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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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
