The Karnataka state government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, transport, and sale of tobacco products containing nicotine, including gutka and pan masala, for a period of one year. The order, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, aims to create a tobacco-free state. Special enforcement teams are conducting state-wide inspections, and authorities have warned of strict legal action against violators. Public cooperation is sought to report illegal sales. https://publicnext.com/news/national/india/law+and+order/kn/tobacco-nicotine-to-be-banned-by-the-government-ban-on-gutka-pan-masala-1283593

Actor Prakash Raj participated in the World Tribal Day celebrations organized by the Karnataka State Nomadic Tribes Mahasabha in Bengaluru. During the event, he criticized journalists for not writing about the struggles of the tribes in Andaman and Nicobar. He emphasized the importance of bringing tribal issues to the forefront. Additionally, a statement regarding meeting D.K. Shivakumar for the first time since he became Deputy CM was noted during the event context. https://www.varthabharati.in/video/prakash-raj-bengaluru-2267433

DePuy Synthes has partnered with Ramaiah Advanced Learning Center (RALC) to establish India's first dedicated orthopedic surgical training center in Bengaluru. The facility aims to train over 1,000 surgeons annually, increasing training days from 30 to 150 per year. With 5 advanced workstations, it will offer hands-on experience in robotic surgery, trauma, and sports medicine to enhance surgical precision and patient care. https://saakshatv.com/depuy-synthes-ralc-bangalore-orthopedic-training-center/

YouTube has blocked a video by Dhruv Rathee in India following a Delhi High Court order. The video, which discussed 'The Kerala Story 2', allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and scriptures. Lawyer Amita Sachdeva filed a complaint alleging that Rathee misrepresented ancient texts regarding the food habits of Lord Rama and Krishna. While the video is already deleted in India, the court is considering a global ban. The central government's grievance committee had previously ordered the restriction of the content for being communally sensitive. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/crime/dhruv-rathee-video-on-hindu-deities-withheld-in-india-google-tells-delhi-hc-suc/articleshow-grhcpv9

Gold prices in India saw a minor decline on August 12, dropping by 25 rupees per gram. In Bengaluru, 22-carat gold is priced at 1,41,950 rupees per 10 grams, while 24-carat gold stands at 1,54,860 rupees. Silver prices remained stable at 255 rupees per gram in Bengaluru, while cities like Chennai saw slightly higher rates at 260 rupees. The article also provides a comparison with international rates in Dubai and USA. https://tv9kannada.com/business/gold-rate-12-august-2026-gold-silver-prices-on-wednesday-news-in-kannada-1224261.html

The Varamahalakshmi festival is celebrated on the second Friday of Shravana month for prosperity and wealth. According to traditions, devotees must avoid five major mistakes during the puja, such as using plastic or iron pedestals, using fake jewelry for the Kalash, or wearing the saree intended for the goddess. Using fresh flowers and offering green or red bangles to married women and pregnant visitors is considered auspicious. The article highlights these essential rituals to ensure the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and avoid her displeasure. https://kannada.news18.com/news/lifestyle/varalakshmi-festival-2026-do-not-make-these-five-mistakes-on-this-day-msy-ws-l-2468203.html

Ten days after the cabinet expansion in Karnataka, portfolio allocations have been finalized. Key changes include K.H. Muniyappa moving to Social Welfare and Ramalinga Reddy taking over Forest and Environment. D.K. Shivakumar retains Finance, Intelligence, and Bengaluru-related departments. Other major appointments include Madhu Bangarappa for Education and U.T. Khader for Health. The reshuffle aims to streamline administration across various sectors. https://www.prajavani.net/news/karnataka-news/karnataka-new-ministers-portfolio-allocation-list-4189891

A successful three-day mushroom cultivation training program for farmers was held in Kalaburagi under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Organized by the District Agricultural Training Center Kotnoor and the Institution of Agricultural Technologists, the program provided insights into cultivation methods, value addition, and marketing. Experts from Bengaluru and Belagavi served as resource persons, encouraging farmers to adopt mushroom farming as an alternative source of income. https://www.varthabharati.in/kalaburagi/kalaburagi-2267420

On World Elephant Day, the book cover of 'Bannerghattada Ranga,' written by environmental writer Parisara Manju, was released in Bengaluru. Assistant Conservator of Forests V. Ganesh unveiled the cover at the ACF office. The book documents the adventurous life, unique behavior, and courage of the famous elephant 'Ranga' from Bannerghatta. Members of Vishwachethana and Miditha organizations attended the event, marking the upcoming release of the book which details the captivating journey of the elephant. https://publicnext.com/news/district/bangalore/public+feed/kn/the-story-of-rowdy-ranga-in-bannerghatta-is-a-book-form-book-cover-released-on-world-elephant-day-1283568

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has criticized the FCRA Bill, alleging that the central government is implementing it to ensure all foreign donations are directed only to the RSS. She raised concerns over the bill's intent and its impact on other organizations receiving foreign funds. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/videos/2026/Aug/12/fcra-bill-is-intended-to-ensure-that-all-funding-remains-only-for-rss-mahua-moitra