The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the maximum and minimum temperatures in Mumbai to be around 32 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to the Sameer app, the city’s air quality index (AQI) on Thursday stands at 85, which falls in the “satisfactory” category. Sensitive individuals may experience minor breathing discomfort under these conditions. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex – 97 Borivali East – 97 Byculla – 66 Andheri East – 95 Chembur – 84 Colaba – 65 Deonar – 110 Ghatkopar – 105 Kandivali East – 103 Kandivali West – 77 Malad West – 95 Mazgaon – 77 Mulund West – 69 In the surrounding areas, Thane records an AQI of 86, Kalyan 96, and Navi Mumbai 90. The overall air quality shows slight improvement compared to earlier this week. Maharashtra sees mostly warm weather, maximum temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius Maharashtra is expected to experience mostly warm conditions on Thursday, with maximum temperatures ranging from the mid-26 degrees Celsius to low 32 degrees Celsius across the state, according to the latest report from the IMD. In the Mumbai region, Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 28.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19.7 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz saw slightly higher readings with a maximum of 31.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18.1 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the suburbs and nearby cities remained relatively moderate, with Malegaon reporting 27.4 degrees Celsius, and Nasik registering 29.0 degrees Celsius. Western and coastal regions recorded slightly lower maximums. Mahabaleshwar reported 26.8 degrees Celsius, Ratnagiri 30.0 degrees Celsius, and Dahanu 27.1 degrees Celsius. Other parts of the state, including Sangli and Sholapur, experienced warmer conditions, with both cities recording maximum temperatures of 32.6 degrees Celsius. Udgir and Jeur also recorded highs above 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures stayed mostly in the teens, with the coldest readings noted in Malegaon at 12.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Nasik at 13.2 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Harnai and Kolhapur recorded slightly higher minimums at 21.2 degrees Celsius and 19.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. The overall weather indicates stable, warm conditions across Maharashtra, with minor variations compared to normal readings. Relative humidity ranged from around 0.3 per cent in Mumbai-Colaba to 5.9 per cent in Satara, contributing to generally pleasant early morning conditions across the state.
29 January,2026 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) has expressed deep anguish over the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, describing him as the unquestioned “Dada” of the state’s politics and lamenting that his era has ended far too early, reported news agency IANS. Loss compared to Mahajan, Munde, Deshmukh and R.R. Patil In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led camp said Pawar’s demise was comparable to the untimely loss of towering leaders such as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and R.R. Patil, reported IANS. “It feels as though Marathi politics has once again fallen victim to an evil eye. Maharashtra has lost a strong, capable leader,” the editorial stated, reflecting the shock within political circles. Editorial recalls Pawar’s discipline and results-driven governance The write-up portrayed Pawar as a forthright and results-driven administrator who believed in discipline, punctuality and cleanliness. According to the editorial, empty assurances were alien to his working style, as he preferred delivering outcomes rather than making promises. ‘Protective shield’ for followers, says Saamana The Sena (UBT) said his absence would leave state politics “bland, sluggish and without direction,” noting that Pawar served as a protective shield for thousands of followers who now feel suddenly unmoored, reported IANS. From Sharad Pawar’s nephew to an independent political force Highlighting his decisive governance, the editorial recalled Pawar’s “dashing” persona and his ability to push the administrative machinery into action. While he entered politics as Sharad Pawar’s nephew, it said he soon forged an independent identity marked by relentless movement and tireless touring. In a tragic irony, it added, his final journey was towards Baramati — the place closest to his heart. Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. (With inputs from IANS)
29 January,2026 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAjit Pawar’s last day at the Mantralaya followed a familiar rhythm of duty and decision-making. According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DCMO), Ajit Pawar spent nearly seven hours at Mantralaya on Tuesday, chairing back-to-back meetings that included a police review, a state revenue review, the cabinet meeting, and discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama, Pawar arrived at Mantralaya at 8.10 am. A senior aide from the DCMO said Pawar was particular about punctuality and discipline. “Sir has been particular about punctuality and timing for his work. I was here to greet him in his office and assist with his work as he was in and out of review meetings and the cabinet meeting,” the official said. Deserted corridors at Mantralaya on Wednesday, as officials left for Baramati following the news of Ajit Pawar’s death Pawar chaired a police briefing between 9 