The Hubballi-Dharwad police department has denied permission for a massive protest by job aspirants organized by the 'AKSA' organization, scheduled for August 18. Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar cited law and order concerns and past unpleasant incidents during similar protests as reasons for the refusal. Although the High Court had previously allowed conditional protests at Nehru Ground, the organizers' request to hold the stir near Michigan Compound was rejected to maintain public peace. https://tv9kannada.com/karnataka/dharwad/dharwad-job-aspirants-gear-up-for-protest-again-as-police-deny-permission-1225867.html

A traditional recipe for Turmeric Leaves Patholi, a sweet steamed dumpling popular during Nagara Panchami in Coastal Karnataka. The recipe uses rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and fresh turmeric leaves for a unique aroma. https://kannada.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/make-traditional-turmeric-leaf-sweet-or-patholi-for-nagara-panchami-festival-photo-gallery-155699334

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that if the Central Government had not revoked the special status and statehood of J&K in 2019, people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have sought to merge with India. Speaking at an Independence Day event in Srinagar, he highlighted the turmoil in PoK and defended the decision of his ancestors to join India in 1947. He reiterated his government's commitment to restoring statehood. The BJP criticized his comments as 'irresponsible' and political. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/15/pok-would-have-joined-jk-if-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-omar-abdullahs-statehood-pitch

Mangalore Forest Mobile Squad officials seized a truck illegally transporting timber in Keyyur, Puttur. The accused, Ismail, was arrested for transporting Kiralu Bhogi logs from Nettaru without permission. The seized truck and timber are valued at approximately 5 lakh rupees. A case has been registered following the operation led by Forest Range Officer Santosh Rai. https://udayavani.com/district-news/keyyur-illegal-timber-transportation-detected-accused-along-with-logs-and-lorry-seized-370245

Thieves stole 15 sandalwood trees worth approximately ₹5 lakh from a farm in Shivapura village, Tarikere taluk. The plantation belonged to T.N. Vishukumar, who had been growing these trees for the past 9 years. The incident came to light when the owner arrived at the farm the following morning. Birur police have registered a case under the Karnataka Forest Act and BNS, and an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits. https://publicnext.com/news/district/chikmagalur/crime/kn/15-sandalwood-trees-worth-rs-5-lakh-were-stolen-from-a-garden-in-tarikere-1284916

Australia suffered a humiliating 9-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test at Darwin. Bangladesh dominated by scoring 426 in response to Australia's 198 in the first innings. Pat Cummins became the second Australian captain after Greg Chappell to lose home Tests against two different Asian nations (India and Bangladesh). Hasan Mahmud was the star performer with 9 wickets in the match as Bangladesh became the fastest Asian team to win a Test on Australian soil. https://kannada.news18.com/news/sports/pat-cummins-joins-unwanted-list-only-2nd-australian-captain-after-greg-chappell-to-lose-home-tests-to-two-asian-teams-mbr-ws-b-2471081.html

Ampere has updated its Magnus G Max electric scooter with over 30 smart connected features including Cruise Control, Hill Hold Assist, and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Priced at approximately ₹1.10 lakh, the scooter features a 3kWh LFP battery offering a 142km IDC range. It boasts a top speed of 65kmph and a massive 33L boot space. The company provides a 5-year battery warranty and has introduced a new Cinnamon Copper color variant, targeting urban commuters with its advanced NxG.io software platform. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/technology/ampere-magnus-g-max-142km-range-and-30-smart-features-new-electric-scooter-launched-at-rs-1-10-lakh-394033

A CAG report has revealed the presence of E. coli bacteria in drinking water at several railway stations across India. During tests conducted between 2022 and 2024, water samples from over 100 stations were found contaminated, posing risks of diarrhea and kidney issues. The audit also highlighted poor sanitation in toilets and a lack of basic essential amenities in 458 out of 512 surveyed stations. The report urges the Railway Board to overhaul water supply systems and improve passenger facilities. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/cag-report-e-coli-bacteria-found-in-railway-station-drinking-water-4200002

A peace meeting was held in Sagara under the leadership of ASP Dr. Benak Prasad ahead of Ganesha Chaturthi and Eid Milad festivals. The ASP urged community leaders to ensure law and order, emphasizing that previous unpleasant incidents should not recur. Strict guidelines were issued regarding DJ usage, prohibiting loudspeakers after 10 PM as per Supreme Court norms. Controversial banners are banned, and police will monitor sensitive areas. Community leaders from both sides pledged to celebrate the festivals with harmony and cooperation. https://publicnext.com/news/district/shimoga/government/kn/sagar-on-the-occasion-of-ganesh-chaturthi-and-eid-ul-fitr-asp-dr-peace-meeting-to-be-chaired-by-benak-prasad-1284935

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has intensified inspections across Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru. In Mysuru, officials seized 9 kg of expired chicken from Rio Meridian, 68 kg of meat from Grand Mercure, and 4 kg of mushrooms from Khan Darbar. Notices were issued to three resorts in Mysuru and Nanjangud. Additionally, a KFC outlet in Mangaluru was raided following customer complaints about stale 'Chicken Peri Peri Leg' ordered online. Authorities disposed of 16 kg of expired food items during the operation. https://andolana.in/state/raids-on-hotels-and-restaurants-continue/