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

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

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

Female elephants can accurately assess their calf's health and digestion by observing its dung. According to animal behavior expert Vivek Awasthi, any change in color or texture signals illness to the mother. Once a problem is detected, elephants use their ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants to find a cure. The herd's matriarch leads the entire group toward specific trees or herbs needed for treatment. This behavior highlights the remarkable social unity and collective responsibility within elephant herds for the care of their young. https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/nation/elephant-mothers-use-dung-to-diagnose-calves-illness-find-natural-remedies-for-baby-says-expert-10740200.html

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

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/

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

The Idukki district administration has lifted the temporary ban on tourism activities as heavy rains subsided. However, a warning for high waves and sea incursions (Kallakkadal phenomenon) remains in place for coastal areas like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha until August 11. Authorities have advised fishermen and coastal residents to stay alert and suspended beach tourism activities. Meanwhile, a new low-pressure area is expected to form in the Bay of Bengal by August 12, potentially bringing moderate rain to Kerala until August 14. https://www.madhyamam.com/travel/news/tourist-destinations-reopen-in-idukki-1544800

Deep Amavasya 2026 falls on August 12. This Ashadha Amavasya is dedicated to 'Deep Pujan', symbolizing the journey from darkness to light. The article provides various heartfelt Marathi wishes and messages focused on prosperity, health, and happiness to share with loved ones. It emphasizes the spiritual significance of lighting lamps to invite positivity and divine blessings into homes. https://marathi.abplive.com/astro/deep-amavasya-2026-wishes-in-marathi-warm-wishes-for-deep-amavasya-ashadh-amavasya-2026-send-these-beautiful-greeting-messages-to-your-loved-ones-hindu-religion-marathi-news-1435122

Nag Panchami will be celebrated on August 17, 2026. This day holds great significance in Hinduism for worshipping Nag Devta and Lord Shiva. The article highlights powerful mantras like 'Om Namah Nagaya' and 'Om Nagrajaya Namah' to overcome the fear of snake bites and Kaalsarp Dosh. Chanting these mantras 108 or 21 times is believed to remove astrological hurdles, diseases, and provide protection, especially for those living in rural areas. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/religion/nag-panchami-2026-which-mantras-you-can-chant-on-nag-panchami/3286714