Do 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 12. Aries March 21 – April 20Several inevitable expenses have to be dealt with. The relationship with the spouse/partner is on an excellent plane. Keep it so.Cosmic tip: Enjoy looking forward to a happy event. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Professionally a good karmic cycle draws in plenty of work; though you remain even busier than usual. Cosmic tip: Don’t get involved in a relationship which is sometimes on and then disappears. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A perfect emotional and financial balance points to a calm and focused you. Two new assignments are signed surprisingly quickly. A friend invites you to dinner.Cosmic tip: Be tactful in uncomfortably awkward situations. Cancer June 22 – July 23Some decisions seem to need pruning according to changing circumstances. Be kind, but give truthful, practical advice.Cosmic tip: Continue being as independent as possible, revelling in this freedom with a responsible attitude. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Be reassuringly helpful towards friends, continuing to be there for them like always. Keep accounts in order.Cosmic tip: Simplify how you deal with a recurring issue, resolving it for some time at least. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Work through an assignment carefully. It was so easy to pinpoint your karmic soulmate, knowing it the moment you met. Cosmic tip: Achieve goals with hard work, not expecting just positive visualisation to work. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Side-step a professional plateau phase with careful planning and hard work. Don’t ignore a backache.Cosmic tip: Keep the heart compassionate and the mind practical as you navigate life. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Creative and unusual ideas are a part of being you, and this helps being a step ahead of others. A childhood friendship is revived.Cosmic tip: Keep the relationship with family loving and supportive. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A friend who created a distance makes tentative enquiries about you. Life is suddenly going to become even busier.Cosmic tip: Be generous towards loved ones, enjoying this big-hearted feeling. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Sometimes there are no solutions for the moment, and what comes to mind is a compromise.Cosmic tip: Keep thoughts, feelings and behaviour absolutely above board and true. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Travel plans may have to be rescheduled as a particular flight of a specific airline is already booked. Love is karmic in origin. Cosmic tip: Backing off from a situation is best for now. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Sometimes it’s best to opt for safe decisions especially when it involves career/ business, and you don’t want to make any risky decision. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Have faith in your gut feeling.
12 February,2026 03:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseFive people were injured after a lift collapsed from the fourth floor of a residential building in Mumbai's Byculla on Wednesday night, officials said, adding that those injured in the incident were shifted to different hospitals. The incident took place at around 10.02 pm at Jay Krupa Tower at Ghodapdeo Cross Lane No. 1 in Byculla. According to initial information, the lift fell due to a cable failure in the G+18-storey building. The incident was reported to the control room, following which multiple agencies were mobilised. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), Mumbai Police, BEST, 108 Ambulance Services, and the local BMC ward staff reached the site to carry out rescue and relief operations. "A total of five people were injured in the incident and shifted to different hospitals for treatment," officials said. Injured rushed to hospital They said that those injured were shifted to different hospitals in the city. Three people were treated on an outpatient (OPD) basis at the JJ Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition, according to hospital officials, said an official. They were identified as Kalpita Pawar (38), Yash Balvikar (24) and Usha Gupta (56). A woman was rushed to Balaji Hospital. She was identified as Jamuna Prasad Shivhare (50). She has been admitted and is said to be in stable condition, officials said. A woman, Shilpa More (54), was also taken to Jaslok Hospital. She was treated on an OPD basis and is reported to be stable, they said. Investigation underway The officials were investigating the exact cause of incident. Further details are awaited.
