During the rainy season, high humidity and lack of sunlight lead to fungal and bacterial growth in shoes, causing infections like athlete's foot and bad odors. Experts suggest avoiding tight leather or canvas shoes and ensuring wet footwear is dried properly using newspapers in well-ventilated areas. To combat odor, baking soda, tea bags, or antifungal powders can be used. Maintaining hygiene by washing feet in salt water, wearing cotton socks, and keeping nails clean is essential for foot health. https://www.samayalive.in/health-news/take-care-of-your-feet/article-38081

India set a new record in biodiversity in 2025 by discovering 709 new animal species, surpassing the previous record of 683 in 2024. According to the Zoological Survey of India, 483 of these are entirely new to science, while 226 were recorded in India for the first time. Key discoveries include a long-tailed bat in Uttarakhand, a non-venomous snake named after Steve Irwin in Great Nicobar, and colorful lizards in Arunachal Pradesh. India now accounts for 5.3% of the world's recorded faunal diversity with a total of 1,05,953 species, maintaining its status as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/biological-wonder/article-38083

In 2025, India reported significant biological discoveries with Kerala leading in new animal species findings, particularly in the Western Ghats. The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) recorded 353 plant species, including 221 entirely new to science. Arunachal Pradesh emerged as the leader in plant discoveries. Notable finds include a new fern variety, a wild custard apple species from the Western Ghats, and an edible 'tooth fungus', highlighting India's rich and evolving natural heritage. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/major-center-of-biodiversity/article-38084

A major tragedy was averted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, when a school bus carrying 25 students caught fire due to a short circuit. The alert driver noticed smoke from the engine and evacuated all children safely before the fire engulfed the entire vehicle. Although the bus was completely gutted and students lost their belongings like bags and books, no injuries or casualties were reported. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control. https://odishasambad.in/school-bus-in-rajasthans-jaisalmer-catches-fire-with-25-children-onboard/

According to Garuda Purana, recurring dreams, inexplicable fears, and sudden attractions to places or people are signs of past life memories. The scripture states that the soul is immortal and its next birth is determined by past deeds (Karma). While science lacks proof, the Purana explains that a soul doesn't immediately get a new body after death; the transition takes 3 to 11 days or more based on karma. Good deeds lead to a quicker rebirth. https://sambad.in/special/garuda-purana-rebirth-signs-past-life-soul-12250179

The use of nicotine pouches is rising rapidly among youth as a supposedly safe, smokeless alternative to cigarettes. However, health experts and WHO warn that these pouches are highly addictive and can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. Despite being marketed as 'tobacco-free', they directly deliver nicotine into the bloodstream, creating a dependency that experts caution against using without medical advice. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/nicotine-pouch-use-rising-youth-health-risks-india-12246007

The Odisha government has released detailed guidelines for the 'Jnyanodaya-Shiksharu Samruddhi' scheme, providing free education from KG to PG. While admission and development fees for regular UG and PG courses will be borne by the government, students are still required to pay examination fees. A mandatory 75% attendance is required to avail of these benefits, and students with less than 65% attendance will be ineligible. A state-level Fee Regulation Committee, headed by the Higher Education Secretary, will be formed to oversee any future fee hikes. https://www.dharitri.com/government-will-pay-admission-fee-students-will-pay-exam-fee/

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to raise awareness about issues affecting youth worldwide. Originated from a 1999 UN resolution, the theme for this year is 'Different Situations, Same Goals', emphasizing equal opportunities for youth. The day encourages youth participation in social development and environmental protection. Additionally, the article covers new central government rules for tippers/dumpers and cyber safety awareness campaigns conducted by the police in educational institutions. https://sambad.in/special/international-youth-day-12252042

A rare astrological alignment will occur on August 12, 2026, during Hariyali Amavasya. Four major planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Jupiter—will align in Cancer, creating powerful Rajyogas like Gajakesari and Budhaditya. This combination is expected to bring significant career and financial benefits to five zodiac signs: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces. However, due to the solar eclipse and Rahu Kaal, individuals under Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are advised to remain cautious regarding health and finances. https://www.dharitri.com/lucky-zodiac-signs-12-august-2026-rashifal-chaturgrahi-yog-grah-gochar-lucky-zodiac-signs/

A 16-year-old boy named Dhabaleswar Nahak has gone missing from Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar. His parents, who work as a security guard and daily laborer, filed a kidnapping complaint after he disappeared on August 7th. Police investigation, including CCTV footage analysis, suggests the minor is currently living with transgenders in the Bharatpur slum area. The family originally hails from Ganjam district. https://www.dharitri.com/parents-searching-for-dhabaleeshwar-police-say-minor-is-living-with-transgender/