1. H.N. Nagmohan Das submits much-awaited recommendations on internal reservation for SCs in Karnataka

The over-three-decade struggle for internal reservation among the 101 scheduled castes in Karnataka reached a crucial point on August 4 with the one-man commission headed by retired judge H.N. Nagmohan Das submitting its 1,766-page report with six recommendations. The commission considered social and educational backwardness along with adequate representation in public employment before arriving at a matrix for quota within the 17% reservation for SCs in public education and employment.

The commission, after conducting a house-to house survey across Karnataka between May 5 and July 6, identified 1.07 crore persons from 27.24 lakh families hailing from the SC community. About 93% of the projected SC population of about 1.16 crore in Karnataka has been covered. The survey lagged in BBMP jurisdiction touching about 54% after several extensions. Internal reservation has been a demand from Dalit left groups, which have accused Dalit right groups of cornering reservation benefits.

2. Mysuru Dasara 2025: Gajapayana flagged off near Nagarahole forest

Gajapayana, marking the symbolic march of the elephants to Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations, was flagged off at Veeranahosahalli on the fringes of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on August 4. This signals the countdown to the Mysuru Dasara, and all activities will revolve around preparations for the annual event, which highlights the culture of Karnataka.

The ‘Gaja Puje’ or special worship of the elephants was held from 12.34 p.m. to 12.59 p.m. The first batch of Dasara elephants will be led by tusker Abhimanyu, who is also slated to carry the golden howdah on the day of the procession. Other elephants that have been shortlisted include Dhananjaya, Bheema, Kanjan, Ekalavya, Prashanth, Mahendra, Kaveri, and Balle Lakshmi.

3. Two more arrested for indecent comments against actor and former MP Ramya in Karnataka

The Central Crime Branch officials arrested two more persons on August 3 for allegedly posting indecent comments against actor and former MP Ramya on her social media account. With this arrest, the police have tracked down four accused while efforts are on to track down the rest, who are on the run.

Ms. Ramya had shared the SC observations regarding the murder of Renukaswamy in which Kannada actor Darshan is among the accused, which attracted the wrath of his fans who allegedly made inappropriate comments and threats to her. Based on a complaint, the police registered a case against the accused under the IT Act, and arrested them.

4. CET and NEET: 26,555 seats in professional courses left unallocated this year in Karnataka

While the admission process for professional courses in Karnataka, including engineering and medicine and others for the academic year 2025-26, has begun, 26,555 seats remain un-allocated this year due to various reasons, including the optional entry with emphasis on only limited colleges.

The final result of the seat allotment for professional courses was announced by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on August 2. Accordingly, a total of 1,35,954 seats in various professional courses are available for allotment through KEA for the current academic year in Karnataka. Out of these, only 1,09,399 seats have been allotted to candidates.

5. Shibu Soren death: Congress protest against ‘votes theft’ in Bengaluru postponed to August 8

Following the death of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, the Congress has postponed the protest organised by its Karnataka unit against “votes theft”, as claimed by Rahul Gandhi, from August 5 to August 8.

KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar and AICC general Secretary incharge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala said the protest was rescheduled as AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Mr. Gandhi have to attend the funeral of Mr. Soren on August 5 in Jharkhand.