The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has implicated senior officer Arun Sharma in a case involving the embezzlement of ₹1.80 crore in government funds. The funds, allegedly from the 15th Finance Commission grant, were transferred to a single tile manufacturing company in 11 installments between May and June 2024 during Sharma's tenure as ADC (Development) in Firozpur. The scam was exposed by then ADC Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa in October 2024. An FIR registered on December 13, 2024, also names the then BDPO, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson, and four data entry operators. https://www.prabhasakshi.com/national/embezzlement-of-1-80-crore-in-punjab-senior-officer-arun-sharma-on-vigilance-radar

The Parsi community celebrates Pateti and Navroz with great enthusiasm. Pateti marks the last day of the year for introspection and repentance, while Navroz signifies the Parsi New Year 2026. This article provides over 35 Marathi wishes, quotes, and messages to share with loved ones. It highlights traditional customs like visiting Fire Temples, preparing 'Ravo', and decorating homes to welcome a year of prosperity and happiness. https://marathi.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/happy-parsi-new-year-2026-wishes-in-marathi-heartfelt-navroz-pateti-messages-article-155606068

A heated debate broke out in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between members of TVK, DMK, and Congress over the NEET exemption resolution. The discussion focused on the history of NEET's introduction in India. DMK and Congress members clarified that while the bill was introduced during the UPA regime, former CM Karunanidhi's strong opposition ensured Tamil Nadu was exempted during his and Jayalalithaa's tenures. TVK members urged parties to avoid politics and focus on student welfare, citing recent student suicides. https://www.tv9tamilnews.com/tamil-nadu/tamilnadu-assembly-neet-resolution-debate-tvk-congress-and-dmk-clash-over-neet-history-97534.html

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

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

TANGEDCO has announced a power shutdown in several parts of Chennai on August 13, 2026, for maintenance work. Affected areas include K.K. Nagar, Arcot Road, Palavakkam, Thiruvanmiyur Avvai Nagar, and Pallavaram. The maintenance involves repairing and replacing power lines. Electricity supply is expected to be restored by 2:00 PM once the scheduled works are completed. https://tamil.abplive.com/news/chennai/chennai-power-cut-areas-13-08-2026-check-power-shutdown-scheduled-on-august-13th-270956

A new strict protocol has been implemented in the Telangana CMO and CPRO offices where officials must sign an indent for every cup of tea or coffee served. This comes amid reports of rising catering expenses and pending bills. Contractors reportedly halted food supplies to the secretariat's 6th floor due to non-payment, prompting the government to enforce strict accounting for refreshments and meals to curb costs. https://www.ntnews.com/telangana/opinions-are-being-expressed-that-the-cmo-and-cpro-offices-reflect-the-state-governments-financial-distress-2482867

Heavy rains and winds have devastated banana plantations in Kerala, causing a severe shortage of banana leaves ahead of the Onam festival. Consequently, Kerala is now 90% dependent on Tamil Nadu regions like Mettupalayam and Trichy for its supply. This surge in demand has pushed the price of a single banana leaf to 10 rupees in Tamil Nadu. While districts like Idukki and Wayanad carry out banana cultivation, the monsoon damage has wiped out remaining stocks, benefiting Tamil Nadu farmers who cultivate Njalipoovan specifically for leaves. https://www.sathyamonline.com/news/news-keralam/56788-kottayam-news-12254789

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