First Indian Epigraphical Reference to Halley’s Comet
Discovery Overview
- Discovered by: K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director, Epigraphy Branch, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Location: Srisailam Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Date of Inscription: 1456 CE (Saka 1378, Dhatru Ashadha ba. 11 → June 28, 1456)
- Language & Script: Sanskrit language, Nagari script
Historical Significance
- Event Recorded:
- Appearance of a comet (Dhumaketu Maha-Utpata)
- Accompanied by a meteor shower (Prakasyasya Maha-Utpata)
- Identified as: Halley’s Comet – which historically appeared in 1456 CE
Inscription Details
- King: Mallikarjuna, Vijayanagara ruler
- Purpose of Grant: To mitigate the effects of the comet and meteor shower
- Phrase in Inscription:
“Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham dattavān vibhuh”
→ Meaning: “Grant was made to pacify calamities caused by the illuminating comets and meteor shower”
Significance in Epigraphy
- First known epigraphical (inscriptional) reference in India to Halley’s Comet
- Prior references to comets (dhumaketu) existed in texts, not inscriptions
Discovered during “line-by-line editing” of 21 unpublished copper plate charters (total: 78 copper leaves)
Facial Recognition Attendance System in Karnataka Schools
What’s the Initiative?
- The Karnataka government has ordered implementation of a
Mobile-based AI-Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System
for all government and aided schools.
Coverage
- Total schools covered: 52,686
- Government schools: 46,460
- Aided schools: 6,226
- Total students tracked: 52,55,738
- schools: 40,74,525
- Aided schools: 11,81,213
How Does It Work?
- Mobile application-based attendance system.
- Integrated with the Students Achievement Tracking System (SATS).
- Real-time facial data recognition using:
- Advanced Vector-Based Facial Recognition Engine.
- Captured image is encrypted into a unique ID:
- Ensures privacy — cannot be reverse-engineered.
- Hosted at Karnataka State Data Centre, Vikasa Soudha.
Objectives
- Ensure accurate, real-time attendance.
- Automatically identify absentees.
- Promote transparency in student-focused schemes.
- Monitor distribution and reach of welfare schemes:
- Mid-day meals
- Egg distribution
Shoes and socks distribution
100% LED Street Lighting Project in Bengaluru
Overview
- Bengaluru is replacing all Sodium Vapour Lamps (SVLs) with LED street lights.
- Project aims to reduce power consumption and electricity bills significantly.
- Initiated by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Cost & Energy Impact
- Current electricity bill: ₹25 crore/month
- Estimated savings: At least 50% once 100% LEDs are installed
- SVLs are energy-guzzling, LEDs are more energy-efficient
Timeline
- Proposal made: 2017
- Work began: 2018 (limited, ad hoc basis due to funding)
- New tenders finalized: 2024–25
- Full implementation: 8 months from issuing work orders
Implementation Strategy
- Earlier pan-city tender (Shapoorji Pallonji)
- Project now split into multiple packages, awarded to different companies.
- Tenders finalized in 7 out of 8 BBMP zones, Mahadevapura pending.
Public-Private Model (New Contract Terms)
- BBMP won’t directly invest in installation.
- Private companies will invest and install LEDs.
- In return, BBMP will:
- Pay ₹2 crore/month per company
- For 84 months (7 years)
Payment only if 50% electricity savings are proven
Karnataka’s State Tobacco Control Cell – Global Recognition
Award Recognition
- Awarded by: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Category: Excellence in Tobacco Control in the South-East Asia Region
- Recipient: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
- Context: Recognized for exemplary efforts in implementation, enforcement, and awareness in tobacco control
Key Legislative Development: COTPA Amendment – Karnataka (2024)
COTPA Full Form
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003
Major Amendments (Karnataka-specific)
Provision | Earlier | Amended (2024) |
Legal age to purchase tobacco | 18 years | 20 years |
Maximum fine for violations | ₹200 | ₹1,000 |
- Approval by President: Droupadi Murmu, on May 23, 2024
- Gazette Notification Date: May 30, 2024
- Marked on: World No Tobacco Day (May 31)
Official Title:
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 2024
