Agriculture Minister P.M. Narendra Swamy criticized the BJP in Madikeri regarding the gutka ban issue. He accused the opposition of blowing small issues out of proportion while ignoring significant development matters. He further stated that despite having their government at the Center, the state BJP leaders failed to demand Karnataka's rightful share and are instead focusing on trivial protests due to a lack of developmental agenda. https://publicnext.com/news/district/kodagu/politics/kn/the-bjp-s-job-is-to-make-small-things-big-big-things-1284690

MLA K. Nemiraja Naik hoisted the national flag during the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Kotturu, Vijayanagara. He remembered the sacrifices of freedom fighters and urged the youth to follow ideals like patriotism and honesty. During the event, 15 achievers from various fields, including journalism, were honored, and cultural performances were presented by students. https://www.varthabharati.in/vijayanagara/vijayanagara-mla-k-nemiraja-naik-pays-tribute-to-the-great-figures-who-made-sacrifices-for-the-country-2268220

The Saligrama Kayaking team celebrated Independence Day uniquely by hoisting the national flag on a specially constructed wooden bridge in the middle of the Seetha River in Brahmavar. Led by Mithun Kurma Mendan, the initiative aimed to blend patriotism with a love for nature and the river's beauty amidst the monsoon currents. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/--2268182

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, State Information Commissioner B. Venkatasing hoisted the national flag at the Karnataka Information Commission's Kalaburagi bench office. He paid tribute to freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasized that the Information Commission is a constitutional body and urged all staff members to work responsibly according to its objectives. The event was attended by branch officer Shivakumar and other staff members. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/kalaburagi-let-us-work-in-line-with-the-vision-of-the-information-commission-b-venkatasingh-2268239

The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Bhatkal Taluk Stadium. Assistant Commissioner J. Mahesh hoisted the flag and highlighted the historical importance of Queen Chennabhairadevi and the unity in diversity. MLA Mankal Vaidya presided over the event, discussing the benefits of government guarantee schemes like free electricity and rice for the poor. The event featured attractive parades by police and students, attended by various officials and the general public. https://www.varthabharati.in/uttara-kannada/-80--2268227

BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santhosh stated in Bengaluru that the RSS is not registered and will not be registered in the future. Speaking at the 'Akhanda Bharat Sankalpa Dina' event, he criticized Home Minister Priyank Kharge, stating that registration is not a criterion for the organization's work. He also emphasized that India's independence was achieved through the sacrifice of over 35 lakh people, countering the narrative that it came only through the salt satyagraha and charkha. https://www.varthabharati.in/state/rss-blsantosh-2268225

Venus enters the Chitta Nakshatra, ruled by Mars, on August 25 and will stay there until September 11. This celestial transition is set to bring immense wealth and prosperity to four zodiac signs: Aries, Taurus, Libra, and Scorpio. These individuals can expect career growth, unexpected financial gains, and improved family relationships. The period is being described as a golden era for these signs, with opportunities for promotions and new business deals. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/gallery/festivals/kannada-astrology-venus-transits-to-chitta-nakshatra-money-showers-for-4-zodiac-signs-prediction-till-september-11-mrq-633ut8x

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the Nadia district administration issued a late-night order for her to vacate a room in the Krishnanagar Circuit House. Moitra alleged that despite a prior booking, she was asked to leave at 9:47 PM on Friday under the pretext of 'annual cleaning.' She also reported that a crowd gathered outside shouting slogans when she refused to vacate, raising concerns about the safety and dignity of women parliamentarians. She has requested the Speaker's intervention to protect her rights and security. https://www.varthabharati.in/National/notice-to-vacate-house-mahua-moitra-writes-letter-to-lok-sabha-speaker-2268150

Minister S. S. Mallikarjun announced that a high-level meeting will be held in Bengaluru on August 18 with farmer leaders and officials to decide on releasing Bhadra reservoir water for crops. Following this assurance, the Bharatiya Raitha Okkuta has temporarily withdrawn its planned national highway protest. The minister emphasized a fair decision considering the drought situation. Additionally, he discussed the benefits of E20 petrol and ethanol plants, noting he established the first plant in 2002. Development projects for Davanagere and Vijayanagara districts were also highlighted. https://www.etvbharat.com/kn/state/a-meeting-will-held-in-bengaluru-on-august-18th-regarding-bhadra-water-says-minister-s-s-mallikarjun-kas26081504871

The Karnataka government's move to mandate prior permission for public events has sparked a row, with the BJP alleging it targets RSS activities. Minister Priyank Kharge's comments drew a sharp retort from BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santhosh, who stated that RSS is not registered and will never be, asserting there is no such requirement. https://tv9kannada.com/videos/rss-was-never-registered-nor-will-it-be-bl-santosh-hits-back-at-priyank-kharge-1225548.html