French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to India. Macron, during his visit, is scheduled to hold key talks with PM Modi. The French President will also participate in high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and France. VIDEO | Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron leaves from Taj Mahal Palace under tight security. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders will review the progress made in the… pic.twitter.com/gCKSrv1aBG — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026 Emmanuel Macron was received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking the beginning of his visit to Mumbai. The French leader’s visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and includes participation in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India, as well as a bilateral summit in Mumbai. During their meeting, PM Modi and Macron are expected to review progress under the India-France Strategic Partnership and explore ways to further expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as innovation, technology, defence, and clean energy. French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit underscores the growing momentum in India-France relations, with both sides aiming to diversify and elevate their longstanding strategic partnership to new frontiers. PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron to meet at Lok Bhavan As per the official statement, at around 3:15 PM on 17 February, the two leaders will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. During these engagements, both the leaders will review the progress made in the India-France Strategic Partnership. The discussions will also focus on cementing the strategic partnership and further diversifying it into new and emerging areas. Both the leaders during the meet will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. Furthermore, at around 5:15 pm on Tuesday, both the leaders will inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and address a gathering of business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and other innovators from both countries. PM Modi hails India AI Impact Summit Earlier on Monday, PM Modi expressed immense pride as global leaders, innovators, and experts gathered in India for the India AI Impact Summit. Modi highlighted the event as a landmark moment while also highlighting that the summit is a clear reflection of the immense potential held by India’s youth and the nation's rising stature in the global technology landscape.
17 February,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA couple of days after the unfortunate Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse, another slab collapse in a five-storey residential building in Thane’s Wagle Estate created havoc. The incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, February 17. The slab collapsed in Thane left three persons injured, and forced authorities to evacuate nearly 90 residents, officials said. As per the officials, the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Room received a call at around 3:07 am on February 17 from Wagle Fire Station. Reportedly, the slab of one room on the fifth floor of Nutan Neelam apartment, A Wing, near Hanuman Mandir in Shantinagar, collapsed onto another room on the fourth floor. The injured has been identified as Gajendra Prasad (60), one of the owners, who suffered a fracture in his right shoulder along with other bodily injuries. Prince Yadav (25), who sustained a fracture in his right leg, and Pradeep Yadav (23), who suffered injuries to both legs and other body injuries. All three were rushed by Thane Municipal Corporation ambulances to Matoshree Gangubai Sambhaji Shinde Hospital for treatment. While Pradeep Yadav was critically injured, he was later shifted to Fortis Hospital in Bhandup, for further advanced treatment. Authorities, including the fire department, rushed to the spot As soon as the authorities got the information, senior officials, including the deputy commissioner, disaster management officer, personnel from the fire department, construction department, public works department, police, and Mahavitaran staff, rushed to the spot. Furthermore, fire and rescue vehicles were deployed to carry out search and safety operations. Officials further stated that the building, which is around 30 to 35 years old and comprises a ground floor plus five floors with 26 rooms, falls under the C2B (dangerous) category. However, as a precautionary measure, both Wing A and Wing B of Nutan Neelam Apartment have been completely evacuated and sealed. Approximately 85 to 95 residents were living in the building. They have been temporarily relocated to Thane Municipal Corporation School No. 38 in Shantinagar. Further action regarding the structure will be taken by the civic body’s Construction Department.
