Punjab Police in Amritsar successfully foiled a major terror plot by recovering a 690-gram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) intended to target a police station. Along with the IED, an electronic detonator, battery, timer, and an iron box were seized. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the bomb disposal squad neutralized the explosive following safety protocols. This action averted a potential threat to public safety ahead of August 15. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/16/terror-plot-foiled-in-punjab-as-police-recover-ied

Cyber investment fraud is on the rise using fake trading platforms, WhatsApp groups, and AI-generated identities. Experts suggest that scammers use three main tactics: high returns, urgency, and fake profit proofs. To avoid falling victim, investors are advised to follow a 'cooling-off' period of 24 hours before making payments and to discuss opportunities with trusted financial advisors. Key red flags include guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for private account transfers. True financial discipline involves knowing both where to invest and when to step back. https://www.varthabharati.in/vishesha-varadigalu/by-thinking-carefully-before-investing-you-can-avoid-falling-victim-to-fraud-2268508

The Karnataka government has announced the recruitment of 15,000 teachers, but it faces criticism for excluding linguistic minority schools like Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu mediums. While 8,500 posts are for Kannada medium and others for English, approximately 5,000 posts remain vacant in Urdu medium schools alone. Candidates are demanding age relaxation of five years, inclusion of mathematics teacher posts, and the option to take exams in their respective minority languages. The neglect of these schools, especially in the Kalyan Karnataka region, raises concerns about educational inequality and the violation of constitutional rights to equal opportunity. https://www.varthabharati.in/nimma-ankana/teacher-recruitment-in-karnataka-2268500

Actor Darshan's wife, Vijayalakshmi, recently attended a wedding ceremony of a close fan. During the event, enthusiastic fans started chanting slogans in support of Darshan (D-Boss). Vijayalakshmi politely intervened, asking fans to maintain the decorum of the wedding house and stop the slogans, noting that such incidents are causing inconvenience everywhere. The video of her smiling yet firm request to fans has gone viral on social media platforms. https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/d-boss-announcement-for-vijayalakshmi-advice-to-fans-kes-ws-l-2470973.html

A World Bank report indicates that by 2040, the number of people in extreme poverty in South Asia (including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) will be lower than in North America and Europe. While South Asia had over 503 million extremely poor people in 1990, projections suggest this will drop to 2.76 million by 2040, compared to 3.35 million in North America and 2.89 million in Europe. Factors like India's rapid economic growth, digitalization, and welfare schemes are cited as major contributors to this decline. https://tv9kannada.com/business/extreme-poverty-volume-world-bank-projection-1990-2040-india-south-asia-europe-north-america-1225934.html

The 80th Independence Day was celebrated uniquely at M. Tumbaraguddi Government High School in Sandur, Ballari. 80 people paid floral tributes to portraits of 80 freedom fighters. During the event, social worker Nagesh Patil awarded Rs 3,000 each to 17 students who scored above 80% in SSLC exams. Silver coins were distributed to toppers by alumni. Cultural programs including a short play titled 'Namma Nade Swatantrada Kade' were performed by students. https://www.varthabharati.in/bellary/ballari-grand-independence-day-celebration-at-m-tumbaraguddi-government-high-school-2268510

Mohammed Nalapad, son of MLA N.A. Haris and former President of Karnataka Youth Congress, has tied the knot for the second time with Maliha Fatima in a grand ceremony at Coorg Wilderness Resort near Madikeri. Maliha, a law graduate working in a US-based MNC, is the daughter of Congress leader S.I. Munir Ahmed. The high-profile wedding saw the presence of prominent figures including Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Kannada superstars Kiccha Sudeep, and Rocking Star Yash. The celebrations span five days from August 15 to 20, with the Nikah performed on August 16. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/politics/congress-leader-mohammed-nalapad-marriage-cm-dk-shivakumar-kiccha-sudeep-rocking-star-yash-attend-grand-wedding-gkn/articleshow-g7thhio

Recent research suggests that fruits like plums, blackberries, and cranberries are rich sources of flavanols, which are highly beneficial for heart health compared to apples. A study led by the University of Reading indicates that 500g of plums can provide up to 450mg of flavanols, significantly higher than a medium-sized apple. These plant-based compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support cardiovascular health. While apples remain a healthy choice, incorporating a variety of berries and plums into a balanced diet, alongside regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is crucial for optimal heart protection. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/health/heart-health-this-fruit-may-be-better-than-apple-cardiologists-recommend-adding-it-to-your-diet-394015

International runner Suresh Pattanagere distributed stationery to 370 students of government schools in Mullakad and Bandar Bastigarden, Mangaluru, using his prize money and personal savings. He also donated a color printer to the Mullakad government school. For his social commitment, he was honored by the school authorities. Previously, he had also donated sports and stationery items to students in Kadur, Chikkamagaluru district. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/--2268499

Protests by JPSC-JSSC job aspirants in Jharkhand have entered the 23rd day, with the hunger strike reaching its 13th day. Protester Prem Nayak, whose health is deteriorating rapidly, expressed fears over his survival and accused the government of trying to break the movement. Meanwhile, CM Hemant Soren has promised an impartial investigation into examination irregularities and strict action against those involved in paper leaks or corruption. https://www.varthabharati.in/National/wont-live-much-longer-jharkhand-student-on-hunger-strike-2268498