Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said his government will consider the demand to rename the Ladki Bahin scheme after Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. A day earlier, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Amol Mitkari had demanded that the government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for financial assistance to women be renamed after Pawar. Speaking to the media in Haridwar, CM Fadnavis said, "There are several demands. We will sit together and think how to go about it," as cited by news agency PTI. Pawar, the NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy CM, was killed along with four others in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Mitkari had said Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favourite brother of women in the state. "His wrist would be full of rakhis when he travelled across the state during his yatras." The state government would give a tribute to him if it named the scheme the Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada's Ladki Bahin scheme)," he emphasised. About Ladki Bahin Yojana The Ladki Bahin scheme, announced by Pawar when he was the state finance minister, was started in July 2024. It provides assistance of Rs 1,500 every month to eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 through direct bank transfer. The scheme is believed to have played a crucial role in the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti in the 2024 assembly elections. On Monday, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Eknath Shinde had stated that the government will not stop the monthly financial assistance to women under the scheme, as it is helping them immensely, and that the aid will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 at the right time. Sunetra Pawar takes charge of Ajit Pawar's post Days after Pawar’s untimely demise, his wife Sunetra was sworn in as the deputy CM. She became the first woman to hold the post in the state. Ajit Pawar had earlier set a record by serving as deputy chief minister six times. On January 31, Sunetra was administered the oath of office by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan (formerly known as Raj Bhavan) in Mumbai. (With inputs from PTI)
13 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentThe Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is set to move from the British-era building at South Block to its new address — ‘Seva Teerth’, the newly constructed complex at Kartavya Path — on Friday. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new Seva Teerth complex today, marking the first time since Independence that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will move from the British-era South Block pic.twitter.com/oiSQCxxUgF — IANS (@ians_india) February 13, 2026 PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Seva Teerth complex along with Kartavya Bhavan-1 and Kartavya Bhavan-2. The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture, as Seva Teerth will house the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat. Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 will accommodate several key ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Defence, Health & Family Welfare and Education. According to officials, PM Modi will first unveil the name of the building complex, Seva Teerth, around 1.30 pm. He will then inaugurate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2, and later address a public programme at Seva Teerth at around 6 pm. The new complex includes digitally integrated offices, centralised reception areas, and dedicated public interface zones. It will house the PMO, key ministries, and the National Security Council Secretariat. Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan set to host key ministries with modern facilities These features are expected to boost collaboration, enhance efficiency, ensure seamless governance, improve citizen engagement and promote employee well-being. Built in line with 4-Star GRIHA standards, the complexes incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation mechanisms, waste management solutions and high-performance building envelopes. “These measures significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The building complexes also include comprehensive safety and security frameworks, such as smart access control systems, surveillance networks and advanced emergency response infrastructure, ensuring a secure and accessible environment for officials and visitors,” an official statement said. The state-of-the-art complex in the Central Vista area has been equipped with future-ready facilities and is designed to provide an optimal, modern working environment — something that was lacking in South Block. As per available information, the ministries to be housed at Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Law & Justice, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Ministry of Tribal Affairs. (With IANS inputs)
13 February,2026 09:57 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAn 85-year-old retired entrepreneur from Hadapsar in Pune was duped of over R22 crore in one of Pune’s biggest online share-trading frauds. The scam, executed in November 2025, involved fraudsters posing as investment advisors who lured the victim with promises of high returns through bogus online trading platforms. According to the Cyber Police, the accused used 26 mobile numbers, fraudulent websites, and a fake trading application to gain the senior citizen’s trust. Subsequently, he was persuaded to transfer large sums in phases, believing he was earning substantial profits. So far, eight accused have been arrested from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ambernath in Thane district. The police have frozen Rs 3.24 crore after examining nearly 40,000 bank transactions. Investigators revealed that the money was routed through layered mule accounts across states to obscure the trail. An FIR has been registered at Pune Cyber police station. The accused have been remanded to police custody till February 12. The police are probing whether the gang targeted other victims. ‘Be smart, be safe’ >> The police have repeatedly cautioned citizens, especially senior citizens, not to trust schemes promising returns higher than bank rates. The police say…>> Do not click on unknown investment links shared on WhatsApp or social media>> Verify platforms with SEBI or official financial institutions>> Avoid downloading trading apps from unknown sources>> In case of fraud, immediately register complaints on www.cybercrime.gov.in>> Remain vigilant in the virtual world and report suspicious transactions immediately
13 February,2026 09:40 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe United Nations has linked Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to the November 10, 2025, Red Fort attack in New Delhi. In its report, the UN Security Council stated that JeM claimed responsibility for a series of attacks and was also linked to the assault on the Red Fort. The report further mentioned that Jaish leader Masood Azhar has formally announced a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, intended to support terror operations. On 10 November last year, a car exploded near the Red Fort in which at least 15 people were killed while another 20 injured. Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar. FILE PICS The Delhi Police indicated that there were likely two to three individuals inside the vehicle during the explosion, with initial investigations suggesting it may have been a suicide attack. Days later, on November 12, the government classified the incident as an act of terrorism. The UN has listed JeM as an entity associated with Al-Qaida. JeM has a history of terrorist activities in India, especially in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the case. So far, eleven persons have been arrested in connection with this tragic event. 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
13 February,2026 09:14 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesA Former Doordarshan news reader Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognised faces of TV news in the 1980s and 1990s, died on Thursday in Delhi, said family friend Shammi Narang. She was 71. Maheshwari, who served as a news reader on Doordarshan from 1976 to 2005, was among the pioneers of TV news in India at a time broadcast was limited to a few hours throughout the day. Narang, who was Maheshwari’s co-anchor, also posted on X and Instagram announcing the news. 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
13 February,2026 09:08 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesThe number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Odisha’s Chilika Lake remains unchanged at 159 in the latest census, officials said on Wednesday. The count of the species in the brackish water lagoon was 159 in 2025, too, they said. Besides the Irrawaddy dolphins, Chilika also recorded 16 humpback dolphins. In 2025, the lake had reported 15 humpback dolphins. In all, 765 dolphins of six species were sighted along the Odisha coast. 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
13 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Berhampur | AgenciesBJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday said he has given a notice to initiate a ‘substantive motion’ against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and demanded that his Lok Sabha membership be cancelled and he be debarred from contesting elections for life. In his notice, he has stated that the Leader of the Opposition visits foreign countries and “colludes” with anti-India elements. “I have given a substantive motion notice wherein I have mentioned how he visits Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia with Soros Foundation, Ford Foundation, and USAID, and colludes with anti-India forces,” Dubey alleged. The BJP MP demanded that Gandhi’s LS membership be cancelled. 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
13 February,2026 09:00 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesIndia has developed the world’s most compact AI-powered 2 kW laser sniper mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). Built by Olee.space, the directed energy weapon is designed for close-combat and perimeter defence. It can neutralise, dazzle, or disable hostile targets within seconds, offering a rapid, non-kinetic response where precision and speed are critical. 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
13 February,2026 08:45 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesTargeting a passenger on board Vidarbha Express train in Maharashtra, a thief allegedly fled away with gold worth Rs 26.88 lakh but was later held in in West Bengal, officials said on Thursday. According to the officials, the Mumbai Railway Police have arrested the 'habitual thief' for allegedly stealing a passenger’s bag on the train. The police have also recovered stolen property worth Rs 26,88,014, including 186.23 grams of gold jewellery and cash. The incident took place on January 17, 2026 on Train No. 12104 Vidarbha Express. The complainant was travelling in Coach S3, Seat No. 32. While he was asleep, the train passed Nashik Road railway station at around 2:42 am. During this time, an unknown person stole his green sack bag. The stolen bag contained gold jewellery and cash worth Rs 32,73,714. Based on the complaint, CSMT Railway Police under Section 305(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). CCTV footage helped identify the accused After the case was registered, the Crime Branch of Kalyan Unit 3 immediately began an investigation. Police officers checked CCTV footage from railway stations between Nashik and CSMT where the Vidarbha Express stopped. The footage showed a suspect boarding the train at Dadar railway station and getting down at CSMT railway station. He was seen carrying a green sack bag matching the description given by