17 February,2026 11:06 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city is expected to experience a hazy start to the day, with partly cloudy conditions developing towards the afternoon and evening. The maximum temperature is likely to reach around 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may hover near 19 degrees Celsius, making for a warm day with a cooler morning. According too the latest forecast issued at 10 am, hazy conditions are expected across the city and suburbs. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 102 on Monday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, pollution levels varied across different parts of the city on Monday. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 108, Andheri East 115 and Deonar 134 all reflecting relatively higher pollution levels within the moderate range. Meanwhile, Colaba reported an AQI of 62, Chembur 99 and Worli 72, indicating steady air quality conditions. In contrast, Borivali East recorded a comparatively better AQI of 62, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. Overall, while most monitoring stations remained in the ‘moderate’ bracket, the variation across locations highlighted fluctuating air quality levels in different pockets of the city. Poor air quality persists in Delhi with AQI at 259 The air quality in the national capital remained in the ‘poor’ category on Tuesday, with the AQI at 259 in the morning hours, as per data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas across Delhi reported high pollution levels, with many monitoring stations registering Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in the upper range of the ‘poor’ category and even entering the ‘very poor’ zone. On Monday morning as well, Delhi’s overall air quality remained in the ‘poor’ bracket, with the AQI recorded at 218 at 8 a.m. Data showed that 24 monitoring stations reported air quality in the ‘poor’ category, while 12 stations recorded ‘moderate’ levels. Two stations slipped into the ‘very poor’ category, indicating that certain pockets of the city were experiencing significantly higher pollution. Meanwhile, Delhi also witnessed an unusually warm February day on Monday, as temperatures crossed the 30-degree Celsius mark for the first time this season. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius, which was seven degrees above the seasonal average. Weather forecasts suggest that Tuesday is also likely to remain warm, with clear skies and bright sunshine expected to keep the maximum temperature between 29 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. However, marginal relief may arrive from Wednesday, as a fresh western disturbance is likely to bring very light rainfall along with gusty winds reaching up to 40 km per hour. Notably, Delhi’s maximum temperature has increased sharply over the past few days. It was recorded at 25.4 degrees Celsius on February 12, rising to 26.3 degrees on February 13, 27 degrees on February 14, 28.5 degrees on February 15, and further increasing thereafter.
17 February,2026 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe family of Ramdhani Yadav, who was killed on Saturday in the Mulund Metro slab collapse incident, said that they have received Rs 39.5 lakh from the authorities, following which they will now take the body for the last rites. A bridge segment of the under-construction Metro Rail Line 4 collapsed on passing vehicles in Mumbai’s Mulund area on Saturday, leaving one person dead and three injured. Yadav’s family had earlier said that they would not take the body for the final rites until they received compensation while also seeking compensation and government jobs for his kins. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) disbursed Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family, Rs 20 lakh was given by the contractor, and an additional Rs 4.50 lakh was given for the air ambulance to lift the body to Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister has also announced Rs 5 lakh in compensation. Ramdhani’s brother Ramsamuj Yadav said, “We have received compensation from MMRDA, and we took the body. We will do the final rites of my brother. Our demands are that my brother’s kin should get government jobs.”
17 February,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaAt least six of the light fixtures on the 1.2-kilometre-long Vakola skywalk are either loosely attached to the metal beams of the structure’s ceiling or hanging by a single wire. Residents say this is a recipe for disaster, and despite informing the authorities, no action has been taken. The skywalk, which allows easy access between SV Road and Kalina Military Camp in Santacruz West and East, respectively, is riddled with multiple issues, from hawkers to a lack of a roof over a newly constructed section. Loose light fixtures are a common sight on the Vakola skywalk Light fixture is a feature of public infrastructure which easily gets overlooked by commuters due to not always being in the line of sight, but pedestrians say that when the fixtures are broken and damaged to this extent, they get noticed, and it's just a matter of time before they fall. Issues that plague skywalk >> Lack of maintenance>> Hawkers at the western end of the structure>> Missing roof at the eastern end>> Electrical wires covering the walls A spot at the eastern end of the structure where a light fixture can be seen dangling. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR According to the authorities... >> A tender was called for the installation of lights and allied electrical fixture work>> The sub-engineer, electrical department, of H East ward, inspected the skywalk on February 8>> Another inspection was carried out on February 16 Locals lament Reynold Abraham, Santacruz East resident‘My wife and I have been noticing the deteriorating state of the light fixtures. The skywalk is plagued by many issues and urgently requires maintenance. If a fixture falls, it is not just that there would be less illumination, but pedestrians could be severely injured’ Ivan Pais, Santacruz resident‘I have been talking to the authorities on behalf of the St Anthony’s Street Welfare Association for a long time now, and have spoken to them multiple times about how the skywalk requires maintenance and is getting worse day by day, but I have not received a single reply stating that work will start. Our concerns are being ignored’ Maxim Fernandes, member, St Anthony’s Street Welfare Association‘The lights are just one of the many issues. Before the pandemic, when a new part of the skywalk was inaugurated, the authorities claimed the skywalk would be regularly maintained, but no such thing has happened’ 1.2 kmLength of the skywalk
17 February,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturFresh allegations of illegal construction inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park have surfaced, with environmentalists claiming trees have been cleared and unauthorised sheds erected inside the Royal Palms township in Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon. Activists warn that night-time construction and film shoots are causing noise, light, and traffic disturbance to wildlife in the protected area. What triggered complaint >> Alleged construction near Windsor Gate at Royal Palms>> Trees and vegetation reportedly cleared>> Sheds allegedly built without environmental clearance>> Activities said to be ongoing at nightEnvironmentalist Stalin D has written to multiple authorities, including the Collector, BMC, Forest Department, MPCB and police. What activists allege “Trees have been cleared, and large sheds are being erected illegally. This has continued despite complaints for four years,” said Stalin D. “We have submitted geo-tagged photos and videos and expect action.” Official response The municipal commissioner, who also heads ESZ monitoring committee, did not respond to queries till press time. The Royal Palms location, where vegetation has been cleared and structures are now visible. Pics/By Special Arrangement Disturbance reported >> Night film shoots with high lighting>> Loud sound equipment>> Heavy vehicle movement through Aarey roads A local resident said, “Night shoots with intense lighting and noise are disturbing both wildlife and residents. How are such activities allowed inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone?” Questions raised >> Why no action despite earlier complaints?>> Has the ESZ monitoring committee failed to act?>> Zonal master plan for the area is still pendingActivists say they may approach the court if authorities do not halt the work. What is banned in an Eco-Sensitive Zone >> Mining and excavation>> Polluting industrial activities>> Large construction projects>> Night shoots and high-intensity lighting>> Any activity disturbing wildlife habitat
17 February,2026 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFor nearly two decades, 24 families of Chembur’s Tilak Safalya Co-operative Housing Society have shown that collective will and perseverance can overcome delays, legal battles, and uncertainty to transform lives. What began as a hope for better homes in 2007 has today become a story of courage, unity, and people-driven redevelopment. The actual drilling work for the construction of the new tower commenced at the site recently. Nineteen-year wait In 2007, a private developer was appointed to redevelop the society’s 200 sq ft MHADA tenements. By 2010, the old building was demolished, but reconstruction never started. Despite years of hardship, the 24 families united, taking their case from the Arbitral Tribunal to the Supreme Court. In 2018, they reclaimed redevelopment rights, a victory for collective perseverance over bureaucratic delays and corporate failure. People take charge The society adopted the self-redevelopment model, avoiding external developers and handling approvals, financing, and planning. Architects, engineers, and a reputed contractor are now executing the project under the society’s guidance. Construction is progressing steadily. Civic responsibility Tilak Safalya CHS is setting new standards in sustainable living with plans for centralised air-conditioning, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and green building certification. The project embodies Article 21 of the Indian Constitution’s right to a clean environment and Article 51A’s duty to protect nature, showing how civic responsibility can be built into urban development, said the residents. The residents have also ensured that a sprinkler system was put in use to keep the AQI level under control at the construction site. Residents speak Adv Selvam Rajan, 63, Room