While parents and students across the city are grappling with exam nerves, a few are taking over the reins of their mental health, ensuring that they go into the exam room sharp and ready to take on the world. Although previous generations have had their own arsenal of tricks, not everyone benefits from the usual recommendations, such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama. So Gen Z and their millennial parents are employing tactics that are a mix of the former’s digital dexterity and mental health tools . These include the popular trick of imagining the best result, ‘manifestation’, vision boards, digital detox, and calming content consumption into the mix. Change of surroundings Gone are the days of hanging a positive thought or a poster of their role model; the students today are taking their familiarity with digital dexterity with designs to the next level of today. One such is Tanisha Potdar, a Class 12 board Mumbai student, who has created a digital poster that she printed as the background of almost all her electronic/digital devices. Amar Cherawalla on a run “I have a vision board collage with a picture of the institute I wish to go to, a marksheet that says I have achieved over 90 per cent, affirming words like ‘achieved’ and ‘accepted’ to help me remain positive through the exam. While I have not pasted a physical copy of the vision board, I have saved it on my gadgets wallpaper to remind me of my goals,” said the student, who was preparing for her French exam. Parents who really want to do all they can for their children are stepping up as well. This includes Chitra Ahuja, who believes that your productivity is linked to the power of the physical space. Including anything from rearranging the house and deployable hacks for an exam revamp. Ahuja, who is a senior manager at Podar Prep School, has a space designed for her sons with these principles in mind. “I teach my children to associate that space with learning so that they don’t get overwhelmed by distractions while they are studying or preparing for exams,” she said. As a result, Chitra’s sons have neutral colours, calming hues, that is a ‘no-gadget’ zone. Many believe that during exam weeks, the colours in one’s room can have a strong influence on the mood. “Shades of blue and green on your sheets can create a sense of calm and enhance clear thinking. Tanisha Potdar shows off her digital posters/wallpaper that has manifestations, like getting into the college she wants to You can steer clear of bright reds or yellows; while they boost energy, they can also disrupt your focus. Dark colours like black absorb light and can feel quite heavy,” say furnishing experts like Amanpreet Singh Arora. A change in hues may be routine for some, but other parents also turn to spiritual paths ahead of stressful exam times. Hema Sharma, a Hyderabad resident, was worried about her son, who is now to appear for Class 12 CBSE board exams. Seeing his score drop after grade 10, the mother sprang into action before the boards and found Mumbai-based Healer and Manifestation coach Gunjan Malviya. “After a phone call with her, we pasted images of various deities and affirmative words around my son’s room. I have pasted the phrase ‘spark highest potential’ on my son’s almirah, as an affirmative statement she shared. After following this for three to four months, we have seen his focus improve, and I feel calmer,” said Sharma. As per Malviya, practices like crystal bracelets, mojo bags, Bach flower remedies, vision boards, switch words, affirmations, or “energy circles” can sometimes help indirectly, mainly through psychological mechanisms rather than proven physical or mystical effects. “When a child believes they have something ‘supporting’ them (bracelet, affirmation card, etc.), anxiety may be reduced. Lower anxiety can improve concentration and exam performance. And when parents lovingly create these items or help build rituals, children feel supported, which increases confidence and reduces stress,” Malviya told Sunday mid-day. Digital detox Maximising one’s motivation is one side; however, cutting out the chaos is just as important. Vidhi Sureliya opts for a digital detox. Every time she studies for her HSC boards, Sureliya locks up her phone in a small wooden box, which then goes inside a cupboard. Staying away from the constant buzz of notifications has helped this student. “I try to use the internet via the laptop so I don’t end up doom-scrolling on my phone. I have many friends who shun their mobile phones for months together ahead of big exams. Similarly, I try not to study while wearing my pajamas. Simply dressing like I have somewhere to go keeps me more alert, and not so casual,” said Vidhi. Binge and go A few have figured out ‘comfort watching’ to regulate their systems. Della, a Class 11 science student who took her boards last year, went hard on Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ as her pre-exam binge. “One evening, before a low-stakes exam, I saw that the movie was out on an OTT, and gave it a shot. It was surreal. I was very motivated and had a deeper appreciation for the sciences. The next day I scored 75 per cent and soon the movie became both a ritual as well as a lucky charm,” said Della, a science student who intends on repeating this practice before her Class 11 finals. “It taught me that the universe is meant to be so much bigger than that,” she added. Exam high Masuma Cherawala, a physiotherapist and a parent to a Class 10 CBSE student from Gopi Birla Memorial School, believes that her son’s daily runs are what help them the most. “My son takes his ‘me-time’ with his 30-45 minute run every day, and I manage to join him often,” she said. Just how does it help? “His posture, sitting in one place for three hours, learning to adjust without ACs and other comforts of your home,” she adds. “I think the easiest thing we can do for our children is remain peaceful ourselves. I turn to the Quran and spirituality to calm myself down and provide better support for my son,” she added. No to the sugar Bhanushali, who is appearing for her class 12 board exams, has cut out sugar. “I did the same before my class 10 exams, and it helped me increase my focus, ” she said. She studies and revises on the terrace. “Sitting on the terrace helps me focus better. I start early so that I catch fresh sunlight and avoid construction ruckus too,” she said.
