Pioneer in short
AI Delhi-Vancouver Flight Diverts Midair
Air India faced another operational setback when its Delhi-Vancouver flight AI185 returned to Delhi after more than seven hours in the air on March 19. The Boeing 777-200 LR operating the flight lacked the necessary approvals for international operation, officials said, highlighting a procedural oversight in updating the airline's records. The aircraft turned back while crossing Chinese airspace. "All passengers and crew disembarked safely," Air India said in a statement. "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. Our ground teams in Delhi provided full assistance, including hotel accommodations, and the flight departed for Vancouver the following morning with all passengers on board." Sources noted the flight should have been operated with a Boeing 777-300 ER, which holds required international approvals. Aviation experts said precautionary returns, though rare, underscore the airline's prioritisation of passenger safety over schedules. This incident follows a previous mid-air return due to an aircraft approval issue, raising concerns about operational oversight as Air India expands its fleet and global routes. The airline has launched an internal review to prevent similar lapses.
Maharashtra consulting on UCC
The Maharashtra Government is holding consultations with multiple departments on a proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), after BJP MLC Parinay Fuke raised the issue in the State legislative council on Wednesday. Fuke, through a Calling Attention Motion, demanded legislation similar to Uttarakhand’s, promoting common laws for all citizens across religions. The council was informed that more time was needed to respond as consultations are underway with the law and judiciary, women and child development, and general administration departments. Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe said, “Since this issue is important, all departments should give a written reply within a month. If you don’t get a reply, tell the chairman or us, and we will hold a meeting.”
Man dies trapped in RG Kar hospital lift
A man in his early 40s died Friday after getting trapped in a lift at the State-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in north Kolkata. The victim had brought his four-year-old son for treatment when the elevator suddenly stopped functioning, allegedly without an operator present. His wife was at the trauma care unit at the time. Hospital officials said he was rescued while bleeding from the nose and taken to the emergency unit; a post-mortem will determine the exact cause of death. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, termed the incident “murder” and held Banerjee, Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam, and the hospital superintendent responsible. “I have documents with me… they intentionally killed (the man) using a lift that was being repaired,” he said.
