Karnataka Sees Soaring Rise in Women Income Tax Filers:

Topic : Economy , GS-1

Context:  Karnataka Women income tax return filers in Karnataka see steady increase in 5 years.

Highlights : 

Karnataka saw a steady increase in women income tax return (ITR) filers over the past five years, with numbers climbing to 14.3 lakh in the assessment year 2023-24 from 11.3 lakh in 2019-20.

It recorded an impressive growth of approximately 26% over five years. Nationally, Maharashtra leads the pack with 36.8 lakh women ITR filers in 2023-24, showing a 23% growth over five years.

Gujarat follows with 22.5 lakh women and a 24% increase. Uttar Pradesh reported a 29% growth, reaching 20.4 lakh women filers. 

This suggests a combination of factors at play — improved economic opportunities, possible increased workforce participation, and potentially a more progressive social environment that encourages women’s financial independence. 

Initiatives launched by  Karnataka to empower and support women: 

• Women@Work (W@W):
• This initiative, launched under the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), aims to create 5 lakh jobs for women by 2026. 

• It includes free certification courses for skill development in technology and entrepreneurship. 
• The program focuses on increasing women’s participation in the workforce and supporting their return to work after career breaks.
• Stree Shakti Program:
• Active since 2000, this program supports women self-help groups (SHGs) in rural Karnataka. 
• It provides financial assistance, capacity-building programs, and marketing infrastructure to help women entrepreneurs promote their products.
• Udyogini Scheme: 
• Implemented by the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation, this program offers financial support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to start small-scale businesses.
• Special Component Plan: 
• Designed for women from Scheduled Castes, this program offers job-oriented skill training through institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Government Tool Room and Training Centres (GTTC). 
• Taluk Marketing Complex Initiative: 
• This scheme provides marketing support to Stree Shakti groups by establishing local infrastructure to market their products effectively.
• ARISE (Research Institute for Skills and Entrepreneurship): 
• A project under the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka, it focuses on entrepreneurship development programs, skill-building, and research to empower women in business
• SHORTS: 
• Karnataka Women income tax return filers in Karnataka see steady increase in 5 years.
• Karnataka saw a steady increase in women income tax return (ITR) filers over the past five years, with numbers climbing to 14.3 lakh in the assessment year 2023-24 from 11.3 lakh in 2019-20, recording an impressive growth of approximately 26% over five years. 
• Initiatives launched by  Karnataka to empower and support women:
• Udyogini Scheme:  offers financial support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to start small-scale businesses.
• ARISE (Research Institute for Skills and Entrepreneurship):  it focuses on entrepreneurship development programs
• Stree Shakti Program: this program supports women self-help groups (SHGs) in rural Karnataka. 

December 9, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana:

Topic : Art and Culture , GS-1

Context:  87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, to be held in Mandya from Dec 20.

Highlights : 

Go.Ru. Channabasappa, also known as Go. Ru. Cha, is the president of the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

Approximately 300 counters are being set up across four separate locations to accommodate over three lakh attendees, including dignitaries, registered delegates, general public, volunteers, and police personnel.

About Kannada Sahitya Sammelana: 

The Kannada Sahitya Sammelana is the premier gathering of writers, poets and Kannadigas. 

It is held with the aim of preserving and developing the Kannada language, its literature, art, culture and music. 

It was started in 1915 by H. V. Nanjundaiah and held at Bangalore.

It used to be inaugurated by prominent writers and poets from 1915 to 1948. 

Since then it has been inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka. 

The Kannada Sahitya Parishat is responsible for holding the gathering.

Recently held Kannada Sahitya Sammelana: 

The 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana was held from 24 to 26 November in Mysore. Chandrashekar Patil, popularly known as Champa, was the president that year(2017).

 The 84th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sammelana was held at Dharwad during January 2019 when Chandrashekara Kambara was the president. 

The 85th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana was held in February 2020 at Kalburgi and H. S. Venkateshamurthy held the presidency of this event.[

86th was held from 23–25 January 2023 in Haveri and Doddarangegowda held the presidency of this event

SHORTS: 

• A delicious and hygienic dining experience, reflecting the essence of Kannada culture, has been arranged at the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, to be held in Mandya from Dec 20.

• Go.Ru. Channabasappa, also known as Go. Ru. Cha, is the president of the 87th Akhila. 
• It is held with the aim of preserving and developing the Kannada language, its literature, art, culture and music. 
• It was started in 1915 by H. V. Nanjundaiah and held at Bangalore.

December 9, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Karnataka’s marine exports : 

Topic : Economy , GS-1

Context: Karnataka has slipped one notch to third place among states exporting marine products.

Highlights : 

      According to data submitted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the Lok Sabha, the state’s export volume           dipped from 2.984 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 2.735 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

• The decline in marine products is attributed to drought and increase in sea temperature. 
• However, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, the top two, have bucked the trend by taking up commercial farming of marine shrimp in a big way.
• Karnataka’s marine fish production in 2023-24 was 5,42,675 tonnes, a dip by 25 per cent when compared to marine fish production in 2022-23 (7,30,104 tonnes).
• Competitive rates due to oversupply of shrimp from competitor countries like Ecuador also were the key reasons for the decline according to sources in Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

About Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): 

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body that promotes the export of marine products from India.

