To keep bananas fresh for a longer time, wrap their stems with aluminum foil or cling wrap. This process blocks the release of ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening. Keeping bananas away from direct sunlight and other fruits also helps slow down the ripening process and maintains their texture and taste for several days. https://pudhari.news/web-stories/how-to-keep-bananas-fresh-longer-aluminium-foil-hack-mk96

In a major development in the suicide case of resident doctor Harsh Pandya at Surat Civil Medical College, the Anti-Ragging Committee submitted its investigation report to VNSGU on August 12. Following the report submission, Dean Dr. Jayesh Brahmbhatt went on leave. Demands have surfaced for the arrest of the Dean, the Microbiology HOD, and the hostel superintendent for negligence and abetment. The report allegedly contains crucial details regarding ragging and mental harassment faced by the late doctor. https://gujarati.abplive.com/news/surat/surat-dr-harsh-pandya-suicide-case-major-twist-anti-ragging-committee-report-submitted-to-vnsgu-dean-on-leave-988523

A rare total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, visible across parts of Europe, North America, and North Africa. The path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, lasting up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. Major cities like Madrid will witness a deep partial eclipse of 99.9%. Experts warn against looking at the sun without certified solar filters except during the brief moment of totality. The event will also be live-streamed by NASA and the ESA for global viewers. https://www.binodon69.com/article/1000546/index.html

A miraculous event occurred in Mela Urudaiyarpuram village, Tirunelveli, where the deities of Sri Mariamman and Kaliamman temples reportedly opened their eyes. The temple, which houses 100-year-old swayambhu idols, has not seen a major festival for over 16 years. As news of this divine occurrence spread, large crowds from neighboring areas like Thatchanallur and Anandapuram gathered to witness the sight, creating a buzz in the locality. https://www.dinamani.com/religion/religion-news/2026/Aug/11/mariyamman-and-kaliyamman-appeared-with-eyes-open-in-nellai

The Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is known as 'Bhuloka Vaikuntha'. Legend says the idol was created by Lord Vishnu and later handed over to Guru Brihaspati and Vayu Deva by Krishna's disciple Uddhava. They installed it at a spot suggested by Lord Shiva, giving the place its name Guruvayur. The temple is famous for healing; King Janamejaya reportedly cured his leprosy by praying here. Lord Shiva is believed to watch over this temple from the nearby Mammiyoor Temple. https://www.bdnindia.com/?p=672330

Indian stock markets Sensex and Nifty closed lower for the second consecutive day following the news of N. Chandrasekaran stepping down as Tata Sons Chairman in February 2027. This led to a significant sell-off in Tata Group stocks, with TCS falling over 3% and Tata Motors dropping 3.3%. Sensex shed 187 points to close at 77,966, while Nifty ended at 24,435. Despite the overall decline, public sector banking and metal stocks showed some recovery in late trading hours. https://www.dinamani.com/trade/2026/Aug/12/sensex-falls-188-pts-nifty-below-24450

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to administrative lapses and failure to provide satisfactory explanations for ongoing governance issues. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been directed to form an ad-hoc committee to oversee the federation's functions. The TTFI has recently been embroiled in controversies, including the suspension of Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta over financial irregularities and disputes involving star player Manika Batra. Meghna Ahlawat currently serves as the federation's first female president. https://www.sirajlive.com/sports-ministry-suspends-table-tennis-federation-of-india-recognition-ttfi.html

On August 12, rare celestial events including a 6-planet alignment (Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune), a solar eclipse, and the Perseid meteor shower are occurring simultaneously. While the solar eclipse won't be visible in India, astrology suggests significant impacts on all 12 zodiac signs due to the alignment in Leo and Cancer constellations. It is considered an auspicious day for spiritual activities and ancestral rituals. https://telugu.news18.com/photogallery/astrology/august-12-2026-chukkal-amavasya-total-solar-eclipse-six-planet-alignment-effects-on-12-rashis-astrology-news-nk-3201211.html

A shocking incident has come to light in Mira Bhayandar where a 25-year-old man recorded offensive videos of a 14-year-old girl and blackmailed her. The accused and two of his friends allegedly sexually assaulted the minor, while three others threatened her. The girl was subjected to mental harassment for two months. Kashimira police have registered a case under the POCSO Act against six individuals and have arrested two suspects so far. A search is underway for the remaining four accused. https://www.navarashtra.com/crime/mira-bhayandar-minor-girl-sexual-assault-objectionable-video-threat-six-accused-booked-two-arrest-1304952.html

The Indian Embassy in Doha is organizing celebrations for India's 80th Independence Day for the expatriate community. The national flag will be hoisted at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) at 6:45 AM on Saturday, followed by cultural programs. All Indian expats are invited to participate. Additionally, various Indian schools in Qatar will also host flag-hoisting ceremonies on Saturday morning. https://www.madhyamam.com/gulf-news/qatar/independence-day-celebration-at-icc-1545782