1. first-ever documentation of 'Dholes' in Kalyana-Karnataka region
Highlight:
- First-ever documentation of Dholes (Cuon alpinus): Conservation scientists documented wild dogs (Dholes) in the Kalyana Karnataka region, specifically in Kalaburagi-Bidar districts.
- Research focus: Wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and team set out to study the leopard population in North-Eastern Karnataka, leading to the discovery of dholes in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Canidae species presence: With this discovery, Bidar and Kalaburagi districts are now home to all four Canidae species in Karnataka—Dholes, Wolves, Golden Jackals, and Bengal Foxes.
- Study details: Camera traps documented dholes along with 24 wild mammalian species in Chincholi Sanctuary (134.8 sq km) during October-November 2023. Only one leopard was recorded.
- Additional sightings: Dholes were also recorded in Devagiri-Changler, Saalebeeranahalli, and Bashipur Reserved Forests of Bidar district.
- Conservation proposal: A proposal has been submitted to the forest minister to include these Bidar forests in Chincholi Sanctuary, adding 40.5 sq km of protected area.
- Dholes’ rarity: Dholes are typically found in Western, Eastern Ghats, and central Indian highlands, making this sighting in plains highly unexpected. They are endangered with less than 2,500 mature individuals.
- Other species in Chincholi: Key large species include chital, blackbuck, four-horned antelope, nilghai, etc.
Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary: Notified in 2011, it is a unique dry deciduous and lateritic grassland habitat and the northernmost protected area in Karnataka.
2. Women garment workers face low wages, violence at work
Highlight:
- Low wages:
- Women workers in Karnataka’s garment factories earn as low as ₹10,000 per month.
- Minimum wage in the sector is ₹10,330, lower than wages in other sectors.
- Overtime work:
- 82% of women did overtime, but only 58% received double wages for it.
- Workers sought better wages and working conditions, with 25% demanding the latter.
- Abuse and harassment:
- Verbal abuse was reported by all respondents.
- 61% faced physical abuse, and 39% reported sexual harassment.
- Toilet restrictions:
- 68% of women faced restrictions on toilet usage, both in frequency and duration.
- Lack of unionization:
- Only 5-10% of women workers are unionised.
- Weak regulation:
- Weak oversight of global supply chains and minimal state regulation contribute to poor working conditions.
- Migrant and marginalized workforce:
- Workers are largely from historically marginalized communities and face extreme physical and mental exhaustion.
- Long working hours:
- Women laborers work around 16 hours a day, including unpaid household chores.
- Impact on future generations:
- Children of these workers often drop out of school and take up low-paying jobs in services, construction, or agriculture, earning ₹10,000-15,000.
- State complicity:
The report criticizes the State for being complicit in creating a disempowered female workforce and not providing adequate public education to break the cycle of marginalization.
3. Bengaluru to host Asia's biggest air show in Feb 2025
Highlight:
- Event dates and location: Aero India 2025 will be held from February 10 to 14 at the IAF Yelahanka airbase, Bengaluru.
- Organisers: The event is organized by the Ministry of Defence with support from agencies like the IAF, HAL, DRDO, Department of Space, and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
- Highlights:
- Thrilling performances by the IAF’s Sukhoi fighters, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, and the Sarang Helicopter Display Team.
- A teaser for Aero India 2025 has already been released, building excitement.
- International participation: Boeing (US) and Dassault Aviation (France) are expected to showcase their fighter jets (F-16/18 and Rafale) as they compete for major deals with the Indian government.
- HAL’s plans:
- HAL is aiming to secure deals for Tejas fighter jets with countries in the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia.
- HAL has also signed an MoU with UAE’s Response Plus Holdings to export helicopters for emergency services.
- Aero India 2023 highlights:
- 809 exhibitors participated, with 110 foreign and 699 Indian exhibitors.
- The Tejas aircraft, a lightweight, multi-role supersonic fighter, was a major highlight in 2023.
A defence exhibition was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi.