22 February,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarIn an inspiring feat of grit and determination, 22-year-old Pramod Pawde from Kuini, a small hamlet in the district of Nanded in Maharashtra scaled the state’s highest peak, Kalsubai, in just two hours and 48 minutes recently in January. What makes his achievement extraordinary is that Pawde accomplished the climb using a prosthetic leg. Kalsubai, standing at 5,400 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range, is considered one of the most challenging and popular treks in Maharashtra. Thousands of trekking enthusiasts attempt the climb every year, navigating steep rocky patches and uneven terrain. “Completing the trek in under three hours is an impressive timing, even for seasoned climbers sometimes. For someone who uses a prosthetic leg, it’s a speechless achievement. Good support of fellow trekkers, apt planning, good exercise and highest level of determination - a combination of this can make anything possible and Pawde is a living example of that,” said Babloo Tarawale, who conducts several treks across Maharashtra. Pawde started his trek around 2 am and completed it around 4.45 am. “It was one of the most beautiful sunrises that I had ever seen!” said Pawde. However, there were times when Pawde felt like giving up. "But fellow trekkers kept motivating me. The biggest hurdle was the uneven pathway. Kalsubai climbing starts at night only and that's the risk which demotivates many,” shared the youngster. Challenges of climbing Kalsubai >> It’s a night Trek >> There are no proper steps>> There is an uneven terrain which made walking with a prosthetic difficult >> One needs to carry water and food as there is barely anything available in top adding to the weight and pressure on legs How did Pramod lose his leg? In 2018, Pawde collapsed while playing cricket. “The doctors noticed a lump just below my knee. After an X-ray they learnt that it’s not just a lump, but a tumour. It was Bone Sarcoma (bone cancer) and my treatment at Tata Hospital in Mumbai began in January 2019.” While several NGOs and donors helped him get through his treatment at Tata Hospital, it was former health minister Tanaji Sawant that made funds available for his prosthetic leg.
22 February,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarEnvironmentalists and residents have lauded the civic authorities for accelerating work to divert sewage from entering Powai Lake, but raised serious concerns over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to transplant 112 trees for the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP). According to NGO Natconnect Foundation, the clean-up drive aimed at halting the daily discharge of 18 million litres of untreated sewage from 18 inlets into the 210-hectare wetland has gathered pace. However, the proposed transplantation of trees from the STP site near Suvarna Mandir in Powai has sparked fresh debate over the ecological cost of restoration. While appreciating the BMC’s response to sustained citizen pressure, Pamela Cheema, chairperson of the BMC-mandated ALM, urged the civic body to examine alternative alignments to minimise tree loss. “With AQI levels deteriorating, protecting mature trees is critical. Transplantation must be the last resort,” she said. The STP site reportedly has 212 trees, of which 122 are proposed for transplantation. Environment watchdog NatConnect Foundation echoed the concerns, cautioning that the survival rate of transplanted trees in Mumbai is often below 40 per cent.
