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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)

New Financial Year - Five Tips

As the new financial year 2026-2027 begins, it is the perfect time to reassess your financial goals and make smart decisions to build a strong foundation for the year ahead. The following five strategies can help you take better control of your financial future.


Whenever I talk about investments below, I mean a combination of mutual funds, direct stocks, and gold. These are essential for beating inflation and achieving your long-term goals, especially those beyond three years. For short-term goals, you can stick to bank fixed deposits and recurring deposits.


1. Increase your SIPs

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to invest. If you have not increased your SIP contributions in the last 12 months, or after a recent salary increase, promotion, or job change, now is a good time to review and increase them. Your SIPs should ideally account for at least 30% of your monthly in-hand income. Consistent investment habits help you manage current expenses while building long-term wealth. It is important that your investments not only beat inflation, but also help maintain and improve your standard of living over time.


2. Make lumpsum investments

If you have excess funds that you will not need for the next three years, consider making lumpsum investments. Idle money gradually loses value because of inflation, so it is important to put surplus funds to work wisely. Beyond SIPs, keep making lumpsum investments regularly whenever surplus money is available.


3. Health insurance

Health insurance is a critical component of any sound financial plan. To protect your savings and long-term financial goals, it is essential to buy personal, comprehensive health insurance that offers sufficient coverage and the necessary features. Do not rely only on your employer’s health insurance plan.


4. Term life insurance

Term life insurance is an essential product to provide financial security for your loved ones. If you do not already have a term plan, make it a priority to get one. If you do have one, assess whether your coverage is sufficient in relation to your income and financial goals, and increase it if needed. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to protect your family in case of an untimely death and ensure their financial stability.


5. Engage a financial advisor for comprehensive planning

If you have not yet worked with a financial advisor, the new financial year is a good time to start. A professional advisor can help you create a personalised plan by assessing your financial goals and covering various investments. A well-educated, full-time financial professional brings the necessary education, wisdom, experience, and expertise to help you achieve your financial goals.


By implementing these strategies at the beginning of the financial year, you can put yourself in a stronger position for financial success and long-term security.


(The writer is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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