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

On the occasion of Shivratri 2026, devotees can follow specific rituals mentioned in the Shiv Mahapuran to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. According to religious beliefs, performing Jalabhishek with Ganga water while chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' is highly beneficial. Offering whole Bilva leaves and performing milk Abhishekam brings prosperity. Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra with a Rudraksha rosary, performing prayers during the four watches of the night, and donating to the needy are key practices to please Mahadev and fulfill one's wishes. https://samacharnama.com/astrology/shivratri-2026-take-these-measures-to-please-lord-shiva-on/cid19108588.htm

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

In 2026, a rare spiritual conjunction is occurring after 23 years, where the third Shravana Somavara falls on the same day as Naga Panchami (August 17). This unique alignment is called 'Somavati Naga Panchami'. The Shravana month starts on July 30 and ends on August 28, featuring four Mondays. The third Monday will also witness Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Shivavasam. Devotees believe that performing Abhishekam to Lord Shiva and worshiping the Dragon God on this day brings immense blessings and liberation from hardships. https://telugu.news18.com/photogallery/astrology/sawan-somwar-2026-rare-nag-panchami-yog-after-23-years-on-august-17-sawan-somwar-dates-osk-3202091.html

The article explores the historical and cultural origins of the names 'Bharat' and 'India'. According to ancient traditions, the land was named 'Bharatvarsha' after King Bharata, the brave son of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. While 'Bharat' reflects the indigenous heritage found in the Puranas and Mahabharata, the name 'India' is derived from the Indus River through ancient foreign influences. Today, the Indian Constitution recognizes both identities under Article 1 as 'India, that is Bharat'. https://www.esakal.com/ampstories/web-story/bharat-name-origin-history-king-bharata-chandravamsha-bharatvarsha-bharatkhand-india-name-origin-dushyanta-shakuntala-mahabharata-ancient-india-history-vsw03

Spending long hours in air-conditioned offices can severely damage your skin by reducing humidity levels to 10-20%, leading to Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). This causes dryness, premature aging, and can worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Experts recommend staying hydrated, using humidifiers, and applying moisturizer every 4-6 hours to maintain the skin barrier. https://www.politentnews.com/health/office-ac-could-be-drying-out-your-skin-know-the-hidden-risks-1621496

Grow nutritious spinach at home in limited spaces using plastic bottles. This method is ideal for flat dwellers, utilizing 2-liter bottles filled with a mix of soil, cow dung powder, and coco peat. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and ensuring proper sunlight on balconies, one can easily harvest fresh, organic greens. https://keralakaumudi.com/news/lifestyle/agriculture/plastic-bottle-spinach-farming-1790095

The sacred Sravana Masam 2026 for Telugu people begins on August 13. This month is highly significant for worshipping Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. Key dates include Nagula Panchami on Aug 17, Varalakshmi Vratam on Aug 21, and Rakhi Purnima on Aug 28. Devotees observe fasts on Mondays for Lord Shiva and perform Mangala Gauri Vratam on Tuesdays. The month concludes with Polala Amavasya on September 11. https://vaartha.com/devotional/sravana-masam-2026-telugu-festivals-calendar/759352/

The tradition of dipping biscuits in tea originated from sailors and soldiers who dipped hard, long-lasting biscuits in hot drinks to soften them. This habit evolved through British 'afternoon tea' culture and spread to India during the colonial era, eventually becoming a staple in Indian households and tea stalls. https://www.expresskerala.com/news/from-sailors-hardtack-to-indian-tea-stalls-here-is-the-story-behind-the-bond-between-tea-and-biscuits.html

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