• MPEDA was established in 1972 by an act of Parliament. 
• It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• MPEDA’s functions include: 

• Regulating exports: MPEDA regulates the export of marine products and ensures that the country exports quality seafood sustainably. 
• Promoting the industry: MPEDA promotes the development of the marine products industry, with a focus on exports. 
• Improving infrastructure: MPEDA works to upgrade the technology, infrastructure, and marketing efforts for the marine products industry. 
• Encouraging ethical practices: MPEDA encourages ethical fishing practices and adherence to international standards. 
• Research and development: MPEDA focuses on research and development in the marine products industry. 
• Quality control: MPEDA is responsible for quality control in the marine products industry. 
• Inspecting products: MPEDA inspects marine products and their raw materials. 
• Setting standards: MPEDA sets standards, specifications, and training for the marine products indus
• SHORTS: 
• Karnataka has slipped one notch to third place among states exporting marine products.
• According to data submitted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the Lok Sabha, the state’s export volume dipped from 2.984 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 to 2.735 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
• The decline in marine products is attributed to drought and increase in sea temperature. 

• The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body that promotes the export of marine products from India.
• MPEDA was established in 1972 by an act of Parliament. 
• It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. 

December 9, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

FICCI Drone Award:

Topic : Awards and Honours  (Prelims)

Context: The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has been recognised for its pioneering use of drone technology, winning the inaugural FICCI Drone Award in the category of training and capacity building.

Highlights

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) instituted the award to recognise innovative applications of drone technology by government and private organisations.
• The KSP was lauded for its Remote Pilot Training Institute (RPTI), established in 2023 under the Centre for Counter Terrorism wing of the Internal Security Division (ISD).
• RPTI has trained 270 police personnel in various drone applications, including surveillance, mapping, vehicle tracking, and disaster management.
•  The training, overseen by Colonel Akkula Balakrishna, has resulted in 170 police personnel receiving drone licences from RPTI, in compliance with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s regulations.

About FICCI: 

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that represents India’s business and industry.
• Membership: FICCI members include private and public corporate sectors, multinational companies, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 
• FICCI also has over 250,000 indirect members through regional chambers of commerce. 
• Headquarters: FICCI’s headquarters are in New Delhi
• Mission: 
• Promoting economic growth through business-to-business connections and resources 
• Advocating for public policy that supports private enterprise 
• Providing a platform for networking and consensus building 
• Serving as a point of contact for Indian industry, policymakers, and the international business community
•  SHORTS
•   The Karnataka State Police (KSP) has been recognised for its pioneering use of drone technology, winning the  inaugural FICCI Drone Award in the category of training and capacity building.
• The KSP was lauded for its Remote Pilot Training Institute (RPTI), established in 2023 under the Centre for Counter Terrorism wing of the Internal Security Division (ISD).
• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that represents India’s business and industry.

December 9, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Suvarna Vidhana Soudha:

Topic : Polity , GS- 2

Context: Stage is set for the Winter Session of the Karnataka state legislature in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra. 

Highlights : 

• The session would see five bills, three private bills, and replacement bills for the two ordinances being tabled in the assembly.
• According to Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader, the five bills are

• Karnataka University (Amendment Bill), Basavana Bagewadi Development Authority Bill, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (Amendment) Bill, Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill and Karnataka Tourism Ropeway Bill.

• Two replacement bills for the two ordinances – BBMP (Amendment) ordinance and Karnataka GST (Amendment) Ordinance – will also be tabled.

About Suvarna Vidhana Soudha: 

The Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is a majestic government building located in Belagavi (Belgaum), Karnataka.

• It serves as the regional administrative hub and houses the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
• Name: The building is named after the Golden Jubilee of Karnataka’s formation. 
• Inauguration: The building was inaugurated on October 11, 2012 by President Pranab Mukherjee. 
• Architecture: The building is modeled after the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. 

• It’s made of white granite from Magadi and Turuvekere, and the interiors are made of Burma teak wood. 

• Features: The building has an assembly hall, council hall, central hall, 38 ministerial chambers, 14 meeting halls, conference halls, and a banquet hall.

• The central hall has a seating capacity of 450, the assembly hall can accommodate 350 people, and the council hall has 100 seats. 

• Façade: The façade of the building has the motto “Work is Worship” (kayakave kailasa) inscribed on it. 
• Ashoka Chakra: The main dome of the building has an Ashoka Chakra that weighs 6.50 tonnes. 
• Significance:

• The Suvarna Vidhana Soudha reflects Karnataka’s commitment to regional development and was part of the state government’s efforts to address the demands of citizens from northern Karnataka for more representation and development.
•  It also underscores the importance of Belagavi, a city with historical and political relevance, especially in the context of the Belagavi border dispute with Maharashtra.
• SHORTS: 
• Stage is set for the Winter Session of the Karnataka state legislature in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra. 
• The session would see five bills, three private bills, and replacement bills for the two ordinances being tabled in the assembly.

• The Suvarna Vidhana Soudha is a majestic government building located in Belagavi (Belgaum), Karnataka.
• It serves as the regional administrative hub and houses the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

December 9, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise