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 20. Aries March 21 – April 20There’s an intense work-related karmic cycle that has to be coped with a patient attitude (not everyone works as fast as you). Cosmic tip: Stay away from an avoidable argument. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Exploring memories is no longer hurtful or saddening as you’ve worked through all that pain, understanding the reason for that chapter in life.Cosmic tip: Be grateful to the universe for payments coming in. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Weigh each word/ sentence before articulating it, as some word or nuance may upset the other person. A better financial cycle begins. Cosmic tip: Enjoy a light-hearted and swiftly moving day. Cancer June 22 – July 23Be patient with delays as this slow karmic cycle runs out of steam by 2 pm. Changes due bring happier outcomes and a loving friendship.Cosmic tip: Keep your distance from negative or envious people. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Understanding thoughts and motives is the connecting thread in a conversation that was needed for a while. Cosmic tip: Be careful while driving, or even being driven by someone else. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Take a little extra care of yourself if dealing with a stressful career/ business. Delayed payments are received.Cosmic tip: Listen to gut feeling if there’s even slight hesitation about a plan. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Repairs are undertaken. An assignment which is not like the usual ones requires different planning. Cosmic tip: Bring a balance between home life and professional life. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Today is positive for meetings, negotiations and networking. Those not in a committed relationship meet some interesting people at a party. Cosmic tip: Be patient when a reply is delayed. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22An evolving business idea can be introduced in a conversation as it’s workable now. Read a tricky document carefully.Cosmic tip: Choose the right person as a financial advisor. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Travel for business/ work ends on a promising note. An understanding of successes helps prepare a plan.Cosmic tip: Don’t tire yourself out in this hectic phase, getting enough rest and sleep. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Payments arrive via net-banking, making you happy. Several on-going matters are resolved easily today.Cosmic tip: Do some charitable works as a ‘thank you’ to the Higher Power for all you have. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Contracts signed earlier bring profits, but free time is at a premium…..there’s so much work to complete.Cosmic tip: Feel secure in the knowledge that the universe is looking to your benefit always.
20 February,2026 03:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDo 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 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Income from several avenues is revealed. Some have a second job. Office politics can be treacherous, so safely keep away from them..Cosmic tip: Don’t be overly possessive or hyper-reactive. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Today is good for buying a household item on sale at the nearest electronic store. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Sense a relationship settling down to a place of love and belonging to each other. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Staying away from discussions about an absent person is your way of not encouraging gossip. A successful business trip is a feather in your cap. Cosmic tip: Maintain a workable balance between career/ business. Cancer June 22 – July 23Simplifying life as much as possible helps the mind remain calm and untroubled. Career graph shows a gradual upward move. Cosmic tip: Cease this struggle between emotions and what is right according to karma. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Maintaining happiness and peace within the family has always been a mindset you’ve held onto.Cosmic tip: Don’t get into a struggle with a slow-moving karmic cycle that ends by late afternoon. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A difficult colleague moves to another department, which is a relief..Cosmic tip: Think carefully, being aware of each angle of the matter before doing anything about it. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Changing life around in several ways is done with full intention and focus. Some difficult issues keep you occupied. Cosmic tip: Keep the mind calm and answers to two questions emerge. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22You have every right to question an action or words uttered in a roundabout manner. A meeting clears several blocks to completing the work.Cosmic tip: Balance karmas perfectly by making right choices. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Buying property or having interiors of the home modernised is being considered. Try not to live in the past or the future.Cosmic tip: Enjoy the present moment. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20When you are detached from the outcome, then it’s easier to make decisions with a calm and untroubled mind. Deals and negotiations work out after a slight delay of two days.Cosmic tip: Be patient. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Singles meet someone who begins playing an important role in your life over time. Socialising in the evening is fun.. Cosmic tip: Maintain an emotional connection with someone special. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Maintain an emotional connection with someone special.Cosmic tip: Keep a friend’s confiding in you to yourself, even if someone mentions the same topic.