am and 9.30 am, followed by a detailed review of revenue collection across the state from 9.30 am to 11 am.On Wednesday, the atmosphere at the DCMO office on the sixth floor of Mantralaya was starkly different. The usually busy corridor stood deserted, with most officials having left for Baramati after news of Pawar’s death broke. Only a handful of staff remained behind, sitting quietly in a small room, watching the news unfold on television. Pointing to a stack of files lying on a table, official said, “Sir had a hectic, as usual, day yesterday [Tuesday]. These were the last bunch of files he studied and approved. We just now pulled them out to see what our day was like yesterday.” “We feel very sad and nostalgic,” the official added, tearing up and then breaking down in his office chair. Pawar signed over 30 files on Tuesday, according to information shared by the DCMO with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon. Pointing to the top-most file on the pile with Ajit Pawar’s signature at the bottom of the first page, an official said, “We discussed how this one is likely the file he signed on. He wanted to review this issue and had asked for it at his official residence when he was leaving. It now has his signature.” Pawar approved a significant amount authorising the release of salaries of Ashram school teachers pending for six months, the DCMO told mid-day, adding that it is Rs 350 crore. When asked for details about the final issue that received his stamp of approval, the official said in tears, “For you this is your work, but for me, I have lost my boss, who we looked up to and loved. This is a shock, and we are grieving. You can pursue decisions and information about work another day.” At the end of Wednesday, the file was sent to the finance department, from where funds are to be released, an official confirmed late on Wednesday. Pawar left from Mantralaya for Devgiri, his official residence, at 3 pm on Tuesday, after meeting with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “We did not expect today [Wednesday] to unfold this way. It should have been another day of work, as was routine,” one of the officials added. Pawar was scheduled to attend three rallies in Baramati and was then scheduled to leave for Pune. He was expected to return to his office in Mantralaya on February 9.
29 January,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSAs Maharashtra mourns the sudden loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, memories of the leader extend far beyond politics and power. From journalists and civic activists to labour representatives, people across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad remember him not only as a formidable administrator, but as a man marked by candour, warmth and an unmistakable personal connect. Here are some of those memories, as shared with mid-day. Remembering Ajit Dada Manav Kamble, president, Nagrik Haq Suraksha Samiti “The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar in the Baramati plane crash on January 28 is an immeasurable loss. A dynamic and charismatic leader, he remained active in public life for nearly 35 years and created history by serving as deputy chief minister six times. Known for his efficiency, administrative grip, fearless candour and unmatched political acumen, Ajit Dada earned respect even from political opponents. He balanced authority with warmth. He was firm when required, yet deeply affectionate towards party workers and citizens alike. His sudden departure has created a vacuum in Maharashtra politics that will be extremely difficult to fill. On behalf of the Nagrik Haq Suraksha Samiti, we offer our heartfelt tribute to the memories of Ajit Dada Pawar.” Dr Raghunath Kuchik, Bharatiya Kamgar Sena “Ajit Dada often criticised Shiv Sena policies and made sharp political remarks, sometimes even using satire, however, without harbouring any personal animosity. Despite political differences, he always maintained decorum and believed in dialogue. On many occasions, he set aside party lines to engage constructively on workers’ issues, participated in trade union discussions and extended meaningful cooperation. His sudden and accidental death is deeply unfortunate. His fearless, forthright and decisive style of leadership will always be remembered. On behalf of Maharashtra’s working community, we pay our heartfelt tribute to Ajit Dada Pawar.” Nandkumar Saturdekar, Senior journalist“The tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is an extremely sorrowful incident. With his deep knowledge of every corner of Maharashtra, firm control over the administration, a mischievous yet forthright nature, and sharp political acumen, Ajit Pawar ruled the hearts of Pimpri-Chinchwad and the state for nearly 34 years. I would like to share an incident that perfectly reflects Ajit Dada’s affectionate personality and his trademark blunt honesty. During the tenure of the Congress-NCP alliance government, former Pimpri-Chinchwad mayor and senior NCP leader Azam Pansare was considering joining the Congress. To reassure him, the NCP appointed him chairman of the Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee. When Pansare visited Mantralaya to formally take charge and thank Ajit Pawar, senior journalist Uddhav Bhadsalkar, and I accompanied him but waited outside his office. Ajit Dada asked who had come with him. When our names were mentioned, he immediately sent word through the staff asking us to come inside. As we entered, he smiled and said, ‘Journalist friends, is our relationship really so distant that you travelled all this way and chose to wait outside?’ I replied, ‘Dada, whenever you visit the city, you meet us. We thought you might want a private conversation.’ He laughed and said, ‘For me, inside or outside, it’s all the same.’ He then began signing files. In complete silence, he cleared an entire stack within five minutes. To lighten the moment, I said, ‘Dada, you disposed of so many files so quickly.’ He burst into laughter and said, ‘We’ve got such a Chief Minister that even his hand freezes while signing files. He’s always scared.’ Then, touching his head, he added with a grin, ‘I shouldn’t say such things, but somehow the words just slip out.’ That honesty, humour and spontaneity remain unforgettable.”
