Several districts across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region recorded above-normal maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours, while night temperatures remained largely stable, according to weather observations recorded till 8.30 am on Monday. Day temperatures across the region ranged between 30 degrees Celsius and 33.4 degrees Celsius, staying marginally to appreciably above seasonal averages at most locations. Brahmpuri reported the highest maximum temperature at 33.4 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Amravati at 33.2 degrees Celsius and Akola at 32.5 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures in Nagpur, Wardha, and Yavatmal hovered around 31–32 degrees Celsius, remaining slightly above normal. Minimum temperatures showed limited variation, with most stations reporting values between 11 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Yavatmal (11.2 degrees Celsius), which was significantly below normal, while Buldhana registered the highest night temperature at 17.2 degrees Celsius. Minor falls in minimum temperatures were observed at a few locations, including Akola, Washim, and Gondia. Relative humidity levels at 8.30 am ranged from 61 per cent to 90 per cent, with Bhandara reporting the highest humidity, indicating moist morning conditions in parts of eastern Vidarbha. No rainfall was recorded across the region during the last 24 hours up to 8.30 am, with dry weather prevailing in all reporting stations. Visibility conditions during the morning hours were generally moderate, ranging between 2 km and 10 km. Reduced visibility of 2–4 km was noted at locations such as Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Gondia, while other stations reported clearer conditions with visibility extending up to 10 km. The overall weather pattern suggests stable and dry conditions across Vidarbha, with slightly warmer-than-normal days and cool to mild nights continuing over the region. Smog blankets Mumbai as air quality remains in 'moderate' zone Meanwhile, Mumbai began Monday, February 2, 2026, under a veil of cold and haze, with smog engulfing several neighbourhoods and sharply cutting down visibility. The murky conditions once again drew attention to the city's deteriorating air quality, an issue that has lingered since the start of the winter season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mostly clear weather through the day, with temperatures likely to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures have remained relatively steady over the past few days, pollution levels have been anything but consistent, triggering growing health concerns among residents. Data from the Sameer app showed Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 138 on Monday morning, categorising it as 'moderate'. Pollution levels varied across the city, with Bandra Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 141, Borivali East 134, Byculla 161, Andheri East 146, Chembur 120, Colaba 131, and Deonar 160. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 164, Kandivali East 124, Malad West 160, Mazgaon 115, while Mulund West reported the highest reading among key locations at 169.
02 February,2026 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA tree caught fire near Ram Mandir, Gandhinagar, Kopri, Thane (East) early today, 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.” No injuries reported The firefighters successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. The authorities further confirmed that the situation is now completely under control. The Disaster Management Cell urged residents to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents promptly to prevent potential hazards. Fire breaks out in Govandi hutments; no injuries reported 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 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. A garbage heap catches fire near a railway track in Thane In another incident, a heap of garbage accumulated in a drain next to a railway track caught fire in Maharashtra's Thane city on Friday, officials said. No one was injured in the blaze that occurred near the Kalwa railway station in the evening, they said. Teams from the fire department, disaster management cell, and railway police rushed to the spot and initiated firefighting operations. "Preliminary information suggests that garbage dumped in the drain caught fire. Firefighting and cooling operations were immediately initiated to prevent the flames from spreading further," said officials from the disaster management cell. Efforts to fully extinguish the blaze continued late in the evening, with personnel ensuring that there was no risk of re-ignition.
