🚨 Ponzi scheme accused sent to ED custody

Authorities have taken Shivanand Neelannavar into custody regarding an alleged Ponzi scheme run by Shivam Associates in Belagavi. He was produced before a Belagavi court on Friday and ordered to remain in ED custody for 12 days for questioning. Neelannavar allegedly collected over ₹2100 crore from the public by promising high interest rates, without any RBI or SEBI clearance. The ED is investigating illegal money transfers into films, real estate, and fisheries. This action is aimed at tracing the financial transactions and identifying other involved parties.

📸 BJP Leaders Push for MP CM Photo Op

Several BJP leaders were seen jostling and pushing each other to secure a spot in a photograph with the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister. This incident reportedly occurred in Bhopal. The specific numbers and dates of the gathering were not detailed in the report. The action highlights the internal dynamics and political jockeying within the party structure. It suggests ongoing competition among various party members for visibility and influence in the state politics. 📸

🚚 APLOA pushes for 12-year permit fix with Transport Secretary

The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association met the new Transport Secretary, Kona Sasidhar, on Friday. Leaders raised concerns regarding the counter-signature permits between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These specific permit issues have been pending for the last 12 years. Mr. Sasidhar inquired about the transport industry's problems and responded positively to their concerns. He assured the association that the issues affecting the transport sector would be looked into.

⚖️ New Karnataka Bill Sparks RSS Targeting Debate

The Congress government passed the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026. This move requires prior permission for events, rallies, and shakhas on state-owned property in Karnataka. The bill stipulates rules apply equally to various groups, countering claims of bias. However, the BJP criticized the bill as unconstitutional, alleging it targets RSS activities. Congress also questioned the RSS's unregistered status, raising safety concerns for future gatherings. ⚖️

🇮🇳 250 million out of poverty, says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. She praised various contributors to nation-building across the country and globally. The President highlighted that over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty recently. Furthermore, free healthcare to 600 million people and food security for 800 million were mentioned. India is noted as a rapidly growing economy with a strong digital infrastructure.

🤖 Google drops Gemini 3.7 Flash for better coding

Google has launched Gemini 3.7 Flash, a new model designed for superior coding and AI agent tasks. This update is available for developers in various platforms, arriving just three weeks after Gemini 3.6 Flash. The new model shows significant jumps, scoring 43.6% on FrontierCode 1.1 Main versus 34.4% for its predecessor. Furthermore, it is priced much lower, at $0.75 per million input tokens through year-end. This upgrade is also being integrated into Gemini Spark for enhanced workflow handling. 🚀

😟 Displaced families demand full R&R benefits from Veligonda project

Displaced villagers are demanding complete compensation and Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) benefits for the Veligonda Project. This issue involves families in the area affected by the project, specifically around Sunkesula. As the water release trial run is set for August 22, 2026, residents want their grievances addressed first. Although the government claims ₹318 crore from the ₹900 crore R&R package is released, many families haven't received the funds. Further resolution is needed before forced eviction from the villages can take place.

🇮🇳 India dominates world digital transactions, says President

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on August 14, 2026, ahead of the 80th Independence Day. She highlighted that India accounts for over half of the world’s real-time digital transactions. Furthermore, over 25 crore people were lifted out of poverty in the last decade through development initiatives. The President also commended Operation Sindoor and stressed the importance of justice in the judicial system. Next, she emphasized the nation's goal of becoming Maoism-free.

🏛️ Khader recalls tough suspension of 18 BJP MLAs

U.T. Khader admitted that suspending 18 BJP MLAs was one of the most painful moments during his time as Karnataka Assembly Speaker. This suspension occurred in March 2025 after an incident involving allegations of honey-trapping and indiscipline. The 18 legislators were suspended for six months, a measure later revoked after two months. Khader also highlighted his efforts to improve attendance and organize the 11th CPA India Region Conference in September 2025. He noted that he eventually became a Minister after completing his term as Speaker.

🌾 Crop surveys must be accurate amid El Niño woes

Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO Nandini K.R. has instructed officials to conduct crop-cutting surveys scientifically due to the current rainfall deficit caused by the El Niño effect. This training program in Malavalli taluk on Friday highlighted the need for accurate data collection. The survey results are vital for estimating yields, assessing farmer losses, and determining government relief eligibility. She also directed officials to promptly settle pending audit objections and ensure strict e-Office implementation. All prescribed timelines must be followed for addressing public grievances and appeal cases. 🌾

🗣️ Hyderabad police discuss traffic changes with KBR park walkers

Hyderabad Traffic Police held an open discussion with morning walkers at KBR Park on Friday morning. The session was led by Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Joel Davis, and DCP Traffic-II Kajal. The proposed one-way traffic system is set to begin around August 18. Officials explained the changes and asked visitors to use designated parking bays. A QR code will be available for submitting feedback regarding the new system.