#governance
Revisions in Cab fare structure
In a groundbreaking move, Karnataka has introduced standardized kilometre-based fares for all categories of cabs operating in Bengaluru and across the state, including airport taxis and those affiliated with ride-sharing platforms.
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- Implemented through an official notification from the transport secretariat on February 3, 2024, this initiative seeks to rectify disparities in cab fare structures and prevent unauthorized practices such as surge pricing.
- The emphasis is placed on how this standardized fare structure effectively tackles inconsistencies and addresses the concerns raised by both drivers and passengers.
- The state government has categorized cabs into three groups based on their purchase price, along with specified charges for luggage, waiting time, and night-time services. While taxi drivers and ride-sharing platforms are allowed to collect GST and tolls, per-minute charges are prohibited.
- The new system replaces the previous fare structure that included minimum and maximum charges, allowing cab aggregators to charge amounts within that range. The updated approach introduces a flat fare structure, eliminating surge pricing during peak demand periods.
Vehicles priced at Rs 10 lakh or less are classified as non-AC cabs, with fares adjusted accordingly. The government’s move follows the expiration of licenses for ride-hailing firms Ola and Uber in 2021, as they operate without a license due to legal challenges.
#health
Cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease
Eleven cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) have been documented in Shivamogga, contributing to the overall active cases in Karnataka reaching a total of 37. This brings the cumulative number of reported cases in the state for the current year to 64. Out of these, Uttara Kannada accounts for 37 cases, Shivamogga has 24, and Chikkamagaluru district has three cases.
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
- Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is caused by the Kyasanur Forest disease Virus (KFDV), a member of the Flaviviridae virus family.
- First identified in 1957 in a sick monkey in Karnataka’s Kyasanur Forest, the disease has seen an annual report of 400-500 human cases since then.
- KFD is endemic to the Indian state of Karnataka.
- Common hosts for KFDV are rodents, shrews, and monkeys, typically bitten by infected Hard ticks (Haemaphysalis Spinigera), leading to potential epizootics with high fatality in primates.
- Transmission to humans may occur through tick bites or contact with an infected animal, particularly sick or recently deceased monkeys.
- Symptoms manifest after an incubation period of 3-8 days and include chills, fever, severe muscle pain, headache, vomiting, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bleeding.
- Patients may also experience abnormally low blood pressure, along with low platelet, red blood cell, and white blood cell counts.
- Early-stage diagnosis involves molecular detection through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or virus isolation from blood. Serologic testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) can be performed later.
While there is no specific treatment for KFD, a vaccine is available for prevention.
PRELIMS BYTES
#awards
Bharat Ratna To L K Advani
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the conferment of the Bharat Ratna on BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani, commending his distinguished service in public life and dedication to transparency and integrity.
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The Prime Minister lauded Advani for his exceptional roles as India’s Home Minister and I&B Minister, highlighting his exemplary parliamentary interventions filled with profound insights.
Early Life and Influences:
- Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi during pre-Partition India.
- Aged 96 years.
- Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and the freedom struggle.
- Early association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Epoch of the BJP:
- Co-founder of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980.
- Played a pivotal role in elevating BJP from a regional force to a dominant national player.
- Shaped the party’s ideology and electoral strategy.
Role in Ram Mandir Movement:
- Advocated for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1980s.
- Support for Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction, mobilizing Hindu sentiments.
Influenced Indian politics and contributed to BJP’s rise to power.
#awards
66th Annual Grammy Awards
- At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift’s album “Midnights” secured victory in the Album of the Year category, while Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” claimed the prestigious Record of the Year award.
- In addition, the Song of the Year honor went to American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish for her ballad “What Was I Made For?” featured in Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy Barbie.
- The fusion band Shakti, led by Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain, achieved the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album with their recent release, “This Moment.”
- Comprising 8 songs, the album includes talents like John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain made history by winning an impressive 3 Grammys in a single night, while Rakesh Chaurasia secured 2 awards.
- Additionally, Zakir Hussain received the Best Global Music Performance Grammy for his collaboration in “Pashto” with Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia.
Grammy Awards: Top of Form
- The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, are presented by the Recording Academy to honor exceptional achievements in the music industry.
- Recognized as the most prestigious awards in the global music industry.
- Initially named the Gramophone Awards, the trophy features a gilded gramophone.
- Organized by the Recording Academy of the United States.
- Considered highly significant in acknowledging excellence in various music genres.
