Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said humanity must not suffer because of conflict as he backed the Gaza Peace Plan during his visit to Israel. He spoke at a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.   Modi said, “Humanity must never become a victim of conflict.” He added that the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Plan offers a path to peace and that India fully supports it.   He said India will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries. Addressing Israel’s parliament, he stressed that terrorism threatens peace everywhere and called for wisdom and courage in efforts toward stability. (PC: India Today)

An imported anti-dew chemical has been sprayed at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai before India’s key Super Eight match against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.   According to a report in The Indian Express, the product called “Dew Cure” was brought from the United States. It was sprayed on Tuesday and Wednesday. It may be used again on Thursday afternoon.   The aim is to reduce heavy dew during the night game. Humidity is expected to be between 80 and 90 percent. Dew often makes bowling difficult in the second innings.   India must win to stay in the semi-final race after their 76-run loss to South Africa. (PC: X)

The United Kingdom on 26 February expanded its ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign to Haryana to help prevent visa fraud and irregular migration.   The launch event was held in Sonipat with Haryana Minister Gaurav Gautam and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley present. The drive will focus on Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra.   British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron said, “We want every applicant to know that trustworthy guidance is available.”   Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio said the campaign will help people “recognise and avoid visa scams.”   Officials warned that visa fraud can lead to heavy debt and a 10-year travel ban to the UK. (PC: X)

When people searched “Punch the Monkey” on Google, the page was filled with colourful floating hearts — a playful Easter egg celebrating a viral internet sensation. The trend centres on Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo who was abandoned by his mother soon after birth. Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort, and videos of the tiny monkey clutching it captured hearts worldwide. The animation reflects the global affection for Punch, who has become a symbol of resilience and joy online, drawing millions of likes and widespread attention. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Shafiqur Rahman, leader of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami and opposition in parliament, sharply criticised President Mohammed Shahabuddin for “withholding facts” about the turmoil on August 5, 2024, when then-PM Sheikh Hasina fled and her resignation’s authenticity became disputed. Rahman questioned inconsistencies in the President’s statements on the resignation and accused him of misleading the public. The attack follows Shahabuddin’s allegations that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim regime tried to unseat him and restricted his movement and communications — claims that have intensified debate over political power struggles and alleged ties between Yunus’s administration and Islamist groups. (PC: India Today)

Telugu stars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda were married on February 26, 2026, in an intimate destination wedding at ITC Mementos, Udaipur, blending their cultural roots. The couple—affectionately called “Virosh” by fans—held two ceremonies: a traditional Telugu wedding in the morning followed by a Kodava (Coorg) ritual in the evening, honouring both families’ heritages. Celebrations included haldi, mehndi, sangeet and personalised decorations. Close friends, family and industry figures attended while strict privacy and security were maintained. The couple’s engagement was announced in October 2025. (PC: India Today)

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel, he received a warm reception from hosts and the Indian diaspora. At the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), specially-abled artists performed the song “I Love My India” as Modi arrived and watched the show. Cultural presentations, including traditional Indian dances, celebrated shared heritage and the deepening ties between the two nations. Modi’s visit, which also included bilateral talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted expanding strategic cooperation in trade, technology and defence, even as regional tensions persist. The welcome reflected enthusiastic support and diplomatic goodwill. 

The Indian National Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to Israel’s Parliament (Knesset), calling it an “unabashed defence” of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and saying it “diminished India’s moral standing” internationally. Modi spoke of support for the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path to “just and durable peace”, condemned terrorism, and expressed solidarity with Israel over the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh invoked historical letters between Jawaharlal Nehru and Albert Einstein, arguing India’s stance should balance empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians. (PC: ANI)

India strongly responded to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva. India’s representative Anupama Singh rejected Pakistan’s claims on Jammu and Kashmir.   “We categorically reject these allegations,” she said. She added that Pakistan’s propaganda “reeks of envy.”   Singh said Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She called its 1947 accession legal and final.   Referring to development work, she said the J&K budget is “more than double” Pakistan’s recent IMF bailout. She also mentioned the Chenab Rail Bridge and said Pakistan may be “living in the ‘La-la land’.”

An Indian family from Sehore in Madhya Pradesh has claimed that the British government borrowed Rs 35,000 from their ancestor in 1917 and never repaid it.   Vivek Ruthia said his grandfather, Seth Jummalal Ruthia, gave the loan during the First World War. The family says they recently found documents and letters as proof.   “In 1917, my grandfather loaned Rs 35,000 to the British government. That amount has not been repaid to this day,” Vivek Ruthia said.   He plans to send a legal notice to the British government. The family says the amount, if calculated at today’s value, would be much higher. (PC: NDTV)