No. 3340, cancer survivor and former BPT staffer We vacated our building in 2007, but the previous developer let us down. My two children and I struggled. I went into depression, paid high rent, and worried about their education. Yet, we stayed united. Today, standing on our own plot, we see a new home rising. After so many years of hardship, this self-redevelopment project gives us hope. Our new flats will be four times larger than the original 208 sq ft MHADA house. Residents who have been awaiting redevelopment since 2007 Shobha Shetty, 58, Room No. 3341 After 19 years of legal battles and paying high rents, I am finally happy and satisfied. We faced many hardships, took loans, and sacrificed for our children’s future. Self-redevelopment has given us hope, a good home, and a fresh start. Pradeep Aapkar, Room No. 3342 It is only because of the unity and patience of the residents that we were able to wait for almost two decades, hoping to have a shelter of our own. Today, our hope has borne fruit through self-redevelopment, which has allowed us to be involved with the project from its inception to its completion. Timeline of events 2007: Private developer appointed to undertake redevelopment 2010: Old building demolished; promised reconstruction did not begin 2010-2018: Prolonged litigation over redevelopment rights >> Case heard before the Arbitral Tribunal>> Appeal made in Bombay High Court>> Final appeal made at Supreme Court 2018: Society wins legal battle; redevelopment rights reclaimed 2018-2024: Society decides to pursue self-redevelopment model Nov 26, 2024: Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) secured July 22, 2025: Commencement Certificate (CC) obtained; project officially registered with RERA 2025-2026: Construction begins Green initiatives planned >> Centralised air-conditioning system>> Solar energy integration>> Rainwater harvesting>> Green building certification Expert view Self-redevelopment has transformed tenants from silent sufferers into empowered decision makers. It has replaced uncertainty with ownership, delay with determination, and dependency with dignity. In unity, the members have discovered not just bigger homes but a renewed hope and control over their future, and a true sense of right to property Adv Shreeprasad Parab, expert director, Maharashtra State Housing Federation
17 February,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonMumbai minute A young couple finds peace amidst the pillars of the viewing gallery near the Chaityabhoomi seashore in Dadar Writing’s on the Warli wall Visitors observe the wall mural (right) Akash Bhoir and Dinesh Barap. Pics/Ashish Raje The newest attraction at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Botanical Udyan and Zoo is not a new four-legged superstar, but a reminder to save the city’s existing wildlife. Artists Dinesh Barap and Akash Bhoir have painted a 22-feet-tall Warli mural near the Golden Jackal enclosure. “It depicts the dichotomy of our forests. In one half, you’ll see tribal life thriving; the other half is marred by deforestation, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and air pollution. It is a reminder that we are as complicit in this erosion of our forests as the authorities,” said Barap, a resident of Navapada inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Commissioned by Asar Social Impact Advisors, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell, and the BMC, the mural took seven days of eight-hour shifts to reach completion. We’re hopeful Mumbaikars will pay heed. Money talks (From left to right) Paul Abraham, Dr Shailendra Bhandare, Dr Sanjay Garg, and Prof Najaf Haider at the book launch. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Coins were the talk of the weekend, though money wasn’t as the Odyssey Of The Rupee was launched at the Sarmaya Arts Foundation on February 14. Edited by Dr Shailendra Bhandare, the book launch witnessed authors Dr Sanjay Garg, and Professor Najaf Haider join Bhandare and curator Paul Abraham in a conversation that spanned the history of the Indian currency. “From the coins minted by Sher Shah Suri, to their takeover and standardisation by the Mughal Empire, and the establishment of sarabs, it was a fascinating conversation,” Abraham revealed. For readers, the book will be available at the gallery later this month. Many happy returns A performance during the 2025 tour. Pics Courtesy/Anjunadeep The London-based music label Anjunadeep will return to India with a two-city tour this March. The independent label will bring performances that are a blend of house, progressive, and emotive music through artistes like CRi, Eli & Fur, Nordfold, and Parallel Voices for their famed Open Air performances in Mumbai (March 14) and Bengaluru (March 15) next month. Citizen-speak Actor Dia Mirza visits a stall during an exhibition. Pics Courtesy/MCW While there will be policy makers, climate activists, and institutions among others at the Mumbai Climate Week (MCW) that opens today, the focus will be the citizens. Children during a beach clean-up leading up to the week “We have 200 citizen activists on the speaker panels,” shared founder Shishir Joshi. Every citizen signing up to attend has a five-minute platform to voice their grievance at the Vaartavaran session, too. We guess it might be the most crowded event.