12 February,2026 12:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaha Vikas Aghadi allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress on Wednesday traded sharp barbs over the political developments in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur civic body, after the Thackeray-led party backed the BJP in the mayoral election held a day earlier, according to the news agency PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut blamed the Congress for the “mess”, saying it should be “ashamed” for failing to assume power in Chandrapur despite emerging as the single largest party. The Congress retaliated in similar language and demanded clarity from its ally. The crisis erupted after a surprise understanding between the Sena (UBT) and the BJP resulted in the election of a BJP mayor in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, dealing a blow to the Congress, which had the numbers to stake claim to the post. BJP’s Sangeeta Khandekar won the mayoral election by a single vote, defeating Congress candidate Vaishali Mahadule, with the Thackeray-led party extending support to the saffron party. Sena (UBT) corporator Prashant Danav was elected deputy mayor. The development raised serious questions over Opposition unity and the viability of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Chandrapur is one of the few municipal corporations where the Congress had emerged as the largest party and was poised to secure the mayor’s post. However, deep internal divisions between factions led by Vijay Wadettiwar and Pratibha Dhanorkar handed an opening to the BJP. Raut blames Congress for Chandrapur ‘mess’ Raut on Wednesday sought to blame the Congress for the “mess”. He said the Congress should be “ashamed” of not being able to assume power in Chandrapur despite emerging as the single largest party, adding that there was no point blaming his party for the political twist, reported PTI. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Raut said the decision by Sena (UBT) corporators to back the BJP in the mayoral polls was taken at the local level and not by the party leadership. While the BJP shares power with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP in the Mahayuti government in the state, the Sena (UBT), Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) and the Congress are constituents of the Opposition MVA. Raut said Uddhav Thackeray had given clear instructions to party functionaries in Chandrapur not to help the BJP in any way, even if that meant sitting in the Opposition. ‘Not a tie-up with BJP,’ clarifies Raut “Still, due to the Congress’s mess, local Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders made the decision. This does not mean we have joined hands with the BJP,” the Rajya Sabha member said, reported PTI. He said the Congress should be ashamed that, despite having the highest number of corporators, it could not secure power in Chandrapur. In the elections held for the 66-member civic body last month, the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats, followed by the BJP with 23. The Sena (UBT) won six seats, the Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Paksh (Janvikas Sena) three, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) two, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Shiv Sena secured one seat each. Two Independents were also elected. “Who is responsible for this? This should be probed at the highest level. There is no point blaming the Shiv Sena (UBT),” Raut said, reported PTI. He further said the VBA and the AIMIM did not back the Congress in the mayoral polls because there was no unanimity within the party. Talking to PTI, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the Shiv Sena (UBT) should explain why it gave a free hand to its corporators to vote for the BJP. “Our corporators stayed united and did not cross-vote. If you had an issue with our infighting, you could have abstained or remained absent during the voting for the mayor’s post,” he said. Sapkal said the Congress was in touch with the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership, which had assured that at no point would its corporators vote for the BJP. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe told PTI that the Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed of itself, as it claims to oppose the BJP but supports it when it suits its political interests. (With PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 10:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra government on Wednesday said that it has approved the recruitment process for teaching posts in public universities under the Higher and Technical Education Department. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said a detailed procedure has been announced to ensure greater transparency in the selection process. Under the new system, the marks obtained by candidates during the recruitment process will be published on the respective university websites. This step aims to make the process more open and transparent, an official statement said. Patil said the decision would provide major relief to assistant professors working on an hourly, contractual and ad-hoc basis. Their teaching experience during this period will now be considered valid for eligibility. Many assistant professors who have worked for several years on temporary arrangements will benefit from this move, as their experience will be officially recognised, it said. Relaxation for humanities faculty The minister also announced partial relaxation in earlier rules requiring publications in journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science for assistant professor posts in the Humanities stream, the statement said. Instead, book publications by Humanities faculty will also be considered for awarding marks. The government said this ensures equal opportunity while still maintaining academic excellence, it said. Revised marking system and rankings According to the statement, changes have also been made in the marking system based on institutional rankings such as NIRF, QS, and Times Higher Education. The revised policy aims to provide fair opportunities, particularly for candidates from rural areas. For assistant professor and professor posts, emphasis will be placed on teaching experience, research projects and research funding received from leading institutions, the official statement said. Focus on ICT and technical skills In line with the National Education Policy (NEP), the new recruitment process highlights the importance of teachers’ roles in modern learning methods. It further said that during the interviews, marks will be awarded based on ICT skills, advanced technical abilities and participation in co-curricular activities. The government has clarified the marking system to ensure a fair and structured selection process. The government resolution is available on the official Maharashtra government website.
