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

Grow nutritious spinach at home in limited spaces using plastic bottles. This method is ideal for flat dwellers, utilizing 2-liter bottles filled with a mix of soil, cow dung powder, and coco peat. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and ensuring proper sunlight on balconies, one can easily harvest fresh, organic greens. https://keralakaumudi.com/news/lifestyle/agriculture/plastic-bottle-spinach-farming-1790095

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay participated in the 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu' awareness program at Chennai Presidency College. He honored 15 police officers with medals for their exceptional work in anti-drug operations. The CM administered an anti-drug pledge to students and virtually monitored the destruction of seized drugs across various districts. He also presented awards to schools and colleges for their anti-drug clubs and released an awareness video promoting drug-free educational institutions. https://www.polimernews.com/tamilnadunews/chief-minister-participates-in-drug-free-tamil-nadu-event-12252481

Deep Amavasya 2026 will be celebrated on August 12. The article highlights the tradition of worshipping lamps and performing 'Aukshan' for children using lamps made of wheat dough. The auspicious time for this ritual is between 7:08 PM and 7:31 PM on Wednesday. The ritual is believed to protect children from negative energies and bring prosperity. This day also marks the conclusion of the Ashadh month, welcoming the holy month of Shravan. https://marathi.abplive.com/astro/deep-amavasya-2026-hindu-religion-marathi-news-do-not-miss-this-auspicious-time-to-perform-ritual-of-waving-lamps-for-young-children-how-many-times-should-the-ritual-be-performed-learn-about-the-worship-religious-significance-1435199

UEFA has appointed Somalian referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa, despite him being barred from the World Cup by US authorities. Artan was previously detained for 11 hours at Miami airport and deported due to security concerns and travel restrictions on Somalian passport holders. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin's decision is seen as a major political move against FIFA and the US administration. Artan becomes the first non-European referee to officiate the Super Cup. https://www.madhyamam.com/sports/football/uefa-appoints-referee-banned-from-world-cup-for-super-cup-clash-1545165

The Midday Meal Scheme in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, is facing a severe crisis due to the expiration of contracts with suppliers. As new contracts were not signed in time for the academic year, schools have run out of rice and pulses, leaving students hungry. While some teachers are managing by purchasing groceries on credit, the administration has stated that new agreements are now in place and supplies will reach schools within 2-3 days. https://www.esakal.com/vidarbha/chandrapur-midday-meal-scheme-school-food-shortage-rice-pulses-supply-contract-delay-teachers-credit-asi01

Spending long hours in air-conditioned offices can severely damage your skin by reducing humidity levels to 10-20%, leading to Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). This causes dryness, premature aging, and can worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Experts recommend staying hydrated, using humidifiers, and applying moisturizer every 4-6 hours to maintain the skin barrier. https://www.politentnews.com/health/office-ac-could-be-drying-out-your-skin-know-the-hidden-risks-1621496

Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on August 11, 2026. According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 04:54 AM on Aug 11 and ends at 01:52 AM on Aug 12. The most auspicious time for Jalabhishek is after 03:25 PM following the conclusion of Bhadra. The deity will be worshipped in four Prahars, starting from 07:04 PM. Devotees are advised to perform Rudrabhishek and chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for special blessings. Offering milk, Belpatra, and honey to the Shivling is highly significant. https://www.inkhabar.com/religion/sawan-shivratri-2026-kab-hai-shubh-muhurt-puja-vidhi-know-more-274489/

The new BJP government in West Bengal has signaled a major shift in the Durga Puja donation policy. Instead of providing grants to all police-approved clubs as previously done, the administration plans to offer financial aid only to needy committees with budgets under 10 lakh rupees. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari aims to ensure transparency and proper utilization of government funds by prioritizing financially weak committees over self-sufficient ones. The grant, which started at 50,000 rupees in 2020 and reached 1.10 lakh rupees, will now follow this need-based criterion. https://www.aajkaal.in/west-bengal/durga-puja-2026-wb-government-set-to-revise-durga-puja-grant-allocations-what-are-the-criteria-509034

The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) is set for a major restructuring following discussions between key leaders including Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, Sunil Tatkare, and Praful Patel. Election strategist Prashant Kishor has reportedly suggested appointing a full-time state president who can dedicate entire time to the party without being an MLA or MP. The party aims to balance Maratha and OBC equations for future electoral gains. A marathon meeting is scheduled after the Parliament session to finalize the expansion and restructuring plans across Maharashtra's assembly constituencies. https://pudhari.news/maharashtra/mumbai/ncp-ajit-pawar-party-restructuring-prashant-kishor-full-time-president-sb97