Born on 9 October 1945 in Gwalior, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a sixth-generation maestro of the Senia Bangash tradition and one of India’s most celebrated sarod virtuosos. Trained by his father, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, he gave his first solo recital at just 12 and went on to build a career spanning more than six decades. He transformed the global appreciation of the sarod through his distinctive playing style and original compositions. He has performed at iconic venues including C

Today, India bids farewell to one of its most distinctive and unforgettable artists. Veteran actor, filmmaker and humanitarian Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 in Goa on October 8, 2026, bringing an end to a remarkable journey that spanned nearly five decades of Indian cinema. According to hospital sources, he was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was dec

Indian Air Force Day is observed every year on 8 October to honour the strength, courage and service of the Indian Air Force.The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 and has since become a vital part of India’s defence.One of its greatest achievements has been protecting India’s skies while contributing to major military operations and humanitarian missions.The day recognises the dedication of air warriors who serve the nation with discipline and cour

India and Iceland are set to convene the Prosperity Summit 2026 in New Delhi, focusing on sustainable growth and green innovation.The summit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in the renewable energy sector. It will bring attention to clean technologies that can support a greener and more sustainable future.A key focus will be accelerating the global transition towards low-carbon development.The discussions will also explore sustainable energy infrastructu

Vinod Khanna was one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, remembered for his powerful screen presence and versatile performances.Born on 6 October 1946, he became a prominent figure in Hindi films during the 1970s and 1980s.His greatest achievement was building a remarkable acting career with memorable performances in films such as Mere Apne, Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.Beyond cinema, he also served the nation through his career in public life.His journe

National Dolphin Day is observed to celebrate dolphins and raise awareness about their importance in aquatic ecosystems. Dolphins are highly intelligent, social marine mammals known for their remarkable communication and playful behaviour. They play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. The day encourages people to learn about dolphins, appreciate marine biodiversity, and support the protection of their natural habitats. Pollution, habitat degrada

National Animal Day is observed to celebrate animals and promote awareness about their welfare and protection. Animals are an essential part of our natural world and contribute to healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. The day encourages people to treat animals with kindness, compassion, and responsibility. It also highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and providing proper care for domestic animals. From companion animals to wild species, every animal has an importan

Professor Mahan Maharaj (Swami Vidyanathananda), a Ramakrishna Order monk and mathematician, is best known for proving the existence of Cannon-Thurston maps in hyperbolic geometry. Professor Mahan Maharaj (born Mahan Mitra, known monastically as Swami Vidyanathananda) embodies a extraordinary synthesis where spirituality, fundamental science, and elite mathematical breakthroughs seamlessly coexist. Currently a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Rese

Charles J. Pedersen was a renowned American chemist and Nobel Prize winner, born on October 3, 1904. He is best known for his groundbreaking discovery of crown ethers, ring-shaped molecules capable of selectively binding metal ions. This discovery opened new possibilities in supramolecular chemistry and greatly influenced modern chemical research. In 1987, Pedersen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shared with Donald J. Cram and Jean-Marie Lehn. His work has contribut

In 1986, 22-year-old Neerja Bhanot played a crucial role during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. She alerted the cockpit crew, hid passengers’ passports from the hijackers and helped open emergency exits. Neerja ultimately sacrificed her life while protecting children from gunfire. Her actions helped save more than 350 lives and earned her India’s Ashoka Chakra. Four decades later, in 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar faced a terrifying emergency aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. D

Mahatma Gandhi, born on 2 October 1869, was one of India’s most influential leaders and a prominent figure in the freedom movement.He championed the principles of truth, non-violence, and peaceful resistance.Gandhiji played a major role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.He led important movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement.His philosophy of non-violent resistance inspired movements for civil rights and freedo

Sachin Dev Burman, popularly known as S. D. Burman, was one of India’s most celebrated music composers and singers. Born on 1 October 1906, he began his musical journey with Bengali folk and classical music and went on to create a remarkable legacy in both Bengali and Hindi cinema. His soulful compositions, distinctive musical style, and collaborations with legendary artists made him a cherished figure in Indian music. He received prestigious honours, including the Sangeet Na

On September 28, 2026, Indian athletics witnessed a seismic shift on the track at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Crossing the finish line of the women's 400m hurdles in 54.75 seconds, Vithya Ramraj did not just secure an Asian Games bronze medal—she shattered one of the longest-standing benchmarks in Indian sports history. By clocking 54.75 seconds, Vithya officially erased legendary sprint queen P.T. Usha’s iconic national record of 55.42 seconds, which had stood untouc

Shaan (Shantanu Mukherjee) is one of India’s most beloved playback singers, known for his soothing voice, versatility, and effortless musical expression. Over the years, he has become a cherished name in Indian music, captivating audiences across generations. His remarkable career includes Filmfare Awards, IIFA Awards, and other prestigious honours for his contribution to playback singing. He has also lent his voice to numerous memorable songs in Hindi and other Indian langua

India’s journey in space science is a story of vision, innovation, and continuous progress. September 29 marks two remarkable milestones in this journey, reflecting ISRO’s growing capabilities in satellite technology and atmospheric research. In 1997, ISRO successfully launched the IRS-1D satellite aboard PSLV-C1, strengthening India’s remote-sensing and launch capabilities. A year later, in 1998, the Rohini RH-560 Mk sounding rocket was successfully launched to study the upp

Lata Mangeshkar was one of India’s most iconic and influential playback singers, whose extraordinary voice became an integral part of Indian music and cinema. Her career spanned several decades, inspiring generations of musicians and listeners. She received the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, along with multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. Her contribution to Indian music earned her a place among the most celebrated voic

Bhagat Singh remains one of India’s most remembered freedom fighters and revolutionary thinkers. His courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to India’s independence continue to inspire generations. He became a powerful symbol of the Indian freedom movement through his fearless resistance to British rule and his dedication to the ideals of freedom and justice. His writings and revolutionary ideas reflected a deep commitment to the nation and its future. Though his life

World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on 27 September to recognise the importance of tourism and its contribution to communities, cultures, economies, and sustainable development.The day was established by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and has been observed since 1980.27 September was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes in 1970.Tourism connects people across borders, encourages cultural exchange, and helps comm

26 September marks the birth anniversary of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, born in 1820 in Birsingha, Bengal.A renowned educator, scholar, writer, and social reformer, he became one of the prominent figures of the Bengal Renaissance.He dedicated his life to expanding education, particularly women’s education, and worked to make learning more accessible.He played a leading role in the campaign for widow remarriage, contributing to the passage of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act in

World Pharmacists Day is observed every year on 25 September to recognise the vital contribution of pharmacists to healthcare and healthier communities.The day was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and marks the anniversary of FIP’s founding in 1912.Since 2010, the annual observance has highlighted the achievements and evolving role of pharmacists around the world.Pharmacists contribute to healthcare through safe and effective medicine use, pati