Central Railway will commence regular services of the Panvel-Alipurduar-Panvel Amrit Bharat Express from February 23, 2026. The train’s inaugural run was recently flagged off by the Prime Minister at a formal function. According to railway officials, the weekly Train No. 11031 will depart from Panvel at 11.50 am every Monday starting February 23 and will reach Alipurduar at 1.50 pm on the third day of its journey. In the return direction, Train No. 11032 will leave Alipurduar at 4.45 am every Thursday from February 26 and arrive at Panvel at 5.30 am on the third day. The weekly express will halt at several major stations, including Kalyan, Nashik Road, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Cheoki, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Danapur, Patliputra, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Binnaguri and Hasimara, among others. The train will comprise eight sleeper class coaches, 11 general second class coaches, one pantry car and two luggage-cum-guard brake vans. Bookings for Train No. 11031 will open on February 19, 2026, at all computerised reservation centres and on the IRCTC website. Unreserved tickets with normal charges can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app for ticket reservations. Central Railway to run 34 more trips for Mumbai-Rewa special trains till June 2026 The Central Railway on Tuesday announced the extension of services of the Mumbai-Rewa special trains by 34 additional trips. The special train services are to accommodate the extra rush of passengers. According to a press release, Train No. 02188 CSMT Mumbai–Rewa Special, which runs every Friday, has been extended from February 27, 2026, to June 26, 2026, covering 17 additional trips. Similarly, Train No. 02187 Rewa-CSMT Mumbai Special, operating every Thursday, will now run from February 26, 2026, to June 25, 2026, completing 17 trips. Railway officials said that there will be no change in the days of operation, timings, halts or train composition. Bookings for Train No. 02188 will open on Wednesday at all computerised reservation centres and on the IRCTC website within the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Reservations for journeys beyond the ARP will open on the corresponding dates as per the rules. Unreserved tickets with normal charges can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app for ticket bookings.
17 February,2026 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has secured the top spot in Maharashtra in the City E-Governance Index (CEGI) 2026, emerging as the best-performing civic body among 29 municipal corporations evaluated across the state, officials said on Tuesday. The Pune-based Policy Research Organization (PRO) released the rankings after assessing civic bodies on service availability, transparency in administration, and digital accessibility. NMMC scored 9.11, taking the number one position, while Pune Municipal Corporation came second. The evaluation included a detailed review of official websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms between November 1 and December 31, 2025, as well as a comparative analysis of digital performance over the past five years. Technology-driven governance Officials credited the achievement to NMMC’s consistent push towards technology-driven governance. Residents can access most services online — from applying for certificates and paying property tax to lodging complaints and tracking applications — without visiting ward offices. The corporation has implemented an e-office system, reducing paperwork and digitising file movement and approvals. An integrated ERP system has improved coordination across departments. Smart city initiatives Under its Smart City initiatives, NMMC has introduced adaptive traffic management, AI-enabled CCTV monitoring, data analytics dashboards, and citizen engagement platforms to enhance service delivery and urban management. NMMC Chief Dr Kailas Shinde said the focus remains on citizen-centric and transparent administration through digital tools. Future plans include expanding AI-based services, strengthening cyber security, and moving towards a completely paperless system. Mayor Sujata Patil and Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat congratulated the information and technology department, stating the recognition reflects the collective efforts of officials and citizens. Benchmark for other cities With increasing reliance on digital platforms, NMMC’s top ranking is being seen as a benchmark for urban local bodies aiming to modernise governance and improve ease of access for residents and businesses.
