As the global Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) returns between February 13 and 16, campuses across India are gearing up for the Campus Bird Count, a sister event of the GBBC that is unique to India, organised by Bird Count India in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund India and Foundation for Ecological Security. Asian green bee-eaters. Pic/Garima Bhatia Building on last year’s engagement, when more than 270 campuses uploaded over 8000 bird lists, campus communities nationwide are once again taking the lead in documenting birds. More than 10,000 people participated in the GBBC in 2025. A rose-ringed parakeet. PIC/Bhaarat Vyas From engineering colleges in Pune to architecture programmes in Kerala, from schools in Chhattisgarh to garden campuses in Delhi, from universities in Mizoram to campuses in Gujarat, thousands are monitoring birds in green spaces. A tricoloured, or black-headed, munia. Pic/Garima Bhatia Some of these are informal patches —courtyards, heritage groves, and tree-lined pathways — that have emerged as vital habitats beyond protected areas, often the last strongholds of biodiversity in urbanised landscapes. A brahminy starling. PIC/Bhaarat Vyas “Taking part in this event inspired my fellow students and me to think about birds, notice them, and even rescue injured ones. It also showed us how documenting the birds on eBird can convert our interest into important information that helps the birdwatching community and scientists in India,” said Siddharth Singh Bawa, a Std XI student from the Doon School, Dehradun. A zitting cisticola. PIC/Krishna Murty What is the Great Backyard Bird Count? A purple sunbird. Pic/Bhaarat Vyas It is an annual global event that engages bird enthusiasts of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. The global GBBC is organised by Cornell University and the Audubon Society in the USA. In India, it is coordinated by Bird Count India, a consortium of 70-plus birding, nature, and conservation organisations. A lineated barbet. PIC/Subhadra Devi How to participate A spotted dove. PIC/Subhadra Devi Watch birds anywhere on your campus — courtyards, gardens, pathways, or near water bodies — for at least 15 minutes from February 13 to 16. Identify all birds seen or heard and share your sightings using the eBird app. Birdwatchers in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. PIC/Malyasri Bhattacharya
09 February,2026 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Eastern Express Highway (EEH) runners, a group of runners who train on the EEH, especially the Airoli junction to Ghatkopar service road, have a spring in their running stride. The Tabebuia heterophylla, also known as the Pink Trumpet tree, lining their route are now on the last lap, racing towards the season’s end. Runners consider themselves fortunate to run under the pink canopy and watch a pink carpet unfold under their feet as the flowers fall off the trees. Many of these runners have a deep connection with the green around them. While the credit for planting and maintaining Pink Trumpet trees goes to the civic authorities, many runners have tended to the greenery by watering them, watching them grow, and blossoming. Ajit Kamboj, 69, a regular runner, said, “The Pink Trumpet trees are Instagram magnets. The peepal and neem, too, are part of the bigger picture. I have, in fact, dissuaded several persons from breaking off twigs from the neem saplings to use as toothbrushes,” said Kamboj. We, runners, have also planted at least 250 peepal trees with the help of outfits working in the green space.” Runners amidst the blooms at the Eastern Express Highway The ultra runner who has run from Pune to Jejuri (50 km) and ‘Gateway of India to Dombivali’ (65 km) and has done the 42-km at that Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) in 2025 added, “In the summer I will be watering the plants on my bicycle, like I have done for years. I want people to realise that we are there because of the trees.” The threat Over 700 Pink Trumpet trees are facing possible removal because of the MMRDA’s elevated corridor project from Ghatkopar to Thane. Online, a petition to save these trees garnered more than 1600 signatures in a day. The BMC then did announce that the Vikhroli-Ghatkopar stretch was realigned to save 127 these trees. “Urbanisation will always go on, but imagining this stretch without these trees is emotionally devastating. These are not just pink trees, they are one of the reasons our local community is in the pink of health,” stated EEH runner Dr Aparna Govind. Dr Govind, who has completed over 50 half marathons and one 35 km Tata Ultra, lives at Kanjurmarg, said, “These trees have grown strong and self-sufficient over time. However, there were a few empty patches along the service road where Ajit Kaka [Kamboj] planted some trees. These young trees needed extra care, especially during harsh summers. Some runners from our group, along with Ajit Kaka, who live close by, lovingly water them during the summer months.” Save them Dr Govind added, “Runners and citizens had come together recently and signed petitions to authorities to save these trees. We even formed a ‘Save the Pink Beauty’ task force and created a symbolic, ‘Chipko moment’ not as a protest, but as an expression of love and belonging.”