20 February,2026 03:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDo 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 10. Aries March 21 – April 20You look forward to spending time with a loved one in the evening. A work-related trip is delayed for a week. Cosmic tip: Try and be less forthright in interactions with people (in general). TaurusApril 21 – May 20Several issues or matters have no solution as of now, so keep them aside for a while. Consume a varied diet every day.Cosmic tip: Deal with mini arguments at home in a good-natured manner. GeminiMay 21 – June 21There’s reconciliation if there’s been a temporary estrangement between couples. A phone call in the morning begins the day on a good note.Cosmic tip: Take whatever decision you feel is right in the circumstances. Cancer June 22 – July 23Making time for a friend navigating a difficult life is something you are good at. Cosmic tip: Enjoy the simple pleasures of life with optimism and happiness is the message of the Tarot today. Leo July 24 - Aug 23The immediate past has seen miracles manifest; this strengthens faith. Reaching a goal has been quite a struggle.Cosmic tip: Consciously be kind (this tilts the karmic cycle in your favour). Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Narrating the truth (which sounds too filmy) brings up smiles and general laughter. There’s news about a salary increase soon.Cosmic tip: Don’t trust blindly; wait till the person has proved their trustworthiness. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Business travel increases, but positive results appear after a month. Time resolves most issues, so don’t get worried.Cosmic tip: Avoid meaningless rituals as they feed stress. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Maintaining an attitude of forgiveness takes you on a higher spiritual path.Cosmic tip: Work through conflicting emotions with meditation or any other method that works for you. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Studying nuances and different facets of the situation is something learnt through life’s experiences.Cosmic tip: Keep reactions logical when there’s little possibility of agreeing with someone. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Life and experiences open up a whole new vista with an attitude of openness and acceptance. Cosmic tip: Remain focused as there’s too much to cope with. (It’s a relief the plateau phase is over.). Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Living life has taught how to say the right things in a softer manner, which in turn encourages maturity and diplomacy. Cosmic tip: Take a short break if possible, or work from home. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20You feel decisions taken were delayed for too long; but this was necessary as too many angles had to be considered.Cosmic tip: Think if you are ready to give an emotional commitment.
20 February,2026 03:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseFour people were injured after a cylinder blast triggered a fire in a room at Dighe Chawl, behind Rekha Medical near Vakola Bridge, Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai's Santacruz East area on Thursday evening. The incident was reported at 6.52 pm, following which the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control and extinguished by 7.26 pm, officials said. According to information provided by the authorised medical officer at V N Desai Hospital, a total of four injured persons were admitted, of whom three were later shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital for further treatment. The injured have been identified as: Javed Abdul Shaikh (30), who sustained 55 to 60 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Avantika Ajay Gawade (45), who suffered 30 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Sumati Ramesh Gawade (65), who sustained 35 to 40 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Yash Gawade (15), who suffered 10 to 12 per cent burns and is admitted in stable condition. Further investigation into the cause of the cylinder blast is underway.
19 February,2026 11:56 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Mumbai Division of Western Railway has rolled out a major upgrade in suburban train services from Thursday, coinciding with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. As part of the expansion, 12 new air-conditioned (AC) services have been introduced, taking the total number of daily AC local services from 121 to 133. Officials said the AC rakes are equipped with automatic door-closing systems, enhancing passenger safety while ensuring a cooler and more comfortable commute. In addition, three new non-AC suburban services have been added to the timetable. The move is aimed at easing overcrowding and improving travel comfort for daily commuters on the Mumbai suburban network. Railway officials said the initiative reflects Western Railway’s continued focus on upgrading infrastructure and services across the Mumbai suburban system, often described as the lifeline of the city.
