ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ

• India is hosting the 64th ISO Council Meeting in New Delhi from June 25th to 27th, 2024. Delegates from over 30 countries and international organizations are participating to discuss critical issues in the sugar and biofuel sector. India, as the world's largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar, has been nominated as the Chair of the ISO for 2024. The meeting includes an industrial tour, workshops, and committee meetings focusing on the sugar and biofuel industry's future perspectives, sustainability, and farmers' roles. The event also aims to strengthen the Global Biofuel Alliance, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to promote sustainable biofuels globally. Through diverse activities and discussions, India's leadership and commitment to the sugar and biofuel sectors are highlighted during this week-long programme • The Bengaluru Climate Action Cell, formed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) six months ago, is implementing the Bengaluru Climate Action Plan (BCAP). This initiative collaborates with NGOs and knowledge organizations and engages citizens through the "Friends of the Climate Action Cell" program. Key initiatives include tech-driven projects like Mapathon and surveys to identify green spaces and open wells, and a fellowship program for young professionals. The BCAP, adopted in November 2023, aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, addressing urban heat, flooding, and air pollution. Bengaluru co-leads the C40 Cities Global Air Quality Network and has a target to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The plan involves multiple stakeholders and sectors, with consultancy from the World Resources Institute (WRI). • The Kerala Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as 'Keralam' in the Constitution. This aligns with the historical demand for a united Kerala for Malayalam-speaking communities. The resolution requests a constitutional amendment to change the state's name in the First Schedule and reflect it in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. The renaming process requires parliamentary approval under Articles 3 and 4, starting with a bill introduced in Parliament upon the President's recommendation. The President sends the bill to the state assembly for its views, followed by parliamentary deliberation and approval by a simple majority. Finally, the bill receives Presidential assent to become law. States can initiate renaming proposals, which the Home Ministry processes before preparing a note for the Union Cabinet and introducing a Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament. • The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) received the 2024 Blue Planet Prize from Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation. Established in 2012, IPBES aims to enhance the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services, providing objective scientific assessments and tools for sustainable use. Inspired by the IPCC and Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, it is not a UN body but is supported by UNEP, with membership including countries like India. The IPBES Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany. The Blue Planet Prize, which includes a $500,000 award, honors significant scientific research contributions addressing global environmental challenges. • Chang’e-6 is the first spacecraft to return samples from the far side of the Moon. The far side, with its thicker crust and more craters, differs significantly from the near side. Scientific exploration of these samples aims to uncover mysteries about the Moon's origin and evolution. The 53-day mission included phases of orbiting, landing, sampling, and returning. The lander targeted the South Pole-Aitken basin, using scooping and drilling techniques to collect samples. These samples are expected to provide insights into the Moon's interior and the differences between its sides

NEWS – 25 JUNE 2024 • Tapan Kumar Deka, known as the ‘superspy’ with commendable expertise in handling terrorism and radicalisation related cases, was given a one-year extension till June 2025 as the chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) • The rise of the "Hamster Kombat" app in Iran highlights the economic desperation among Iranians, driven by Western sanctions, high inflation, and unemployment, ahead of the presidential election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi. The app's popularity reflects a broader cryptocurrency craze as people seek alternative ways to secure financial stability amidst the rapid depreciation of the Iranian rial and soaring living costs. Despite promises from presidential candidates, many Iranians, facing significant economic hardship, are turning to cryptocurrency apps like "Hamster Kombat" out of hope for financial gain, despite uncertainties about the app's legitimacy and developers. • The seven-member high- level committee to reform the working of the National Testing Agency (NTA) constituted by the Education Ministry had its first meeting in New Delhi. • World No. 1 Jannik Sinner won his first-ever grasscourt tournament, beating former champion Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8), 7-6(2), in the Wimbledon warm-up ATP tournament in Halle, Germany • Tommy Paul defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 7-6(8) to win the Queen’s Club tennis final in London. Victory gave the fifth-seeded American his third ATP tour title but first on grass. • A team of scientists from Assam, Odisha, China, and the United Kingdom have developed a water-repellent catalyst that can cut the cost of producing “environmentally benign” biodiesel substantially from the current levels. • Recently, Indian botanists and researchers have discovered two new species of plants from two bio-geographic hotspots of the country the Andaman and Nicobar islands and Arunachal Pradesh. Researchers discovered two new plant species namely Dendrophthoe longensis(from Andaman and Nicobar islands) and Petrocosmea arunachalense (from Arunachal Pradesh) • The Karnataka government recently cleared a proposal of the Centre for reviving gold mining and auctioning of 13 tailing dumps at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) by the Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML) • The 'India Africa Postal Leaders Meet' aims to strengthen Indo-Africa ties in the postal sector, showcasing India's successful postal service model. Delegates from 22 African countries are participating, focusing on capacity building and collaboration for sustainable development and financial inclusion. The event aligns with India's broader initiatives for global cooperation, emphasizing the role of technology in postal services.. The summit received appreciation for fostering mutual learning and enhancing the global postal network, emphasizing shared goals for postal sector development in the Global South. • The Ministry of Coal has launched India's first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Jharkhand, aiming to convert coal into valuable gases for industrial use. This innovative initiative by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) seeks to revolutionize the coal industry by utilizing in-situ coal gasification technology. The project, located at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, is expected to produce gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide for various applications. This strategic move aligns with the Ministry's efforts to diversify the coal sector and promote advanced coal gasification technologies. The project's success could unlock economically unviable coal resources, showcasing India's leadership in sustainable energy utilization. Supported by comprehensive policy frameworks and collaboration with international partners, the pilot project demonstrates India's commitment to energy security and environmental sustainability through innovative coal utilization practices

