The Times of India

Pilot Sumit 'Bunny' Kapur, 62, died in a charter plane crash in Baramati alongside Maharashtra's deputy chief minister. Remembered for his warmth and professional precision with 20,000 flight hours, Kapur was a respected examiner. His family, preparing for a wedding, mourns the loss of the 'heart' of their close-knit household.

A 27-year-old man, Omkar Shinde, has been arrested for allegedly murdering a college teacher, Alok Kumar Singh, during an altercation on a local train at Malad station. Shinde reportedly stabbed Singh with a pair of tongs after being shoved and having his hair pulled. He was apprehended five days after the incident, having been unaware of the victim's death.

Mumbai welcomes a bright and sunny Friday with pleasant temperatures around 28C. While yesterday's air quality was poor (AQI 157), today's clear skies offer a refreshing change. Expect comfortable humidity and gentle breezes, perfect for outdoor activities. The week ahead promises similar mild weather, ideal for enjoying the city.

Low visibility initiated a series of events leading to the Learjet crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. CCTV footage revealed the aircraft abruptly rolled left and descended near-vertically, suggesting a loss of control at low altitude. Pilots had no time for recovery, with potential causes including engine failure or control surface issues.

Pilot Shambhavi Pathak, 25, was among five killed in a Learjet crash in Baramati. Her residence in Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave was filled with grief as relatives and neighbours mourned the loss of the lively and dedicated pilot. Pathak, who had a distinguished aviation career, was preparing for her wedding.

Flight attendant Pinky Mali, who died in a plane crash with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, was cremated in Dadar. Her father and husband expressed deep hurt over the lack of communication from the airline and government, demanding a thorough investigation. Neighbours remembered Pinky and her husband as a warm couple.

Maharashtra's Balbharati textbooks, celebrating their Diamond Jubilee, continue to hold deep emotional and educational value for generations. Education Minister Dada Bhuse lauded the institution's adaptation from print to digital, its role in literacy, and its enduring relevance. The iconic logo and new official song were also highlighted during the Pune event, underscoring Balbharati's significant contribution to education in the state.

Maharashtra's pollution control board has expanded its 'Blue Category' for industries, adding eight new services supporting the circular economy. This move aims to simplify approvals and boost investment in vital environmental facilities like plastic and e-waste recycling. These units will now benefit from faster clearances and extended consent periods, accelerating green initiatives across the state.

Ajit Pawar's tragic death in a charter plane crash highlights critical gaps in India's aviation safety for VVIP travel. The incident exposes how urgency and political influence can strain safety margins in the non-scheduled aviation sector, particularly at smaller airfields. This event demands a reckoning with regulatory oversight and operational discipline.

Omkar Shinde, arrested for stabbing Alok Kumar Singh on a local train, was brought back to Malad station for a crime re-enactment. Police recovered the murder weapon, a pair of tongs, from Shinde. Statements from Singh's colleague and the station master are being recorded. Investigators are seeking other witnesses to build a strong case.

An aviation expert suggests the Baramati plane crash, which killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, might have been avoided with an instrument landing system. The pilot reportedly aborted the first landing attempt due to marginal visibility before the fatal second approach. Investigators are preserving evidence and awaiting black box data to determine the exact cause.

A flight attendant, Pinky Mali, tragically died in a plane crash, just days after expressing her desire to help underprivileged students enter the aviation field. Her family, devastated by the loss, is seeking answers about the accident. Pinky, who had a passion for aviation, had previously overcome personal challenges to pursue her career.