With Std XII board exams underway and Std X exams approaching, Thane Traffic Police have activated a special helpline to help students stuck in traffic reach centres on time. Since February 10, 54 traffic riders across 18 zones have been deployed to respond to distress calls during peak morning congestion. “Students are expected to reach their centres at least 30 minutes early, but exam timings clash with office rush hour,” said Police Inspector Yuvraj Sarnobat. This initiative was also carried out last year, and saw great response from parents and students. Teen sawaal with Thane Traffic DCP Pankaj Navnath Shirsath What is your advice to students and parents?Check travel time on Google Maps and add a 30-minute buffer. If you need help, contact us and remain calm. The helpline is for genuine exam emergencies only. How did the helpline perform earlier?We ran a similar initiative last year, but awareness was low, and we helped 34 students in total. This year, we have already assisted 26 students in just two days. Why does traffic remain such a challenge?Road capacity and vehicle numbers are almost equal, so even a single breakdown can create a bottleneck. Traffic conditions change minute by minute. Why this matters Time exams begin: 11 amReporting time: 10.30 amPeak traffic window: 9 am to 10.30 amOfficials said even a minor vehicle breakdown can trigger delays during this crucial period How the rescue system works 1. A student or their parents call the helpline2. The control room alerts nearest riders3. Two riders reach the spot4. Vehicle with student is prioritised through trafficRiders remain connected via wireless sets until the vehicle clears the congestion Helpline numbers 82863003008286400400WhatsApp: 7039003866 By the numbers Initiative started: Feb 10Students helped so far: 26Calls received: About 35 Congestion hotspots >> Kapurbawdi Junction>> Balkum Naka>> Ghodbunder Road Travel risks remain While road assistance is improving, crowded trains continue to pose risks. Recently, an 18-year-old student from Dombivli died after falling from a packed train while heading to his first exam.
14 February,2026 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe Maharashtra police have revised the timings for their recruitment ground tests across the state to protect candidates from extreme heat, officials said on Friday. Earlier, a 26-year-old candidate died during the selection process in Beed district. The physical tests, which were earlier conducted during the day, will now be held in two sessions, from 5 am to 9 am and 5 pm onwards, to avoid extreme heat, a senior official said. Police are conducting recruitment for around 15,000 posts across Maharashtra. The selection process began on Wednesday in several districts, including Beed. Initially, the ground tests were scheduled throughout the day. On the first day, candidates underwent events such as a 1600-metre run for men, an 800-metre run for women and shot put. Deepak Waghule, a resident of Mandkhel in Parli tehsil of Beed, collapsed and died shortly after completing the 1600-metre run on the first day. Officials said the exact cause of his death is under investigation. Senior officials, including the Special Inspector General of Police for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Range, visited Beed and reviewed the recruitment process. 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
14 February,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesForest officials rescued five gaurs, including two adults and three calves, from a dry, abandoned well in Lowle village of Sangameshwar taluka in Ratnagiri late on Tuesday night. The animals were trapped in the 15 to 20-foot-deep well and had no way to climb out. A ramp was created using an earthmover, allowing all five to walk out safely by 1.30 am and return towards the forest. Forest teams assess the site and use a JCB to cut into the well edge, creating a sloped ramp as villagers assist in clearing space Rescue operation timeline 11.30 pm: Alert received about trapped gaurs11.45 pm: Forest staff reach site and assess well12.15 am: JCB deployed to create a ramp1.00 am: Exit path ready1.30 am: All five gaurs walk out safely How it happened By early morning, the animals walk up the ramp and return towards the forest, ending the late-night rescue. Illustrations/Uday Mohite >> Incident reported around 11.30 pm on February 11>> Well-located on private land without protective cover>> Two adults and three calves fell in one after another>> No water inside, but steep sides prevented escapeForest officials from the Sangameshwar range rushed to the spot after receiving the alert. The gaurs trapped inside the well. Pic/By Special Arrangement Why this keeps happening Forest officials have identified:>> Around 150 open wells in Ratnagiri district>> 60 to 70 in Chiplun>> About 140 in Dapoli Authorities plan to secure these wells with parapets and covers. Officials say 150-200 wildlife rescues are carried out every year. Know the animal Gaur Adult male600 to 1000 kg Adult female 400 to 700 kg Calf: 20 to 30 kg at birth Wildlife emergency numbers Forest helpline1926 Control room9421741335 Officials speak Girija DesaiDeputy Conservator of Forest said the open well lacked basic safety measures such as a parapet or cover, making it hazardous for wildlife. Sagar Gosavi, Range officerSaid the rescue was challenging due to the animals’ size and the depth of the well, but coordination between forest staff and villagers ensured a safe outcome.
