Chikkamagaluru district is facing a severe depletion of groundwater levels despite the monsoon season. Due to a 33% deficit in average rainfall since June, borewells are running deeper. Malnad regions like Koppa, Sringeri, and Narasimharajapura have also recorded significant drops, with Koppa being the worst affected over the last 11 years. Farmers and geologists express concern that empty lakes and failing pre-monsoon rains could lead to a severe water crisis in the coming summer. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/story-1613819758-4180843

Google's new AI mode (AI Overviews) is transforming the internet from an open search engine to a 'Walled Garden'. Former BBC editor Naresh Kaushik highlights that by providing direct answers on its search page, Google is reducing traffic to original content creators and publishers, leading to a significant drop in their ad revenue. Despite antitrust cases globally, Google's monopoly through Chrome, Android, and YouTube continues to dominate the digital landscape, potentially destroying the free nature of the open web. https://tv9kannada.com/business/google-ai-mode-turns-internet-from-free-web-into-its-own-prison-says-naresh-kaushik-1223966.html

Actress Meghana Raj shared her thoughts on actor Yash after watching the 'Ramayana' trailer. She revealed that she called Radhika Pandit to express her appreciation. Recalling their 'Raja Huli' days, she highlighted Yash's dedication to perfection, even mentioning how he wouldn't wear a shirt unless it was perfectly ironed. She noted that her father had recognized Yash's spark during his time with the Benaka theatre troupe and expressed pride in his immense growth in the film industry. https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/yash-ramayana-trailer-meghan-raj-call-radhika-pandit-after-watch-rvj-dvp-2464423.html

During the 'Aati' month celebrations at Babbuswami Temple in Manipal, Udupi, a massive food festival was organized featuring 105 traditional coastal dishes. Over 14,000 food enthusiasts attended the event, which showcased authentic Tulu Nadu cuisines like Patrode, Turmeric leaf dumplings, and various jackfruit delicacies. Professional catering services were employed for the first time to maintain quality for the large crowd. The event, costing around 15-20 lakh rupees, aims to preserve and introduce traditional food culture to the younger generation. https://kannada.news18.com/news/mangaluru/aatida-tinisu-udupi-105-traditional-dishes-14000-people-udupi-rks-abn-local18-ws-b-2464506.html

A district-level kite flying competition was organized in Maddur, Mandya, during the month of Ashadha. Organized by Bharat Vikas Parishad and Swami Vivekananda Youth Cultural and Sports Association, the event aimed to revive traditional rural games. Children and youth displayed creative, self-made kites featuring wildlife shapes and portraits of great personalities. Winners were awarded prizes at the end of the colorful festival. https://kannada.news18.com/news/mandya/colorful-kites-in-mandya-festive-celebration-pos-svl-local18-ws-l-2466618.html

The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer announced the 100% digitization of voter census applications under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Out of 5.54 crore voters, 1.09 crore (19.69%) have been categorized under ASDDO (Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate, and Others). Specifically, 65.85 lakh voters shifted permanently and 16.35 lakh are deceased. Those who haven't signed census forms will be excluded from the rolls. Citizens have until August 17 to verify their details on the Election Commission website and submit necessary forms for corrections. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/karnataka/2026/Aug/10/karnataka-ceo-100-digitisation-of-sir-forms-complete

Jyotirbheemeshwara Vrata, also known as Pati Sanjeevini Vrata, is observed on the New Moon day of Ashadha month. Both married and unmarried women perform this ritual for the longevity and health of their husbands or future partners. The ritual involves invoking Lord Shiva and Parvati (Uma-Maheshwara) in brass lamps and tying a sacred thread with nine knots known as 'Dora Bandhana'. It is traditionally performed for nine consecutive years after marriage. Special food offerings like Payasa and Holige are prepared for the deity. https://www.prajavani.net/astro-vastu/astrology/jyotirbhemeshwara-vrata-procedure-and-significance-4187391

A newly constructed Lakshmi Temple in Bhalkheda village, Kalaburagi, will host Vastushanti, idol installation, and Kalasarohana ceremonies on August 18. The event will be graced by Guru Nath Mahaswami of Hiresavalgi and Shivanand Shivacharya of Bangarga. All devotees are invited to participate in this religious gathering. https://sanjevani.com/bhalakheda-lakshmi-temple-construction-on-18th/

The popular Kannada serial 'Amruthadhare' has reached an emotional peak as the protagonist Bhumika battles cancer. Her husband Gautam takes her on a trip to Mysuru to cheer her up. These scenes have reminded viewers of Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar's movie 'Amruthadhare', which had a tragic ending. Fans are now worried if the serial will follow the same path, though many are hoping for a miracle where Bhumika survives and recovers. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/gallery/tv-talk/fans-fear-a-tragic-end-for-bhumika-in-amruthadhare-rea7mpq

Sai Venkata Aditya Arepalli, a graduate from IIIT Dharwad, quit his ₹13 lakh software job in Bangalore to pursue an MS in AI from the University at Buffalo, USA. His calculated risk paid off as he secured a ₹1.5 crore annual package at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Seattle. This success story highlights the potential of upskilling in Artificial Intelligence and taking timely career risks. https://www.prajavani.net/education-career/education/ai-graduate-quits-job-earns-crores-at-amazon-4187456