Will a merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions mean that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP will back or even join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre and the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra? As speculation over a possible reunion gains momentum in political circles, leaders from the Ajit Pawar faction have publicly questioned the intent and direction of such a move. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare said those speaking about a merger must first clarify which faction would merge into the other. Stating that his party is firmly aligned with the BJP-led NDA, Tatkare posed a pointed question to leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp. “Does this proposed merger mean that the other NCP faction is ready to join the NDA or extend support to it?” Tatkare asked, adding that he had no knowledge of any formal proposal. He also claimed that the late Ajit Pawar had never discussed such a plan with him. Echoing Tatkare’s view, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, “We are with the BJP. If a merger happens, does that mean we are no longer with the BJP?” Meanwhile, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to trade barbs over the merger narrative. Following Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash on January 28, Sharad Pawar claimed that discussions on uniting both NCP factions had taken place and that a reunion was expected on February 12. Responding to the claim, Fadnavis dismissed the speculation, saying Ajit Pawar had never mentioned any such plan despite sharing a close working relationship with him. “Ajit and I shared good equations and spoke often. He never spoke about the two NCP factions coming together,” Fadnavis said. According to media reports, Sharad Pawar later suggested that Ajit Pawar may have deliberately avoided sharing sensitive political plans, hinting at a lack of complete trust in Fadnavis. New DCM at work Maharashtra’s newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Monday visited Karad in Satara district, where she paid tribute at the memorial of Maharashtra’s first Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, regarded as the political mentor of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. Later, she travelled to Phaltan to meet the family of Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, who died along with the late NCP chief in the Baramati air crash last week.
03 February,2026 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn a significant ruling reinforcing the rights of homebuyers, the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has directed a Mumbai-based developer to restore the originally allotted car parking spaces to a flat purchaser and restrained the developer from creating any third-party rights over the said parking. The Authority held that unilateral alteration of parking allotments after possession amounts to an unfair practice under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). The order was passed by MahaRERA Member II Ravindra Deshpande in Complaint No. CC006000000292217, filed by Preeti Dharnidharka against CCI Projects Pvt. Ltd., Cable Corporation of India Ltd., and White Spring A Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. The dispute relates to a residential project named “Whitespring” at Rivali Park in Mumbai. Fight over parking allotment According to Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, who represented Dharnidharka, the dispute centred on two car parking spaces originally allotted to the complainant, Parking Nos A-76 and A-77 on Parking Level 1. The complainant had paid Rs 8 lakh for the parking spaces as part of the flat purchase. Dharnidharka took possession of her flat in April 2018 and had been continuously using the allotted parking spaces without objection. The same parking spot shown with different numbers after renumbering by developer, which MahaRERA held, cannot extinguish buyer’s rights However, in June 2019, the developer issued a fresh allotment letter unilaterally assigning different parking spaces, Nos. P1-4A and P1-4B. The complainant objected, stating that the revised allotment was never agreed to. She maintained that she had only temporarily used alternative parking during construction activities based on assurances given by the developer. Despite this, the developer later renumbered the original parking spaces as Nos 388 and 387, allegedly attempting to treat them as newly created slots. The complainant alleged that the renumbering was carried out with mala fide intent to resell the original parking spaces to third parties at higher rates, despite her settled possession, Pimenta said. MahaRERA rejects objection The developer raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the complaint was not maintainable before MahaRERA due to the presence of an arbitration clause in the Agreement for Sale executed prior to the enactment of RERA. The Authority rejected the contention, reiterating that RERA is a special welfare legislation with overriding effect under Section 89. Relying on judgments of the Supreme Court, MahaREAT, and the Bombay High Court, MahaRERA held that statutory remedies under RERA cannot be ousted by private