🇮🇳 Shivamogga plans grand Independence Day celebration

Several organizations have teamed up under the banner “Sankalpa Shivamogga” to mark Independence Day in Shivamogga. C.S. Shadakshari, President of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, announced the event will be at Gopi Circle on Friday night. The program kicks off at 9 p.m. with the State anthem and ends with the national anthem at midnight on August 14. The event will feature patriotic songs and felicitation of soldiers without a traditional stage setup. Rotary Club and other local groups are participating in this unique celebration. 🇮🇳

📜 Lebanon passes amnesty law after death penalty repeal

Lebanon's parliament approved a general amnesty law on Wednesday, marking the first such legislation since 1991. This move benefits thousands of convicted prisoners, detainees, and wanted individuals across the country. The law significantly reduces certain sentences, lowering death and life imprisonment to 17 'prison years'. It also mandates the release of inmates detained over 12 prison years without charges. This follows the recent formal abolition of the death penalty by the same parliament. ⚖️

🎉 Kudumbashree hosting 201 Onam sales fairs in Thrissur

Kudumbashree’s Thrissur District Mission is launching 201 sales fairs across the district for the Onam season. These fairs will be organized in 100 Community Development Societies (CDSs) and one district-level fair. The initiative aims to offer fair prices and wider market access for Kudumbashree enterprises. The stalls will feature various products like snacks, handicrafts, and fresh produce from JLGs. Additionally, 26 canteen units will supply Onam sadyas, and free kits will go to disadvantaged families.

🏛️ Rajasthan HC flags Jodhpur court building collapse risk

The Rajasthan High Court initiated suo moto proceedings over its Jodhpur building due to structural concerns. An assessment by IIT Bombay revealed the 21-metre central dome was at risk of imminent collapse. The building, costing Rs 316 crore, saw issues emerge within a few years of completion by late 2013. The court noted past collapses in April 2023 and ongoing maintenance problems. Authorities must submit a plan by August 24 to strengthen or replace the dome. 🏛️

😠 Trump aide slams India's Russian oil trade spat

Peter Navarro claimed India's buying Russian oil sustained Russia's war efforts in an op-ed. This comment drew intense online backlash from Indian users after its publication last year. India strongly rejected these remarks, labeling them as "inaccurate and misleading" in September. Navarro later stated the issue was resolved and that Trump and PM Modi have a good working relationship. Meanwhile, the US Senate passed a bill allowing up to 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers. ⛽

⚽ PSG vs Aston Villa: History on the Line

Paris Saint-Germain is facing Aston Villa in an upcoming match that promises to be historic. The clash will take place between the two major European clubs. Specific dates and exact match details were not provided in the source material. This game represents a significant opportunity for both teams to make a strong statement in European football. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this high-stakes encounter will unfold.

🚄 Telangana MPs push for faster infra project approvals

A delegation of Telangana Congress MPs met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday to push for quicker clearance of major infrastructure projects. The MPs, including Gaddam Vamsi Krishna and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, discussed pending railway lines and station upgrades across the state. Specifically, they asked for updates on the ₹4,000-crore Ramagundam-Manuguru railway line and ROB/FOB completions. They also met Nitin Gadkari, seeking approval for the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road and the Hyderabad-Amaravati-Bandar Port Greenfield Expressway. These projects are crucial for boosting Telangana's connectivity and economic growth. 🚄

🍎 Telangana PM POSHAN beneficiaries are dropping

The number of children covered by the PM POSHAN scheme in Telangana has seen a decline between 2021-22 and 2025-26. This data was shared by the Union Education Ministry in response to a query from BJP MP Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao on August 10. Initially rising to 21.05 lakh in 2022-23, the beneficiary count subsequently dropped to 14.49 lakh by 2025-26. Eligible students in government schools receive a hot meal meeting specific nutritional standards under this program. The state is implementing measures like providing fine rice and eggs to maintain meal quality. 🍎

🏥 Nandyal hospital CCU construction gets inspection nod

District Collector G. Rajakumari inspected the ongoing Critical Care Unit construction at the Government General Hospital on Wednesday. She observed that the first floor is finished while the second floor construction is currently in progress. The CCU is expected to greatly benefit emergency and critical care services for seriously ill patients once operational. Furthermore, she directed officials to make all operation theatres available and address patient guidance through a stronger help desk. Surprise inspections will continue to ensure quality standards are met across the hospital.

🗳️ Dharwad digitizes over 13.5 lakh voter forms

As part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), 13,50,609 enumeration forms have been digitized in Dharwad district. This covers 83.27% of the total 16,21,961 forms distributed across the district. Authorities identified 2,71,352 electors who are absent, permanently shifted, deceased, or have duplicate entries. The SIR aims to ensure electoral rolls are accurate by updating voter information. The public is urged to cooperate with Booth Level Officers during their house visits.

⚽ Barça hunts experienced CB after Araujo leaves

Barcelona is actively seeking an experienced defensive signing as Deco pushes for a new centre-back. This search comes after Ronald Araujo's move to Liverpool, leaving the club with less defensive depth. Currently, options include Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, and Andreas Christensen for the 2026/27 campaign. The club doubts that Alvaro Cortes is ready for a regular first-team role, especially since he has other offers. Deco specifically needs a reliable, left-footed centre-back who can contribute immediately. 🛡️