19 February,2026 11:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAs part of an ongoing drive to improve passenger amenities across the Mumbai Division, authorities have completed the full renovation of toilets at Mahim Railway Station. Officials said the upgrade includes improved fittings and infrastructure, along with the addition of extra washbasins and WCs to enhance commuter convenience. A new, fully compliant Divyangjan washroom has also been constructed to ensure better accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
19 February,2026 11:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday urged environmental experts to broaden their focus beyond global climate issues to include the agriculture sector and rural economy, highlighting the severe damage caused by excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Speaking at the valedictory session of Mumbai Climate Week at Jio World Centre, the governor said the increasing reliance on chemicals in farming was not only harming soil fertility but also polluting the environment and contributing to serious health issues. “The adverse effects of chemical farming are dangerous. It leads to environmental pollution and the rise of serious diseases,” he said. “Environmental experts, while deliberating on global environmental protection, must also consider agriculture and the rural economy.” Governor Devvrat pointed out that chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP, along with pesticides, release harmful gases like nitrous oxide, contaminate groundwater, enter the food chain, and render soil infertile. In contrast, he noted that natural farming improves soil fertility, organic carbon content, and groundwater levels. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of natural farming through the National Mission on Natural Farming. Citing a newspaper survey that detected pesticide residues in the breast milk of 105 mothers, the Governor stressed the urgent need to address these health risks. Reflecting on Indian culture’s traditional reverence for nature, he recalled how ancient education took place in close proximity to the environment. He contrasted this with modern consumerism, which he said has accelerated degradation. The governor cited the Covid-19 lockdown period, when reduced human activity led to cleaner rivers and clearer skies, as clear evidence that human interference is the primary cause of environmental harm. Concrete action over debates: Pankaja Munde calls for large-scale environmental steps Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde called for moving beyond intellectual debates to large-scale, concrete action on environmental protection. She noted that past prioritisation of development and infrastructure at the expense of the environment has led to the global crisis being faced today. “Environmental issues are not confined to one region but are global in nature; hence, a global perspective is essential while implementing solutions,” she said. Munde highlighted the stress on soil, water, and air due to industrialisation and infrastructure expansion, and pointed out that economically backward nations had allowed harmful industries in pursuit of growth and were now bearing the consequences. She expressed satisfaction that Mumbai Climate Week had provided a platform for experts from India and abroad to exchange ideas and hoped future conferences would focus on implementation. Collective efforts key to climate resilience: Mayor Ritu Tawde Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde emphasised that urban development, economic growth, and climate responsibility must advance in coordination rather than in isolation. She said climate resilience cannot be achieved by government alone and requires collective efforts from public institutions, private industries, financial partners, research bodies, and citizens. “Strong public-private partnerships, innovative financing, technical cooperation, and positive behavioural changes among citizens are essential,” she added. The three-day Mumbai Climate Week, organised by Project Mumbai, brought together environmentalists, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on climate change solutions.
19 February,2026 07:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Mumbai court has ruled in favour of animal welfare, rejecting a man’s request to get back a horse seized by police on cruelty charges. The horse had been used in traditional ceremonial rides and was taken to an Animal Welfare Board-recognised centre. Additional Sessions Judge Mujibodeen S Shaikh upheld a magistrate’s decision that emphasised the horse’s welfare over the owner’s livelihood. Owner claims right to livelihood The horse’s owner, Jagannath Kunjuprasad Rajbhar, runs a ceremonial horse rental business. He argued that he had provided the horse for marriage functions in the past and possessed the required documents. He claimed that a false FIR was filed against him based on a photograph from a May wedding. “Detention of the horse has caused unnecessary hardship to my business,” Rajbhar told the court, urging that the animal be returned to him as per PTI reports. Police and PETA oppose return The police opposed Rajbhar’s plea, citing a 2015 Bombay High Court ruling banning Victoria horse-drawn carriages in Mumbai due to animal cruelty and lack of licenses. PETA, the intervener in the case, requested that the horse be kept in the Animal Rahat Organisation, which is recognised by the Animal Welfare Board. The magistrate noted, “Prima Facie, it seems he is doing such business without any valid licence,” and handed the horse to PETA on a bond of Rs 2 lakh, with the condition it be returned only if directed by the court. Sessions Court rejects revision plea Rajbhar challenged the magistrate’s order in the sessions court, but it was rejected. The judge agreed with the submissions of the police and PETA, noting the appeal was against an interlocutory (interim) order. “After having considered the entire facts and circumstances, it becomes crystal clear the impugned order passed by the learned magistrate is an interlocutory order,” the sessions judge said as per PTI reports. The ruling reinforces the legal focus on animal welfare, confirming that claims for interim custody cannot override regulations protecting animals. (With PTI inputs)
19 February,2026 07:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway has recorded an impressive passenger growth in financial year (FY) 2025-26 (up to January), carrying a total of 1,373.39 million passengers — marking a steady 1.86 per cent increase over the 1,348.33 million passengers transported during the same period last year. The zone's suburban network, which forms the lifeline of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, continued to dominate ridership. Suburban trains carried 1,201.93 million passengers in FY 2025-26, up from 1,187.92 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Non-suburban services, including Mail/Express, Passenger, and other long-distance trains, also saw healthy growth, ferrying 171.46 million passengers this year compared to 160.41 million last year. In January 2026 alone, Central Railway transported 146.29 million passengers overall. Of these: Suburban segment accounted for 129.08 million passengers, including 127.12 million on the Mumbai Suburban network and 1.96 million on the Pune Suburban lines. Non-suburban trains carried 17.20 million passengers. Key factors driving the suburban surge include the