A massive fire broke out near South Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Sunday, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air. According to officials, huge clouds of smoke were seen rising from the tetrapods and large concrete blocks along the seafront. Pic/ Ashish Raje Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and began efforts to douse the blaze. Mumbai Traffic Police also reached the area to manage vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Firefighting operations are underway. Pic/ Ashish Raje As a precautionary measure, the entrance of the Coastal Road tunnel has been temporarily closed while firefighting operations continue, an official told Mid-Day. Further details are awaited as operations remain underway.
22 February,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has called for an in-depth investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the life of senior Maharashtra politician Ajit Pawar, raising concerns about the functioning of VSR and possible lapses surrounding the incident. In a conversation with ANI, Pawar alleged that the airline was not operating efficiently and could pose risks to high-profile passengers. Describing the crash as a tragic loss for both his family and the state, he demanded a comprehensive probe into all aspects of the incident, including developments a day prior to the crash. "We have received information that VSR was not functioning properly. When VIPs travel with such services, their safety cannot be compromised. The events of January 28 were deeply unfortunate. There must be a thorough investigation into VSR’s role, and a criminal angle should also be explored, including what transpired on January 27," he said. Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives when the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Sources, however, told ANI that aviation accidents are investigated under strict international protocols laid down by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and ICAO norms. They described such probes as technical, transparent and driven entirely by evidence, urging that the process be left to authorised agencies. The sources also criticised attempts to politicise the tragedy, stating that conclusions should be based on verified findings rather than speculation. They maintained that accountability would be ensured once the investigation is complete. Opposition raises questions Following the crash, leaders from the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have raised questions over the circumstances of the accident, with some suggesting the possibility of foul play. Earlier, Rohit Pawar had sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to oversee the investigation. Addressing a press conference, he said the incident could involve either a political or commercial conspiracy and stressed the need to determine the exact cause. He also alleged that if any entity was shielding VSR, it could point to a larger nexus involving influential individuals, including officials linked to the DGCA. Pawar further said he would write to the Prime Minister seeking support for a transparent probe and demanded the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He also raised questions about the aircraft’s black box data, claiming there may have been multiple explosions. Additionally, he pointed to the presence of extra fuel containers stored separately, suggesting they could have contributed to the fire, and called for these aspects to be thoroughly investigated. (With inputs from ANI)
22 February,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA brief smoke scare was reported at Churchgate railway station around 11 am on platform number 1 on Sunday, officials said. According to the Deputy Station Superintendent (Commercial), smoke was noticed emanating from a display-cum-warmer used to keep samosas and vegetable puffs at a stall operated by Seema Pandey. Preliminary information suggests that no fire broke out and the smoke may have been caused due to overheating of the crust of the food items kept inside the warmer. As a precautionary measure, a fire extinguisher available at the stall was used to douse the smoke. A joint inspection along with the electrical staff is currently being carried out to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. No injuries were reported, and normal operations at the station continued without disruption.
