Kiran Raj, the director of the acclaimed Kannada film '777 Charlie', is reportedly gearing up for his Bollywood debut. Sources suggest he has held discussions with prominent actors like Saif Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan for his first Hindi project. Previously, he was also spotted with John Abraham, sparking collaboration rumors. While a project with Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja is currently in the scripting stage, his Bollywood venture is gaining significant momentum with talks involving major production houses. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/entertainment/kiran-raj-bollywood-debut-in-the-works-after-777-charlie-success-gvd/articleshow-fhcofgo

The 17th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026 has officially opened in Australia. Indian stars including Rishab Shetty, Dulquer Salmaan, and Vijay Varma attended the opening press conference. Rishab Shetty expressed pride in representing the Kannada film industry on an international platform. Dulquer Salmaan shared excitement about his film 'Loka' and its connection to Kerala folklore. The festival focuses on the diversity of Indian storytelling and its growing global reach, featuring various filmmakers and actors like Manushi Chhillar. https://www.etvbharat.com/kn/entertainment/rishab-shetty-dulquer-salmaan-at-iffm-2026-opening-ceremony-in-melbourne-kas26081303850

Deputy Commissioner of Police Shalu addressed hotel, bakery, and lodge owners in Kalaburagi, promising full police cooperation for businesses operating within legal boundaries. She emphasized mandatory CC cameras, visitor registers, and Aadhaar cards for guests. Strict action was warned against establishments facilitating illegal activities like gambling or prostitution. The District Hotel Association pledged its support to maintain a lawful business environment while the DCP assured that police would not harass law-abiding business owners. https://sanjevani.com/full-cooperation-from-the-police-department-for-the-smooth-operation-of-hotels-shalu/

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a youth named Mohammed Samir in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, for alleged links with Pakistan. Acting on information from central intelligence agencies, officials found that Samir was in constant contact with Pakistan via WhatsApp and Facebook. Samir had been working at a beef factory in Kalaburagi for the past eight months. During the raid, maps were recovered from his room. While his associate Salman was released after questioning, Samir remains in custody as investigations into anti-national activities continue. https://kannada.news18.com/news/crime/pakistan-link-one-taken-into-custody-in-kalaburagi-ssr-ws-bl-2468746.html

A love marriage ended in just one week in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural district. A newlywed bride returned her Mangalsutra and anklets to her husband at the Sulibele police station, stating she no longer wanted to live with him. The couple had married recently in Ramanagara and sought police protection. However, after meeting her parents at the station, the bride changed her mind. The husband, Dhanraj, is now demanding justice, claiming that political pressure and caste issues were used to separate them. https://publicnext.com/news/district/bangalore/lifestyle/kn/bride-s-husband-wants-a-wife-says-he-doesn-t-want-a-boy-1283965

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is set to resume its welfare schemes after three years, providing benefits to 15,592 beneficiaries. On the occasion of the Gowri-Ganesha festival, the GBA will distribute education fee refunds, sewing machines, financial aid for houses, auto-rickshaws, and e-bikes. Special provisions are also made for students, women, and the disabled. Authorities have warned of strict action against any misuse or resale of these government-provided facilities. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/gba-resumes-welfare-schemes-gowri-ganesha-festival-gift-bmk/articleshow-vu5hxnw

Former Minister Araga Jnanendra has expressed concern over the government's ban on gutka and pan masala, fearing a collapse in areca nut prices. Karnataka produces over 60% of India's areca nut, supporting 15 lakh families. He urged the government to protect farmers and delay the ban until alternative markets are established. CM Siddaramaiah reportedly assured that the issue would be addressed in the assembly. Additionally, Jnanendra opposed the implementation of the Kasturirangan report to protect Western Ghats residents. https://newsfirstlive.com/politics/gutka-ban-areca-nut-farmers-araga-jnanendra-karnataka-12257446

RTO officials in Hubballi have seized more than 20 bikes operating illegally as Rapido taxis. Following protests by auto-rickshaw drivers and government directives to halt bike taxi services, the RTO conducted a surprise raid. The seized vehicles are currently kept at the Hubballi RTO office, and officials have warned of strict action against those continuing to operate bike taxis illegally. https://publicnext.com/news/district/hubballi-dharwad/public+feed/kn/beware-of-the-bike-ride-will-your-bike-be-seized-1283931

The Karnataka government has approved 83 industrial projects worth ₹6,253 crore, including a significant ₹453 crore sugar and ethanol plant in Vijayapura district. Chaired by Minister M.B. Patil, the SLSWCC meeting cleared projects that support the 'Beyond Bengaluru' initiative, with 69 units planned outside the capital. Key investments include integrated industrial parks in Doddaballapura and ventures in aerospace, IT, and renewable energy, aimed at boosting employment and regional growth. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/karnataka-approves-453-crore-ethanol-project-vijayapura-mb-patil-san/articleshow-sxv2h1w

The Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) has extended the last date for B.Ed. admission applications to August 22. Regional Director Dr. Rohit H.S. announced that the B.Ed. CET and entrance exams are scheduled for August 30. Interested candidates can contact the Bangalore Regional Centre at KSRTC Satellite Bus Station or use the provided contact numbers for more details. https://www.prajavani.net/education-career/education/ksou-bed-cet-exam-application-extension-4192308