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Warm, dry spell continues in state; Amravati hottest at 35.6 degrees Celsius

As Maharashtra inches closer to the peak summer months of March, April and May, early signs of rising heat have already begun to surface across the state. Daytime temperatures are gradually climbing, and afternoons are turning noticeably warmer, signalling the seasonal transition from winter to pre-summer conditions.  The dry air and clear skies are further intensifying the heat during the day, even as mornings remain relatively mild in some pockets. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), most regions recorded maximum temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with little to no rainfall, indicating the steady onset of warmer and predominantly dry weather across Maharashtra. Highest and Lowest temperatures recorded in Maharashtra Amravati emerged as the hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius with 50 per cent humidity. Solapur followed at 34.4 degrees Celsius, Ratnagiri at 35.4 degrees Celsius, while the Thane Belapur Industrial Area recorded 34.0 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Ahilyanagar recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state, with the mercury dipping to 13.4 degrees Celsius. Mumbai records warm afternoon with moderate humidity In the Mumbai region, Colaba registered a maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent humidity. Santacruz recorded a maximum temperature of 33.6 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity stood at 45 per cent. Alibaug reported 32.7 degrees Celsius and relatively high humidity at 69 per cent. Mahabaleshwar experienced haze, with the maximum temperature settling at 26.0 degrees Celsius, as per the IMD data. Pune recorded a high of 31.9 degrees Celsius under clear skies, with easterly winds blowing at three knots. Nearby Baramati registered 31.1 degrees Celsius, while Satara reported 30.7 degrees Celsius with low humidity at 28 per cent. In Marathwada, stations including Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Parbhani, Jalna, Beed and Dharashiv recorded maximum temperatures ranging between 31 degrees Celsius and 32.8 degrees Celsius. Beed also reported a minimum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius. Western Maharashtra districts such as Sangli recorded 32.6 degrees Celsius, Kolhapur 31.0 degrees Celsius and Ahilyanagar 32.0 degrees Celsius, all under dry conditions. Hottest regions in Madhya Maharashtra and Vidarbha Parts of Madhya Maharashtra and Vidarbha continued to reel under warm conditions, with several districts recording high day temperatures. Ahilyanagar recorded a maximum temperature of 32.0 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to 13.4 degrees Celsius. In Vidarbha, Amravati emerged as one of the hotter locations, registering a high of 35.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 15.3 degrees Celsius. Bramhapuri also reported elevated temperatures, with the mercury touching 35.4 degrees Celsius and settling at a minimum of 15.6 degrees Celsius. Dahanu records humid conditions along Konkan coast Along the Konkan coast, Dahanu recorded 29.9 degrees Celsius with 71 per cent humidity, while Harnai reported 29.8 degrees Celsius along with thick haze and cirrus cloud cover. In northern Maharashtra, Nandurbar recorded 32.7 degrees Celsius and Jalgaon 33.3 degrees Celsius, with warm and humid conditions prevailing. AQI across Maharashtra Thane – 102Navi Mumbai – 118Mumbai-120Dhule – 128Jalgaon – 115Nanded – 136Sangli – 123Amravati – 122Akola – 94Nashik – 101Nagpur – 172Latur – 84Solapur – 100Kolhapur – 101 Delhi air quality worsens to 301 AQI in 'poor' category Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital deteriorated on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 301, placing it in the 'poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas of Delhi are now witnessing a layer of smog, raising concerns among residents, especially those with respiratory issues. Areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path recorded AQI readings of 355, while Bawana recorded 313. The AQI of Akshardham Temple reported 325, classified as 'very poor'. The minimum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 13.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius, with mist likely during the day.

11 February,2026 09:01 PM IST | Mumbai
Action has been taken against six teachers after students were found copying during the English exam, officials said. Representational Pic/File