11 February,2026 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MLA Rohit Pawar raised questions about the Baramati air crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the father of flight attendant Pinky Mali has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, reported the PTI. Pinky Mali was among the five people who died in the crash on January 28. Speaking to PTI, Shivkumar Mali said both possibilities — accident and sabotage — must be examined. “Whether it was an accident or sabotage, both aspects should be investigated by the government,” he said. He added that the truth must come out and that his daughter should receive justice. He also said he found substance in the suspicions expressed by Rohit Pawar and NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, according to the PTI. Questions over last-minute changes Mali said his daughter was flying with Ajit Pawar for the fifth time when the crash occurred. Referring to media reports, he claimed that both the aircraft and the pilot were changed at the last minute. He urged investigating agencies to examine these developments carefully. He also questioned the explanation given by the private company that the pilot was replaced because the original pilot was stuck in traffic. “There is usually no heavy traffic on Mumbai roads around 6.30 am,” he said. He added that the tragedy might not have occurred if an experienced pilot had been flying the aircraft. Rohit Pawar seeks multi-agency probe On Tuesday, Rohit Pawar raised several questions about the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He alleged there were reasons to suspect sabotage and called for a comprehensive investigation by multiple expert agencies. Family background Pinky Mali lived in Thane with her husband. According to her father, she had visited her parents in Prabhadevi, central Mumbai, on January 15 to cast her vote in the civic body elections. Investigations into the crash are ongoing. Rohit Pawar questions last-minute changes, suspects sabotage Rohit Pawar had on Tuesday questioned last-minute changes and suspected sabotage angle in Ajit Pawar's death. Rohit Pawar made a detailed presentation to address doubts surrounding the circumstances in the plane crash near Baramati last month. The late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in an airplane crash on January 28, 2026. Speaking at a press conference after the presentation, Rohit Pawar raised questions about last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plans. Rohit Pawar said that his uncle Ajit Pawar was originally scheduled to travel from Mumbai to Pune on the evening of January 27, and his convoy was also ready. However, a meeting with a senior leader delayed him, leading to a change in plans and travel being shifted to the morning of January 28. Rohit Pawar said that Ajit Pawar was always cautious about flying and avoided unnecessary risks. Although he reached the airport on time, the flight departed late, he added. Rohit Pawar raises sabotage suspicions angle Rohit Pawar alleged that there were grounds to suspect sabotage in the air crash that killed his uncle. He demanded a comprehensive investigation by multiple expert agencies, including international bodies. Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has earlier ruled out any conspiracy and described the incident as an accident. Rohit Pawar said the Crime Investigation Department (CID) alone would not have sufficient authority to probe the case thoroughly. He called for an independent investigation involving agencies such as the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA), the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), along with Indian agencies. He also raised concerns that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) functions under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which could limit the scope of an independent inquiry. लाईव्ह |📍मुंबई | पत्रकारांशी संवाद |🗓️10-02-2026 https://t.co/9XAKinUZZx — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 10, 2026 (with PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 09:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday demolished 61 illegal structures along Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road in Mulund West, clearing nearly 1,100 square metres of encroached land near the railway station area. The anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the civic body’s T Ward under the supervision of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 6) Santoshkumar Dhonde and Assistant Municipal Commissioner Yogita Kolhe. Multiple departments under the ward office jointly participated in the operation. Four JCB machines, seven dumpers and other equipment were deployed to carry out the demolition. Around 70 civic officials and staff members, along with adequate police personnel, were present to maintain law and order during the exercise. Civic officials said the crackdown on unauthorised constructions will continue in the coming days as part of ongoing efforts to keep public spaces free of encroachments. Navi Mumbai civic body demolishes illegal buildings in Airoli Earlier last week, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) stepped up its crackdown on unauthorised constructions, carrying out a demolition drive in Airoli on the instructions of NMMC chief Dr Kailas Shinde. The drive was conducted under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Rahul Gethe and Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Dr Kailas Gaikwad, with the encroachment department taking action against illegal structures raised without civic permissions in Sector 2, Airoli. Civic officials said unauthorised constructions were detected at two sites — SS-II/B-229 and SS-II/B-230 — allegedly developed by property owners Baban Babu Pawar and Premanand Prajapati, along with contractor Gufran Khan and architect Omkar Nirgude, without NMMC approval. The G Division office had earlier issued notices under Section 54 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, directing those concerned to remove the illegal constructions. However, as the notices were ignored and work continued, the civic body proceeded with the demolition. The partial demolition was carried out under the supervision of Nainesh S Badle, Assistant Commissioner and Division Officer, Airoli. Officials said a penalty of Rs 5,000 per structure was imposed, with a total of Rs 10,000 recovered as punitive charges. NMMC officials warned that strict action will continue against unauthorised constructions across the city and urged citizens to obtain proper permissions before undertaking any building activity.
