Karnataka: Education department extends AI-powered initiative to over 1000 government schools
Bengaluru: In a push to improve learning outcomes in government schools, the Department of School Education and Literacy has signed an agreement with EkStep Foundation to impart lessons using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The learning initiative, Kalika Deepa, was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025 Budget. It aims to help students strengthen their understanding of mathematics and enhance competency levels in English and Kannada using Artificial Intelligence-based tools, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday.
The move comes after encouraging results from a pilot project conducted in three schools in Koppal and Tumakuru districts during the 2024–25 academic year. Based on its success, the department has decided to expand the initiative to 1,145 schools across the state in the current academic year.
“There has been a noticeable improvement in English and Kannada reading skills, and in their Mathematical abilities,” read the circular issued by the department.
A total of 1,44,062 students are expected to benefit from the programme this academic year. The department has allocated Rs 1.38 crore for the initiative, which will cover the cost of internet connectivity, purchase of headphones, and training of resource personnel.
The programme will be implemented in schools that are equipped with computers. To ensure accountability and monitor progress, schools are required to upload monthly reports to the New Decision Supportive System (NDSS) portal detailing the use of allocated funds.
Additionally, a progress report on the implementation of Kalika Deepa must be submitted once every three months.
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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
