Karnataka playing key role in space technology and innovation, says Minister Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru: Karnataka has emerged as a major contributor to the growth of space technology, governance reforms, and service-based applications, said Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge on Thursday.
He was speaking after inaugurating a two-day workshop on ‘Karnataka Space’ organised by the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology in Bengaluru.
“The global investment in the space technology sector has already crossed 400 billion dollars, and Karnataka holds a significant share in this progress,” Kharge said.
Highlighting the state’s leadership in research and innovation, the minister said Karnataka is home to India’s premier space and defence research institutions like ISRO and DRDO, which have played a crucial role in advancing national capabilities in space science and technology.
“Karnataka was among the first states in the country to set up a Remote Sensing Centre, using satellite data for governance, planning, and administration, ranging from precision agriculture and urban management to water conservation and disaster mitigation,” Kharge added.
The event was attended by Dr. N. Manjula, Secretary of the IT and BT Department, and Rahul Sharanappa Sankanoor, Managing Director of KITS, among other dignitaries.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
