Mumbai experienced moderate temperatures and bright sunshine on Thursday. The city continued to witness stable weather, with clear skies dominating most parts through the day. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, in line with prevailing weather patterns observed over the past few weeks. The relatively comfortable conditions during the morning hours contributed to a pleasant start to the day for residents. Smog layer raises pollution concerns Despite favourable weather, a layer of smog was observed across several parts of the city as the day progressed, reducing visibility and raising concerns over deteriorating air quality. The hazy skyline has once again drawn attention to the impact of pollution on public health. Experts caution that continuous exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and those with existing health conditions. Air quality remains uneven across areas Air quality levels across Mumbai showed noticeable variation, with some areas recording better conditions than others. As per data from the Centre’s SAMEER app, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 71 on Thursday morning, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. However, several localities reported relatively higher AQI levels. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded 94, Andheri East 87, and Deonar 109. Other areas such as Kandivali (89), Malad (76), and Mulund West (43) also reflected varying pollution levels. Meanwhile, comparatively cleaner air was recorded in parts of South Mumbai, including Worli (64), Colaba (61), and Byculla (66), keeping them within the satisfactory range. Delhi minimum temperature 12.6 deg Celsius; air 'poor' Meanwhile, the national capital on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 31 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity was recorded at 86 per cent at 8:30 am. The air quality was recorded in the "poor" category at 9 am on Thursday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 201, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed. According to the CPCB, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
26 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKharghar is set to witness one of the largest religious congregations in Navi Mumbai’s recent history as the 350th Shaheedi Samagam (martyrdom commemoration) of Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as Hind-Di-Chadar (Shield of India), will be held on February 28 and March 1 at Owe Ground, Sector 29. With an estimated footfall around 20 lakh devotees from across India and abroad, authorities have rolled out a multi-agency action plan to ensure smooth execution. Civic machinery On Wednesday, joint inspections were conducted by NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde and his Panvel counterpart Mangesh Chitale, along with senior civic engineers and nodal officers and Raigad district administration officials. The Hind-Di-Chadar event venue at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai Present along with the civic chiefs were Hind-Di-Chadar coordinators Ravindra Rathod and Happy Singh. NMMC in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Gurudwaras held the cultural programme at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha in Vashi. Expected dignitaries >> Union Home Minister Amit Shah>> Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis>> Prime Minister Narendra Modi (likely to address event virtually) Traffic measures >> Heavy inflow of vehicles is expected from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.>> Diversions on the Sion-Panvel Highway for heavy vehicles>> Temporary restrictions near Kalamboli Circle and CBD Belapur junction>> 1-2 km radius around venue marked as restricted vehicular zone>> Dedicated parking grounds away from main venue>> Special NMMT and MSRTC bus services>> PMC has also developed a dedicated mobile app to guide visitors Key areas reviewed >> Main stage and VIP enclosure>> Drinking water supply network>> Sanitation blocks and mobile toilets>> Langar (community kitchen) arrangements>> Parking zones and helipad site>> Medical infrastructure, including ICU units Voices Dr Kailas Shinde, NMMC Commissioner‘This is not just a religious gathering but a message of national unity. We are ensuring 24x7 coordination so that no devotee faces inconvenience’ Mangesh Chitale, PMC commissioner‘Given the scale of the event, inter-agency coordination is critical. State government, civic bodies and police are working in sync’ Milind Bharambe, police commissioner, Navi Mumbai‘Nearly 20 lakh people are expected to turn up, we have implemented a multi-layer security plan focusing on crowd control, traffic regulation and VIP protection’ In numbers 3000 police personnel to be deployed 2000+ trained volunteers to be deployed 300+ CCTV cameras at venue 100 water tankers and ORS distribution counters 500 sanitation workers on duty 20 ambulances, including cardiac units 10 temporary health camp to be setup
26 February,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghThe BMC has set aside Rs 4248 crore for education in 2026-27, increasing spending on student welfare, infrastructure and curriculum reforms for over 3 lakh civic school students, while also continuing awareness drives on child safety and substance abuse. Students attend school on the first day of its reopening. Pic/Getty Images “This budget focuses on the holistic development of students… creating AI labs and curriculum for civic-school students has long been a dream project,” said Education Committee chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar. She added that boosting enrolment in Marathi-medium schools remains a key focus. What’s new this year? Rs 25,000Cash aid for top-performing civic school studentsStd V-VIIIEco-warrior climate curriculum rolloutStd IXAdded to educational tours CitywideTeacher training ahead of NEP rollout LibrariesUpgrades + competitive exam books Sports, music, and therapyFresh equipment for schools and Divyang students Infrastructure push 55 schoolsAstronomy labs already active +40 labsPlanned next year 28,470 desks44,938 chairsFurniture procurement underway 53 schoolsRepair work ongoing; 47 finishing by March 19 schoolsReconstruction/new buildings; 10 finishing by March Civic school system in numbers Students across BMC schools3+ lakh Primary schools2.76 lakh students7453 teachers Secondary schools34,311 students1177 teachers Special schools19 schools 845 students Other-board schools21 schools (CBSE: 18, ICSE:1, IGCSE:1, IB:1)13,316 students Safety and awareness drives >> Citywide campaignsPOCSO awareness programmes >> Anti-drug initiativesOngoing student sensitisation drives
