Entertainment

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda Tie the Knot in Traditional Andhra Ceremony


Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are officially husband and wife.

The couple got married in a traditional Andhra ceremony at around 8 am on Thursday, February 26. The intimate wedding was attended by family members, close friends, and a few members of the Telugu film industry.

After dating for nearly seven years, Rashmika and Vijay have taken the next step in their relationship. Throughout their courtship, the duo remained guarded about their personal lives, even as speculation about their relationship frequently made headlines.

The pre-wedding festivities began on February 24 with what was playfully called the “Virosh Premiere League,” a friendly sports event involving family and friends. Reports suggest Vijay’s team won the match, while Rashmika’s team claimed victory in a lively musical chairs round. The celebrations continued with a colourful sangeet evening, featuring performances by the bride and groom. A special highlight was a surprise performance by Vijay’s mother, Madhavi, who reportedly gifted Rashmika heirloom bangles as a symbolic gesture of acceptance.

On February 25, the couple celebrated their haldi and mehndi ceremonies in the presence of loved ones. Rashmika and Vijay shared vibrant glimpses from these ceremonies, delighting fans who had long awaited confirmation of their union.

While the morning ceremony followed Andhra traditions, the couple is expected to hold another ceremony later in the day honouring Rashmika’s Kodava heritage — blending both cultural backgrounds into their wedding celebrations.

With this union, one of Telugu cinema’s most talked-about couples begins a new chapter, cheered on by fans across the country.

Sports

Uttar Pradesh Signs MoU with AVW Global to Bring MotoGP Back to India


In a major boost to Indian motorsport, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AVW Global to facilitate the return of MotoGP to India.

The agreement is expected to revive international racing at the iconic Buddh International Circuit, a track that has previously hosted high-profile global motorsport events.

The Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, was once India’s premier motorsport destination, attracting international attention and thousands of racing fans. However, global racing events at the venue had slowed in recent years.

With this new partnership, the state government aims to reposition Uttar Pradesh as a global sporting destination. Officials believe the revival of MotoGP will not only enhance India’s presence in international motorsport but also generate tourism, investment, and employment opportunities in the region.

MotoGP is regarded as one of the most prestigious motorcycle racing championships in the world, drawing elite riders, global sponsors, and massive television audiences.

Industry observers note that the success of the revival will depend on seamless coordination between event organisers, international governing bodies, and state authorities.

If executed effectively, the return of MotoGP could mark a turning point for India’s motorsport ecosystem — reigniting enthusiasm among fans and reinforcing the country’s capability to host world-class sporting events.

National

2,000-Year-Old Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Discovered in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, Rewriting Ancient Maritime History


A groundbreaking discovery may reshape our understanding of ancient maritime trade routes. Researchers have identified 2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit inscriptions within the high-security royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Pharaonic burials.

The findings offer compelling new evidence of maritime trade connections between ancient Tamilakam (present-day Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions) and Egypt, dating back nearly two millennia. The inscriptions are believed to belong to the period between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE — a time corresponding to the height of Indo-Roman trade.

According to reports, 30 inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi, Prakrit, and Sanskrit were identified across six tombs in the Theban Necropolis. The site, located within ancient Thebes, is globally known for housing royal tombs including that of Tutankhamun.

The study was conducted during 2024 and 2025 by Professor Charlotte Schmid of the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO) and Professor Ingo Strauch of the University of Lausanne. The team documented inscriptions across multiple tombs, building upon the early 20th-century work of French scholar Jule Baillet, who surveyed the Valley of the Kings in 1926 and catalogued more than 2,000 Greek graffiti marks.

Commenting on the discovery, author and historian TS Krishnan noted that Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt are “not entirely unexpected.” He pointed to well-established maritime trade networks between ancient Tamilakam and the Mediterranean world, particularly Egypt, during the Sangam age.

Krishnan also referenced earlier discoveries, including a broken pottery shard bearing Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt, read as “Paanai Uri,” interpreted as “a pot hung by rope” or “suspended vessel.” The artefact is generally dated to around the 1st century CE.

The presence of Indian inscriptions inside royal Egyptian tomb complexes suggests that Indian merchants may have travelled deep into Egyptian territory, leaving behind tangible traces of cross-cultural contact.

If further authenticated and studied, this discovery could significantly expand the historical narrative of Indo-Egyptian relations and reinforce evidence of India’s extensive maritime networks during antiquity.

National

Government of Bihar Launches “Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” Initiative to Fix Potholes


In a unique citizen-driven governance move, the Government of Bihar has launched the “Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” initiative starting today. Under this scheme, residents who report a verified pothole on state roads will receive a reward of ₹5,000.

The initiative aims to improve road infrastructure, ensure quicker pothole repairs, and enhance commuter safety across Bihar. By directly involving citizens in monitoring road conditions, the government seeks to create greater accountability and faster response mechanisms.

Officials stated that once a pothole is reported and verified by the concerned department, corrective measures will be initiated promptly, and the reporting citizen will be eligible for the financial reward.

The move reflects Bihar’s attempt to adopt participatory governance models where citizens become active stakeholders in infrastructure maintenance. Poor road conditions and potholes often lead to accidents, traffic disruptions, and vehicle damage — issues the scheme intends to address more efficiently.

With this initiative, Bihar joins a growing list of states experimenting with incentive-based reporting systems to strengthen transparency and service delivery.

Automobiles

CM Pramod Sawant Reviews F4 Indian Championship Preparations at Mopa Airport Circuit


Goa is gearing up for a high-speed sporting spectacle as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant visited the F4 Indian Championship racing site at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, to review preparations and operational readiness ahead of the much-anticipated event scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the circuit infrastructure along with government officials and organisers, Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL). The review focused on safety measures, logistics, spectator arrangements, and the overall readiness of the venue to host a world-class motorsports event.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Sawant highlighted that hosting the F4 Indian Championship marks a significant milestone for Goa, positioning the state on the global motorsports map. He emphasised that such international-level events contribute to strengthening Goa’s identity beyond tourism, encouraging sports development and creating new opportunities for local talent.

The Chief Minister also noted that the championship is expected to provide a strong boost to tourism, attract motorsports enthusiasts from across the country, and generate employment opportunities for local communities. With Manohar International Airport serving as a unique racing venue, the event reflects Goa’s growing ambition to diversify its event calendar and promote new forms of sports tourism.

As final preparations continue, excitement is building among motorsport fans, with the F4 Indian Championship promising thrilling races, cutting-edge racing technology, and a dynamic atmosphere for spectators.