22 February,2026 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAIMIM leader Waris Pathan on Saturday said there was nothing objectionable if the family of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar demanded an investigation into the plane crash that led to his death. Speaking to ANI, Pathan said that given Ajit Pawar’s stature, seeking a probe was justified. He also noted that NCP leader Rohit Pawar has raised several questions regarding the incident, which, he said, should be addressed. Ajit Pawar, along with four others, died on January 28 when the aircraft carrying them crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Sources told ANI that investigations into aviation accidents are conducted strictly under established protocols of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and international ICAO norms. These inquiries are technical in nature, transparent, and based entirely on evidence. They emphasised that the probe should be left to authorised agencies and described attempts to politicise the incident as unfortunate. According to them, conclusions should be drawn only after a thorough, evidence-based investigation. Following Pawar’s death, leaders from the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress have raised concerns over the circumstances of the crash, with some hinting at the possibility of foul play. Earlier in the day, Rohit Pawar called for the direct involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the investigation. Addressing a press conference, he said the incident could involve either a political or commercial angle and stressed the need to determine the exact cause. He also alleged that if any entity, including the VSR company, was being shielded, it could point towards a larger conspiracy, claiming that influential individuals and even DGCA-linked officials might be involved. Sharad Pawar suffers from mild dehydration, hospitalised in Pune Meanwhile, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Sunday after suffering from mild dehydration, doctors said. The condition of the 85-year-old Rajya Sabha member was stable, they said. "He has been admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic for mild dehydration and requires intravenous fluids. His condition is stable. He will remain in the hospital for two days and is expected to be discharged thereafter," Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist and chairman and managing trustee of the hospital, said in a statement. Dr Grant and Dr Abhijit Lodha, consultant physician at the hospital, were supervising his treatment. Earlier, the former Union minister was admitted to the same hospital on February 9 following a chest infection and was discharged on February 14. (With inputs from ANI)
22 February,2026 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn an inspiring feat of grit and determination, 22-year-old Pramod Pawde from Kuini, a small hamlet in the district of Nanded in Maharashtra scaled the state’s highest peak, Kalsubai, in just two hours and 48 minutes recently in January. What makes his achievement extraordinary is that Pawde accomplished the climb using a prosthetic leg. Kalsubai, standing at 5,400 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range, is considered one of the most challenging and popular treks in Maharashtra. Thousands of trekking enthusiasts attempt the climb every year, navigating steep rocky patches and uneven terrain. “Completing the trek in under three hours is an impressive timing, even for seasoned climbers sometimes. For someone who uses a prosthetic leg, it’s a speechless achievement. Good support of fellow trekkers, apt planning, good exercise and highest level of determination - a combination of this can make anything possible and Pawde is a living example of that,” said Babloo Tarawale, who conducts several treks across Maharashtra. Pawde started his trek around 2 am and completed it around 4.45 am. “It was one of the most beautiful sunrises that I had ever seen!” said Pawde. However, there were times when Pawde felt like giving up. "But fellow trekkers kept motivating me. The biggest hurdle was the uneven pathway. Kalsubai climbing starts at night only and that's the risk which demotivates many,” shared the youngster. Challenges of climbing Kalsubai >> It’s a night Trek >> There are no proper steps>> There is an uneven terrain which made walking with a prosthetic difficult >> One needs to carry water and food as there is barely anything available in top adding to the weight and pressure on legs How did Pramod lose his leg? In 2018, Pawde collapsed while playing cricket. “The doctors noticed a lump just below my knee. After an X-ray they learnt that it’s not just a lump, but a tumour. It was Bone Sarcoma (bone cancer) and my treatment at Tata Hospital in Mumbai began in January 2019.” While several NGOs and donors helped him get through his treatment at Tata Hospital, it was former health minister Tanaji Sawant that made funds available for his prosthetic leg.
22 February,2026 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarVeteran politician and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Sunday after experiencing mild dehydration, doctors confirmed. The 85-year-old Rajya Sabha MP is currently stable and under medical supervision. According to a statement issued by Ruby Hall Clinic, Pawar is receiving intravenous fluids as part of his treatment and is expected to remain hospitalised for the next two days. Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist and chairman as well as managing trustee of the hospital, said Pawar’s condition is not serious and he is likely to be discharged after a short period of observation. His treatment is being overseen by Dr Grant along with consultant physician Dr Abhijit Lodha. This is the second time in recent weeks that Pawar has been admitted to the same hospital. Earlier, he was hospitalised on February 9 due to a chest infection and was discharged on February 14 after recovery. Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar visited Sharad Pawar at Pune Hospital Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, along with son Parth Pawar, visited the Ruby Hall Clinic on February 9 when Sharad Pawar was admitted. Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth enquired about the well-being of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar’s late husband, Ajit, was Sharad Pawar’s nephew. Sharad Pawar was brought to the hospital by his wife, Pratibha Pawar; daughter, Supriya Sule; son-in-law, Sadanand Sule; and grandson, Rohit Pawar. While the doctors and hospital staff have been focusing on getting Sharad Pawar the best medical aid, Ruby Hall Clinic has further urged the party workers and well-wishers to avoid gathering within the hospital premises to ensure that routine patient care is not disrupted. 'Will fulfil Ajit Pawar’s unfinished dreams:' Moments after assuming office, Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar makes emotional pledge Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar shared her first reaction after assuming office. In an emotional post on social media platform X, she vowed to carry forward the unfinished dreams of her late husband, former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and work with dedication for the welfare of the state. In a heartfelt statement released shortly after taking charge at Mantralaya, Pawar wrote, “While assuming the responsibility of deputy CM of Maharashtra today, I am also filled with a sense of trust, duty, and sacrifice. The passion for development that Ajitdada pursued throughout his life for the people of Maharashtra will be my guiding light. Drawing strength from his work style, decisiveness, and close bond with the people, I will move forward. My priority will be to fulfil his unfinished dreams and deliver justice to the expectations of farmers, women, youth, and common citizens. No one can take Dada’s place, but I will sincerely strive to preserve his ideals and build a more capable Maharashtra. In this difficult time, the love, support, and trust given by the people is my strength.”