arbitration agreements. It further observed that the developer had voluntarily submitted to MahaRERA’s jurisdiction and had participated in conciliation proceedings, thereby waiving its right to raise jurisdictional objections at a later stage. Unilateral change illegal On merits, the Authority found that the complainant’s rights over the originally allotted parking spaces stood crystallised through the Agreement for Sale, payment of consideration, long-standing use, and issuance of parking stickers by the housing society. MahaRERA ruled that once possession is handed over and the society is formed, the promoter has no authority to alter or re-allot parking spaces without the allottee’s consent. The Authority categorically held that mere renumbering cannot extinguish vested rights, particularly when the allottee continues to occupy the same physical parking spaces. The developer’s conduct was termed arbitrary, illegal, and amounting to unfair practice and deficiency in service under Section 18(3) of RERA. Key directions by MahaRERA Allowing the complaint partly, MahaRERA issued the following directions:>> Quashing of the allotment letter dated June 13, 2019, which sought to re-allot different parking spaces.>> Permanent protection of possession of the originally allotted parking spaces A-76 and A-77, now renumbered as 388 and 387.>> Restraint on the developer from creating any third-party rights over the said parking spaces.>> Direction to issue a fresh allotment letter confirming the renumbered parking spaces as a continuation of the original allotment.>> Award of Rs 25,000 as litigation costs payable by the developer to the complainant. Broader significance The order reinforces a key principle under RERA that builders cannot unilaterally alter parking allotments after possession, especially where consideration has been paid, and possession is settled. The ruling also sends a strong message against attempts to commercially exploit parking spaces at the cost of existing allottees. Legal experts say the decision strengthens consumer confidence by affirming that original parking rights must be protected, irrespective of internal rearrangements or renumbering by promoters. What they say Advocate Godfrey Pimenta said, “This case highlights a recurring issue in real estate practice where developers alter allotments without consent. The Authority found that the respondent produced no evidence of the complainant’s consent. On the contrary, the record showed continuous objections, establishing that the change was imposed. Claims that the original parking spaces no longer existed or required federation approval were rightly rejected as vague and self-serving. Such assertions cannot override vested contractual and statutory rights after years of settled possession.” Complainant speaks “I am extremely satisfied with the MahaRERA order as it acknowledges and protects the rights of flat buyers. The developer sold the flat along with a dedicated parking space, creating legitimate expectations. After payment, the developer attempted to allot my parking space to another buyer, possibly for higher consideration,” said Dharnidharka.
03 February,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonIn the past 15 days — since the Model Code of Conduct was lifted on January 16 post the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election results — the civic body has floated 290 tenders for various works across the city. The BMC couldn’t float any tenders between December 15, 2025 and January 16, 2026, rendering small works pending throughout the period. Several key departments have floated tenders for crucial projects. These include tenders from the bridges department for demolition and reconstruction of two vehicular flyovers across the Irla nullah in Andheri — at a cost of approximately Rs 31 crore — and repairs to the structures of various bridges in Bhandup at a cost of approximately Rs 5 crore. The environment department has issued tenders for procurement of water misting units to curb dust pollution in wards across the city, while the storm water drains department has issued tenders to enable pre-monsoon desilting work. Tenders were also issued for repairs to footpaths, roads, and traffic junctions, improvement of gardens, and for street lighting at the ward level. Several other tenders include small hyper-local works, including the improvement of passages, and mechanical and electrical work. “Works at the central agency level (for departments such as storm water drains or bridges department) are planned and long-term. It is not necessarily indicative of preparation for the incoming body of corporators, or as a means to start work immediately, as various statutory bodies are set up over the course of the next few weeks. Infrastructure work was going on at both the ward and headquarters level for three years, overseen by BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani,” said a civic official. A civic ward official said, “Improvement and maintenance work at the ward level is cyclical and takes place throughout the year. Tenders could not be floated during the period, but preparation for the same happened at the desk level. Hence, several wards were in a position to float tenders in the third week of January.”
