some paying up to ₹200 extra per bag. Overuse, while initially boosting yields, increases long-term costs for soil treatments and pesticides, eroding profits. The economic distress is evident in protests across Karnataka, including extreme acts like a farmer in Koppal eating mud to highlight the crisis.

Recommendations

Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

Strengthen monitoring to prevent hoarding and black marketing, ensuring urea reaches farmers in districts like Kalaburagi and Koppal during the 2025 Kharif season.

Promote Sustainable Alternatives

Give financial help for nano urea and bio-fertilizers to lessen dependence on regular urea, which will help with supply issues and encourage environmentally friendly methods.

Educate Farmers

Launch awareness campaigns in Karnataka to promote balanced fertilizer use and soil health management, particularly in maize-heavy regions, to curb overuse and its impacts.

Increase Local Production and Buffer Stocks

Boost domestic urea production and restore adequate buffer stock funding to mitigate supply shortages during peak seasons like Kharif 2025.

Monitor Water Quality

Implement regular groundwater testing in high-risk areas like Raichur and Gadag to address nitrate contamination and protect public health.

For more Notes on Daily Karnataka Current Affairs for KAS Prelims and Mains, Click Here