The Times of India

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.

Arjun Tendulkar, engaged last August, has been traded from Mumbai Indians to Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. The all-rounder, who previously played for MI and Goa, will represent LSG this season. His fiance, Saaniya Chandhok, is from a prominent business family and a close friend of the Tendulkar family.

Indian teacher and artist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026 for her decade-long work empowering underprivileged children through art-based education. Her foundation has established over 800 learning centers, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant classrooms. Nagi's initiative also supports women's skill development, aiming for financial independence. The prize money will fund free vocational training.

Two garment workers tragically lost their lives and several others were injured following a steam machine explosion at a Ghatkopar factory. Police have registered a negligence case against the owner, alleging a lack of adequate safety measures and proper care for workers handling hazardous equipment. Investigations are ongoing to determine full responsibility for the fatal incident.

A Mumbai-based construction firm's directors and son are booked by the EOW for allegedly defrauding a businessman of Rs 5.15 crore. They are accused of falsely claiming development rights for a slum redevelopment project, hiding land disputes, and demanding additional funds before issuing a termination notice.

Mumbai Drum Day 2026, themed 'A Tapestry of Taal,' will showcase global percussionists and drum set artists on February 27th at St. Andrews Auditorium. Curated by Gino Banks, the event celebrates diverse rhythmic traditions and contemporary drumming. The festival promises electrifying performances, collaborations, and a grand finale, highlighting unity and the power of rhythm.

Railway Protection Force apprehended a self-styled 'Bengali baba' for illegally plastering promotional posters on trains and railway property. Mohammad Nazir Andari was caught with thousands of posters and confessed to using railway spaces for his business without authorization. An investigation is underway to nab his accomplices and examine financial dealings.

Maharashtra State Board is taking strong steps to stop cheating in upcoming SSC and HSC exams. Nearly seven lakh students will appear for these tests. The board is using CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and police escorts. Photocopy shops near exam centers will be closed. Supervisors will be held accountable if multiple students are caught copying.

Mumbai experienced a sudden and severe smog event, with air quality plummeting to 'moderate' and even 'severe' in localized areas. Reduced visibility hampered commutes, while experts attribute the phenomenon to tall buildings blocking natural winds and stagnant atmospheric conditions. Residents are facing health issues, forcing them to wear masks.

A language committee, led by Narendra Jadhav, has submitted its final report to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The report includes recommendations on the language formula and the introduction of AI and ICT from Classes 1 to 12. While language recommendations may be implemented next academic year, AI and ICT integration might take longer.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared Mumbai a gateway for climate finance to the Global South. The state aims to lead in climate action, attracting capital and innovation. Maharashtra plans to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity by 2030. The Mumbai Climate Week highlights efforts in urban resilience and sustainable development, fostering public-private partnerships for scalable solutions.

Parents of NIOS Business Studies students are alleging a significant portion of the exam paper was outside the syllabus, impacting performance. They claim questions were drawn from CBSE or earmarked for assignments, causing confusion. NIOS chairman Mishra stated innovative questioning is standard and suggested complaints should have been immediate.

Nearly 600 students at City International School face displacement as the management announced its closure after this academic year. Parents are scrambling for admissions, especially for Std X, due to subject combination challenges and high fees. The school cited financial and legal constraints, including an eviction notice and increased rent, as reasons for the abrupt shutdown.

Somaiya University's 'Afsana' festival brought the ancient tale of Raja Bhadrahari to life. The king, offered immortality, faced betrayal when the fruit passed from his queen to a courtesan. Ultimately, the courtesan's selflessness led Bhadrahari to renounce his throne, highlighting virtue in unexpected places and reviving oral traditions for a new generation.

Maharashtra's environment department has partnered with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages to collect and recycle PET bottles statewide. This first-of-its-kind MoU, signed during Mumbai Climate Week 2026, launches the Maha-rPET Campaign to establish organized post-consumer waste collection systems and promote circular economy objectives.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar demanded the civil aviation minister's resignation pending the Baramati air crash probe, alleging VSR Ventures, the charter company, is being protected due to political ties. He suggested potential political motives behind the accident, including party mergers. Supriya Sule also called for a transparent inquiry.