11 February,2026 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDadar's Tilak bridge in central Mumbai will be temporarily closed for heavy vehicles for three months, the Mumbai Traffic Police said on Wednesday. The move is aimed at easing traffic congestion and ensuring smoother movement of vehicles in the area, said an official. The decision comes amid ongoing reconstruction work on the Elphinstone flyover and the Sion ROB bridge, which has increased traffic on alternative routes such as Dharavi and Tilak Bridge, according to an official traffic notification. The closure will be effective from February 12, 2026 to May 12, 2026, every day from 7 am to 11 pm. It applies to heavy vehicles such as tankers, mixers, dumpers, trailers and similar vehicles. The order has been issued under the powers of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and will be enforced by the Traffic Divisions of Matunga and Dadar. Alternative routes for heavy vehicles The Mumbai Traffic Police said that arrangements were made for several alternative routes for heavy vehicles travelling towards or passing through the Tilak flyover area. - Alternative Route 1 (From Mulund, Mankhurd, Navi Mumbai and outside Mumbai): Vehicles heading towards Tilak flyover via B.A. Road, Dadar East (South-bound) must not use the flyover. Instead, they must take a right turn at Sion Hospital Junction and follow the route via Sulochana Shetty Marg, Kumbharwada Junction, Kataria Marg, Kataria Bridge, Asavari Junction, Veer Savarkar Road, Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi Signal, Siddhivinayak Temple Junction, Lenin Grad, Appasaheb Marathe Chowk, and Babasaheb Worlikar Chowk to reach their destination. - Alternative Route 2 (Heavy Vehicles from B.A. Road, South-bound): Heavy vehicles coming from B.A. Road, Dadar East (South-bound) should take the route via Dadar T.T. Junction, Broadway Junction, Kohinoor Junction, Shindewadi, Hindmata Bridge, Parel Workshop, Lalbaug Bridge, Bharat Mata Signal, Garam Khada Signal, and Chinchpokli Bridge. - Alternative Route 3 (B.A. Road North-bound): Heavy vehicles travelling north on B.A. Road must not use the Tilak flyover. They should continue straight from Dadar T.T. Circle via Maheshwari Circle, Arora Junction, Sion Hospital Junction, and then follow the route via Sulochana Shetty Marg, Kumbharwada Junction, Kataria Road, Kataria Bridge, Veer Savarkar Road, Shivaji Park, Chaityabhoomi Signal, Siddhivinayak Mandir Junction, Lenin Grad, Appasaheb Marathe Chowk, and Babasaheb Worlikar Chowk. - Alternative Route 4 (From Sena Bhavan / L.J. Road): Vehicles from Sena Bhavan and L.J. Road should take the route via Shobha Hotel, Kataria Road, Kumbharwada Junction, Sulochana Shetty Marg, and Sion Hospital to proceed towards Sion. Reason for the Closure The traffic police noted that the area has been facing daily traffic jams and difficulties for emergency vehicles. The closure aims to improve traffic flow and ensure safety while major reconstruction work continues in nearby areas.