03 February,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSIn March 2024, the state government allocated land to the Jain International Organisation (JIO) on a 30-year lease. This land was on a plot housing Wilson College Gymkhana, established in 1832 on Marine Drive. Our report at that time quoted sources as saying that the gymkhana lease had expired and some mismanagement had led to the lease not being renewed. Two years... Now, nearly two years later, there has been court action and sporadic protests by those against the gymkhana being given away. There was a protest at Azad Maidan, SoBo, on Monday afternoon. The closed gymkhana on Marine Drive The protest was to: ‘Save Wilson College Gymkhana for Students, Sports and Citizens’. Banners announcing the andolan and speaking for the earlier management also said, ‘We want Wilson College Gymkhana Back’. The numbers The protesters were sizable in number. Some had arrived from Christ Church Deolali Camp, Nashik. “We are following the controversy. In a global world, Nashik does not seem far away. This ground must go back to the Wilson College Management,” said Sanjay P, Rajesh G, and Shavel U. Posters outside the gymkhana There were several ‘Girgaonkars’ at the protest, with many being lauded for being the motivators and leaders of the Azad Maidan event. Milind V and Vignesh S of Aamhi Girgaonkar — an organisation working for the rights of Girgaonkars — said, “Some of our children are Wilson College ex-students. This ground should be open to all. We see barricades on the ground today and there are bouncers stationed at the entrance to stop people from accessing the ground.” “If the ground was being given for commercial activities like marriages or functions at night... the gymkhana needs to raise money for revenue,” said the Aamhi Girgaonkar representatives. A request Advocate Cyril Dara, andolan convener, said as he climbed onto the dais and took the mike, addressing an audience that had filled all the chairs, “We want the Wilson College Gymkhana back. In 2024, the government released a GR giving the ground to JIO. If anybody has broken rules or there have been violations, punish the violators, but one cannot take away the gymkhana.” Advocate Cyril Dara, protest convener The advocate added, “I did file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), but the court dismissed it, stating that there were already two PILs on the same subject. While the takeover happened in 2024, we did not see any movement on the ground for nearly two years. Now, we see the barricades, etc. People are questioning why we did not protest earlier, but we are doing so now. This is not a religious protest. This is a request to the state government to return the gymkhana.” A prayer Reverend Philip Varra from Nashik was the next speaker. He stated that the gymkhana was looked after by the Wilson management, like a mother looks after a child. “We have a right to this gymkhana. This criticism of the giving away of the gymkhana is accompanied by prayer. We all need to come together for this effort,” he stated before telling the crowd that they should now chant slogans like: ‘Nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi, sarkar ki dadagiri nahi chalegi’. Sports day Attendee Geeta O said, “My daughter attended Wilson College, and she has so many memories about this ground. The lease renewal process for the ground should have started the day it expired or a little beforehand as expiry loomed.” Current Wilson College faculty Kshama Jayaraj and students said, “Every educational facility needs a ground. We used to have our sports day here. Now, we have to hire grounds for our sports day.” Due process As the andolan gathered momentum, Wilson College principal in charge Dr (PhD) Jamson Masih was also on site. Dr Masih, who was a chemistry professor at the college since 2011 and has taken over as principal for the past two years, said, “There was a fire in one of the structures on the ground in 2015. After that, we did have some restrictions. Yet, a couple of sports were being played there, except during COVID time. We are protesting that the handover happened without due process and with no intimation to the college. Even when one has to vacate a home, there is a certain system/process to be followed. The matter is in court now,” he concluded as Wilson supporters flourished banners with fervour.
03 February,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharA 72-year-old senior citizen was killed after being run over by a heavy vehicle allegedly driven by a drunk driver at the busy Chikuwadi traffic junction in Borivali West on Sunday night. The accused tried to flee the spot but was caught by the Borivli police with the help of alert passers-by. The deceased has been identified as Nitin Babulal Shah, a resident of Mahavir Nagar, Borivali West. Shah, who was riding a two-wheeler, suffered fatal head injuries after the wheel of an Eicher tempo allegedly ran over his head. As per the police and a complaint filed by the victim’s son, Parag Nitin Shah, a car dealer, the accident occurred around 9.30 pm on February 1 near the RM Bhattad Road-Chikuwadi junction. Parag Shah stated that the family was returning home after visiting a relative in Borivli East. Around 9 pm, his father left ahead on his Suzuki Access scooter. Minutes later, Parag received a call from a friend informing him about the accident. “When I reached the spot, my father was lying unconscious in a pool of blood with severe head injuries,” Shah told the police. He was rushed to Shatabdi Hospital with the help of police personnel, where doctors declared him dead on arrival at around 10 pm. Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when the Eicher tempo, allegedly being driven rashly, was turning towards New Link Road and hit Shah’s scooter from the right. The impact threw him onto the road, after which the vehicle reportedly ran over his head. The accused driver, identified as Kripashankar Muralishankar Yadav, 35, a resident of Goregaon West, allegedly attempted to escape but was apprehended shortly after. Preliminary investigations suggest he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He has been arrested, and the tempo seized. “A case has been registered for causing death by negligence and other relevant sections. Further investigation is underway, including confirmation of the intoxication report,” a Borivali police officer said.
