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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Six foreign nationals held for alleged prostitution in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): Six foreign women were arrested after they were found to be allegedly engaged in illegal activities by soliciting men in a public place for prostitution, police said on Tuesday.
The arrests were made by the Women Protection Wing of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on April 24, they said.
Police, however, have not disclosed the nationalities of the women in the statement.
According to police, the operation was carried out following a tip off that some foreign women were standing near the footpath of the bus stop close to Madiwala Check Post, within the jurisdiction of Koramangala Police Station here and were soliciting men passing by on the road for prostitution.
Based on this information, the officers and staff of the CCB Women Protection Wing immediately visited the spot and conducted a verification, they said.
During the operation, it was found that six foreign women were engaging in illegal activities by soliciting men in a public place for prostitution, a statement issued by the office of the police commissioner stated.
Acting swiftly, the officers and staff conducted a raid and secured all six foreign women. Upon inquiry regarding their passports and visas, they failed to provide valid and satisfactory information, it said.
"Subsequently, all six foreign women were produced before the Koramangala Police Station along with a report for further legal action. In this regard, a case has been registered at Koramangala Police Station, and further investigation is in progress," the police statement added.