22 February,2026 07:26 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIn a major clean-up of its online ticketing system, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has deactivated 3.03 crore suspicious user accounts in 2025 and introduced Aadhaar-linked rules for booking Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets, aiming to improve availability for genuine passengers. Under the new norms, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets on the day ARP opens and during Tatkal hours — a move targeted at curbing agent-driven bulk bookings and automated bot usage that often-cornered tickets within seconds of release. “Alongside the crackdown, IRCTC has redesigned its website and Rail Connect mobile app with a simplified interface, faster loading, reorganised menus and removal of login captcha. Train listings are now sorted by departure time and filters allow customised searches,” an official said. “To strengthen the system technologically, IRCTC deployed a Content Delivery Network (CDN) and advanced anti-bot tools to block automated booking attempts and reduce server load. Administrative action has also been extensive,” he added. Railway officials say the measures are designed to restore fairness in online reservations, particularly Tatkal bookings, long criticised by passengers for being captured by tout networks. Statistics to go 3.03 Crore suspicious user IDs deactivated4.86 Crore user IDs put under re-validation12,819 suspicious email domains blocked3.99 lakh suspicious PNRs flagged on National Cyber Crime Portal376 cyber-crime complaints lodged- App changes and website upgrades- Cleaner, faster interface- Menu navigation simplified- Login captcha removed- Form fields rearranged for easier entry- Train list sorted by departure time- New show/hide options
22 February,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAfter months of complaints over severe overcrowding in the hostel rooms, dental students of Nair Hospital Dental College have finally received a positive response from the authorities. The issue, which students say has persisted since November 2024, gained momentum only after a recent report by mid-day highlighted their plight. Students had alleged that as many as 10 occupants were forced to share small rooms with poor ventilation and inadequate facilities. Despite repeated verbal complaints, no concrete action had been taken earlier. However, following the media coverage, the higher authorities of the public health department have now initiated steps to ease the situation. The current rooms also had poor ventilation “As part of the proposed solution, additional hostel space will be made available at Haji Ali Building No 6. AMC Sharad Ughade, who conducted meetings the day after the news reports were published, has directed all concerned officials that the building works must complete without halting work for even a single day. We are yet to conduct a site visit. But since the building has 11 floors and so we are hopeful to get a minimum of 10 big rooms,” said dean Dr Mala Dixit. However, students may have to wait nearly a full year before the new accommodation becomes functional. “Though it will take a year from here to actually get better facilities, we are thankful to mid-day that at least our requests stopped falling on deaf ears and the authorities began taking some cognisance of the matter. We hope that at least our juniors will be spared from the suffering of living in such horrible conditions,” said one of the students.
22 February,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarFree flying Seagulls fly over the waters of Gorai Creek, and give us something to awe over. Opera with a raga twist Hindustani classical vocalist Mahesh Kale will be performing at NMACC Hindustani classical vocalist Mahesh Kale will take the stage at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) tonight with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra. The full Western symphonic ensemble along with Hindustani classical vocals, makes this a rare moment where two vastly different musical traditions meet. For both, the collaboration has required a fundamental shift in approach. “The biggest challenge is that Western classical music heavily relies on the score, and Indian classical music heavily relies on spontaneity,” says Kale. He explains that he had to work to find a centre point where his improvisation does not bother the orchestra’s score, and vice-versa. “And I think we were successful in solving it,” he says. For Kale, the performance is part of his larger mission to expand the audience for Indian classical music. “When the young audience picks up and follows a certain kind of music, it gives a new lease of life.” Where science meets spiritual inquiry At the welcome dinner of Global Economic Cooperation 2026 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the tone briefly shifts from balance sheets to being. In a special dialogue titled Cosmos, motivational speaker and spiritual guru Palga Rinpoche invites the audience to consider what remains unanswered in an age of AI, quantum physics and deep-space telescopes. The welcome dinner of Global Economic Cooperation 2026 was focused on merging science with spirituality. PIC/TANISHA BANERJEE Rinpoche is quick to clarify that this is not a rejection of science. “I’m a science buff and I love astronomy,” he says, musing about the Big Bang and the atoms that make us. But, he adds, “science is limited to research, instrument, and analysis. They can only answer so much about this world.” The deeper questions — what we are, where we are, what preceded the cosmic beginning — inevitably push beyond measurement. Palga Rinpoche For him, the divergence lies in direction. “In the scientific approach it is mostly towards the external; in spirituality it is more towards the internal.” Scientific endeavour, he suggests, is collective and connective. The spiritual journey is personal. “Some things cannot be translated with words. It can only be experienced personally.” A night out on the town On a random Wednesday when a friend calls up this writer to go out for drinks, we think, “You’re only 21 once”. And so we end up on the famous Road 3 in Khar, just outside the station that is lined with bars. The bars are full with young people dancing and singing their hearts out. In the middle of the work week, when most of us dread a hangover the next day, those out with me that night are