14 February,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe growing practice of tourists feeding junk food like sev, gathia, farsan, and wafers to migratory seagulls at Gorai jetty is harming the birds, wildlife experts warn, citing risks to their health and natural feeding behaviour. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau(WCCB) member Ankit Vyas, who visited Gorai jetty recently, said he was shocked to see tourists feeding junk to birds. mid-day has repeatedly reported every winter that feeding migratory birds arriving in India is a harmful practice that disrupts their natural diet and behaviour. “Feeding wild birds is not an innocent gesture but an offence that endangers wildlife. Authorities must deploy forest staff at Gorai and other bird congregation spots, enforce fines without exception,” said Vyas. Not just Gorai People also feed junk to wild birds at Marine Drive, ferries to Elephanta and Alibaug, the Airoli creek bridge, and the Versova bridge on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. Forest department officials have been conducting awareness drives and installing warning boards to discourage this. Can be fatal to birds Dr Rina Dev, avian and exotic species veterinarian and founder of Riwild Sanctuary and Charitable Trust, said, “Hepatic lipidosis/fatty liver can be caused due to feeding high-fat diets. The condition can be life-threatening for birds, whose digestive system is not equipped to digest such fats. Moreover, nutritional deficiencies may occur, and the birds becoming attracted to the wrong diet can become a habit.” Seagulls spotted in Mumbai Naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav told mid-day that Mumbai has mainly five types of gulls that are most common. However, identifying them can be difficult because their colour keeps changing with age. Seagull species can be difficult to identify as their colour changes with age Brown-headed gull: Arrives around late October-early November from high-altitude lakes of Central Asia (Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh, Mongolia, Western China); returns by March-April to Himalayan and Central Asian wetlands. Black-headed gull: Arrives around late October-early November from Central Asia (Russia, Mongolia) and parts of Europe; returns by March-April to Central Asia and Europe. Heuglin’s gull: Arrives in October-November from the Arctic north (Northern Russia, Siberian tundra); returns by March-April to the Siberian tundra and Arctic coasts. Pallas’s gull: Arrives around late October-early November from Central Asia (Mongolia, Southern Russia, Tibet); returns by March-early April to high-altitude lakes and marshes of Central Asia. Slender-billed gull: Arrives between November and March from Central Asia (Caspian region), the Middle East (Iran, Pakistan coasts) and Northwest India (some breed in Kutch); returns by late March-early April to these breeding grounds.
