The Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with KEONICS, on Monday launched KEO, a compact, affordable, AI-ready personal computer.
It is a new, ultra-affordable, compact personal computer developed by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT in collaboration with KEONICS.
It was launched in November 2025 at the Bengaluru Tech Summit
Objective – to bridging the digital divide and providing affordable, AI-ready computing access to students, households, and small businesses.
Digital Nagarik programme
News –
Digital Nagarik programme launched by the government schools.
Digital Nagarik programme
Objective – To create awareness about cybersecurity and digital safety among students in all government primary and high schools of the State.
Around 1 lakh teachers and 10 lakh students from classes 6 to 10 will benefit from the programme.
They will be made aware of safe Internet use, cyber safety rules, online etiquette, digital rights, responsibilities and data privacy.
Implementation – The programme is taken up in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Education and the social media giant Meta.
A successful pilot was conducted in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi and Dakshina Kannada districts in 2024-25.
As part of the initiative, the Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT) will initially train 1,00,000 teachers using the DISHA portal, who will subsequently raise awareness among students. The training for teachers commenced on November 15.
Digital Nagrik Toolkit– It will be shared to help schools plan initiatives that promote safe and responsible online behaviour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) affecting Mauritania and Senegal in Western Africa.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF)
RVF derives its name from Kenya’s Rift Valley, where the disease was first recognised in the early 1930s.
Pathogen – It is caused by a Phlebovirus belonging to the Phenuiviridae family.
It primarily affects animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
Transmission – Humans become infected through close contact with infected animals or by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment.
Molasses
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
The Central government is looking to permit around 1.5 million tonnes of sugar exports in 2025–26 and abolish the 50% export tax on molasses to improve realisations and help farmers receive faster payments.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark brown syrup obtained as a byproduct during the process of refining sugarcane or sugar beet into sugar.
Uses
Food industry: Used in baking (e.g., gingerbread), rum production, and animal feed.
Industrial use: In ethanol, citric acid, and yeast production.
Agriculture: As a component in cattle feed and for soil conditioning.
It is a key raw material for ethanol production under India’s ethanol blending programme to reduce crude oil imports.
Ricin
Syllabus: GS3/ Science & Technology
In News
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) foiled an alleged terror plot and arrested men with suspected links to terrorism who were reportedly attempting to produce Ricin chemical
Ricin
Ricin is a highly toxic protein extracted from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis).
It blocks protein synthesis in cells, causing multiple organ failure and death within hours of exposure.
It is listed under Schedule-1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
There is no known antidote for Ricin poisoning.
Chemical Weapons Convention
Mandate – It is an international treaty aimed at eliminating the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors.
Adoption and Enforcement – The Treaty was adopted on September 3, 1992, and entered into force on April 29, 1997.
Member countries – It currently has 193 member states.
Legally binding – It makes it mandatory to destroy old and abandoned chemical weapons.
India’s ratification – India signed the treaty in January 1
India’s efforts
National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) is the national authority responsible for implementing the Convention in India.
Bengaluru Safe City Project helps in detection of inter-State crimes
Bengaluru Safe City Project
It is a technology-driven initiative aimed at enhancing urban safety, especially for women and vulnerable groups, by deploying advanced surveillance and emergency response systems.
It is implemented under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiative using the Nirbhaya Fund, shared funding between the central and state governments.
The project features more than 7,000 video cameras installed citywide, complemented by drone cameras and body-worn cameras for police personnel.
National Joint Counter-IED Competition
News –
The Internal Security Division (ISD) Counter-IED Team of the Karnataka State Police won the 9th National Joint Counter-IED Competition, Visfot Kavach IX, conducted by the National Security Guard (NSG) in New Delhi.
National Joint Counter-IED Competition
It is also known by names such as ‘Visfot Kavach’ and ‘Agnishaman’.
It is an annual national-level exercise held in India
Objective – to enhance and evaluate the counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) capabilities of various security forces.
Conducted by – It is conducted by the National Security Guard (NSG) at their training center in Manesar, Haryana
The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to declare the ecologically rich Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary.
Saranda Forest
Location – Jharkhand
It is Asia’s largest Sal (Shorea robusta) forest, spanning approximately 820-900 square kilometers.
It is famously called the “land of seven hundred hills,” reflecting its hilly terrain.
The forest is part of the Chhotanagpur bio-geographic zone and forms a natural landscape continuum with forests of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Species – It is home to critically endangered species, including the endemic sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, and wild elephants.
Tribes – It has been inhabited by the Ho, Munda, Uraon and allied Adivasi communities
It also accounts for 26% of India’s iron ore reserves.