02 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai began Monday, February 2, 2026, under a veil of cold and haze, with smog engulfing several neighbourhoods and sharply cutting down visibility. The murky conditions once again drew attention to the city's deteriorating air quality, an issue that has lingered since the start of the winter season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted mostly clear weather through the day, with temperatures likely to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius. Although temperatures have remained relatively steady over the past few days, pollution levels have been anything but consistent, triggering growing health concerns among residents. Data from the Sameer app showed Mumbai's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 138 on Monday morning, categorising it as 'moderate'. Pollution levels varied across the city, with Bandra Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 141, Borivali East 134, Byculla 161, Andheri East 146, Chembur 120, Colaba 131, and Deonar 160. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 164, Kandivali East 124, Malad West 160, Mazgaon 115, while Mulund West reported the highest reading among key locations at 169. Delhi-NCR wakes up to dense fog with AQI in moderate to poor categories Meanwhile, several parts of the Delhi-National Capital Region woke up to dense fog on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the moderate to poor categories, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As per CPCB data, AQI levels were recorded at 242 in Anand Vihar, 222 in Bawana, 157 at Burari Crossing, 217 in Chandni Chowk, 158 at DTU, 240 in Dwarka Sector-8, 132 at IGI Airport (T3), 141 at IIT Delhi, 194 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 116 at Lodhi Road, 232 at R.K. Puram, 207 in Patparganj, and 208 in Sonia Vihar. The Delhi-adjacent areas witnessed misty conditions in the early morning hours. Air quality in Ghaziabad remained in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 259 recorded in the morning, according to CPCB data. In several parts of Delhi and NCR, visibility dropped to below 50 metres, severely affecting vehicular movement on major roads and highways. Officials stated that visibility conditions were likely to deteriorate further in the coming hours due to persistent fog. Major transit hubs, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport and several railway stations, reported delays as shallow to moderate fog continued well past sunrise. Commuters travelling on the DND Flyway and the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway were advised to drive cautiously, use fog lights, and maintain low speeds amid hazardous conditions. Delhi’s weather is expected to change in the coming days. From February 3, skies are likely to gradually clear. However, another western disturbance is expected to affect north-west India from the night of February 5, potentially bringing cloud cover and drizzle towards the end of the week. Morning fog is expected to persist for the next six days. During the first week of February, maximum temperatures may gradually rise to around 24-25 degrees Celsius, bringing a mild sense of warmth during daytime hours. North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is also expected to witness notable weather changes as two western disturbances move across the region in quick succession, possibly leading to light rainfall in parts of north-west India later this week.
02 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA memorial of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be set up on the premises of Vidya Pratishthan, the Baramati-based educational institution founded by the Pawar family, a close associate has said, reported news agency PTI. Ajit Pawar (66) and four others were killed in a plane crash near the airstrip at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28. Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar and confidant of the Pawar family, on Sunday said the memorial has been planned on the Vidya Pratishthan premises where his last rites were performed, reported PTI. "Today, Sharad Pawar saheb, before heading to Mumbai, visited the venue of the last rites along with Pratibha Pawar and instructed me, and the trustees of Vidya Pratishthan, to chalk out a plan for Ajit Dada's memorial," Gujar told PTI. Discussions will be held with the trustees to finalise the design and structure of the memorial in the coming days, he added. Ajit Pawar was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and had played a key role in the development of Baramati, which has long been considered the Pawar family's political stronghold. Amid merger speculation after Ajit Pawar's death, Tatkare says NCP will continue to be in NDA Meanwhile, NCP Maharashtra president and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare on Sunday said his party will continue to be a part of the BJP-led NDA, asserting that the organisation will move forward on the ideology and path laid down by the late Ajit Pawar, reported PTI. His statement came amid claims that February 12 had been fixed as the date for the announcement of the merger between the NCP and NCP (SP), more than two and a half years after the Sharad Pawar-founded party split following Ajit Pawar's switch over to the ruling Mahayuti. "Whatever people may say, our stand is clear. We will take forward the party and the ideology given by Ajitdada. We are firm on this position," Tatkare told reporters at the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) state office in Mumbai. "We are with the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and will remain with the NDA. This was a well-thought-out decision taken by Ajitdada," the Raigad Lok Sabha MP said, reported PTI. The decision to align with the ruling National Democratic Alliance was taken collectively under Ajit Pawar's leadership, Tatkare said, emphasising he had never taken any political decision without the late leader's consent. Referring to criticism over the "haste" in having Sunetra Pawar sworn in as deputy chief minister just days after Pawar's death, Tatkare said the Constitution gives everyone the right to express their views, but stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of Maharashtra and to strengthen the NCP. "There is nothing wrong in her taking the oath to stabilise Maharashtra and to fulfil Ajit Pawar's vision of a developed state," he said, reported PTI. Tatkare said the decision