The second phase of shooting for Sivakarthikeyan's upcoming film 'Seyon', directed by Sivakumar Murugesan and produced by Kamal Haasan, has officially started in Madurai. Reports suggest that Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman has been roped in for a significant role in the movie. The film features debutant Bhagya Shree Bose as the female lead and has music by Santhosh Narayanan. 'Seyon' is expected to hit the screens during the Pongal festival next year. https://tamil.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/sivakarthikeyan-starrer-seyon-movie-seeman-will-join-soon-kls-ws-l-2184518.html

The Supreme Court of India is examining the constitutional validity of 'Talaq-e-Hasan', a practice in Muslim Personal Law where a husband can divorce his wife over a three-month period. Following the 2017 ban on instant triple talaq, several women, including journalist Benazeer Heena, have challenged this practice, arguing it violates fundamental rights like equality and personal liberty. While the practice allows for reconciliation between pronouncements, petitioners claim its unilateral nature is arbitrary. The court's decision will address the balance between religious personal laws and constitutional gender justice. https://gujaratmitra.in/divorce-in-three-months-but-a-chance-for-reconciliation-in-between-what-is-talaq-e-hasan-among-muslims-why-did-the-matter-reach-the-supreme-court/

The Telangana government has extended the deadline for Indiramma Houses applications within the CURE limits in Hyderabad till August 15th. Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced this extension from the initial August 10th deadline due to consecutive holidays. Currently, 7,340 houses are being constructed under a pilot project in 16 constituencies, receiving 46,121 applications so far. The government aims to build a total of one lakh Indiramma houses within the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road area. https://kalamdaily.com/indiramma-houses-application-deadline-extended-to-august-15-in-hyderabad

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

Under 'Operation Soundarya' by the Drugs Control Department, counterfeit cosmetics worth Rs 9.64 lakh were seized in Kerala. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that Pakistan-made face creams like Faiza and Goree were found containing up to 20,000 PPM of mercury, far exceeding the 1 PPM limit. These products, sold without proper licenses or bills, pose severe health risks including skin diseases. The department has initiated legal action and urged the public to report suspicious products via a toll-free helpline. https://malayalam.news18.com/news/kerala/operation-soundarya-counterfeit-beauty-products-worth-around-rs10-lakh-have-been-seized-cv-mm-784969.html

On World Elephant Day (August 12), experts emphasize protecting corridors and habitats to ensure the survival of Asian elephants. India hosts half of the world's Asian elephant population, with Tamil Nadu home to 3,063 elephants. Critical regions include the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Sathyamangalam. Threats like electrocution, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species persist. Due to El Niño-induced drought conditions this year, early migration for food and water is expected, necessitating caution among farmers and the public to avoid human-elephant conflict. https://www.vikatan.com/environment/world-elephant-day-story-expert-sharings

The Tamil Nadu government has filed a status report in the Supreme Court alleging that the Kerala government has been obstructing the strengthening and maintenance of the Mullaperiyar Dam for 12 years. Despite court orders to cut trees for machinery transport and TN paying Rs 87.64 lakh for Vallakadavu road repairs, Kerala has not acted. TN also claimed Kerala is not sharing rainfall and flood data, and requested the court's intervention to complete dam maintenance and strengthen the Baby Dam. https://www.dinakaran.com/news/mullaperiyar-dam-kerala-govts-obstruction-supreme-court-tamilnadu-govt/

Spiny Gourd (Akakarakaya), available only during the monsoon, is a highly nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins, proteins, and fiber. It helps prevent seasonal infections like colds and coughs while controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. Due to its low calorie and high fiber content, it aids in weight loss and improves digestion. Additionally, its antioxidants support heart health and promote glowing skin. https://tv9telugu.com/lifestyle/aakakarakaya-the-seasonal-monsoon-vegetable-packed-with-health-benefits-1886715.html

A SpiceJet flight from Kochi to Dubai, scheduled to depart at 12:30 AM, has been significantly delayed. The delay has left hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport without clear information on the new departure time. Passengers have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and basic facilities from the airline management. https://www.asianetnews.com/videos/news/kochi-dubai-spicejet-flight-grounded-for-hours-videoshow-sw10dsy

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