17 February,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghThe Central Railway on Tuesday announced the extension of services of the Mumbai-Rewa special trains by 34 additional trips. The special train services are to accommodate the extra rush of passengers. According to a press release, Train No. 02188 CSMT Mumbai–Rewa Special, which runs every Friday, has been extended from February 27, 2026, to June 26, 2026, covering 17 additional trips. Similarly, Train No. 02187 Rewa-CSMT Mumbai Special, operating every Thursday, will now run from February 26, 2026, to June 25, 2026, completing 17 trips. Railway officials said that there will be no change in the days of operation, timings, halts or train composition. Bookings for Train No. 02188 will open on Wednesday at all computerised reservation centres and on the IRCTC website within the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Reservations for journeys beyond the ARP will open on the corresponding dates as per the rules. Unreserved tickets with normal charges can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app for ticket bookings. Central Railway to launch regular Panvel-Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Weekly Express from February 23 Central Railway will commence regular services of the Panvel-Alipurduar-Panvel Amrit Bharat Weekly Express from February 23, 2026. The train’s inaugural run was recently flagged off by the Prime Minister at a formal function. According to railway officials, Train No. 11031 will depart from Panvel at 11.50 am every Monday starting February 23 and will reach Alipurduar at 1.50 pm on the third day of its journey. In the return direction, Train No. 11032 will leave Alipurduar at 4.45 am every Thursday from February 26 and arrive at Panvel at 5.30 am on the third day. The weekly express will halt at several major stations, including Kalyan, Nashik Road, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Cheoki, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Danapur, Patliputra, Katihar, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, Binnaguri and Hasimara, among others. The train will comprise eight sleeper class coaches, 11 general second class coaches, one pantry car and two luggage-cum-guard brake vans. Bookings for Train No. 11031 will open on Thursday at all computerised reservation centres and on the IRCTC website. Unreserved tickets with normal charges can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app for ticket reservations. For detailed timings and halts, passengers are advised to visit the official Indian Railways enquiry portal or use the NTES app.
17 February,2026 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi described the India-France relationship as a “force for global stability” after meeting President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday. He said the partnership goes beyond diplomacy, calling it a “Partnership of the People,” the IANS reported. PM Modi highlighted the launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, describing it as the centrepiece of the 2026 roadmap. He said innovation thrives on collaboration and aims to link Indian and French startups, MSMEs, and research centres to address global challenges in clean energy and digital health. The leaders reviewed the Horizon 2047 roadmap, focusing on joint production of military equipment, including HAMMER precision-guided missiles and the 114 Rafale fighter jet project. PM Modi cited the inauguration of the Airbus H125 helicopter assembly line in India as an example of “Make in India, Make for the World.” Coinciding with the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi emphasised a shared goal to develop sovereign AI that is safe, secure, and beneficial to the Global South. He noted that ideas discussed in Marseille are now turning into industrial projects in Mumbai, the IANS reported. PM Modi and Macron launch India’s first private helicopter manufacturing facility PM Modi and Macron also virtually inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility on Tuesday. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 helicopters is located in Vemagal Industrial Area, Kolar, Karnataka, near Bengaluru. The plant will initially produce 10 H125 helicopters per year, serving domestic needs and neighbouring countries. Over the next 20 years, production could scale to meet a demand of 500 units. The first “Made in India” H125 is expected to take off from the facility by early 2027, as per the IANS. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin attended the inauguration in person as part of the India-France Annual Defence Dialogue. While the focus is on helicopters, India’s C295 military transport aircraft project in Vadodara is also progressing, with the first Indian-made C295 expected by September 2026. Out of 56 aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force, 16 have been delivered from Spain, with 40 to be manufactured in India, the news agency reported. Domestic suppliers The H125 project has onboarded 37 Indian suppliers, with around 70 per cent of components sourced domestically. Defence experts said the dual-track partnership -- H125 in Karnataka and C295 in Gujarat—supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, creating a high-tech aerospace ecosystem. The H125 is a world-renowned single-engine helicopter known for its “hot and high” performance, including a record landing on Mount Everest. It will be used for civil missions, emergency services, and tourism, with plans to produce the H125M military variant at the same facility to support the Indian Armed Forces, according to the IANS. Global issues and diplomacy PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of dialogue on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, noting a “philosophical convergence” between India and France on these global issues. (with IANS inputs)