03 February,2026 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanAdvocate Priti Chavan, a national-level swimmer, has alleged that she has not received any money from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) despite the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directing the civic body to pay the athlete Rs 22,000, as she had been denied concessional fees for using the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool in Dadar, last year. “After the district court ruled in my favour, the BMC appealed the decision at the state consumer court. Though this was done after the 30-day appeal period, the state court upheld the decision of the district court and ordered the civic body to pay me the due amount,” she said. As reported by mid-day, Chavan has won several medals for her swimming prowess, which warrants a concession in yearly fees at civic facilities, and the district consumer court ordered the BMC to pay her a compensation of Rs 15,000 in deficiency of services at the pool and an additional amount of Rs 7000. Shreyas Sakpal, who sustained two injuries in past year However, Chavan alleged that multiple attempts to obtain the dues proved fruitless. “I have approached attendants at the pool multiple times to get my money, but they stated orally that they had paid the money to the court. Yet they did not provide any receipt that I could hand over to the court to get my money. They have not even clarified which court they had submitted the money to.” Pool woes Talking about the facilities at the civic-run pool, Chavan said, “I assumed the BMC would at least maintain the pool. They were carrying out repairs while the case was ongoing, but no maintenance has been done. We have seen multiple accidents involving the diving board. The pool’s showers and taps are also not all working, and only half of them are functional.” Shreyas Sakpal, a 15-year-old national-level athlete who has been swimming and competing for about 11 to 12 years, had two accidents at the pool in the past year. His father, Sachin Sakpal, told this newspaper, “My son has had two mishaps in three months. He fractured his hand in the first incident, which involved the diving board, and his leg got severely scratched in the second one, which prevented him from practising.” Sachin Sakpal claimed that the diving board was old, and after repeated complaints, it had only been repainted, instead of replaced. “Children’s feet are being injured as the surface is too coarse,” he alleged. Both Chavan and Sakpal warned that the alleged lack of maintenance could lead to a dangerous accident, which could end careers. mid-day contacted the G North ward’s maintenance department with queries, but did not receive a reply before press time.
03 February,2026 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Atul KambleAlmost a century since motor bus operations commenced in the city, Mumbai’s bus community has demanded that the Union Ministry of Culture bestow a heritage grant on the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Museum in Sion and save vintage double-decker buses by operating them for city events and heritage tours. Bus enthusiast Shubham B Padave has submitted a proposal to the ministry that calls for reviving Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses as part of the city’s transport legacy. The proposal suggests restoring two or three old diesel-powered double-deckers as static museum exhibits or limited sightseeing buses for tourists, linking preservation with public engagement. Making these happen during BEST’s centenary celebrations in July 2026, he argues, would be a symbolic gift to the city and its commuters. The proposal also recommends tapping heritage funds through the Ministry of Culture and monetising retired BEST memorabilia via museums and online platforms. “Mumbai’s tryst with double-deckers dates back to the 1930s, when the city — then Bombay — joined global capitals like London in operating the towering red buses. For decades, they became inseparable from the city’s skyline, ferrying office-goers past Gothic buildings, sea-facing promenades, and bustling markets. Their gradual withdrawal in the 2000s marked the end of an era, prompting public nostalgia and farewell rallies that drew thousands. My proposal seeks to tap into that nostalgia by restoring two or three old diesel-powered double-deckers and operating them as static heritage exhibits or limited sightseeing buses for tourists,” Padave told mid-day. Official speak BEST officials said a few buses have been saved and restored in a static display under the JJ flyover. Also, there is a plan to explore the possibility of shifting the existing museum at Anik depot to a BEST plot near Ambika Mills in Worli, close to the Nehru Science Centre and its museum, so that it is closer to the tourist circuit. Exhibits at the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Museum at Anik bus depot in Sion East. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar Hundred years ago The first buses that arrived in Mumbai were similar to 20-seaters. BEST had been pondering about procuring motorised buses since 1913, but was wary of accidents involving London buses that had been widely reported. After years of debate, the company came to a decision on February 10, 1926, to start a bus service later that year, and Mumbai saw its first bus run on July 15, 1926, between Afghan Church and Crawford Market. There was initial opposition from cabbies and horse buggy drivers, but Mumbaikars received it with enthusiasm. Shubham B Padave, BEST bus fan The BEST Museum, located inside the Anik bus depot in Mumbai, showcases the history of BEST and the city’s public transport system, including the tram car. It displays the remains of old buses, old photographs, tickets, uniforms, and route maps that show how Bombay’s buses evolved over the decades. For transport historians and enthusiasts, the museum offers rare glimpses into how BEST shaped the city’s daily life, connecting neighbourhoods, livelihoods, and generations. How grant would help Such grants are given based on artefacts present in a museum, their intrinsic value, and the legacy of Mumbai's transport history. “We have studied and assessed the artefacts at the BEST museum at Anik, and they are eligible under the regulations to seek a grant from the Union Ministry of Culture. Thus, if BEST applies for a grant scheme to the Ministry of Culture, it will help to get finance for the museum and will reduce part of the burden for the undertaking,” former BEST Museum curator Yatin Pimpale said. Feb 10, 1926Day BEST administrators decided to operate motor buses in Mumbai
03 February,2026 06:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarResidents of Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri West have flagged serious civic and safety concerns linked to the ongoing Metro construction, alleging that construction material (girders) dumped along the stretch of road near Lokhandwala has damaged road surfaces and is also causing inconvenience to the pedestrians, including morning and evening walkers. Locals claim repeated complaints to the Mumbai Metro authorities have not yielded any results. The Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) has written to Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee and other officials in this regard. The email to authorities also mentions that despite making complaints to the authorities concerned, no one has acted to resolve the issue. Apart from causing inconvenience, the girders have resulted in the area becoming filthy The email states that over a dozen I-section girders have been occupying a stretch of the Lokandwala back road since 2023, with around 350 metres of road length and two lanes blocked. “The site has become a mosquito breeding ground with trash dumped inside the crevices,” it states, adding that the entire road surface has potholes due to the nails dug in when barricades to carry out work were put up. Aarush Jotwani, 19, fitness enthusiast “The bridge over the Mogra nullah has been shut for access from one side since 2023. It has been over three years, and still your girder launching hasn’t been completed and no traffic marshal has been stationed at the spot to conduct smooth flow of traffic. Also, the road surface wasn’t maintained, and we had to go to the media to get the road free of potholes,” the e-mail reads. The I-section girders placed along the Lokandwala back road. PICS/SHADAB KHAN ‘Huge safety risk’ Vinati Makijany, 37, Lokhanwala resident‘This stretch has been left in a concerning and unsafe condition. The exposed concrete and trash are not only an eyesore but also pose a safety risk, especially as speeding vehicles have increased the likelihood of accidents. As a resident of Lokhandwala, I find this situation alarming and sincerely hope it receives immediate attention from the authorities concerned’ Aarush Jotwani, 19, fitness enthusiast‘The stretch from the new MHADA towers to Second Cross Lane has been encroached upon by Metro girders, forcing me onto the carriageway. I feel extremely unsafe with speeding vehicles approaching from behind, and I fear for my life’ Sunil Athale, senior citizen and Indralok Society residentWalking along the Lokhandwala back road has become a daily struggle due to the Metro girders lying unused for more than three years. Hawkers have occupied the space next to the girders, and vehicles are parked alongside, leaving hardly any room to walk. Every day, I fear being hit by passing vehicles. The authorities must remove these girders urgently’