HSC board exams: Six teachers suspended after students found copying in Jalna

As many as six teachers who were serving as invigilators at Class 12 exam centres in Jalna district were suspended after some students were found copying during the ongoing Maharashtra HSC board exams, officials said. Action has been taken against six teachers after students were found copying during the English exam, they said. The incident occurred on Tuesday during the English examination conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in Ambad tehsil, reported the PTI. Education Officer (Secondary) Balu Kharat said the flying squad carried out a surprise inspection at exam centres in Rohilagad, Ankushnagar and Shahgad. During the inspection, several students were found copying. The squad took immediate action against the students involved. Officials said that all six teachers belonged to different educational institutions. Kharat instructed their institutions to suspend them for dereliction of duty during the examination. He added that action was also initiated against the teachers due to negligence in supervising the students. Strict measures to ensure fair exams The Maharashtra education authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining discipline during board examinations. This latest incident is being seen as a warning to both students and invigilators to strictly follow exam rules. 42 caught cheating on Day 1 of Maharashtra HSC exam Forty-two malpractice cases were reported across Maharashtra during the Std XII English board examination held on Tuesday, February 10. The incidents occurred during the morning session across several divisions, according to the State Education Board. Amravati recorded the highest number, 22, followed by Pune, 10. Nashik reported four cases, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar three, Latur two, and Nagpur one. No cases were reported from the Mumbai, Kolhapur and Konkan divisions, indicating strict supervision and effective vigilance, officials said. State board officials said district-level vigilance committees were monitoring exam centres and warned of strict action, including cancellation of centre recognition, against those found encouraging or indulging in malpractice. The Board has urged students, parents, and schools to cooperate and maintain the integrity of the examination process. Copy-free day in Mumbai The Mumbai division, covering Mumbai City, suburbs, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, reported a copy-free Day 1 of the 2026 board exams, said Mumbai Divisional Chairperson Rajendra Ahire. “Exams began on time, and there were no administrative issues, including with question papers or answer booklets,” he said. (with PTI inputs)

11 February,2026 08:27 PM IST | Jalna | mid-day online correspondent
The National Centre for Seismology reported that the epicentre was near Khaparal village. Representational Pic/File

Mild earthquake in parts of Nanded, no damage reported

Several villages in Maharashtra’s Nanded district felt a mild tremor on Wednesday afternoon, officials said, adding that no damage was reported in the incident. The quake, measuring 3.0 on the Richter Scale, was felt at around 3:25 pm in parts of Nanded's Mukhed tehsil, including Hibbett, Kolgaon, Dhamangaon, Motarga, Dhanaj and Jamkhed, reported the PTI. The National Centre for Seismology reported that the epicentre was near Khaparal village. The Mukhed Tehsildar confirmed that no loss of life or property has been reported so far. The district administration has issued an advisory urging people to stay calm and remain alert. District Collector Rahul Kardile appealed to citizens not to panic. He advised residents living in houses with tin-sheet roofs to remove stones placed on rooftops for support. Instead, he suggested that the sheets be properly secured with bolts to prevent displacement in case of further tremors, according to the PTI. What residents should do during a tremor? The collector also urged people to step outside into open areas immediately if they experience similar tremors or hear unusual sounds. Residents have been advised to report such incidents to the district administration by contacting the District Emergency Helpline. Earthquake of 4.3 Magnitude Strikes Bay of Bengal Meanwhile, in an another incident, a moderate earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale was recorded in the Bay of Bengal early on Wednesday morning, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said, reported the ANI. The tremor struck at 05:12 IST on 11 February, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located at 14.94°N latitude and 90.18°E longitude, the news agency reported. The NCS shared the details in an update on X, stating, “EQ of M: 4.3, On: 11/02/2026 05:12:41 IST, Lat: 14.94 N, Long: 90.18 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal.” Earlier, in December last year, a similar tremor measuring 4.4 magnitude was also recorded in the Bay of Bengal. That quake occurred at 11:48 IST and was at a shallow depth of about 15 kilometres, with the epicentre located at 12.59°N and 92.34°E, according to the ANI. (with PTI and ANI inputs)

11 February,2026 07:59 PM IST | Nanded | mid-day online correspondent
30 Thane transport workers to continue services due to pending legal dispute. File Pic

