In Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple, the sacred Bhasma for the daily morning Aarti is no longer taken from cremation grounds. It is prepared by saints of the Mahanirvani Akhada using a special ritual. Cow dung cakes from Kapila cows are burnt along with medicinal woods like Peepal, Banyan, and Shami in a holy fire. Once the fire cools, the ash is finely sieved to obtain pure Bhasma. This Bhasma is offered to the deity amidst the chanting of Shukla Yajurveda mantras. According to mythology, Lord Shiva performed his makeup with the ashes of the demon Dushan, marking the origin of this tradition. https://aajkasamay.com/news.php?id=it-is-not-ordinary-cremation-ground-ash-the-ash-for-mahakals-bhasma-aarti-is-prepared-using-a-special-method-640436

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil has launched a sharp attack on CM Eknath Shinde and DCM Devendra Fadnavis, questioning why they are allegedly acting against the interests of the Maratha community. Jarange Patil expressed frustration over the government's handling of the reservation issue, asking if the leadership is deliberately targeting the community's welfare. https://news18marathi.com/videos/maharashtra/manoj-jarange-patil-maratha-reservation-1749667.html

KGF star Yash is making a grand comeback after four years with his upcoming movie 'Toxic'. The trailer was launched at a grand event in Bengaluru. Directed by Geethu Mohandas, the film features five lead actresses including Nayanthara and Kiara Advani. The movie is scheduled for release on August 26, 2026, and marks Yash's first project since the massive success of KGF Chapter 2 in 2022. https://tv9gujarati.com/entertainment/bollywood/toxic-trailer-released-yash-makes-grand-comeback-after-4-years-with-much-awaited-film-1495051.html

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju engaged in a social media debate over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill 2023. Rahul Gandhi questioned why the government is linking the bill to the delimitation process, causing a delay in its execution despite it being passed three years ago. Rijiju countered by questioning Congress's commitment. While the opposition demands immediate implementation of the 33% quota, the government maintains that the delimitation process is necessary to increase seats before full implementation. https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/india/rahul-gandhi-and-kiren-rijiju-attack-each-other-on-womens-quota-bill/pid/1280158/

In a tragic incident at Konni Eco-Tourism Center, a 67-year-old mahout named Mohanan Nair was killed by a female elephant named Priyadarshini. The elephant attacked him while he was attempting to apply medicine to a wound on its trunk. She reportedly flung him to the ground and gored him with her tusks. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The forest department has announced an immediate financial aid of 5 lakh rupees for the victim's family. https://www.asianetnews.com/local-news/man-dies-in-elephant-attack-articleshow-k98rif2

A video of Preity Zinta allegedly ignoring Aamir Khan during the promotion of 'Lahore 1947' on the sets of KBC went viral. Fans speculated a rift between the stars. However, Preity clarified that she didn't see him as she was in a hurry to catch a flight and complete her shoot. She slammed the viral content as clickbait and expressed her respect for Aamir. The film, produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, marks Preity's comeback to Bollywood alongside Sunny Deol. https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/bollywood-news/story/preity-zinta-slams-video-claiming-she-ignored-aamir-khan-during-batwara-1947-promotion-sunny-deol-tmovj-dskc-2618225-2026-08-08

Two West Bengal natives were arrested in Kerala for possessing 16 kg of ganja. In other news, a POCSO case accused who escaped from court was captured. The Supreme Court declined to intervene in NEET petitions. The report also covers sports updates regarding Sri Lanka and lifestyle content like easy ice cream recipes and an 11-month-old infant swimmer. https://keralakaumudi.com/news/literature/kavitha/poem-1788603

Pakistan is facing a major crisis as transporters have launched an indefinite nationwide strike protesting skyrocketing fuel prices and new petroleum levies. With petrol hitting ₹459 and diesel reaching ₹520.35 per liter, truck and tanker operators are demanding immediate price cuts and tax relief. The strike has disrupted the supply chain for essential goods and fuel. Political groups like Jamaat-e-Islami are also protesting against the government's IMF-linked economic policies across major cities. Negotiations remain deadlocked as the public braces for further inflation. https://tv9gujarati.com/international-news/pakistan-fuel-price-hike-transporters-strike-imf-anger-economic-crisis-1495091.html

The West Bengal government has formed the 7th Pay Commission to bring state employee salaries and benefits at par with central government employees. The commission aims to increase the annual increment from 3% to 5% and restore commuted pension after 11 years. The new structure is proposed to be implemented from January 1, 2026. It focuses on resolving pay anomalies and introducing a DA system based on the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers. While previous administrations resisted these central policies, the current government is moving forward to enhance retirement and health benefits for state workers. https://hindi.news18.com/news/business/latest-west-bengal-employees-would-get-salary-and-wage-increment-inline-with-7th-pay-commission-10731742.html

Iran has set a series of conditions for fully reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, demanding that the United States change its behavior and stop threats against Iran and its allies. Tehran's demands include lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and providing compensation. While Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on maritime routes, Iran insists this is not enough without US policy changes. The situation remains tense following reports of a missile attack on a UAE-linked tanker in the strait, a critical path for one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply. https://www.banglatelegraph.com/article/214548