26 February,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarAfter more than three years of administrative rule, the BMC on Wednesday unveiled its largest-ever budget of Rs 80,952.56 crore, marking the first time since the civic body lost elected representation that the financial plan has been formally placed before a standing committee. The budget addressed several topics that were promised by the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti in its election manifesto presented in January this year. BMC Headquarters in Fort. Pic/SATEJ SHINDE The budget signals a clear pivot toward long-term infrastructure, digital governance and new revenue models, with projects targeting flooding, transport, hawker management and public services, while also introducing tech-driven tools such as an AI-based citizen assistance system to simplify civic processes. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said the focus remains on building durable assets while ensuring steady revenue streams to sustain projects over the coming years. New sources of revenue With a large commitment to infrastructure projects in the next few years, BMC budget has committed to the civic body exploring new sources of revenue. Rs 400 to Rs 500 crore annually from Entertainment Tax, as the amendment to Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, the responsibility for collecting Entertainment Tax/Fees previously levied by State Government, has been entrusted to the Local Authorities. Monetising revenue generating assets through Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) for raising funds to undertake major capital projects. These assets include markets, public parking lots, and roads. BMC will raise funds from retail and institutional investors. Municipal Green Bonds - BMC is planning to raise Municipal Green Bonds for financing its sustainable infrastructure such as waste water treatment and desalination plants. Infrastructure focused budget 39 per cent or Rs 18,810.48 of BMC’s Rs 48164.28 crore Capital expenditure has been assigned to 4 big ticket infrastructure projects for Mumbai. These include the 7 Waste Water Treatment facilities, Coastal Road Project (North), Goregaon Mulund Link Road Project, ongoing concretisation of roads, and the Coastal Road Project (South). This highlights BMC’s shift towards strengthening long-term assets. Overall, for the next few years, the civic body has a liability of Rs 2,13,145.84 crore towards priority infrastructure projects, along with Rs 31,406.81 crore for essential works across other civic departments. totalling Rs 2,44,552.65 crore. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani in a statement to the press on Wednesday evening said that the civic body’s aim is to generate revenue annually to sustain the needs of the infrastructure projects year on year. Reserve funds are utilised where necessary.
26 February,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe issue of poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at Kherwadi in Bandra East was raised in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, with the Maharashtra government announcing a target of 100 per cent pollution monitoring at all construction and development sites. The AQI levels in the area have been hovering around 320. A truck carrying construction debris without a cover on the service road near Kherwadi Junction in Bandra East. File pic/SATEJ SHINDE Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said strict enforcement of norms is necessary to achieve tangible improvement in air quality. “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology must be deployed for effective implementation of pollution control measures, including complete monitoring of emissions at all construction sites, be it private or government work,” Fadnavis added. 100 per cent monitoring Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said construction sites are being monitored through systems linked to the BMC dashboard, adding that although most sites are covered, the government aims to achieve 100 per cent monitoring soon. The CM also insisted on using technology-driven AI systems for effective monitoring and implementation of rules. ‘No intention to halt development’ Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap stated that poor air quality and violation of norms are common scenes across Mumbai. “We do not want to stall development, but this should not come at the cost of citizens’ health,” he said, demanding a special drive to curb pollution. Kherwadi AQI at 320 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab said pollution levels at Kherwadi continue to remain dangerously high, alleging widespread violation of mandatory pollution control norms. He added that offenders show little fear of enforcement and called for stern action against erring individuals. ‘Numbers misleading’ Minister for Environment and Climate Change Pankaja Munde urged citizens not to rely on unverified information about air pollution levels, saying that misleading AQI data was being circulated with the intention to stall development. She asked people to refer only to official government websites and authorised platforms. “Mumbai is undergoing large-scale construction activity… the air quality situation is better than last year.”
