Farmers in Udupi's Byndoor organized a massive protest demanding the exclusion of eight villages from the Town Panchayat limits. Led by Deepak Kumar Shetty, protesters marched from Seneshwara Temple to the Taluk office, claiming that urban classification deprives these villages of rural benefits and infrastructure. Despite local officials' attempts to mediate, the farmers, including women and children, continued a road blockade, insisting that the Deputy Commissioner visit the site to provide a permanent solution. The protest marks the one-year anniversary of their struggle, with warnings to intensify the agitation if their demands are not met immediately. https://publicnext.com/news/district/udupi/politics/kn/udupi-farmers-protest-in-byndoor-demand-for-exclusion-of-8-villages-from-town-panchayat-1282163

In a significant development in the Renukaswamy murder case, the 14th accused, Pradosh, has filed a petition in the 59th CCH Court to become an approver (state witness). The prosecution, led by SPP Prasanna Kumar, supports this move under Sections 306 and 307 of the CrPC, stating that Pradosh was an eyewitness to the assault by actor Darshan. While Darshan's defense lawyer, Hashmath Pasha, opposed the move, the prosecution argued that consent from other accused is not required. This development has caused major concern for Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, as Pradosh's testimony could be crucial evidence against them. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/entertainment/darshan-in-trouble-3-accused-ready-to-be-approvers-392844

The Udupi district administration has decided to increase the number of polling stations from 1,112 to 1,243, adding 131 new booths across five assembly constituencies. In a meeting with political representatives at Manipal, District Collector announced that booths with over 1,200 voters were identified for redistribution. Byndoor will see the highest increase with 48 new booths, followed by Karkala (25), Kaup (22), Udupi (20), and Kundapura (16). A formal proposal will be sent to the Election Commission following the consensus reached with all political parties. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/-131-1243--2266211

A 45-year-old man named Ivan Richard Mascarenhas from Barkur was shot dead in front of Holy Rosary Church in Kundapura around 3:30 AM on Friday. The victim, who was involved in finance business, was attacked while traveling in a car with a woman. The assailant fled the scene after the shooting. Senior police officials, including Udupi SP Hariram Shankar, visited the spot. Preliminary investigations suggest financial or personal motives behind the murder. https://udayavani.com/district-news/kundapur-a-man-from-barkur-was-shot-in-the-wee-hours-936171

Archaeological excavations in Mandya and Mysuru districts have unearthed over 35 idols of Ravana, surprising historians. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found around 15-20 idols in Maddur and Malavalli, while expert Prof. N.S. Rangaraju discovered a similar number in areas including Bannur and T. Narasipura. This discovery is significant given the region's existing mythological connections to the Ramayana and Mahabharata. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/mandya-and-mysuru-more-than-30-idols-of-ravana-found-during-excavation-historians-are-surprised-mrq/articleshow-t80dghl

Belthangady police have arrested a 28-year-old rickshaw driver named Shubharaj for allegedly raping a 16-year-old college student. The matter came to light when the girl, experiencing stomach pain, was taken to the hospital by her mother and found to be pregnant. A POCSO case was registered on July 18 following a complaint. The accused was apprehended in Laila village on July 19 and has been remanded to judicial custody by the Mangaluru POCSO court. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/belthangady-girls-rape-case-accused-subhraj-arrested-2262244

Despite increased rainfall in coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka, the inflow to four major reservoirs—Almatti, Tungabhadra, Narayanapura, and Vani Vilas Sagara—remains zero. Compared to last year when reservoirs were 70-80% full, the current storage levels are significantly lower due to a delayed monsoon. Officials expect water to reach Almatti and Tungabhadra within a few days as rainfall has intensified in Maharashtra and upper catchment areas of the Tunga river. https://www.prajavani.net/agriculture/farming/karnataka-dry-dams-zero-inflow-monsoon-4103766

BJP workers in Belagavi staged a protest against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, alleging disrespect to the national song 'Vande Mataram' during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi. The protesters attempted to lay siege to the Congress office at Rani Chennamma Circle, leading to their detention by the police. Key leaders including Subhash Patil and Eranna Angadi participated in the protest. The detained workers were later released by the authorities. https://publicnext.com/news/district/belgaum/politics/kn/belagavi-attempt-to-lay-siege-to-congress-office-khaki-hospitality-for-the-lotus-army-1284967

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Ashish Banerjee (74) was found dead, hanging in the TMC office in Birbhum. A suicide note was recovered where he expressed regret over entering politics and mentioned being humiliated regarding the Tarapith-Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA) activities. Banerjee, a long-time MLA from Rampurhat and former minister, had recently distanced himself from active politics. TMC leaders like Abhishek Banerjee and Kunal Ghosh have raised concerns about political pressure and defamation leading to this incident. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/ashish-banerjee-tmc-leader-found-dead-west-bengal-4199974

Michael D'Souza and Family Charities (MDS Charities) distributed Rs 4.84 crore in educational aid to deserving students under the 'Umed 2026' program in Mangaluru. Bishop Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the event, praising the foundation's decade-long service. Over 13 years, the trust has supported 3,838 students across Mangaluru and Udupi. Additionally, the trust provided Rs 7.25 crore for housing welfare to 520 families and Rs 73.19 lakh for family welfare initiatives. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/mangalore-mds-charities-provides-rs-484-crore-educational-assistance-to-students-2268561