14 February,2026 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFor almost 13 years, Nikita Rathod, 33 endured severe right-sided cluster headaches, widely regarded as one of the most painful forms of headache disorders. These were accompanied by redness in the eye and debilitating pain that lasted months. “These episodes would recur every few years, severely affecting my life and well-being. Despite consulting multiple doctors, my condition remained uncontrolled,” Rathod told mid-day. Troubling years Rathod was writing her internal exam paper for her third year of the BMM course when she first experienced pain. “I felt excruciating pain, like someone was pulling my right eye very harshly. I couldn’t finish my paper and was rushed to Hinduja Hospital,” said Rathod. Despite undergoing multiple tests, CT scans and MRIs, the problem could not be diagnosed. “In the past 13 years, I have undergone several tests. But the reports always came back normal,” said Rathod. “My life would go upside down for almost two months every time I had an episode, but my college teachers, and later my colleagues and bosses at work, have been very supportive.” Pregnancy was tough “We had observed that the episodes would repeat every two years. So we planned our pregnancy in a way that the baby would be born in the gap years,” said Rathod. “While eight and a half months passed by without any hassle, I suddenly got the same headache on December 9, 2025. Doctors had given December 30-January 1 as my delivery date. But the pain just kept on aggravating with each passing day. A C-section had to be done on December 14, as my pain reached a level that it may have put my baby in distress,” said Rathod. Back to hospital On December 17, doctors performed a trial procedure. “They gave anaesthesia to my occipital nerves to stop pain signals and that worked wonders for me. But just for a few hours. As I felt relieved, I was discharged. Only to be readmitted with the same problem. I left Raheja Hospital in the evening on December 17 and was again on the hospital bed at 3 am, the following morning,” said Rathod. Nerve-related transmission “Her symptoms and the nature of repetitive episodes, indicated that there is no problem with the brain, and it looked more like nerve damage. When we conducted some tests, we identified the root cause as a nerve-related pain transmission disorder,” said Dr DK Baheti, senior consultant — pain management specialist, Raheja Hospital High-risk surgery The medical team decided to perform a highly specialised pain-block procedure using pulse radiofrequency ablation, precisely targeting and disrupting the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the brain.
14 February,2026 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarDeputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar held a meeting with party leaders and workers in Pune, attended by key party workers, including a few MLAs from the region. During her meeting with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers, she urged them to work together to fulfil the late Ajit Pawar’s dream and strengthen the party at its grassroots. “Sunetra-tai said that one should not feel they have no one to back them. She assured that she would stand firmly with every NCP leader and worker,” it was learnt from a mid-rank leader of the Ajit Pawar camp. The meeting was said to be her first detailed interaction with party workers on NCP home turf, Pune. Since the merger of the two NCP factions is much talked about in political circles, many were expecting some indication of what Sunetra thought about it. However, she did not touch on any issues regarding the reunion. Taking charge Sunetra has formally taken charge of responsibilities in both the party and the Mahayuti government following the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. After being sworn in as deputy chief minister on January 31, she occupied her office at Mantralaya for the first time on Tuesday (February 10), marking the beginning of her new role in the government. On the same day, she also attended her first cabinet meeting, signalling her active entry into the state’s decision-making process. Visit to Delhi Sunetra travelled to Delhi this week, where she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These meetings are seen as important in strengthening her political position within the Mahayuti alliance. Focus on change From Delhi, Sunetra is said to have chaired the crucial District Planning and Development Committee meeting. Later on Friday, she held her first major meeting with party workers in Pune.
14 February,2026 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarShiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena are locked in a fresh political confrontation over the Parbhani mayor’s post, triggered by criticism of UBT for backing a Muslim candidate. On Thursday, Iqbal Syed of Shiv Sena (UBT) was elected mayor of the Parbhani Municipal Corporation. Soon after, Shinde attacked UBT, saying its “real face” had been exposed by supporting a Muslim mayor. Hitting back, Shiv Sena (UBT) accused Shinde of double standards, pointing out that he had appointed Abdul Sattar, a Muslim leader from Marathwada, as a minister in his government. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, also noted that 12 BJP corporators in Parbhani belong to the Muslim community. Raut further said the newly elected mayor has been associated with the party for years, adding that “it is better to have a loyal Muslim sainik than a traitor,” in a veiled reference to Shinde. The controversy recalls the BJP-Shinde camp’s pre-civic poll campaign, which targeted UBT over its ties with the Congress and claimed that it would accept a Muslim mayor in the BMC.