29 January,2026 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalThree Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates were elected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) 227-member general body on January 16. With the leadership in the NCP in immediate lurch due to the demise of Deputy Chief Minister and party chief Ajit Pawar, the newly elected representatives are now left looking to other party leaders for guidance and advice, steadfast that they have support from the party, and willing to continue supporting their party in turn. The NCP faction led by Ajit decided to break away from the Mahayuti alliance — its partner in the BJP-ruled government in Maharashtra — and contest the BMC elections alone. Subsequently, three candidates from NCP were elected to the BMC’s general body — Ayesha Khan from ward number 96; Sayeeda Khan from ward number 168; and Bushra Nadeem Malik from ward 170. In contrast, the Mahayuti Alliance secured 118 seats in the polls. With news of Pawar’s demise, most members from the NCP leadership, party workers, and all elected representatives decided to travel to Baramati to be there for the Pawar family, and pay their respects. Speaking with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon, Ayesha Khan said, “I am travelling to Baramati with my family. All of us have decided to go, and there is no question otherwise. I offer my condolences to the family, and I will stand strong with my party.” When asked about how she views her future with the party, especially as an elected representative in BMC, she said, “There is no question about this.” Saeeda Khan remained unavailable for comment, and an aide of Bushra Khan told mid-day that she was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, with support and grief pouring in from across party lines, a senior state leader from NCP said, “Dada is irreplaceable. This party is part of his legacy. But now is our time to grieve.” Rakhee Jadhav, former group leader in BMC from the undivided NCP in 2017, who switched to the BJP ahead of the recent BMC elections and was elected for yet another tenure, said, “I am travelling with other party members and leaders to Baramati. We will reach tonight (Wednesday). Even though I’m in a different party now, Dada is a figure I deeply respect. I learnt a lot from his leadership… like punctuality, putting your people’s needs first, and how to approach work. His work ethic has left a deep mark on me. These kinds of ties transcend our day-to-day politics.” ThreeNo. of NCP corporators in BMC
29 January,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSThe political equations in Maharashtra are likely to shift significantly following the demise of Ajit Pawar, and attention has now turned to the future of the NCP and the fate of the all-powerful finance portfolio. The immediate questions before the ruling Mahayuti alliance are twofold: who will lead the NCP faction once headed by Ajit Pawar, and whether the finance portfolio will remain with the party. For the NCP (Ajit Pawar), three options appear open. The party can continue independently with new leadership, either from Pawar’s family or among its senior leaders, while remaining part of the BJP-led government. The second option is political reunification with the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar. While no formal discussions have begun, political observers say the finance portfolio will inevitably become a key point of negotiation in the days ahead. During the formation of the Mahayuti government comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen to retain the finance department. However, Ajit Pawar’s faction strongly asserted its claim, and after intense negotiations, the portfolio remained with the NCP. In a post-Ajit Pawar scenario, many in political circles believe the BJP may continue its alliance with the NCP faction and even allow it to retain the deputy chief minister’s post, but may prefer to bring the finance department back under its control. If that happens, the portfolio could either be handled directly by Chief Minister Fadnavis or be allocated to a senior BJP minister nominated by him.The only exception would be if the NCP insists on retaining the finance ministry as a condition for staying in the alliance. In that case, the party could project former finance minister Dilip Walse Patil as a candidate. Another possibility could emerge if the two NCP factions reunite. Under such a scenario, senior leader Jayant Patil could be considered for the portfolio. Both Walse Patil and Jayant Patil have previously handled the finance department and are widely regarded as experienced administrators with deep knowledge of state finances. The third option is that the NCP remains split, with senior leaders taking over but since the next elections are far away the chances the chances of that happening are bleak.