26 February,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarConcerned over the growing digital addiction among children and its impact on their mental and physical health, the Maharashtra government has decided to appoint a special task force of experts to study the issue and recommend solutions. MLC Niranjan Davkhare and others raised concerns about children getting addicted to mobile games and apps. State Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar said the government has already directed the department to set up an expert panel to find a solution to this problem among minors. Data speaks >> Global gaming industry is worth $200+ billion >> India ranks No. 1 globally in mobile game downloads>> Gaming market in state likely to reach $8.6 bn by 2027 The task force The expert task force will include educationists, psychiatrists, child counsellors, doctors, technology specialists, legal experts, and officials from government departments. The panel will study several aspects, such as child safety online, mental health impact, and responsible digital usage
26 February,2026 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAfter spending Tuesday running from pillar to post outside Sion Hospital seeking help for his mother’s surgery and returning empty-handed, 12-year-old Parwez Ali woke up on Wednesday to an unexpected flood of donations. Parwez Ali (in green) and a social work tender to Shabana at KEM Hospital in 2024. PIC/By Special Arrangement “I saw that I had multiple messages — some reading Rs 100 credited, some saying Rs 10,000 credited. I couldn’t believe that the account balance had reached Rs 23,000. And this was just around 10.30 in the morning,” said Ali. By the end of the day, contributions from readers pushed the total to Rs 61,000. Parwez said the funds have already begun easing the family’s burden. Scan QR code to help fund Shabana’s treatment How to send money to Parwez if QR or UPI fails >> Open PhonePe>> Select “To Bank Account & Self” in Send Money>> Select Union Bank of India>> Enter account number: 319302120001544>> Send the desired amount Technical hurdle in UPI The surge of support briefly hit a banking limit, as Parwez’s account is a basic deposit account that allows only Rs 20,000 to be credited per day. “When I tried sending him money via PhonePe, it said that the receiver’s account had reached the daily credit limit. I was then informed by this reporter about this technical issue. Later, around 2.30 in the afternoon, I was able to send him money. I donated Rs 5000, and that got credited to his account,” said a donor. Once the cap was reset, transfers resumed, and more funds were credited. Donations in one day Rs 61,000Total contributed by Mumbaikars in a single day Rs 23,000Balance visible by 10.30 am (Rs 20,000 donations + Rs 3000 savings) Rs 100 - Rs 10,000Range of individual contributions
26 February,2026 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA fireside chat between moderator Anukool Bharadwaj and Paralympian high jumper Praveen Kumar at the Bombay Gymkhana in Fort, on Tuesday, February 24, went beyond medals. Kumar won gold in the T64 High Jump event at the Paris Paralympics in 2024 in the T44 category. The gold came after he had won a silver medal in the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020. “In 2020, I heard the anthem of Great Britain play as the para athlete took gold. I was slightly hurt, I thought the next time the Indian national anthem would play,” he said, earning applause from his audience. Praveen Kumar Kumar, who is from Gautam Buddha Nagar in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, was born with a congenital defect in his left leg. It is classed as a locomotor disability. He has a brother who is able. Kumar explained, “I recall neighbours, some relatives calling me bechara. There were other cruel barbs like langda, which my parents had borne,” said Kumar as the audience listened, emotional. The 23-year-old said, “I was always a fighter. In Std VI, I used to play volleyball, jump high to smash that ball. I once participated in an athletics high jump competition in school against the able-bodied and won gold. My journey to jump to the highest on the podium began from there,” he concluded. The disability Locomotor disability refers to a significant restriction in the movement of limbs (arms or legs) or a functional limitation of bones, joints, or muscles, which hinders a person’s ability to move freely or handle objects. Paralympian high jumper Praveen Kumar poses with a youngster. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE Barbs endured >> Langda>> Bechara with weak bones>> Relatives, who did not care if he attended family functions, insist he attend today The athlete’s accomplishments Silver: 2020 Tokyo ParalympicsGold: 2024 Paris ParalympicsWinner: Padma Shri and Khel Ratna Praveen Kumar’s pantheon of Gods >> Olympic Gold Quest>> Coach Dr Satyapal Singh>> His parents and brother The future >> Looking at 2028 Paralympics>> Hopes to compete in 2032 Paralympics>> If he remains fit, 2036 Paralympics His message >> Use digital/social media in moderation, only so much that it benefits you; overuse/obsession is detrimental>> Focus laser sharp on one goal. Be determined, and do not accept defeat
