A rare total solar eclipse, labeled as the longest of the 21st century, is set to occur on August 12. The eclipse will last for an extraordinary 6 minutes and 23 seconds, covering parts of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The event is caused by a precise alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Scientists and astronomers are viewing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for research on solar winds and the corona. Luxor, Egypt, is identified as one of the best viewing spots. Safety warnings have been issued to use certified solar glasses to prevent eye damage during the observation. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/nation/2026/Aug/02/longest-total-solar-eclipse-of-21st-century-skies-will-darken-for-over-6-minutes-on-august-26th

Filming for Kichcha Sudeep's upcoming movie 'Billa Ranga Baasha' has commenced in Kanakapura. Directed by Anup Bhandari, this fantasy drama is set 200 years in the future. Reports suggest that veteran actress Malashree has joined the cast in a significant role. The film also stars Kubbra Sait, Rahul Dev, and Sai Kumar. A first-look teaser is expected to be released on September 2, marking Sudeep's birthday. https://udayavani.com/cinema/billa-ranga-bhashas-malashree-first-look-teaser-for-september-2nd-064168

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has announced a major recruitment drive for Customer Service Associate (CSA) positions across 11 public sector banks including Canara Bank and PNB. Graduates aged 20-28 can apply online from August 1 to August 21, 2026. The selection process includes preliminary exams in October and mains in December 2026, with the option to write exams in Kannada. The salary scale ranges from ₹24,050 to ₹64,480. Appointment letters are expected by March 2027. https://kannada.news18.com/news/jobs/bank-jobs-ibps-csa-recruitment-2026-government-bank-jobs-apply-online-bengaluru-abn-local18-ws-b-2460916.html

Heavy rainfall continues to lash Kodagu district, leading to the complete submergence of Bhagamandala village center. The Triveni Sangama, bathing ghats, and nearby parks are underwater. The Bhagamandala-Talakaveri road is flooded, halting all vehicular movement and forcing locals and tourists to use the flyover for commuting. The intense monsoon has significantly disrupted normal life in the Madikeri region. https://tv9kannada.com/videos/heavy-rains-lead-to-widespread-flooding-in-bhagamandala-madikeri-1220099.html

Tungabhadra Board officials have released water from the Tungabhadra Dam in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, specifically for drinking purposes. After performing a special puja, 50 cusecs of water were released into the Right Bank High-Level Canal (HLC). Officials clarified that this release is exclusively intended to meet the drinking water requirements of the people. https://publicnext.com/news/district/vijayanagara/news/kn/hospet-tb-board-officials-pump-water-into-canal-to-provide-drinking-water-to-people-1280467

Heavy rains in the Cauvery basin have led to a significant rise in water levels at the KRS and Kabini reservoirs. KRS has reached 97 feet, while Kabini is just one foot away from its full capacity. Due to high inflows from Wayanad, Kerala, approximately 25,000 cusecs of water is being released to Tamil Nadu, temporarily easing the pressure on the Karnataka government regarding water sharing. Authorities have warned riverbank residents to stay alert as bridges like Bidarahalli are submerged. https://newsfirstlive.com/state/heavy-rains-in-cauvery-basin-krs-kabini-ready-to-fill-12220492

Devotees at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar have donated over ₹3.37 crore in just 41 days. During the counting process held by the Development Authority, 58 grams of gold and 1.25 kg of silver were also recovered from the temple hundis. The collection period was from June 17 to July 27, showing a significant increase in offerings compared to previous periods. The funds will be utilized for temple development activities. https://tv9kannada.com/videos/male-mahadeswara-temple-hundi-collection-exceeds-rs-3-37-crore-1218209.html

The Chitradurga district unit of the National Struggle Committee protested near the DC office, demanding a minimum pension of ₹7,000 for KSRTC EPS-95 pensioners. Retired employees stated that the current pension of ₹1,000-₹3,000 is insufficient for family maintenance. They also requested free medical facilities and ₹5,000 financial aid for those deprived of pensions, submitting a memorandum to MP Govind Karjol. https://publicnext.com/news/district/chitradurga/infrastructure/kn/employees-demand-pension-hike-1279718

The Suttur Seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji hailed late scholar Bannanje Govindacharya as a sun who illuminated Indian knowledge traditions. Speaking at the 'Bannanje-90 Vishwanamana Yatre' in Bengaluru, the Seer highlighted that the scholar authored over 150 books and gave 25,000 hours of discourses. A new book titled 'Bhedojjeevanam' was also released during the event, attended by various religious heads and dignitaries. https://udayavani.com/district-news/bannanje-dharma-sahityabannanje-govindacharya-756533

In Indian tradition, adding a 1 rupee coin to gift amounts like 101, 501, or 1001 is considered auspicious. While zero represents an end, adding one symbolizes a new beginning and prosperity. Mathematically, these numbers are prime, symbolizing unbreakable bonds that cannot be divided. Folk beliefs suggest the extra rupee acts as a 'debt' ensuring a future meeting, while metal coins represent Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing that the gift will grow like a seed in the recipient's life. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/astrology/2026/Jul/31/why-we-add-1-rupee-coin-in-monetary-gift