14 February,2026 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFor the V-Day album A man clicks a photo of a young woman while she poses on a parked boat at Juhu beach. Jules will mix it up Musician and DJ Jimi Jules at a previous gig. Pic courtesy/@jimi_jules Mumbai’s electronic music scene is set for a major shake-up as Swiss DJ and musician Jimi Jules brings his signature sound to Bastian, on February 15. “This is more than just a performance; it will be a journey where sound, atmosphere, and emotion come together. We aim for it to move beyond the idea of a traditional DJ set and become an experience altogether. We’re also bringing this to Bastian beach club, in Juhu, which is our new venue, designed to complement the music and vibe,” said Kunal Jani, its co-founder. Women hit the wheel The team alongside their cars. Pics courtesy/Embarq This year, International Women’s Day will see a self-drive expedition of over 30 women driving 4000 kms from Kutch to Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh, from March 8 to 28. A participant waves to the crowd Titled, K2K 2026, The Bold Route series, it is organised by Mumbai-based self-drive platform, Embarq. Medha Joseph, its co-founder, shared, “Women can focus on the freedom that comes behind the wheel.” Garima Arora wows Thai royals Chef Garima Arora with her husband Rahul Verma (left) greeting Her Royal Highness Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya (in white). Pics courtesy/Garima Arora OG Mumbaikar, Garima Arora, is once again showcasing Indian cuisine to a special audience. Most recently, she celebrated her art with Thai royalty. The chef-owner of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Gaa was invited by the Indian Embassy in Thailand to curate a dinner in Bangkok for Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya ahead of her official visit to India. Tuna Bhel The menu wove India and Thailand together, featuring Tom Kha Pani Puri, Tuna Bhel, Morel Mushroom Biryani and Chai Mousse. Arora told us, “It was an honour to be invited by the Indian Embassy in Thailand. Our team at Gaa created a special menu to bring together the food cultures of India and Thailand on one plate while telling the historic story of the relationship between our two countries.” Bandra flags off pan Indian lit-hop (Left to right) Kyung-sook Shin, Shanta Gokhale and Banu Mushtaq. Pics courtesy/@inkquillcollective This Sunday, Bandra will host authors from literary powerhouses, India and Korea. Man Asian Literary Prize Winner Kyung-sook Shin, the ‘Queen of Korean Crime’ Jeong You-jeong, and sci-fi author Sung-il Kim will be in dialogue with desi luminaries including Booker Prize-Winner Banu Mushtaq, author Shanta Gokhale, and Jeet Thayil at the inaugural session of the India Literary Tour 2026. “We wanted a model where literary conversations engage with multiple cities and languages, rather than being concentrated in one location,” said festival director Arijit Nandi. It will move to cities like Dibrugarh, Imphal, and Guwahati, and conclude in Delhi on February 24.
14 February,2026 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayWork for the Bandra-Versova Sea Link’s Versova exit has begun inside Nana-Nani Park, with excavation for 5 to 6 pillars underway for two days. The project earlier proposed removing the entire park, but after protests in August 2025, the design was revised to build an elevated road above it with pillars inside the park. As per the revised plan, 184 trees will be cut and another 164 will be transplanted. Residents say they now hope the 20-year-old green space survives construction. Excavation underway for pillars inside the park. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur What is happening >> Pillar digging started this week>> Elevated road now planned above the park>> Park earlier faced a full removal proposal Excavation underway for sea link exit pillars inside Nana-Nani Park in Versova, as groundwork begins under the revised elevated road plan Why the park matters >> 20+ year old public park>> Around 90 to 130 daily visitors>> Weekly karaoke sessions for seniors, open gym The open gym area inside the park. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Trees at stake Permission granted under Tree Protection Act>> 184 trees to be cut>> 164 trees to be transplanted>> All trees already marked Senior citizens gather for their weekly karaoke session at Nana-Nani Park. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Authorities MSRDC, BMC were contacted about tree cutting timelines and safeguards, but had not responded till press time. Residents Anil, Rahul, and Vivek during their routine walk at Nana-Nani Park, which locals fear may be affected by the sea link project. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur What residents, visitors say Anil Nair, long-time resident“When I was growing up, this park didn’t exist. Over the past 20 years, it has become a peaceful space where I walk with friends. Though we are sceptical of what will happen once the park is closed and the work actually begins.” Vivek Gopala Krishnan, resident“Before the park came up, there were plans for buildings here. Many of us protested in the 1990s to demand a park, with support from locals and public figures. Now we are unsure what the sea link construction will mean for it.”Gulzar Singh Rajkumar, senior visitor“I have been coming here since the park opened and will continue as long as I can. Tree loss is unfortunate, but it is just a cost of development, which I and many others in my age group have come to accept. I only hope birds and animals find space elsewhere.” Dhruv Sehgal, resident“I’ve been following this issue for months. Even trimming tall trees could harm them because the flyover might limit the sunlight. Green cover in Versova is already limited.”