on the party's Rajya Sabha candidate was an internal matter of the NCP and praised the BJP for maintaining cordial relations within the NDA. "The BJP has always cooperated with us and treated its allies with respect," he said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentIn an unusual political development, corporators from long-time rivals Congress and the BJP have come together in Malegaon Municipal Corporation ahead of the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the civic body, sources told PTI. Three Congress corporators and two from the BJP have formed an independent bloc named Bharat Vikas Aghadi, positioning themselves as potential kingmakers in the 84-member corporation where no party commands a clear majority. According to sources, Congress councillor Ejaz Beg will head the newly formed group, reported PTI. Mayor, deputy mayor yet to be elected; behind-the-scenes talks intensify While results of the Malegaon municipal elections are already out, the mayor and deputy mayor are yet to be elected, keeping political negotiations in full swing. With the ruling combination still uncertain, behind-the-scenes discussions and cross-party talks have intensified. Despite sharp ideological differences at the state and national levels, Congress and BJP leaders at the civic level have chosen to collaborate, setting aside rivalry to act collectively in the corporation, sources added. Islam Party largest but short of majority, needs allies for mayor’s post The Islam Party has emerged as the single largest party with 35 seats, followed by the AIMIM with 21, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena with 18, the Samajwadi Party with five, Congress with three seats and the BJP with two. However, the Islam Party will need backing from other groups to secure the mayor’s post. Mayor’s post reserved for woman; Nasreen Shaikh frontrunner Adding to the political suspense, the mayor’s position has been reserved for a woman from the general category. Political circles suggest that Islam Party chief and former MLA Asif Shaikh is expected to take the final decision on the party’s candidate, with his sister-in-law Nasreen Shaikh considered a frontrunner. As per civic rules, a special meeting of the corporation must be convened within eight to twelve days of the reservation announcement to elect the mayor and deputy mayor. AIMIM rules out alliance; BJP’s past local tie-ups spark controversy The emergence of the Congress-BJP bloc has also triggered speculation that the Islam Party could receive indirect support during the voting process, particularly in the election of the deputy mayor. Meanwhile, the AIMIM has secured 125 seats across 13 of Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations, including 21 in Malegaon. AIMIM leader and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had sought his party’s support in several civic bodies, including Malegaon, reported PTI. Jaleel said AIMIM had clearly conveyed at the local level that it would not align with either the BJP or Shiv Sena, and asserted that the party would not support Shinde’s faction in Malegaon under any circumstances, reported PTI. Notably, following the declaration of civic poll results last month, BJP’s local units forged surprise alliances with Congress and AIMIM in Ambernath and Akot municipal councils, respectively. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later said such tie-ups were unauthorised and violated party discipline. (With inputs from PTI)
02 February,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhat appeared on social media as a feel-good story of wildlife rescue has taken a dark turn on the ground. Chhattisgarh Police on Friday busted a Rs 2.6 crore ganja trafficking racket under Operation Nishchay, allegedly led by a man who projected himself online as a snake rescuer and wildlife conservationist. Wildlife experts in Maharashtra have now demanded a thorough probe to determine whether the influencer, known as ‘Sarpamitra Akash Jadhav’, was also involved in the illegal capture, supply or trafficking of snakes and other wild animals in the state. Experts seek wider probe Advocate Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare), told mid-day that the illegal exchange of snake species has been prevalent among certain “sarpamitras” and snake handlers for decades. “There has been information in the past about king cobras and other protected species being brought to Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, according to Forest Department sources,” Sharma said. “It is no secret that wildlife trafficking has long been linked with other organised crimes such as narcotics, arms smuggling, hawala operations and underworld networks. These syndicates operate in a highly sophisticated and low-profile manner. There is an urgent need for a multi-jurisdictional task force with proper infrastructure and manpower to curb such crimes,” he added. Sharma said a detailed investigation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region would likely reveal more links and individuals involved. Odisha angle flagged Mumbai-based wildlife enthusiast Anand Mohite also called for an in-depth probe into possible wildlife trafficking. “I have spoken to senior police officials in Chhattisgarh and requested them to examine the king cobra trafficking angle as well. The ganja seized in this case was allegedly routed from Odisha, and king cobras are also reportedly trafficked from the same region,” Mohite said. About the case Police seized 520 kg of ganja and arrested nine persons from Odisha and Maharashtra, uncovering a well-organised supply chain that used multiple routes and local contacts to transport drugs across state borders. The key accused, Akash Jadhav of Ahilyanagar district in Maharashtra, had built a large online following through snake rescue videos. Investigators allege that he played a central role in coordinating drug consignments being sent from Odisha to Maharashtra while maintaining a public image of wildlife conservation. The case surfaced following specific intelligence inputs about a major drug shipment headed for Maharashtra. Acting on the tip-off, teams from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and Mahasamund district police intercepted the network, leading to the seizure of narcotics worth approximately Rs 2.6 crore. Police said the racket had been active for at least a year and had moved several consignments during this period. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links.