22 February,2026 12:00 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMumbai experienced mostly clear skies and relatively pleasant conditions on Sunday, February 22. However, the overall weather comfort was dampened by a layer of smog that persisted across the city over the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast largely clear skies to continue, with temperatures expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The gradual increase in daytime temperatures in recent weeks points to the onset of the summer season. Air quality continues in ‘moderate’ range Despite stable weather conditions, air pollution remains a concern. Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 125 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Data from the Centre’s SAMEER app showed varying pollution levels across the city. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded a relatively higher AQI of 174, while Andheri East stood at 160 and Deonar at 154. Other areas such as Kandivali reported 138, Bandra East 121, Mulund West 111, Malad 110, Colaba 110, and Byculla 109—keeping all locations within the ‘moderate’ band. Air quality in Delhi poor Meanwhile, Delhi on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, which was 0.2 notches above the season's average. The weather department has predicted a mainly clear sky during the day with the maximum temperature expected to reach around 29 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity was recorded at 89 per cent at 8.30 am. The air quality was recorded in the 'poor' category at 9 am, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 242, 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'. According to CPCB, the AQI, which ranges from 0 to 500, is divided into six categories, each reflecting the level of pollution and associated health risks. An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as "Good", indicating minimal or no health impact. AQI levels from 51 to 100 fall into the "Satisfactory" category, where air quality remains acceptable, though sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues may experience slight discomfort. The "Moderate" category, ranging from 101 to 200, indicates rising pollution levels that can trigger respiratory difficulties for people with asthma, lung conditions, or heart disease. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "Poor", a range in which prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort to most people, not just those with pre-existing health issues. Levels between 301 and 400 are marked as "Very Poor", posing a risk of respiratory illnesses even to healthy individuals when exposure continues for long periods. The most hazardous category, "Severe," includes AQI values from 401 to 500. At this stage, air quality becomes dangerous for everyone.