26 February,2026 06:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharA suspicious job recruitment banner promising employment linked to Navi Mumbai International Airport was removed from outside Sion railway station late Wednesday evening, hours after a mid-day reporter visited the spot and began making enquiries into the offer. The banner, which advertised a monthly salary of Rs 18,300 with provident fund benefits and 26 working days, had raised concerns of a potential recruitment scam targeting job seekers hoping to benefit from the airport’s expected employment boom. The suspicious job recruitment hoarding was taken down late Wednesday evening. Pic/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Police said they are examining the phone numbers listed on the banner, while civic officials had earlier indicated the display appeared unauthorised and could be removed if found illegal. “We will look into the matter and see if the given phone number is fraudulent,” said Senior Police Inspector Anant Salunkhe of Sion police station. Reporter’s verification check Numbers foundFour linked to the foundation Calls answeredCalling only one of the numbers yielded a response Reaction when questionedCaller disconnected twice after being asked about the job Other numbersUnreachable Navi Mumbai International Airport, where recruitment is conducted only through official channels. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI What the banner promised Salary mentionedRs 18,300 per monthWork schedule26 days a monthBenefits claimedCompulsory PF Employer listed“VSP Foundation” Contact givenOne name + phone number printed on banner What the airport says Official warning“NMIA does not charge any fees for job applications or interviews. Any request for payment related to a job offer or interview should be recognised as fraudulent” Verified hiring routeJobs listed only on the airport’s official website and authorised platforms Police advice to job seekers“Any requests or demands for money should be considered possibly fraudulent,” an officer from Sion police station said Key precautionsVerify the employer Avoid paying money Check authenticity before sharing documents Civic body responseBMC officials said they were unaware of the hoarding. “Prima facie it looks like a fake hoarding and action will be taken against it accordingly,” said a senior official from the F North ward, adding that permission records are being checked. If unauthorised, the hoarding will be removed How to apply safely for airport jobs Safest routeApply through the airport’s official careers pageVendor hiring existsBut confirm they are authorised contractors Never shareMoney or personal documents without verification
26 February,2026 06:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturKing’s circle A security guard takes a breather sitting amidst statues from the recently concluded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations in Borivali West Stage is yours, Naseer sahab Naseeruddin Shah. FILE PIC This diarist comes bearing good news for those disheartened by the recent slew of cancelled talks and lectures in the city. This Saturday, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah will speak at the Bhimchaya Sanskrutik Kendra in Kalina as part of an aptly titled talk series, Lectures That Needed To Happen. The series is organised by citizen-led community Mumbai For Peace (MFP), which has earlier hosted silent protests and cultural events to promote harmony in the city. “We have always stood for freedom and peace. Naseeruddin Shah’s session will explore the intricacies of the Urdu language, and how words can spread love and counter hate,” said Sameer Wagle of MFP. We’ve learnt that the likes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi and Mirza Ghalib will be remembered during the two-hour session. Keen folks must note that the venue offers limited seating, and RSVP is strictly mandatory. To learn more about this series of refreshing talks amid uncertain times, log on to @mumbai4peace. Acts of epic proportions Jonathan Taikina Taylor and Mahesh Dattani Sahitya Akademi Award winning playwright Mahesh Dattani is set to make a grand return to the Mumbai stage this month. The Monk & The Warrior, written by Dattani and directed by Brooklyn-based Jonathan Taikina Taylor, will trace the bold history of queerness in India. Put together by an international team including Australian, Chilean and American artistes, the play will make a short six-show run at the NCPA from April 2 to 5. “I wanted to explore the profound collision between the pursuit of spiritual self-realisation and the brutal reality of imperialism,” Dattani shared a sneak peek with us. For the Ustad (From left) Ustad Zakir Hussain during a performance at Hridayesh Festival, Vile Parle in 2015. FILE PIC/SACHIN KALBAG, Mehtab Ali Niazi. PIC COURTESY/@mehtabaliniazi on instagram, Kunal Kapoor and Sheldon D’Silva. PIC COURTESY/RAJ LALWANI The hallowed stage of Prithvi Theatre may never see the likes of the late Ustad Zakir Hussain again, but the musician’s influence will loom large at this year’s edition of the theatre’s annual memorial concert on February 28. The annual concert, Rehnuma, performed on the birth anniversary of the theatre’s co-founder, Jennifer Kendal Kapoor, will also doff a hat to the tabla maestro who was born in the same month (February 8). Featuring Zubin Balaporia, Sheldon D’Silva, Mehtab Ali Niazi, and Shikhar Naad Qureshi among others, the performance is an acoustic adaptation of the showcase presented by Prithvi Theatre at the recent Lollapalooza India 2026. “Keeping in tune with Ustad Zakir Hussain’s dedication to music, collaboration and generosity and his support to young musicians, we are proud to present some of India’s finest young talent as they perform in celebration and pay tribute to the spirit of the legendary maestro and his everlasting legacy to India and the world,” trustee Kunal Kapoor told this diarist. Drumming up a dream Sanidhya Das at an earlier drum showcase. PIC COURTESY/SUBHASHISH DAS We’ll need a drumroll for this one, please. One of the youngest musicians to take stage at Mumbai Drum Day this Friday is all of 11 years old. Sanidhya Das, the Bengaluru-based drumming prodigy, is all set to play alongside Gino Banks, Ojas Adhiya, Abbos Kosimov and others, years after he manifested it. “I first heard about Mumbai Drum Day three years ago when we met Gino sir for the first time. Ever since, performing there has become a dream for me and my family,” Das told this diarist. The wonder kid had earlier turned heads in the city at the 2024 edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival, where he played alongside OG rockers Indus Creed. “I’m excited to be back with a new set, including Cheating the Polygraph by Gavin Harrison, Sacrifice by Jay Postones, and The Summoning by Sleep Token. I’ve been practising intensely and I’m especially looking forward to adding my own improvisation on stage,” he revealed.
26 February,2026 06:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo 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 26. Aries March 21 – April 20A family outing quickly derails over the most minor conversational argument. Career/ business involves extensive travel.Cosmic tip: Maintain a peaceful mind as that shows real power. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A highly strung friend who shrugged away in a bad mood (not due to you) gets in touch.Cosmic tip: Act on information only after knowing actual facts, checking about them with two people. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Promote your interests first before promoting others’ concerns. If driving, be aware of pedestrians, two wheelers and autos.Cosmic tip: Keep in mind there’s no shortcut involved of wanting to really work through karmas. Cancer June 22 – July 23There’s usually some hidden agenda when a friend praises you, so don’t allow yourself to get taken in. Unpleasant memories are easier to come to terms with.Cosmic tip: Have faith in your love. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Remaining on amicable terms with family/ friends keeps your mind peacefully calm. Cosmic tip: Complete one job first before going onto the next. Juggling too many things together creates delays. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A job offer is received from a company that had interviewed you and then disappeared. Cosmic tip: Intermingle with colleagues sensitively, yet keep the manner professional. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A business idea sounds good; then you decide to keep it on hold for a while. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t take inordinately long in making a decision since time is at a premium. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22This karmic cycle for the day is annoyingly slow, so just deal with it patiently. Expect communication to be delayed.Cosmic tip: Choose a diet and exercise routine that works long-time. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Mentally map out plans for the day on waking up, trying your best to keep to a schedule, just doing what needs to be accomplished.Cosmic tip: Don’t be so hypercritical towards yourself. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Ideas seem workable, but further introspection about how to go about them reveals impractical planning.Cosmic tip: Make peace with the past. Decisions made at that time were right. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Redevelopment of the building is revealed. This karmic cycle supports selling property also. Work through karmas.Cosmic tip: Eat balanced meals. Give up a habit you meant to. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Don’t get sidetracked into unnecessary arguments that make you emotionally distraught. Cementing a relationship points to marriage for some. Cosmic tip: Be patiently peaceful as life begins moving forward.
26 February,2026 03:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseADVERTISEMENT
