The Karnataka government, led by CM D.K. Shivakumar's administration, has banned the production, storage, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine for one year starting August 10. This move follows the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 to curb public health risks, specifically oral cancer, which accounts for 30% of cancer cases in India. Unlike previous bans where tobacco and betel nut were sold separately to bypass laws, this new order prohibits separate packets as well. The report emphasizes the need for collective action by all states to dismantle the tobacco mafia. https://www.varthabharati.in/sampaadakeeya/the-spicy-heat-of-the-law-needs-to-be-applied-to-pan-masala-2267582

Amid the Karnataka Bandh called over the Cauvery water dispute, bus services from Bengaluru to Tamil Nadu have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. While local transport and KSRTC services to other parts of Karnataka like Mysuru and Mangaluru remain operational, passengers traveling to Tamil Nadu face disruptions. Security has been beefed up at Kempegowda International Airport, though cab services and private vehicle movements at Terminal 1 and 2 remain unaffected. https://tv9kannada.com/karnataka/bengaluru/karnataka-bandh-bus-services-to-tamil-nadu-halted-from-bengaluru-airport-cabs-and-intrastate-transport-normal-1224535.html

During a CCB raid at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, a mobile phone and a pen drive containing over 70 pornographic videos were seized from former MP Prajwal Revanna's cell. Investigators also found semi-nude photos of actresses under his bed. Prajwal reportedly admitted to using a fellow inmate's phone to contact relatives and lawyers. Social media and OTT apps were also found on the device. Following the recovery, an FIR has been registered against Prajwal and his cellmate Pratap Roy, and he has been shifted from the high-security barracks to a general cell with other inmates. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/state/prajwal-revanna-watched-obscene-videos-in-jail-admitted-using-mobile-phone-and-pen-drive-rav/articleshow-kfstpts

A tragic incident occurred where a 25-year-old bank employee, Anushree, committed suicide while on a video call in Hunsur. Shortly after hearing the news, her fiancé Amal (27) was also found dead in Kerala. Both were employees of State Bank of India and were scheduled to get married on December 26 next year. Police in Hunsur and Kerala have registered cases and are investigating the exact reason behind these deaths. https://www.varthabharati.in/kasaragod/kasaragod-a-young-woman-who-was-engaged-to-be-married-committed-suicide-her-future-groom-was-also-found-dead-soon-after-2267573

BJP leader Nitin Nabin has accused the Congress-led opposition of avoiding a debate on student protests due to fear of Home Minister Amit Shah. In a social media post, Nabin stated that the opposition is unable to face Shah's factual arguments in the house. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for an 'anti-democratic' mindset and mentioned that despite Amit Shah writing to the Speaker expressing readiness to answer all questions, the opposition remains unprepared for a serious discussion. https://www.prajavani.net/news/india-news/nitin-naveen-criticizes-congress-over-amit-shah-discussion-4191052

A mobile phone was reportedly seized from Prajwal Revanna while he was in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara jail. The incident came to light during a surprise inspection by prison officials. This breach of jail security protocols has raised serious questions about the administration. Authorities are currently investigating how the device was smuggled inside and who the accused was communicating with while in prison. https://kannada.news18.com/videos/bengaluru-urban/prajwal-revanna-mobile-seize-in-jail-psp-2468371.html

SDPI leaders staged a road protest in Mangaluru against the City Corporation and police for removing flags and flex banners of their youth wing, 'Young Democrats'. The leaders alleged political bias, claiming that while their promotional materials were targeted, banners of other political parties were left untouched. They accused officials of discrimination and warned that if this continues, they will personally remove banners belonging to other organizations. https://publicnext.com/news/district/udupi/news/kn/mangaluru-sdpi-leaders-protest-against-mcd-and-police-sit-on-the-road-1283712

A viral video claiming to show PM Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge interacting at NCP MP Supriya Sule's daughter's wedding reception is misleading. While several political leaders attended the wedding of Supriya Sule's daughter Revati, fact-checking reveals that the viral video of Modi and Kharge is from a different event and is not related to the wedding reception. Social media users have misidentified the context of the footage during the ongoing Parliament session. https://www.varthabharati.in/National/aap-badal-gaye-ho-old-video-of-kharge-gandhi-siblings-with-pm-modi-goes-viral-2267517

A district-level rapid chess tournament was organized at Modankapu by Infant Jesus English Medium School and Derik's Chess School. Over 200 students participated in 8 categories. St. Aloysius Gonzaga School, Mangaluru, emerged as the overall team winner. Individual winners across various age categories (U-8 to U-16) were honored during the valedictory ceremony attended by Fr. Melvin Lobo and other dignitaries. https://www.varthabharati.in/DakshinaKannada/--2267532

On Ashadha Amavasya, the rural parts of Dakshina Kannada like Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady observe a unique tradition called 'Dana Biduva'. People consume Haale tree bark decoction and offer grains, flowers, and lamps in river waters as a mark of gratitude to Goddess Ganga. The tradition involves waving these offerings around children's heads three times before releasing them into the water to ward off evils. It carries scientific significance too, as the grains serve as food for fish during their breeding season and the herbal-infused river water helps cure skin diseases. https://publicnext.com/news/district/udupi/cultural+activity/kn/mangaluru-in-tulunadu-there-is-a-unique-tradition-of-giving-charity-on-ashadha-amavasya-1283647