A 26-year-old woman from Usilampatti, Madurai, was defrauded of Rs 3.30 lakh in an online scam. The fraudsters contacted her via WhatsApp, claiming she won a car as a first prize for an e-commerce company's 8th anniversary. Believing them, she transferred the money in several installments for GST, income tax, and registration fees. After realizing she was cheated when the car never arrived, she filed a complaint with the Madurai District Cyber Crime Police, who are currently investigating the case. https://www.hindutamil.in/news/crime/usilampatti-young-woman-loss-rs330-lakh-money-through-online-fraud

A miraculous event occurred in Mela Urudaiyarpuram village, Tirunelveli, where the deities of Sri Mariamman and Kaliamman temples reportedly opened their eyes. The temple, which houses 100-year-old swayambhu idols, has not seen a major festival for over 16 years. As news of this divine occurrence spread, large crowds from neighboring areas like Thatchanallur and Anandapuram gathered to witness the sight, creating a buzz in the locality. https://www.dinamani.com/religion/religion-news/2026/Aug/11/mariyamman-and-kaliyamman-appeared-with-eyes-open-in-nellai

The Nitya Annadanam scheme at Simhachalam Appanna Temple has successfully completed 37 years and entered its 38th year. Started in 1989 with a small donation of Rs 50,000, the scheme now has deposits worth Rs 43.21 crore. On average, 3,000 to 5,500 devotees are fed daily. The temple spends Rs 41 per plate of meal. Special privileges and darshan facilities are provided to donors contributing over Rs 1 lakh. Last year alone, the interest from deposits generated Rs 2.14 crore in revenue for the food distribution program. https://www.etvbharat.com/te/offbeat/simhachalam-appanna-temple-annadanam-free-food-distribution-donations-for-annadana-apn26081301255

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

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

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

Former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at Takht Shri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level probe into the incident and spoke with Badal over the phone to check on his health. One suspect has been arrested by the police. Badal sustained minor injuries to his right hand and is currently in stable condition. Home Minister of State Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators. https://prahaar.in/2026/08/13/chief-minister-fadnavis-orders-an-inquiry-into-the-attack-on-sukhbir-singh-badal/

The Kolkata Police has decided to establish a dedicated police outpost for the Kalighat Temple to enhance its security. This is the first time a separate outpost is being created for a religious site in the city. The outpost will consist of 20 personnel led by an Inspector, under the administrative supervision of an Assistant Commissioner and DC South. The decision, announced by Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda, aims to address security threats and ensure better law and order for the thousands of devotees visiting the temple. https://tv9bangla.com/kolkata/kalighat-temple-to-get-dedicated-police-outpost-kolkata-police-takes-major-security-step-1339320.html

Severe monsoon rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have claimed over 157 lives since June 30, with 257 people missing. The state has suffered property damage worth approximately 886 crore INR. Over 259 roads, including the Mandi-Kullu national highway, are blocked. Power and water supplies have been severely disrupted across Mandi and Shimla districts. The meteorological department has issued an 'Orange Alert' for several districts including Kangra and Sirmaur, forecasting continued heavy rainfall. https://www.aajkaal.in/india/himachal-pradesh-natures-fury-in-himachal-pradesh-monsoon-havoc-claims-157-lives-260-roads-blocked-by-landslides-509207