In a surprise move during the cabinet expansion by CM D.K. Shivakumar, first-time MLA from Mayakonda, K.S. Basavanthappa, has been inducted as a minister. This decision has come as a shock to the influential Shamanur family, as former minister S.S. Mallikarjun failed to secure a spot. Basavanthappa was selected based on caste equations (SC Left community) and his background as a farmer leader. Other aspirants like Channagiri MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj were also disappointed as they missed out on the ministerial list. https://udayavani.com/district-news/The-list-of-new-ministers-that-shocked-Davangere-district-367683

MLA Ajay Singh has officially taken oath as a minister during the Karnataka state cabinet expansion. The ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru, where he took the oath in the name of God in the presence of the Governor. Ajay Singh, who has been consistently winning assembly elections since 2013, marks this as a significant milestone in his political career. The event was attended by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. https://publicnext.com/news/national/india/politics/kn/breaking-ajay-singh-sworn-in-as-minister-accepting-power-in-the-name-of-god-1280870

In the political developments of Belagavi, the Congress party has fulfilled its promise by granting a cabinet berth to former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi. This has left major aspirants like Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Ashok Pattan, and Mahantesh Kaujalagi disappointed. Additionally, the region faces rain-related issues with Krishna river inflows rising and a tragic accident in Bailahongala where 37 sheep were killed by a speeding car. https://udayavani.com/district-news/congress-keeps-its-promise-by-giving-savadi-a-ministerial-berth-hebbalkar-disappointed-824060

The article discusses the evolution of political communication from physical meetings to digital platforms dominated by smartphones and algorithms. It highlights the shift where citizens have become active creators through 'self-communication' rather than passive consumers. While leaders like PM Narendra Modi leverage these tools to reach vast audiences, challenges like misinformation and deepfakes pose significant risks to democracy. The decentralization of information through reels and short-form content has redefined how political movements are organized and sustained. https://www.prajavani.net/op-ed/opinion/digital-media-political-communication-trends-4168474

Kumar Bangarappa expressed happiness over his brother Madhu Bangarappa being appointed as a minister in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's cabinet. Speaking in Dharwad, he stated that the ministerial position is a matter of pride for their family and Shimoga district. He attributed this success to the political legacy of their father, S. Bangarappa, and wished his brother success in working for the development of the Soraba constituency and Karnataka state. https://publicnext.com/news/district/hubballi-dharwad/politics/kn/dharwad-kumar-bangarappa-says-he-is-happy-to-have-madhu-bangarappa-become-a-minister-1280846

In a major reshuffle in the new cabinet led by D.K. Shivakumar, 12 senior ministers from the previous Siddaramaiah cabinet have been dropped. Prominent leaders like Lakshmi Hebbalkar, K.N. Rajanna, and H.C. Mahadevappa are among those excluded to accommodate new faces and balance regional and caste equations. The swearing-in ceremony for the new ministers is scheduled for 4:05 PM today, leading to potential discontent within the party ranks. https://www.kannadaprabha.com/karnataka/2026/Aug/03/major-shake-up-in-karnatakas-cabinet-12-ministers-from-siddaramaiahs-team-dropped

The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu continues to be a major issue, but recent all-party meetings show a unified stand in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court seeking 26 TMC of water. The article emphasizes that instead of emotional reactions or legal battles during water scarcity, both states should work together to formulate a scientific 'distress formula' when reservoirs are full. While recent rains have increased inflows into KRS, Kabini, and other dams, a permanent solution through harmonious dialogue is stressed as more effective than protests or strikes. https://www.prajavani.net/op-ed/editorial/cauvery-water-dispute-karnataka-tamil-nadu-distress-formula-4170141

A 55-year-old man named Balakrishna Gowda was killed in a wild elephant attack in Rekhya village, Belthangady, on Saturday evening. The incident occurred while he was returning home from work. Family members found his raincoat and elephant footprints near the path before discovering his body nearby. Forest officials and police have visited the site for investigation. Additionally, heavy rains in the region have caused landslides and blocked roads. https://udayavani.com/district-news/belthangady-man-in-wild-elephant-attack-645159

Forest department officials raided an illegal sandalwood carving unit in the forest area of Kanagoda village, Sirsi. During the operation, officials seized 33.390 kg of sandalwood and arrested one accused named Dayananda Narayana Nayaka. Another accused, Manjunath Annappa Devadiga, escaped during the raid. The operation was led by RFO Bhavya Naik under the guidance of DFO Sandeep Suryavanshi. https://publicnext.com/news/district/uttara+kannada/public+feed/kn/sirsi-forest-department-raids-illegal-sandalwood-carving-33-kg-of-sandalwood-seized-one-arrested-1281283