11 February,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviThe Maharashtra government will frame a separate rulebook for cinema artistes, technicians and workers in accordance with the new Labour Code to protect their interests, state minister Akash Fundkar said on Wednesday. The Labour Minister, who chaired a meeting of representatives of film artistes, said a draft of the proposed regulations would be prepared and suggestions would be invited from experts and stakeholders in the arts sector. The final rulebook would be formulated after giving positive consideration to the feedback received, he added. The meeting discussed the preparation of an independent rulebook for film artistes in accordance with the new Labour Code. Senior officials of the Labour Department and noted film actors Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon were present at the meeting. "A detailed discussion was held on issues concerning social security, wages, insurance, working hours, welfare schemes and implementation of provisions of the Labour Code for artistes, technicians, and workers in the film industry. "The meeting placed special emphasis on providing legal protection to film artistes through a dedicated regulatory framework," said an official.Fundkar said a separate and effective rulebook would be prepared within the framework of the new Labour Code to safeguard the interests of artistes and allied workers in the film sector. Necessary measures would be implemented to ensure their social and economic security, he added. On behalf of CINTAA (Cine and Television Artistes Association), actors Kolhapure and Dhillon raised various issues faced by artistes, technicians, assistants and workers across different departments in the film industry. 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.
11 February,2026 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIA day after Raj Thackeray alleged that leading figures from various sectors attended an RSS event out of fear of the Modi government, former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday said the MNS chief himself was “too scared” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar, along with serving IAS officers, were present at the interactive session with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over the weekend. "I do not think they came out of fear. Raj Thackeray is too scared of Modi," Koshyari told PTI in Nashik when asked about Thackeray's comment. "Like Lord Ram, all citizens are the same to Modi. I respect Raj; he is like a younger brother. He shouldn't be scared of Modi but should instead go closer to him. He should be scared of wrongdoing. You are in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," the veteran BJP leader said. During the event in Mumbai, Bhagwat, responding to a question on the language row, said the "localised disease" should not spread. Reacting to this, Thackeray said that if Bhagwat felt that love for one's language and state was a disease, then a majority of the states suffered from it, but he does not give "sermons" to other states. Raj Thackeray slams RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over language remarks Raj Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on language-related protests. The MNS chief asserted that linguistic and regional identities are a legitimate and enduring reality in India. While taking it to social media platform X, Raj Thackeray referred to Bhagwat's statement made at an event in Mumbai on February 8, where the RSS chief reportedly said that being adamant about language and protesting for it is a "disease". ८ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी मुंबईतल्या एका कार्यक्रमात सरसंघचालक श्री. मोहन भागवत यांनी, भाषेबद्दल आग्रही राहणे, त्यासाठी वेळेस आंदोलन करणे हा एक आजार आहे अशा आशयाचं विधान केलं. या कार्यक्रमाला विविध क्षेत्रातील मान्यवरांना बोलावण्यात आले होते, त्यातले काही हजर देखील होते ! परंतु… — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) February 10, 2026 Questioning the RSS chief’s remarks, Thackeray said love for one's language and region cannot be dismissed in such a manner. While posting on social media platform X, Raj Thackeray wrote, "Various dignitaries from different fields had been invited to this event, and some of them were actually present too! But I want to tell Mohanrao Bhagwat one thing: those people hadn't come out of love for you, but because of the governmental fear of Narendra Modi! Otherwise, why has no one ever shown up for such rambling sermons until now?” Thackeray also added, “So first, come out of the misconception that those folks had come for you! Anyway... at the root of it, the history of why linguistic state reorganisation had to happen in this country – we assume Bhagwat must certainly know about that!" Citing strong linguistic identities across states, Raj also added, "If love for language and love for one's region feel like a disease, then that disease exists in the majority of states in this country." MNS chief further alleged that resentment builds when migrants from other states reject local culture and language, adding that such tensions cannot be brushed aside as a "disease". Thackeray also questioned why similar lessons on harmony were not delivered in states that have witnessed linguistic or regional unrest in the past. (With PTI inputs)
