‘Drug Free Karnataka’ app: 

Topic : Society, Paper -1

Context: The Karnataka State Police developed an app to curb the drug menace, including growing, manufacturing, transporting, storing, and peddling. 

‘Drug Free Karnataka’ app: 

The app, named ‘Drug Free Karnataka’, is available on the Google Play Store.

• The intention of the app is to prevent drug peddling and consumption across the state.
• The app allows the public to provide information about farmers or individuals growing narcotic crops, sellers distributing them, consumers using them, labs producing synthetic drugs, storage handlers, transportation systems involved, and others.
• This information can be shared confidentially with the police through the app.
• The app also provides information and details related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and penalties for drug-related offences.

PROVISIONS UNDER THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985

• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is an Act of the Parliament of India that prohibits any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance from being produced/cultivated, owned, sold, purchased, transported, processed, and/or consumed by a person.
• Narcotic drugs include coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, and poppy straw, as per the NDPS Act.
• A psychotropic drug includes any natural or synthetic material or any salt or preparation protected by the Psychotropic Substances Convention of 1971.
• Strict arrangements have been made for the monitoring and regulation of operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under the NDPS Act.
• The minimum sentence for dealing with drugs, as per the NDPS Act, is 10 years of rigorous imprisonment coupled with a Rs . 1 lakh fine.
• For all individuals booked under this act, no bail is issued.
• Also, no relief can be sought by the drug convicts by termination, remission, and commutation of sentences passed.
• The NDPS Act prescribes capital punishment for repeated drug trafficking offende

SHORTS

The Karnataka State Police developed an app to curb the drug menace, including growing, manufacturing, transporting, storing, and peddling.

The app, named ‘Drug Free Karnataka’, is available on the Google Play Store.

The intention of the app is to prevent drug peddling and consumption across the state.

The app allows the public to provide information about farmers or individuals growing narcotic crops, sellers distributing them, consumers using them, labs producing synthetic drugs, storage handlers, transportation systems involved, and others.

This information can be shared confidentially with the police through the app.

December 10, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

PHANA’s first woman president: 

Topic : Society 

Context: The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) Karnataka, elected new office-bearers and executive committee members.

Highlights :

Dr Shobha Prakash  elected as  the first woman president for the 2025-2027 term of the association at the annual general body meeting during the summit. 

• The summit witnessed panel discussions on infection control practices, challenges in management of small hospitals and nursing homes, health insurance and medico legal issues among others. 
• Discussions at the summit with the theme “Small Hospitals to Smart Hospitals” 
• The summit featured various sessions including discussions on ‘Insights into healthcare efficiency and customer-centric strategies’ and ‘Hospital Infection Control (HIC) to ensure patient safety and quality standards.’

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) Karnataka

PHANA is a registered organization representing private healthcare establishments in Karnataka, with over 400 members in Bengaluru and 1,000 associate members across the state.

• Aim: Promotes high-quality, affordable healthcare, patient safety, and compliance with medico-legal and statutory regulations.
• Advocacy: Works to streamline regulations, reduce overlapping laws, and address operational challenges, especially for small nursing homes (10-30 beds).
• Collaboration: Partners with organizations like IMA, AHPI, and others to tackle healthcare issues and enhance skill development.
• Objectives:

• Empower Bengaluru residents with affordable, quality healthcare.
• Support private hospitals’ interests and promote dynamic healthcare services.
• Advocate for single-window regulatory clearances and self-regulation for high standards.

• Membership: Voluntary, ensuring commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards.

December 10, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Inter-corporation deposit investments: 

Topic : Economy, GS-1

Context: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved guidelines for inter-corporation deposit investments to enable the government to transfer surplus funds owned by a profit-making government corporation to another corporation.

Highlights : 

• For instance, under this provision, a profitmaking deposit/surplus funds of the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Ltd. 
• Can be transferred to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation to provide better bus services. 
• However, funds would be transferred from one entity to another entity after the State Cabinet’s approval. However, there are only a few profitmaking corporations in the State.