• The Cabinet approved the development of a Greenfield deep draft Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with a total cost of Rs.76,220 Crore. This project, led by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), aims to establish a top-tier global port. It will feature nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, and modern infrastructure for efficient trade flow. Additionally, road and rail connectivity enhancements will be undertaken to support the port's operations. The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti program and is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and boost economic activity in the region. • Karnataka Transport Minister inaugurated a Command and Control Centre in Bengaluru for Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices, aimed at enhancing security in public transport, especially for women and children. This initiative, part of the Nirbhaya Framework, mandates the installation of tracking systems in various types of vehicles. The system allows real-time tracking and alerts in case of emergencies, with a dedicated team for 24/7 monitoring. • The Union Cabinet approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for Offshore Wind Energy Projects in India, with key components including installation and commissioning funds, port upgradation grants, and private sector involvement through transparent bidding. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will coordinate the implementation aligned with the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015), aiming for economic benefits, CO2 emission reduction, and significant renewable electricity production. • Prime Minister recognized over 30,000 self-help groups as Krishi Sakhis in Varanasi under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP). The program empowers rural women as para-extension workers through certification courses and training modules covering agricultural practices, communication skills, and more. So far, 34,000 Krishi Sakhis have been certified, with training underway in 12 states and opportunities for employment in various agricultural schemes. • The Union Cabinet raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 kharif crops, including paddy, following recommendations by the CACP. This increase aligns with the 1.5 times cost of production policy from the 2018 Union Budget. Notably, the hike comes amidst surplus rice stocks, political significance before state elections, and ongoing farmer protests. • A "double sun halo," a rare celestial event, was observed in Ladakh, featuring an inner (22 degrees) and outer (46 degrees) halo formed by ice crystals refracting and reflecting sunlight. This phenomenon is significant for both its breathtaking beauty and scientific insights into atmospheric conditions and ice crystal properties, aiding in weather forecasting and atmospheric optics understanding. • A 26-year-old writer from Vivek Nagar, Jakranpally mandal, Nizamabad district, received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for Telugu literature. The award, instituted in 2011, recognizes young writers under 35 in 24 languages for their original works. Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, operates independently and was inaugurated in 1954.

