Rosy beginnings Students at Saraswati Vidya Mandir High School in Mahim are greeted with roses before their SSC board examinations. Smoke House returns with fire A view of the new exteriors of the café in Borivli. Pics Courtesy/Smoke House Cafe The phrasing seems apt, as the name now moves northwards from Bandra. Riyaaz Amlani is back with a new venture in Borivli as the next evolution of the famed foodie favourite, Smoke House Deli. Titled Smoke House Café, the space will offer a more refined, and contemporary cafe experience at the Sky City Mall. The space marks the next step in the journey of Amlani’s restaurants. The kitchen will be helmed by an old familiar, chef Rollin Lasrado, which promises the familiar Smoke House Deli standards. The new café will also bring in the diversity of continental cuisine with fresh pastas, pizzas, and inventive cocktails. But it is the décor that promises more. We learned that the space will mirror the ‘earthy textures and muted tones’ of the neighbourhood. Riyaaz Amlani “Smoke House Café takes forward the 15-year legacy of Smoke House Deli, building on what people have always loved about the brand in a more contemporary setting. It brings together global flavours and ideas in a way that feels familiar, relevant and right for today’s neighbourhood,” shared operations head, Vinod Shetty. With the café set to open doors by next weekend, it will be interesting to see if this will live up to foodie expectations as well. Cut for happiness Poulami Chakraborty (standing) gives a member of the cafe team a makeover. Pic Courtesy/@bombaytobarcelonalibrary cafe Kindness to those in need doesn’t always have to involve volunteering at a school or making donations. Sometimes, it comes in the most interesting ways. That is what city-based hairstylist Poulami Chakraborty aka Paula did earlier this week, by giving a stylish makeover to team members of Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe in Marol over a five-hour visit. Recalling the hairstyle sessions, she told us, “Everything was done in the café itself; we spread out a few spare newspapers, and let in some natural light to create a setting good enough for haircuts.” Chakraborty shared further, “Many of these team members are youngsters [from lower-income backgrounds], some barely 20-years-old. To them, it’s not just a new haircut, but mainly, a new sense of self, and also a necessity, considering they often need to look presentable for patrons at the venue.” United colours of Cutpiece A panel from Indu Harikumar’s book, Cutpiece Kumar It is a long journey from being a nickname to a table at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Author Indu Harikumar’s 2021 work, Cutpiece Kumar, will join the other nominees of the Bologna Ragazzi Awards on display in New York till March 13. “The story began when I used to teach in a school, and would collect forgotten objects, and unused clothes from tailor shops to create crafts. That’s how the name ‘Cutpiece’ came about,” she shared. Celebrating movement A performance by Ratikant Mohapatra As the Spectrum Dance Festival concludes with the performance of BRICKS at the Experimental Theatre at NCPA, Nariman Point tomorrow, it will be a moment of ‘celebration for all movement practices,’ shared Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, head, dance department, NCPA. “The festival reminds us of the sheer joy of movement.” Wild girls on the March Bboyer MGK. Pic Courtesy/Sudarshan Dudi Talk about being a girl’s girl, the Wild Wild Women are set to kick off March with The Wild Jam, a celebration of hip-hop, with dance battles to boot. Having completed five years in December 2025, the group has now stepped up to help the next generation of ‘wild women’. “It started off when two members, MGK and FlowRaw, wanted to do something similar to B-boying and breakdancing as what we have done for hip-hop,” shared Pratika Prabhune aka Krantinaari. The event is scheduled on the same day March 8) that the all-women group had released their first single, I Do It For Hip Hop was released in 2021. “The first half of the day will witness an open competition and dance battles for B-boyers and break dancers, including a BGirls only section, 7 to Smoke. The second half will see live performances and rap cyphers by an all women line-up,” Prabhune revealed. Readers can check out @wildwildwomen for details.