Thane Court orders TMTU to continue services of 30 workers facing termination

In a major relief for 30 contract workers, the Thane Industrial Court in Maharashtra has directed the Thane Municipal Transport Undertaking (TMTU) to continue their services, reported the PTI. The court observed that an employer cannot unilaterally change service conditions while a legal dispute is pending. The ruling was delivered on February 2 by Industrial Court member SZ Sonbhadre, though the detailed order became available on Wednesday. The decision came in response to a complaint filed by the Maharashtra Municipal Kamgar Union (MMKU), which challenged the termination notice issued to the workers. Union challenges termination notice The dispute began after TMTU issued a notice on January 27, 2026, informing workers engaged in cleaning and sweeping at bus depots that their services would no longer be required after February 1. The union argued that the move was unfair and illegal, especially since a related case seeking permanency benefits for these workers is already pending before the Industrial Tribunal. TMTU defended its action by stating that the workers were hired through a contractor, Arya Enterprises, and that the contractor’s agreement expired on January 31. Therefore, according to TMTU, the complaint was not maintainable. However, the court found inconsistencies in TMTU’s stand. It noted that while the original tender was for the appointment of 11 workers, as many as 31 workers were actually engaged. “The respondent (TMTU) is not coming with clean hands before the court and is hiding the information from the Court,” the order stated as per PTI reports.  The court further observed that the employer was not justified in terminating the services of the workers under these circumstances. Termination termed ‘unfair labour practice’ Invoking Section 33 of the Industrial Disputes Act — which requires maintaining the status quo during pending proceedings — the court held that the termination amounted to unfair labour practice. “The action on the part of the respondent, in effecting termination of service of the workmen, amounts to unfair labour practice,” the court said as per PTI reports. The court has directed TMTU to continue the services of the 30 workers either as temporary employees or through an agency while the complaint remains pending. However, it clarified that this interim relief does not grant the workers any automatic right to claim direct or permanent employment with TMTU. The final outcome will depend on the decision in the ongoing legal proceedings. The order brings temporary relief to the workers while the broader dispute over their employment status continues. (With PTI Inputs)

11 February,2026 07:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla. File Pic

Budget Sessions 2026: Opposition’s removal move against Om Birla faces errors

The notice submitted by opposition MPs to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from office was found to contain several errors, according to Lok Sabha sources on Wednesday as per PTI reports. A total of 118 opposition MPs had signed the notice, which was submitted to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh on Tuesday afternoon. However, officials later identified four instances where incorrect dates had been mentioned. These errors could have led to the notice being rejected under parliamentary rules. To prevent this, Birla directed the Lok Sabha Secretariat to correct the mistakes instead of dismissing the notice. “Birla ordered prompt action as per the rules,” a functionary said. After the errors were pointed out, opposition leaders withdrew the original notice and submitted a revised version with the corrected dates later the same day. Sources said the revised notice will now undergo a quick review as per the established procedures. The motion is expected to be listed after the second phase of the Budget session begins on March 9. Speaker to step aside from chair Lok Sabha Secretariat officials said that Om Birla has decided not to preside over the House while the no-confidence motion against him is under consideration. Officials described this as a step taken to uphold “the highest standards of morality.” The motion seeking his removal is likely to be taken up on March 9, when the House reconvenes after the recess to discuss budgetary proposals. Why was the motion moved? Opposition parties initiated the process on Tuesday, accusing Birla of acting in a “blatantly partisan” manner while conducting House proceedings. They have urged him to step aside from the Speaker’s chair until the matter is resolved. The notice was submitted under Article 94C of the Constitution by Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, chief whip K. Suresh, and whip Mohamed Jawed. It was filed on behalf of several opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the DMK. What the Constitution says Article 94C of the Constitution deals with the procedure for removing the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Under Article 96, the Speaker has the right to defend himself or herself in the House when such a motion is taken up. The Speaker is allowed to cast a vote when the motion for removal is discussed. However, he or she cannot vote in the event of a tie. (With PTI Inputs)

11 February,2026 07:14 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
India strengthens medical devices sector amid rising exports and investment. Representational Image

