Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday criticised the Youth Congress protest held at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, calling it an “uncivil behaviour”. In a post on X, Shinde alleged that while India was showcasing its technological strength to the world, Youth Congress members created a disturbance that, according to him, harmed the country’s global image. Shinde described the protest as “uncivil behaviour” and said it was not an act of patriotism but an attempt to defame the nation at an international platform. He stated that the Congress and its leaders should apologise to the people of India for the incident. He further said that if the party opposed the India–United States agreement, it should have presented its objections in a democratic and ideological manner rather than disrupting a global event. Targeting Congress leadership The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Congress leaders often speak negatively about India abroad. He remarked that such actions set a poor example for party workers. Shinde added that raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in front of foreign guests during an international summit reflected poorly on the country. The incident has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the ruling alliance and the Congress. इंडिया एआई इम्पैक्ट समिट के माध्यम से जब दुनिया के सामने भारत का तकनीकी वैभव प्रस्तुत किया जा रहा था, उसी समय भारत मंडपम में युथ काँग्रेस की चड्डी-बनियान गैंग ने असभ्य उपद्रव मचाकर भारत की वैश्विक स्तर पर बदनामी करने का प्रयास किया। काँग्रेस की इस वृत्ति की मैं तीव्र शब्दों में… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 21, 2026 BJP stages protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Mumbai during the early hours of Saturday. Upon his arrival, BJP workers staged a black-flag protest, calling it a response to the Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case. While Rahul was on his way to Bhiwandi from Mumbai, a group of BJP supporters staged a protest at Mulund toll naka and raised slogans against him. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the protesters alleged that Rahul Gandhi consistently opposes the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of tarnishing the country's image. Furthermore, the police had made elaborate security arrangements for Rahul Gandhi's visit to prevent any confrontation between workers of the ruling and opposition parties.
21 February,2026 06:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid 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. Read more: BJP stages black-flag protest as Rahul Gandhi arrives in Mumbai Criticism of BJP Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal also criticised the BJP, alleging that the party uses threats and political pressure. Sapkal questioned why the BJP had not condemned remarks made by former US President Donald Trump about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further raised concerns over decisions related to international trade agreements and foreign policy, claiming that the BJP should respond firmly to statements that, according to him, harm India’s image globally. Sapkal added that the protests against Rahul Gandhi would only damage the BJP’s own reputation. Senior leaders welcome Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai Several senior Congress leaders were present at the Mumbai airport. Leaders including Congress Working Committee member Naseem Khan, Mumbai Congress President and MP Varsha Gaikwad, former minister and MLA Aslam Shaikh, MLA Amin Patel, MLA Jyoti Gaikwad, National Secretary Kunal Choudhary, State Vice President Rajesh Sharma, Ramchandra (Aba) Dalvi, and Mumbai Youth Congress President Zeenat Shabreen, along with many party workers.
