An artery forceps was found inside the abdomen of a Punnapra native, five years after she underwent surgery at Alappuzha Medical College in Vandanam. According to relatives, Usha Joseph underwent surgery for the removal of a uterine fibroid at the medical college in May 2021. However, after the surgery, she had been suffering from recurring abdominal pain. The X-ray reportedly showed an artery forceps inside her stomach. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 10:13 AM IST | Kochi | AgenciesA man tried to set ablaze a petrol pump after being asked not to smoke. The man took out a cigarette from his pocket and tried to light it. The pump staff immediately stopped him. Out of anger, he took threw the lighter towards the pump nozzle, igniting fire. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Raipur | AgenciesThe outer area of the retina, or the peripheral retina, could offer a window into an early detection of Alzheimer’s disease long before irreversible brain damage occurs, and a routine eye exam may thus potentially help with an early diagnosis of the neurodegenerative condition, according to a new study. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesNo one stopped to help her while she desperately pleaded for help as her granddaughter lay soaked in blood after a car rammed into their e-rickshaw, recalled the elderly woman after the horrific accident in West Delhi’s Janakpuri., which left a 6-year-old dead. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 10:11 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe ePlane Company and NVIDIA have announced plans to develop electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, ePlane, the Chennai-based developer of eVTOL aircraft, said it will create a high-fidelity “Digital Twin” of its e200x, setting a new benchmark for aerospace simulation. The ePlane Company. Additionally, it will use the NVIDIA IGX platform as the onboard computing platform. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 09:37 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesFor dozens of middle-class families, buying a home in Pune was meant to mark stability and security. Instead, for buyers in the Marvel Isola — J Phase II project in Mohammadwadi, it has turned into a decade-long wait marked by loans, rent, and legal battles. Many buyers booked flats between 2013 and 2014, were promised possession by 2016, and say they are still waiting either for homes or refunds. Buyer voices Radhakrishna Chetlapalli,who booked a flat in 2014, says the wait has stretched across generations. “My children were in school when we booked. Today they are settled in careers, and I am retired, but we still have no flat or refund,” he said. Jay Nihlani, who booked in 2013, said he continues to pay both EMIs and rent. “Thirteen years later, I am still paying the loan and living in a rented house, paying rent of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month. I don’t even want the flat anymore, I just want my money back,” he said. Buyers also say two members of the group died while waiting for a resolution. Wider impact . Some buyers are NRIs who now question investment security in Indian real estate.The group has written to:. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Pune Police and district authorities. They say no decisive action has followed. Builder’s response “We understand the concerns of our homebuyers and sincerely regret the delay. The project was impacted due to a dispute with the lending bank and the exit of a financial partner. These matters are now resolved, and we expect completion within the next 3-4 months. We are also compensating buyers by enhancing amenities and upgrading specifications.” What home buyers say now . For many, issue has moved beyond delayed possession to financial strain and lost years.. Buyers say they are planning a public campaign to warn others about risks Construction timeline 2013 Project launched 2014 Agreements signed 2016 Possession promised 2016-17 Construction stalls 2022 MahaRERA orders in buyers’ favour 2025 NCLT admits insolvency petition 2026 Buyers allege settlement defaulted again Legal battles across forums 2018–19 Buyers approach MahaRERA after delays; promoter reportedly promises refunds with interest during conciliationMarch 2022 MahaRERA passes orders in favour of buyers, but they allege no compliance2019 onward Complaints filed with local police and Economic Offences Wing, but no resolutionNov 2019 Buyers move NCLT Mumbai under Insolvency and Bankruptcy CodeJune 13, 2025 NCLT admits plea, initiates insolvency processLate 2025 Promoter seeks withdrawal, offers structured settlement in instalmentsDec 2025 & Jan 2026 Buyers allege instalments missed, dispute continues Project snapshot Project Marvel Isola – J Phase II Location Mohammadwadi, Pune Launch year 2013 Promoter: Marvel Landmarks Pvt Ltd Flats planned 22 initially, later increased to 44 Bookings in early phase~18 flats Promised possessionJune 2016 Status: Stalled since 2016-17, buyers allege Financial burden Flat prices at booking Around Rs 1.8-Rs 2 Crore Many buyers:. Took large home loans (amounts vary case by case). Continue paying EMIs years after booking. Also paying rent while awaiting possession Legal expenses: Some buyers say they have spent R15–20 lakh each on cases and follow-ups