introduction of additional services on the Nerul/Belapur-Uran corridor and the commissioning of two new stations — Targhar and Gavan — which have boosted patronage on the route. The recent launch of air-conditioned (AC) local services on the Harbour line has also received an overwhelming response. Within just 16 days of operation, these AC locals carried more than 6 lakh passengers, reflecting strong commuter demand for improved comfort and efficiency. Central Railway currently operates 1,820 suburban services daily, including 94 AC local trains, to meet the growing travel needs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “Central Railway remains committed to providing safe, comfortable, economical, reliable, and efficient transportation to all its passengers,” the railway zone stated, adding that it continues to strengthen services to match rising commuter expectations. In a new milestone, Western Railway earns Rs 1.72 crore from movie shoots in financial year 2025-26 Western Railway has achieved a new milestone in non-fare revenue generation by earning a record Rs 1.72 crore from movie shoots during the financial year 2025-26 (until February 15). This marks a significant 25 per cent increase over the previous best performance of around Rs 1.64 crore recorded in financial year 2022-23, positioning Western Railway as one of the top zones in the country for revenue from this innovative segment, an official press release stated. The zone has actively promoted its stations, trains, platforms, yards, and other premises as shooting locations for movies, television serials, web series, and advertisement films, the release added. Permissions have been granted for shoots on Mail/Express trains, suburban local trains, and various railway properties, offering filmmakers authentic and dynamic backdrops. To facilitate the film industry, Western Railway has streamlined the permission process through a single-window system managed by its public relations department. Production houses now submit a single application, and all the necessary clearances are coordinated internally, ensuring approvals are issued in a time-bound manner, the release added. At the same time, the railway has maintained strict priority on passenger safety, operational efficiency, and commuter convenience during shoots. A notable first this year was the permission granted for filming inside India’s modern and premium Vande Bharat train, providing the film industry access to world-class railway infrastructure and underscoring Western Railway’s progressive approach. Among the notable projects shot on Western Railway premises in recent times are films such as O Romeo, Fateh, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Sikandar.
19 February,2026 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway has achieved a new milestone in non-fare revenue generation by earning a record Rs 1.72 crore from movie shoots during the financial year 2025-26 (until February 15). This marks a significant 25 per cent increase over the previous best performance of around Rs 1.64 crore recorded in financial year 2022-23, positioning Western Railway as one of the top zones in the country for revenue from this innovative segment, an official press release stated. The zone has actively promoted its stations, trains, platforms, yards, and other premises as shooting locations for movies, television serials, web series, and advertisement films, the release added. Permissions have been granted for shoots on Mail/Express trains, suburban local trains, and various railway properties, offering filmmakers authentic and dynamic backdrops. To facilitate the film industry, Western Railway has streamlined the permission process through a single-window system managed by its public relations department. Production houses now submit a single application, and all the necessary clearances are coordinated internally, ensuring approvals are issued in a time-bound manner, the release added. At the same time, the railway has maintained strict priority on passenger safety, operational efficiency, and commuter convenience during shoots. A notable first this year was the permission granted for filming inside India’s modern and premium Vande Bharat train, providing the film industry access to world-class railway infrastructure and underscoring Western Railway’s progressive approach. Among the notable projects shot on Western Railway premises in recent times are films such as O Romeo, Fateh, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, Sikandar. Western Railway adds 12 AC locals, commuters question fare gap and timing The 12 more AC local services on Western Railway has triggered a fresh debate among commuters with regards to its timings and fare, but most importantly, many calling for standardising fare-slabs of AC trains and cutting down difference between AC and non-AC trains. The WR on Friday announced that they would be introducing 12 more AC and three non-AC local train services from February 19. Responding to the growing popularity of air-conditioned travel, while recognising the continued need for affordable options for the masses, Western Railway aims to offer a balanced and inclusive commuting experience. The augmentation in services will help ease overcrowding and offer better travel experience. We are introducing 12 AC Local services, of which 11 services will replace existing non-AC services, while one will be a new AC service. In addition to this, three additional non-AC services are also being introduced,” a WR spokesperson said. “With this increase, the total number of AC services will increase from 121 to 133 and the total number of local services of Western Railway network will increase from 1,410 to 1,414. The number of AC services operating on Saturdays and Sundays will also be significantly increased from 77 to 106, further enhancing comfort and capacity for weekend commuters. In addition to this, a slow local service that is presently operating from Bhayandar to Bandra will operate from Virar, providing added convenience and improved connectivity for commuters,” he added. Commuters said there are two things about the new services. “Railways are playing a game with innocent passengers. The new AC local trains being introduced are like a slow poison to all other commuters. Also, the timings of these trains are not beneficial to all passengers. The railways must work out changes,” former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee told Sunday mid-day. “It is a bad decision to replace non-AC with AC services. Adding new AC services without replacing existing AC services is the good decision. The non-AC traveller have now started feeling the heat of the reduction of their regular services. It do away with non-AC trains altogether, provided the fares are slashed down to non-AC fares. Only then, it would be justified. Another solution would be to split a train to AC and non-AC coaches in the same train,” commuter Amit Surana said. “WR seems to be deliberately ignoring Borivali, Kandivali and Malad residents, after the 5.15 pm AC and 5.50 pm AC trains have departed, there are no more AC trains for Borivali, Kandivali and Malad, at least modify 5.50 pm AC to halt at Malad and Kandivali. Why the injustice,” commuter Sudhir Kamath questioned.Yet another commuter Nitesh M said, “What is the use of the services to run on less crowded route? Please increase services to and from till Dadar or Andheri where huge crowd travel during peak and regular hours seven days of week.”
