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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Bhujbal’s chopper lands in Pune parking lot

Mumbai : In what is suspected to be a breach of aviation protocols, a chartered helicopter ferrying Food & Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal from Mumbai to Pune skipped a designated helipad and landed in a vehicle parking lot almost a km away.   The shocker happened in Purandar taluka, where Bhujbal was slated to attend a function marking the 200 th  birth anniversary of the social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in his home village Khanwadi.   As crowds of bewildered people watched...

Bhujbal’s chopper lands in Pune parking lot

Mumbai : In what is suspected to be a breach of aviation protocols, a chartered helicopter ferrying Food & Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal from Mumbai to Pune skipped a designated helipad and landed in a vehicle parking lot almost a km away.   The shocker happened in Purandar taluka, where Bhujbal was slated to attend a function marking the 200 th  birth anniversary of the social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in his home village Khanwadi.   As crowds of bewildered people watched from around the sprawling parking lot, the helicopter appeared to drop speed in its flight, flew over some overhead high-tension electric cables, and descended gingerly into the parking lot - raising a thick dust-storm in which it disappeared for seconds - before touching the ground.   Moments later, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) senior leader Bhujbal and others stepped out of the chopper, looked around in the unfamiliar territory before several vehicles and police teams rushed there. Minutes before there was chaos and confusion with some locals shouting warnings at the ‘wrong landing’.   Eyewitnesses said that the chopper’s powerful rotors created a thick dust storm and sparked alarm among the people in the vicinity, and many scrambled to the spot to check what exactly was going on in the parking lot.   Later, the Pune Police said that a designated helipad was available for the chopper landing but were at a loss to explain how the pilot missed it and veered off quite a distance away in the vehicle parking space. Subsequently, they asked the pilot to fly it to the correct landing spot.   Shaken and angry local NCP leaders questioned how a pilot flying a VIP on an official trip could mistake a parking lot for a helipad when the weather and visibility was clear. They demanded to know whether the helipad was improperly marked or it was a question of communication or sheer negligence.   The Pune Police indicated that they would report the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which may take action against the errant pilot and the helicopter company.   “There was no accident. We all emerged safely. The helicopter pilot landed wrongly in a parking lot because the helipad was not visible. All of us are fine and there is nothing to worry,” said Bhujbal, before he was whisked off by his security team.   “There are many faults in numerous airplanes and helicopters, including maintenance issues and other problems. That's why I keep saying consistently that VIPs must exercise caution while flying. Fortunately, an accident was averted today, but that doesn't mean the authorities should be negligent. We expect the government to take urgent precautions.” Rohit R. Pawar, MLA, NCP (SP)

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Future of Education

The birth of Artificial Intelligence is often compared to the birth of the Internet-an innovation that quietly entered our lives and gradually became inseparable from it. Decades ago, the Internet was a luxury; today, it is a necessity woven into our daily existence. Similarly, AI is not just another technological trend-it is steadily becoming an integral part of human life. Whether we consciously choose to use it or not, AI will continue to exist, evolve, and shape the way we learn, work, and think. Its presence is inevitable, and its impact on education is already profound.


India’s education system stands at a crucial turning point. Delivering quality education to millions of students across diverse regions, languages, and socio-economic backgrounds remains a significant challenge. Various assessments continue to highlight persistent learning gaps, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative and scalable solutions. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful catalyst for change.


The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a turning point for digital learning in India. Platforms such as DIKSHA, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp ensured continuity of education during school closures. Even in low-resource settings, mobile-based learning became a lifeline. This rapid digital shift not only exposed existing gaps but also laid a strong foundation for integrating AI into mainstream education.


Biggest Aspect

One of the most transformative aspects of AI is its ability to enable personalised learning. Every student learns differently, with unique strengths, weaknesses, and pace. AI systems can analyse student performance in real time and adapt content accordingly. AI-powered tutors guide students through their individual learning journeys, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and stay engaged. AI is equally empowering for teachers. Educators often face heavy administrative workloads that limit their teaching time. AI tools assist in lesson planning, grading, and performance analysis, reducing routine burdens.


This allows teachers to focus more on meaningful classroom interaction, creativity, and student engagement-ultimately enhancing the quality of education. Assessment methods are also being redefined through AI. Unlike traditional exams that provide delayed feedback, AI-driven systems offer instant insights into student performance.


They help identify learning gaps early and enable timely intervention. For example, AI tools can assess reading skills by analysing pronunciation, speed, and comprehension, making evaluation more accurate and effective. Beyond the classroom, AI plays a significant role in educational governance and administration. Through advanced data analytics, authorities can monitor school performance, student attendance, and dropout trends. This data-driven approach enables better decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and targeted interventions.


Driving Inclusivity

AI is also driving inclusivity in education. Assistive technologies support students with disabilities, while multilingual tools break language barriers, making learning accessible to a wider audience. Innovations like Virtual Reality further enrich the learning experience by making it immersive and interactive, thereby enhancing student engagement and understanding.


However, the integration of AI in education is not without challenges. Limited digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, lack of internet access, and concerns around data privacy must be addressed. It is important to recognize that AI is not a replacement for teachers but a powerful tool to support and empower them.


With thoughtful implementation, continuous teacher training, and responsible use, AI has the potential to revolutionize education. It can make learning more personalized, inclusive, and effective, ensuring that no student is left behind. Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological advancement-it is a transformative force. Just as the Internet became an inseparable part of human life, AI too is on the path to becoming a defining element of our future. Embracing it wisely today will shape a smarter, more equitable education system for tomorrow.


(The writer is Principal of Podar International School, Ausa, Latur. Views personal.)

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