17 February,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, in his written address at the Global Economic Cooperation 2026 event in Mumbai, said that India has emerged as a “confident and credible voice of the Global South.” The event was organised by the Future Economic Cooperation Council in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Maharashtra, He said the country is shaping global conversations and promoting a more balanced and inclusive world order, according to PTI. India stands out as a beacon of hope as the world searches for steady leadership amid global uncertainty, the PM added. As per the PTI, the speech was read out by BJP leader Vijay Chauthaiwale. Highlighting India’s economic performance, PM Modi said the country continues to maintain the rare balance of high growth and low inflation, while delivering practical and scalable solutions to shared global challenges. Digital public infrastructure enables welfare at click of a button: PM Narendra Modi Calling welfare delivery one of the defining challenges of the current era, the Prime Minister said India has transformed this goal into reality through world-class Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), ensuring benefits reach citizens with transparency and accountability “at the click of a button.” PM Modi asserted that India is the fastest-growing major economy, with sustainability embedded at the core of its development model. He noted that non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50 per cent of India’s installed energy capacity, making it one of the first major nations to achieve this milestone, reported PTI. He added that solar capacity has grown more than 40-fold since 2014, while wind energy and the electric vehicle sector have gained significant momentum. India’s growth rapid, green and inclusive, says PM Narendra Modi India’s growth, he said, is not only rapid but also green, inclusive and scalable, offering adaptable models for other nations. Emphasising the country’s manufacturing push, Modi said India is now the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer and is expanding into sunrise sectors such as semiconductors and rare earths, signalling a decisive shift towards self-reliance and deeper integration into global value chains, reported PTI. Stressing the need for global collaboration, the Prime Minister said that as nations rethink supply chain resilience, India is uniquely positioned to reinforce trust, stability and shared prosperity across borders. (With PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday inaugurated India's first Mumbai Climate Week 2026. He said the event is a "significant milestone" in accelerating the state's climate action agenda. Fadnavis said climate action is not merely an environmental responsibility but a strategic necessity for future economic competitiveness. “Climate action must translate into investment, innovation and job creation,” he said, adding that Maharashtra intends to position itself at the forefront of India’s green transition. Climate change a governance challenge Highlighting the growing impact of climate change on coastal cities, the CM said Mumbai has been witnessing extreme rainfall, flooding, heatwaves and disruption to livelihoods. Transport systems are frequently paralysed during heavy downpours, homes are submerged and businesses are forced to shut, he noted. Rural Maharashtra faces unseasonal rainfall and crop losses, intensifying economic and social distress. Climate change has become a serious governance challenge, he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has balanced economic growth with environmental responsibility, Fadnavis said. The country has rapidly expanded its renewable energy capacity and emerged as a global clean energy leader, he added. The state in this initiative aims to increase the share of green energy to over 50 per cent by 2030, focusing on clean hydrogen, electric mobility, biofuels and sustainable infrastructure. The state is also promoting renewable energy use in industries, expanding electric mobility, strengthening flood-control systems and adopting climate-smart urban planning across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Investment and climate finance focus Calling for global partnerships, Fadnavis said public funds alone cannot meet the scale of investment required for climate action. He urged collaboration with international financial institutions and the private sector, advocating blended finance and risk-sharing models. He added that Mumbai has the potential to emerge as a global climate finance hub. “Developing nations should not be forced to choose between development and environmental protection. With the right partnerships, both goals can be achieved,” he said. The Chief Minister stressed that Mumbai Climate Week 2026 must move beyond dialogue and result in investment-ready projects and implementable partnerships. One lakh additional PM-KUSUM pumps for Maharashtra Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi praised Maharashtra’s performance under the PM-KUSUM scheme and announced approval of an additional one lakh solar pumps for the state. Joshi said Mumbai Climate Week symbolises the transition from climate discussion to concrete action. He noted that India, while remaining one of the fastest-growing economies, is taking decisive steps to reduce emissions. He said Maharashtra has achieved notable progress in renewable energy through public participation, with solar projects installed in lakhs of homes. Renewable capacity, particularly solar and wind, has expanded significantly over the past decade. Work is also underway on energy storage, grid stability and AI-based demand management. India has set global cost benchmarks in green hydrogen and green ammonia production, benefiting both industry and agriculture, Joshi added. He said Mumbai should emerge as a voice of the Global South in climate leadership. Youth participation crucial: Pankaja Munde State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde said climate action requires strong collaboration between government, civic bodies and citizens, with youth participation playing a central role. She said rising urban temperatures, extreme rainfall, flooding, coastal stress and air pollution are pressing concerns for Mumbai, while rural areas continue to grapple with unpredictable droughts and floods. Mumbai Climate Week, she said, is designed not just for discussions but to accelerate implementation and unlock climate financing pathways. She urged stakeholders to actively participate and propose practical solutions. Project Mumbai founder Shishir Joshi outlined the objectives of the initiative during the opening session. On the occasion, a special commemorative postal stamp marking Mumbai Climate Week 2026 and a climate change report were released. Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the United Nations Environment Programme to prepare Mumbai’s climate adaptation plans. Another MoU was signed between MMRDA and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to strengthen urban climate action.
