The police have advised travellers on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway not to leave valuables unattended in cabs or buses while stopping for refreshments at highway food malls. In a recent incident, a cab driver allegedly stole gold jewellery after passengers stepped out to eat. Police Inspector Sachin Hire of Khopoli police station told mid-day, “Theft of valuables is often reported on the expressway, especially in buses, but now these are increasing in private cabs as well. In most cases, passengers leave their valuables inside the vehicle when they go for refreshments. I advise travellers to always carry their valuables with them. It will help prevent such incidents.” What food mall says The official spokesperson of Grand Ocean Cube told mid-day, “We have installed CCTV cameras covering all areas of the premises. We receive frequent calls regarding thefts or missing valuables. In this case, we were informed promptly and immediately reviewed the CCTV footage from all directions. The footage was shared with the persons concerned. We also have a separate lost-and-found cell at the mall, as many visitors often forget mobile phones, purses, and even expensive valuables at the premises.”The Grand Ocean Cube, is a prominent food mall and pitstop located along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. Often described as a “food court in the sky,” the location sees heavy daily traffic from travellers commuting between the two cities. What happened Poonam Ahuja, 37, and her husband Mandeep Singh Khurana, 37, lost gold ornaments worth around Rs 7 lakh during a halt on the expressway. “On February 7, we were returning to Mumbai after attending a wedding in Pune. We checked out of the hotel around 3 pm. At about 4.15 pm, we stopped at Grand Ocean Cube on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. We left our bags inside the car and went in to eat. The halt lasted for about an hour,” Poonam said. According to Poonam, after reaching home, she realised that a gold bangle and a gold ring were missing from her bag. “We contacted the driver, who denied taking anything. No immediate FIR was registered. We then decided to visit the location ourselves. My husband and I met the mall administrative officer, Srinivas Ursekar, who assisted us in accessing the CCTV footage. Visuals showed the driver moving to the back seat, where our bags were kept, and spending several minutes inside the parked car while we were away. Our complaint was eventually recorded at Khopoli Police Station, but no FIR was registered.""On February 10, I reached out to our local unit of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Thane and presented the CCTV footage to party member Vinayak Bitla. who reviewed the footage and initiated immediate action. By 6:30 PM, the driver was brought to the MNS office in Thane, where my gold kadda was returned. The following day, Bitla personally visited a jeweller in Baner where the driver had allegedly sold my ring. It was recovered and handed back to me — the ring had been crudely cut at the back. Later, mall owner Prashant Joshi informed me that this was the second reported theft incident at the establishment in the past three months. What was meant to be a simple hunger halt on a busy expressway became a sobering lesson: sometimes, the briefest stop can carry the heaviest cost," she added. The stolen gold ring was crudely cut at the back and the kadda bore a visible dent, evidence of tampering during the Expressway theft PICS/ Mandeep Singh Khurana Police advisory >> Avoid carrying expensive valuables while travelling>> Do not leave jewellery, cash or other valuables inside buses or cabs when stepping out>> Do not hand over purses or bags to unknown persons while using public facilities
17 February,2026 03:35 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe classmate of a 24-year-old female MBA student, arrested in Indore for her murder, allegedly abused the body after the killing and also performed occult rituals while on the run, police said. On February 13, people complained of a foul smell emanating from a closed house in the city's Dwarkapuri police station area. After police arrived at the scene, the naked body of a 24-year-old woman was found in the house. The woman was pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a city college and the body was found in her classmate's rented house, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani told PTI on Monday. The classmate fled after the incident. He was taken into custody in Mumbai and is being interrogated after his arrest, the official said. Referring to the accused's interrogation, the official said he allegedly strangled his classmate to death and then "abused" the body. "The accused also performed witchcraft near Panvel (in Navi Mumbai) while on the run. The accused claims that he was mentally disturbed after the murder and wanted to communicate with the woman's spirit through witchcraft," he said. According to the DCP, the woman and the accused were in a close relationship. "The accused suspected that she was talking to other men. Enraged, he killed her and fled," the official said. After the woman's body was found, her father accused the classmate of trying to extort money from his daughter using her obscene photos and then torturing her to death. The accused had even posted these photos on her college WhatsApp group, he alleged. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 February,2026 02:48 PM IST | Indore | PTIThe Supreme Court of India on Tuesday said that political leaders must promote fraternity in the country, even as it declined to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking guidelines on political speeches. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices B V Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi, asked the 12 petitioners to withdraw their plea and file a fresh, more neutral petition if they wished to pursue the matter. The petition was filed by academician Roop Rekha Verma and others, including former civil servants and activists. It was argued by senior advocate Kapil Sibal. “Atmosphere has become toxic” Sibal told the court that the public atmosphere had become “toxic” due to political speeches and urged the bench to frame guidelines to ensure accountability. “It’s becoming toxic. I am not on any individual,” he said, clarifying that the plea was not aimed at any one leader as per PTI. The petition was moved in the backdrop of alleged hate speeches by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. A day earlier, another bench had refused to entertain petitions seeking action against him over a viral video. Court questions selective targeting However, the bench of Supreme Court expressed concern that the plea appeared to single out certain individuals. “Of course it is against an individual, especially at this time." The Chief Justice then asked to withdraw this and instead file a simple plea on what conditional guardrails have been laid down and how political parties are violating them. He added that a petition targeting “selectively chosen few” would not be acceptable. Any challenge, he said, must be objective and even-handed. “We are inclined to entertain such a petition. We are eagerly waiting for someone with objectivity to come and file one,” he remarked as per PTI reports. “Political leaders must foster fraternity” Justice Nagarathna stressed the broader constitutional value at stake. “Political leaders must foster fraternity in the country,” she observed. She also raised practical concerns about framing new rules. “Suppose we lay down guidelines… Who will follow them?” she asked. She further added that any origin of speech is thought, and then asked that how is suppose to regularise or control thoughts? "We must raise thoughts in line with constitutional values,” added Nagarathna Justice Bagchi added that while the court can pass orders, ensuring implementation is often difficult. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has already laid down principles on hate speech and free expression in earlier judgments. “Responsibility lies with the political parties as well. He is a member of the party, a leader,” he said. Sibal argued that while the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct (MCC) applies during elections, speeches made before the MCC period often continue to circulate on social media even after it comes into force. “In the digital world, when the MCC comes into force, these speeches are repeated. What is the responsibility of the media in such cases so that the democratic atmosphere is not vitiated?” he asked. However, the Chief Justice noted that public servants are already governed by service rules, including the All India Services Rules, and cautioned against casually drafted pleas. While declining to entertain the present PIL, the court indicated it is open to examining a properly framed, neutral petition addressing broader issues of political speech and constitutional values. For now, the bench made it clear that maintaining fraternity is a responsibility that lies primarily with political leaders and parties themselves.
17 February,2026 02:46 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn MoU between the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Last Wilderness Foundation has been signed on Tuesday, February 17. The MoU focuses on to strengthening community-based conservation and promote human–wildlife coexistence across the Sahyadri landscape. The MoU was signed on behalf of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve by Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, and on behalf of Last Wilderness Foundation by Vidya Venkatesh, Director. Located in the northern Western Ghats, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve forms part of the globally recognised Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot and comprises Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. The landscape supports tigers, leopards, gaur, sloth bears, sambar, dholes, and several rare and endemic species of the Western Ghats. Objective of MoU Under the MoU, emphasis will be placed on enhancing community participation in buffer and fringe villages, conservation awareness, capacity building, mitigation of human–wildlife conflict, and collaborative, locally driven protection efforts. Last Wilderness Foundation is working in wildlife conservation, community engagement, conservation education, and human–wildlife coexistence. The organisation has previously partnered with forest departments in multiple tiger reserves, including Pench Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve, implementing community participation, conservation outreach, and eco-development initiatives. Speaking on this