21 February,2026 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Saturday said that it has added more round-the-clock emergency medical care at its stations in Mumbai and its nearby areas. An official statement said that the Central Railway has taken an important step to improve passenger safety by setting up Emergency Medical Rooms (EMRs) at several railway stations across its Mumbai Division. The initiative aims to provide immediate First Aid and emergency care to bonafide passengers and railway staff facing medical emergencies due to accidents, sudden illness, or other incidents. Emergency Medical Rooms are already functioning at Byculla railway station, Kalyan railway station and Vashi railway station. In addition, Kalva, Titwala and Karjat stations have also become operational under newly awarded contracts. Work is currently in progress at seven more stations including Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla railway station, Ghatkopar railway station, Thane railway station, Mumbra railway station, Mankhurd railway station and Chembur railway station Equipped for immediate response The EMRs are designed to provide quick and effective support during the crucial ‘golden hour’ of a medical emergency. Each facility is equipped with basic life-support equipment, oxygen supply, stretchers, essential medicines, portable laboratory services, medical store support and ambulance facilities. "Qualified doctors and trained paramedical staff are available round the clock to ensure timely assistance," officials said. Expansion plans underway Central Railway has awarded contracts for 10 additional stations, with services already operational at some locations. Looking ahead, tenders have been floated for 44 stations in the Mumbai Division. This expansion aims to significantly reduce response time during emergencies and improve survival chances in critical cases. Commitment to Passenger Safety With the establishment and expansion of Emergency Medical Rooms, Central Railway reinforces its commitment to passenger well-being. CR to operate 19-hour mega block at Thane's Kharbao on February 21-22 Central Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a special 19-hour traffic and power block at Kharbao from 12.30 pm on Saturday, February 21, to 7.30 am on Sunday, February 22, for the commissioning of new Up and Down goods lines under the DFCCIL project. The block will impact multiple suburban and passenger services, with several MEMU trains cancelled and others regulated. Several MEMU trains cancelled Down direction: 69161 Panvel–Dahanu Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61006 Diva–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61002 Dombivli Central Cabin–Boisar MEMU (JCO February 22) Up direction: 61007 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 21) 69166 Vasai Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 21) 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 22) 61003 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 22) Train regulations 69164 Dahanu Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 22) will be regulated for 10 minutes at Kaman Road. 22178 Secunderabad–Rajkot Express (JCO February 21) will be regulated for 1 hour and 30 minutes at Bhiwandi Road. Additionally, Mail/Express and passenger trains passing through the affected section during the block period are expected to run 25 to 30 minutes late. Railway officials said the block is essential for infrastructure upgrades and operational safety. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration during the temporary disruption.
21 February,2026 05:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro Line-2B work has further progressed after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) successfully launched two U-girders at Halav Bridge in Kurla, an official statement said. According to the MMRDA, It was successful in completing the launching of U-girders above Halav Bridge for Mumbai Metro Line 2B at 4 am. on February 21, 2026. It marks an important step in the construction of the East-West metro corridor that will improve connectivity across the city. Mumbai Metro Line 2B will connect major residential and business areas including D.N. Nagar, BKC, Kurla, Chembur and Mandale. Once completed, the corridor is expected to benefit lakhs of daily commuters by reducing travel time and easing pressure on busy roads. The successful completion of the complex engineering task reflects steady and well-planned progress towards delivering a modern and dependable public transport system for Mumbai, it said. Engineering challenge in airport funnel zone The Halav Bridge section presented a unique technical challenge as it lies within the airport funnel zone. The vertical clearance between the Metro viaduct and the existing bridge is restricted to just 3.5 metres. Despite these constraints, the work was carried out smoothly after obtaining all required approvals from the relevant authorities. Careful planning and precision engineering ensured safe and efficient execution. Night operation to minimise disruption To reduce inconvenience to the public, the girder launching was carried out during the night in this busy traffic area. This approach helped maintain safety and minimise disruption. Light vehicles such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, tempos and ambulances continue to use Halav Bridge. Heavy vehicles have been diverted through alternative routes in a systematic manner. Progress at S. G. Barve marg station The nearby S. G. Barve Marg Metro Station has been designed as a single-level station in line with aviation height regulations. Foundation and pier work for the station has already been completed, along with viaduct sections on both sides of Halav Bridge. This reflects coordinated and timely execution of the project. Technical details of the launch The two U-girders (P610-P611 LHS), each 20 metres long, were erected using 500 MT capacity cranes under expert supervision. With this milestone achieved, the project will now move forward to track laying, installation of the overhead catenary system, and development of power supply and telecommunication infrastructure. Area improvements and inclusive development Alongside metro construction, area improvements are being planned. The proposed widening of A.H. Wadia Road, in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, aims to ease traffic flow and improve movement during Ganesh Visarjan and other peak periods. Rehabilitation of affected structures is progressing in a structured and fair manner to support inclusive development. Moving closer to a connected Mumbai The successful U-girder launch at Halav Bridge highlights strong planning, technical skill and a careful balance between engineering needs and community convenience. With each milestone, Metro Line 2B moves closer to becoming a reliable transport option that will reduce congestion, cut travel time and improve the overall quality of urban life in Mumbai.
