Tobacco baron’s son Shivam Mishra’s lawyer on Tuesday claimed that his client was not driving the luxury sports car when it rammed into pedestrians injuring at least six persons, even as police said CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts place him behind the wheel. His father, KK Mishra, also made similar claims. “My son was not driving the car. He was asleep. Our driver Mohan was driving the car,” he said. 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
11 February,2026 08:39 AM IST | Kanpur | AgenciesIn a fresh bout of violence over the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga community member in Manipur’s Ukhrul, several abandoned houses were set on fire and shots fired on Tuesday morning. The state government has suspended internet services in the district for five days, police said. The fresh firing and arson in the Litan Sareikhong area comes a day after two Tangkhul Naga organisations restricted the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. 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
11 February,2026 08:37 AM IST | Imphal | AgenciesA 30-foot-high and six-foot-wide vertical billboard featuring a condom with the catchline ‘Just Use It’ has been installed on the wall of a prominent mall in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram, in the run-up to International Condom Day (ICD), which falls on February 13, annually. The ‘blink-a-100-times-but-you-cannot-miss-it’ message is the initiative of Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF)-India Cares, partnering with Mizoram State Aids Control Society (MSACS). Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, globally renowned HIV activist and Goodwill Ambassador of AHF India Cares, said, “This is the first explicit vertical billboard in Aizawl displaying a colourful condom, where 95 per cent of the population belong to various Christian church denominations and often are uncomfortable with explicit prevention campaigns. I am sure we are turning heads with this billboard. The huge billboard put up at a strategic location. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Over the years, the support from church-based youth organisations for HIV prevention has picked up, and the state will hopefully witness the reduction of new [HIV] infections.” Dr V Sam Prasad, AHF India Cares country programme director, said, “Most heartening is the collaboration extended by MSACS and the health minister of Mizoram — Lalrinpuii.” Dr Prasad and Prince Gohil added about events in the ICD run-up, “We had a ‘Spot Cafe’ event where youngsters interacted over coffee. There were HIV testing, counsellors, and Free Love condoms at the cafe. We were struck, in fact, by just how sensitised the younger crowd was.” One of the other events coming up is a fashion show where designers have to craft fashion accessories out of coloured condoms. “Mizoram is big into music, football, and fashion. Now, designers will repurpose fashion to send out a message: no condemnation, only ‘condom-nation’,” concluded the activists. 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
11 February,2026 08:37 AM IST | Imphal | AgenciesThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that, in the wake of the Baramati plane crash, the audit will be conducted in phases, starting with larger operators. The special safety review, which began on February 4, also includes VSR Ventures. According to ANI, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA are making rapid progress in probing the fatal crash of the chartered Learjet 45, which killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant near Baramati Airport. Last week, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the black box from the ill-fated aircraft has been successfully recovered and is under analysis. AAIB and DGCA leading investigation As per ANI, while speaking to the media, MoS Mohol stated, “The black box has been recovered, and the AAIB team and DGCA are working on it. I believe the data will be downloaded as soon as possible. Some analysis will be done, an inquiry will be held, and after that, I think the preliminary report will also be released.” He highlighted that a detailed inquiry is underway, with the preliminary report expected shortly after the completion of initial data analysis and assessments. He added that investigation teams comprising three officers each from the AAIB and the DGCA’s Mumbai Regional Office arrived at the crash site on the day of the incident. The Director General of AAIB also visited the site the same day to oversee initial proceedings. “The probe is being conducted in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, to ensure a comprehensive and expeditious examination of the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the aircraft’s attempted landing amid reported poor visibility,” Mohol said. Black box data to reveal key insights Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no premature conclusions should be drawn until the analysis is complete. The black box data is expected to provide critical insights into the sequence of events, reported ANI. Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, Maharashtra. According to the DGCA, five people, including the crew, died on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai to Baramati after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. The crash has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape, with tributes pouring in for Pawar and calls for enhanced aviation safety measures in charter operations. (With ANI inputs)
