A felicitation ceremony for senior writer Dr. Sarjoo Katkar, winner of the prestigious Nrupatunga Sahitya Award, will be held on August 16th at 10 AM in Belagavi's Kannada Sahitya Bhavan. Organized by Chandrakanth Kusanur Foundation and others, the event will be inaugurated by Prof. M.S. Inchala. Senior advocate S.M. Kulkarni will preside over the function, and Dr. Basavaraj Jagajampi will deliver the felicitation speech. https://publicnext.com/news/district/belgaum/cultural+activity/kn/belagavi-dr-felicitation-ceremony-for-sarju-katkar-1283895

The Karnataka Bandh called by Vatal Nagaraj to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu received a lukewarm response in Chikkodi Taluk. Public life remained unaffected as KSRTC buses, private vehicles, shops, hotels, and markets operated normally. Schools, colleges, and government offices functioned as usual, and merchant associations did not actively participate in the strike, leading to business activities continuing smoothly throughout the region. https://publicnext.com/news/district/belgaum/government/kn/poor-response-to-bandh-in-chikkodi-normal-life-prevails-1283900

Bharti Airtel has scrapped its popular ₹299 unlimited prepaid plan, raising the minimum entry point for daily unlimited data to ₹349. This move has increased the base ARPU by 16.7%. Additionally, plans worth ₹319, ₹649, and ₹799 have been removed, while the ₹859 plan is now priced at ₹899. However, the basic ₹199 and ₹219 plans remain unchanged. This is considered one of Airtel's biggest portfolio reshuffles aimed at tariff rationalization and revenue growth. https://tv9kannada.com/business/bharti-airtel-scraps-few-pre-paid-plans-including-the-popular-rs-299-plan-1224680.html

Senior artist Manjula B. Jane inaugurated Neelambika Hiremath's solo art exhibition at Anuchandra Art Studio in Kalaburagi. She described artists as cultural ambassadors and noted the increasing participation of women in art. Statistics reveal that 46% of artists in India and 35% in Karnataka are women. Speakers emphasized the need for encouraging female artists to showcase their talent at national levels. https://sanjevani.com/artists-are-the-countrys-cultural-ambassadors-manjula-b-jane/

Actress Anupama Parameswaran has opened up about her past relationship and break-up in a recent interview. She revealed that she endured physical and emotional abuse for two years, leading to depression. She stated that the person involved tried to control every aspect of her life and work. Despite pressure from the man's family to get engaged within three months of dating, she decided to decline the proposal to avoid a future divorce. She expressed that leaving the toxic relationship was necessary for her well-being. https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/cinema/anupama-parameswaran-opens-up-about-depression-and-past-relationship-4192136

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has claimed 265 lives and injured over 3,500 people. Rescue operations are in their final critical 72-hour phase as teams search for 500 missing individuals. The quake destroyed over 9,550 homes, with significant damage reported in Pereira and Cali. Despite the timeline, authorities remain hopeful of finding survivors beneath the rubble. https://www.varthabharati.in/international/colombia-quake-rescue-enters-final-phase-2267630

To celebrate India's 80th Independence Day on August 15, this guide provides recipes for natural tricolour dishes like idli, sandwiches, pulao, salad, and smoothies. Using ingredients like carrot, spinach, and curd instead of artificial colors, these recipes offer a healthy way to celebrate with family. https://tv9kannada.com/lifestyle/independence-day-2026-easy-tricolour-food-ideas-and-items-for-a-colourful-celebration-details-in-kannada-1224681.html

Former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a sharp weapon by a Nihang individual near Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal sustained serious hand injuries and was admitted to a private hospital. A police officer on security duty was also injured. One suspect has been arrested. This is the second such attempt on Badal, following an earlier incident at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. https://kannada.news18.com/news/national-international/sukhbir-singh-badal-stabbed-seriously-injured-in-hand-pod-ws-l-2468722.html

A tree planting event was organized at M.S. Kheda Primary School in Vijayapura as part of the Government of India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in Mother's Name) national campaign. Treasurer Vinod M. Kheda, who presided over the event, stated that the initiative helps raise environmental awareness among children. Principal Sita Lamani noted that the school has integrated environment conservation and sapling care into its extracurricular activities. Students celebrated by planting trees alongside their mothers in the presence of school staff and parents. https://sanjevani.com/planting-a-tree-in-a-mothers-name-fosters-environmental-awareness-among-children-vinoda-kheda/

The retrograde movement of Saturn in Pisces creates 'Maha Bhagya Yoga,' bringing a golden period for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn. Taurus natives will see financial growth and business recovery. Leo individuals will find relief from Ashtama Shani and resolve property disputes. Scorpio natives will excel in education and careers, while Capricorn individuals can expect promotions and social respect. This planetary shift marks the end of difficult times for these four zodiac signs, leading to prosperity and success. https://kannada.asianetnews.com/gallery/astrology/saturn-retrograde-creates-maha-bhagya-yoga-for-these-4-zodiacs-suh-u9fkxos