21 February,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayTwo days after his meeting with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde triggered political speculation, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray clarified that not every interaction with leaders from the ruling party should be viewed through a political lens. Irked by the speculative buzz in political circles over his meeting with the Shiv Sena leader, the MNS chief said that meetings with leaders from the ruling party are sometimes held to discuss public and administrative matters, and should not automatically be seen as signals of alliances or political realignments. According to media reports and MNS leaders, Raj met Shinde, who holds the Urban Development portfolio, to discuss issues related to traffic congestion, illegal parking, and the rise of unauthorised, haphazard constructions in Mumbai. “There is nothing wrong with meeting those running the government. After all, to address citizens’ issues, one has to meet ministers and political leaders. Tomorrow, if required, I may even meet the chief minister,” Raj clarified, while asserting that merely constructing roads, bridges, and flyovers does not mean development. Feb 18Day Raj Thackeray met Eknath Shinde in Thane Meeting causes speculation MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at his residence in Thane. This was the first time the two leaders met after the civic poll results. The meeting triggered political speculation, especially after MNS corporators extended their support to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Why meeting raised questions MNS chief Raj Thackeray had contested the civic polls in alliance with his cousin Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). However, after the results were declared, the MNS extended support to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation and Nashik. Since Shinde’s Sena is seen as the main rival of Sena (UBT), Raj’s decision to back Shinde came as a surprise to political circles and didn’t go down well with Uddhav. Similar claims last year After a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in 2025, Raj Thackeray had made similar claims, asserting that he met with the CM over civic issues, including two-wheeler riders not following traffic rules, and parking issues in Mumbai, especially in Dadar.
21 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Sahar police have arrested a 47-year-old man, Diwan Singh Mohan Singh Chauhan, from Dehradun for carrying a fake Yellow Fever vaccination certificate at Mumbai International Airport. “On Wednesday, Chauhan approached the Airport Health Organisation near the airport for renewal of his certificate. He informed Dr Kashi Pandian that he had taken the vaccine on November 17, 2024, and that the certificate had expired in 2024. The certificate bore the number D-15803. However, upon verification of departmental records, no such entry was found. Further examination by Dr Pandian confirmed that the stamp, signature, and certificate number were forged,” said a police officer. Chauhan claimed that the Airport Health Organisation had issued the certificate upon payment of a fee. Rs 300Official fee charged to issue Yellow Fever Card Why vaccine is necessary According to Sahar Police officials, Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for passengers travelling to certain countries in Africa and South America. Although no Yellow Fever cases have been reported in India, vaccination is compulsory to prevent the disease from entering the country. The Airport Health Organisation administers the vaccine at an official fee of Rs 300, and it can only be given at authorised centres. The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days prior to travel and is administered only once in a lifetime. After vaccination, an international certificate (Yellow Fever Card) is issued. What is Yellow Fever? Yellow Fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes, primarily in tropical Africa and South America. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after a bite. While most recover, a severe infection can result in death. Prevention relies on a highly effective vaccine. Key aspects of Yellow Fever SymptomsInitial: Sudden fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, body aches, nausea, fatigueSevere (toxic phase): High fever, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding from nose/mouth/eyes/stomach, and shock TreatmentNo specific anti-viral drug exists; treatment is supportive, focusing on managing symptoms, hydration, and fever ComplicationsSevere infections can lead to kidney failure, severe bleeding, liver failure, and death PreventionVaccination is crucial for travellers and residents in endemic areas
21 February,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaMumbai's air quality slipped deeper into the moderate zone on Friday, with the city recording an AQI of 130, its fifth-highest reading this month, signalling that pollution levels have remained persistently elevated through February despite a few brief dips. 172AQI reported in BKC a key business district 256AQI recorded in Worli placing it in poor category