29 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarUddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said political differences never came in the way of their personal equation. Thackeray said the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) chief’s decision to take a different path did not strain their relationship, and that he had lost a strong leader and an outstanding colleague. Raj Thackeray, MNS chief ‘Ajit Pawar’s departure marks the loss of an outstanding and capable leader for Maharashtra, remembered as remarkably straightforward, free of caste bias, and firmly in command of administration.’ Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister remembered Ajit Pawar as a mass leader with a deep grassroots connect, saying his death was a personal and irreparable loss that had left him “deeply distressed”. “I am numb and at a loss for words.”’ Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister said Ajit Pawar’s demise was a great loss to the state, describing him as a studious, courageous, and disciplined leader with a strong command over administration. “He was like an elder brother and one who never hesitated to say no to schemes that would burden the state exchequer.” Sharad Pawar, NCP-SP founder said Maharashtra has lost one of the most efficient leaders. “This is an irreparable loss. The plane crash is purely an accident, and I urge people not to politicise this issue.” Supriya Sule, NCP-SP leader and cousin of Ajit Pawar broke down in tears while meeting family members in Baramati. “Devastated”, she said in a one-word post on her social media handle.
29 January,2026 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShambhav Pathak, the co-pilot of chartered aircraft VT-SSK that crashed at Baramati on Wednesday, was among the five people killed. With around 1500 flying hours and a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, Pathak had graduated from the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) in 2022. Faculty members at BFC remembered her as a calm, composed, and disciplined student. Kavita Parab, HOD and senior executive at BFC, told mid-day, “She was one of those students who knew how to manage her life well. Despite having a primary job, she never missed exams and always maintained discipline to excel in every area.” Pathak had joined BFC during her second year of BSc studies at Mumbai University and began direct practical and theoretical flight training. She stood out as a high-performing student, scoring a GPA of 9.93 out of 10. “That itself shows how dedicated she was to aviation,” a faculty member said. The crash occurred at around 8.45 am when the VSR Ventures-operated Bombardier Learjet 45, VT-SSK, attempted to land at the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati Airport. Air Traffic Control personnel witnessed the aircraft going up in flames after impact. According to information released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the five people on board were Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapoor, Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, cabin attendant Pinky Mali, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Mumbai PSO HC Vidit Jadhav. The impact and the subsequent fire claimed all five lives. Second crash VT-SSK was a 16-year-old aircraft and one of seven Learjet 45 aircraft owned by the operator. This is the second aircraft from the operator’s fleet to be involved in an accident in the last five years. The earlier incident involved aircraft VT-DBL, which met with an accident while landing at Mumbai airport. The investigation is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). According to the preliminary report, the incident occurred on September 14, 2023. “At 113133 UTC, the crew had runway in sight, and they decided to land on Runway 27. The aircraft continuously drifted right of the Runway 27 and moved towards Apron C. About 40 seconds after the autopilot was disconnected, a Stick Shaker alert sounded in the cockpit, accompanied by a Stall warning. Thereafter, EGPWS warnings were generated, and the aircraft crash-landed at the shoulder of the intersection of Taxiway W and Taxiway N. As a result, the aircraft’s fuselage broke into two pieces and skidded, finally coming to a stop near the intersection of Taxiway U and Taxiway N on an unpaved area near stand C80,” the report stated. Baramati airport . Uncontrolled airfield: No operating ATC tower; pilots are responsible for safety, maintaining separation, and coordinating traffic.. Runway: Single runway (11/29), 1770 metres long and 30 metres wide, with turning pads at both ends. Advisory tower: Flight advisories are provided by senior pilots from an adjacent aviation academy due to the absence of a full ATC facility 8.45 amTime of the accident