19 February,2026 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a major infrastructure push for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced a Rs 48,000 crore transformation plan for Thane and Kalyan, positioning the two cities as key growth engines of the region. Chairing a meeting of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Shinde approved a massive outlay aimed at addressing rapid urbanisation and strengthening connectivity. Thane will be developed as a ‘Mobility Hub’, with Rs 12,000–13,000 crore earmarked for major infrastructure works. The ambitious 12-km Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project has received administrative approval worth Rs 18,838 crore, with Rs 3,000 crore allocated for 2026-27. Metro connectivity will get a boost with the extension of Metro 4 (Wadala–Kasarvadavali), Metro 4A (up to Gaimukh) and Metro 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli). In addition, Rs 1,025 crore has been allocated for the first phase of the Thane Coastal Road and Rs 880 crore for the Anand Nagar–Saket elevated road. Funds have also been set aside for the beautification of Railadevi and Masunda lakes and Rs 214 crore for the Kolshet–Kalher creek bridge. Massive push for Kalyan-Dombivli Meanwhile, Kalyan-Dombivli has been allocated Rs 2,500–3,500 crore to transform it into a ‘Future-Ready Advanced Urban Centre’. Rs 600 crore has been sanctioned for the Kalyan Ring Road project. Metro 5 (Bhiwandi–Kalyan), Metro 5A (Ulhasnagar extension) and Metro 14 (Kanjurmarg–Badlapur) are expected to strengthen its role as a transit hub. The Rs 584 crore Airoli–Katai Naka road will enhance connectivity with Navi Mumbai. Shinde also directed officials to fast-track the Poshir and Shilar dam projects to tackle water scarcity. Across the MMR, an integrated mobility plan featuring a 337-km Metro network, pod taxis, boat taxis, flyovers and underground roads is being rolled out to ease congestion. Mumbai Climate Week 2026: MMRDA signs strategic MoUs to accelerate low-carbon urban transformation The MMRDA on Wednesday participated in Mumbai Climate Week 2026, India’s first global forum bringing together multiple stakeholders to accelerate climate action and sustainable urban development. During the event, MMRDA signed several strategic agreements with leading national and international organisations to boost climate resilience, low-carbon urban transformation, and sustainable metropolitan planning across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Key partnerships include United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): A Strategic Letter of Intent to advance metropolitan climate action, with focus on heat mitigation, urban cooling, nature-based solutions, and resilience, alongside development of a Climate Action Vision and Metropolitan Climate Action Plan. Urban Land Institute (ULI): Strategic MoU establishing a long-term global knowledge partnership on land use planning, real estate development, and infrastructure-led metropolitan growth. C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group: Partnership to accelerate climate action, resilience building, and low-carbon urban transformation across MMR. World Resources Institute India (WRI India): Knowledge partnership to support evidence-based, climate-resilient, sustainable, and inclusive metropolitan planning. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability: Strategic MoU to strengthen governance frameworks, climate action planning, and sustainable urban transformation. On the occasion, a commemorative stamp marking Mumbai Climate Week was also released, underscoring the city’s focus on climate-conscious development and collaborative urban sustainability initiatives.
19 February,2026 07:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771507994049_d.png "Plea for custody of ceremonial horse gets rejected by court. Representational Image")