02 February,2026 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavWith Stds X and XII board examinations around the corner, the Maharashtra State Board has clarified administrative procedures for exam day. Earlier, the board had proposed a ‘centre exchange’ system, where invigilators from one school would oversee exams at another centre to ensure a copy-free environment. Now, exchanges will happen only at centres which currently don’t have the necessary CCTV surveillance. The decision follows concerns raised by teachers and principals’ association members, who said sending educators to unfamiliar schools for supervision could be impractical. Many also highlighted the strain of commuting, particularly when they have lectures to conduct after their board duties. Tanaji Mane, chairman of the Maharashtra Principals’ Association, said, “Nearly 90-95 per cent of exam centres already have CCTV cameras. The remaining schools couldn’t install them due to budget constraints, but should be fully equipped by next year. Exchanging centres for such a small number of schools is unnecessary.” As reported earlier by mid-day, the association had met board officials in January to voice concerns over centre exchanges, CCTV requirements, and added duties for custodians. Clarifying the same, the board officials wrote to division heads last week, stating: “Instead of replacing all employees at all examination centres, only those at centres without CCTV cameras should be replaced. Ensure appropriate planning for the February-March 2026 exams and submit a report of the action taken.” Speaking with mid-day, board chairman Trigun Kulkarni said, “As per reports, many more centres are gearing up with camera surveillance ahead of the exams; however, those who don't manage to do it this year won't be allocated as board exam centres for the next year. These centres are also to store the surveillance data from cameras and drones, and funds have been allocated to the district officers for the same. Examinations held for the five main subjects and sensitive board centres are to be monitored closely.” This year, the Std XII HSC examinations are to begin on February 10, while the Std X SSC exams are slated to commence on February 20.
02 February,2026 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday welcomed the Union budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, calling it positive and growth-oriented. However, the Opposition Congress and other parties criticised the BJP-led Union government, saying the budget has failed to provide any real relief to common citizens struggling with rising prices. Fadnavis claimed that Maharashtra will receive nearly Rs 1 lakh crore from the budget, calling it a strong step towards a developed India. The CM referred to the budget as a strong push towards a “Viksit Bharat”. Congratulating the BJP-led Union government for laying clear emphasis on planned urban development, higher investment, and employment generation, Fadnavis said, “Women-focused initiatives, construction of hostels for girls, strengthening of emergency healthcare facilities in districts, and proposed high-speed transport corridors are measures that would boost overall growth and development.” Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde claimed that the budget will strengthen Mumbai and Maharashtra while accelerating development in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through faster economic growth and better infrastructure. Welcoming the focus on urbanisation, Shinde said, “The measures will boost local economies and create more opportunities beyond major metros.” Congress Mumbai president and Member of Parliament Varsha Gaikwad, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Union budget. “Maharashtra is India’s highest taxpayer, but the state has not received anything from the budget,” Gaikwad said. Similarly, in a post on social media platform X, Chaturvedi said she had expected a “reformatory budget” as promised by the prime minister, but found it disappointing. “The budget failed to outline a clear long-term vision for India,” she said.
