Karnataka Forest Department Develops Cost-Effective Elephant Tracking Radio Collar
- The Karnataka Forest Department has developed a cost-effective radio collar (K.P. Tracker) to track elephant movements.
- The collars are cheaper and lighter than imported ones, costing ₹1.80 lakh per unit.
- The collars are being developed for tigers and leopards, and are eco-friendly.
- Karnataka has the highest elephant population in India (6,395 elephants).
- Helps track elephant movements in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
Implementation and Future Plans
- The first set of radio collars was distributed to Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves.
•Future expansion: Development of collars for tigers and leopards is underway.
Six States pass 15-point resolution against UGC’s new draft regulation
- Higher Education Ministers from six states (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh) passed a joint resolution opposing the UGC Draft Regulations 2025 and the grading system under NEP 2020.
- Demand for Withdrawal – States claim the regulations undermine federal principles and impose central control over state universities.
- Appointment of Vice-Chancellor’s – Regulations give complete power to Governors, sidelining state governments.
- Lack of Consultation – States demand collective consultation before implementation.
•UGC’s Response:
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar defended the regulations, stating they ensure higher academic standards, transparency, and institutional autonomy.
Kannada Literary Works Translated into English
- Two iconic Kannada literary works—Mankutimmana Kagga by D.V. Gundappa (DVG) and Hasuru Honnu by B.G.L. Swamy—have been translated into English.
- Translators:
Mankutimmana Kagga → K. Natarajan (Titled: A Yokel’s Sheafs).
Hasuru Honnu → Jyothi Natarajan (Titled: When Green is Gold).
•Significance of the Works
- Mankutimmana Kagga (Kannada Bhagavad Gita):
A philosophical poem with 945 couplets emphasizing dharma, karma, and resilience.
Considered one of the greatest Kannada literary treasures.
- Hasuru Honnu:
A blend of humor, ecology, and deep understanding of nature.
Encourages environmental consciousness through literary storytelling.
•About D.V. Gundappa (DVG)
A literary giant, philosopher, and scholar known for his simple yet profound teachings.
Connected with people across different strata of society.
Advocated for inclusive learning, encouraging the study of multiple religious texts (Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran).