occasion, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, field Director Tushar Chavan said, "Active participation of local communities is critical for long-term conservation success in a vast and sensitive landscape like Sahyadri. This MoU will strengthen coexistence mechanisms and provide momentum to participatory conservation at the village level.” On the other hand Vidya Venkatesh, Director, Last Wilderness Foundation said, “Our experience of working closely with tiger reserve administrations and local communities shows that conservation outcomes are more positive when communities are integral to the process. This partnership with Sahyadri Tiger Reserve offers an opportunity to develop a strong community-based conservation model in the Western Ghats.” Community-based conservation As per the MoU, Last Wilderness Foundation will implement community-based conservation and human–wildlife coexistence programmes, while the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve administration will provide necessary permissions, coordination, and field support. All activities will be undertaken in accordance with legal provisions, guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and the rules of the Maharashtra Forest Department. The MoU signing was attended by Field Director Tushar Chavan; Deputy Directors Kiran Jagtap and Snehalata Patil; Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate; Range Forest Officer Sangram Godse; and from Last Wilderness Foundation, Vidya Venkatesh and Kedar Bhide. As per the officials, the MoU between Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Last Wilderness Foundation will be valid for a period of five years, starting from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
17 February,2026 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA fire broke out in the SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rake) coach of Train No. 12616 running from New Delhi to Chennai. The incident took place at the Nagpur division of Central Railway on Tuesday afternoon between Sindhi and Tuljapur stations. According to reports, smoke was noticed emanating from the SLR coach while the train was in motion. As soon as the smoke was seen coming out of the SLR coach, the train was immediately brought to a halt as a precautionary measure. Railway staff acted swiftly and detached the affected coach to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the rake. Local railway personnel initially used fire extinguishers available on board to control the blaze. Furthermore, efforts to completely extinguish the fire are still underway. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Further updates are awaited.
17 February,2026 01:47 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAs board exam season grips students across the country, they are under immense pressure. To help motivate students appearing for exams, former HCL CEO Vineet Nayar has shared a candid and comforting message for them on his official social media handle on X. While posting a picture of his marks sheet when he appeared for the board exam, Nayar wrote, “If board exams decided life, half the CEOs would be unemployed.” While not many try to calm down the nerves of the students appearing for the exams. Some leaders take out time and share their story to motivate and uplift the tensed students. IF BOARD EXAMS DECIDED LIFE, HALF THE CEOs WOULD BE UNEMPLOYEDLet that sink in.Boards are important.But they are not your destiny.At 17, I walked out of my Chemistry exam knowing I had messed it up.Full panic mode.A cousin looked at me and asked,“Will you die if you… pic.twitter.com/FED0Cmi90q — Vineet Nayar (@vineetnayar) February 13, 2026 Nayar’s post is a perfect blend of motivation for the children and also enlightening them that their future depends on a lot of other aspects apart from the board exams. Sharing a personal anecdote from his teenage years, Nayar recalled walking out of a chemistry exam when he was 17 years old convinced he had “messed it up". Panic had set in, he said, until a cousin posed a simple but piercing question: “Will you die if you fail?” When Nayar replied "no", the follow-up hit harder: “Then why are you treating it as a life-and-death situation?” Nayar, in that particular moment, shifted his mindset. Two days later, he approached his Mathematics exam with calm focus, studied steadily, and performed far better. The lesson stayed with him and helped him grow professionally in a way that is helping him even today. In an extremely inspiring post, Nayar further wrote, “Exams test memory. Life tests courage.” Through his post, he underlined that board exams are merely a few yards in a cross-country marathon. He further urged students to sleep well, study sincerely, give their best effort, and then accept the result without fear. HCL CEO's post for children appearing for board exams win hearts Earlier, Nayar while trying to lighten up the moment for children appearing for the board exams a lot more calm and relaxed, he added humour to his post, advising students to occasionally shout, “Dad, omelette please… and don’t forget the mango shake!" Reminding families that while parents may worry, a student’s primary job is to prepare and remain steady without overthinking and ruining their mental health. Concluding his hearty post on X and spreading the words of encouragement, Nayar described stress as the “Board Exam Bully” that feeds on fear.