09 February,2026 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe new-look Virar railway station will have five platforms in a row, starting from the southern end of the station due to a lack of space. The new station upgrade has many surprises in store, including an elevated deck above the platforms and also outside, essentially like a Thane station-like SATIS (Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme), but connected to an autorickshaw parking area. “There are space constraints at Virar on either side, in the east and west. Hence, we have decided to move southwards to build the two new platforms — nos. 1 and 2 on the west side, and no. 9 on the east side. With the new layout, it will result in a row of five platforms if we add the existing ones in a line. The remodelling of Virar station has been planned to ease congestion and accommodate 15-coach trains on the Virar-Dahanu route. Key improvements include the construction of new platforms at the south-end, a new platform no. 5A, expansion of platforms 3A/4A, and improved infrastructure to boost capacity by 25 per cent,” said an official. The crowd at Virar railway station on Sunday. PIC/NIMESH DAVE “Platform 3A is being widened to 10 metres from the existing 6-metre width with a double-discharge facility on the west side to handle higher commuter volume, along with a home platform. There are upgrades focusing on enabling 15-car suburban trains to operate on the Virar–Dahanu corridor and the station modernisation also includes a new station deck for better passenger movement. The overall projected benefits include increased capacity for suburban trains and reduced crowding,” an official said. The elevated deck across platforms will be linked to an autorickshaw deck independently proposed by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation — something like Thane station has at present, where a public transport bus deck is part of SATIS. “I have been watching the ongoing works at Virar, which are of a massive scale and have been split into phases for less inconvenience to commuters. It is interesting to document changes happening as the works are getting completed,” said Saurabh Raut, who has been documenting the process. Needed upgrade >> With two new platforms and added to the three existing ones, Virar will have five platforms — nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5B — in a row >> Station upgrade project is a part of quadrupling of the Virar-Dahanu Road section on WR, progressing steadily under the MUTP Phase 3, and being executed by the MRVC. The project aims to significantly enhance suburban rail capacity and convenience >> The total amount sanctioned for the project is '3578 crore, and physical progress has reached 47 per cent
09 February,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWhen the Bombay High Court granted the BMC permission in February 2023 to construct an underground water tank in Gorai, residents hoped their long-standing drinking water crisis would finally be resolved. Nearly three years later, that hope has given way to uncertainty and growing frustration. The proposed water tank was expected to include a suction pump to increase pressure in the pipeline supplying water from Malad’s P North ward. However, residents say no such work has been carried out so far. In recent months, the situation in Gorai and nearby villages has worsened after changes in water supply timings, forcing families to reorganise their daily routines. Royston Godinho, a member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said locals have received no official communication on the project’s status. “We were waiting for the tank to be built, but nothing has happened. Workers have told us the project may have been scrapped because the old pipelines cannot handle higher pressure and may burst,” he said. “Water now comes as late as 8 or 9 pm.” Godinho added. Sister Juliet Francis D’Abreo, a nun from the area, said residents were recently receiving muddy water. “We could not even fill our containers. The quality has improved slightly, but round-the-clock supply through proper storage remains a distant dream,” she said. mid-day contacted the BMC’s R Central ward for clarification, but no response was received till press time.
09 February,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturNight schools often attract working professionals who carve out time for academics to move up the career ladder. But for many adult learners, returning to school is driven as much by emotion as ambition, especially the weight carried by a Std X or XII board certificate. Rajesh Sawant, 41, left his education early to take up work and later joined a political party. “As a young adult, I never thought education was important and kept hopping between jobs. When the world started changing, I didn’t realise how crucial education would become,” he said. Now preparing for his Std XII exams, Sawant hopes to complete his schooling before his daughter, currently in first grade, reaches Std X. Students attend evening classes at Shree Saraswati Night High School and Junior College in Goregaon after finishing their workday With work, financial pressures, and family responsibilities occupying their daytime hours, many like Sawant are preparing for the Std X and XII Maharashtra board examinations through night schools. After finishing their jobs, students gather at Shree Saraswati Night High School and Junior College in Goregaon between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm. In a Std X classroom, a 50-year-old mother of two said she enrolled simply to prove a point. “I work as a full-time domestic helper in South Mumbai. I had taken my Std X CBSE exams years ago, but the certificate was misplaced. My children think their mother never completed school,” she told mid-day. Rajesh Sawant, 41, (right) prepares for his Std XII board exams through a night school. Pics/Aditi Arulkar Without informing her family, she now travels daily from Thane to South Mumbai for work and then to Goregaon in the evenings to attend the Kannada-medium school. Finishing classes by 9.30 pm, she rushes back home. “I heard about this night school on the train and decided to take up the challenge. The teachers are very approachable, which is why I have continued,” she said. Others, like 24-year-old Mahadev Galfade, were forced