In Lingsugur town, Raichur district, schoolgirls from Chitranal village approached the police station seeking protection from harassment. The students alleged that local miscreants have been harassing and verbally abusing them daily while they travel to high school. Frustrated by the lack of safety, the girls demanded that the police take immediate action and punish the culprits. https://publicnext.com/news/district/raichur/law+and+order/kn/protect-us-punish-the-goons-school-girls-shout-in-front-of-police-officers-1284877

In the first rain-affected Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle, India reached 460/9 at the end of the second day. Devdutt Padikkal starred with a magnificent 167 runs off 230 balls, while K.L. Rahul contributed 82 and Dhruv Jurel scored 51. Despite rain limiting the day's play to only 43 overs, India managed to dominate. Prabath Jayasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 4 wickets for 109 runs. https://www.varthabharati.in/sports/first-test-padikkal-scores-167-dhruv-jurel-hits-a-half-century-india-4609-in-rain-hit-match-2268505

Deputy CM Dr. G. Parameshwara announced a 5,000 crore project for the comprehensive development of Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. He revealed plans for a 60-acre 'Sports City' near Devanahalli and mentioned an increase in the sports quota for police recruitment from 2% to 3%. The government is also providing 15 lakh incentive for medal winners and has distributed 30 lakh in cash prizes to talented basketball players and teams. The initiative aims to position Karnataka as a leading sports hub in India. https://www.varthabharati.in/state/g-parameshwar-2268485

During the Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, Devdutt Padikkal scored a brilliant unbeaten 131 runs on Day 1. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised his technique, especially against spinners, calling him a 'godsend' for India at the number 3 position. Manjrekar urged the team management to retain Padikkal in the top order even if Sai Sudharsan returns, highlighting his exceptional back-foot play and defensive skills against spin bowling. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cricket/2026/Aug/16/sanjay-manjrekar-urges-india-to-retain-devdutt-padikkal-at-no-3-even-after-sudharsan-returns-god-sent

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for 18 districts in Karnataka until August 20, following a depression in the Bay of Bengal. Significant rainfall has already been recorded in Agumbe (52 mm) and coastal regions. The alert covers coastal districts, Malnad, and parts of south and north interior Karnataka, with wind speeds expected to reach 40-50 kmph. A total of 14 states across India are expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next 15 days, with red alerts issued for Odisha and West Bengal. https://kannada.timesnownews.com/news/karnataka-weather-on-august-17-heavy-rain-alert-low-pressure-area-in-the-bay-of-bengal-article-155699108

ISRO is moving towards privatizing the space sector to focus more on research and technology, similar to the NASA-SpaceX model. As part of this, the new spaceport being built at Kulasekharapatnam in Tamil Nadu for Rs 950 crore has been handed over to IN-SPACe. Private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul have reportedly submitted bids worth Rs 1,000 crore to manage SSLV launches. This move aims to expand India's commercial satellite launch market globally. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/science/isro-master-plan-privatizing-kulasekarapattinam-spaceport-as-india-follows-in-nasa-footsteps-gkn/articleshow-93fsmoc

Satyakumar Paswan, a 14-year-old boy from Bihar whose parents are migrant laborers in Karwar, Karnataka, has emerged as a topper in his Kannada class. Despite his parents not knowing the language and facing financial hardships, Satyakumar walked 6 km barefoot daily to attend Shivaji High School in Asnoti. His dedication to learning Kannada in a Konkani-dominated area earned him praise and a bicycle gift from local NGOs. His story highlights how passion can overcome linguistic and geographical barriers. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/viral/bihar-migrant-boy-satyakumar-becomes-kannada-class-topper-karwar-uttar-kannada-bmk/articleshow-y7lsazk

During the 80th Independence Day celebrations organized by Karkala Block Congress, leader Shubhadarao criticized the purification of a venue where Mallikarjun Kharge had spoken. He expressed shock that untouchability still exists in the country and called for a freedom-struggle style movement to eradicate it. Senior leaders including Shekhar Madiwala and Bipin Chandra Pal Nakre attended the event. https://www.varthabharati.in/udupi/--2268456

Rain delayed the start of Day 2 in the India vs Sri Lanka Test match at Galle. After the first session was washed out, India resumed their innings. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 39 and KL Rahul for 82. However, Devdutt Padikkal continued his brilliant form, crossing the 150-run mark to push India's total beyond 325 runs. https://tv9kannada.com/sports/cricket-news/india-vs-sri-lanka-galle-test-day-2-rain-delay-match-resumes-1225837.html

MLA Chennareddy Patil inaugurated a new veterinary clinic building constructed at a cost of Rs 49 lakh in Ramasamudra village, Yadgir. During the event, he emphasized that livestock are the backbone of farmers and encouraged them to take up allied activities like dairying and poultry for financial independence. The Deputy Director of the Veterinary Department also highlighted the shortage of staff in the district's animal hospitals and requested new appointments to improve services. https://www.varthabharati.in/yadagir/construction-of-veterinary-clinic-building-in-the-village-facilitates-livestock-treatment-mla-chennareddy-patil-2268480