PM-KUSUM Scheme – Karnataka
Overview of KUSUM Schemes:
- KUSUM-A:
- Focus: Decentralized solar power generation by farmers/rural entities.
- Status in Karnataka: Not yet implemented.
- Goal: Promote local generation and consumption of solar energy.
- KUSUM-B:
- Focus: Solar-powered agricultural pump sets.
- Status: Ongoing;
- 40,000 pump sets approved for installation by Dec 2025.
- KUSUM-C:
- Focus: Solarisation of agricultural feeders.
Status: Implemented in Karnataka.
SWR – Indian Railways’ First Converged Communication System (CCS)
Overview:
- First implementation of CCS in Indian Railways.
- Cost: ₹55 crore
- Integrates: Voice, Video, and Data on a single platform.
🔹 Key Features:
- Seamless & secure communication across stations, trains, and control centres.
- Includes Advanced Video Surveillance System (VSS) at 228 stations:
- 14 under Nirbhaya Fund
- 214 via capital expenditure
- 2,784 HD cameras (Bullet, Dome, PTZ, 4K) with AI features:
- Face Recognition, Video Analytics, real-time alerts.
🔹 Technology Shift:
- From SDH to new dynamic & bandwidth-efficient system.
🔹 Mysuru Division:
- CCTV at 31 stations, ICCC & NOC
- VoIP-based Train Control Communication System (TCCS) at 71 stations.
- Security audits done at Mysuru, Pandavapura, Mandya.
🔹 Target:
Full CCS rollout in SWR by Sept 2025.
Modified Yeshasvini Health Scheme – Karnataka
Background:
- Launched: 2003 (original version); Re-launched: 2022–23 (modified version).
- One of India’s largest self-funded healthcare schemes.
- Merged under Arogya Karnataka in 2018, but revived due to public demand.
🔹 Eligibility & Benefits:
- Rural Beneficiaries:
- Annual Premium: ₹500 (family of 4) + ₹100 per additional member
- Urban Beneficiaries:
- Annual Premium: ₹1000 (family of 4) + ₹200 per additional member
- Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh/year (cashless treatment)
🔹 Recent Developments (2025):
- Rate Revision Panel led by MLA Dr. Srinivas N.T. (Ophthalmologist):
- Studied market rates for 6 months
- Held 13 meetings
- Recommended:
- 15–25% hike in most procedures
Up to 50% hike for complex procedures (e.g., pediatric heart surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, interventional radiology)
M.M. Kalaburgi National Service Awards – 2022, 2023 & 2024
Organizing Body:
- M.M. Kalaburgi National Foundation announced the M.M. Kalaburgi Manavika Puraskara (Humanitarian Awards).
Purpose:
- To honor individuals contributing to literature, arts, social service, theatre, and progressive activism in India.
- Special tribute to rationalist and scholar Dr. M.M. Kalaburgi.
Award Details:
- 2022 & 2023 Awards were delayed and announced along with 2024 awards.
- Each award carries a cash prize:
- ₹75,000 for senior awards
- ₹50,000 for other categories
- Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Kalaburgi on April 25, 2024.
Awards:
🔹 2022:
- Ramaswamy Ayyangar – Literature
- B. Siddaiah (posthumous) – Social activism
- Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy – Dalit literature
- S. Ananthamurthy (posthumous) – Literature
- Ravindra Reshme – Theatre
- T. Lalitha Naik – Literature & activism
🔹 2023:
- Ambatikar Gatti – Literature
- Appa – Theatre
- Sanatan Udupa – Arts
- Indira Hegde – Social work
- Ramesh Kharwar – Activism
- Kalyan Koppal – Theatre
🔹 2024:
- Mahadev Kuppiger – Literature
- Ranga Nayak – Theatre
- Umesh – Classical arts
