7th June, 2025 - Notes on Daily Karnataka Current Affairs

Karnataka Government to distribute Eggs/Bananas to Govt and Aided Pre-Primary Schools as well:

First time from 2025-26. In collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation.

Children who do not consume eggs will be given two bananas every day, on all working days.

Earlier, eggs or bananas were being provided to only students of class 1 to class 10 of government and aided schools.

Earlier, groundnut chikkis were provided to children who did not eat Eggs/Bananas.

Uthpadana Manthana

What is it? One day initiative to engage industry leaders across six sectors in shaping the future of manufacturing in Bengaluru.

Sectors:

• Sectors — aerospace and defence; space tech and drones; electronics (including components) and semiconductors; capital goods, machine tools and robotics; auto/auto-components and electric vehicles (EVs); textiles (materials, technical, MMF); and consumer products (FMCG, footwear, toys).

Objectives:

• To create a clear and actionable roadmap to transform Karnataka into a global manufacturing powerhouse.

• To strengthen Karnataka’s position as a leader in high-value manufacturing, drive exports, and generate sustainable employment across the State.

• To position Karnataka as a leading global destination for advanced manufacturing.

  
  

GS - III - Ecology

Plastic Waste Problem in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Banned single-use plastic in 2016 (ahead of rest of India, which banned it in 2021).

Current Situation (2025)

Enforcement collapsed:

• No visible raids, fines, or seizure operations

• Volunteers demoralized

• BBMP lacks dedicated staff and infrastructure

  
  

Nature of Plastic Waste

Majority: Empty packets, food packaging, delivery containers

Problem: Most are Multilayer Plastics (MLP) – non-recyclable, low-value

Only 40% of plastic at DWCCs gets recycled due to:

• Poor segregation at source

• Food residues spoil recyclable materials

• Lack of cleaning/drying infrastructure at DWCCs

  
  

Recycling Challenges

• Plastic with leftover food, oil, fat = difficult to handle

• No scientific cleaning/drying facilities

• Only 20–30% of plastic waste is recycled in Bengaluru

• Recyclers in Nayandahalli, Kumbalagodu, Bidadi: small-scale, unorganised, unregistered

• ETPs (Effluent Treatment Plants) unaffordable (₹10 lakh vs ₹50 lakh)

Microplastics and Nanoplastics as Food Contaminants

Definitions

• Microplastics: Plastic particles <5 mm in size

• Nanoplastics: Plastic particles <1000 nanometres (nm) (often <100 nm)

Sources in Food Chain

• Packaging materials: Especially single-use plastic and multilayer packaging

• Processing & storage: Plastic cutting boards, containers, wrappings

• Environmental contamination:

• Marine plastic pollution → seafood contamination (fish, shellfish)

• Soil and water pollution → uptake by plants and crops

• Airborne microplastics → deposition on food during production/storage

Contaminated Food Products

• Seafood: High risk (fish, mussels, oysters)

• Salt: Especially sea salt

• Honey & sugar

• Drinking water: Bottled and tap

• Milk and dairy products

• Vegetables & fruits: Due to uptake from contaminated soil and water

Health Concerns

• Physical effects: Inflammation, tissue damage (observed in animal studies)

• Chemical effects:

• Leaching of toxic additives (e.g. BPA, phthalates)

• Adsorption of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PCBs

• Bioaccumulation & potential crossing of blood–brain barrier

• Endocrine disruption, immune system impacts, possible link to cancer (still under research)

Regulatory and Research Status

• No global standards yet for safe limits of micro/nanoplastics in food

• FAO, WHO, and EFSA are studying risks but evidence is inconclusive

• Focus is shifting toward precautionary action and plastic use reduction

Way Forward

• Promoting biodegradable alternatives

• Improved waste management and recycling

• Better monitoring and regulation in food packaging

• Continued scientific research on long-term health impacts

Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRC)

Initiative Overview

• Karnataka Health Dept to set up ECRCs in district hospitals

• Purpose: Shelter + psychiatric care for homeless mentally ill

• Collaboration with NGOs

• Govt Order issued on this initiative

Coverage

Total districts with new ECRCs: 27

Excluded: Chitradurga, Yadgir, Kolar, Bidar (already have centres managed by Aaladamara Foundation)

Centre Specifications

• Each ECRC: 30 beds

• Target group: Mentally ill persons found homeless and at risk

• Centres to offer: Safe shelter, medical & psychiatric care

NGO Responsibilities

• Manage centres in coordination with hospitals

• Provide: Human resources, medication, basic consumables

• Budget: ₹5.41 crore/year (excludes infrastructure, food, medicines, psychiatrist services)

District Hospital Role

• Provide: Food, medicines, infrastructure, psychiatrist services

Selection Process

• District authorities to call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from NGOs

• District-level committees shortlist applicants

• Final selection by State-level committee headed by retired HC judge

Significance

• Addresses mental health needs of homeless population

• Bridges service gap in mental health & rehabilitation

• Integrates public infrastructure with civil society support

• Promotes a rights-based and humane approach to mental healthcare

BMTC Wins BluGreen Award

Who gives? The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and its Climate Action Cell award the BluGreen Awards.

Why? These awards recognize individuals, communities, and organizations in Bengaluru that are contributing to climate action goals, such as greenhouse gas mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building.

Why BMTC? for its “commitment and effective execution of eco-friendly urban transport solutions,”. BMTC’s initiates - launch of 1,420 electric buses, and rooftop solar panels installed at 22 bus depots and 2 central workshops.