Fatal Complacency

Three aviation incidents at Baramati in seven months should be enough to make even the most complacent regulator nervous. Instead, the runway appears to have been allowed to deteriorate while promises of an upgrade gather dust. There is something profoundly disturbing about the latest aircraft incident at Baramati where the two pilots fortunately escaped unharmed. In January this year, a chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others had crashed near...

min read

Three aviation incidents at Baramati in seven months should be enough to make even the most complacent regulator nervous. Instead, the runway appears to have been allowed to deteriorate while promises of an upgrade gather dust. There is something profoundly disturbing about the latest aircraft incident at Baramati where the two pilots fortunately escaped unharmed. In January this year, a chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others had crashed near the Baramati airstrip owing to low visibility, killing everyone aboard. On May 13, another aircraft crash-landed near the airfield. Now, another trainer aircraft has run beyond the runway after two rejected take-offs. The incidents ought to have triggered a more muscular response than another round of assurances. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary findings that were conducted after the crash that killed Pawar make the situation considerably harder to explain away. The runway had last been re-carpeted in March 2016. Its markings had faded while loose gravel was lying on the surface. There was no dedicated meteorological facility and no in-house aircraft rescue and firefighting unit and boundary fencing was inadequate. Baramati airfield, where regular flying-training and non-scheduled operations take place, is essentially an uncontrolled aerodrome. The question is why the state of things continue to exist? The maddening part is the timing. After the death of Ajit Pawar, did nobody think to ask whether the airstrip was fit for the traffic it was handling? Did nobody think a runway whose markings had faded and whose surface contained loose gravel warranted immediate intervention? Why should an airfield wait for a final accident report before basic safety infrastructure becomes a priority? And where, precisely, is the regulator? The AAIB can investigate. It cannot regulate. That responsibility rests with the civil-aviation system, particularly the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is now being urged to ensure safety standards at uncontrolled airfields. But aviation safety cannot work on the principle that one agency investigates yesterday’s accident while another waits for tomorrow. The political irony is almost unbearable. Murlidhar Mohol is not merely Pune’s Lok Sabha MP; he is the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation. This is, quite literally, an aviation-safety problem in his political backyard and within his ministerial brief. The government says Baramati is now set for an upgrade. But infrastructure announcements are not safety measures until they are built, certified and operational. In India’s expanding aviation and developing regional air connectivity, there is an ugly contradiction in celebrating more airports while allowing existing airfields to acquire potholes, gravel and faded markings. Baramati has had its tragedy and two warnings since. The question is whether the government will act before the runway claims lives again.

Why Women Are Better Investors Than Men

Kaustubh Kale
Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2025

As the world celebrated International Women's Day, discussions centered around women's achievements in various fields—business, leadership, science, and beyond. But one area where women consistently outperform men, yet receive little recognition, is investing.

Despite money management often being seen as a male-dominated field, women have quietly and consistently proven to be better investors than men. With patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset, women naturally possess qualities that make them superior money managers.

A Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Wealth

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge, while Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth—two essential pillars of investing. The ability to manage wealth wisely stems from a deep understanding of financial principles, and this is where women excel. They take the time to learn, analyze, and make informed investment decisions rather than rushing into trends or speculation.

Why Women Make Better Investors

Several traits make women stand out as investors:

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Unlike men, who may be more prone to impulsive trading and get-rich-quick schemes, women tend to have a longer term mindset. Their ability to stay calm, especially during market fluctuations, leads to better returns over time.

Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women prioritize consistent savings and goal-based investing. This disciplined approach helps them build wealth steadily. Women naturally excel at budgeting, planning, and structuring investments to align with future goals, whether it’s children’s education, home buying, or retirement security. Their emotional connection with goals is what makes them stick to discipline.

Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Contrary to the stereotype, women are not afraid of risks—they are just more calculated about them, through appropriate asset allocation. Eventually, this approach ensures maximum returns with minimal risks.

Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women value education and expertise, making them more likely to seek guidance from a well-qualified financial advisor. Unlike men, who often overestimate their investing abilities, women approach financial decisions with a willingness to learn. Once they find a trusted expert, they follow sound advice instead of making emotional, short-term moves.

Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities are why many of the world’s leading financial institutions are now led by women. In India and abroad, we see prominent banks, asset management companies, and investment firms thriving under female leadership. Their ability to combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence makes them exceptional at managing money—both at a personal and professional level.

Final Thoughts

With their trust in expert advice and a strong focus on financial education, more women should embrace their strengths and take control of their financial futures!