The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for 2024-25 reveals that over 53% of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) remains unutilized. Out of ₹11,474 crore sanctioned for natural disasters, only ₹5,356 crore was transferred to states. Similarly, only 25% of the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) reached states. The report highlights significant underutilization of special relief funds across financial years 2022-25. Major states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam received much less than their requested disaster relief funds, leading some to approach the Supreme Court. https://www.varthabharati.in/National/states-have-not-been-given-even-half-of-the-emergency-disaster-fund-cag-report-2268502

Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant 167 runs against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, becoming the third Indian No. 3 batter to score 150+ in Sri Lanka, joining Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. Despite rain delays, the left-hander hit 15 boundaries and one six. He also became the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day. Padikkal, who replaced the injured Sai Sudharsan, was eventually stumped off Prabath Jayasuriya's bowling after a career-best performance. https://www.varthabharati.in/sports/most-runs-at-number-three-in-sri-lanka-padikkal-joins-the-record-list-alongside-rahul-dravid-and-cheteshwar-pujara-2268503

Vijayalakshmi Darshan recently advised fans of actor Darshan to behave responsibly. During a wedding event, when fans started shouting 'D-Boss' slogans, she warned them with a smile that such behavior causes more harm than good to the actor. She noted that their aggressive conduct during the murder case investigation and interruptions during the CM's speech had already created a negative image and drawn criticism from leaders like DK Shivakumar and even the courts. https://tv9kannada.com/videos/darshans-wife-vijayalakshmi-darshan-warns-fans-1225933.html

A shocking incident occurred in Bengaluru where a child fell from the 3rd floor of a building. This event serves as a stern warning to parents living in high-rise buildings to ensure child safety. The report emphasizes the need for constant supervision near balconies and windows to prevent such tragic accidents. https://kannada.news18.com/videos/bengaluru-urban/bengaluru-child-falldown-and-death-psp-2470993.html

Punjab Police in Amritsar successfully foiled a major terror plot by recovering a 690-gram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) intended to target a police station. Along with the IED, an electronic detonator, battery, timer, and an iron box were seized. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the bomb disposal squad neutralized the explosive following safety protocols. This action averted a potential threat to public safety ahead of August 15. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/16/terror-plot-foiled-in-punjab-as-police-recover-ied

Cyber investment fraud is on the rise using fake trading platforms, WhatsApp groups, and AI-generated identities. Experts suggest that scammers use three main tactics: high returns, urgency, and fake profit proofs. To avoid falling victim, investors are advised to follow a 'cooling-off' period of 24 hours before making payments and to discuss opportunities with trusted financial advisors. Key red flags include guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for private account transfers. True financial discipline involves knowing both where to invest and when to step back. https://www.varthabharati.in/vishesha-varadigalu/by-thinking-carefully-before-investing-you-can-avoid-falling-victim-to-fraud-2268508

The Karnataka government has announced the recruitment of 15,000 teachers, but it faces criticism for excluding linguistic minority schools like Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu mediums. While 8,500 posts are for Kannada medium and others for English, approximately 5,000 posts remain vacant in Urdu medium schools alone. Candidates are demanding age relaxation of five years, inclusion of mathematics teacher posts, and the option to take exams in their respective minority languages. The neglect of these schools, especially in the Kalyan Karnataka region, raises concerns about educational inequality and the violation of constitutional rights to equal opportunity. https://www.varthabharati.in/nimma-ankana/teacher-recruitment-in-karnataka-2268500

Actor Darshan's wife, Vijayalakshmi, recently attended a wedding ceremony of a close fan. During the event, enthusiastic fans started chanting slogans in support of Darshan (D-Boss). Vijayalakshmi politely intervened, asking fans to maintain the decorum of the wedding house and stop the slogans, noting that such incidents are causing inconvenience everywhere. The video of her smiling yet firm request to fans has gone viral on social media platforms. https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/d-boss-announcement-for-vijayalakshmi-advice-to-fans-kes-ws-l-2470973.html

A World Bank report indicates that by 2040, the number of people in extreme poverty in South Asia (including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) will be lower than in North America and Europe. While South Asia had over 503 million extremely poor people in 1990, projections suggest this will drop to 2.76 million by 2040, compared to 3.35 million in North America and 2.89 million in Europe. Factors like India's rapid economic growth, digitalization, and welfare schemes are cited as major contributors to this decline. https://tv9kannada.com/business/extreme-poverty-volume-world-bank-projection-1990-2040-india-south-asia-europe-north-america-1225934.html

The 80th Independence Day was celebrated uniquely at M. Tumbaraguddi Government High School in Sandur, Ballari. 80 people paid floral tributes to portraits of 80 freedom fighters. During the event, social worker Nagesh Patil awarded Rs 3,000 each to 17 students who scored above 80% in SSLC exams. Silver coins were distributed to toppers by alumni. Cultural programs including a short play titled 'Namma Nade Swatantrada Kade' were performed by students. https://www.varthabharati.in/bellary/ballari-grand-independence-day-celebration-at-m-tumbaraguddi-government-high-school-2268510