11 February,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on Wednesday said that it has launched TISS Global, a new international forum aimed at sharing India’s development journey with the world, an official statement said. It said that the initiative was unveiled as part of TISS’s 90th anniversary celebrations. TISS Global is designed to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civil society leaders, and students from across the world. It seeks to create a platform for dialogue, collaborative learning and shared knowledge on India’s social, economic and political progress, the statement said. The forum was launched by Prof. Badri Narayan Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of TISS, in the presence of Prof. Michael Pippenger, Vice President of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. Prof. Tiwari said that as India becomes a major global actor, it is important to reflect on its development paths and share its experiences for mutual learning. Prof. Pippenger emphasised the value of partnerships between educational institutions to address global challenges together. TISS Global will highlight India’s rapid economic growth and vibrant democracy as valuable perspectives in global discussions. The platform will focus on grassroots experiences, especially from the Global South and the Indian subcontinent, and will explore topics such as governance, sustainability, social transformation and innovation. It aims to show how India’s development model, social movements and policy innovations can offer useful lessons to other regions facing similar challenges. Series of events during the 90th year Throughout its 90th year, TISS Global will host a series of events that explore the social, cultural and political aspects of India’s development. The forum will connect local knowledge with global frameworks and demonstrate how community-driven approaches can support fair and sustainable development worldwide. The initiative aims to create new pathways in global social science research by linking research, policy and practice. It will encourage comparative studies, ethical collaborations and participatory engagement that crosses national boundaries. The forum also seeks to bring Indian perspectives into global knowledge systems and support research rooted in local realities. Cultural exchange and wider engagement Along with academic discussions, TISS Global will also offer opportunities to experience Indian culture and cuisine, providing deeper context to India’s development story and its growing global influence. Acknowledging the Team Behind the Initiative The launch event also included remarks by Prof. Madhushree Sekher, Chairperson, Office for International Affairs, Prof. Sunil Santha, Dean, Academic Affairs, Prof. Bipin Jojo, Dean, School of Social Work, Dr. Narendra Mishra, Registrar, TISS. The institute said the launch reaffirms TISS’s commitment to advancing social science education, research and community engagement.
11 February,2026 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra will host a major global summit on Artificial Intelligence in agriculture later this month, as part of its ambitious plan to build a data-driven, technology-enabled farming ecosystem. The “Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Investment Summit (AI for Agri 2026)” will be held on February 22 and 23 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference at Mantralaya, Bharane said the summit aims to ensure that farmers in Maharashtra gain access to global AI-driven technologies and innovative agricultural practices under the Maharashtra Agriculture–Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025–2029. Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Vikas Chandra Rastogi and Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare were also present. Rs 500 crore approved for AI Agriculture Policy The state government has approved Rs 500 crore in the first phase to implement the AI-focused agriculture policy, which seeks to create a robust digital ecosystem in farming and allied sectors. Key digital platforms under development include: MahaAgriX (Maharashtra Agriculture Data Exchange) AI-enabled traceability systems AI-based geospatial intelligence engine Farmer-centric advisory platform MahaVistar An institutional centre for Artificial Intelligence and Agritech Innovation has also been established to drive implementation. Bharane described AI for Agri 2026 as a “significant milestone” in Maharashtra’s agricultural development journey. The policy, he said, was shaped under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, drawing inspiration from the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s emphasis on modernising agriculture. Global Participation and Investment Focus The two-day summit will bring together policymakers, scientists, startups, investors, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), financial institutions, and representatives from farming communities. Global and national partners include the World Economic Forum (WEF), FAO, UNDP, IFAD, World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank (ADB), ICRISAT, IISc, and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Prominent speakers are expected to include: Nandan Nilekani, Co-founder of Infosys and Founding Chairman of UIDAI Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF J. Satyanarayana, Chief Advisor, C4IR India, World Economic Forum Focus on Women Farmers and Inclusive AI With the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, special sessions will focus on empowering women farmers through inclusive AI systems, leadership, and equitable access to technology. Panel discussions will cover themes such as: Advanced AI and emerging technologies in agriculture Digital public infrastructure for Agri-AI Responsible AI and global governance Investment and scalable innovation in agritech Global research collaboration Exhibition, MoUs and CEO Roundtable The summit will feature a two-day innovation exhibition with 30 leading agritech startups.
11 February,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