21 February,2026 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after the Mumbai Metro Line 4 pillar slab fell down on the road, killing one and injuring several others. Three people on Friday filed anticipatory bail applications in a court in connection with the collapse of a parapet segment after several people were implicated in the FIR registered by the Mumbai Police after the incident. As reported by news agency PTI, the bail applications will be heard on Saturday. Earlier a man died and three others were injured after a parapet segment of an under-construction bridge of Metro-4 collapsed in Mumbai's Mulund area on February 14 Anticipatory bail to be heard on February 21 Alpesh Patel and Ganesh Gholap – director and technical director of the contractor firm Milan Road Buildtech and project consultant T Sai Suresh Kumar moved the court with pre-arrest bail pleas. Notably, of these three, only Kumar is named as an accused in the First Information Report registered by the police against officials of Milan Road Buildtech and DB Hill LBG under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). Police have until now arrested five employees of the two contractor firms. Victim's family receives Rs 39.50 lakh The family of Ramdhani Yadav, who was killed on Saturday in the Mulund Metro slab collapse incident, said that they have received Rs 39.5 lakh from the authorities, following which they will now take the body for the last rites. Yadav’s family had earlier said that they would not take the body for the final rites until they received compensation while also seeking compensation and government jobs for his kins. While the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) disbursed Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family, Rs 20 lakh was given by the contractor, and an additional Rs 4.50 lakh was given for the air ambulance to lift the body to Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. The chief minister has also announced Rs 5 lakh in compensation. Ramdhani’s brother Ramsamuj Yadav said, “We have received compensation from MMRDA, and we took the body. We will do the final rites of my brother. Our demands are that my brother’s kin should get government jobs.” (With inputs from PTI)
21 February,2026 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) during the early hours of Friday carried out a major eviction drive in the Mahavir Nagar area of Kandivali (West). The civic authority removed 65 unauthorised constructions and hawkers to ease congestion and restore public spaces. As per the officials, the eviction drive was undertaken by the civic body’s ‘R South’ administrative division under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 7) Sandhya Nandedkar and led by Assistant Commissioner (R South Division) Aarti Golekar. The official statement also emphasised that several unauthorised structures had come up in the locality, along with illegal hawking activities, leading to obstruction of vehicular movement and inconvenience to pedestrians. In response, a coordinated campaign was launched by various departments under the R South division. The drive resulted in the demolition of unauthorised constructions and the eviction of hawkers encroaching on public areas. Three JCB excavators used in eviction drive by BMC Furthermore, the eviction drive was conducted using three JCB excavators and seven dumpers, along with other necessary equipment. A total of 47 civic officers and employees participated in the drive, supported by adequate police personnel to maintain law and order. Civic officials further stated that the primary objective of the campaign is to ensure clean, safe and obstruction-free public spaces for residents. The Municipal Corporation administration has indicated that such enforcement drives will continue on a regular basis to curb illegal encroachments across the city. BJP's Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed as Standing Committee chairman In a different development earlier last week, Prabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The election follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on February 16, 26 corporators were nominated to the Standing Committee. The chairperson of the Education Committee is an ex-officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande and all Standing Committee members were present during the proceedings. The Standing Committee is one of the most powerful bodies within the civic administration, responsible for key financial approvals and policy decisions.