14 February,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturDo 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 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Income from several avenues is revealed. Some have a second job. Office politics can be treacherous, so safely keep away from them..Cosmic tip: Don’t be overly possessive or hyper-reactive. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Today is good for buying a household item on sale at the nearest electronic store. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Sense a relationship settling down to a place of love and belonging to each other. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Staying away from discussions about an absent person is your way of not encouraging gossip. A successful business trip is a feather in your cap. Cosmic tip: Maintain a workable balance between career/ business. Cancer June 22 – July 23Simplifying life as much as possible helps the mind remain calm and untroubled. Career graph shows a gradual upward move. Cosmic tip: Cease this struggle between emotions and what is right according to karma. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Maintaining happiness and peace within the family has always been a mindset you’ve held onto.Cosmic tip: Don’t get into a struggle with a slow-moving karmic cycle that ends by late afternoon. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A difficult colleague moves to another department, which is a relief..Cosmic tip: Think carefully, being aware of each angle of the matter before doing anything about it. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Changing life around in several ways is done with full intention and focus. Some difficult issues keep you occupied. Cosmic tip: Keep the mind calm and answers to two questions emerge. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22You have every right to question an action or words uttered in a roundabout manner. A meeting clears several blocks to completing the work.Cosmic tip: Balance karmas perfectly by making right choices. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Buying property or having interiors of the home modernised is being considered. Try not to live in the past or the future.Cosmic tip: Enjoy the present moment. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20When you are detached from the outcome, then it’s easier to make decisions with a calm and untroubled mind. Deals and negotiations work out after a slight delay of two days.Cosmic tip: Be patient. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Singles meet someone who begins playing an important role in your life over time. Socialising in the evening is fun.. Cosmic tip: Maintain an emotional connection with someone special. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Maintain an emotional connection with someone special.Cosmic tip: Keep a friend’s confiding in you to yourself, even if someone mentions the same topic.
14 February,2026 03:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that several suburban services will be affected due to a night block on February 14 and 15. The Central Railway said that it will operate a special traffic and power block on the night of 14-15 February 2026 for infrastructure work at Kanjurmarg railway station. An official statement said that the block is being taken to launch four girders, each six metres wide, for a new Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at kilometre 24/13-14 on the Kalyan end of the station. The work will be carried out using a road crane. The block will take place during the night of Saturday and Sunday, from 1.05 am to 4.35 am on February 15, 2026. The traffic block section will be between Vikhroli and Mulund stations, excluding both stations. Cancellation of suburban trains Due to the block, the following suburban services will be cancelled: - CSMT-Thane local (T-1) departing CSMT at 12.24 am on 15 February 2026 - Thane-CSMT local (T-2) departing Thane at 4.04 am on 15 February 2026 "Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly," Central Railway said. Diversion of train The CSMT-Karjat local (S-1) departing CSMT at 12.12 am on 15 February 2026 will be diverted on the down fast line between Matunga and Mulund stations. This train will not halt at Vidyavihar, Kanjurmarg and Nahur stations during the diversion. Railway officials stated that the block is essential for infrastructure development and passenger safety. The installation of FOB girders is part of ongoing efforts to improve facilities and ease passenger movement at the station. Passengers have been requested to bear with the railway administration for the inconvenience caused. Mid-night traffic block on Feb 14-15 at Kharbao is cancelled Meanwhile, in an another statement, The Central Railway on Friday said that a special traffic and power block scheduled on mid-night of February 14-15 (Saturday/Sunday mid-night) for commissioning of new UP and DOWN Goods line at Kharbao in connection with DFCCIL Project has been cancelled. "Accordingly the cancellations and rescheduling of trains due to the same stands cancelled," it said.
13 February,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
