BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, sparking political discussions ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. Chadha, who recently joined the BJP from the AAP, described the meeting as insightful and enriching. The visit is seen as significant as the BJP aims to strengthen its foothold in Punjab. Chadha expressed gratitude for the PM's time and guidance, though specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/a-morning-to-cherish--raghav-chadha-meets-pm--sparks-buzz-over-punjab-role/article-38020

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit India on September 12 and 13 to participate in the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. During his visit, he is expected to hold high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning trade, the Chabahar Port, and the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Following Iran's full membership in BRICS in 2024, this meeting is seen as a crucial step in strengthening economic and political cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on regional peace and stability. https://argusnews.in/national/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-india-visit-brics-summit-2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced a new cess of 60 paise per liter on petrol and diesel, effective August 12, 2026. This 'Orphan and Widow Cess' aims to fund welfare schemes for vulnerable groups. Consequently, petrol prices in the state have risen to 102.50 INR per liter. While global crude prices are nearing $90 per barrel due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, fuel rates remain stable across other Indian states. Major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata continue to see rates above 110 INR, unaffected by this specific regional hike. https://www.dharitri.com/petrol-diesel-to-become-more-expensive-from-today-big-change-in-fuel-prices/

Infocity Police in Bhubaneswar arrested a man named Niranjan Mallik for allegedly kidnapping and raping a minor girl. The accused befriended the girl on social media and lured her with a marriage proposal. He took her to various places in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Jajpur, where he allegedly committed the crime. Based on the family's complaint, police rescued the minor and apprehended the accused in Jajpur. A case has been registered under the BNS sections and the POCSO Act. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/minor-girl-kidnapper-arrested/article-38088

RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav has opened up about his divorce, revealing that his marriage lasted only three months due to lifestyle differences. He stated that while he is religious and enjoys performing puja, his modern-minded wife disliked these practices, leading to bitterness and their eventual separation. https://sambad.in/latest/my-wife-did-not-like-religious-rituals-12254312

Under the initiative of the Nayagarh District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tulasi Mandal, a student who had dropped out of school, has been successfully brought back to the classroom. Following the directions of the District Judge and DLSA Secretary, an awareness camp was held at Biruda. Officials met with parents and motivated them to resume their children's education. Tulasi has returned to Kalandi Suraj Government High School, and efforts are underway to bring back other dropouts as well. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=209654

The Odisha government has released the official schedule for Independence Day 2026 flag-hoisting ceremonies. The Chief Minister will hoist the national flag at the state-level function. Deputy CM KV Singh Deo will lead the ceremony in Kalahandi, while Deputy CM Pravati Parida will be in Sundargarh. Other ministers have been assigned various districts such as Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Ganjam. In the remaining districts, RDCs and District Collectors will officiate the celebrations. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/independence-day-2026-who-will-hoist-the-flag-where-see-the-list/3286035

India is set to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15. The article highlights the key differences between Independence Day and Republic Day. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort by pulling it up from the bottom. On Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path which is already tied at the top. While Independence Day marks the end of British rule, Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. https://sambad.in/special/do-you-know-the-main-difference-between-independence-day-and-republic-day-12253932

The article discusses the mystery surrounding the 22 closed rooms in the basement of the Taj Mahal. While social media rumors suggest the presence of hidden temples or idols, archaeological evidence and photos released by the ASI confirm these are merely arched corridors used for structural maintenance. In 2022, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition to open these rooms, stating that such historical matters should be left to experts and researchers. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/22-closed-rooms-of-the-taj-mahal-secret-or-rumor-find-out-whats-true-12259587

The article describes the Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple located in the Ahobilam region of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Situated in the Eastern Ghats, this site is believed to be the ancient capital of Hiranyakashipu where Lord Narasimha manifested from a pillar to slay the demon king. The temple features an eight-armed idol depicting the fierce form of the deity. Legend says a nearby pond was used by the Lord to wash his hands after killing the demon. Known as Nava Narasimha Kshetra, the temple attracts many devotees, especially during Kartik month and the Phalguna Brahmostavam festival. https://sambad.in/special/river-forest-mountain-lake-12258496