Regarded by many as the pinnacle of recognition for artists and musicians worldwide.
#governance
Survey of Population of Kannadigas
- In the 10th century, writer of Kavirajamarga asserted that the region of Kannada Nadu extended from the Kaveri to the Godavari. Numerous scholars in their research works have echoed this sentiment.
- However, a contemporary researcher, who meticulously examined the census data of the country, argues that the presence of Kannadigas extends far beyond the geographical boundaries articulated by Kavirajamarga.
- The number of Kannada speakers across India is 4.37 crore.
- In Karnataka, there are 4.065 crore Kannada speakers.
- The count of Kannada speakers in other states is 30.55 lakh, with 12.86 lakh in Tamil Nadu, 10 lakhs in Maharashtra, and 5.34 lakh in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu exhibit a relatively lower number of Kannada speakers according to the provided data. These districts are classified within the range of more than 1 lakh and less than 2 lakh Kannada speakers, as regional languages hold prominence in these areas. Tulu is extensively spoken in Dakshina Kannada, while Kodava is the predominant language in Kodagu.
Kavirajamarga was written and motivated by King Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha-I of Rashtrakuta. Historians say that Kavirajamarga is focused on Kavyadarsha, a Sanskrit text. Kavirajamarga is co-authored by Sri Vijaya, a poet in the king’s court and a theorist in the Kannada language.
- Kavirajamarga is the earliest available work on poetics, grammar, rhetoric in the Kannada language.
Amoghavarsha – I
- He was the greatest ruler of Rashtrakuta dynasty.
- During the rule of Amoghavarsha-I, many Sanskrit and Kannada scholars gained prominence.
- Amoghavarsha I was an well established scholar and poet.
#misc.
Bengaluru : world`s 6th slowest city
Bengaluru has slid to the sixth position as the world’s slowest city in terms of traffic, marking a decline from its previous second-place ranking. Despite a slight improvement in global standings, the city continues to grapple with severe traffic congestion, standing as India’s most congested urban center.
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- According to TomTom, an Amsterdam-based location technology specialist, Bengaluru witnessed an average time of approximately 28 minutes and 10 seconds to cover a distance of 10 kilometers in 2023, compared to 29 minutes and 9 seconds in 2022.
- With an average speed of 18 kmph, Bengaluru lags behind other Indian cities in terms of vehicular mobility. London leads the global congestion chart with an average speed of 14 kmph, closely followed by Dublin (16 kmph), Milan (17 kmph), Lima (17 kmph), and Toronto (18 kmph).
- Despite the relative improvement in rankings, Bengaluru’s traffic challenges persist, impacting the city’s overall efficiency and economy.
- Recently, Bengaluru also stood as an Indian city with the highest number of private vehicles, surpassing the national capital, New Delhi.
Bengaluru also suffers a loss of Rs19,725 crore per year due to traffic delays, congestion, stoppage of signals, time loss, fuel loss and related factors, according to research conducted by noted traffic and mobility expert.
#misc.
2024 Brand Guardianship Index (BGI): Mukesh Ambani tops.
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has secured the top position among Indian business leaders and is ranked second globally in the 2024 Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) compiled by Brand Finance, a leading brand valuation firm. Mukesh Ambani achieved a remarkable BGI score of 80.3.
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The Brand Guardianship Index-2024 by Brand Finance evaluates CEOs globally based on their ability to enhance enterprise value in a sustainable manner, balancing the interests of employees, investors, and society. Mukesh Ambani’s prominent position reflects his leadership in steering Reliance Industries to success.
#misc.
Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF): IIM Ahmedabad
As per the 2024 rankings by the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) for Master of Business Administration (MBA) Colleges in India, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad in Gujarat has secured the top position among Government MBA colleges.
- In the same ranking, Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, has claimed the leading spot among Private MBA colleges in India.
It’s noteworthy that IIM Ahmedabad has not only excelled among Government MBA colleges but has also emerged as the overall top-ranked college, encompassing both government and private institutions, with an impressive overall index score of 937.24.
#misc.
International Day of Human Fraternity
The United Nations (UN) International Day of Human Fraternity is a global observance held annually on February 4th. This day aims to foster peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among people of diverse faiths and emphasizing the significance of promoting unity and understanding among individuals of different religious backgrounds.
Aligned with the broader theme, the International Day of Human Fraternity falls within the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), an annual event observed during the first week of February since 2010.
