1. Karnataka High Court greenlights ongoing Social and Educational Survey
On September 25, 2025, the Karnataka High Court decided not to halt the ongoing social and educational survey, often referred to as the caste survey. The court instructed the State government to ensure the collected data remains strictly confidential and emphasized that participation in the survey must be voluntary.
A Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, stated they found no reason to intervene with the survey. They stressed the importance of protecting the data, ensuring it is not disclosed to anyone, and confirmed the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC) would be responsible for its full protection and confidentiality.
2. Government to penalize officers for skipping Karnataka’s social and educational survey
The Karnataka Cabinet announced on September 25 that disciplinary action would be taken against government officers and employees who failed to participate in the Social and Educational Survey 2025. This survey, initiated by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22 and is scheduled to conclude on October 7.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil confirmed that disciplinary measures would be enforced against those who disregard instructions regarding the survey. Reports indicated a significant number of employees took leave, coinciding with school and college holidays and the Dasara festival, leading to concerns about survey participation.
3. Tourism Department issues fresh guidelines for Kodagu’s resorts, hotels, and homestays
As the Dasara festival approaches, drawing both domestic and international visitors to Kodagu, the Karnataka Tourism Department has released a comprehensive set of guidelines. These directives instruct owners of resorts, hotels, and homestays not only to collect detailed visitor information but also to provide guests with thorough insights into the district’s tourist attractions.
Owners are now required to record guests’ names, Aadhaar card details, full addresses, mobile numbers, and vehicle registration numbers upon arrival. For international tourists, mandatory details include visa, passport, and flight ticket information. Additionally, tourists must receive complete information on local attractions, including route maps and site operating hours, as per the official statement.
4. Cashew apple yields a new liquid sweetener, a potential sugar substitute
A significant innovation has emerged from the Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. They have successfully developed a novel liquid sweetener, or liquid jaggery, derived from the cashew apple. DCR Director J. Dinakara Adiga hailed this as a groundbreaking achievement in cashew research.
Food technology scientist Jyoti Nishad, who spearheaded the development, highlighted the product’s functional properties and high antioxidant activity, suggesting it could be used as an alternative to honey. Its unique sugar profile also positions it as a promising ingredient for the bakery and confectionery industries. A patent has already been filed for this innovative technology.