Revisit NEMMP 2020 to Promote Electric Vehicles
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
Recently, the Supreme Court suggested revisiting the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 amid escalating air pollution in Delhi.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020
It is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme formulated in 2015 under NEMMP by Ministry of Heavy Industries.
It aims to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in India.
Mudh-Nyoma Airbase
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
In News
The Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh.
Mudh-Nyoma Airbase
The airbase is situated in Nyoma, Leh district of Ladakh, at an altitude of 13,700 feet (4,200 m), making it one of the world’s highest fighter-capable airfields.
Construction was led by the Border Roads Organisation.
Its proximity to the LAC gives India critical tactical and logistical advantages, enabling quick response, force projection, and enhanced surveillance in sensitive sectors like Depsang Plains, Pangong Tso, and Chushul Valley.
The Kalaloka store, which will showcase and sell Karnataka’s traditional and GI-certified products to both domestic and international travellers at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
The Kalaloka store, which has been aesthetically designed to reflect the State’s culture and heritage, has been set up by the Department of Industries at Terminal 2.
It features Karnataka’s traditional products such as Mysore Sandal Soap, sandalwood oil, incense sticks, Mysuru Silk, Channapatna toys, LIDKAR leather goods, aromatic coffee powders and beverages, handloom products, Ilkal sarees, Lambani garments, sandalwood artefacts, Bidriware, and Mysore-style paintings.
“In total, 45 GI-certified products from Karnataka will be showcased and sold here,”
State ranks fourth in country in terms of adoption numbers
News –
Maharashtra tops the list; despite growing interest, Karnataka faces a shortage of adoptable children
Karnataka ranks fourth in the country in terms of adoption numbers, following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, according to data shared by officials from the Directorate of Child Protection.
Additional Information – Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)
Legal status – It has been set up as a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
It functions as a nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoption.
Following convention – It is designated as the Central Authority to deal with Hague Conventions on Inter-Country Adoptions, 1993, ratified by the Government of India in 2003.
CARINGS (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) Portal
Launched in – 2011.
It serves as the sole platform for adoption, complying with the Hague Convention, international protocols, and national laws.
Karnataka has recorded a 24% reduction in maternal deaths this year — from January to October —compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
The Health Department had launched the “Mission Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths”
Mission Zero Preventable Maternal Deaths
It is an initiative launched by the state of Karnataka, India
Objective – to reduce its maternal mortality rate (MMR).
Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for Karnataka is 68 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Special Bulletin for 2021-2023.
The mission aims to eliminate all preventable maternal deaths by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, services, and monitoring.
Key Components of the Initiative
The initiative, also integrated into India’s national Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) program, focuses on a multi-pronged strategy to ensure quality and accessible care.
Infrastructure and Resource Rationalization: The plan involves strengthening all 147 taluk hospitals and 42 well-performing community health centers (CHCs) to provide 24/7 comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) services.
Targeting High-Risk Pregnancies: A significant portion of maternal deaths (an estimated 70% in Karnataka) are considered preventable. The mission emphasizes the identification and rigorous tracking of high-risk pregnancies, ensuring timely intervention for complications like hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and anemia.
Financial and Nutritional Support: The initiative includes provisions for nutritional kits and cash incentives for pregnant and lactating women from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
“Koti Vruksha Abhiyan”
“Koti Vruksha Abhiyan” has pushed up the forest cover of Vijayapura district.
“Koti Vruksha Abhiyan” (One Crore Tree Campaign)
It is a large-scale tree plantation initiative primarily associated with Vijayapura, Karnataka, aimed at transforming the district’s arid landscape.
Launched in 2015 by Minister M. B. Patil.
The program has successfully planted over 15 million trees by encouraging community participation through subsidized saplings
This effort has significantly increased the district’s forest cover, revived ecosystems, brought back wildlife, and inspired other regions.
India and Nepal have amended the Treaty of Transit to facilitate the movement of rail-based freight between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal.
India – Nepal Relations
Shared Border: The country shares a border with five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship – Signed in 1950, it forms the special relations that exist between India and Nepal.
Defence Cooperation: Both countries conduct Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN alternately in India and in Nepal.
The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal.
Trade and Economic: India remains Nepal’s largest trade partner and Investment where Indian firms account for 33.5 % of total FDI stock in Nepal.
Operation Maitri & post-earthquake reconstruction assistance: In the wake of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, GoI was the first responder and carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad (Operation Maitri).
Cultural Ties: The leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old ‘roti beti’ relationship, which refers to cross-border marriages between people of the two countries.
Areas of Concerns between India & Nepal
Kalapani dispute: The area is in India’s control but Nepal claims the region because of historical reasons. The area is the largest territorial dispute between Nepal and India.
