The Samyukta Horata Karnataka Samiti has called for a Kalaburagi district bandh on August 20, demanding that the government declare it a drought-hit district. Convener Sharanabasappa Mamashetti highlighted crop losses due to the El Nino effect and monsoonal failure. Key demands include ₹50,000 per acre compensation for farmers, crop insurance payouts, loan waivers, and the release of 15 TMC water from Maharashtra's Ujani dam. The committee also demanded action against L&T for supplying contaminated water in the city. Various local organizations have extended support to the protest. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/call-for-drought-declaration-and-farmer-relief-kalaburagi-bandh-called-for-august-20-2268438

Kiccha Sudeep along with his wife Priya Sudeep attended the wedding ceremony of Mohammed Nalapad in Udupi. The actor greeted the newlywed couple and extended his best wishes. The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, and a short video clip of Sudeep's attendance at the wedding has surfaced online. https://kannada.news18.com/short-videos/udupi/kiccha-sudeep-at-nalapad-s-wedding-udupi-psp-2470838.html

A traditional mud volleyball and tug-of-war competition was organized in the fields of Uttara Kannada district. Despite the rain, athletes participated with great enthusiasm in the muddy waters, drawing large crowds of local sports enthusiasts to witness the rural sporting event. https://kannada.news18.com/videos/uttara-kannada/mud-vollyball-uttara-kannada-psp-2470841.html

Tukaram Mundhe, a 2005 batch IAS officer in Maharashtra, has set a record by being transferred 25 times in his 21-year career. Known as 'Singham' for his fearless and honest administration, he currently serves as the FDA Commissioner. Born into a poor farming family in Beed, he overcame financial struggles to clear the UPSC. Despite political pressure and multiple transfers in departments like Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Solapur, he remains committed to public service. Recently, he made headlines for planting a tree in memory of his deceased mother instead of following traditional rituals. While the Bombay High Court advised him to balance strictness with humanity, he continues his crusade against food and drug violations. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/ias-tukaram-mundhe-transfers-and-bravery-4199252

Bangladesh secured a historic 9-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, their first-ever Test win on Australian soil. This victory propelled Bangladesh to 4th place in the WTC standings with 66.67 PCT. Consequently, India has slipped to 5th place with 48.15 PCT. To qualify for the WTC final, Shubman Gill-led India now needs to win at least seven of their remaining matches. The match also saw Tanjid Hasan scoring a historic century and Josh Hazlewood completing 300 Test wickets. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/cricket-sports/bangladesh-win-over-australia-wtc-points-table-team-india-suffers-major-setback-shubman-gill-qualification-bmk/articleshow-4gluaq6

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the Congress party and Sonia Gandhi of insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' for the sake of vote bank politics. Speaking at a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Shah alleged that during an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters, Sonia Gandhi instructed Mallikarjun Kharge to stop the singing of Vande Mataram midway. He stated that the people of India would not forgive this act and demanded an apology from the Congress party. https://publicnext.com/news/national/india/politics/kn/insulting-vande-mataram-for-vote-bank-amit-shah-slams-sonia-gandhi-1284867

Bangladesh secured a historic 9-wicket victory against Australia in the Darwin Test, significantly impacting the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Bangladesh chased down a 57-run target easily after bowling out Australia for 198 and 284. With this win, Bangladesh's PCT rose to 66.67%, moving them to 4th place and overtaking India in the standings. Australia remains in the top spot despite the loss, but their PCT dropped to 77.77%. India currently sits in 5th place, with their ranking dependent on the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. https://www.etvbharat.com/kn/sports/wtc-points-table-update-after-bangladesh-beat-australia-in-first-test-kas26081603138

Former MLA Raja Venkatappa Nayak visited the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal (TLBC) at miles 71 and 66 near Kavital. He urged the government to ensure proper water supply to tail-end farmers in Sirwar and Manvi taluks who are suffering from rainfall shortage. He warned of intense protests if the authorities failed to follow ICC meeting decisions regarding water distribution. https://www.varthabharati.in/raichur/manvi-former-mla-raja-venkatappa-naik-demands-release-of-water-for-downstream-farmers-2268440

Former MLA M.S. Somalingappa strongly opposed the removal of huts belonging to poor families in Tekkalakote, Siruguppa, intended for the construction of a new Town Panchayat office. He confronted current MLA B.M. Nagaraja, calling the move unscientific and suggesting an alternative location near the national highway. While the MLA promised government compensation and new sites for the affected families, residents led by Mallamma refused to vacate until relief was provided. Police security was tightened at the site to prevent any untoward incidents. https://www.varthabharati.in/bellary/siruguppa-former-mla-somalingappa-expresses-outrage-over-the-demolition-of-huts-belonging-to-the-poor-2268441

Ahead of the Nagarapanchami festival, Udupi is facing a severe shortage of turmeric leaves due to delayed monsoon and erratic rainfall. The local variety, highly valued for its aroma and medicinal properties, has seen a price hike, reaching up to 80 rupees for a bundle of 25 leaves. Small farmers from rural areas like Hiriyadka and Perampalli report lower yields, leading to a supply-demand gap in major markets including Kundapura and Manipal. https://udayavani.com/district-news/shortage-in-turmeric-leaf-supply-high-demand-for-nagarapanchami-amid-rainfall-delay-617831