During the Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant unbeaten 131 runs on Day 1. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised his technique, especially against spinners, calling him a 'godsend' for India at the number 3 position. Manjrekar urged the team management to retain Padikkal in the top order even if Sai Sudharsan returns, highlighting his exceptional back-foot play and defensive skills against spin bowling. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cricket/2026/Aug/16/sanjay-manjrekar-urges-india-to-retain-devdutt-padikkal-at-no-3-even-after-sudharsan-returns-god-sent

Vrushabhalinveshwara Swamiji of Banthanal Math in Vijayapura district is embroiled in controversy regarding the appointment of a successor and alleged illegal sale of math property. Devotees have approached the Tahsildar court and filed a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner. Adding to the tension, an alleged audio clip of the seer has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage among followers. While the new successor Sanganabasava Devaru has arrived, the formal installation is pending. https://www.prajavani.net/district/vijayapura/banthanal-math-successor-appointment-controversy-4199967

In the first rain-affected Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle, India reached 460/9 at the end of the second day. Devdutt Padikkal starred with a magnificent 167 runs off 230 balls, while K.L. Rahul contributed 82 and Dhruv Jurel scored 51. Despite rain limiting the day's play to only 43 overs, India managed to dominate. Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 4 wickets for 109 runs. https://www.varthabharati.in/sports/first-test-padikkal-scores-167-dhruv-jurel-hits-a-half-century-india-4609-in-rain-hit-match-2268505

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for 18 districts in Karnataka until August 20, following a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Significant rainfall has already been recorded in Agumbe (52 mm) and coastal regions. The alert covers coastal districts, Malnad, and parts of south and north interior Karnataka, with wind speeds expected to reach 40-50 kmph. A total of 14 states across India are expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next 15 days, with red alerts issued for Odisha and West Bengal. https://kannada.timesnownews.com/news/karnataka-weather-on-august-17-heavy-rain-alert-low-pressure-area-in-the-bay-of-bengal-article-155699108

ISRO is moving towards privatizing the space sector to focus more on research and technology, similar to the NASA-SpaceX model. As part of this, the new spaceport being built at Kulasekharapatnam in Tamil Nadu for Rs 950 crore has been handed over to IN-SPACe. Private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul have reportedly submitted bids worth Rs 1,000 crore to manage SSLV launches. This move aims to expand India's commercial satellite launch market globally. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/science/isro-master-plan-privatizing-kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-as-india-follows-in-nasa-footsteps-gkn/articleshow-93fsmoc

Satyakumar Paswan, a 14-year-old boy from Bihar whose parents are migrant laborers in Karwar, Karnataka, has emerged as a topper in his Kannada class. Despite his parents not knowing the language and facing financial hardships, Satyakumar walked 6 km barefoot daily to attend Shivaji High School in Asnoti. His dedication to learning Kannada in a Konkani-dominated area earned him praise and a bicycle gift from local NGOs. His story highlights how passion can overcome linguistic and geographical barriers. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/viral/bihar-migrant-boy-satyakumar-becomes-kannada-class-topper-karwar-uttar-kannada-bmk/articleshow-y7lsazk

In Lingsugur town, Raichur district, schoolgirls from Chitranal village approached the police station seeking protection from harassment. The students alleged that local miscreants have been harassing and verbally abusing them daily while they travel to high school. Frustrated by the lack of safety, the girls demanded that the police take immediate action and punish the culprits. https://publicnext.com/news/district/raichur/law+and+order/kn/protect-us-punish-the-goons-school-girls-shout-in-front-of-police-officers-1284877

BJP leader Vikas Puttur has filed a police complaint against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi at Urwa police station in Mangaluru. The complaint alleges that she disrespected the national song 'Vande Mataram' by ordering it to be stopped midway during the Independence Day celebrations at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. Vikas Puttur claimed that Congress has a history of opposing the song since 1937 and threatened to approach the Supreme Court if an FIR is not registered by the police. https://udayavani.com/district-news/mangaluru-disrespect-for-vande-mataram-bjp-leader-files-complaint-against-sonia-gandhi-532064

Rain delayed the start of Day 2 in the India vs Sri Lanka Test match at Galle. After the first session was washed out, India resumed their innings. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 39 and KL Rahul for 82. However, Devdutt Padikkal continued his brilliant form, crossing the 150-run mark to push India's total beyond 325 runs. https://tv9kannada.com/sports/cricket-news/india-vs-sri-lanka-galle-test-day-2-rain-delay-match-resumes-1225837.html

Senior activist S. Mareppa has accused the police of suppressing a planned protest against Raichur district in-charge minister Ajay Singh. The activists were reportedly detained within 10 minutes of their protest on August 15. The core demand is that a local leader from Raichur should be appointed as the district in-charge minister instead of someone from outside. The activists warned of intense protests and threatened to block outside ministers from hoisting the flag during the Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day celebrations on September 17 if their demands are not met. https://www.varthabharati.in/raichur/raichur-police-block-protest-involving-gherao-of-dr-ajay-singh-s-mareppa-alleges-2268483