India's medical devices industry to reach USD 50.1 billion by 2030: Report

India's medical devices industry is projected to reach USD 50.1 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 26.9 per cent from the current valuation of USD 15.2 billion in 2025, said a report by Rubix Industry Insights on Wednesday. Currently, India ranks the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia and among the top 20 globally. According to the report, growth is being propelled by government initiatives such as National Medical Devices Policy (NMDP), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Scheme for Promotion of Medical Devices Parks, and MedTech Mitra. The study assumes greater significance in the light of the Union Budget-FY27's renewed focus on bio-pharma research in the country. The report highlights that rising income levels, expanding health insurance penetration, increasing healthcare infrastructure and the growth of medical tourism, are boosting demand for both affordable mass-use devices and advanced solutions for specialised care. Medical devices exports have reached USD 4.1 billion in FY25 with the government targeting to raise India's global market share from 1.6 percent to around 12 percent in the coming years. The US and Germany are the key export destinations, while the US and China are major import sources. The study shows that despite strong export performance, the sector remains largely import-dependent, with 70-80 percent of domestic demand being met through imports, particularly for technologically-advanced devices. As compared to exports, imports were more than double at an estimated USD 8.6 billion, growing at a 7.1 percent CAGR over the same period. The report highlighted that India's export strength is in consumables, which accounted for nearly 47 percent of exports between April-September FY25, and shows India's strengths in cost-efficient manufacturing, scale production, and price competitiveness in low- to mid-technology products. In contrast, the report says, electro-medical equipment accounted for nearly 60 percent of imports, driven by India's continued reliance on advanced, technology-intensive devices. The domestic manufacturing base consists of approximately 800 medical device manufacturers in a broad but fragmented industry landscape. The report reveals that the average deal size for PE/VC funding has increased nearly 2.5 times from USD 56 million in 2022 to USD 137 million in 2024. Four states, namely UP, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka are playing a critical role in strengthening the industry by enabling shared infrastructure, skilled manpower, and supplier networks, particularly for small and mid-sized manufacturers, according to the report.  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 07:13 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Students revise for the English exam as they enter the Podar College examination centre in Matunga on Tuesday. PIC/Ashish Raje

42 caught cheating on Day 1 of HSC exam

Forty-two malpractice cases were reported across Maharashtra during the Std XII English board examination held on Tuesday, February 10. The incidents occurred during the morning session across several divisions, according to the State Education Board. Amravati recorded the highest number, 22, followed by Pune, 10. Nashik reported four cases, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar three, Latur two, and Nagpur one. No cases were reported from the Mumbai, Kolhapur and Konkan divisions, indicating strict supervision and effective vigilance, officials said. State board officials said district-level vigilance committees were monitoring exam centres and warned of strict action, including cancellation of centre recognition, against those found encouraging or indulging in malpractice. The Board has urged students, parents, and schools to cooperate and maintain the integrity of the examination process. Copy-free day in Mumbai The Mumbai division, covering Mumbai City, suburbs, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, reported a copy-free Day 1 of the 2026 board exams, said Mumbai Divisional Chairperson Rajendra Ahire. “Exams began on time, and there were no administrative issues, including with question papers or answer booklets,” he said. 22No of cases (highest) in Amravati - Inputs by Aditi Alurkar

11 February,2026 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
Representational Image

Railways urges commuters to switch to the newly launched RailOne platform

In order to ensure uninterrupted service, Indian Railways has advised commuters to switch to the recently launched RailOne platform. Railways said that the UTSonMobile (UTS) app will be phased out starting March 1.  There is no need for new registrations as passengers can log in to RailOne using their current IRCTC or UTS login credentials.  RailOne enables passengers to book reserved, unreserved and platform tickets using multiple payment options including UPI, cards, net banking and R-Wallet. 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 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. File Pic

Budget Session 2026: Rijiju calls Rahul Gandhi’s Lok Sabha speech ‘full of lies’

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his speech in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget debate, calling it “full of lies.” The minister said the ruling alliance plans to move to expunge the statements made by Gandhi from the House records. Rijiju said ruling alliance members will serve a notice to the Speaker seeking verification of Gandhi’s speech. “We will demand expunging of whatever lies Rahul Gandhi has spoken,” he told reporters as per PTI reports. Although Gandhi promised to authenticate his statements, Rijiju doubted it and claimed the the LoP lied in the House saying, “I know he cannot authenticate them because he lied. He lied in the House.” Habit of leaving after making claims The minister also accused Gandhi of deliberately lying and then leaving the House instead of listening to ministers’ replies. “After his speech, he immediately went out of the House. The rule is that once a member delivers his speech, he cannot leave the House immediately,” Rijiju noted. He added that it was unfortunate that the country does not have a leader of opposition with a serious approach befitting the position. Rijiju further added that LoP Rahul Gandhi made a major allegation against Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri without giving prior notice, calling it a serious breach of privilege. “The leader of the opposition did not make any useful substantive contribution to the budget discussion but only made some wild allegations,” the minister claimed. Rijiju emphasized that the party intends to counter Gandhi’s statements outside the House but will take official action inside. LoP Gandhi’s allegations During his speech, Rahul Gandhi claimed that the government had “sold Bharat Mata” through the India-US interim trade deal, calling it a “wholesale surrender” that compromised India’s energy security and farmers’ interests. Responding to this, Rijiju said, “No one can sell or buy India, no one can think of that.” He also highlighted India’s economic progress, noting that in 2011–12 the country was considered one of the fragile five economies, but today it is the fourth largest economy and is poised to become the third largest in the world. (With PTI Inputs)