03 February,2026 06:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavHat tip A woman appears engrossed with her smartphone at the Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Derby at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Sunday A sitar-ry night in Worli Anoushka Shankar, Tom Farmer, and Sarathy Korwar perform at the Worli venue. PIC COURTESY/DOMEINDIA I’d rather be here, performing for you,” is what sitar maestro Anoushka Shankar had to say about ditching the 68th Grammy Awards to treat Mumbai to a musical evening at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli on Sunday. The venue was chock-a-block with listeners — which, to our delight, included groups of teenagers. “I presented this band [Sarathy Korwar, Arun Ghosh, Tom Farmer] for the first time here in Mumbai three years ago, and we’re still going strong,” she revealed. While we learnt last morning that the Grammy eluded the sitarist for the 14th time, we’re sure Shankar has taken it in her stride. “What is it... 13 for nothing? That’s not a great record, is it?” she had quipped in good spirits onstage. No arm bands to mourn ex-BCCI Prez Bindra’s death India captain Suryakumar Yadav with Kuldeep Yadav during the fourth Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam on January 28. Pic for representation/AFP Where are the black armbands, our in-house cricket nut asked as he caught the India vs New Zealand fourthT20 International action on television last week. “The BCCI lost one its most dynamic presidents in IS Bindra on January 25, and it’s insensitive if not surprising that they chose not to instruct their team to wear black armbands as a mark of respect,” he rued. Inderjit Singh Bindra. File pic Is it necessary to do that for a past president, we asked. “Of course,” he shot back, providing an example: “There was no series in progress when Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in September 2015, but the Indian team were playing a Test in Antigua when Arun Jaitley died in August 2019, and Virat Kohli & Co had their black armbands on during Day Three of the Test.” We are not sure whether this is a case of not remembering to remember Bindra, or just insensitivity. Our man thinks it’s the latter. What our buildings tell us Neo-Classical Neo-Gothic architecture at Horniman Circle. Pic courtesy/Mustansir Dalvi Snippets of Mumbai can be unearthed through its diverse cityscape. Architect and academician, Mustansir Dalvi held a session on the same on February 1 at an event by Pint of View Mumbai, which hosts lectures in bars. “Take a walk down South Mumbai, and you’ll probably see structures with varying styles on either side, Neo Gothic to Classical. There are also buildings in areas like Girgaum and Bhuleshwar that weren’t built by the British, but by migrants from Gujarat and the Konkan region, amongst others, using varied methods,” Dalvi revealed to this diarist. All about the bonsai way of life Urvashi Thacker with a bonsai. Pic courtesy/IBFS In a city that rarely pauses, this unique plant demands that. Organised by the India Bonsai Friendship Society (IBFS), a Bonsai masterclass, on February 7 and 8 at Jamnabai Narsee School will explore techniques and styling demonstrations. Bonsai experts including Michael Morden from The Philippines, and Hayes Siaw Hui from Malaysia, amongst others, will guide attendees on caring for the plant, showcasing around 200 bonsai. IBFS vice president, Urvashi Thacker shared, “Bonsai, more than a plant, is a way of life that will teach you patience and responsibility.” Chairing history A sketch of the late Mahendra Doshi Ordinary objects like chairs can reveal a lot about history. Fine antique collection platform, Mahendra Doshi’s, will put up an exhibition, History of India Through Chairs in Wadala from February 28. A Savonarola chair. Pics courtesy/Mahendra Doshi’s; Vivek Gandhi “The legacy of collecting was initiated over 50 years ago by the late Mahendra Doshi. [We] understand the evolving yet deeply informed landscape of India’s material culture,” said his relatives Chiki Doshi and Anand Gandhi, partners of the House of Mahendra Doshi.