Workplace Stress & Diabetes
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
India has an estimated 10.1 crore people living with diabetes according to ICMR–INDIAB, 2023, and workplace stress may be one of the factors heightening this burden.
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14.
Diabetes Burden in India
India is often called the diabetes capital of the world.
According to the ICMR–INDIAB Study, the diabetic population jumped from about 32 million in 2000, to almost 90 million adults in 2024.
Recent reports estimate that 1 in 9 Indian adults live with diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
This leads to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
It helps glucose (from food) enter cells, where it is used for energy.
Types of Diabetes
It is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. The body produces little or no insulin.
It usually begins in childhood or adolescenc
It requires lifelong insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes. The body doesn’t produce enough insulin.
It is usually linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and family history.
It can be managed with diet, exercise, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
Gestational Diabetes:
This occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Hepatitis A
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
As India debates the inclusion of the typhoid conjugate vaccine in its Universal Immunisation Programme, it raises the question whether Hepatitis A deserves a priority for inclusion.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Types B and C lead to chronic disease and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
Hepatitis A:
It is caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It does not cause chronic infection and is usually self-limiting.
It spread through contaminated food and water (fecal–oral route).
It is entirely preventable where vaccines offer protection rates exceeding 90 to 95%.
Hepatitis B:
It is known to cause acute infection, liver failure happens in severe cases.
Spread: Spread through blood and body fluids, sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission.
Treatment: Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, providing nearly 100% protection against the virus. The vaccine is usually given soon after birth with boosters a few weeks later.
Hepatitis C:
The severity from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong illness including liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Spread: The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus and most infections occur through exposure to blood from unsafe injection practices.
Treatment: Direct-acting antiviral medicines (DAAs) can cure more than 95% of persons, there is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C.
Hepatitis D:
It only affects people who are already infected with hepatitis B, as it needs the hepatitis B virus to be able to survive in the body.
It is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact or sexual contact.
There’s no vaccine specifically for hepatitis D, but the hepatitis B vaccine can prevent it.
Hepatitis E:
It is generally a mild and short-term infection that does not require any treatment, but it can be serious with a weakened immune system.
There’s no vaccine for hepatitis E.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Syllabus: GS2/Health; GS3/Science and Tech
Context
A new study in which researchers mapped the hidden preclinical evolution of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.
Age & Gender Pattern: It commonly affects individuals between 30–60 years. Women are three times more likely to develop RA than men.
Causes and Risk Factors: The exact cause remains unclear. Likely contributors include – genetic factors, hormones, and environmental triggers such as smoking or certain infections.
Systemic Nature: It is a systemic disease, affecting not just joints but also lungs, heart, eyes, skin, nerves, and blood vesse
Persistent inflammation increases the risk of heart disease and contributes to fatigue, fever, and depression.
Treatment and Management: It is not curable, but early diagnosis and timely management can; reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent long-term disability.
Indian Railways is supporting the new ‘Aabhar’ online store‘Aabhar’ online store.
Hosted by – Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Objective- It showcases gift items made by
Indigenous tribes & handloom weavers
One District One Product (ODOP)
Geographical Indication (GI) product makers
Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE)
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
Significance –
It is promoted with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign
It is aimed at fostering social inclusion and supporting rural artisans, women-led enterprises, and traditional industries.
Do you know?
● The ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme was launched by the railways to promote local and indigenous products and provide additional income opportunities for marginalized communities.
Digital Marine Fisheries Census 2025
POLITY
Context
The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Digital Marine Fisheries Census 2025 by using VYAS –NAV, VYAS – BHARAT and VYAS- SUTRA app.
Digital Marine Fisheries Census 2025
Digital Architecture: The digital process is powered by three multilingual Android applications developed by the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI):
VyAS–NAV: For validation of fishing villages and harbours.
VyAS–BHARAT: For household and infrastructure enumeration.
VyAS–SUTRA: For real-time supervision and monitoring of data collection.
Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak
Syllabus: Miscellaneous
Context
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak has been awarded to 1,466 personnel for the year 2025.
Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak
Instituted by – Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Key Areas of Recognition – It recognises excellence in Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science.
It is conferred annually on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The medal is conferred on members of the Police Forces, Security Organisations, Intelligence Wings/Branches, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and Forensic Science units at the Central, State, and Union Territory levels.
Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025
News –
The Karnataka Domestic Workers’ Rights Union has urged the State government to strengthen the proposed Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025,
The Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025
Aim – It is aimed at formalizing the domestic work sector and providing social security and welfare benefits to an estimated 15 lakh (1.5 million) domestic workers.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bill
Mandatory Registration: Both domestic workers and their employers (including households, agencies, and digital platforms) are required to register on a government portal.