11 February,2026 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
UP CM Yogi Adityanath. FILE PIC

UP govt to present biggest budget in history of state today: Deputy CM

The Uttar Pradesh government will present the biggest budget in the history of the state today, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said. Speaking to ANI, he said the budget aims to improve the standard of living for women, youth, farmers, and the poor. "This is the biggest budget in terms of figures in the history of the state. It will strengthen the state's infrastructure, accelerate development, and improve basic services such as water, electricity, roads, schools, and hospitals. The most important thing is that this budget will prove to be a milestone in raising the standard of living of women, youth, farmers and the poor, that is, the common man, and will be a budget that will fulfil the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India," Pathak said. "We are going to strengthen the health sector a lot. From primary level to tertiary care, from tertiary care, we are now moving towards quaternary care," the Deputy CM added. Slamming the Samajwadi Party (SP), Pathak said it left UP in a backward state, but under the BJP government, the state has become a destination for investment. "The opposition has nothing to say. The Samajwadi Party left this state as a BIMARU state (an acronym for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh). Today, Uttar Pradesh has become a better destination in terms of investment and a state which has increased the per capita income, and we are a Revenue Plus State," Pathak said. Meanwhile, describing the focus areas of the budget, UP Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said, "Our particular focus areas have been there from the beginning. Whether it's women, youth, farmers, students, the working class, or the underprivileged, they have been given special focus. The opposition has no issues, no constructive approach. They oppose just for the sake of opposing." State minister Jayveer Singh hailed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that since 2017, the state has taken a "giant leap" in terms of the size of the budget. "Ever since the BJP government came to power in 2017 under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has taken a giant leap in terms of budget size, public welfare, and development, and the result of that is that under strong law and order, we have succeeded in implementing the enhanced budget size and arrangements on the ground. Investors from the country and the world now want to invest in Uttar Pradesh. The budget is dedicated to traders, youth, farmers, everyone, and it will be an excellent, all-encompassing budget, with prospects of it being even larger in size this time," Singh said. The Budget Session, which began on February 9, will run till February 20. The state budget for the 2026-27 financial year will be presented today. 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 04:47 PM IST | Lucknow | ANI
LoP Rahul Gandhi. Pic/PTI

'Anil Ambani named in Epstein files; why has he not been jailed?' Rahul Gandhi

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday questioned why industrialist Anil Ambani was not in jail, alleging that his name appears in documents linked to the Epstein case. Speaking during a debate in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that Ambani’s name figured in what he referred to as the “Epstein Files.” He also brought up Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri during his remarks. “There is a businessman Anil Ambani, I want to ask why is he not in jail? The reason is that his name is in the Epstein Files. I would also like to ask Hardeep Puri, who introduced him to Epstein. I know who introduced him, and Hardeep Puri knows who introduced him,” Gandhi said in the House as per ANI reports. Pressure on Prime Minister After his speech on the Union Budget, Gandhi repeated his claims while speaking to reporters in Delhi. He said he would authenticate the data and referred to what he described as Department of Justice files naming certain individuals. “I have said that I will authenticate the data. There are Department of Justice files on Epstein files naming Hardeep Puri and Anil Ambani,” he told reporters as per ANI reports. Gandhi further alleged that in an ongoing case related to the Adani Group, summons had been issued but the Government of India had not responded for 18 months. He claimed there was “direct pressure on the Prime Minister.” “The main thing is that no PM would do this in a normal situation… Someone would do this only when there is a certain grip on them,” he said, linking his remarks to issues such as data, farmers, energy security and defence. Government rejects earlier Epstein related claims Earlier this year, on January 31, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly rejected references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel in an email said to be part of the Epstein-related documents. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the claims, calling them baseless and trashy. “Beyond the fact of the Prime Minister's official visit to Israel in July 2017, the rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt,” Jaiswal said. (With ANI Inputs)

11 February,2026 03:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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