21 February,2026 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Mumbai during the early hours of Saturday. As soon as the LoP landed in Mumbai, BJP workers staged a black-flag protest, calling it a response to the Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit. Gandhi landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the morning and travelled by road to Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district to appear before a court in the 2014 defamation case, reported PTI. While Rahul was on his way to Bhiwandi from Mumbai, a group of BJP supporters staged a protest at Mulund toll naka and raised slogans against him. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the protesters alleged that Gandhi consistently opposes the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused him of tarnishing the country's image. One of the BJP supporters slamming Rahul Gandhi said, "Rahul Gandhi continuously opposes whatever the Prime Minister does. Even on issues concerning the nation. The Youth Congress workers raised slogans at the AI Summit, maligning India's image. That is why we protested against him," as cited by news agency PTI. Furthermore, the police had made elaborate security arrangements for Gandhi's visit to prevent any confrontation between workers of the ruling and opposition parties. Congress slams BJP over protest against Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant termed the BJP protest as "an attempt to divert attention from key national issues". The Congress leader further accused the ruling party of resorting to theatrics, as it had no answers for the public. He questioned the reasons behind what he termed the BJP's "surrender" before US President Donald Trump and sought clarity on matters related to financier Jeffrey Epstein, saying the party owed an explanation to the people. Sawant also alleged that the BJP had compromised the future of farmers in Maharashtra and the country by placing their interests at stake in the trade deal with the US. NCP (SP) also slams BJP The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also hit out at the 'black flag' protest, calling it a "disrespectful" departure from democratic norms. NCP (SP) Thane city chief Manoj Pradhan said, "Rahul Gandhi holds a constitutional post as the Leader of the Opposition in the country's highest house. It is fundamentally wrong to show black flags to him in such a manner. This is not how a democracy should function." (With inputs from PTI)
21 February,2026 12:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are expected to witness mainly clear skies through the day. Warm weather conditions are likely to prevail, with the maximum temperature touching around 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 22 degrees Celsius. According to the latest forecast issued at 10 am, clear skies expected across city and suburbs. Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 146 on Saturday morning, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. According to the Centre’s SAMEER app, pollution levels varied across different parts of the city on Saturday. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 147, Byculla 106, Andheri East 152, Chembur 118, Colaba 120, Deonar 171, Ghatkopar 155, Bandra East 128, Mulund West 118. All these areas reported an AQI in the 'moderate' category. Meanwhile, Borivali East recorded and AQI of 90 and Sion 68, placing them in 'satisfactory' category. According to the latest air quality readings, Worli recorded an AQI of 218 and Kandivali East 288 which is comparatively higher pollution levels than several other locations in the city. Both areas are reporting an AQI in the 'poor' range, indicating relatively elevated pollution levels compared to other monitoring stations that are showing lower readings. Delhi’s AQI remains in ‘poor’ category, IMD predicts clear skies According to IANS, Delhi’s air quality continued to remain in the 'poor’ category on Saturday, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a mainly clear sky accompanied by morning mist. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed varying AQI levels across monitoring stations in the national Capital. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 210 at 4 p.m. on Friday, marginally higher than Thursday’s reading of 208 recorded at the same time. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature on Friday was 12.8 degrees Celsius. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), the AQI is expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category until Monday. Thereafter, it may fluctuate between the ‘poor’ and ‘moderate’ categories. Delhi’s weather has left residents experiencing contrasting conditions, with chilly mornings gradually giving way to warmer afternoons nearing 30 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the maximum temperature reached 28.4 degrees Celsius, which was 2.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 12.8 degrees Celsius, one degree below the seasonal average, according to the IMD. The weather department has indicated that similar conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, with clear skies and light morning mist. Although no extreme weather events are anticipated, early-hour visibility may be slightly affected due to mist. Sunny afternoons have brought some relief following the recent cold spell, and many residents are welcoming the gradual shift toward warmer days across the capital.