17 February,2026 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met French President Emmanuel Macron and said that he told him he really liked Mumbai. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai. He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day." French President Emmanuel Macron began his official visit to Mumbai on Tuesday with a morning jog along the city’s iconic Marine Drive promenade. Macron, who is in India from 17 to 19 February at the invitation of PM Modi, is attending the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and will also hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister in Mumbai. President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron paid floral tributes to the victims of the November 2008 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in south Mumbai. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in the year 2008 had targeted several key locations in the city, including the historic hotel, leaving dozens dead and many injured. It’s a delight to meet my friend, President Macron in Mumbai! He told me he really likes the city and also enjoyed his run earlier in the day! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/edPKuLdn0f — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2026 Bilateral talks Macron is scheduled to meet PM Modi at Lok Bhavan in south Mumbai. The two leaders are expected to review progress in the India–France strategic partnership and discuss ways to further strengthen ties. According to officials, the talks will focus on deepening cooperation in defence, technology and other emerging sectors. The leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The French President was accompanied by security personnel during his jog at Marine Drive, while Mumbai Police maintained tight security in the area throughout his visit. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Macron upon his arrival at Mumbai airport. Fourth visit to India This marks President Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official visit to Mumbai. The trip underlines the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. During the Mumbai visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to exchange memorandums of understanding (MOUs), followed by a joint press statement. The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace is hosting the India-France Innovation Forum, which will be followed by celebrations marking the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India.
17 February,2026 04:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Mumbai, the city police have issued a traffic advisory for motorists on February 17. In an official traffic notification, the Mumbai Traffic Police announced temporary traffic restrictions on the Western Express Highway (WEH) on February 17, 2026, due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of France. The restrictions have been imposed as part of heightened security arrangements for the two dignitaries and to prevent traffic congestion in the western suburbs. According to the notification, movement of all Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will remain completely prohibited on both northbound and southbound carriageways of the Western Express Highway. The restriction will be in force from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka. The order has been issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Western Suburbs, Ajit Borhade, under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with relevant rules and government circulars. Exemptions for emergency services Certain vehicles will be exempted from the ban. These include ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, police vehicles, government vehicles deployed for VVIP security and vehicles specifically permitted by the Mumbai Traffic Police for operational needs. Officials have warned that violators will face action under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. The Mumbai Traffic Police have appealed to motorists to cooperate and follow instructions to ensure smooth movement and public safety. Macron to visit Mumbai French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Monday, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) announced. After their Mumbai meeting, both leaders will travel to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026. During the Mumbai visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to exchange memorandums of understanding (MOUs), followed by a joint press statement. The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace will host the India-France Innovation Forum, which will be followed by celebrations marking the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India, the news agency reported. Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Madame Brigitte Macron will visit Mumbai and Delhi during their visit to India from February 16-19, the officials said. The Year of Innovation 2026 initiative will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries and aims to deepen collaboration in innovation, technology, research, and people-to-people exchanges.