29 January,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur“Baramati may be my birthplace, but Pimpri-Chinchwad is my karmabhoomi,” Ajit Pawar often said and he lived by those words. The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune district Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday has left Pimpri-Chinchwad numb with grief. For the industrial township he helped build and nurture for over three decades, the loss feels intensely personal. Across the twin cities, residents speak of a deep sense of emptiness. Many say the city feels orphaned — such was the emotional and administrative bond Pawar shared with Pimpri-Chinchwad. Discipline and vision Having covered the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) beat for over two decades, one thing stands out clearly: no leader understood the city’s pulse quite like Pawar. During the recent civic elections, he spent nearly a month in the city, campaigning relentlessly. For journalists covering him, there was one unwritten rule: arrive early. Pawar was never late, not once. During the campaign, he even hosted an informal interaction with journalists in Pimpri. Smiling, he opened the session by saying, “Ask anything. I won’t get angry.” The room burst into laughter. True to his word, he answered every question candidly and calmly, earning respect across the media fraternity.He usually arrived in the city early in the morning, for meetings, inspections, inaugurations or surprise site visits. His command over administration was firm, his expectations clear. Officials knew that delays, excuses, and poor execution would not be tolerated. Political roots Pawar’s political journey is deeply intertwined with Pimpri-Chinchwad. In 1991, he contested his first Lok Sabha election from the Baramati constituency, which at the time included the twin city. His victory marked the beginning of a long association that would shape local politics for decades.Under his leadership, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ruled the PCMC uninterrupted for 15 years, a period that came to define the city’s transformation. Pawar approached urban development with foresight, preparing long-term plans by studying the city’s future population, industrial growth and infrastructure needs. Planned growth, infra He began by identifying core civic problems and addressing them systematically. Road connectivity, public transport, alternative traffic corridors, water supply, and sewage systems were all planned with precision. Importantly, he ensured that rapid urbanisation did not come at the cost of environmental balance. As the guardian minister and later as deputy chief minister and finance minister, Pawar ensured consistent financial support for Pimpri-Chinchwad. His political influence helped the PCMC secure central funding without bureaucratic hurdles. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the city received nearly '2600 crore, accelerating projects related to roads, bus transport, solid waste management, water supply, sewerage systems and slum rehabilitation. Landmark projects Several defining projects were initiated under Pawar’s guidance: . Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre on 200 acres at Moshi. Central Business District on 33 acres along the Mumbai-Pune National Highway. Science Park, now a symbol of the city’s educational ambitions. Expansion and modernisation of roads, flyovers, grade separators and railway overbridges. Development of public gardens and civic spaces. Strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, which later helped the city record one of the lowest mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic Technology-driven Ajit Pawar strongly encouraged the adoption of technology in civic administration. The e-Suvidha platform allowed citizens to pay taxes and utility bills online, improving transparency and efficiency. Social welfare schemes flourished under his watch. Affordable housing for the urban poor, the Nigdi Otta Scheme, improved health services, and upgraded civic amenities became hallmarks of PCMC governance. Women empowerment remained a major focus. Self-help groups received interest-free loans of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. Sewing machines were distributed, and training programmes in driving and computer skills were launched to promote financial independence. Schemes were also introduced for workers, students, sportspersons and senior citizens, ensuring inclusive growth. The Sarthi helpline started by PCMC later became a model replicated across the state. No compromise on quality Ajit Pawar’s punctuality was legendary, but equally notable was his insistence on quality. He planned with the next 50 years in mind. Cleanliness, discipline and aesthetics were non-negotiable. He personally inspected projects, preferred on-site inaugurations and rarely abandoned any work midway. Officials recall how he would arrive in the city at dawn to review projects, keeping the administration constantly alert. As a result, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s development was not just rapid; it was structured, durable and future-ready. Just as he loved Baramati, Ajit Pawar loved Pimpri-Chinchwad deeply. That affection translated into lasting institutions, modern infrastructure and a civic culture rooted in discipline and efficiency. His recent citizen outreach meetings in the city had drawn an overwhelming public response, a reminder of the connection he never lost with the people. 1991Year Ajit Pawar first contested Lok Sabha polls from Baramati 15No. of yrs NCP ruled PCMC