21 February,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesDo 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 21. Aries March 21 – April 20Those working in a family business could face issues that have been passed down, literally, from at least two generations.Cosmic tip: Lighten a hostile environment. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Coming face to face with a friend who had migrated is a surprise. A business meeting is fixed in another city. Make time for sightseeing.Cosmic tip: Make today worthwhile, learning from fragile mistakes. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Life settles down to a daily routine after such a busy time. Legal matters, if any, reach the stage of conclusion.Cosmic tip: Don’t be afraid to reveal the person’s importance in your orbit. Cancer June 22 – July 23Life settles down to a daily routine after such a busy time. Legal matters, if any, reach the stage of conclusion.Cosmic tip: Don’t be afraid to reveal the person’s importance in your orbit. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Maintaining peace of mind requires letting go of what’s not important long-term.Cosmic tip: Don’t overthink, creating problems when there are none so far (at least nothing to cause anxiety). Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Two career goals are reached soon. A balance settling down around different aspects of life auger a calm time. Cosmic tip: Happily accept a karmic cycle of changes. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Positive financial advice received has brought finances to the present stage. Cosmic tip: Release the past. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has to evolve. Only the present is certain. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Looking forward to meeting a friend after ages is tinged with thoughts of wishing the friend had arrived next week instead (you have a busy schedule). Cosmic tip: Stay away from conflicting family discussions. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Those juggling to keep a relationship from falling apart may want to involve family’s help.Cosmic tip: Believe in cosmic vibes that do all they can to maintain a balance between actions and results. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Singles fine with an arranged marriage must insist on having the person thoroughly vetted.Cosmic tip: Don’t set unnecessary rules. A friendly talk resolves matters quicker and with less resentment. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Delayed news is received by 3 pm, requiring an immediate answer. Don’t rush with relocation plans. Cosmic tip: Wisely accept this karmic cycle of unexpected changes that bring happiness or irritation. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Being level-headed and straightforward is the best attitude towards a matter brought up by a client. Cosmic tip: Side-step a crisis by finding a simple solution to a recurring problem.
21 February,2026 03:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai’s upgraded Monorail system has moved a step closer to resuming passenger operations after securing mandatory safety certification for its new rolling stock and CBTC-based signalling system. The certification has been granted by Bureau Veritas, an Independent Safety Assessor and global leader in testing, inspection and certification. Officials described the development as a major milestone in the relaunch of the 19.54-km Monorail corridor. The next step involves the appointment of a retired official from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire corridor and grant final statutory clearance for passenger services. Authorities said this process is expected to be completed soon. The safety clearance follows the completion of several critical stages, including detailed inspection of the new rolling stock at the manufacturing facility and two months of rigorous testing across sections of the corridor to assess operational readiness. Extensive static and dynamic testing was carried out to ensure compliance with design specifications and safety standards. Oscillation trials were also completed, along with installation and interface-level testing of the advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. ‘Made in India’ technological upgrade The upgraded Monorail features new ‘Made in India’ rakes equipped with 21 modern enhancements. These include CCTV cameras inside every coach, Divyang-friendly seating, mobile and laptop charging points, dynamic route maps, improved suspension systems for smoother rides, fire-safety compliant design, metro-style interiors, and real-time monitoring and surveillance systems. Officials said the revamped system is aimed at delivering a safer, smarter and more reliable commuting experience for Mumbaikars once services resume.
21 February,2026 12:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai’s transport ecosystem is set for a major digital overhaul with the launch of the Mumbai Transport Stack (MTS), an open data exchange platform aimed at integrating the city’s diverse modes of transport into a unified, technology-driven network. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to design and implement the platform. The initiative is being supported by the JICA Dx Lab, which has assisted global cities in building open, data-driven transport systems. The project was formally discussed during high-level consultations on Wednesday between senior officials from both sides. What is the Mumbai Transport Stack? The Mumbai Transport Stack is envisioned as a digital public infrastructure built on open-standard data exchange protocols and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). It aims to enable seamless communication between metro, bus, rail and other transport systems, creating a multimodal and interoperable ecosystem for commuters, operators and government agencies. The platform will be guided by five core principles: open source architecture, interoperability, privacy by design, secure and trusted systems, and scalability. What changes for commuters? Once implemented, the MTS is expected to deliver end-to-end ticket booking across modes, real-time tracking of trains, buses and metros, seamless multimodal trip planning and live parking information. Officials said the unified transport ecosystem will also support smarter urban planning through real-time mobility data and open APIs, allowing innovators and startups to build next-generation mobility solutions. The initiative is positioned as a key step towards transforming mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with the long-term goal of making daily commutes faster, simpler and more reliable for Mumbaikars.