22 February,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile parents and students across the city are grappling with exam nerves, a few are taking over the reins of their mental health, ensuring that they go into the exam room sharp and ready to take on the world. Although previous generations have had their own arsenal of tricks, not everyone benefits from the usual recommendations, such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama. So Gen Z and their millennial parents are employing tactics that are a mix of the former’s digital dexterity and mental health tools . These include the popular trick of imagining the best result, ‘manifestation’, vision boards, digital detox, and calming content consumption into the mix. Change of surroundings Gone are the days of hanging a positive thought or a poster of their role model; the students today are taking their familiarity with digital dexterity with designs to the next level of today. One such is Tanisha Potdar, a Class 12 board Mumbai student, who has created a digital poster that she printed as the background of almost all her electronic/digital devices. Amar Cherawalla on a run “I have a vision board collage with a picture of the institute I wish to go to, a marksheet that says I have achieved over 90 per cent, affirming words like ‘achieved’ and ‘accepted’ to help me remain positive through the exam. While I have not pasted a physical copy of the vision board, I have saved it on my gadgets wallpaper to remind me of my goals,” said the student, who was preparing for her French exam. Parents who really want to do all they can for their children are stepping up as well. This includes Chitra Ahuja, who believes that your productivity is linked to the power of the physical space. Including anything from rearranging the house and deployable hacks for an exam revamp. Ahuja, who is a senior manager at Podar Prep School, has a space designed for her sons with these principles in mind. “I teach my children to associate that space with learning so that they don’t get overwhelmed by distractions while they are studying or preparing for exams,” she said. As a result, Chitra’s sons have neutral colours, calming hues, that is a ‘no-gadget’ zone. Many believe that during exam weeks, the colours in one’s room can have a strong influence on the mood. “Shades of blue and green on your sheets can create a sense of calm and enhance clear thinking. Tanisha Potdar shows off her digital posters/wallpaper that has manifestations, like getting into the college she wants to You can steer clear of bright reds or yellows; while they boost energy, they can also disrupt your focus. Dark colours like black absorb light and can feel quite heavy,” say furnishing experts like Amanpreet Singh Arora. A change in hues may be routine for some, but other parents also turn to spiritual paths ahead of stressful exam times. Hema Sharma, a Hyderabad resident, was worried about her son, who is now to appear for Class 12 CBSE board exams. Seeing his score drop after grade 10, the mother sprang into action before the boards and found Mumbai-based Healer and Manifestation coach Gunjan Malviya. “After a phone call with her, we pasted images of various deities and affirmative words around my son’s room. I have pasted the phrase ‘spark highest potential’ on my son’s almirah, as an affirmative statement she shared. After following this for three to four months, we have seen his focus improve, and I feel calmer,” said Sharma. As per Malviya, practices like crystal bracelets, mojo bags, Bach flower remedies, vision boards, switch words, affirmations, or “energy circles” can sometimes help indirectly, mainly through psychological mechanisms rather than proven physical or mystical effects. “When a child believes they have something ‘supporting’ them (bracelet, affirmation card, etc.), anxiety may be reduced. Lower anxiety can improve concentration and exam performance. And when parents lovingly create these items or help build rituals, children feel supported, which increases confidence and reduces stress,” Malviya told Sunday mid-day. Digital detox Maximising one’s motivation is one side; however, cutting out the chaos is just as important. Vidhi Sureliya opts for a digital detox. Every time she studies for her HSC boards, Sureliya locks up her phone in a small wooden box, which then goes inside a cupboard. Staying away from the constant buzz of notifications has helped this student. “I try to use the internet via the laptop so I don’t end up doom-scrolling on my phone. I have many friends who shun their mobile phones for months together ahead of big exams. Similarly, I try not to study while wearing my pajamas. Simply dressing like I have somewhere to go keeps me more alert, and not so casual,” said Vidhi. Binge and go A few have figured out ‘comfort watching’ to regulate their systems. Della, a Class 11 science student who took her boards last year, went hard on Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ as her pre-exam binge. “One evening, before a low-stakes exam, I saw that the movie was out on an OTT, and gave it a shot. It was surreal. I was very motivated and had a deeper appreciation for the sciences. The next day I scored 75 per cent and soon the movie became both a ritual as well as a lucky charm,” said Della, a science student who intends on repeating this practice before her Class 11 finals. “It taught me that the universe is meant to be so much bigger than that,” she added. Exam high Masuma Cherawala, a physiotherapist and a parent to a Class 10 CBSE student from Gopi Birla Memorial School, believes that her son’s daily runs are what help them the most. “My son takes his ‘me-time’ with his 30-45 minute run every day, and I manage to join him often,” she said. Just how does it help? “His posture, sitting in one place for three hours, learning to adjust without ACs and other comforts of your home,” she adds. “I think the easiest thing we can do for our children is remain peaceful ourselves. I turn to the Quran and spirituality to calm myself down and provide better support for my son,” she added. No to the sugar Bhanushali, who is appearing for her class 12 board exams, has cut out sugar. “I did the same before my class 10 exams, and it helped me increase my focus, ” she said. She studies and revises on the terrace. “Sitting on the terrace helps me focus better. I start early so that I catch fresh sunlight and avoid construction ruckus too,” she said.
