A political row has erupted over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Naxal mindset' remark made during his Independence Day speech. Congress leaders P. Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh, along with TMC MP Mahua Moitra, criticized the PM, stating that questioning the government shouldn't be labeled as having a Naxal mindset. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the PM, clarifying that the comment targeted those who reject the Constitution and support separatism, not the opposition parties. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/naxal-mindset-row-modi-speech-opposition-reaction-4199540

The Indian government has for the first time set maximum LPG production targets for 21 public and private oil refining and exploration companies to ensure domestic supply security. This move comes amid concerns over import disruptions due to conflicts in West Asia. The combined target is 63,810 tonnes per day, meeting 70% of the national demand. Reliance Industries has been assigned the largest share of 18,000 tonnes daily. Currently, India imports 64% of its LPG, and these targets aim to prevent domestic shortages during global supply chain issues. https://www.prajavani.net/business/commerce-news/government-sets-lpg-production-target-for-oil-companies-4199935

Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal expressed his emotions after scoring a brilliant 167 against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle. After being sidelined for nearly 1.5 years following the Perth Test in early 2024, Padikkal shared the mental struggle of sitting on the bench. He utilized the opportunity gained due to Sai Sudharsan's injury, batting through high humidity to build a 150-run partnership with KL Rahul. His century solidifies his position in the Indian Test squad. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/cricket-sports/devdutt-padikkals-emotional-journey-devdutt-padikkal-made-big-statement-india-vs-sri-lanka-test-match-gkn/articleshow-gghfhe2

The Iranian military has announced a reward of $30,000 for anyone who kills or captures a U.S. soldier. Army Chief Amir Hatami stated that brave Iranian women performing this act would receive double the reward amount. The announcement, reported by state-owned news agency IRNA, also demanded the exit of U.S. forces from West Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz. While specific details on the timing of these operations were not provided, the move intensifies regional tensions as Iran seeks the withdrawal of American troops from the area. https://www.prajavani.net/news/world-news/iran-army-announces-reward-for-capturing-us-soldiers-4200083

The district administrations of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada have declared a public holiday on August 17th in observance of the Nagara Panchami festival. This holiday applies to all educational institutions and government offices in both districts. The administration also urged citizens to celebrate a plastic-free festival. Other reported news includes the rescue of six fishermen after a boat capsized in the Arabian Sea near Maravanthe and the announcement of the Kundapra Kannada festival. https://udayavani.com/district-news/nagarapanchami-general-holiday-declared-for-udupi-dakshina-kannada-district-on-august-17-947807

A woman from Rajgira village in Bidar died in a hospital following a horrific road accident near Chiragpalli on the Telangana-Karnataka border, bringing the death toll to seven. The accident involved a truck colliding with an auto-rickshaw carrying 12 people. In other news from Bidar, police arrested two suspects in an ATM robbery case from Bihar, and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered the closure of three industries for polluting a river with waste. https://udayavani.com/district-news/terrible-accident-near-chiragapalli-highway-another-injured-person-dies-793815

Bangladesh has urged India to create a favorable environment for Tariq Rahman's potential visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12-13. The context involves the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. The Bangladesh foreign ministry indicated that the term 'favorable environment' refers to the handover of Hasina to face the legal process in Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. https://www.prajavani.net/news/world-news/bangladesh-prime-minister-tarique-rahman-india-visit-brics-summit-4199933

Social activist Ishwar Malpe and his team rescued a 38-year-old man named Yatish who was swimming in the Arabian Sea for three hours at Padubidri beach. Following a request from Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarn, Malpe entered the sea, persuaded the mentally distressed man, and swam back with him to the shore safely. Local lifeguards supported the rescue operation, and the individual was later admitted to a hospital for treatment. https://udayavani.com/district-news/padubidri-youth-swims-in-arabian-sea-for-3-hours-safely-rescued-by-ishwar-malpe-team-915976

Minister K.S. Basavanthappa has reacted to the purification of the site where AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a speech, stating that everyone should reflect on such incidents. Speaking in Davanagere, he emphasized that in a democracy, while differences exist, respecting individual rights and dignity is paramount. The article also covers other news including Minister Khader's warning to food manufacturers, the transfer of actress Pavithra Gowda to a general barrack in jail, and the seizure of expired meat in Mysuru hotels. https://udayavani.com/district-news/minister-ks-basavanthappa-statement-177623

Police in Sirsi's New Market station successfully recovered a gold ring worth ₹70,000 that was lost by a resident named Soumya Hebbal. Following a complaint, the police conducted a swift investigation and returned the jewelry to the owner. The family expressed gratitude for the police's efficiency and honesty. https://udayavani.com/district-news/sirsi-lost-gold-ring-worth-rs-70-thousand-traced-and-returned-to-owner-by-new-market-police-989553