21 February,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalForest officials in Pune district seized nearly 3 kg of pangolin scales, claws and sambar antlers after intercepting a car near Manchar, in what authorities describe as a significant wildlife trafficking haul involving one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. Two men from Raigad district were arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act and later granted bail by a local court. Wildlife parts seized by the authorities. Pic/By Special Arrangement Seizure snapshot Location: Manchar, Pune districtVehicle intercepted: Blue car (MH 04 DY 3567)Wildlife parts seized:. ~3 kg pangolin scales. 3 pangolin claws. 4 sambar antlers. Vehicle and wildlife material were taken into custody. Accused . Uday Shankar Surve, Shrivardhan, Raigad. Naveen Karim Khan, Shrivardhan, RaigadCase registered: Crime No. 09/2026Law invoked: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972Both were arrested on February 16 and granted bail the next day. Why the case is serious Both Pangolin and Sambar are protected under Schedule I, the highest level of protection under Indian wildlife law.Punishment for illegal trade:. Up to 7 years imprisonment. Fine up to R25,000Forest Range Officer Vikas Bhosale urged the public to report wildlife crimes.“People must avoid any involvement in illegal wildlife trade and inform authorities if they receive such information,” he said. Pangolins in India Species present- Status. Indian pangolin- Endangered. Chinese pangolin- Critically Endangered Poaching numbers According to wildlife groups:. Nearly 6000 pangolins poached in India (2009-2017). Around 20 tonnes trafficked globally each yearAbout the animalPangolins are shy, nocturnal mammals that feed mainly on ants and termites. Their keratin scales act as armour, but also make them targets for traffickers.Awareness noteWorld Pangolin Day: February 17The day highlights threats faced by one of the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals Why pangolins are targeted Pangolin scales drive the illegal trade.These are falsely believed to have medicinal value in parts of Asia. Demand includes: . Scales. Claws. Bones and organs
21 February,2026 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavPresident Donald Trump paid a price for going it alone on tariffs, as the Supreme Court on Friday delivered a rare rebuke, ruling that he lacked the power to declare an economic emergency and impose sweeping new taxes on imports. Trump had made tariffs the bedrock of his economic pitch to voters ahead of the midterm elections, even describing tariffs as his “favourite word in the dictionary.” He promised that factories would relocate from overseas and bring jobs with them, and he warned that losing the tariffs could plunge the US into a deep recession. However, Friday’s ruling is likely to prolong political and economic uncertainty over international trade through the election year. Trump reacts strongly to court ruling Trump called the decision “a disgrace” after he was handed a note informing him of the ruling during a private meeting with several governors, according to two people familiar with his reaction who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another person briefed on the conversation said Trump remarked that he would “have to do something about these courts.” The meeting with the governors ended shortly after Trump learned of the decision. He is expected to address the ruling publicly during an afternoon press conference. Republican strategist Doug Heye said it was immediately clear that the president “is not going to be happy” about the decision. “We’re starting to hear that this is a massive blow, a massive repudiation,” he said. However, Heye added that Trump would likely look for another way to pursue his trade agenda. “Are they going to be able to figure out how to use this as an opportunity or not?” he asked. “There are too many questions.” White House explores alternative legal routes to maintain tariffs The White House plans to use alternative laws to preserve the tariffs, but those policies could prolong the debate and keep alive an issue that is largely unpopular with voters. About six in 10 Americans said Trump had gone too far in imposing new tariffs on other countries, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in January. Even more concerning for a president elected on promises to address affordability, 76 per cent said in a poll conducted last April that Trump’s tariff policies would increase the cost of consumer goods in the US. Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs had left many Republican lawmakers uneasy, both publicly and privately, forcing them to defend what were essentially tax increases on American consumers and businesses. At various points during Trump’s second term, at least seven senators from his party voiced concerns. Earlier this month, six House Republicans joined Democrats in voting for a resolution opposing Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Free trade had long been a central plank of the Republican Party before Trump’s rise to power. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served during Trump’s first term, praised the Supreme Court ruling as a victory for the public, the constitutional separation of powers and free trade. “American families and American businesses pay American tariffs — not foreign countries,” Pence wrote on social media. “With this decision, American families and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief.” Democrats highlight Supreme Court ruling as rebuke to Trump’s tariffs Democrats were quick to seize on the opportunity presented by the ruling. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., said Trump “is not a king” and that his “tariffs were always illegal.” “Republicans in Congress could have easily ended this economic crisis by standing up for their communities,” said DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Instead, they chose to bend the knee to Trump while families, small businesses and farmers suffered from higher prices.” The ruling allows Trump’s critics to argue that he broke the law and that middle-class families suffered as a result. Still, Trump has maintained that his tariffs were the difference between national prosperity and deep poverty, a message he repeated Thursday night to voters in the swing state of Georgia. The president used the word “tariff” 28 times during his speech at a Georgia steel company, Coosa Steel, which credited the import taxes with making its products more competitive against goods from China. Trump defends tariffs, warns country would face economic trouble without them “Without tariffs, this country would be in such trouble right now,” Trump said. He also complained that he had to justify his use of tariffs to the Supreme Court. “I have to wait for this decision. I’ve been waiting forever, forever, and the language is clear that I have the right to do it as president,” he said. “I have the right to put tariffs on for national security purposes, against countries that have been ripping us off for years.” By a 6–3 vote, the high court disagreed. The president has consistently misrepresented his tariffs, claiming — despite evidence to the contrary — that foreign governments would pay them and that the revenues would be sufficient to reduce the national debt and provide taxpayers with dividend checks. New research linked to one of America’s leading banks found that tariffs paid by midsize US businesses tripled over the past year. The additional costs meant that companies employing a combined 48 million people in the US — the types of businesses Trump had promised to revive — had to absorb the expense by passing it on to customers through higher prices, reducing their workforce or accepting lower profits. Trump’s tariffs — not all of which were overturned — were expected to generate USD 3 trillion in revenue over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. While substantial, that amount would still be insufficient to cover projected deficits. The Supreme Court has not ruled on how any refund process would work. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 February,2026 12:53 AM IST | Washington | APWestern Railway (WR) on Friday announced six pairs of special trains on special fares across key routes, along with the extension of the Rajkot–Mahbubnagar weekly special. The extra services are made to manage the festive rush during Holi. According to WR Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the special services will connect Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and West Bengal, offering additional capacity during the peak travel season. Key special trains announced Mumbai Central – Kathgodam Superfast Weekly Special (10 trips)Services will operate between February 25 and March 26, 2026, connecting Mumbai with Uttarakhand. Mumbai Central – Kanpur Anwarganj Superfast Weekly Special (12 trips)The train will run between February 22 and March 30, 2026, linking Mumbai with key cities in Uttar Pradesh. Bandra Terminus – Palitana Weekly Special (2 trips)A special service will run at the end of February, catering to passengers travelling to Gujarat. Udhna – Malda Town Weekly Special (8 trips)This service will operate between late February and March, connecting Gujarat with eastern India. Sabarmati – Haridwar Weekly Special (10 trips)Scheduled between February 23 and March 24, the train will facilitate travel to Uttarakhand via Rajasthan and Delhi. Indore – Hazrat Nizamuddin Bi-Weekly Superfast Special (20 trips)Running from February 22 to March 28, this train will enhance connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Rajkot–Mahbubnagar special extended WR has also extended Train No. 09575/09576 Rajkot–Mahbubnagar Weekly Special up to March 30/31, 2026, offering continued relief to passengers on this route. Booking details Reservations for Train Nos. 09075, 09185, 09023, 09024, 03418, 09425, 09309 and the extended trips of 09575 will open from February 21, 2026, at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and on the IRCTC website. Western Railway to operate four-hour night block on Mumbai suburban section; details here Western Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled.