17 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayIn a reversal of the traditional “study abroad” dream, international students are now eyeing India as a higher education destination. Illinois Institute of Technology has announced its Mumbai campus at Godrej Business District, becoming the first US university to establish a base in the city and attracting enquiries from students across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. What’s happening >> First US university campus in Mumbai>> Located at Godrej Business District>> Over 1000 enquiries in two months>> Interest from India, diaspora, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia “The Mumbai campus is envisioned as a South Asian hub with a multicultural student cohort from the first year,” said Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Tech Courses on offer>> 4 undergraduate>> 4 postgraduate Fields>> Computer Science>> Data Science>> Business>> Artificial Intelligence Degrees and standards Degrees awarded: US-accredited Accreditation body: Higher Learning Commission >> Curriculum mirrors Chicago campus>> No extra Indian approvals needed Can India become a study destination? Karan Gupta, consultant“India offers credible academics, English-medium education and lower costs, which makes it attractive. The challenge is delivery; smoother visas, housing and clearer career pathways are needed.” Dhaval Mehta, consultant“These campuses can build a stronger ecosystem with global students and the Indian diaspora, but infrastructure and space constraints will determine success.” Joyce Issac, consultant“India has a cost advantage and strong academic base, but facilities, labs and student experience must match global campuses.”
17 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA total of 32 cars worth Rs 2.44 crore were seized and one person has been arrested after a major vehicle rental and mortgage racket was busted by the Thane Crime Branch, a senior police official said on Monday. The probe into the case began after five vehicles were reported as stolen at the Wagle Estate police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav told reporters. “Our probe zeroed in on Ulwe resident Sandeep Raghu Shetty, who would promise vehicle owners high returns in a rental scheme. He would take possession of the vehicles to rent them out. However, he would fraudulently mortgage these vehicles and pocket the money obtained on them,” the official said. Racket spread over state Shetty was held by the Crime Branch on February 6, and his interrogation revealed that the racket was spread all over Maharashtra, the DCP said. “We seized 32 cars worth Rs 2.44 crore from Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Kalyan, Lonavala, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani. We believe there are more vehicles that have been mortgaged fraudulently to third parties after being taken on rent from victims. A detailed investigation is underway,” Jadhav informed. 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
17 February,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesA week after residents protested against 35 LED hoardings planned along Carter Road Promenade, the Maharashtra government has cancelled the project. Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said the Maharashtra Maritime Board has been instructed to halt the work immediately and remove all construction material from the site. Residents gather at Carter Road Promenade to protest the proposed LED hoardings and demand the project be scrapped on Saturday Teen sawaal with minister Nitesh Rane Have you cancelled the Carter Road hoardings plan? Why?Yes. The contractor moved ahead prematurely without full permissions while the Maritime Board is still drafting a comprehensive waterfront hoardings policy. I have directed that the work stop and the material be removed. Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane. File pic What will the policy mean for Mumbai?We have been working on a policy. The draft is ready. It will consider development needs, public sentiment, and long-term planning before any decisions are implemented. Will promenades like Carter Road still see ads in future?Revenue generation and self sufficiency is important for the Maritime Board, and hoardings are one option. But nothing will be allowed without a structured policy that covers all aspects. What happened>> 35 LED hoardings planned along Carter Road>> Residents protested and issued a legal notice>> Government has now cancelled the plan>> Contractor told to stop work and clear site Why the plan was stopped Residents argued the hoardings would:>> Set a precedent for commercial exploitation of waterfronts>> Damage the area’s natural beauty and public character>> A protest letter warned the move would be a “permanent blot” on a cherished public space Policy in the works>> The Maritime Board is drafting a statewide waterfront hoardings policy, expected by February 23>> Rane said monetising waterfronts is necessary but must follow a structured policy
17 February,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