proof that no matter how busy you are, Mumbai makes time for you to have fun. How nice it is to be in the city that never sleeps! As the clock hits midnight, we spill out of the bar and a kind gentleman greets us. “It’s my best friend’s birthday today. Here’s some cake,” he said, an offer that put a smile on all our faces. Muzumdar’s soaks in Bradman history in Bowral Amol Muzumdar sits at the feet of Sir Don Bradman’s statue. PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM The most hailed cricket coach in the country, Amol Muzumdar (after guiding the women’s cricket team to their incredible ODI World Cup win last year) is in Australia for a series against the feisty hosts. The Mumbaikar pounced on the opportunity to visit Bowral, New South Wales, the place where Sir Donald Bradman spent his childhood before Adelaide became his next home. Muzumdar lapped up the exhibits and history material at the Bradman museum and marvelled at the cricket icon’s statue. He was proud to post pictures of his visit on his Instagram account. “Childhood dream... read, heard, watched videos, and now to actually go to the revered place to see the great man’s statue and museum [is] just amazing,” wrote Muzumdar. We wonder if he picked up some souvenirs to make the trip all the more unforgettable. This garden is a green-spiration The garden nurtured with Tender Loving Care In Mumbai, where every square foot is precious, a garden is a true luxury, deserving of respect, reverence and generous doses of Tender Loving Care (TLC). That is exactly what Worli resident Douglas Saldhana has created in his MIG Adarsh Nagar home near Worli Seaface: a lush, lovingly tended green retreat that has just been recognised as the “Best Medium Sized Garden in Mumbai” by the National Society of the Friends of the Trees. Douglas receiving the award from art historian Pheroza Godrej with his gardeners Bambam (l) and Susheel (extreme right) For Saldhana, known to friends as “Douggie”, the garden is his “little oasis of peace and calm,” he said. “I spend ensure plants get the right amount of water, sunlight and, most importantly, a healthy dose of love.” He calls it his therapy and his “greenspiration”, a living space that restores his energy in the middle of Mumbai’s relentless pace. Reflecting on his award, Saldhana said, “I am heartened by the growing go-green awareness in the city.”
22 February,2026 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Be clear without being aggressive if you are in a situation where you have to defend your actions or beliefs. Be conservative in money matters.Career tip: A small tweak or change would make a difference if you are stuck with a project. Check and verify all data before making decisions based on it. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Nurture relationships while maintaining boundaries at the same time. Handle any family finances or investments in a careful manner and look at all the options you have.Career tip: Keep any plans to yourself and do not talk about them prematurely. This is a positive time for meetings, interviews, and negotiations. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Reply to any official or legal document quickly, once you have understood the practicalities of the situation. Focus on what you can control.Career tip: Do not let a colleague undermine you, even in a very small way. Pay attention to advice or information from a boss or a senior. CancerJune 21 – July 22Focus on your goals and take action in a timely manner. Accept that a friend may think differently from you and do not try to change their opinion.Career tip: Listen to your inner voice if you need to make any decision, but also think about practicalities. Maintain a cordial equation with bosses and seniors. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Any situation from the past that reappears should be handled in a mature manner. Handle finances in a well thought out and shrewd way.Career tip: Get all the important information before you send any document to a client. Deal with any difficult boss or seniors intelligently. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Try not to spend too much money if you socialise a lot. Those suffering from insomnia need to get to the root cause and avoid popping a pill.Career tip: Check and recheck contracts and documents before signing. Make the most of your professional network if you are looking to change jobs. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Look at situations from a different perspective if you find yourself getting overwhelmed. Let go of any attachments you have to particular outcomes.Career tip: Have a plan in place if you are dealing with any challenge, and make sure you have all the updated information needed. Be quick in making decisions. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Choose wisely if you need to make any decision. Those with complicated finances should avoid doing anything that can cause problems in the future.Career tip: Maintain a professional approach while interacting with colleagues and be very careful about what you say. Pay attention to small details. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Consciously do what is right, even if you feel it is a little unfair. This is a good time to take a hobby to the next level, or turn it into a side gig.Career tip: Look at the options available if you need to make a decision. Those who work from home should manage their schedule intelligently. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Handle finances in a practical and non-emotional manner. This is a good time to let go of habits that you know are not good for you.Career tip: A small misunderstanding at work can be avoided if you have all the information you need. Avoid making commitments you can’t keep. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Think before speaking and avoid being too harsh even if you want to make a point. Think of the long term consequences of your actions.Career tip: Use your professional network to your advantage without it being too obvious. Avoid getting into confrontations with colleagues. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Deal with situations as they are and make the best of it without stressing out. Make time for friends who really matters to you.Career tip: Those with a micro-managing boss should double check their work at regular intervals. This is a positive time for negotiations and meetings.