20 February,2026 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn February 20, 2026, Mumbai came alive as members of the city’s LGBTQIA community took part in the much-awaited Pride 2026 march in South Mumbai. Known popularly as the Rainbow March, the event brought together activists, allies, and citizens from all walks of life, united in their call for equality, inclusion, and legal rights for LGBTQIA plus individuals. The streets were transformed into a vibrant canvas of colours, as participants carried rainbow flags, creative posters, and banners that expressed their personal stories and messages of love, acceptance, and visibility. Many donned bright and elaborate outfits, colourful makeup, and accessories that reflected their unique identities, turning the march into both a celebration and a powerful statement of individuality. The rhythmic beats of drums and bands energised the crowd, prompting people to dance and celebrate at every turn. The march saw people of all ages, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged participants, and even seniors, walking side by side, highlighting the inter-generational spirit of Pride. Each person’s attire, banner, or poster told a story, whether it was a personal journey, a message for equality, or a tribute to the community’s struggle and resilience. Not only people from the community participated in the march but their family members, parents and other supporters carried posters like "Proud Mother", etc were seen participating an d supporting their loved ones. “Labels aside, we are all unique, we are all valid,” said a poster carried by a participant, waving a rainbow flag as they walked through South Mumbai. History and significance Mumbai Queer Pride at August Kranti Maidan has been an annual event since 2008. That year marked the city’s first organised pride march, a historic milestone for queer visibility in India. Over the years, the march has grown in scale and significance, becoming a platform to celebrate diversity while advocating for human rights. Initially scheduled for January 31, 2026, this year’s march was postponed due to administrative and law enforcement complications. Despite the delay, the streets of Mumbai were ready to burst into a spectacular display of rainbow colours, with participants embracing the festive and activist spirit alike. A Celebration of unity The Mumbai Pride 2026 march was not just a celebration, but also a public reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It demonstrated that activism and festivity can go hand in hand, with music, dance, and solidarity combining to create a vibrant, hopeful atmosphere. As the Rainbow March moves forward, it continues to inspire both the LGBTQIA plus community and allies, emphasising that acceptance, inclusion, and human rights remain central to Mumbai’s progressive spirit.
20 February,2026 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a special 19-hour traffic and power block at Kharbao from 12.30 pm on Saturday, February 21, to 7.30 am on Sunday, February 22, for the commissioning of new Up and Down goods lines under the DFCCIL project. The block will impact multiple suburban and passenger services, with several MEMU trains cancelled and others regulated. Several MEMU trains cancelled Down direction: 69161 Panvel–Dahanu Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61006 Diva–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61002 Dombivli Central Cabin–Boisar MEMU (JCO February 22) Up direction: 61007 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 21) 69166 Vasai Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 21) 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 22) 61003 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 22) Train regulations 69164 Dahanu Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 22) will be regulated for 10 minutes at Kaman Road. 22178 Secunderabad–Rajkot Express (JCO February 21) will be regulated for 1 hour and 30 minutes at Bhiwandi Road. Additionally, Mail/Express and passenger trains passing through the affected section during the block period are expected to run 25 to 30 minutes late. Railway officials said the block is essential for infrastructure upgrades and operational safety. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration during the temporary disruption. Western Railway to operate four-hour night block on Mumbai suburban section; details here Western Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled. Mumbai local train updates: Key regulations Avadh Express (19038) Barauni–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by one hour between Virar and Bhayandar. Saurashtra Mail (22946) Okha–Mumbai Central: Delayed by 45 minutes between Virar and Bhayandar. AC Superfast Express (22904) Bhuj–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by 20 minutes between Surat and Virar. Virar–Churchgate locals (90006 & 90018): Delayed from Virar delayed by 15 minutes each. Some suburban services will also remain cancelled during the block. WR has appealed to passengers to check with station masters for detailed information. It has clarified that all daytime suburban services on Sunday will operate as usual, ensuring no disruption to daily commuters. Western Railway to integrate AI into train management system Western Railway’s (WR) train management system (TMS) will soon be integrated with artificial intelligence to ensure train operations are smoother and faster. The new system, which is in the tendering stage, will involve colour-coding trains and alarms for delays. WR operates locals from Churchgate to Virar at peak headways of about three minutes. Instead of relying only on a printed timetable, those sitting behind screens at theWR’s control room monitors the movement of each train through the TMS, which is linked to signalling and traction power supply. Suburban services run safely and within minutes of schedule because of the decisions taken inside this room, which most passengers will never see. In it, large display panels show which section is occupied, which platform is free and which train is late — ona real-time basis.
20 February,2026 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled. Mumbai local train updates: Key regulations Avadh Express (19038) Barauni–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by one hour between Virar and Bhayandar. Saurashtra Mail (22946) Okha–Mumbai Central: Delayed by 45 minutes between Virar and Bhayandar. AC Superfast Express (22904) Bhuj–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by 20 minutes between Surat and Virar. Virar–Churchgate locals (90006 & 90018): Delayed from Virar delayed by 15 minutes each. Some suburban services will also remain cancelled during the block. WR has appealed to passengers to check with station masters for detailed information. It has clarified that all daytime suburban services on Sunday will operate as usual, ensuring no disruption to daily commuters. Western Railway to integrate AI into train management system Western Railway’s (WR) train management system (TMS) will soon be integrated with artificial intelligence to ensure train operations are smoother and faster. The new system, which is in the tendering stage, will involve colour-coding trains and alarms for delays. WR operates locals from Churchgate to Virar at peak headways of about three minutes. Instead of relying only on a printed timetable, those sitting behind screens at theWR’s control room monitors the movement of each train through the TMS, which is linked to signalling and traction power supply. Suburban services run safely and within minutes of schedule because of the decisions taken inside this room, which most passengers will never see. In it, large display panels show which section is occupied, which platform is free and which train is late — ona real-time basis.
20 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRajeshree Shirwadkar was elected as the chairperson of the education committee during the BMC Committee Elections 2026 on Friday. The announcement was made by newly elected Mayor Ritu Tawde, who chaired the special meeting convened at 11 am. On Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had appointed 22 corporators and four non-corporators as statutory committee members after the civic polls. With no other nominations filed for the post, Shirwadkar was declared elected unopposed. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, and other committee members were present at the meeting following the election. Soon after her election, Shirwadkar made an appeal to citizens, urging them to avoid presenting garlands, bouquets, or gifts to congratulate her. Instead, she requested well-wishers to contribute books, notebooks, pens, and other educational materials for students of BMC-run schools. Emphasising that ceremonial honours are fleeting, she said donations of study materials would create a lasting impact by strengthening students’ learning and supporting their academic growth. She described the initiative as a socially responsible step that encourages meaningful contributions toward education rather than symbolic gestures. The appeal is expected to benefit municipal school students by ensuring access to essential learning resources, while also fostering a culture of educational support within the community. Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed as Mumbai civic body standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The election follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on Monday, 26 corporators were nominated to the standing committee. The chairperson of the education committee is an ex-officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, and all the standing committee members were present during the proceedings.
20 February,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771597733765_d.png "Mumbai celebrates Pride 2026 with music, dance, and colourful solidarity. Pic/Ashish Raje")
