Agricultural expert Dr. Tasmia Kausir advised farmers in Huliyaru to cultivate the 'ICH-5' castor variety for better profits during droughts. Speaking at a training program at the APMC premises, she explained that this variety is ideal for dry farming with low rainfall and investment. It requires 2kg of seeds per acre and yields 5-6 quintals. The expert detailed pre-sowing treatments like soaking seeds for 5-6 hours to prevent fungus and recommended proper spacing. The crop matures in 5 months and can be grown as an intercrop in coconut and areca nut plantations. https://sanjevani.com/farmers-gain-financial-benefits-by-cultivating-the-ich-5-variety-of-castor/

India gained independence from British rule at midnight on August 15, 1947. Lord Mountbatten chose the date, but astrologers warned it was inauspicious. To resolve this, a 24-minute 'Abhijit Muhurta' starting at 11:51 PM on August 14 was selected, satisfying both British timing and Indian astrological beliefs. Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech at the stroke of midnight to mark the historic occasion. https://kannada.news18.com/news/trend/independence-day-why-india-got-freedom-at-midnight-on-august-15-ssr-ws-bl-2469731.html

Actress Trisha Krishnan attended the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony led by Tamil Nadu CM Vijay in Chennai. Dressed in a yellow saree, she was spotted sitting next to Vijay's parents, S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shoba, and interacting warmly with them. This public appearance has quelled recent breakup rumors surrounding the 'Leo' pair. Additionally, reports suggest that Vijay's wife, Sangeetha, has withdrawn her divorce petition, signaling peace in the actor's personal life. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/entertainment/trisha-krishnan-spotted-at-fort-st-george-on-saturday-on-independence-day-flag-hoisting-by-cm-vijay-joseph/articleshow-yulwud6

After a two-year hiatus due to technical issues, the tricolor was hoisted on India's second tallest flagpole (405 feet) at Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar District Stadium in Hosapete, Vijayanagara. The flag mechanism, which had failed previously, was repaired by a technical team from Hyderabad. District In-charge Minister Basavantappa performed the flag hoisting on Independence Day, bringing joy to the locals as the state's tallest flagpole is operational again. https://publicnext.com/news/district/vijayanagara/cultural+activity/kn/hospet-after-two-years-the-country-s-second-tallest-flag-pole-hoisted-the-tricolour-1284530

Tamil Nadu leader Vijay Thalapathy performed a flag hoisting ceremony, marking a significant public event. The ceremony took place amidst a large gathering of supporters and fans, fueling discussions about his future moves in Tamil Nadu politics. The event is seen as a formal step in his public outreach and political journey. https://kannada.news18.com/videos/national-international/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-thalapathy-flag-hoisting-svc-2469903.html

Three suspected poachers were killed in an encounter with forest department personnel in the Shagya forest area of Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district. The incident occurred in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary when forest guards on patrol spotted the poachers processing wild animal meat. When asked to surrender, the poachers allegedly opened fire, prompting the forest guards to retaliate in self-defense. The deceased have been identified as Anthonyswamy, Kumar, and Peter. One forest official was also injured in the clash. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/karnataka/2026/Aug/15/three-poachers-killed-in-cauvery-wildlife-sanctuary-in-chamarajanagar

In Haveri district's H. Arekoppa village, school children staged a unique protest on India's 80th Independence Day by planting paddy saplings in a muddy road. The road leading to the primary school and Anganwadi had turned into a slushy field due to rains, making it impossible for students in clean uniforms to reach the flag-hoisting ceremony. Frustrated by the lack of basic infrastructure even after eight decades of independence, the children and villagers slammed the administration. Locals warned of locking the Taluk office if the road isn't concretized immediately, as students frequently fall and injure themselves in the mud. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/haveri-80th-independence-day-school-children-protest-muddy-road-planting-paddy/articleshow-tfl6gho

Tamil Nadu CM Chandrasekhar Joseph Vijay delivered his first Independence Day speech at Fort St. George, Chennai. He emphasized that eradicating corruption is equivalent to attaining freedom. The CM urged people for their continued support to implement welfare schemes and set a target to boost the state's economy to $1.5 trillion by 2036. He also stated that while the state would cooperate with the Center on administrative matters, it would strongly oppose policies against the state's interests. https://www.prajavani.net/news/karnataka-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-independence-day-speech-chennai-4197214

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island, Indonesia, on Saturday morning. The epicenter was located 36 km northeast of Larantuka at a depth of 15 km. The Indonesian agency BMKG has issued a tsunami warning for East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara. A subsequent 6.1 magnitude aftershock was also reported. While residents fled to the streets in panic, no immediate casualties have been confirmed. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. https://www.etvbharat.com/kn/international/7-dot-7-magnitude-quake-strikes-off-indonesia-tsunami-warning-issued-kas26081502294

Udupi District-in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad hoisted the national flag at Ajjarkad Stadium on Independence Day. He announced an increase in the base price of free equipment provided to fishermen from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000. Additionally, he revealed plans to establish a Center of Excellence at Mangaluru Fisheries College to promote marine farming, biotechnology industries, and innovative technology development. https://www.prajavani.net/district/udupi/udupi-independence-day-flag-hoisting-fisheries-development-4197183