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

Notes:
In Karnataka Budget 2026-27, grants from the Centre are estimated at Rs 16,000 crore. This matches the revised estimate for 2025-26 and forms 5% of the state’s total revenue receipts of Rs 3,15,050 crore. Only Rs 8,787.68 crore was released by January 2026 versus the Rs 16,000 crore estimate. Total Centre resources comprise Rs 79,050 crore, with Rs 63,050 crore from tax devolution. Special grants of Rs 5,495 crore remain unreleased as per 15th Finance Commission recommendations.

Notes:
Karnataka has 9 operational airports, including 2 international (Kempegowda Bengaluru and Mangaluru) and 7 domestic (Belagavi, Hubballi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Bidar, Ballari). Minor and private airports exist but are not counted as operational major airports. No recent data indicates changes in this count as of 2025-26.

Notes:
Karnataka announced a renewable energy target of 25,000 MW in March 2026. The target updates the Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy 2022-27, which aimed for 10 GW additional renewable projects by 2027 from a 15.91 GW base in March 2022. The goal includes increased focus on schemes like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar to expand solar power capacity.

Notes:
Karnataka ranks 5th in pulses production in 2025 with 1.80 million metric tonnes, contributing 7.56% to India’s total. It follows Madhya Pradesh (1st), Rajasthan (2nd), Maharashtra (3rd), and Uttar Pradesh (4th). Karnataka’s pulses output is higher than Andhra Pradesh, which ranks 6th with 1.20 million metric tonnes.

Notes:
Gujarat is the top groundnut producer with 66.10 lakh tonnes in 2025–26. Rajasthan ranks second with 22.19 lakh tonnes. Tamil Nadu produces 3.81 lakh tonnes. Karnataka is not among the top five producers due to less cultivation and production capacity.

Notes:
Karnataka ranks 8th in total forest cover with 38,730 sq km as per ISFR 2023. It has 20.19% of its area under forest, including very dense, moderately dense, and open forests. Karnataka lost 4.8 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2024. ISFR 2023 provides detailed forest cover statistics at state levels in India.

Notes:
Vijaya Dasa was a leading figure in the Haridasa tradition of Karnataka, part of the Bhakti Movement. He composed many devotional songs dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Kannada. The Haridasa movement influenced Carnatic music by combining spiritual themes with musical elements. His compositions emphasize devotion and moral values and remain popular in concerts and religious events.

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:
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:
Raghavanka popularized the Shatpadi metre in Kannada literature during the 12th century. He was a disciple of poet Harihara. His work, Harishchandra Kavya, uses Shatpadi, a six-line verse form. This metre marked a move from the Champu style to a more rhythmic narrative. The Shatpadi style became prominent during the Hoysala period in Karnataka. It allowed epic stories to be narrated more accessibly to the masses.