NEWS – 20 JUNE 2024 • Air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths globally in 2021, with significant impacts in India (2.1 million deaths) and China (2.3 million deaths), accounting for 54% of the global disease burden, and was notably linked to child mortality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) due to PM2.5 and ozone pollution, necessitating urgent action as highlighted by the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF • Rohith Shankar and Sahana H Murthy won the U-19 boys’ and girls’ finals, respectively, in the 1st State Ranking table tennis tournament, with Rohith defeating Varun B Kashyap and Sahana beating Himanshi Chowdhary, after overcoming their semifinal opponents Teshub Dinesh and Preksha T Tilawat • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced Karnataka's goal of achieving 15-16% annual industrial growth to reach a $1 trillion GDP by 2032, with plans to promote balanced regional development and attract global investors through the Global Investor Meet 2025 and international roadshows. Large and Medium Industries Minister launched 'ventuRISE 2025', announced the drafting of Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025-2030 with top incentives to attract investors, and revealed plans for global roadshows and visits to Japan and South Korea to promote Karnataka’s manufacturing ecosystem and invite industry leaders for the Global Investors Meet. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near its ancient ruins in Rajgir, Bihar, emphasizing Nalanda's role as a symbol of India's academic heritage and cultural exchange. He noted that the university, re-established by the Nalanda University Act of 2010 following decisions from East Asia Summits, had begun in 2014 with 14 students and started construction in 2017. The event was attended by representatives from many countries, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and 17 Ambassadors. Modi highlighted the renaissance of Nalanda University as showcasing India's potential and linking Asia's heritage. The ancient Nalanda, founded in the 5th century, thrived for 800 years before being destroyed in the 12th century. • South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second full term as President after his weakened African National Congress (ANC) struck a hard-won government coalition deal to remain in power. • Recently, health officials in Japan are on high alert after close to 1,000 cases of a deadly infection were reported across the country. The disease, known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). • Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India's Gopalpur regional centre recently discovered a new species of snake eel named 'Ophichthus Suryai' in Odisha. • The Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme with a budget of Rs. 2254.43 crore, focusing on establishing campuses and labs for forensic sciences, especially to meet increased demand due to new criminal laws and a shortage of trained personnel. This scheme aligns with India's aim of a 90%+ conviction rate by enhancing forensic capabilities and ensuring scientific examination of evidence. • The Union Cabinet has greenlit the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, with a budget of Rs. 2869.65 Crore. The project aims to increase passenger capacity to 9.9 million per annum, including a new terminal, apron, runway extension, and taxi track. The airport design focuses on cultural heritage and sustainability, incorporating energy optimization, waste recycling, and solar energy utilization. Varanasi airport is set to become a model for environmental sustainability in aviation infrastructure.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ History kannada.pdf

• KRISHI BHAGYA • Inception: Launched in 2014-15 by then Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. • Drought-Prone Focus: Karnataka ranks next to Rajasthan in drought-prone land. • Discontinuation and Revival: Discontinued by BJP in 2021-22, reintroduced by Congress in 2023-24. • Achievements: o 2,89,827 farm ponds built between 2014-15 and 2020-21. o Total storage capacity of 1,472.31 lakh cubic meters of water. Scheme Components • Main Components: o Building farm ponds. o Providing polythene lining to prevent water percolation. o Erecting fences around ponds. o Installing pumps for water lifting. o Adopting drip/sprinkler irrigation methods. • Subsidy Provision: Government provides subsidies for all components.

NEWS 11 JUNE 2024 • Prem Singh Tamang sworn in as Chief Minister of Sikkim • Karnataka Rajya Chalakara Parishath (Karnataka State Driver’s Council), in collaboration with Agnibhu Technologies, has launched the ‘Nagara Metered Auto’ in Bengaluru • Sub Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev made history at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, when she became the first woman in the Indian Navy to fly a helicopter. Last week, this important milestone was reached during the passing out parade. The 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course was completed • Bannerghatta Biological Park is launching a Leopard Safari to boost tourism, featuring a 50-acre enclosure for 12 of its 70 leopards, with safety measures and regular monitoring. This will add to existing lion and tiger safaris. Additionally, new aquariums for freshwater and saltwater fish are planned in Mysuru, developed on a PPP model following international guidelines. Other initiatives include a vulture conservation center, improved water supply by BWSSB, filling veterinary vacancies, using local vets for the Adumalleshwara Mini Zoo, and extending health benefits to BBP staff. • On World Oceans Day, June 8, 2024, the Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to implement the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, highlighting its importance due to vast ocean coverage, lack of control, and rich biodiversity. Despite the treaty being approved and opened for signatures in September 2023, with 90 countries signing it by mid-2024, only seven have ratified it. The treaty requires ratification by 60 countries to be enforceable, presenting a significant challenge. The call to action stresses the need for countries to formalize their commitment through ratification, alongside addressing environmental concerns like unsustainable fishing and deep-sea mining. • India has welcomed Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia into the BRICS group during a significant meeting hosted by Russia. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is not a formal organization but holds annual summits with rotating chairmanship. It accounts for 40% of the world's population and 30% of the global GDP, aiming to be a major economic engine and investment market. BRICS focuses on deepening cooperation, sustainable development, economic relations, and becoming a key political-diplomatic entity. The financial architecture includes the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), which support infrastructure projects and provide short-term liquidity, respectively. • India Exim Bank recently opened its East Africa Representative Office in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of a plan to expand its global business presence and enhance trade ties with East Africa. The bank plays a crucial role in promoting India's foreign trade and investments, offering financial services such as loans, buyer's credit, and lines of credit for infrastructure projects.