As preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 begin in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court has reserved its decision regarding the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mandated that mandals provide details about idol material and height in their applications. Additionally, a fine of ₹2,000 per pothole will be imposed on mandals that dig roads for pandals. Online applications for pandal permissions are open until August 14, with validity until September 26. https://www.tv9marathi.com/maharashtra/mumbai-ganpati-mandal-mandatory-provide-information-about-the-idols-to-the-bmc-ganesh-chaturthi-2026-1735523.html

#😊creator program🙏

#😊creator program🙏

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has given a clean chit to Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, and member Anil Mishra in a donation theft case. The high-level investigation team submitted its final report, stating that all allegations regarding irregularities in temple donations and the donation box were baseless. Based on the evidence and documents presented by investigating officers, both officials have been declared innocent, putting an end to the controversy surrounding the management of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. https://www.newscontinuous.com/country/ram-mandir-donation-case-champat-rai-and-anil-mishra-given-clean-chit-in-sit-final-report-2/

Students of Bharathi Vidyalaya Metric Higher Secondary School in Mulanur, Tamil Nadu, celebrated the 80th Independence Day by forming a human chain in the shape of the Indian map. The school's correspondent, Arima P.S. Sellamuthu, hoisted the national flag. Secretary P.S. Krishnakumar presided over the event, which included cultural programs and competitions for the students. Prizes were distributed to the winners, and the arrangements were supervised by Principal S. Palanisamy. https://www.dinamani.com/all-editions/edition-coimbatore/tiruppur/2026/Aug/16/%E0%AE%87%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BF-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%B5-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%8D

Tirumala is witnessing a heavy rush of pilgrims, with the wait time for Sarvadarshanam (tokenless darshan) reaching 18 to 20 hours. On Sunday, 97,014 devotees visited the temple, and the hundi collection was recorded at ₹3.93 crore. In preparation for the annual Brahmotsavams, TTD officials have accelerated repair and cleaning works at the Swami Pushkarini, which include desilting, replacing damaged tiles, and fixing pipeline leaks. TTD Additional EO has instructed officials to place depth indicator boards to ensure devotee safety during the holy dip (Chakrasnanam). https://vaartha.com/andhra-pradesh/thirupathi/tirumala-heavy-rush-of-devotees-for-srivari-darshan/763045/

During a heated debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the government over the law and order situation, specifically citing a murder in Coimbatore linked to drug gangs. He alleged that ruling party members are facing sexual harassment charges and that police negligence led to recent crimes. Minister Aadhav Arjuna's counter-comments regarding the number of opposition members were expunged from the assembly records by the Speaker. The session focused on health and disaster management department discussions. https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/tn-assembly-live-update-dated-17-08-2026

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 18 Pro series in September, featuring the Pro Max model with a larger battery, A20 Pro chipset, and improved camera technology. Reports suggest a possible launch on September 9, with pre-orders starting mid-September. Due to increased production costs for components, the starting price in the US could reach $1,400. In India, the launch is expected around September 9, followed by pre-orders a week later. https://bangla.asianetnews.com/technology/iphone-18-pro-max-pre-order-dates-and-timings-for-india-uk-and-us-absc/articleshow-dokf9m2

Many people avoid eating Luchi (deep-fried flatbread) due to acidity and indigestion issues. This guide suggests adding two simple ingredients, carom seeds (Ajwain) and asafoetida (Hing), to the flour to prevent gas and bloating. It also highlights tips like using lukewarm water for kneading, maintaining proper oil temperature, and the ideal thickness of the dough to ensure soft, fluffy, and oil-free Luchis. https://bengali.news18.com/photogallery/life-style/bangalir-phulko-luchi-mix-these-2-ingredients-in-maida-while-making-luchi-there-will-be-no-gas-acidity-bloating-rm-2855786.html

Widespread rain occurred in various parts of Kodaikanal, including Observatory, Pambarpuram, Vattakanal, Anandagiri, and Lake Road. This rainfall has brought a pleasant and cool climate to the hill station. https://www.dinakaran.com/news/widespread-rain-kodaikanal/