22 February,2026 06:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseMembers of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest on Saturday outside the BJP’s ‘Vasant Smruti’ office in Dadar area of Central Mumbai, condemning a recent threat issued against senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, reported the PTI. Protesters shouted slogans and showered flower petals during the demonstration, saying they wanted to send a message that there is no place for hatred or violence in Maharashtra’s politics. According to the PTI, Mumbai Youth Congress president Zeenat Shabreen said that ideological differences are natural in a democracy, but threats of violence are a serious attack on democratic values. She demanded immediate registration of a case and strict action against those responsible for the threat. The protest followed a video circulated by a man claiming to be a spokesperson of the Karni Sena, in which he allegedly threatened to shoot Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 25 other Members of Parliament over remarks made about Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, as per the PTI. The man was later detained by police in Kota, Rajasthan. Protesters detained Despite heavy barricading outside the BJP office, protesters reached the site but were later detained by the police and taken to Bhoiwada police station, as per the PTI. Zeenat Shabreen alleged that while BJP workers are allowed to protest freely, Congress workers face police action even before their demonstrations begin, the news agency reported. जब मुंबई में IYC कार्यकर्ता BJP मुख्यालय पहुँचे,देश भर में भाजपाई पत्थर बरसाते रहे…लेकिन युवा कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ता हाथों में फूल लेकर पहुँचे। pic.twitter.com/Azay3WJAD9 — Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) February 21, 2026 Political tensions continue The incident has added to ongoing political tensions between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra. Both parties have accused each other of double standards, as debates over free speech, protest rights and political conduct continue. Read more: BJP stages black-flag protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Rahul Gandhi reaches Mumbai Meanwhile, amid the BJP protests, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday reached Mumbai with state Congress leader welcoming him at the airport. "He is not afraid of the political threats," Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said as he welcomed the party leader. Rahul Gandhi received a grand welcome from party leaders and workers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He arrived in Mumbai on Saturday while travelling to Bhiwandi in connection with a court matter. A large number of Congress leaders and supporters gathered at the airport to greet him. Sapkal says Rahul Gandhi is fearless Speaking to the media, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal said that Rahul Gandhi is not afraid of threats from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sapkal stated that Rahul Gandhi has been working fearlessly in the national interest and is committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution. He said that despite personal risks, Rahul Gandhi travelled thousands of kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai, spreading the message of unity through the ‘Bharat Jodo’ and ‘Daro Mat’ campaigns.
21 February,2026 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police achieved a 99 per cent success rate in tracing missing children in the city last year, officials said on Saturday, reported the PTI. Out of 2,182 cases of missing minors registered in 2025, the police successfully solved 2,165 cases and reunited the children with their families. So far in 2026, seven cases involving missing children aged up to five years have been reported. Police confirmed that all seven children have been traced safely. In total, 178 minors have been reported missing in Mumbai this year. Of these, 161 children — nearly 90 per cent — have already been located, according to the PTI. At present, 17 minors remain untraced. These include eight boys and nine girls, all in the 16-18 age group. Police have deployed three to four dedicated teams across different parts of the city to locate the remaining teenagers and reunite them with their families as soon as possible, the news agency reported. Structured approach to investigations According to the PTI, to improve efficiency, Mumbai Police have divided missing minor cases into five age categories - 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-14 years, 14-16 years, and 16-18 years. Officials said that in 2025, around 55 per cent of the missing minors were boys, while the remaining cases involved girls. In one instance, a child who repeatedly ran away from home was traced and brought back three to four times. Each time, police followed due procedure and ensured the child’s safe return. Police dismiss rumours Earlier this month, Mumbai Police clarified that certain social media accounts were misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about missing and kidnapped children in the city, the news agency reported. Officials urged the public not to believe unverified claims and assured that every reported case is treated seriously and investigated promptly. In a social media post on its official X handle, Mumbai Police wrote, "Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process." (with PTI Inputs)
