The Karnataka state government faces public backlash over the 'Freedom Habba' event at Vidhana Soudha. Despite Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's earlier assurance that an Aadhaar card would suffice for entry and children would have free access, authorities have now mandated QR code registration. Many citizens reported registration failures and 'slots full' messages, leading to accusations that the government is ignoring the working class in favor of the Gen-Z demographic. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/state/qr-code-mandatory-for-bengaluru-s-freedom-habba-public-outrage-rav/articleshow-ptocu1h

India celebrates its 80th Independence Day with great fervor. PM Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and addressed the nation, emphasizing the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also hoisted flags at their residences. Karnataka DCM D.K. Shivakumar extended greetings, highlighting constitutional values and social justice. The event honors the sacrifices of freedom fighters as the country moves forward in various sectors. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/independence-day-celebration-nationwide-updates-narendra-modi-dk-shivakumar-congress-bjp-rahul-gandhi-4196985

Two migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Haider (28) and Shakib (22), were seriously injured after falling from an under-construction building in Kotekar Beeri, Ullal. The incident occurred while they were installing roof sheets. They are currently treated at a private hospital in Deralakatte. Police have registered a case against the contractor. Other regional news includes the seizure of 670 kg of ration rice in Mulki and a cattle accident in Moodubidire. https://udayavani.com/district-news/ullala-two-workers-injured-after-falling-from-under-construction-building-473028

The weekly horoscope from August 17 to 23, 2026, predicts significant changes for all 12 zodiac signs. While Aries and Gemini can expect new responsibilities at work, Taurus and Cancer may see an increase in financial stability. Leo is likely to take on leadership roles, and Scorpio might achieve success in long-pending tasks. The week also brings opportunities for career shifts for Virgo and Aquarius. Health, cautious investments, and family harmony are highlighted as key focus areas for everyone during this period. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/gallery/weekly-horoscope/weekly-horoscope-17-to-23-august-2026-aries-to-pisces-august-third-week-all-12-zodiac-signs-suh-sdwe4va

A summary of key events in Karnataka: Local youths rescued a cow from the Varahi canal in Siddapura. In Murdeshwar, two policemen were stabbed while intervening in a fight. Honnavar police arrested a theft suspect within 24 hours. MP Kageri met central ministers regarding BSNL issues, the Bedti-Hirevaddatti project, and new railway lines. Additionally, a massive landslide in Sakleshpura disrupted Bangalore-Mangalore train services, and Laxman Savadi expressed support for D.K. Shivakumar to remain CM for seven years. https://udayavani.com/district-news/siddapura-cow-washed-away-in-varahi-canal-rescued-226862

MLC Dr. K. Govindaraj has written a letter to CM D.K. Shivakumar requesting the installation of a statue of the late former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna in the premises of Vikas Soudha. The request highlights Krishna's immense contribution in transforming Bengaluru into a Silicon City and his leadership in constructing Vikas Soudha in 2004. The proposal aims to honor his legacy as a visionary leader who shaped Karnataka's IT, educational, and industrial sectors. https://kannada.timesnownews.com/news/letter-to-cm-requesting-construction-of-a-statue-in-memory-of-s-m-krishna-in-vikas-soudha-premises-article-155631089

A teacher named Shanta Irappa Koli from Linganamath village in Haliyal has spent ₹1 lakh of her own money to construct a flag pedestal and grill for the Kannada Primary School where she served for 26 years. Her gesture, aimed at keeping her service memories alive, has been widely appreciated by the school committee and local villagers. She was also honored with the 'Shikshakaratna' award for the year 2025-26 for her dedication to education. https://publicnext.com/news/district/uttara+kannada/education/kn/a-memorial-to-the-guru-teacher-builds-flagpole-for-school-with-her-own-money-1284431

Former Puerto Rican boxer Prichard Colon has passed away at the age of 33 after spending 11 years in a coma. His condition was the result of a brain injury sustained during a 2015 fight in Virginia against Terrel Williams, where he was repeatedly hit with illegal 'rabbit punches'. This tragic incident led to the implementation of the 'Prichard Colon Rule' by the WBC in 2016 to ensure better safety and medical protocols in boxing to protect athletes from similar brain injuries. https://www.varthabharati.in/vishesha-varadigalu/the-pritchard-colon-rule-how-the-tragic-raw-bit-punch-incident-changed-boxing-safety-2268057

A female passenger at Bhubaneswar airport damaged property worth Rs 49,000 after her IndiGo flight to Kolkata was cancelled due to technical reasons. The woman lost her temper and threw computer equipment including keyboards and monitors in front of CISF personnel. IndiGo has filed a police complaint against the passenger for her unruly behavior and airport authorities have requested recovery of damages from her. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/14/woman-damages-bhubaneswar-airport-property-worth-rs-49000-over-indigo-flight-cancellation

Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik has accused Nidumamidi Matha of encroaching on Mujrai department property and damaging an ancient temple in Chikkaballapur. He alleged that a bronze idol of Lord Shiva has gone missing and the Matha is illegally selling land. Muthalik has demanded a high-level probe by the District Collector and warned of protests if the upcoming events at the Matha are not stopped by the administration. https://www.prajavani.net/district/chikkaballapur/pramod-muthalik-allegations-nidumamidi-math-muzrai-property-chikkaballapur-4195172