29 January,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalWith the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who held the crucial Finance portfolio, the Maharashtra government now faces a major challenge ahead of the state legislature’s budget session scheduled to begin on February 23. Handling the Finance Department at short notice is considered a complex task, especially with the budget process already underway. Senior officials and political observers say Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis may temporarily take charge of the portfolio, and could even present the state budget himself. Last year, Ajit Pawar had presented the Mahayuti government’s budget, marking his 11th state budget, the second-highest number presented by any finance minister in Maharashtra’s history. While tabling the budget, Pawar had acknowledged that the state’s debt burden was rising but maintained that it remained within prescribed fiscal limits. According to official finance documents, Maharashtra’s total debt is projected to touch Rs 9.32 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26. In 2024-25, the actual debt stood at Rs 8.39 lakh crore, higher than the earlier estimate of Rs 7.8 lakh crore. Despite fiscal pressures, Pawar had announced that the government would not increase ready reckoner rates or introduce any major new taxes, citing concerns over burdening taxpayers and the common man. He had also assured that no cuts were made to development or infrastructure spending. However, with multiple new infrastructure projects lined up and revenue receipts under strain, officials admit that balancing the upcoming budget will be a difficult exercise. Given the circumstances, many within Mantralaya believe Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is the most viable option to take temporary charge of the Finance Department. Fadnavis has previously handled the portfolio and is familiar with the budget-making process. In the past, he had also authored a simplified booklet explaining the state budget in easy language, aimed at helping citizens understand complex financial terms and allocations. As the government prepares for the budget session amid political uncertainty and fiscal pressure, the responsibility of steering Maharashtra’s finances now rests heavily on the leadership’s next move. Rs 9.32 lakh croreAmount Maharashtra’s total debt is expected to reach in the financial year 2025–26
29 January,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarPost-mortem examinations of the two pilots who were operating the chartered aircraft that met with a fatal accident at Baramati airport have been completed, and their bodies have been released to their families for final rites, reported news agency PTI. The autopsies of pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak were carried out at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Hospital authorities said the mortal remains were handed over to family members after the procedures, reported PTI. Five killed as aircraft crash-lands near runway threshold The aircraft, which was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crash-landed near the runway threshold at around 8.45 am on Wednesday, killing all five people on board. Among those who lost their lives was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with his personal security officer, a flight attendant and the two pilots. DGCA confirms five occupants; cause of crash under probe According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the jet was carrying five occupants when it met with an accident during its landing attempt at Baramati airport. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the crash, reported PTI. IAF deploys ATC team, equipment to support emergency operations Meanwhile, acting on an urgent request from the Maharashtra government, the Indian Air Force deployed a team of Air Traffic Control personnel along with critical technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati. Defence officials said the team helped set up emergency ATC services, including communication and operational support, in coordination with the local administration. AAIB collects records from aircraft operator VSR Ventures As part of the ongoing investigation, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) visited the office of VSR Ventures Private Limited, the operator of the aircraft involved in the crash. Investigators were seen collecting multiple boxes of documents from the premises. These included airframe and engine logbooks, work orders, onboard documentation and major inspection records related to the aircraft. The probe team has also sought additional records from the DGCA concerning both the aircraft and its crew. Officials said radar data, CCTV footage, air traffic control recordings and hotline communications will be analysed as part of the detailed inquiry. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 09:03 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