21 February,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse on Saturday withdrew a defamation case against Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut after he expressed regret in Malegaon court in Nashik district, reported the PTI. Raut and Bhuse appeared together before a court in Malegaon on Saturday, where a defamation case was filed against the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader. The case was on Saturday formally withdrawn. It related to corruption allegations published in 2023 in ‘Saamana’, the mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT). The dispute arose after Raut accused Bhuse of involvement in an alleged Rs 178 crore corruption case at the Girna Co-operative Sugar Factory in Malegaon, according to the PTI. Bhuse, a leader of the ruling Shiv Sena and currently serving as School Education Minister, filed a defamation complaint following the publication. Information incorrect Speaking to reporters after the court proceedings, Sanjay Raut said he had made the allegations based on hearings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and information provided by party colleague Advay Hiray at the time, as per the PTI. However, he stated that the information later proved to be incorrect. Sanjay Raut told the court that he regretted his statements and apologised to farmers and residents of Malegaon for any confusion caused. He also mentioned his ongoing health issues, explaining that he had difficulty travelling frequently to attend hearings, as per the PTI. Case withdrawn after regret Bhuse confirmed that both leaders informed the court they wished to end the dispute. He said Raut acknowledged that the allegation was false and based on information given by Hiray, who has since joined the BJP, the news agency reported. “Considering the confusion among farmers and local residents, and in their interest, the claim has been withdrawn,” Dada Bhuse said. He added that Sanjay Raut had apologised and the matter now stands closed. Emphasis on political culture Raut said that he and Bhuse share cordial relations and described the resolution as reflective of Maharashtra’s political culture. With the apology placed on record and the complaint withdrawn, the defamation dispute between the two leaders has officially come to an end. (with PTI inputs)
21 February,2026 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded an immediate action against Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu in connection with the plane crash that resulted in Ajit Pawar's death, reported the IANS. In a letter also marked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rohit Pawar claimed that serious questions had arisen over the company VSR Ventures, which owned the aircraft involved in the plane crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Rohit Pawar has called for an independent and competent authority to investigate the alleged links between the minister and VSR Ventures. In his letter, he requested that Rammohan Naidu step down until the inquiry is complete to ensure there is no possible influence or interference. He also raised concerns about whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) may have been compromised in relation to the aircraft’s operations.’ Earlier this week, Rohit Pawar addressed a press conference alleging a “nexus” between the Civil Aviation Ministry, the DGCA and VSR Ventures. He claimed the current leadership was biased and shielding the company, according to the IANS. He demanded that the crash be investigated as culpable homicide rather than treated as an accidental death. He also called for a formal FIR against the owners of VSR Ventures and the technical staff responsible for clearing the aircraft’s airworthiness. अजितदादांच्या विमान अपघातासंदर्भात अनेक गंभीर प्रश्न समोर येत असून काही प्रश्न हे थेट त्यांच्या पक्षाच्या काही केंद्रीय नेत्यांशी, राज्य पातळीवरील सत्तेतील नेत्यांशी आणि बडे उद्योगपती यांच्याशी निगडीत असून हे सर्वजण VSR कंपनीशी संबंधित आहेत. या सर्व प्रश्नांची निष्पक्षपणे उकल… pic.twitter.com/YRp16TMNqa — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 21, 2026 Call for CBI probe Rohit Pawar has sought an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that the case involves a high-profile public figure and falls within the Union-controlled aviation sector. He stated that the state CID may lack both the technical expertise and political independence to conduct a fair investigation, as per the IANS. He has also urged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament. Claims of missing data and irregularities At subsequent briefings, Rohit Pawar presented what he described as a detailed report, suggesting the possibility of a political or commercial conspiracy. He alleged that the aircraft’s transponder was switched off during the final minute of the flight, that CCTV footage from the hangar was being withheld, and that a backdated audit may have been prepared to protect the company. He also cited technical discrepancies, including the alleged use of additional fuel tanks and a last-minute change of the main pilot, the news agency reported. The aircraft involved in the crash was a Learjet 45, and the incident occurred in Baramati on January 28, 2026. Authorities were yet to respond to the latest allegations, reported the IANS. (with IANS inputs)
21 February,2026 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
