Farmers from Haveri district marched to Hubballi and laid siege to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's office demanding a crop loan waiver. Due to poor rainfall this year, crops have failed, leaving farmers in significant debt. The protesters submitted a memorandum urging the government to support the farming community by waiving their loans. https://publicnext.com/news/district/hubballi-dharwad/politics/kn/hubli-farmers-lay-siege-to-pralhad-joshi-s-office-demanding-farm-loan-waiver-1283230

Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit is set to return to television as a host after 24 years. She will be hosting the Marathi version of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', titled 'Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati', on Sony Marathi. Previously seen as a judge on dance reality shows, this marks her debut in a quiz show format. Madhuri last hosted 'Kahiin Na Kahiin Koi Hai' in 2002. She expressed her excitement to meet contestants and witness their dreams coming true on the hot seat. https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/tv/madhuri-dixit-to-host-kon-honar-crorepati-marathi-show-4187184

In the Renukaswamy murder case, the 59th CCH court in Bengaluru has stayed the recording of the statement of accused A14 Pradosh, who applied to become an approver, until August 18. This comes after Darshan's lawyer Hashmath Pasha argued that they need time to challenge the order in the High Court. While Pradosh's lawyer sought immediate recording of the statement for security and case integrity, the court accepted the defense's request for time. Darshan and Pavithra Gowda attended the proceedings via video conference. https://newsfirstlive.com/state/bengaluru/renukaswamy-murder-case-pradosh-approver-statement-august-18-darshan-12250069

Famous actor Prakash Raj's name has been removed from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The actor expressed his disappointment on social media, questioning how his name could be deleted despite being a long-term resident of Bengaluru and having voted in the 2024 elections. Reports suggest the deletion occurred following complaints about his name appearing in multiple constituencies. Prakash Raj has vowed to fight for his right to vote, while an official clarification from the Election Commission is still awaited. https://newsfirstlive.com/state/bengaluru/sir-revision-prakash-raj-name-deleted-voter-list-bengaluru-12250280

A major scam involving approximately 50 lakh rupees has surfaced at the Chikkamagaluru Regional Transport Office (RTO). A cashier named Tejas is accused of misappropriating public funds collected for vehicle registration and driving licenses between January and May. Following a directive from the District Collector, a three-member investigation team led by the Shimoga Transport Commissioner is probing the matter. Preliminary findings show financial discrepancies, and a final report is expected this week, after which strict disciplinary action will be taken against the guilty. https://publicnext.com/news/district/chikmagalur/crime/kn/chikkamagaluru-when-will-strict-action-be-taken-against-the-corrupt-in-the-looting-case-1283237

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 132 deaths and over 570 injuries. The epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region. Extensive damage was reported with over 1,575 homes destroyed and 61 buildings collapsed across cities like Pereira, Cali, and Quibdo. Hundreds remain missing under debris as the army and rescue teams intensify operations. The Colombian government has declared a national emergency. Relief agencies are focusing on creating safe spaces for affected children. https://kannada.news18.com/news/national-international/death-toll-rises-to-132-following-7-point-4-magnitude-earthquake-in-colombia-akd-2467080.html

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) is meeting today in New Delhi. Karnataka has already released 7.5 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, which is 3 TMC more than the previously mandated 4.5 TMC, due to heavy rainfall and the Kabini reservoir reaching capacity. Tamil Nadu is expected to demand more water during today's session, making the committee's decision highly anticipated. https://www.justkannada.in/cwrc-meeting-today/

District Congress spokesperson K. Vikas Hegde has criticized the meetings regarding the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats conservation as mere formalities. He accused MPs and MLAs of negligence for not conducting physical surveys and for failing to bring Union Ministers to the affected districts to discuss the report's impact on local residents and villages. https://www.mangalorean.com/k-vikas-hegde-levels-serious-allegations-regarding-the-perfunctory-meeting-on-the-implementation-of-the-kasturirangan-report/

A major fire broke out at the Patel Ganj area of APMC in Raichur, destroying goods worth approximately ₹30 lakh. The fire occurred at 'Rajaram Traders' warehouse owned by merchant Raju Patil. Dry fruits, dried coconuts, and other grocery items were gutted in the blaze, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, and no casualties were reported. A case has been registered at the Market Yard police station. https://udayavani.com/district-news/raichur-massive-fire-at-apmc-materials-worth-lakhs-of-rupees-gutted-717762

Heavy rains have caused debris, logs, and plastic waste to accumulate at the intake of the Thumbe dam in Mangaluru, damaging pump strainers and reducing water pumping capacity. As a result, the city corporation has announced alternate-day water supply for Surathkal and Mangaluru South areas until August 31 to facilitate repair work. Residents are requested to use water judiciously during this period. https://publicnext.com/news/district/udupi/government/kn/mangaluru-waste-collection-at-thumbay-dam-intake-water-supply-on-alternate-days-till-august-31-1283183