17 February,2026 04:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Tuesday appeared before the Maharashtra Legislative Council’s Privileges Committee over his alleged remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reported the PTI. However, in the absence of the main complainant, the hearing was adjourned and rescheduled for 10 March, committee chairperson Prasad Lad said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare also appeared before the panel. Kamra and Andhare later told reporters that their statements were not recorded, as BJP leader Pravin Darekar, who filed the complaint, was not present. Prasad Lad said that Kunal Kamra had expressed willingness to record his statement immediately, but the committee decided it would be inappropriate to proceed without the complainant. It was therefore agreed that statements from both sides would be recorded on the same day, with the next hearing scheduled for 4 pm on March 10, according to the PTI. When asked about a warning issued by Shiv Sena members, who had allegedly threatened him with consequences if he visited Mumbai, Kamra said he felt safe. Andhare referred to an incident last year in which the studio where Kamra performed was vandalised following his parody song about Eknath Shinde. “We wanted to know what the charges against us are,” she said, the news agency reported. Background to the controversy Darekar had moved a breach of privilege notice against Kamra and Andhare for alleged derogatory remarks against Shinde, whose party is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Kamra, known for his anti-establishment stand-up routines, had targeted Shinde in a parody song last year, indirectly referring to him as a traitor. Andhare had publicly supported the comedian, as per the PTI. During a performance at the Unicontinental Mumbai hotel in the Khar area, Kamra used a modified version of a Hindi song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai to comment on Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Following the performance, a group of Shiv Sena workers reportedly reached the hotel and ransacked its office. Earlier this month, Kamra dismissed media reports claiming that he had sought an adjournment from the privileges committee as “incorrect”. (with PTI inputs)
17 February,2026 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA workers’ union staged a protest on Tuesday following a fatal accident at the Gordon Cargo Company in the Cargo Service Centre’s cargo area in Bandra East, Mumbai, on Monday. Ganesh Lotankar, an employee of the company, died in a truck collision at the site. The CHA workers’ union has alleged serious safety lapses at the cargo facility and halted operations on Tuesday, demanding justice and stricter safety measures. Union members said Lotankar’s death underscores the urgent need for accountability and improved workplace safety standards. The protest is ongoing as workers continue to press their demands.
17 February,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated Mumbai Climate Week at the Jio World Convention Centre on February 17. This marked the beginning of a series of discussions and initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action. Fadnavis, while addressing the climate week, said, “By 2030 Maharashtra will approach 84 gigawatts of installed energy capacity, with more than 51 per cent coming from green and clean sources.” He added, “At present, Maharashtra has 48 gigawatts of installed capacity, with 21 per cent of it being from renewable energy," Fadnavis said, contributing to India's capacity of 260 gigawatts of renewable energy. Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration function of the Mumbai Climate Week on Tuesday, flagging off the three-day event from February 17 to 19. The event is aimed at providing a platform for dialogue on climate action related to Mumbai, India, and the Global South. While the main event called Central Hub is being held at the Jio World Cultural Centre in BKC in Mumbai, several other events are also being held across the city throughout the week starting Sunday. Mumbai Climate Week is organised by Project Mumbai, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Fadnavis says, ‘There is no better place than Mumbai to host this summit' Fadnavis, while hailing Mumbai as the host for the event, said, "There is no better city to host this conversation than Mumbai, a city that has remained resilient through its history. When Mumbai experiences extreme rainfall, it is not a mere statistic. It interrupts businesses and livelihoods and brings the city to a halt.” He added, "This heatwave is not just a graph but a real hardship for construction workers, street vendors, and farmers." "Climate change for a mega coastal city and financial hub, like Mumbai, is a governance challenge. This is why Mumbai Climate Week is necessary," Fadanavis said. Outlining Maharashtra's plan of action, Fadnavis pointed out that as global capital is moving towards a sustainable market, states that move early will attract capital, talent, and innovation, and Maharashtra aims to be at the forefront of this. "Work has already started. We are expanding renewable energy adoption across industrial corridors. We are accelerating electric mobility in our cities. We are investing in resilient infrastructure, including flood mitigation systems and climate-smart urban planning," CM added. Also present at the flag-off ceremony were Pankaja Munde, Maharashtra Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Martin Krause, Director, Climate Change Division, UNEP. The flag-off ceremony included a video address from the Prince of Wales, Prince William, founder and director of the Earthshot Prize, a global environmental initiative founded in 2020 to fund and scale innovative solutions to urgent climate challenges.
17 February,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
