The district administration has re-allowed tourist vehicles to travel to Ooty via the Masinagudi-Kallatti route. The temporary ban, which had been in place since April 28 following a High Court order, has been lifted. This decision brings relief to local traders, resort owners, and workers in Masinagudi whose livelihoods depend on tourism. While travel to Ooty is permitted via this shorter mountain pass, return journeys from Ooty must still follow the Gudalur route for safety reasons. The route had briefly reopened on June 20 before being closed again on June 28, but is now fully functional for tourists once more. https://www.madhyamam.com/travel/news/tourist-vehicles-allowed-again-on-masinagudi-kallatti-route-1545225

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

Three schoolgirls died and three others were hospitalized after being bitten by a Common Krait snake at a government-aided residential (Ashram) school in Gadchiroli's Dhanora taluka. Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike announced a high-level inquiry into the incident, noting the absence of teachers and the principal during the event. The government has ordered a third-party audit of all aided Ashram schools in Maharashtra and mandatory monthly inspections by department officials to ensure student safety. https://www.tv9marathi.com/maharashtra/tribal-development-minister-of-maharashtra-ashok-wooike-said-govt-took-important-decisions-after-three-girls-death-by-snake-bite-1731476.html

The article explores three notoriously haunted locations in West Bengal: Chalibaridhihi in Bankura, Kankalitala Road in Birbhum, and a 300-year-old zamindar house in Begumpur, Bardhaman. While locals report hearing mysterious sounds, seeing shadows, and experiencing supernatural events, the article notes that these fears are often rooted in isolation, past tragedies, or economic decline rather than confirmed paranormal activity. Authorities advise caution due to the dilapidated state of structures and the secluded nature of these areas at night. https://bangla.asianetnews.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-haunted-places-bankura-birbhum-burdwan-fact/articleshow-lk0nvdr

Several beaches and forests in India exhibit the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. At beaches like Mattu, Padukere, Bangaram, Betalbatim, and Havelock, microorganisms create a blue glow in the waves. In the Western Ghats, specifically Bhimashankar and Chorla Ghat, certain fungi cause fallen wood to emit a green light during monsoon. These sightings are highly dependent on environmental conditions like water quality and darkness. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/travel/india-bioluminescence-best-places-glowing-beaches-forests-western-ghats-glowing-forests-trek/3285844

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai flagged off the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign in Raipur ahead of Independence Day. The campaign, aimed at honoring martyrs and promoting national unity, will run across the state until August 15. However, it has sparked a political row as State Congress President Deepak Baij attacked the BJP, questioning its history and calling the yatra an attempt to 'wash away sins.' While the government focuses on patriotism and honoring soldier families, the opposition's remarks have turned the campaign into a political debate in the state. https://peoplesupdate.com/chhattisgarh-har-ghar-tiranga-campaign-cm-sai-flag-off-deepak-baij-attack-bjp-180518

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

Carin Ronsley, an 80-year-old Irish citizen, has been cleaning the historic water bodies of Jodhpur for over a decade. Arriving in India in 2014, he was moved by the poor state of the city's stepwells and started his cleaning initiative. Locally known as 'Pagal Sahib,' his efforts were recently highlighted by industrialist Anand Mahindra. Following this, Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari met him to appreciate his dedication to preserving the city's water resources. https://eisamay.com/positive-news/irish-citizen-caron-ronsley-is-cleaning-jodhpur-lakes-and-waterbodies/200530812.cms

Severe monsoon rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have claimed over 157 lives since June 30, with 257 people missing. The state has suffered property damage worth approximately 886 crore INR. Over 259 roads, including the Mandi-Kullu national highway, are blocked. Power and water supplies have been severely disrupted across Mandi and Shimla districts. The meteorological department has issued an 'Orange Alert' for several districts including Kangra and Sirmaur, forecasting continued heavy rainfall. https://www.aajkaal.in/india/himachal-pradesh-natures-fury-in-himachal-pradesh-monsoon-havoc-claims-157-lives-260-roads-blocked-by-landslides-509207

A simple and quick recipe for Malvani-style Crispy Prawn Fry. Cleaned prawns are marinated in ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and Malvani spices for 15-20 minutes. After marination, they are coated with a mixture of rice flour and semolina (rava) and shallow fried on medium heat until golden brown. This technique ensures the prawns remain juicy inside while having a crispy exterior coating. https://www.esakal.com/ampstories/web-story/crispy-malvani-prawn-fry-a-spicy-and-delicious-recipe-asb02