The Shravana Amavasya is a significant day in Hindu tradition, known as Bhimana Amavasya or Hariyali Amavasya. It is an auspicious time for Shiva puja, ancestral rituals (Pitru Tarpan), and donations. While a solar eclipse occurs today from 9:04 PM, it won't be visible in India, so no ritual restrictions apply. Devotees believe that bathing in holy rivers, lighting lamps under Peepal trees, and performing Abhishekam to Lord Shiva can remove horoscope defects and bring prosperity. https://telugu.oneindia.com/jyotishyam/feature/hariyali-bheemana-amavasya-worship-lord-shiva-chant-om-namah-shivaya-and-donate-for-blessings-501231.html

Former AIADMK IT wing secretary Singai Ramachandran has officially joined Vijay's TVK party. Unlike other senior AIADMK leaders who joined recently, Ramachandran was granted a personal meeting with Vijay. An IIM Ahmedabad graduate and former Coimbatore Lok Sabha candidate, his induction is seen as a strategic move by TVK leadership. There are reports that he might be appointed as the CEO of TVK's startup wing. This direct recruitment by the party leadership has become a talking point in Tamil Nadu politics. https://tamil.oneindia.com/news/chennai/vijay-why-singai-ramachandran-got-the-exception-cm-vijay-welcomes-ex-aiadmk-leader-after-denying-o-823067.html

The Directorate of Technical Education, Chhattisgarh, has extended the registration deadline for diploma course admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. Interested candidates can now apply online until 6:00 PM on August 11, 2026. This decision primarily benefits ITI-passed students awaiting their results. The extension applies to Diploma Engineering, Architecture, CDDM/ID, MOM/HMCT, and Lateral Entry courses. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility and documents before applying. Other course schedules remain unchanged. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/chhattisgarh/raipur/cg-diploma-admission-2026-11-august-last-date-registration-closes-at-6-pm/3286119

The article lists the top 5 horror movies within The Conjuring universe based on the experiences of Ed and Lorraine Warren. It highlights 'The Conjuring' (7.5 IMDb), its successful sequel 'The Conjuring 2', the spinoffs 'Annabelle: Creation' and 'Annabelle Comes Home', and the gothic horror 'The Nun'. The series concludes with the upcoming film 'The Conjuring: The Last Rites'. https://bangla.asianetnews.com/webstories/entertainment/top-5-must-watch-movies-from-the-conjuring-universe-anbak-0ksr048

The West Bengal Health Department has formed a four-member committee to investigate the postgraduate admission of Dr. Avik Dey, a key figure in the 'threat culture' controversy following the RG Kar incident. The committee, headed by Parthapratim Pradhan, Principal of Sagar Dutta Medical College, will probe whether Dey's admission under the service quota followed regulations. The committee is mandated to submit its report within 10 days. This follows the Calcutta High Court's refusal to stay a departmental inquiry against Dey, who was suspended on September 5, 2024. https://bengali.news18.com/news/kolkata/rg-kar-case-avik-dey-postgraduate-admission-investigation-committee-health-department-threat-culture-west-bengal-rc-2844769.html

On World Elephant Day (August 12), experts emphasize protecting corridors and habitats to ensure the survival of Asian elephants. India hosts half of the world's Asian elephant population, with Tamil Nadu home to 3,063 elephants. Critical regions include the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Sathyamangalam. Threats like electrocution, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species persist. Due to El Niño-induced drought conditions this year, early migration for food and water is expected, necessitating caution among farmers and the public to avoid human-elephant conflict. https://www.vikatan.com/environment/world-elephant-day-story-expert-sharings

On August 12, Hariyali Amavasya coincides with a solar eclipse. Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, the 'Sutak' period is not applicable, allowing all religious activities and temple visits to proceed normally. The day emphasizes nature through tree plantation and offers spiritual significance for ancestral rituals (Tarpan), Shiva Puja, and donations. The eclipse will occur between 9:04 PM and 1:28 AM IST, visible only in parts of Europe, Africa, and North America. https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/dharm-darshan/news/hariyali-amavasya-solar-eclipse-date-timing-rituals-tree-plantation-significance-138703718.html

Under 'Operation Soundarya' by the Drugs Control Department, counterfeit cosmetics worth Rs 9.64 lakh were seized in Kerala. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that Pakistan-made face creams like Faiza and Goree were found containing up to 20,000 PPM of mercury, far exceeding the 1 PPM limit. These products, sold without proper licenses or bills, pose severe health risks including skin diseases. The department has initiated legal action and urged the public to report suspicious products via a toll-free helpline. https://malayalam.news18.com/news/kerala/operation-soundarya-counterfeit-beauty-products-worth-around-rs10-lakh-have-been-seized-cv-mm-784969.html

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to rename the state as 'Keralam'. This move follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly seeking to align the state's official name with its Malayalam pronunciation. The transition will become official after Rajya Sabha approval and Presidential assent, invoking Article 3 of the Indian Constitution which allows Parliament to change state names. https://zeenews.india.com/marathi/india/renaming-of-kerala-state-bill-for-the-new-name-passed-in-parliament-to-be-known-by-this-name/1025445