The Udupi district administration has decided to increase the number of polling stations from 1,112 to 1,243, adding 131 new booths across five assembly constituencies. In a meeting with political representatives at Manipal, District Collector announced that booths with over 1,200 voters were identified for redistribution. Byndoor will see the highest increase with 48 new booths, followed by Karkala (25), Kaup (22), Udupi (20), and Kundapura (16). A formal proposal will be sent to the Election Commission following the consensus reached with all political parties. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/-131-1243--2266211

A 45-year-old man named Ivan Richard Mascarenhas from Barkur was shot dead in front of Holy Rosary Church in Kundapura around 3:30 AM on Friday. The victim, who was involved in finance business, was attacked while traveling in a car with a woman. The assailant fled the scene after the shooting. Senior police officials, including Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, visited the spot. Preliminary investigations suggest financial or personal motives behind the murder. https://udayavani.com/district-news/kundapur-a-man-from-barkur-was-shot-in-the-wee-hours-936171

Archaeological excavations in Mandya and Mysuru districts have unearthed over 35 idols of Ravana, surprising historians. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found around 15-20 idols in Maddur and Malavalli, while expert Prof. N.S. Rangaraju discovered a similar number in areas including Bannur and T. Narasipura. This discovery is significant given the region's existing mythological connections to the Ramayana and Mahabharata. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/mandya-and-mysuru-more-than-30-idols-of-ravana-found-during-excavation-historians-are-surprised-mrq/articleshow-t80dghl

Belthangady police have arrested a 28-year-old rickshaw driver named Shubharaj for allegedly raping a 16-year-old college student. The matter came to light when the girl, experiencing stomach pain, was taken to the hospital by her mother and found to be pregnant. A POCSO case was registered on July 18 following a complaint. The accused was apprehended in Laila village on July 19 and has been remanded to judicial custody by the Mangaluru POCSO court. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/belthangady-girls-rape-case-accused-subhraj-arrested-2262244

Despite increased rainfall in coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, the inflow to four major reservoirs—Almatti, Tungabhadra, Narayanapura, and Vani Vilas Sagara—remains zero. Compared to last year when reservoirs were 70-80% full, the current storage levels are significantly lower due to a delayed monsoon. Officials expect water to reach Almatti and Tungabhadra within a few days as rainfall has intensified in Maharashtra and upper catchment areas of the Tunga river. https://www.prajavani.net/agriculture/farming/karnataka-dry-dams-zero-inflow-monsoon-4103766

A pregnant woman named Mangala died shortly after being discharged from a private hospital in Sirsi, Uttara Kannada. She was admitted due to high blood pressure and was sent home after recovery. However, she collapsed at the bus station while heading home and was declared dead while being taken to a government hospital. Her family has alleged medical negligence and demanded an investigation into the incident. https://www.prajavani.net/district/uttara-kannada/pregnant-woman-death-medical-negligence-allegation-sirsi-4199893

Following a fatal shooting incident by forest department staff in Hanur, Chamarajanagar, local MLA M.R. Manjunath promised a total compensation of ₹15 lakh per family (₹5 lakh from the state government and ₹10 lakh personally). This assurance led the victims' families to call off their protest. A magistrate inquiry has been initiated into the incident. Earlier, protests turned violent as demonstrators blocked highways and allegedly attempted to attack police personnel. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the government would review legal possibilities for further assistance and employment for the families. https://www.prajavani.net/district/chamarajanagara/compensation-protest-withdrawn-hanur-shooting-4199906

JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Jharkhand intensified their protest against exam irregularities by burning effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav. Marking the 23rd day of their agitation, students demanded the cancellation of exams and a CBI probe. They have issued an ultimatum until August 18, threatening to gherao the CM's residence on August 20 if their demands are not met. The protesters expressed disappointment with the Congress party and stated they would shift from peaceful methods to a more aggressive path to secure their rights. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/16/jpsc-jssc-aspirants-burn-effigies-of-soren-rahul-gandhi-tejashwi-over-exam-row-threaten-cm-house-siege

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff for appearing in Vimal Elaichi advertisements. The FDA alleges that the ads indirectly promote prohibited pan masala and tobacco products, violating the Food Safety and Standards Act 2026. The actors have been given 15 days to respond and have been directed to remove all related promotional content from their social media accounts and digital platforms. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/vimal-elaichi-ad-bollywood-actors-fda-notice-4199451

Citizens in Bengaluru protested against the proposed Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project by hugging the iconic rocks at Lalbagh. Led by the Lalbagh Walkers Association, protesters argued the project would destroy the city's heritage and green space. Environmentalists raised concerns that no detailed scientific studies were conducted for the project. The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear public interest litigations against the project on June 20th. https://www.prajavani.net/district/bengaluru-city/lalbagh-rock-hug-protest-tunnel-road-project-4199795