02 February,2026 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Union Budget 2026-27 lays the foundation for realising a long-aspired commuter dream — reducing the length of railway journeys between Mumbai and Pune to less than an hour, a source close to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told mid-day. At present, the journey takes approximately three and a half hours. Backed by the substantial allocation of Rs 2,78,000 crore in the Union Budget, Railways is focusing its spending on high-speed connectivity, freight and safety, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing new high-speed rail corridors on seven routes, including Mumbai-Pune and subsequently Hyderabad, in around an hour and 55 minutes, to boost connectivity between south and western India. These high-speed corridors will connect Mumbai and Pune, Hyderabad and Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, Chennai and Bengaluru, Delhi and Varanasi, and Varanasi, and Siliguri, she said. Commuters at Churchgate station on Sunday. Indian Railways has been allocated Rs 2,78,000 crore in the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Calling them growth connectors, she said they will promote environmentally sustainable passenger systems. A source in Vaishnaw’s office told mid-day, “We are looking at reducing the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to about an hour.” Freight corridor The minister also announced a dedicated east-west national freight corridor between Dankuni in West Bengal and Surat in Gujarat. The budget also proposed the operationalisation of 22 new national waterways over the next five years to promote multimodal transport and reduce logistics costs for “sustainable cargo transportation”. Significance of high-speed corridors According to an official, the new high-speed corridors mean faster rail connectivity not only between two key cities of Maharashtra but also with southern India. “Right now, due to multiple limitations and restrictions of the Ghat sections, the rail traffic to southern India seems limited. The proposed high-speed corridors will offer a much-needed boost, opening up connectivity options," the official said. Voices Shailesh Goyal, former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee‘The FM’s speech did not address the actual needs of commuters. Spending on a high-speed corridor is not wise. The government’s focus seems to be only on big things like high-speed corridors and bullet train projects, whereas there have been no announcements on passenger safety, new trains, and Mumbai suburban railway’ Rajiv Singal, member, Western Railway Mumbai’s Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee‘Mumbai is the financial capital of India, and Pune is the industrial capital and an IT hub. The Mumbai-Pune high-speed corridor will boost industry. Pune-Hyderabad will be a high-speed corridor. It means Mumbai and Hyderabad will be better connected’ Siddhesh Desai, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh‘I welcome the announcement of approximately Rs 1200 crore in additional funding for the expansion and modernisation of Mumbai’s suburban railway network. This will support important projects. However, unfortunately, commuter safety continues to be neglected. According to official data, 2287 commuters lost their lives in 2025. Although this reflects a seven per cent reduction compared to 2024, the figure remains unacceptably high’.
02 February,2026 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarPerusing the Union Budget 2026 is akin to gazing through a kaleidoscope, in which the usual factors, such as agriculture, healthcare, rural, and urban development — along with taxation and compliance — and newer aspects like Artificial Intelligence, space research, and sustainable green energy co-exist in a colourful collage — unitedly embodying the visionary ‘Make in India’ mantra, as India eyes a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. To gain insights into the budget and take stock of hits and misses that would ultimately reflect on the Viksit Bharat’s economy, which is eyeing the top three slots globally despite US sanctions and a volatile situation looming large over the sub-continent, mid-day spoke to members of a family in the western suburbs, who shed light on its impact on the average Mumbaikar. (From left) Arjun Taula, Lt Col Satpal Singh (Retd), Bharthi Singh, Vardan Singh, Divakar Kulkarni, Sharada Kulkarni, Mohan Grover, Jyothi Taula, Arthi Grover, and Arun Taula at their residence on January 26. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI ‘The government has shown its intent to ease the hassles faced by taxpayers by simplifying norms and language, but at the same time, as per estimates, only a tiny percentage of the population pays taxes, though everyone wants good infrastructure and amenities. This is an alarming trend and, hopefully, with the proposed changes, the figures will improve. As a freshman in the corporate world, I would personally want to see more startups that meet global standards, both in technology and skilled manpower.’ Arjun Taula, corporate firm employee ‘Veterans who actively engage with MSME schemes, reskilling programmes and infrastructure projects will benefit. The increased defence allocation outlays better pension security and sustained welfare schemes. It emphasises defence modernisation and manufacturing, along with skill development and entrepreneurship support, which can open jobs for veterans. This budget honours our service while fuelling second careers —truly a Viksit Bharat win! Jai Hind!’ Lt Col Satpal Singh (retd) corporate firm employee ‘The 2026 Budget left me smiling! Digital training hubs and women’s skilling programmes mean sharper IT skills and career growth. This budget boosts families like ours. The finance minister, in her speech, rightly pointed out that tier 2 and 3 cities, as well as religious sites, are the key drivers of India’s economic growth and the proposal for seven high-speed rail corridors and twenty national waterways will not only boost connectivity, but also bridge the urban-rural gap. I only hope that the environmental factors are not ignored.’ Bharthi Singh, corporate firm employee ‘The Budget’s AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) labs in 15,000 schools are a game-changer for me. The students can now learn game design and Esports hands-on, blending it with business skills like starting an indie gaming startup via youth funds. This budget fuels my dream career… I can’t wait to dive in and build the next big Indian game!’ Vardan Singh, Std IX student ‘No government can offer instant development on a platter, but it is evident that the government is keen to see the country become a global artificial intelligence hub. For this, our basic education system has to be analysed and made futuristic. A lot has changed from the time when I was active in the education sector, but I would like to see a quantum shift in the field, which is not restricted to schools in modern cities but also to rural India, which should also concentrate on incorporating new technologies in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.’ Divakar Kulkarni, retired headmaster ‘No government can offer instant development on a platter, but it is evident that the government is keen to see the country become a global artificial intelligence hub. For this, our basic education system has to be analysed and made futuristic. A lot has changed from the time when I was active in the education sector, but I would like to see a quantum shift in the field, which is not restricted to schools in modern cities but also to rural India, which should also concentrate on incorporating new technologies in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.’ Divakar Kulkarni, retired headmaster ‘As an avid traveller, I am happy that international tour packages will be more pocket-friendly. There has been a great improvement in the hospitality industry, which is not only creating jobs for locals but also witnessing an inflow of skilled workers from as far as the North East region. More tourist destinations have to be created with the help of professionals from the field, both at the national and state levels.’ Mohan Grover, Std X student ‘A general sentiment shared by the majority of the taxpayers is that they are not getting enough in return. Even for a vibrant city like Mumbai, which is referred to as the financial capital, it took ages to get a Metro, which is still not fully functional but has already changed the way we travel. I would like to see newer, well-planned megacities with the best infrastructure so that the youth of the country do not aspire to work and settle abroad. The lesser the brain drain, the better our domestic skilled workforce in the fields of medicine, computers, technology, and AI.’ Jyothi Taula, financial planner ‘The allocation of Rs 5000 crore over five years for the development of urban infrastructure and amenities, if utilised correctly, will be a game-changer, potentially developing a whole new ecosystem. New jobs in diverse fields will mean that the skilled and unskilled youth from smaller townships need not leave their families and move into cities that are already struggling with their own set of challenges, not to mention the high cost of living and mental stress.’ Arthi Grover, interior designer ‘With zero increase in personal tax, take-home income has been unaffected. This is a big relief for the salaried class, who are already burdened with rising day-to-day expenses, house rent, kids’ education, and more. Steady domestic consumption and manufacturing are just the right mix for the creation of high-skill jobs, which will, in the long run, not only prove beneficial for the youth but also boost imports. But for this to happen, the authorities must ensure single-ticket windows are opened for all sectors to cut red tape and reduce difficulties in obtaining the requisite permissions.’ Arun Taula, proprietor/financial planner What the budget says on Income Tax >> More time to revise tax returns, for a fee, of course>> People with ITR-1 and ITR-2 forms can file returns till July 31>> People can update returns even after completion of reassessment proceedings Cheaper >> Cancer drugs>> Footwear>> Leather goods>> Microwave ovens >> TV equipment>> Cameras>> Overseas tour packages>> Foreign education Costlier >> Coffee and vending machines>> Income tax misreporting>> Non-disclosure of movable assets>> Stock options and futures trading
02 February,2026 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shailesh BhatiaSmoke on the water A thick haze descends on the Coastal Road at Haji Ali as Mumbai experienced AQI in ‘severe’ and unhealthy categories last week A festival of voices A performance by Lifafa at an earlier edition of the festival. Pic Courtesy/Spoken Fest Mumbaikars can look forward to a homecoming of words. The 10th edition of Spoken Fest will kick off on February 21 and 22 at Jio World Garden, BKC. From Kommune’s stable, the festival brings together poetry, storytelling, performance, music, and conversation, with voices such as Sheeba Chaddha, Swanand Kirkire, Raj Arjun, and Waseem Barelvi. Roshan Abbas Co-founder of Kommune, Roshan Abbas told this diarist, “The milestone edition marks a homecoming that celebrates language and shared listening. Spoken Fest exists to remind you that your voice is not background music, but the entire song.” A take on philosophy Mumbai’s followers of philosophical thought have a chance to listen to Sharad Baviskar, assistant professor, Centre for French and Francophone Studies, JNU, who will take the stage as the keynote speaker at the annual programme of the Dr Aroon Tikekar Centre for Advanced Studies at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai today. With the subject titled Philosophy of Non-Philosophers, Baviskar is certain to plant some seeds of thought in this city. Readers who might be interested can log on to asiaticsociety.org for more details. Jazz notes return to Gaylord Rajesh Punjabi (left) and D Wood (right) in performance. Pic Courtesy/@gaylordrestaurantmumbai Music rolled back the years within the vintage-soaked walls of Churchgate’s iconic Gaylord Restaurant on Friday, January 30. For the first time since the late 1960s, the restaurant welcomed the Bombay Jazz Club led by Rajesh Punjabi and D Wood for a performance. “Gaylord used to be one of the original homes of jazz in the city. It was once the hub along the line from Colaba to Churchgate where artistes would drop in and perform,” shared Punjabi. In September 2025, Gaylord celebrated its 70th year with a new look and an upgraded menu. A view of the refurbished interiors. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi A first concert within the restaurant seems to be the next step to its evolution. “We were delighted when the restaurant reached out to us to ask if we would be available. A large part of what we do as a collective is to rekindle the love for jazz and its complexities among audiences. It felt only right [to accept] considering the legacy of the restaurant and its connection to the genre of music,” the veteran composer Punjabi added. Ashley Perez, restaurant manager, revealed to this diarist that the concert is the beginning of more to come. “We are looking to host more such experiences at the restaurant,” he shared, adding that the next event might be scheduled this month. “It is a chance to roll back the years of Bombay jazz,” Punjabi summed up. A man of his time Kekoo Gandhy. Pic Courtesy/Ram Rahman Were he around, late gallerist Kekoo Gandhy (inset) might have a thing to say about the rising AQI in the city limits. “He would not recognise the Mumbai of today,” shared daughter Behroze Gandhy, whose short film, Kekee Manzil: The House of Art will be screened this weekend by the Brief Encounters Film Club in Bandra. Incidentally, today (February 2) marks the 106th birth anniversary of the gallerist. “It is a fascinating film about a person who encapsulated the lofty ideas of his time,” shared Aparajita Sinha, founder, Brief Encounters Film Club. A touch of Sindh Monica Mahendru On February 6, theatremaker Nikhil Katara will bring history, personal and cultural memories to life with the production Paanjo Kirdaar, at the ongoing Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Staging at the Horniman Circle Garden, the production is a collaboration with author Saaz Aggarwal, and her research on the people of Sindh. “It examines Sindhi culture through the stories of five incredible people told through monologues,” he shared.
02 February,2026 06:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