21 February,2026 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway (WR) has earned a record Rs 1.72 crore from film and advertisement shoots on its premises from April 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026. According to officials, the process of granting shooting permissions has been simplified and streamlined, enabling production houses and filmmakers to obtain necessary approvals in a time-bound manner. An official said this is one of several innovative initiatives to boost non-fare revenue, while consistently striving to increase revenue from passengers and freight business. Shooting takes place at railway stations on Western Railway’s extensive network “Through a single-window system, production houses have to submit an application for shooting, and every other railway clearance is managed by the PR department, and permission is issued. At the same time, utmost priority is given to safety, operational requirements and passenger convenience while conducting such shooting activities,” a WR official said. Rs 1.64 CRAmount WR earned from shoots in 2022-23 Rs 1.72 crWR has earned a record amt How much money? The Rs 1.72 crore raked in by WR is almost 25 per cent more than the previous financial year’s earnings. The previous best performance was in 2022-23, when WR earned approximately Rs 1.64 crore from film shooting, reflecting steady growth in this segment and placing WR among the leading railway zones in the country in generating such revenue Films shot on locations O’ Romeo 2026Fateh 2025Sikandar 2025 Vande bharat for film shoots For the first time, film shooting inside India’s modern and premium train, Vande Bharat, has been permitted by WR. This achievement provided the film industry with an opportunity to utilise world-class railway infrastructure, highlighting the progressive and innovative approach of WR Advertisements . Lizol . Paytm . Colgate
21 February,2026 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAhead of the announcement of the timetable for year-end examinations, a teachers’ group has written to the state government against conducting the exams in April. According to the group heads, the school year-end exams were pushed from March to April in the previous year, which resulted in several teachers and students having to bear the brunt of scorching summers. “We are writing to the authorities now so they can plan out the timetable well in advance. Last year, owing to the summer heat, many students fell ill, and the exam attendance was affected. Parents and teachers find this timetable inconvenient, too, and we hope to revert to the older system where exams were conducted by mid-March or by March-end,” said Tanaji Kamble, president of the Maharashtra Progressive Teachers Association (MPTA). As per an annual week-by-week timetable released by the education department, the Periodic Assessment Tests (PAT) is also scheduled in April — a move that had met strong opposition last year owing to prevalent heat spells, and a time crunch for paper correction. Demands made . Cancel any plans for exams in April; plan tests in March instead . Utilise April for guiding students who have failed exams, before they take re-tests. Allow principals to plan their annual school schedules ‘Hope tests begin early this time’ Principal, of Dadar-based school‘We hope the tests will begin early this time, since they went on till April 25 last year. We have nearly 50-60 students in every classroom, and our teachers only got a couple of days to declare the results. Given that the results have to be uploaded digitally, the process needs to be even quicker. If the authorities want us to have the students in schools for longer, we can always plan extra classes and no-bag days after exams. However, teachers need at least 15 days to declare results properly.’
21 February,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarFollowing a Supreme Court order to remove street dogs from schools, hospitals, and other public institutions, the BMC has begun scouting land across Mumbai to build the city’s first network of dog shelters. With no civic-run shelters currently in place and limited open land available, the civic body plans to use a public-private partnership model and repurpose amenity plots to house sterilised and vaccinated dogs relocated from institutional premises. 2025November the month the SC verdict was passed Current situation in Mumbai . BMC-run dog shelters: 0. Dog population estimate: NGO-assisted census being carried out. Land availability: Severely limited, finding suitable land is the biggest hurdle Civic body’s action plan Land identification. Use DCPR 2034 amenity plots marked as gardens or markets. Convert select plots for animal shelter use. Seek vacant state government land for transfer to BMC Implementation model. Development through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). NGOs invited to submit expressions of interest Why this move now . Supreme Court order: November 2025. The court directed local bodies to: Remove dogs from schools, colleges, hospitals, and public institutions. Sterilise and vaccinate animals. Relocate them to shelters Potential locations under review Remote pockets of the western suburbs, including:. Andheri. Jogeshwari. Goregaon. Malad. Kandivli. Borivli Timeline . Land identification: 6-8 months. Shelter planning and execution: To follow the land allocation Scale of the project Estimated relocation capacity: Up to 90,000 dogs. Only dogs from institutions covered under the current order. Sterilisation and vaccination are mandatory before relocation
21 February,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
