The Central and State governments have made e-KYC mandatory for ration card holders. Failure to link Aadhaar with the ration card within a month could result in the suspension of grain supplies. The initiative aims to increase transparency and eliminate bogus ration cards. Users can complete the process via biometric verification at ration shops or check their status using the 'Mera Ration' app. Officials advise citizens to use only authorized channels for this update. https://ahmednagarlive24.com/maharashtra/ration-card-aadhaar-link-ration-card-aadhaar-linking-grain-supply-to-stop-if-e-kyc-is-not-done-here-is-the-process/

The evolution of the Indian National Flag began in 1906 in Kolkata during the Swadeshi movement. Over the decades, designs changed significantly, including versions by Madam Bhikaji Cama, Annie Besant, and Pingali Venkayya. The current tricolor featuring Saffron, White, and Green with the Ashoka Chakra was formally adopted on July 22, 1947. A historic silk flag hoisted on the first Independence Day is still preserved at Fort St. George Museum in Chennai. https://bangla.asianetnews.com/india/from-kolkata-in-1906-to-indias-tricolour-the-fascinating-evolution-of-the-national-flag-anbak/articleshow-gczrrwa

A fisherman named Maaveeran from Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu, was shot dead by Iranian pirates while fishing in Saudi Arabian waters on August 10. Three others, including Shankar from Keezhamoovarkarai, sustained serious injuries and are hospitalized. The incident has caused deep grief in their hometown. Efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased fisherman's body back to India. https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/chennai/iranian-pirates-attack-tamil-nadu-fisherman-in-saudi-arabia-one-died-3-others-critically-injured-823241.html

Heavy rains and winds have devastated banana plantations in Kerala, causing a severe shortage of banana leaves ahead of the Onam festival. Consequently, Kerala is now 90% dependent on Tamil Nadu regions like Mettupalayam and Trichy for its supply. This surge in demand has pushed the price of a single banana leaf to 10 rupees in Tamil Nadu. While districts like Idukki and Wayanad carry out banana cultivation, the monsoon damage has wiped out remaining stocks, benefiting Tamil Nadu farmers who cultivate Njalipoovan specifically for leaves. https://www.sathyamonline.com/news/news-keralam/56788-kottayam-news-12254789

The framework for the Second National Vaishali Literature Festival has been finalized by the Babu Shivji Rai Memorial Library in Hajipur. The 7-day festival, scheduled for October-November, will feature 7 mushairas/kavi sammelans in languages like Hindi and Bhojpuri, along with 7 plays by renowned theatre groups. Key highlights include an open talent hunt for youth, musical performances by 7 groups, a book fair, and the publication of a 100-page souvenir. https://jagatprahari.com/outline-of-seven-days-seven-poets-conference/

Gold prices saw a decline on Wednesday evening across major Indian cities including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. Compared to Tuesday, the rates for both 22-carat and 24-carat gold have decreased, bringing relief to middle-class buyers. In Kolkata, 10 grams of 22-carat gold is priced at ₹1,41,950, while 24-carat gold stands at ₹1,54,860. Similar price drops were recorded in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune. https://www.aajkaal.in/india/kolkata-gold-price-today-check-22-and-24-carat-gold-price-on-august-12-evening-509369

A grassroots Congress worker expressed deep frustration and pain over the ongoing infighting and disputes among the party's top leaders. The worker highlighted that personal egos and internal conflicts are damaging the party's image and weakening its foundation at the ground level, leading to a sense of hopelessness among dedicated party workers. https://gujarati.news18.com/videos/patan/congress-infighting-leaves-party-worker-frustrated-as-leaders-clash-in-patan-asm-2595438.html

In a joint operation, NCB and Ludhiana police seized 1.138 kg of opium from a DHL courier office in Dhandari Khurd. Smugglers had hidden the drugs inside a specially created cavity in an electronic roti maker. The parcel, booked under the name Deepak Bhatia, was checked using E-scanning and videography. Police have registered a case under the NDPS Act and are currently investigating the forwarding address and the mastermind behind this international drug syndicate. https://www.rashtrachandika.com/352625/

The sacred Sravana Masam 2026 for Telugu people begins on August 13. This month is highly significant for worshipping Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. Key dates include Nagula Panchami on Aug 17, Varalakshmi Vratam on Aug 21, and Rakhi Purnima on Aug 28. Devotees observe fasts on Mondays for Lord Shiva and perform Mangala Gauri Vratam on Tuesdays. The month concludes with Polala Amavasya on September 11. https://vaartha.com/devotional/sravana-masam-2026-telugu-festivals-calendar/759352/

Aban Ahmed, son of former MP and gangster Atiq Ahmed, died in a horrific car accident near Jhansi on August 6. The accident occurred when his speeding car hit a divider and flipped in the air while he was traveling from Prayagraj to Jhansi to meet his imprisoned brothers. Aban and his friend Sonu died in the crash, while three others were seriously injured. A viral dashcam video shows the car losing control and crashing into the divider. Police have launched an investigation into the incident. https://www.esakal.com/desh/atiq-ahmed-s-son-car-accident-video-goes-viral-car-hits-divider-flies-into-air-in-shocking-crash-live-video-surfaces-ssy93