States PCS: Karnataka GK for KPSC and other Karnataka State Exams

Notes:
Karnataka’s renewable energy share is projected at approximately 37% in early 2026. Karnataka leads Indian states in renewable electricity generation. Renewables include solar, wind, and hydro power. The state had recorded daily renewable energy meeting up to 80% of demand during peak times. National renewable electricity share was 22% in 2024-25. Wind energy projects adding capacities like 63.35 MW hybrid units are ongoing for 2025-26. No complete 2025-26 annual data was confirmed as of March 2026.

Notes:
The Karnataka Budget 2026-27 was presented by CM Siddaramaiah with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore. The budget includes Rs 5 crore for a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre and Rs 5,000 crore over five years for disaster management projects. Proposals from the Fifth State Finance Commission, such as increases for forestry and agriculture, are recommendations and not yet allocated funds in the budget.

Notes:
Girish Kasaravalli is a prominent Kannada filmmaker whose debut film “Ghatashraddha” won the National Film Award. His films deal with social realism and rural life. He has received multiple National Awards and international recognition, establishing a significant reputation in Kannada parallel cinema.

Notes:
Kengal Hanumanthaiah constructed Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru during the 1950s. It houses the Karnataka State Legislature. The building is an example of neo-Dravidian architecture. It symbolizes Karnataka’s pride and democratic ideals.

Notes:
Malladihalli Sri Raghavendra Swamiji was a renowned yoga teacher from Karnataka who promoted physical fitness and holistic health through yoga. He demonstrated physical flexibility and strength even at an advanced age. His teachings emphasized discipline, traditional yoga practices, and healthy living. He inspired many and helped popularize yoga at the grassroots level in Karnataka.

Notes:
B.M. Srikantaiah, known as B.M. Sri, published “English Geethegalu” in 1921. It contains 63 poems, mostly translations of English Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley. The work introduced modern Kannada lyrical forms, breaking away from traditional metres. B.M. Sri is called “Kannadada Kanva” for this contribution to Kannada literature’s Navodaya period.

Notes:
The Tunga River originates at Gangamoola in the Western Ghats (Chikkamagaluru district) and flows eastward. It merges with the Bhadra River at Koodli to form the Tungabhadra River, which eventually joins the Krishna River and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Other listed rivers like Aghanashini, Varahi, and Kali originate in the Western Ghats and flow westward into the Arabian Sea.

Notes:
Kemmannugundi is located in Chikkamagaluru district, often called the “Ooty of Karnataka.” Biligiri Rangana Betta lies in Chamarajanagar district and is known for its temple and tiger reserve. Devarayanadurga is situated in Tumakuru district with famous temples. Nandi Durga (Nandi Hills) is now part of Chikkaballapur district.

Notes:
The Rashtrakuta Empire (8th–10th century) is termed the “Golden Age” of Kannada literature. Pampa was patronized by Rashtrakuta feudatory Arikesari II, Ponna served Emperor Krishna III, and Ranna’s career began under Rashtrakutas. Amoghavarsha I, a Rashtrakuta king, authored Kavirajamarga and promoted Jainism and Kannada literature, creating a significant cultural milieu.

Notes:
The Guddada Budihal – Hirebidri Conservation Reserve is in Gadag and Haveri districts of Karnataka. It protects the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard by conserving dry grassland habitats essential for the species. This area is one of the few remaining habitats for the bird in Karnataka’s northern semi-arid plains. Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary was earlier a habitat but current conservation focuses here to prevent extinction. The reserve addresses threats like habitat loss and power line collisions which endanger the bustard.