UEFA has appointed Somalian referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa, despite him being barred from the World Cup by US authorities. Artan was previously detained for 11 hours at Miami airport and deported due to security concerns and travel restrictions on Somalian passport holders. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin's decision is seen as a major political move against FIFA and the US administration. Artan becomes the first non-European referee to officiate the Super Cup. https://www.madhyamam.com/sports/football/uefa-appoints-referee-banned-from-world-cup-for-super-cup-clash-1545165

A tragic road accident occurred in Valanchery, Malappuram, where a car and a private bus collided, resulting in the death of one person. The deceased has been identified as Vallooran Hamza from Pookkattiri. A female bus passenger sustained injuries. The car was completely destroyed in the crash that took place around 3 PM today. Local residents and police coordinated the rescue efforts. https://www.asianetnews.com/local-news/car-and-private-bus-accident-in-malappuram-one-person-dies-and-another-injured-articleshow-x8cbhts

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/

India celebrates its Independence Day every year on August 15, marking the end of nearly two centuries of British rule in 1947. Key leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh, along with Tamil freedom fighters like V.O. Chidambaranar and Bharathiyar, played crucial roles. The day is commemorated by the Prime Minister hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, honoring the sacrifices made by freedom fighters through movements like Non-Cooperation and Quit India. https://www.tv9tamilnews.com/india/indian-independence-day-know-about-date-importance-and-history-of-freedom-struggle-in-tamil-97543.html

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

On September 26, 2026, the conjunction of Mercury and Venus in Libra will form the highly auspicious 'Lakshmi Narayan Rajyog'. This astrological event is predicted to bring significant financial gains and career success to three specific zodiac signs: Taurus, Gemini, and Libra. Taurus individuals may see relief from debts, while Gemini residents could find new income sources. For Libra, this yoga occurs in their first house, enhancing personality and social status. This planetary alignment will remain influential until November 6, 2026. https://gujarati.news18.com/photogallery/dharm-bhakti/lakshmi-narayan-rajyog-2026-will-make-these-zodiac-signs-rich-and-give-them-all-happiness-dp-2596620.html

The new BJP government in West Bengal has signaled a major shift in the Durga Puja donation policy. Instead of providing grants to all police-approved clubs as previously done, the administration plans to offer financial aid only to needy committees with budgets under 10 lakh rupees. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari aims to ensure transparency and proper utilization of government funds by prioritizing financially weak committees over self-sufficient ones. The grant, which started at 50,000 rupees in 2020 and reached 1.10 lakh rupees, will now follow this need-based criterion. https://www.aajkaal.in/west-bengal/durga-puja-2026-wb-government-set-to-revise-durga-puja-grant-allocations-what-are-the-criteria-509034

The UAE Ministry of Economy has introduced a new licensing fee system for using music in commercial establishments like restaurants, hotels, and malls starting December. The 'Collective Management Guide for Music' aims to protect copyrights and ensure royalties for creators. Fees will be based on establishment size and usage, with 10% of collections going to a cultural support fund for artists. Educational, government, and private non-commercial events are exempt. https://www.manoramaonline.com/global-malayali/gulf/2026/08/11/uae-entertainment-commercial-music-licensing-fee-system.html

A BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh has made sensational allegations against his son-in-law, claiming he is a fraudster who has married 25 women. The MLA released a video on social media stating that the man used fake identity cards to deceive women for money. He confirmed that a police complaint has been filed regarding the matter after discovering his daughter was also a victim of this deception. https://www.eenadu.net/breaking-news/426009085

A rare total solar eclipse is occurring today, where the moon aligns between the Earth and the Sun, creating a daytime darkness. While it will be visible in regions like Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, it won't be visible in India as it occurs at 11:16 PM IST. The next total solar eclipse is expected in August 2027, which also won't be visible from India. https://www.dinamaalai.com/news/todays-total-solar-eclipse-will-take-place-can-you-see-it/cid19115508.htm