About Inter Corporate Deposits: 

Inter Corporate Deposits (ICDs) are unsecured short-term loans exchanged between companies without requiring collateral.

• Eligibility: Both companies must be registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (or the current applicable Companies Act).
• Purpose: Companies with surplus funds lend to companies needing short-term financial assistance.
• Interest Rate: Since the loan is unsecured, the interest rate is higher to compensate for the risk.
• Credit Rating Impact: The borrowing company’s short-term credit rating influences the interest rate applied.
• Tenure: ICDs can range from 1 day to 1 year, with the most common tenure being 90 days.
• Restrictions: In the ICD market, Primary Dealers are allowed to borrow but are not permitted to lend.
• Characteristics of Inter-Corporate Deposits (ICDs)

• ICDs are a popular short-term financing option.
• ICDs are just for a brief length of time, such as three or six months.
• It is a company-based relationship-based borrowing.
• The procurement procedure is straightforward.
• The interest rate on these deposits is not fixed. It depends on the amount of money invested and the length of time the loan is for.
• It is a dangerous source of finance because deposits can be withdrawn at any time.
• These are not governed by any legislation.
• SHORTS: 
• The Karnataka Cabinet has approved guidelines for inter-corporation deposit investments to enable the government to transfer surplus funds owned by a profit-making government corporation to another corporation.
• Inter Corporate Deposits (ICDs) are unsecured short-term loans exchanged between companies without requiring collateral.

• Eligibility: Both companies must be registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (or the current applicable Companies Act).
• Purpose: Companies with surplus funds lend to companies needing short-term financial assistance.

December 10, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Anubhava Mantapa: 

Topic : Art and Culture, GS-1 

Context: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a monumental oil painting of the renowned “Anubhava Mantapa,” hailed as the world’s first Parliament established by Basavanna, at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

Highlights : 

• This extraordinary painting, measuring 20 feet in length and 10 feet in height, was created on canvas using oil-based media. 
• The masterpiece is the result of collaboration among several accomplished artists, including Satish Rao from Bengaluru Chitrakala Parishath, Srikant Hegde Siddapur from Shivamogga etc.
• The unveiling of the painting is seen as a tribute to Basavanna’s legacy and the timeless teachings of the Anubhava Mantapa, which championed social justice and universal equality.
• The artwork is expected to inspire visitors to reflect on the values of inclusivity and humanity.

About Anubhava Mantapa: 

Anubhava Mantapa, often referred to as the “First Parliament of the World,” was a unique 12th-century spiritual and intellectual institution established by Basaveshwara in Karnataka. 

• It served as a hub for promoting Veerashaivism and fostering philosophical discourse on various aspects of human life.
• Purpose and Vision:

• It was founded as a center for religious and philosophical deliberations, focusing on human values, ethics, and spirituality.
• The institution sought to address issues across social, economic, religious, and spiritual domains.

• Leadership:

• Allama Prabhu served as the president, bringing his mystic wisdom to guide discussions.
• Lord Basava played the role of a prime minister, organizing the institution and its functions.
• Chennabasava acted as a speaker and editor, compiling the profound vachana literature (poetic teachings) produced during the sessions.

• Functioning and Structure:

• Unlike modern parliaments, the members of Anubhava Mantapa were not elected but chosen based on their spiritual insight and wisdom.
• Participants included saints, philosophers, and mystics from Karnataka and beyond, forming a diverse intellectual community.
• Discussions were democratic, allowing members to voice their doubts and opinions freely.

• Contributions:

• It championed equality by rejecting social hierarchies based on birth or occupation, challenging the rigid caste system of the time.
• Promoted universal values of love, compassion, and non-discrimination.

• Legacy:

• The principles and ideals of Anubhava Mantapa resonate even today as a model for inclusive dialogue and humanistic values.
• It holds historical significance as a progressive movement that emphasized the democratization of religion and spirituality

SHORTS: 

• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a monumental oil painting of the renowned “Anubhava Mantapa,” hailed as the world’s first Parliament established by Basavanna, at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

• This extraordinary painting, measuring 20 feet in length and 10 feet in height, was created on canvas using oil-based media. 