22 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarEnvironmentalists and residents have lauded the civic authorities for accelerating work to divert sewage from entering Powai Lake, but raised serious concerns over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to transplant 112 trees for the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP). According to NGO Natconnect Foundation, the clean-up drive aimed at halting the daily discharge of 18 million litres of untreated sewage from 18 inlets into the 210-hectare wetland has gathered pace. However, the proposed transplantation of trees from the STP site near Suvarna Mandir in Powai has sparked fresh debate over the ecological cost of restoration. While appreciating the BMC’s response to sustained citizen pressure, Pamela Cheema, chairperson of the BMC-mandated ALM, urged the civic body to examine alternative alignments to minimise tree loss. “With AQI levels deteriorating, protecting mature trees is critical. Transplantation must be the last resort,” she said. The STP site reportedly has 212 trees, of which 122 are proposed for transplantation. Environment watchdog NatConnect Foundation echoed the concerns, cautioning that the survival rate of transplanted trees in Mumbai is often below 40 per cent.
22 February,2026 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIn a major clean-up of its online ticketing system, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has deactivated 3.03 crore suspicious user accounts in 2025 and introduced Aadhaar-linked rules for booking Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets, aiming to improve availability for genuine passengers. Under the new norms, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets on the day ARP opens and during Tatkal hours — a move targeted at curbing agent-driven bulk bookings and automated bot usage that often-cornered tickets within seconds of release. “Alongside the crackdown, IRCTC has redesigned its website and Rail Connect mobile app with a simplified interface, faster loading, reorganised menus and removal of login captcha. Train listings are now sorted by departure time and filters allow customised searches,” an official said. “To strengthen the system technologically, IRCTC deployed a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and advanced anti-bot tools to block automated booking attempts and reduce server load. Administrative action has also been extensive,” he added. Railway officials say the measures are designed to restore fairness in online reservations, particularly Tatkal bookings, long criticised by passengers for being captured by tout networks. Statistics to go 3.03 Crore suspicious user IDs deactivated4.86 Crore user IDs put under re-validation12,819 suspicious email domains blocked3.99 lakh suspicious PNRs flagged on National Cyber Crime Portal376 cyber-crime complaints lodged- App changes and website upgrades- Cleaner, faster interface- Menu navigation simplified- Login captcha removed- Form fields rearranged for easier entry- Train list sorted by departure time- New show/hide options
22 February,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAfter months of complaints over severe overcrowding in the hostel rooms, dental students of Nair Hospital Dental College have finally received a positive response from the authorities. The issue, which students say has persisted since November 2024, gained momentum only after a recent report by mid-day highlighted their plight. Students had alleged that as many as 10 occupants were forced to share small rooms with poor ventilation and inadequate facilities. Despite repeated verbal complaints, no concrete action had been taken earlier. However, following the media coverage, the higher authorities of the public health department have now initiated steps to ease the situation. The current rooms also had poor ventilation “As part of the proposed solution, additional hostel space will be made available at Haji Ali Building No 6. AMC Sharad Ughade, who conducted meetings the day after the news reports were published, has directed all concerned officials that the building works must complete without halting work for even a single day. We are yet to conduct a site visit. But since the building has 11 floors and so we are hopeful to get a minimum of 10 big rooms,” said dean Dr Mala Dixit. However, students may have to wait nearly a full year before the new accommodation becomes functional. “Though it will take a year from here to actually get better facilities, we are thankful to mid-day that at least our requests stopped falling on deaf ears and the authorities began taking some cognisance of the matter. We hope that at least our juniors will be spared from the suffering of living in such horrible conditions,” said one of the students.
22 February,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