to abandon education due to circumstances. Galfade dropped out in Std IV after his father’s death, with his mother becoming the sole breadwinner. He worked at food stalls, in households, and as a daily wage labourer to help pay rent. Today, he works as a gig worker. “I once worked as a staffer at a college and saw people my age finishing Std XII. They kept asking me about my qualifications. That’s when I decided I would complete my education someday,” he said. “I know the marks may not change my life much, but it feels good to be counted among the educated.” Mahadev Galfade, 24, a gig worker, has returned to school after dropping out in Std IV due to family circumstances His friend Rahul Rathod, 22, shares a similar journey. As the eldest sibling facing family troubles, Rathod left school in Std IX to take up delivery jobs. With his family’s situation improving, he has returned to studies. “I now work as an IT staffer and data entry operator. I hope education helps me move up professionally,” Rathod said. 13,780No of pvt HSC students Feb 20Day SSC exams begin 16,039No of pvt SSC students Feb 10Day HSC exams begin
09 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA day after filing his nomination for the post of deputy mayor of Mumbai, Sanjay Ghadi said that this role and that of the mayor should come with more powers. Speaking to mid-day, Ghadi said that while these positions come with the responsibility of addressing citizens’ grievances and queries, they are more symbolic than functional. “I will write to the urban development (UD) department asking for delegation of more powers to the mayor and deputy mayor,” he added. According to the numbers presented in the last budget, the BMC has a budget of Rs 74,000 crore, much higher than those of several smaller states in India. However, unlike global cities where mayors have direct control over budgets, officials, and daily administration, Mumbai’s mayor and deputy mayor have very limited authority and their roles are largely ceremonial (chairing BMC meetings and representing the city at official events), while the majority of the executive power rests with the municipal commissioner, a senior bureaucrat appointed by the Maharashtra government. The UD department governs all municipal local bodies in the state. The ministry is headed by Eknath Shinde, the Shiv Sena leader from whose party Ghadi won the civic election. “Shinde saheb has a deep understanding of municipal functioning and of the expectations and work the common man approaches a corporator, mayor, or deputy mayor for. I am sure he will look into the request,” Ghadi said. Ghadi further emphasised that he is not seeking political influence. “More power means the ability to address and resolve citizens’ issues effectively,” he added. In a detailed conversation with mid-day, Ghadi claimed that he followed the school of thought of the late Bal Thackeray and late Anand Dighe, who believed that getting work done for the common man is what matters, regardless of whether one has formal powers or not. “I will follow the same principle when it comes to meeting public expectations as deputy mayor of the city,” Ghadi stated. Political equation In 2022, Eknath Shinde engineered a split in the undivided Shiv Sena, and the 2026 BMC elections were the first polls in Mumbai after this division. Shinde’s Sena, in alliance with the BJP, contested the civic elections, with the BJP fielding candidates for 137 seats and winning 89, while Shinde’s faction contested 90 seats and secured 29 victories. As a result, the BJP got the mayor’s post, and Shinde appointed Ghadi as deputy.
09 February,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIndia is in good hands The display of the Indian National Flag ahead of India vs USA T20 World Cup match at Wankhede Stadium on Saturday Dreams come true Children from The Dharavi Dream Project (TDDP) perform Dharavi Dreams. Pics courtesy/TDD Young performers from The Dharavi Dream Project (TDDP) lit up the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival on February 8 with their 15th show. Neha Singh Writer-director Neha Singh told this diarist, “The kids are performing with their heart, as the inspiration is quite literally drawn from their personal lives,” adding that the minutes’-long applause made the children very happy. Peas of mind ‘The Lotus Headed’ presented at India Art Fair 2026. Pics courtesy/Chanakya School of Craft Chanakya School of Craft and founder Karishma Swali announced the inaugural Swali Craft Prize at India Art Fair 2026, awarding it to Indian artist Natasha Preenja, known as Princess Pea. (Left) Natasha Preenja (Princess Pea) and Karishma Swali Her winning work, The Lotus Headed, draws from Lajja Gauri, an ancient fertility figure, grounding the piece in bodily knowledge, protest, and endurance. Swali reiterated, “The Lotus Headed unfolded through dialogue, trust, and shared authorship, transforming individual intention into a collective expression.” Honour rolls (From left) Radhika Chopra, Nupur Dalmia, Anu Menda, Kiran Nadar, Gurmeet Rai, Raghu Rai, and Pheroza Godrej. Pics courtesy/Asia Society India Centre The celebratory night in Delhi acquired a touch of class as the quiet Raghu Rai made an appearance at the 10th Asia Arts Game Changer Awards on February 6. The veteran photographer was presented the Asia Arts Vanguard Honour, following names such as Krishen Khanna, Vivan Sundaram, and Akbar Padamsee on the honour rolls. Raghu Rai The Mumbai-based studio, Camp, was honoured with the Asia Arts Pathbreaker Award, while the Asia Arts Future India Award went to artist Kulpreet Singh. “As India and Asia’s position in the world evolves, our understanding of this South Asian voice moves with it. I am looking forward to what the next decade of listening to these voices will bring,” Inakshi Sobti, CEO, Asia Society India Centre, told this diarist. VR curious The Dancing Forest. Pics courtesy/AniMela When the 2026 edition of the Animela opens on February 19, Mumbaikars will experience a ‘transmedia display of art, animation, VFX, and VR’ coming together, promised co-founders Anne Doshi, and Archana Trasy. Anne Doshi and Archana Trasy “Keep an eye out for our VR installations. One installation allows you to experience forests in nature recreated through Gond Art,” Trasy added. We’’ll be waiting to witness the spectacle.
09 February,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDuring his two-day visit to Mumbai to mark 100 years of the organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on several issues, including linguistic disputes, corruption, and advocating for families to have three children for social balance. Child rearing Citing advice from doctors and experts, he said families should have three children to ensure social balance and long-term demographic stability. He also suggested that marriage between the ages of 19 and 25, contributes to healthier and happier families. Commenting on the one-child approach, Bhagwat stated population growth below 2.3 is a sign of decline. Linguistic rift Regarding the Marathi vs non-Marathi-speaking controversies, Bhagwat said not everyone takes to the streets, and actions of a few shouldn’t be seen as representing a community. He stressed that people from different communities must celebrate festivals jointly. RSS chief’s selection Clarifying about the myth in connection to the RSS chief post, he made it clear the Sangh does not follow community-based representation and volunteers work and rise based on their work. He asserted that being from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is not a disqualification, and being a Brahmin is not a qualification. Age of retirement Reiterating his view that a person should ideally step down after the age benchmark of 75, Bhagwat said despite crossing the benchmark, he has been asked to continue. “I will step down whenever I am asked to do so,” he said.
09 February,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMumbai is set to witness heightened political sparring at the BMC, with leaders of the Shiv Sena (undivided) that dominated the civic body for over two decades having moved to the Opposition benches. The first signs of this shift emerged with a sharp exchange triggered by to-be-mayor Ritu Tawde, signalling the start of an aggressive phase where decisions by the ruling BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Sena alliance are expected to come under intense scrutiny. In January, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in an interview with mid-day, highlighted the removal of illegal Bangladeshi migrants from Mumbai as a key priority. Following this, on Saturday, Tawde said that deporting illegal Bangladeshis would be her top priority. Her statement drew a strong reaction from the Opposition. On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the mayor’s focus, noting that it was late Shiv Sena (undivided) chief Bal Thackeray who first raised the issue decades ago. While welcoming Tawde’s stand in principle, Raut said, “Tawde should take the matter further by questioning the central leadership on why crores of rupees were allocated to Bangladesh in the recent Union Budget.” The Sena UBT leader further questioned why financial assistance is being given to Bangladesh at a time when reports suggest attacks on Hindu temples and threats to Indian interests in the country. BJP’s mayoral nominee Ritu Tawde; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut Many in political corridors believe such confrontations will become frequent at the BMC as the civic body undergoes a major shift. For the first time in more than two decades, Shiv Sena sits in Opposition — a dramatic change for a party long in control. When Shiv Sena was in power, the Opposition numbers were weak. Now, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress together holding nearly 89 seats (excluding MNS and others) in the 227-member house, the Opposition party’s voice is set to be louder and harder to ignore. After ruling the BMC together for nearly 25 years until their split in 2017, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 civic polls, winning 89 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) secured 65, while the Eknath Shinde-led Sena won 29, and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) bagged six, enabling the BJP to secure the mayor’s post and the Shinde camp the deputy mayor’s position. Tensions are further heightened as the mayor now represents a party that was once Shiv Sena’s closest ally but is today its strongest rival. This shift from friend to foe is expected to turn every major BMC decision, including budgets, policies, and civic projects, into a political battleground. Taking a personal swipe at Tawde, Raut quipped, “Ritu Tawde was originally from Congress. The BJP has failed to promote its loyal workers while rewarding outsiders.” mid-day tried contacting Tawde for a comment, but there was no response.