20 February,2026 09:20 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (MH-CET) Cell has announced a final extension for online registration and application form submission for the Maharashtra Master of Business Administration (MAH-MBA)/Master of Management Studies (MMS) CET 2026 and Maharashtra Health and Technical (MAH-MHT) CET 2026 (physics-chemistry-maths and physics-chemistry-biology), providing one last opportunity for candidates ahead of the entrance exams for the academic year 2026-27. According to official notices issued on Friday, the registration deadline for MAH-MBA/MMS CET has been extended to February 25, while for MAH-MHT CET (PCM/PCB), it closes on February 24, with an additional window from February 25 to 27 for late registrations, subject to an extra fee of Rs 500. The registration process began on January 10. This final extension considers the academic interests of candidates and follows earlier extensions (initially to Friday in some cases). Candidates must complete online registration, application form filling, and confirmation by the respective deadlines via the official website: www.mahacet.org (or cetcell.mahacet.org). A key highlight this year is the introduction of two attempts for these CETs, aligning with national-level exams like Joint Entrance Exam (JEE)-Main to give students better opportunities. Candidates can opt for one or both attempts during registration (the choice is binding, with no later changes allowed). The better score from the two attempts will be considered for admissions. Tentative exam dates MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 First attempt: April 6 to 8 Second attempt: May 9 MAH-MHT CET (PCM/PCB) 2026 First attempt: April 11 to April 26 (PCM/PCB windows vary slightly) Second attempt: May 10 to 17 The CET Cell reported strong response, with a combined total of 12,51,792 registrations across both attempts for the three CETs (as of the latest update). A breakdown of the registrations is given below: MHT CET (PCM group): 7,32,268 (4,52,931 for first attempt + 2,79,337 for second) MHT CET (PCB group): 3,61,891 (2,64,019 for first + 97,872 for second) MBA/MMS CET: 1,57,633 (1,14,327 for first + 43,306 for second) Overall, 8,31,277 candidates registered for the first attempt and 4,20,515 for the second. The cell has asked candidates without an Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) identification to generate one via DigiLocker for accurate verification (though not mandatory in cases of technical issues). APAAR ID and Unique Disability ID (UDID) for persons with disabilities aid in smooth processing. The CET Cell has also appealed to all the aspirants, parents, and stakeholders to regularly check the official website for updates, detailed schedules, information brochures, and instructions. The exams will be conducted online (computer-based) at various centres across Maharashtra for admissions to MBA/MMS, engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, and related professional courses. This move aims to maximise participation and reduce pressure on students by offering flexibility similar to national exams. Those yet to register should act promptly to avoid missing out, the cell directed.
20 February,2026 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid a row over an order regulating the collection of donations during Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the decision was taken after consultations with local religious leaders and should not be politicised. Citing concerns over unauthorised fund raising, the deputy commissioner of Kishtwar had on Wednesday issued an order regulating the collection of donations during the holy month. Responding to concerns raised by Congress MLAs Gulam Ahmed Mir and Nizam-ud-Din Bhat in the Assembly on Thursday, Abdullah said he looked into the matter and found that the deputy commissioner did not issue the order arbitrarily. He said all district commissioners had been instructed in advance to engage with local communities and make necessary preparations for Ramzan. During one such meeting, religious leaders from the Muslim community in and around Kishtwar met the deputy commissioner and highlighted the issue of individuals setting up fake non-governmental organisations during Ramzan to collect donations, the chief minister said. "They informed the administration that money is often collected in the name of charity or patients whose existence cannot be verified, and there is no clarity on how the funds are actually utilised," Abdullah said, adding that genuine NGOs suffer as a result and are deprived of much-needed support. Abdullah said religious leaders had specifically requested the deputy commissioner to intervene and put an end to the practice. "Based on these genuine concerns raised by clerics and community representatives, the deputy commissioner issued the order," he said. Abdullah further said the Imam of the Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, along with other clerics and religious leaders, has welcomed the move. Appealing for restraint, the chief minister said not every administrative decision should be viewed through a political lens. "We should sometimes go into the details. Many decisions are taken after consultations with the people and not on political grounds. Such matters should not be dragged into politics," he said. Criticising the order, Mir and Bhat had demanded its immediate revocation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 February,2026 06:22 PM IST | Jammu | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1771584442383_d.png "Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah . File Pic")