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

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

Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, launched a new photo essay book titled 'Disappearing Faces' in Delhi, which was unveiled by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Published by Penguin India, the book captures the rare lives and expressions of people in remote Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet, documented by Sadhguru over decades. In a conversation with Anand Ranganathan, Sadhguru shared that these faces represent a fading era untouched by modern information pollution. The book is available in both hardback and paperback on Amazon and other major platforms. https://tv9telugu.com/national/union-minister-mansukh-mandaviya-launches-sadhguru-new-book-disappearing-faces-1885904.html

The Telangana government has introduced a new 'Homestay' policy as part of its Tourism Policy 2025-30. Homeowners near tourist spots can convert extra rooms into homestays to earn additional income while providing tourists with authentic local experiences. Interested owners must apply to the tourism department for a two-year certification. The policy aims to attract ₹15,000 crore in investment and create 3 lakh jobs over five years, focusing on rural and tribal empowerment without the need for large-scale hotel constructions. https://tv9telugu.com/andhra-pradesh/telangana-to-introduce-homestay-policy-allow-local-families-to-earn-from-tourism-1885667.html

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

Moong sprout paneer kebabs are a healthy and protein-rich snack option for children's tiffins or fitness diets. Made with boiled sprouts, paneer, sweet corn, carrots, and beetroot, these kebabs are both nutritious and delicious. Curd and semolina ensure a soft interior and crispy exterior. The recipe involves mixing ingredients with spices like oregano and black pepper, letting it rest for 15 minutes, and then pan-cooking until golden brown. It is a perfect superfood for gym enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. https://gujarati.indianexpress.com/lifestyle/protein-rich-moong-sprout-paneer-kebab-recipe-in-gujarati-sc-12252591

During the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session on August 12, Chief Minister Vijay introduced a special resolution regarding constituency delimitation. In his speech, he credited women for his growth and current position in politics, emphasizing their importance in society. He also highlighted several prominent female leaders while addressing the house during the live session. https://www.dinamani.com/tamilnadu/2026/Aug/12/tamil-nadu-legislative-assembly-2026-live-today-aug-12

In a major drug bust in Odisha's Sonepur district, Subalaya police seized over 12.5 quintals of marijuana from an abandoned truck. The contraband is valued at approximately ₹13 crore. The smugglers managed to flee the spot before the police arrived. The operation was part of the state's 'Drug-Free Odisha' campaign. Authorities are now tracking the vehicle's owner and the wider smuggling network through recovered documents. https://www.inkhabar.com/%E0%A4%93%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE/sonepur-police-crack-down-on-massive-drug-haul-smugglers-flee-abandoning-truck-loaded-with-cannabis-worth-13-crore-rupees-274915/

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

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama had an elder sister named Shanta. She was the first child of King Dasharatha and Kausalya but was adopted by King Romapada of Anga. Shanta was highly skilled in Vedas and arts. She played a crucial role in bringing sage Rishyasringa to Anga to perform a yagna that ended a severe drought. Her marriage to the sage eventually paved the way for King Dasharatha to perform the Putrakameshti Yagna, leading to the birth of Rama and his brothers. https://www.politentnews.com/devotional/who-was-lord-ramas-sister-what-was-her-role-in-the-ramayana-1621142