09 February,2026 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFrom blinking red to steady green, Mumbai’s traffic police are set for a body-camera upgrade aimed at fixing one persistent problem: cameras dying mid-duty. With nearly 3000 traffic policemen deployed on city roads every day, the Mumbai Traffic Police are preparing to replace outdated body-worn cameras that often fail due to poor battery life. The upgrade is expected to improve accountability, transparency, and enforcement, with fewer chances of cameras shutting down while on duty. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that traffic personnel will soon be equipped with advanced body-worn cameras. At present, the department uses around 1800 cameras, many of which have become unreliable because of recurring battery failures. Though the existing cameras claim to offer up to 14 hours of standby time and 10 hours of recording, officers say the reality is starkly different. Several devices reportedly function for just 15 to 20 minutes before shutting down completely. Around 3000 traffic policemen work across Mumbai in two shifts, regulating traffic and taking action against violators. Mumbai Traffic Police personnel use chest-mounted body cameras at Bharat Mata junction, Lower Parel, to record traffic violations and interactions with motorists. File pics/Ashish Raje However, malfunctioning cameras often undermine enforcement and limit real-time monitoring. At a recent meeting of senior police officials, a proposal to procure new body-worn cameras was discussed and approved. The police department has confirmed that upgraded devices with improved battery backup and enhanced features will be rolled out in the near future. Body cams in use Manufacturer: Sanchar Features:>> Audio and video recording>> 36 MP photos>> Night vision>> GPS tracking>> Wi-Fi connectivity>> Digital display>> One-touch recording Storage: 128 GB internal5 GB external Battery: 4000 mAh Live link:>> Real-time audio, video, and photos sent to the traffic police control room>> Cameras mounted on uniforms for live monitoring How Mumbai compares Axon cameras widely used in US, UK, Australia, Canada. Pic/Axon.com India>> Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram>> Common brands: Sanchar, CP+ InternationalUS, UK, Australia, Canada>> Axon cameras widely used>> Linked to fewer complaints and assaults on officers Motorola Solutions and Edesix used in Europe and Asia. Pic/motorolasolutions.com Europe and Asia>> Motorola Solutions, Edesix>> High-quality video, live streaming>> Secure, tamper-proof data storage The problem Battery drain>> Claimed backup: up to 10 hours>> Actual performance: 15–20 minutes for many devices>> Frequent shutdowns during duty hours>> Camera count over the years 20211388 cameras 2023–241600 cameras Currently 1800 cameras in use
09 February,2026 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 9. Aries March 21 – April 20Signing a new contract takes longer than expected, but that’s all a part of negotiations. This time is auspicious for buying a vehicle. Do get enough sleep. Cosmic tip: Use time constructively every day. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A short work-related trip turns out to be longer by two days, so a couple of meetings need to be rescheduled.Cosmic tip: Continue being careful about what you eat and drink and where. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Sometimes all it takes to make a decision is to not hurry with it, not overthinking it, but being practical.Cosmic tip: Be discreetly tactful when addressing a sensitive subject that has to be discussed. Cancer June 22 – July 23The offer of a job is unexpected, but you aren’t looking for a change of job. Sorting some bank work for parents requires focused energy. Cosmic tip: Maintain a responsible attitude as karma comes back threefold. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Those in a secret romance should, ideally, speak to an elder about it (you want to make the right decision). Professional goals are reached.Cosmic tip: Don’t tolerate disrespectful behaviour from anyone. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Do the maths first (rate of interest) if wanting to take a business loan, going into this situation with awareness.Cosmic tip: Don’t worry if unable to meet friends. See what suits you best. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Making daily life smoother flowing with positive karmas is highlighted by the Tarot.Cosmic tip: Deal with evolving matters immediately instead of allowing them to pile up. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Singles receive some marriage proposals. Helping a friend navigate life’s issues is a learning lesson for you, too.Cosmic tip: Gratefully send a prayer of thanks for what you have in daily life. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Remaining clear headed about where exactly you want to take life is a relief, even though it has been a tough journey. Keep plans low key.Cosmic tip: Be grateful the worst is over. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A business or work trip brings excellent results. This is one of those days when work gets completed as planned. Surprising news is received. Cosmic tip: Don’t rush a decision. Wait for two days. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Usually, it’s not beneficial to try and take the easy way out. Consider how the matter can be dealt with intelligently. Cosmic tip: Get enough rest if recouping from slight ill health. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Don’t insist on an early commitment if in a new relationship. Make time for an elder.Cosmic tip: Understand, excuses are answers given in a- round-about manner, but not what you expected to hear.
09 February,2026 04:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseADVERTISEMENT
