Every year on August 1st, India commemorates the death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a key figure in the freedom struggle. Known for his iconic slogan, 'Swaraj is my birthright,' Tilak was a visionary teacher, journalist, and social reformer. He started public celebrations of Ganeshotsav and Shiv Jayanti to unite people against British rule. Despite imprisonment in Mandalay, he authored 'Gita Rahasya.' The article also provides a speech template for school students, highlighting his contributions to Indian independence and his role as the 'Father of Indian Unrest.' https://prahaar.in/2026/08/01/lokmanya-tilak-speech-prepared-speech-draft-for-lokmanya-tilaks-death-anniversary/

The Government Degree College in Metpally, Jagtial district, is in a dilapidated state with incomplete construction since 2017. Approximately 100 students and 8 staff members face severe risks as rainwater floods the campus to knee-deep levels. The classrooms lack doors and windows, leading to the frequent entry of snakes and scorpions. Despite multiple representations to officials for a new building or relocation, no action has been taken, leading to a decline in student admissions due to safety concerns. https://www.etvbharat.com/te/state/water-storing-as-pond-at-the-metpally-degree-college-in-jagitial-and-snakes-roaming-in-the-classrooms-tgs26080303521

Ex-soldier Soman Rana won a gold medal for India in the Men's Shot Put F57 category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He recorded a throw of 13.40 meters, while compatriot Shubham Juyal secured silver. Soman, who lost his right leg in a landmine blast in 2006 while serving in the Indian Army at the Poonch border, transitioned to para-sports and achieved historic success. This marks India's first-ever gold in this category at the CWG. https://tv9telugu.com/sports/other-sports/cwg-2026-ex-army-soldier-soman-rana-wins-gold-in-mens-shot-put-f57-event-1878636.html

In the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has taken a significant lead after the third round of counting. Kishor has secured 5,032 votes, leading BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, who has 3,870 votes, by a margin of 1,162. RJD's Rekha Gupta is in third place. This seat, considered a BJP stronghold, became vacant after Nitin Nabin resigned to join the Rajya Sabha. Counting is underway for a total of 31 rounds. https://news18marathi.com/national/bankipur-bypoll-election-result-live-bankipur-nivdanuk-nikal-prashant-kishor-nitin-nabin-1744851.html

The article explores the deep spiritual bond between Earth and humanity, equated to the sacred bond of a mother. Hinduism reveres Earth as 'Bhumi Devi', while the Atharvaveda calls her the cradle of humanity. Sikhism, through Japji Sahib, honors Earth as 'Mata', and Islam treats it as a sacred trust from God. Sufi saints like Baba Farid, Kabir, and Bulleh Shah emphasize the transience of life, reminding that humans originate from and eventually return to the soil. The narrative highlights how different faiths converge on respecting the Earth as a living, sacred entity rather than just a resource. https://jantaserishta.com/editorial/earth-and-humanity-an-eternal-spiritual-symbiosis-4816358

Performing the Shiv-Parvati Gathbandhan ritual during the holy month of Sawan is believed to fulfill desires and ensure marital bliss. Shiv and Parvati symbolize the ideal couple, and tying their knot using a sacred thread (mouli) can remove marriage obstacles. The process involves cleansing the idols with Gangajal, offering clothes and makeup items, and chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya'. Devotees often perform this on Sawan Mondays to seek blessings for a peaceful and happy married life. Positive intent and donation after the ritual are considered highly auspicious. https://samacharnama.com/astrology/shiv-parvati-gathbandhan-vidhi-wishes-are-fulfilled-by/cid19063374.htm

Preparations are complete for the counting of votes for the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar on August 3. The process will take place at AN College, Patna, across 14 tables in 30 rounds. A three-tier security system featuring 25 companies of central forces and BSAP personnel is in place. The main contest involves BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha, RJD's Rekha Gupta, and Jan Suraaj's Prashant Kishor. Kishor has alleged that 18 of his party workers were detained by police without clear reasons during the election period. https://www.deshbandhu.co.in/bihar/bihar-countdown-to-the-bankipur-by-election-vote-count-begins-the-fate-of-25-candidates-will-be-decided-313499

The 9th Al-Atawilah Heritage Festival in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, has revived 'Al-Assah', the traditional guard unit that once secured the region's villages. Performers dressed in authentic olive-green uniforms with military gear showcase rhythmic marches and drills to educate the younger generation about their historical role. The festival aims to preserve Al-Baha's cultural identity through these historical reenactments and various traditional cultural activities. https://www.mathrubhumi.com/pravasi/saudi-arabia/al-assah-heritage-al-baha-festival-d78v3wfz

Due to the failure of the monsoon, the cultivation area of pearl millet (Kambu) in Cuddalore district has drastically decreased. In Kurinjipadi and Virudhachalam, the cultivation dropped from thousands of acres to just a few hundred. This decline has led to a shortage in market arrivals, potentially causing a price hike. The shortage will also impact poultry feed production, leading to an increase in chicken prices. Farmers are distressed as lack of rain post-sowing has affected crop germination and growth. https://www.dinamalar.com/news/tamil-nadu-district-news-cuddalore/rice-cultivation-area-in-the-district-has-decreased-prices-have-increased-due-to-the-lack-of-monsoon-rains/4286426

Actress Yami Gautam recently shared how nepotism in Bollywood almost led her to quit the industry. She expressed that star kids get opportunities effortlessly while outsiders struggle, causing her to plan a return to Himachal Pradesh. However, the success of 'Uri' and 'Bala' changed her career trajectory. Recently, she was honored as the Best Actress at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in the film 'Article 370'. https://www.alokitobangladesh.com/print-edition/entertainment/343726/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF,-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%87%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF--