<h2>When sparks fly</h2>
A railway lineman uses a rail profile weld grinding machine, specialised equipment that reshapes tracks to their original form after welding work near<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-pedestrians-can-finally-use-sindoor-vikhroli-bridges-after-months-of-delay-23621114" rel="nofollow"> Vikhroli</a> railway station
<h2>Launch a splash in the sky</h2>
Who needs textbooks when you can use science to create wonder in the sky? World Water Day (March 22) at Nehru Science Centre was marked with a striking water rocket demonstration that blended science and learning. The activity transformed simple materials like PVC pipes, plastic bottles, water, and a pedal-operated air pump into a simple scientific lesson.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Science-talk_e.jpg" alt="Attendees engage and experiment with the rocket launcher (right) the water rocket launcher. Pics courtesy/Nehru science centre" width="1280" height="720" />Attendees engage and experiment with the rocket launcher (right) the water rocket launcher. Pics courtesy/Nehru science centre
During the demonstration, a plastic bottle was partially filled with water and tightly sealed to a nozzle connected to a PVC pipe setup. Air was then pumped using a pump, building pressure inside. When released, the compressed air forced the water out at high speed, creating thrust that propelled the rocket upwards.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/NSC-Yogesh_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
&ldquo;The water rocket serves as an educational tool to demonstrate scientific principles such as thrust, aerodynamics, and the property of water. It provides a practical and visual way to understand the basics of rocket propulsion while teaching the children the importance of water conservation,&rdquo; Yogesh Dudurkar (inset), education assistant from Nehru Science Centre told us.
<h2>Born to ride the waves</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Ride-waves_e.jpg" alt="Naavya Kaku at a previous windsurfing championship. Pics courtesy/@naavyakaku" width="1280" height="720" /> Naavya Kaku at a previous windsurfing championship. Pics courtesy/@naavyakaku
While most of us are still testing the waters, Naavya Kaku (below) is already riding the wave. The young windsurfer recently clinched a silver medal in the Under-19 IQ Foiling category, at the All India Windsurfing and<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sunday-mid-day/article/from-skateboarding-to-wfh-meet-these-mumbaikars-navigate-safely-around-mumbai-to-commute-to-work-23617734" rel="nofollow"> Kiteboarding </a>Championship in Goa, standing out as one of the youngest in the field. In conversation with this diarist, her mother Hetal Kaku said, &ldquo;She&rsquo;s preparing to go to Thailand as we speak, for the Asian Beach Games scheduled to take place by April-end.&rdquo;
<h2>No wagging tails in Santacruz</h2>
While uncertainty looms over a possible ceasefire in the West Asia conflict, the resultant LPG shortage closer to home has gone to the dogs, quite literally. The Kibo Project, a Santacruz and Raigad-based rescue and rehabilitation centre in has run out of LPG, leaving its resident dogs hungry.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Santacruz-cow_e.jpg" alt="Prageeyaa Khanna (right) The Kibo Project Farm Sanctuary, in Uddhar, Raigad.Pics courtesy/Kibo Project" width="1280" height="720" /> Prageeyaa Khanna (right) The Kibo Project Farm Sanctuary, in Uddhar, Raigad.Pics courtesy/Kibo Project
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been told a new cylinder might take three weeks to be delivered. How are we supposed to feed our recovering canines? The cooked chicken and rice meals were ideal for administering medicine to our dogs,&rdquo; rued founder Prageeyaa Khanna.&nbsp;
After team members pitched in with home-cooked meals for a week, the centre has now moved to packaged wet food, which is slowly burning a hole in their pockets. Those keen to help the team feed these streeties, can reach out to @thekiboproject.
<h2>Look ma! Fish in the auto</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Auto--fish_e.jpg" alt="Prabhakar Pawar displays the fish tanks in his vehicle (right) A blue Siamese fighting fish rests inside the tank. Pics courtesy/Prabhakar Pawar, istock" width="1280" height="720" /> Prabhakar Pawar displays the fish tanks in his vehicle (right) A blue Siamese fighting fish rests inside the tank. Pics courtesy/Prabhakar Pawar, istock
How far would you go for your love of pets? Prabhakar Pawar, a 57-year-old auto rickshaw driver from <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai-guide/things-to-do/article/mumbai-half-a-century-of-crunch-at-vile-parles-snack-haven-pankaj-farsan-23619707" rel="nofollow">Vile Parle</a>, has taken it a step further &mdash; transforming his vehicle into a mobile aquarium. His three-wheeler houses nine Siamese fighting fish, each kept separately and in striking colours, turning everyday rides into a visual delight for passengers.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Fighting-fish_e.jpg" alt="An orange-red Siamese fish" width="1280" height="720" /> An orange-red Siamese fish
&ldquo;Ever since I was six, I have loved fish; I have always had them since that age. The fish in my auto are all of different colours, similar to the colour of the rainbows.&rdquo; Pawar also let us in on an important tip; the species must be kept apart, as they can turn aggressive if housed together.

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Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

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