• Anubhava Mantapa, often referred to as the “First Parliament of the World,” was a unique 12th-century spiritual and intellectual institution established by Basaveshwara in Karnataka. 
• It served as a hub for promoting Veerashaivism and fostering philosophical discourse on various aspects of human life.

December 10, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise

Monuments of the Deccan Sultanate:

 Topic : Art and Culture, GS 1

Context: Monuments of the Deccan Sultanate, one of the four historical sites from Karnataka on the tentative list of Unesco World Heritage Sites, have been waiting for the prestigious tag for over 10 years now. 

Highlights : 

• The department submitted a proposal to the World Heritage Advisory Committee through the department of culture, in February 2014 to include the monuments and forts of Kalaburagi, Bidar and Vijayapura districts under the title ‘Monuments and forts of the Deccan Sultanate’ on the World Heritage Tentative List.
• The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) committee of Unesco reviewed and accepted it on April 15, 2014, and added it to the tentative list. 

About  Monuments of the Deccan Sultanate: 

Bidar: 

• The Bidar Fort, Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, the Bahamani tombs in Ashtur, and the Barid Shahi tombs are notable in Bidar.
• Bidar Fort is one of India’s most impressive forts which boasts a six-mile-long wall built of massive reddish laterite stone stones.
• The Jami Masjid and the Solha Khumba Masjid, two huge mosques, are located within the fort.
• The Ashtur tomb complex houses 12 Bahmani monarchs’ graves, one of which, Ahmad Shah I Wali’s, has a massive dome.
• Mahmud Gawana’s Madrasa is one of the Deccan Sultanate’s most magnificent Madrasas. A Persian charbagh garden may be seen at Ali Barid Shah I’s tomb.
• Bijapur: 
• The Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rouza are two of Bijapur’s most notable landmarks.
• Gol Gumbaz is Mohammed Adil Shah’s mausoleum, and it houses the world’s second-biggest dome, built before the modern era.
• Ibrahim Rouza is Ibrahim Adil Shah II’s mausoleum and one of Bijapur’s most stunning monuments.
• The Chini Mahal, Jal Mandir, Sat Manzil, Gagan Mahal, Anand Mahal, and Asar Mahal are all noteworthy architectural masterpieces from this time in Bijapur (1646).
• Golconda: 
• The Golkonda fort is one of the Qutb Shahi dynasty’s most notable achievements.
• It is one of India’s most formidable forts. It’s also known for its water management and acoustic characteristics.
• In Golkonda, the Jami Masjid (1518), erected by Quli Qutb Mulk, is a noteworthy mosque
• The Qutb Shahis Tombs are a mausoleum complex, a royal necropolis with 30 royal tombs. These were built between 1543 and 1672.
• In 1591, the Char Minar, located in the center of Hyderabad, was finished. It contains four 56-meter-high minarets.
• The building of the Makkah Masjid began in 1617 under Muhammad Qutb Shah’s rule, although it was not finished until 1693.
• Ahmednagar: 
• The Ahmednagar Fort (Ahmadnagar Qilaa) is a fort in Maharashtra that is located near the Bhingar Nala near Ahmednagar.
• It served as the Sultanate of Ahmednagar’s capital.
• During the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803, the British captured it. During the British Raj, it was utilised as a jail.
• SHORTS: 
• Monuments of the Deccan Sultanate, one of the four historical sites from Karnataka on the tentative list of Unesco World Heritage Sites, have been waiting for the prestigious tag for over 10 years now. 
• The department submitted a proposal to the World Heritage Advisory Committee through the department of culture, in February 2014 to include the monuments and forts of Kalaburagi, Bidar and Vijayapura districts under the title ‘Monuments and forts of the Deccan Sultanate’ on the World Heritage Tentative List.
• The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) committee of Unesco reviewed and accepted it on April 15, 2014, and added it to the tentative list. 

December 10, 2024 Category: Current Affairs Day Wise