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)

The Supreme Court has ordered an immediate stop on the use of an NCERT Class 8 Social Science book that carried a chapter on the judiciary. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant led the bench.   The court directed NCERT to ban and seize all printed copies of the withdrawn book. It also asked for the names of the authors and experts who prepared the chapter.   The bench sought records of meetings where the content was approved. State education departments were told to ensure the book is not used in schools.   The court said strict compliance with its directions is required.

In a fascinating display of social learning, a young Japanese macaque named Punch has been observed acquiring new behaviors by imitating his friends and other members of his troop. Researchers note that Punch carefully watches older monkeys as they perform tasks such as foraging, grooming, and playing, then attempts the same actions himself. This method of learning highlights the importance of observation and social interaction in primate development. Experts say such behaviors demonstrate not only intelligence but also the transmission of culture and skills within macaque communities, providing insight into animal cognition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Indian PM Narendra Modi by donning traditional Indian attire — a stone‑coloured Nehru jacket with kurta and trousers — ahead of their joint dinner in Jerusalem. Shared on X, the gesture was described as a personal tribute to Modi, reflecting deep friendship and cultural respect. Modi praised the outfit as “truly splendid,” highlighting warmth in their ties. The event also underscored strengthening strategic relations between Israel and India, coinciding with Modi’s visit that included historic engagements, such as addressing Israel’s Knesset.

Top U.S. House Democrats have accused the Justice Department under President Donald Trump of orchestrating the “largest government cover-up in modern history” by withholding key documents tied to allegations that Trump sexually abused a minor decades ago. The controversy centers on missing FBI interview summaries from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which were supposed to be fully released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. While millions of pages have been published, only one interview with the accuser appears publicly, and Democrats say three others, along with related notes, were improperly withheld. The DOJ claims withheld material falls under lawful exemptions, but lawmakers are demanding full disclosure and may launch a parallel investigation. Trump denies wrongdoing. (PC: AFP)

In Hyderabad, 21-year-old Bonu Komali, a BSc student and part-time YouTuber originally from Visakhapatnam, was found dead by suicide at her rented flat in Manikonda on February 23. Hours before, she had sent her mother — who works in Kuwait — an emotional message saying “I love you” and asking her to take care of her younger brother. Police said her phone was later unreachable, prompting a welfare check. Komali was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan; a ladder and saree were found nearby. Initial investigation points to emotional distress linked to a prolonged relationship dispute. Police have registered a case of suspicious death and are examining digital evidence, messages and statements as part of a detailed probe. (PC: NDTV)