the complainant. Further investigation through police records and informers revealed that the suspect was a known habitual offender. He was identified as Jahir Jamal Sheikh, aged 28, originally from Malda district in West Bengal. Arrest in West Bengal Police teams from Kalyan Unit 3 travelled to Malda, West Bengal, after receiving technical information and local inputs. After a search operation, the accused was located and arrested. During interrogation, the accused confessed to committing the theft. Police recovered part of the stolen property from him. Stolen property recovered The recovered property includes 4 gold bars weighing 90.690 grams worth Rs 13,00,135, 2 gold bangles weighing 36.200 grams worth Rs 4,92,296, 1 gold bangle weighing 28.500 grams worth Rs 3,95,656, 1 gold bracelet weighing 16.480 grams worth Rs 2,30,177, 1 gold chain with pendant weighing 14.360 grams worth Rs 2,00,250 and cash of Rs 56,500 (113 notes of Rs 500). An OPPO mobile phone worth Rs 13,000, allegedly purchased using the stolen cash was also recovered, the officials said. The total recovered property is valued at Rs 26,88,014, they said. The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior railway police officials including the Commissioner of Railway Police, Mumbai, and other senior officers. The investigation team was led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Khedkar, with Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Patil as the Investigating Officer, along with other officers and staff from the Crime Branch, Kalyan Unit 3 and the Technical Branch. Advisory to railway passengers Railway Police have advised passengers to take proper care of their valuables while travelling, especially during night journeys. Passengers are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
12 February,2026 09:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor the first time, the Indian Air Force is set to train pilots of the UK's Royal Air Force under a new initiative. The decision was taken at the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks held on Thursday in New Delhi. "Under the latest agreement, the Indian Air Force will deploy three Qualified Flight Instructors (QFI) to Royal Air Force (RAF) Valley in the UK, the training base for British fast jet pilots," a British readout said. "This marks the first time that Indian QFIs will impart fast jet training to British pilots at RAF Valley. The deployment will be initially for a period of two years," it said. The development closely follows the first-time deployment in January this year of an Indian Air Force officer as an instructor to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell -the air academy that trains the next generation of RAF officers. The new initiative marked all three British military academies now hosting Indian officers as instructors from respective services, the readout noted. "The signing of this Letter of Agreement is a significant step in strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Royal Air Force and the Indian Air Force," Air Vice Marshal Ian Townsend, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, said. "Bringing Indian QFIs into UK Military Flying Training Systems deepens our cooperation, enhances interoperability and reinforces our shared commitment to excellence in aircrew training," he said. Commodore Chris Saunders, who is Defence Adviser to the British High Commission, said: "The forthcoming deployment of Indian Qualified Flying Instructors to the UK represents another significant milestone in our expanding defence relationship, positively building on the mandate of UK-India Vision 2035." "It reinforces the mutual trust and shared experience that underpins our training cooperation and exemplifies the increasingly sophisticated levels of interoperability we are building together across our services," he said. The Air Staff Talks are part of annual engagements, with both sides usually represented by a two-star officer or above to discuss areas of military collaboration. The previous edition of the staff talks was held in London in 2025. 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.
12 February,2026 09:07 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAt least 14 students and five teachers were injured in Pune district of Maharashtra after their bus, on a school trip, crashed on Thursday, officials said. According to the officials, the bus had an accident early in the morning on February 12, 2026 at around 7 am. "The incident took place near Dream Bakers on the Nagar-Kalyan Highway, within the limits of Khamundi village in Junnar area of Pune," the officials said. They said that the bus was travelling from Alephata towards Otur when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus crashed into a road divider on the side of the highway. Bus was carrying students and teachers The bus was carrying students and teachers from Zilla Parishad Primary School, Pimpri Shahali, Taluka Nevasa, District Ahilyanagar. They were on a school trip at the time of the accident. A total of 19 people were reported injured in the accident, including students and teachers. All injured persons were provided medical assistance. The condition of the injured has not been officially described as critical. Police action and traffic situation Otur Police Station officials rushed to the spot and launched a relief and rescue operation. "Police have started the process of registering a case and further legal action is underway," officials said. The police officials stated that the situation at the accident site is peaceful and there are no law and order issues. The damaged bus has been moved to the side of the road, and traffic on the Nagar-Kalyan Highway is now running smoothly. Police Sub-Inspector Lahu Thate of Otur Police Station is supervising the investigation, an official said.
12 February,2026 09:03 PM IST | Pune | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1770909326545_d.png "Indian pilots to train RAF pilots. File Pic")