03 February,2026 06:33 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 3. Aries March 21 – April 20Having endured a great many ups and downs in career; you know there is a better time coming. Cosmic tip: Flow with the karmic tide, allowing natural changes to evolve, without opposition from your side. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Some Taureans are born with the natural ability to empathise, offering advice. Stay away from cesspool of office politics.Cosmic tip: Accept your karmic path in this lifetime, not trying to take shortcuts. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A mini plateau phase is enough to upset plans for the morning. Some may be finally considering not dealing with a difficult client.Cosmic tip: Continue having faith and patience against all odds. Cancer June 22 – July 23A friend informs you about a vacancy in the office. Approaching a crossroads in career requires making well-considered decisions. Cosmic tip: Be visible when the boss assigns a project. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Having worked so hard to reach where you are; it’s annoying to hear a colleague grumble. Good projects are signed by those in the media and event management.Cosmic tip: Have faith in God. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Hoping to sign three new projects remains a wish as two potential clients are too finicky (you do sign one of the three). Relationships are happy.Cosmic tip: Use wisdom to deal with someone younger. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22By consciously remembering two new year resolutions made, you are able to remain true to them.Cosmic tip: Deal with an emotional issue minus the ego taking charge. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Two work-related trips are revealed. A last-minute change of plans makes you so happy. Try to eat only home cooked food.Cosmic tip: Don’t get stressed about matters/situations over which you have no control. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Keeping the home running is not easy as it seems, but you achieve all you set out to do. Casting off a legal issue was tough.Cosmic tip: Lighten this hectic lifestyle very gradually. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20An argument in the morning is nixed by your spouse/partner. By afternoon you’ve both forgotten about it. Cosmic tip: Spend a relaxed evening with someone special and/or family. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Business/career goes on the next high with a milestone being reached. The Tarot advises making regular investments for future financial health. Cosmic tip: Share your opinion with a practical mindset. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Students need to study more for an exam. Prepare thoroughly for a meeting. Modify the diet as advised.Cosmic tip: Appreciate constructive criticism and emotions it comes with.
03 February,2026 03:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseA battery of an electric two-wheeler exploded while it was being charged inside a flat in the Diva area near Thane district in Maharashtra on Monday, triggering a fire, civic officials said, reported the PTI. The incident occurred after 4 pm in a room on the third floor of Siddhant Regency Building No. 1 in Diva. Although no one was injured, the explosion caused extensive damage to the house. The fire quickly spread through the living room, damaging household items. Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), said a battery used for charging an electric two-wheeler exploded, leading to the fire, according to the PTI. “The sofa, furniture, and electrical wiring in the house were completely burnt and damaged. However, the fire has been fully extinguished,” Tadvi said. Fire brought under control quickly Firefighters rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control by 4.40 pm, preventing it from spreading to other flats in the building. Civic officials stated that the situation is now under control and that no casualties were reported. Tree catches fire near Ram Mandir in Thane Meanwhile, in an another incident, a tree caught fire near Ram Mandir, Gandhinagar, Kopri area in Thane East early on Monday, prompting an immediate response from the Disaster Management Cell and local firefighting unit. As per the Disaster Management cell, “Kopri Fire Station reported that the incident occurred at approximately 07:10 am. A team comprising one fire engine, one rescue vehicle, and personnel from the Disaster Management Cell in a utility vehicle reached the scene promptly.” The firefighters successfully extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported during the incident. The authorities further confirmed that the situation is now completely under control. Fire breaks out in Govandi hutments; no injuries reported In a separate incident, A Level-I fire broke out in the Govandi area of eastern Mumbai on Friday morning, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to the BMC’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was reported at around 10:01 am from New Gautam Nagar in Sonapur Lane, Bhim Wadi Road, near Jijamata Mandir in Govandi. Fire brigade officials said the blaze was confined to electrical wiring, electrical installations, furniture, household articles, ceiling fans and false ceilings in around eight to ten hutments. Firefighting teams were immediately rushed to the spot along with police personnel, staff from the concerned electricity distribution company and a 108 ambulance. The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 1:10 pm, officials said. No injuries have been reported in the incident. (with PTI inputs)
02 February,2026 10:33 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
