Electricity Demand in Karnataka to Record High
- In January 2024, the peak electricity demand in Karnataka reached an all-time high of 17,691 Megawatts (MW), surpassing the previous record of 17,220 MW recorded in February 2024.
- The peak demand was 15,668 MW, with consumption of 294.01 Million Units (MU), compared to 314.89 MU on January 31.
- Energy Minister K.J. George has made all arrangements to manage the demand, including the installation of solar pump sets and solarisation of feeders for agricultural supply.
Karnataka’s Power Sector Structure: ○ Generation: Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). ○ Transmission: Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). ○ Distribution: ESCOMs. Gruha Jyothi Scheme – Key Impacts & Concerns Financial Relief: Free electricity up to 200 units per month benefits low-income households. Support for Rural Areas: Savings can be used for education, healthcare, and other necessities. Energy Conservation: Encourages mindful electricity usage within the 200-unit limit. Power Grid Strain: Potential risk of increased load on the power infrastructure. |
Union Budget 2025: Devolution of Taxes and Duties to Karnataka
- The Union government will devolve Rs 51,876 crore to Karnataka for the 2025-26 fiscal, a 10% increase from the state’s expected Rs 46,932.72 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal.
- Tamil Nadu is expected to receive Rs 58,021.50 crore under devolution, while Andhra Pradesh comes second with 57,566.31 crore.
- The devolution figure includes corporation tax, income tax, central GST, customs, union excise duty, service tax, and other taxes and duties.
- Uttar Pradesh, with the highest share at 17.939%, will receive Rs 2.55 lakh crore under devolution.
- Bihar, with a 10% share, will receive Rs 1.43 lakh crore.
- The state’s share in taxes rose from Rs 24,789.78 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 39,806.26 crore in 2019-20, a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 10%.
Government Budget – Overview● Definition: A summary of expected revenues and expenditures for a financial year (April 1 – March 31). ● Levels: Prepared by central, state, and local governments. ● Purpose: Ensures public welfare through spending on education, health, production, employment, and reducing inequalities. ● Revenue Sources: Taxes, public debt, and other financial resources. |
Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to Name Mallikatte Park after Saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath
- Proposal by Kadri ward Corporator Manohar Shetty, approved during an MCC Council meeting.
- The proposal highlights Gopalnath’s contributions to Carnatic music, including his Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004.
- Gopalnath was the first Carnatic musician to perform at the BBC Proms in 1994 at the Royal Albert Hall, London.
- The proposal was discussed at a Council meeting in August 2023.
Types of Classical Music in India: ● Hindustani Music – Influenced by Vedic recitation, prevalent in North India. ● Carnatic Music – More rhythmically and structurally refined, dominant in South India. Elements of Classical Music: ● Raga – Melodic framework based on scales. ● Tala – Rhythmic cycle. ● Sitar – Stringed instrument with Persian and Indian influences. |
