The Times of India

India's patent data reveals a concerning trend: higher education institutions are prioritizing patent filings over successful outcomes. While IITs and IISc show strong conversion rates, many private universities exhibit extremely low success rates, suggesting patents are being used for rankings rather than genuine innovation.

Powai police apprehended Anand Chaudhary, 23, at IIT-Powai. He allegedly kept five live cartridges in a BTech student's bag. Security officials discovered the bullets during a room check following a student dispute. Chaudhary had arrived from Bihar to meet his girlfriend. He was arrested and remanded in custody under the Arms Act. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive.

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has launched DigiYatra, nearly two months after commencing commercial operations. This integration allows for contactless and paperless passenger processing using facial recognition technology, aiming to reduce wait times. The inauguration was marked by passengers ceremonially using the DigiYatra e-gates.

Football players and coaches protested the conversion of a mud ground to artificial turf in Colaba, citing lack of consultation and potential for injuries. They claim the project, allegedly backed by local politicians, will reduce playing space and alter the natural field. Officials maintain all permissions are in place.

Gokul Dairy has raised the price of full cream buffalo milk by Rs 2 per litre to Rs 76, effective February 21. This price adjustment is attributed to a severe shortage of green fodder for milch animals, impacting fodder availability by approximately 10% in one month.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai has won a UNESCO Award of Merit. The 475-year-old structure was restored through community funding. The project cost approximately Rs 4.5 crore. The restoration revived a sixteenth-century building embodying Portuguese colonial architecture. Traditional craftsmanship was used to reinstate the interior as a living place of worship. The work took place from 2023-24.

Mumbai's 16th Pride March at August Kranti Maidan showcased a vibrant display of solidarity and a continued call for systemic change. Thousands gathered, demanding comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, horizontal reservation for transgender persons, and legal recognition of unions, emphasizing that full citizenship and belonging are still being claimed.

Following resident complaints about tremors during Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project test piling, civic officials and a VJTI professor monitored vibrations. Corrective measures, including specialized tools and support machinery, were suggested to contractor Larsen & Toubro. Readings showed minimal impact, and assurances were given about future precautions and mangrove replanting.

Aaditya Thackeray voiced support for architects opposing the Mahalaxmi Racecourse redevelopment, citing concerns over concretization and unnecessary facilities. Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora countered, expressing disappointment and highlighting the project's potential to create India's largest urban green zone with an underground sports complex.

In a significant political development, the BJP has secured the chairmanship of the BMC's powerful standing committee for the first time, with Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed. Rajeshree Shirwadkar also took charge as chairperson of the education committee. Meanwhile, the opposition has demanded a white paper on civic works from the past four years.

A 19-year-old unemployed youth was arrested for allegedly killing his acquaintance in Mumbai after an argument over speaking loudly on a video call. The accused beat the victim, Vipul Karamkar, and hit his head against the cement road, leading to his death. Both resided in the same locality.

Actor Ranveer Singh received extortion threats for Rs 20 crore from Harry Boxer, a Canada-based aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The FIR states Boxer left voice notes demanding the sum after Singh's manager ignored calls. Security around Singh has been increased, and a lookout circular is issued for Boxer.

Grammy winner Ricky Kej joined French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in Mumbai for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Kej, who travelled with the President on the presidential aircraft, shared insights on cultural exchange and soft power. The delegation also met with Bollywood personalities to discuss industry collaborations, highlighting a growing cultural dialogue between the nations.

Pubs and bars in cities like Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai are transforming into intellectual hubs, hosting expert-led lectures on diverse topics from neuroscience to financial literacy. Communities like Society of Intellectuals and Pint of View are leading this trend, turning nightlife into houghtlife with interactive sessions and engaging discussions.