17 February,2026 11:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday participated in the "Mukhya Sevak Ki Chaupal" programme held under the "Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar" campaign at Village Aryanagar (Gajiwali), Shyampur Kangri in rural Haridwar. The Chief Minister interacted directly with the public while sitting among them and conveyed a clear message that the government will work on the ground, not just through files. During the programme, village heads and local residents from various villages presented their issues before the Chief Minister. He listened to each concern seriously and issued strict on-the-spot instructions to concerned departmental officers to ensure timely resolution. The Chief Minister directed the District Magistrate to ensure the speedy disposal of all received applications and stated that keeping any complaint pending will not be acceptable. He also instructed other departmental officials to resolve issues immediately wherever possible. He said that "Mukhya Sevak Ki Chaupal" is not just a programme but a living example of government accountability. The government's aim is that people should not have to visit government offices repeatedly; instead, the administration should reach their doorsteps. He reiterated that the state government is fully committed to public welfare and ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach the last person in the queue. Meeting public expectations remains the government's top priority, and accountability will be fixed at every level. The Chief Minister assured that there will be no laxity in resolving public grievances and that the government stands with the people at all times and in every situation. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that public affection, trust, and blessings are his biggest strength and motivation. He described himself not as separate from the public but as their servant, stating that public satisfaction is his greatest honour. He reiterated that the Chaupal is not a formal government event but a live platform for dialogue between the government and the people. He emphasised that he is here to listen to people's problems and ensure their resolution. The government is committed to bringing administration to people's doorsteps. He said sensitivity, transparency, and accountability are the core principles of the government. Officials have been clearly instructed that public interest must remain paramount and negligence at any level will not be tolerated. He assured that no voice will be suppressed and no complaint will go unheard. Under the "Jan-Jan Ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan Ke Dwar" campaign, he said that in the last one and a half months, lakhs of people across Uttarakhand have benefited. He described the campaign as a strong bridge of trust between the government and the public. The Chief Minister said the state government has taken historic steps towards providing employment to youth. So far, more than 28,000 youths have been given government jobs. He emphasised that transparent and fair recruitment remains a top priority. He added that the government is continuously encouraging self-employment and entrepreneurship among youth so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to overall state development. He said multiple welfare schemes are being implemented for the protection of farmers' interests and increasing their income. Continuous efforts are being made to resolve farmers' issues, ensure better prices for agricultural produce, expand irrigation facilities, and promote modern agricultural technologies. The Chief Minister stated that implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state is a historic step that strengthens social harmony, equality, and justice. He described it as a visionary and courageous decision taken in the public interest. He reiterated that the state government is working with the spirit of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" and will continue efforts for the welfare of youth, farmers, and common citizens. Highlighting development in rural Haridwar, he said that basic facilities like roads, electricity, and drinking water are being strengthened. Improvements in health and education are now visible on the ground. Irrigation facilities for farmers have been expanded, and continuous efforts are being made to make agriculture more profitable. Youth are being connected with employment, self-employment, and skill development. Several schemes are being run for the respect, safety, and empowerment of women. He added that coordination between the central and state governments has accelerated development work in the state. Due to the commitment of the double-engine government, schemes are reaching the last person without discrimination. Technology and transparency have helped curb corruption and improve administrative efficiency. The Chief Minister said that public suggestions act as guidance for the government. If the government and people work together, development has no limits. He expressed confidence that with public support and trust, the resolve to make the state one of the best in the country will be achieved. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 February,2026 09:33 AM IST | Haridwar | ANIThe Bharatiya Janata Party has launched Chakri Chai Bangla Campaign here against job crisis in West Bengal under the Trinamool Congress regime. Speaking to reporters on Monday, BJP MP Raju Bista said that the youth of West Bengal have no other option but to travel to other states in search of jobs. He alleged the settlement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi citizens in North Bengal, adding that local people have become minority in their own homeland. "The youth of West Bengal wants jobs...Industries are shutting down, and unemployment is rising...The youth of West Bengal has no other option but to look for jobs in other states...Rohingyas and illegal infiltrators are settling in North Bengal; they are using our resources...We are becoming a minority in our home...We have written several postcard letters to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee that the youth of Bengal want jobs," Raju Bista told reporters. This comes amidst the ongoing clash between the Centre and West Bengal government due to Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state. West Bengal is set to hold elections in the first half of this year. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which looks forward to form government in the forthcoming elections have tightened their preparations and Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to visit the state to participate in several programs ahead of the 2026 state Assembly elections. He would arrive at Kolkata airport on February 18 (Wednesday), around 1.30 pm. From there, he will take a helicopter to Mayapur, where he is scheduled to participate in several programs at the ISKCON temple. It is reported that he will spend approximately two hours at ISKCON. The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, retained power for the third consecutive time in the 2021 elections, winning 221 of 294 seats; the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as a key opposition force, winning 77 seats.
17 February,2026 09:32 AM IST | Siliguri | ANIThe Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on e-commerce platform Snapdeal for selling toys that do not comply with mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards certification, violating the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020. The CCPA has also issued notices to other e-commerce entities including Amazon and Flipkart, along with other sellers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 February,2026 09:31 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesFollowing directives from Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the Pune traffic police, along with the Pune police, conducted a joint drive against triple-seat riding across the city on February 12 and 13, 2026, under the supervision of senior officers from the East Regional Division. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav said, “2649 triple-seat riders were booked during the drive”. Of these, 988 vehicles were seized, while 2137 offenders paid fines on the spot, collecting Rs 21.37 lakh. Another 13,308 challans were issued for assorted violations. Earlier drive In a separate enforcement drive starting February 10, police booked 2329 triple-seat riders, seized 1380 vehicles, and collected Rs 43.52 lakh in fines. Action was also initiated against 10,875 other violators. Safety focus More than 1000 offenders were counselled at Shivajinagar headquarters, where DCP Jadhav highlighted legal provisions and accident risks linked to unsafe riding. What’s next? DCP Jadhav said similar enforcement drives and awareness programmes will continue to curb repeat offences. Objective of the special drive The drive aimed to improve road safety, reduce two-wheeler accidents, and strictly enforce helmet and seating norms. How the net was cast >> Simultaneous nakabandis across the city>> Surprise checks at key junctions>> Joint deployment of 30 traffic divisions>> Support from 44 police stations>> Surveillance systems used to track violations Rs 21.37 lakhAmount collected in fines during the drive in Pune
17 February,2026 08:27 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the results of JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech.), with 12 candidates, including Madhav Viradiya from Maharashtra, scored a perfect 100 percentile, an official release said. Of the 12 toppers, 11 belong to the General category and one to the OBC-NCL category. The examination was conducted in January 2026 across 658 centres in 326 cities, including 15 cities outside India. The exam was also held in international cities such as Manama, Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Singapore, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, West Java, Washington, Munich and Abu Dhabi, the release said. A total of 13,55,293 candidates registered, and 13,04,653 candidates appeared, resulting in a high attendance rate of 96.26 per cent. According to the official release, 12 candidates achieved a 100 NTA Score in Paper 1. 12 candidates score perfect 100 Twelve candidates achieved a perfect 100 NTA Score (percentile) in Paper 1. The top scorers include- - Shreyas Mishra (Delhi-NCT) - Narendrababu Gari Mahith (Andhra Pradesh) - Shubham Kumar (Bihar) - Kabeer Chhillar (Rajasthan) - Chiranjib Kar (Rajasthan) - Bhavesh Patra (Odisha) - Anay Jain (Haryana) - Arnav Gautam (Rajasthan) - Pasala Mohith (Andhra Pradesh) - Madhav Viradiya (Maharashtra) - Purohit Nimay (Gujarat) and - Vivan Sharad Mahiswari (Telangana) Category-wise registration data General Category: 4,73,633 candidates Gen-EWS: 1,64,260 candidates OBC-NCL: 5,33,971 candidates SC: 1,37,207 candidates ST: 46,222 candidates Overall, 4,67,817 female candidates and 8,87,476 male candidates registered for the exam. The NTA score is a normalised score based on the relative performance of candidates in each shift. It is not the same as percentage marks. Final ranks will be released after Session 2, considering the best of the two NTA scores, in line with existing policy. The results of Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning) will be declared later. Strong security and monitoring NTA adopted several strict measures to ensure fairness including: - OTP-based Aadhaar E-KYC introduced for authentication - Biometric attendance and frisking at centres - 5G jammers installed in all centres - AI-based video analytics and virtual observers - Live CCTV monitoring from a Central Control Room in New Delhi - 311 City Coordinators, 726 Observers, 311 flying squads deployed - Special facilities for PwD/PwBD candidates under the RPwD Act 2016 - Provisional answer keys and recorded responses were uploaded online for transparency before final results were declared. Full list of toppers
16 February,2026 11:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771318150038_d.png "The Supreme Court of India. Representational Image")
