The Bidar District Congress Committee organized a protest at Ambedkar Circle against the purification of Ramilila Maidan in Uttarakhand, where AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had delivered a speech. MP Sagar Khandre alleged that the purification was done because Kharge belongs to the Dalit community, calling it an insult to civil society. Protesters demanded the resignation of the Uttarakhand Chief Minister and the arrest of the organizers responsible for the act, emphasizing that such practices violate constitutional values of equality. https://www.varthabharati.in/bidar/purification-of-the-venue-where-kharge-held-a-rally-congress-protest-in-bidar-2268474

The CAG report on Union Government accounts for 2024-25 reveals significant underutilization and withholding of disaster relief funds meant for states. Out of ₹11,474 crore sanctioned under NDRF, only ₹5,356 crore reached the states, leaving over 53% with the center. Similarly, 75% of NDMF funds and 83% of special assistance funds remained unreleased. The report highlights that Karnataka received only ₹3,499 crore against a demand of ₹18,000 crore for drought relief, leading the state to approach the Supreme Court. https://andolana.in/national-international/centre-shortchanges-states-on-disaster-relief-cag-report/

Three youths have been arrested in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh for the alleged gang rape of a 19-year-old woman. One of the accused, who was an acquaintance, invited the victim to his house when his parents were away and committed the crime with two friends. The victim reported the incident to her family after which a police complaint was filed. SP Dr. Khati Garg confirmed that a case under BNS Section 70(1) has been registered and all three suspects are in custody for interrogation. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/16/three-youth-detained-for-gangraping-19-year-old-woman-in-up

Retired DCF T. Venkatesh recalls a 2005 incident in Nagarahole forest where he was brutally attacked by a mob following a poacher's death in a shootout. Due to a case of mistaken identity, locals thought Venkatesh was the officer who fired the shot and assaulted him, leading to a 45-day hospitalization. The officer shares this memory in light of recent similar conflicts between forest staff and locals in Hanur, emphasizing the need for better coordination to prevent such violence. https://www.prajavani.net/agriculture/animal-world/nagarahole-hunting-clash-forest-officer-reminiscence-4199565

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the UDGAM portal to help families locate and claim deposits of deceased individuals. Users can search for unclaimed deposits using the deceased's name, mobile number, or ID proofs like Aadhaar and PAN. Once details are found using the UDRN code, legal heirs can claim the money by submitting a death certificate, succession certificate, and KYC documents at the respective bank branch. Even deposits inactive for over 10 years transferred to the DEA fund can be recovered through this process. http://zeenews.india.com/kannada/business/deceased-bank-account-money-claim-and-how-to-use-udgam-portal-394008

Residents of Kalliganur village in Gajendragad taluk, Gadag district, have protested against the government for failing to repair a 3.5 km road for over 10 years. The dilapidated road is filled with potholes, making it difficult for school children and farmers to commute. Consequently, the number of KSRTC buses serving the route has dropped from 10 to just 2 per day, causing significant transportation issues for the villagers. https://publicnext.com/news/district/gadag/politics/kn/gadag-even-after-10-years-we-have-not-got-a-road-1284908

Gastroenterologist Dr. Shubham Vatsya suggests that black coffee can help manage fatty liver issues. The chlorogenic acid and polyphenols in black coffee reduce liver inflammation and protect cells. Drinking 2-3 cups (300-400mg caffeine) daily, specifically without sugar, helps regulate SGPT and SGOT enzymes. Best consumed between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM or before workouts, it should be avoided on an empty stomach or before sleep. A healthy diet and avoiding alcohol are also essential. https://kannada.news18.com/news/lifestyle/drinking-black-coffee-can-be-beneficial-for-fatty-liver-gastroenterologist-explains-the-right-way-to-consume-it-msy-ws-l-2470941.html

The All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) has organized a massive state-level protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on August 20. The protest demands the abolition of contract and outsourcing systems, regularizing all workers, and implementing a direct payment system. AICCTU State General Secretary Maitreyi Krishnan highlighted the exploitation of workers and demanded a minimum monthly wage of Rs 42,000 along with job security and implementation of revised minimum wages. https://www.varthabharati.in/raichur/raichur-demand-for-regularization-of-contract-workers-massive-protest-in-bengaluru-on-august-20-2268482

On August 15, a tragic incident occurred in Mumbai's Navy Nagar, Colaba, where an Indian Navy sailor, his wife, and two children were found dead in their residence. Preliminary investigations suggest the sailor committed suicide by hanging, while his family members allegedly consumed poison. The Mumbai Police and the Indian Navy have initiated a serious investigation into the matter, awaiting post-mortem reports to confirm the exact cause of death. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/16/navy-sailor-wife-two-minor-children-found-dead-at-mumbai-home-probe-underway

Minister Eshwar Khandre distributed identity cards to 1,406 artists in Bidar and emphasized the duty to preserve folk art and culture. He announced plans to develop an 'Artists' Layout' to provide housing facilities and financial security to talented artists. The minister urged the youth to engage in cultural activities like folk songs and Tatsang to prevent traditional values from fading in the modern era. https://www.varthabharati.in/bidar/preserving-folk-art-and-culture-is-everyones-duty-minister-eshwar-khandre-2268475