Written Employment Agreements: Employers must provide a written contract specifying wages, working hours, benefits, and conditions of work. Unregistered employment is considered illegal.
Minimum Wages and Working Hours: Workers are entitled to a minimum wage, with a cap of 48 working hours per week, overtime pay, rest periods, and weekly holidays.
Social Security and Welfare Board: The bill provides for the creation of a Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board to manage a dedicated fund. This fund would provide benefits such as health insurance, maternity/paternity benefits, pension, accident compensation, and education support for children.
Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and imprisonment for employers or agencies. Severe offenses like child labor or human trafficking carry stricter penalties (up to 7 years imprisonment and a ₹50,000 fine).
Grievance Redressal: District-level committees are proposed to resolve disputes between workers and employers.
High-powered committee formed to review functioning of prisons in State
News-
A high-powered committee has been constituted to review the functioning, administration, and security of prisons across Karnataka, following reports of illegal activities and preferential treatment at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
A high-powered committee would be led by Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Hitendra, with Inspector-General of Police Sandeep Patil, Superintendents of Police Amarnath Reddy and Rishyanth, as members.
The Prime Minister addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi, praising Arya Samaj’s 150-year legacy in social reform, education, and Vedic thought.
PM Modi urged Arya Samaj to support the Gyan Bharatam Mission – digitising ancient manuscripts and engaging youth in preserving India’s knowledge heritage.
Arya Samaj
Founded by – Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Established in – 1875 in Bombay, which was finalized in Lahore in 1877.
Major Reforms
Religious – Rejected idol worship, ritualism, and priestly dominance
Social – Opposed caste by birth, untouchability, child marriage, and forced widowhood. Advocated inter-caste marriage, widow remarriage, women’s education, and social service.
Educational: Established DAV schools and Gurukul Kangri to blend Vedic knowledge with modern science, fostering social mobility and nationalism.
Role in Indian Nationalism and Social Change
Arya Samaj members, including Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and others, contributed significantly to India’s freedom movement, promoting Swadeshi and social awakening.
Relevance of Arya Samaj in Contemporary India
Women Led Progress: Arya Samaj’s early advocacy for women’s empowerment aligns with national initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and “Drone Didis”.
Preserving Gurukul Tradition & Educational Reform: Arya Samaj revived India’s Gurukul system, blending Vedic learning with modern education.
Vedic Ideals & Global Relevance: The motto “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” mirrors India’s development philosophy — national progress for global welfare. Its ideals resonate in initiatives like Mission LiFE, One Sun One World One Grid, and International Yoga Day, spreading sustainable and spiritual living worldwide.
APEC Summit (2025)
Syllabus: GS2/International Relation; Global Grouping
Context
Recently, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit (2025), held in Gyeongju, South Korea, concluded with the adoption of APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration (2025)
APEC Summit (2025)
Adoption of Leaders’ Declaration (Gyeongju Declaration): APEC leaders endorsed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to:
Free and open trade across the Asia-Pacific region;
Strengthening supply chain resilience;
Promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
Advancing digital transformation and climate action.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
It is a regional economic forum established in 1989
Mandate – to strengthen the interdependence of economies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Member Economies (21 Members): Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore (APEC Secretariat & Headquarter); Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; and Viet Nam.
Carbon Capture for Net-Zero India
Syllabus: GS3/ Environment
Context
Ocean-based carbon capture can help India reach net-zero by 2070, turning its seas into engines of carbon removal and blue growth.
What is Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS)?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines CCUS as a group of technologies for capturing of CO2 from large and stationary CO2 emitting sources, such as fossil fuel based power plants and other industries.
India’s Emission Reductions Commitments
India has launched the LiFE mission (Lifestyle for Environment) and updated its NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) under the Paris Agreement.
Under its updated NDC 2022, India pledges:
45% reduction in emissions intensity (amount of CO₂ per unit of GDP) by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
50% of installed electricity capacity will come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Creating a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (GtCO₂e) by increasing forests and tree cover.
Union Health Ministry sets 3 Guinness World Records
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
The Union Health Ministry has achieved three Guinness World Record titles under the nationwide “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” (SNSPA) campaign.
The Records Achieved are:
Most people register for a health care platform in one month.
Most people sign up for a breast cancer screening online in one week.
Most people sign up for vital signs screening online in one week (at state level).
Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan
Launched from – It was launched from 17th September to 2nd October 2025, in conjunction with Poshan Maah.
Objective -The campaign focuses on improving the health and nutrition of women, adolescent girls, and children.
