On the occasion of Independence Day, a tree-planting program under the 'Hasiru Hejje' environmental conservation campaign was organized at the Udupi District Hospital premises. The event was a joint initiative by the District Hospital, Karnataka Forest Department, Earthfest India, and Eksath organizations, supported by the Congress Minority Wing. Leaders like Prasadraj Kanchan and District Surgeon Dr. Ashok participated. Organizers announced a target to plant 10,000 saplings in Udupi district by September and plan to cover 25 locations across the state. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/--2268454

Heavy rains in parts of Uttarakhand have triggered an Orange Alert by the IMD for several districts including Dehradun and Nainital. As of August 17, 2026, no statewide school holiday has been declared. However, local administrations may announce closures based on weather severity, landslides, or flood risks. Parents are advised to check local official updates before students leave for school. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/india/uttarakhand-school-holiday-tomorrow-august-17-2026-schools-open-or-closed-check-rain-alert-district-wise-updates-393995

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has started shooting for his upcoming action-survival thriller titled 'Pralay' in Mumbai. Directed by Jai Mehta, the film marks the Bollywood debut of South Indian actress Kalyani Priyadarshan. Originally planned to be shot in Australia, the filming location was shifted to Mumbai as Ranveer wanted to stay close to his wife Deepika Padukone during her second pregnancy. Ranveer is also reportedly co-producing the project, which focuses on a man's struggle for his loved ones in a survival situation. https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/ranveer-singh-pralay-shooting-starts-kalyani-priyadarshan-bollywood-debut-kes-2470881.html

A delegation from the Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF), led by Chairman Moosabba P. Beary and Advisor Syed Mohamed Beary, felicitated U.T. Khader, the Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge. During the meeting at the Minister's residence, discussions were held regarding the organization's Silver Jubilee celebrations and government support. The Minister praised MEIF's initiatives like providing free seats and financial aid to students, encouraging them to continue supporting the community's educational progress. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/mif-felicitates-dk-district-in-charge-minister-ut-khader-2268463

Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO Narvade Vinayak Karbhari announced the approval of a Rs 49.40 crore action plan under the EAP for 2026-27. The project, supported by UN funding, aims for 100% volumetric water metering and billing in rural areas. It includes installing 61,610 water meters, developing 28 villages for 24x7 water supply, and upgrading infrastructure like OHTs and labs. The goal is to make Dakshina Kannada a leading district in sustainable and scientific water management. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/-4940--2268460

The Karnataka Student Organization, led by President Kanthakumar, has called for a protest in Dharwad on August 18 against corruption and irregularities in KPSC exams. The organization demands a CBI probe into the KPSC exam scam and strict action against those involved. They urged the government to ensure justice for job seekers, warning that the protest will intensify if their demands are not met immediately. https://publicnext.com/news/district/hubballi-dharwad/infrastructure/kn/dharwad-fight-against-kpsc-exam-scam-in-dharwad-protest-on-august-18-1284897

Health expert Dr. Raju explains the science behind mixing alcohol with water, soda, or ice. He details how ice numbs the nerves to mask bitterness, while soda accelerates alcohol absorption into the bloodstream for a faster 'kick'. The expert also warns against soft drinks and cocktails due to high sugar content causing dehydration and severe hangovers, noting that a single cocktail can contain as many calories as a full meal. He emphasizes that alcohol is not a physical necessity and advises moderation. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/gallery/life/soda-or-water-the-shocking-science-of-mixing-alcohol-rmq5yhb

Three people died in a shootout between forest department personnel and suspected poachers in the Marimangala beat of Hanur, Chamarajanagar. The families alleged it was a fake encounter and staged a massive protest. Following the unrest, MLA M.R. Manjunath visited the site and announced a total compensation of ₹15 lakh for each victim's family (₹5 lakh from the government and ₹10 lakh personally). A magistrate-level inquiry has been ordered, and an FIR has been registered against the forest officials involved. https://www.varthabharati.in/chamarajanagar/hanuru-shootout-case-2268461

Karnataka Minister K.S. Basavanthappa expressed deep concern over the purification of a ground in Uttarakhand after Mallikarjun Kharge's speech, calling it a sign of deep-rooted casteism. During his visit to Davanagere, he also discussed plans to make Mayakonda a separate taluk, refill 22 lakes via new pipelines, and upgrade the Chigateri District Hospital with a 1000-bed facility and MRI scanning services. He emphasized the need for inner social change and improved educational infrastructure for rural students. https://www.prajavani.net/district/davanagere/minister-basavantappa-on-caste-system-and-mayakonda-development-4199488

The 80th Independence Day was celebrated at NS Academy and Community Center in Karkala. Dr. Rizwan Ahmed, President of Namma Nada Okkuta Central Committee, hoisted the national flag. The event was presided over by Mustaq Ahmed Belve and attended by various dignitaries including Firu Saheb and Mohammed Hossein. The program included Quran recitation by Maulana Rahim and coordination by Ahli Rasool. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/--2268455