10 February,2026 10:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator Kavita Mule was elected Mayor of Nanded city in central Maharashtra on Tuesday, winning by a margin of 35 votes in a three-way contest, an official said, reported news agency PTI. Another BJP corporator, Deepaksingh Rawat, was chosen as Deputy Mayor of the Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation (NWMC), where elections were conducted last month alongside 28 other civic bodies across the state. Mule defeated her nearest opponent, Mahejbin Abdul Faheem, a candidate of the Congress-Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) combine, by 35 votes, the official added. The Mayor’s post was reserved for a woman, reported PTI. A special meeting to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was held at the NWMC headquarters in the presence of the presiding officer and Nanded District Collector Rahul Kardile. In the 81-member corporation, the BJP secured a comfortable majority with 45 seats. The party was supported by the Shiv Sena, which won four seats, and an independent member also extended support to the BJP for the two posts. For the Mayor’s post, BJP candidate Kavita Mule secured 50 votes, while her nearest rival, Faheem, received 15 votes, and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator Alkesri Sumayya received 14 votes, the official said, reported PTI. BJP wins Chandrapur mayor’s post with Sena (UBT) support; Congress alleges horse-trading The Congress, which appeared set to secure the mayor’s post in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, faced a setback on Tuesday after BJP corporator Sangeeta Khandekar was elected Mayor with backing from Shiv Sena (UBT). Prashant Danav of Shiv Sena (UBT) was elected Deputy Mayor. Nominations for the mayoral post included Manasvi Sandeep Girhe (Shiv Sena UBT), Sangeeta Mangal Bhoyar, Sangeeta Gopalakrishna Amritkar, Sunanda Dilip Dhobe, and Vaishali Ajay Mahadule (Congress), along with BJP’s Sangeeta Rajendra Khandekar and Sarika Sachin Sandurkar. Khandekar edged out her nearest rival by a single vote, thanks to the support of Shiv Sena (UBT), surprising political observers who had expected the party to back Congress. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged horse-trading, blaming Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) for the outcome. “The BJP secured 32 votes and Congress 31. Sena (UBT) has six corporators and was expected to support Congress, but instead backed the BJP. This will have consequences in the state,” Sapkal said. The January 15 civic polls had delivered a fractured mandate. Congress emerged as the largest party with 27 seats in the 66-member body, followed by BJP with 23. Sena (UBT) won six seats, Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Paksh (Janvikas Sena) three, VBA two, AIMIM and BSP one each, along with two independents. Sapkal added that the BJP gained the upper hand with support from AIMIM, while VBA corporators stayed absent during voting. “Had VBA, with whom we had a genuine alliance, supported Congress, our candidate would have won. This is clearly horse-trading,” he said. Addressing internal divisions in Chandrapur Congress, Sapkal asserted that party corporators were united and differences among leaders had been resolved. “It is only because of Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and VBA that the BJP could install its mayor,” he added. (With PTI inputs)
10 February,2026 10:34 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court has asked 17 states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, to respond on the setting up of special NIA courts in places where 10 or more anti-terror cases are pending, reported the PTI. The move comes as part of the Centre’s effort to ensure faster trials and timely justice in sensitive cases. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria, directed the chief secretaries of the 17 states to reply within three weeks. The court underlined the importance of speedy trials, saying, “a delay in trial leads to injustice if an accused is acquitted after a prolonged trial,” as per the PTI. Centre’s plan and funding details The Ministry of Home Affairs has finalized norms to provide financial support for these special courts. Each court will receive a one-time grant of Rs one crore for non-recurring expenses and Rs one crore per year for recurring costs, which will cover infrastructure renovation, IT equipment, vehicles, and staff salaries. The Ministry also revealed that 16 special courts are being set up at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court Complex, dedicated to statutes like the NIA Act, UAPA, and NDPS. These courts are expected to be operational by April 2026, with judicial officers from the Delhi Higher Judicial Service ready to preside over them, according to the PTI. Existing NIA courts in states Some states have already moved ahead. In Bihar, the court of the District and Additional Sessions Judge-XV in Patna was officially designated as an exclusive NIA court on January 8, 2026. Exclusive courts are also functioning in Jammu and Ranchi, while Maharashtra’s Court of Sessions at the City Civil Court in Bombay has been operational since March 2025, the news agency reported. The Centre told the Supreme Court that it plans to establish a dedicated NIA court in each state and Union Territory, with extra courts in locations where more than 10 anti-terror cases are pending, ensuring trials do not get delayed. The Ministry’s report shows that Delhi has the highest number of pending cases at 59, followed by Jammu and Kashmir with 38, and Assam, Gujarat, and Kerala with 33 each. The Supreme Court will examine further aspects of the setup of these special courts after three weeks. (With PTI Inputs)
10 February,2026 08:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarshals evicted opposition members from the Bihar legislative council on Tuesday, following repeated warnings from the Chairman that they let the House run by going back to their seats, amid a ruckus. Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh also suspended the opposition MLCs, most of them belonging to the RJD, for the day.Trouble arose after the opposition members rose in their seats, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over "rising" cases of crimes against women in the state. Amid the bedlam, minister Ashok Choudhary, who belongs to the JD(U) headed by the chief minister, was seen engaging in a heated exchange with RJD MLC Sunil Singh. Soon afterwards, the opposition MLCs stormed into the well, prompting BJP minister Mangal Pandey to interject with the remark, "their behaviour makes it clear that they do not want to allow the House to run". The Chairman urged the unruly opposition members to "take your seat, let the House run, or leave, at least for the day". As the opposition members continued to shout slogans and wave fingers at the Chairman and the treasury benches, Awadhesh Narain Singh said "let the marshals come and evict all of them. They are also hereby suspended for the day". The suspended MLCs include Rabri Devi (Leader of Opposition), Sunil Singh (RJD), Ajay Kumar Singh (RJD), and Shashi Yadav (CPI-ML Liberation). 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.
