Goswami Tulsidas, whose birth anniversary was marked by CM Yogi Adityanath, is known for composing Ramcharitmanas, one of the most revered works in Indian literature. The 16th-century poet-saint used the Awadhi language to narrate Lord Ram's story and made it accessible to wider audiences. His writings continue to influence religious, literary and cultural traditions.

A traditional Onam Sadhya features an assortment of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. Salt, chips, pickles and other accompaniments are followed by curries such as avial, olan, erissery and kaalan, along with rice, sambar and rasam. The feast concludes with sweet payasams made using ingredients such as jaggery, coconut milk and rice.

Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer is set to publish Swan Song: Diana, My Sister on September 22, 2026, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death. The book will recount Diana's life and the week preceding her fatal Paris crash from Spencer's perspective. He says he wants to counter narratives he believes contain "untruths" about his sister.

A Rajdhani Express train stopped near Hojai in Assam after an elephant herd appeared on the railway tracks. The locomotive crew waited patiently until the animals crossed safely before continuing the journey. The incident highlighted efforts to prevent human-wildlife conflict and ensure the safety of elephants while maintaining responsible railway operations in forest areas.

India introduced its first comprehensive guide on grasslands and open natural ecosystems at the UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar. The guide maps diverse landscapes, including Himalayan grasslands and Deccan savannas, while documenting biodiversity and local communities. Officials said the initiative will support conservation, restoration and sustainable management of these ecosystems alongside forests.

Preventive health testing is growing in India, but more tests do not always mean better care. Ameera Shah said routine screening can help detect disease early, while tests such as predictive genomics, microbiome analysis and full-body scans may have limited value without medical advice. She also cautioned against using AI tools for confirmatory diagnosis.

Heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London has shared three hobbies that he says research has linked with longer life: physical activities, mentally stimulating pursuits and hobbies done socially. In an August 19 video, he recommended movement such as walking and cycling, activities including reading and painting, and social hobbies, saying combining all three could maximise their potential benefits.

Chef Pankaj Bhadouria has shared an emotional update on her breast cancer journey, reflecting on recovery and a renewed sense of purpose. After revealing her diagnosis in May 2026, she underwent surgery and was advised to undergo chemotherapy and targeted therapy following biopsy findings. Pankaj has urged women not to delay regular health check-ups, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a major global health threat as disease-causing microorganisms increasingly resist medicines used to treat infections. Often called a silent pandemic, AMR can make common infections harder to treat, prolong hospital stays and increase costs. Bacterial AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and was linked to nearly 5 million deaths worldwide.

Srinagar's heritage and scenery took centre stage as US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited the historic Pari Mahal and Dal Lake. The seven-terraced Mughal-era garden sits on the Zabarwan range, offering panoramic views of the city and lake. Gor described the visit as "wonderful" and later met Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah for discussions on tourism and horticulture.

Miss Universe Thailand 2026 contestants skipped the usual glamorous costumes for a quirky themed round inspired by the country's food and fruits. Representing all 77 provinces, the contestants transformed into everything from local delicacies to colourful produce, using fashion and creativity to showcase Thailand's cultural identity and culinary heritage.

Tamil Thai Vazhthu is written by P Sundaram Pillai; the song formed the opening of his 1891 play Manonmaniyam and was adopted as Tamil Nadu's state song in 1970. It celebrates the Tamil language, culture and the homeland, reinforcing Tamil pride. The Madras High Court has said there is no restriction on singing it before the National Anthem and Vande Mataram at government events.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to former PM Rajiv Gandhi on his 82nd birth anniversary. Modi remembered the Congress leader, who served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, in a post on X. Rajiv Gandhi, born on August 20, 1944, was assassinated in Tamil Nadu in 1991. PM Modi wrote, "On occasion of his birth anniversary, paying homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi."

Economist Vidya Mahambare said India should consider subsidising rental housing near employment centres instead of focusing primarily on home ownership. She argued that housing far from jobs can restrict worker mobility. Mahambare also called for working women's hostels, childcare facilities and public transport near workplaces to help workers move closer to employment opportunities.

Assam has recorded a rare wildlife sighting after a camera trap captured a male tiger in Dihing Patkai National Park. The Zoological Survey of India and forest officials confirmed the animal's presence during monitoring. The rainforest park, spread across Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, covers 231.65 sq km and supports diverse wildlife, including nearly 50 mammal species.

Tibetan communities across the world held mass prayers marking the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden's death. Palden died after self-immolating outside the UN Headquarters in New York on July 2, following protests over policies affecting Tibet. The 49th-day observance holds spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism, with prayers offered for the deceased's favourable rebirth.

An Indian woman in Canada has sparked outrage after allegedly dumping garbage into a creek near Blue Jay Elementary School in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Influencer @lifewithsonduren confronted her in a viral video, saying she had previously been caught discarding leaves, fruits and flowers into the water. Authorities were reportedly notified, and the city is now working to clean the creek.

Prithviraj Sukumaran has built an estimated ₹54-crore fortune through acting, direction and production. From his luxurious homes and premium car collection, including Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz cars, to his successful film career, the Malayalam star has created a strong presence in Indian cinema. He is set to star in 'Varanasi' next.

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy visited the Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala with his wife, Sudha Murty, on Thursday to offer prayers on his 80th birthday. The couple participated in temple rituals at the revered shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara as devotees gathered at the temple. Murthy turned 80 on August 20, 2026.

Swati Maliwal wished Sudha Murty on her 76th birthday with a heartfelt note, calling her a "best friend, guide and mentor". The BJP MP affectionately described herself as a "Sudha Tai paglu" and praised Murty's simplicity, curiosity and youthful spirit. She said their bond has brought her learning, laughter and meaning.