KSHDCL
Context
KSHDCL to revive 50% sandalwood subsidy scheme for artisans.
- The Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (KSHDCL) has officially revived its 50% sandalwood subsidy scheme for artisans after a six-year hiatus.
- This initiative aims to protect traditional livelihoods and rejuvenate the declining craft of intricate sandalwood carving in Karnataka.
Features
- Raw Material Relief: Registered artisans can now procure raw sandalwood at 50% of the standard market price.
- Procurement Locations: Wood is distributed locally via designated corporation offices and forest depots across the state.
- Direct Craft Purchase: KSHDCL buys finished artefacts back from the artisans directly, with a committee fixing fair prices.
- Immediate Financial Security: Payment bills are advanced directly to the artisans without processing delays.
- Retail Channels: The finished products are sold in Cauvery Handicrafts Emporiums and through a new online shopping platform
About KSHDCL
- Established in 1964.
- Corporation’s primary objective is to preserve, develop, and promote traditional handicrafts by providing vital market support and financial security to local artisans.
- It operates its retail marketing under the highly popular brand name Cauvery Handicrafts.
Prominent Handicrafts Managed
- Sandalwood Carvings: Intricate, aromatic figurines for which Karnataka is globally famous.
- Rosewood Inlay: Exquisite furniture and home decor pieces featuring detailed wood patterns.
- Channapatna Toys: Traditional lacquerware toys made with organic dyes.
- Bidriware: Striking metal handicrafts featuring silver inlay work against a blackened background.
- Other Major Crafts: Mysore traditional paintings, Kinhal toys, Navalgund durries, and bronze icons
EV charging stations
Context
Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) is launching a pilot project to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 11 toll plazas along National Highway 48 (NH-48).
- This initiative targets the Bengaluru-Pune highway stretch to ease range anxiety for commuters traveling towards Goa and Maharashtra.
- Managed by the NHAI, it is the third longest highway in the country and acts as a definitive link between northern, western, and southern India.
- The highway was created in 2010 by merging and renumbering two major older corridors: Delhi–Mumbai stretch (formerly NH 8) and the Mumbai–Chennai stretch (formerly NH 4)
Features
- High-Speed Infrastructure: Bescom will install 120kW DC fast chargers capable of powering most modern EVs from 20% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.
- Highly Affordable Tariffs: The state-owned utility plans to charge just ₹7 per unit, significantly cheaper than the ₹16 per unit average fee typical of private operators.
- Strategic Partnerships: Bescom is currently in active talks with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for final clearance and is collaborating with National Highway EV (NHEV) for trial execution.
- Safety Benefit: Placing chargers at toll plazas offers commuter-friendly, secure environments for long-distance drivers while they wait.
Endangered species
Context
The Karnataka Horticulture Department is introducing over 617 plant saplings of 255 varieties across Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
- A major highlight of this drive is the inclusion of endangered and medicinal plants, specifically those conserved by the Soliga tribe in the B.R. Hills.
- Scope & Timeline: The initiative aims to enhance floral diversification and replace fallen trees. The highest number of saplings introduced in recent years will be planted across both botanical gardens over a two-month period.
Key Species Introduced:
- Medicinal Plants: Brought from the B.R. Hills, including Celtis Tetrandra (Kakkilu Mara), which is used in Siddha medicine, and Sapindus Emarginatus (Reetha) known for its anti-inflammatory properties
- Endangered & Endemic Trees: Including the endangered Humboldtia Vahliana (Korate flower tree) from Kerala and Aporosa Cardiosperma (Sarali mara) from the Western Ghats.
- Acclimatization: The saplings are being sourced from locations like Nashik, Kerala, and the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore (UAS-B) to align with Bengaluru’s monsoon climate for better root establishment.