10 February,2026 08:10 PM IST | Patna | PTIOn Tuesday, BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya raised the issue of land encroachment at Kolkata Port in the Rajya Sabha. He highlighted that the area has been publicly referred to as “mini Pakistan” by Kolkata’s mayor, a statement that triggered strong reactions and uproar in the House as reported by PTI. Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, admitted that a significant portion of Kolkata Port’s land has been encroached, mostly by people linked to the ruling TMC government. The minister said that the port authority has filed court cases to recover the land, but enforcement has been difficult.Thakur said, “What the MP has said is right… people there have encroached all the place.” Bhattacharya noted that Kolkata Port is the single largest landowner in the city, with nearly 4,000 acres, and that around 170 acres of prime port land is under illegal occupation, especially in Garden Reach, Metiabruz, and Khidirpur. Row over “mini Pakistan” remark Bhattacharya’s reference to the area as “mini Pakistan” drew protests from TMC members, who shouted slogans and created disruption in the House. Thakur confirmed that the mayor had used the term in public statements, adding that documentation exists to support this. Opposition members, including Fauzia Khan (NCP-SP), demanded that the term be expunged from official records, saying it was inappropriate to label Indian citizens in such a manner. CPI-M MP John Brittas also criticized the remark, warning that calling it “mini Pakistan” could lead to diplomatic issues. Broader land encroachment issue Bhattacharya stressed that encroachment is a widespread problem, not limited to port land. “Whether it is the land of Indian Railways, whether it is the land of port, whether it is the land of DVC, or Farakka barrage... everywhere encroachment is going on,” he said, accusing the TMC of both encroaching public land and making controversial public statements as per PTI reports. The discussion highlighted both the serious encroachment problem in Kolkata and the political tensions surrounding the “mini Pakistan” remark. While legal cases are ongoing to reclaim the land, enforcement remains a significant challenge. (With PTI Inputs)
10 February,2026 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator Sangeeta Khandekar was elected as the mayor of Chandrapur by a narrow margin of one vote on Tuesday, with crucial support from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), in a closely contested civic election. The backing of the Shiv Sena (UBT) group proved decisive for BJP in a House with finely balanced numbers. The mayoral poll saw hectic political negotiations and last-minute realignments, with every single vote proving critical. In contrast, the election for the deputy mayor’s post ended in a tie. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Prashant Danav was declared elected after a draw of lots, as both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates secured 32 votes each, making it impossible to determine a winner through voting. According to the party-wise strength in the civic body, the BJP has 23 corporators, Shiv Sena (UBT) has six members, along with two Independents, and one Shiv Sena (Shinde) member. A total of 35 votes were required to secure a majority. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) remained neutral during the election process. Congress cries foul as alliances and internal rifts shape Chandrapur result Political observers noted that internal factionalism within the Congress, coupled with UBT’s strategic support to the BJP in the mayoral election, tilted the outcome in favour of the BJP in Chandrapur’s civic politics. According to sources, Khandekar edged out her nearest rival by a single vote to clinch the mayor’s post with UBT’s backing. Meanwhile, the Congress alleged horse-trading and criticised the role of Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in the election. “In the Chandrapur mayoral election, the BJP secured 32 votes and Congress 31. The Sena (UBT) is an ally in the MVA and the INDIA bloc. With its six corporators, the Sena (UBT) was expected to support the Congress. But the party chose to go with the BJP. This development will have consequences in the state,” a Congress leader told reporters. Reacting to the election of the BJP Mayor, state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said the BJP gained the upper hand due to support from AIMIM, while the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi remained absent during the voting. The outcome surprised political circles in Maharashtra, as the Congress was initially seen as better placed to install its mayor following the fractured verdict in the January 15 civic polls. Till Monday, there was no clarity on alliances in the Chandrapur civic body. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
10 February,2026 06:19 PM IST | Chandrapur | mid-day online correspondentEknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MP Milind Murli Deora on Tuesday criticised remarks calling India’s economy “dead,” which echoed statements made by US President Donald Trump and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, reported the PTI. Deora said during a discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 that the only thing “dead” is the lack of confidence some people have in India, while their hatred for the country remains alive. Deora pointed to India’s recent trade deal with the European Union, saying, “If India’s economy was dead, why did the Europeans sign the biggest trade deal with India and not with China or the United States?" He further highlighted the fact that this deal proves that countries around the world are eager to trade with us and on our own terms, and that such agreements would not happen if the economy were truly “dead.” Economic growth and digital achievements Highlighting India’s economic progress, he said, “We are the fastest-growing major economy in the world. UPI is processing over 70 crore transactions every day, making India a global leader in real-time digital payments,” as per PTI. He also cited financial inclusion programs like the Jan Dhan Yojna, which brought 50 crore Indians into the formal banking system and transferred Rs 41 lakh crore directly to citizens, saving taxpayers Rs 3.5 lakh crore by preventing leakages. Rising revenues and private investment Deora noted the doubling of GST collections, from Rs 11 lakh crore in 2020 to Rs 22 lakh crore in 2025. He also countered criticism of private sector investment: “Private sector investments have peaked at Rs 6.5 lakh crore in 2024, which is 66 per cent more than in 2021,” as per PTI. Deora criticized previous governments for neglecting manufacturing and entrepreneurship. He praised current initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has spent Rs 24,000 crore and created 12.5 lakh jobs, helping revive the manufacturing sector. Further he emphasized India’s resilience in a volatile global economy: “The budget comes at a time of political and economic instability worldwide. India stands alone as a rare island of macro-economic growth and stability,” as per PTI. BJP MP Surendra Singh Nagar also praised the budget, saying that increased spending on infrastructure would help propel India toward its development goals. Opposition criticism Opposition leaders continued to voice concerns. Kanimozhi (DMK) called the budget a “failed budget” that favors corporates over workers, farmers, and the middle class. Neeraj Dangi (Congress) said the stock market crash on budget day reflected investor losses and unmet expectations. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray (TMC) criticized the government for not addressing unemployment and pointed out challenges in the jute industry. (With PTI Inputs)
10 February,2026 05:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVeteran Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, who was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on Monday due to throat-related problems, persistent coughing, and chest congestion, is in stable condition and recovering well, doctors said on Tuesday. Dr Simon Grant, physician and trustee at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, issued an update on the veteran’s health on Tuesday, stating: "Honorable Mr Sharad Pawar is stable and recovering well. His vital parameters are within normal limits, and his overall clinical condition is stable and recovering well. The mild discomfort noted at the time of admission has improved with ongoing medical management. As a precautionary measure, he continues to remain under observation. His treatment is being carried out strictly as per Ruby Hall Clinic’s established medical protocols, and all investigations are being closely monitored. Further decisions regarding the course of care will be taken based on his clinical progress." Ruby Hall Clinic has appealed to party workers and well-wishers to avoid gathering within the hospital premises to ensure that routine patient care is not disrupted. The 85-year-old was brought to the hospital from his residence in Baramati around 4 pm on Monday after complaining of difficulty in breathing and persistent cough following a hectic schedule over the past 10–12 days. He was accompanied by his wife Pratibha, daughter Supriya Sule, son-in-law Sadanand, and grandson Rohit Pawar. Maharashtra Dy CM Sunetra Pawar visits Sharad Pawar at Pune hospital Initial assessment by treating doctor Dr Abhijeet Lodha showed stable heart rate and oxygen levels, though respiratory rate was slightly elevated. Sources said the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief, an oral cancer survivor, had experienced fatigue due to continuous travel and engagements, along with chest congestion. No oxygen support or ventilator was required, and he was admitted to a private room. Rohit Pawar had earlier said tests were normal so far, with the family to decide on next steps (stay in Pune or shift to Mumbai) after full reports. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, along with son Parth, visited the hospital on Monday evening to enquire about the well-being of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar’s late husband Ajit was Sharad Pawar’s nephew.
10 February,2026 05:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
-1770733958952_d.png "RJD Mahila Morcha members stage a demonstration against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for allegedly using foul language against party leader Rabri Devi. Pics/PTI")
-1770730009801_d.png "BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya. Pic/X @SamikBJP")
-1770725601457_d.png "Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Milind Murli Deora. File Pic")
