Kolkata’s all-electric water metro, Dheu (“wave” in Bengali), launched six months ago, is rapidly gaining popularity as a green and scenic river cruise. Operated by GRSE and supported by IIT‑Kharagpur-designed catamaran hulls, the “Dheu” offers two‑hour journeys between Millennium Park and iconic spots like Howrah Bridge, Bally Bridge, Dakshineswar, and Belur Math for ₹300 (AC) or ₹200 (non‑AC) . Its zero‑emission electric operation, spacious 92‑seat capacity, and gentle wake minimize environmental impact—ushering in sustainable urban mobility. Garnering Insta‑worthy attention and weekend traction, this sleek addition echoes Kochi’s water metro success while showcasing local innovation in eco‑tourism and clean public transport. (PC: X)  

The Indian government plans to bring the health insurance claims platform under the finance ministry and insurance regulator. This move aims to stop hospitals from overcharging patients, especially those with high insurance covers. A report shows healthcare costs in India are set to rise by 13% in 2025. The National Health Claims Exchange, now under the health ministry, may soon face stricter checks. Officials say this will help insurers bargain better and control costs. High treatment bills have made insurance more expensive, leading to fewer people renewing their policies. The government hopes this change will make healthcare more affordable. (PC: Reuters)

On July 9, 2025, a two‑seater Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district during a routine training sortie, killing Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh . Sindhu, 32, from Haryana’s Rohtak, had just become a father on June 10 and returned to duty June 30 . Eyewitnesses say one pilot bravely steered the stricken jet away from populated areas, likely saving lives on the ground . This marks the third Jaguar crash this year, prompting concerns over aircraft safety and prompting a court of inquiry. (Hindustan Times)  

The Supreme Court on July 10, 2025, declined to halt the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls ahead of Assembly elections. The Bench, while questioning the timing of the exercise in a poll-bound state, directed the EC to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid ID proofs to avoid disenfranchisement . It clarified that citizenship determination is the remit of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the EC . A supporting PIL urged nationwide implementation of such SIRs before elections to ensure voter accuracy and curb unlawful inclusion. (PC: ANI)

A major breakthrough occurred today, July 10, 2025, as Tamil Nadu’s ATS, aided by Karnataka police and central intelligence agencies, arrested Mohamed Sadiq “Tailor Raja” (48)—a key operative of the banned Al‑Umma and prime bomb‑supplier in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts—from Bijapur, Karnataka . He had been evading capture for 26 years. The February 14, 1998 attacks claimed 58 lives and injured over 200 while targeting BJP leader L.K. Advani’s rally . Raja is also implicated in multiple murders tied to the outfit. Notably, two other long‑absconding suspects were recently arrested, and investigations into remaining accused continue. Raja is being interrogated under judicial remand. (PC: The Hindu)  

Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, 32, was one of two Indian Air Force pilots killed in a Jaguar fighter jet crash near Churu, Rajasthan. The Haryana native had become a father on June 10 and rejoined duty on June 30. His wife, Dr. Surbhi Sindhu, was at her parental home in Hisar with their newborn when she received the tragic news. Lokender, a bright student from Rohtak, joined the IAF in 2011. The crash also claimed Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh. This marks the third Jaguar crash since March. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause. (PC: HT)

Maharashtra’s Food & Drugs Administration has suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen in Mumbai after a video showed Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping and punching a staffer, accusing him of serving “rotten” dal and rice . The FDA seized 16 food samples—including dal, paneer, chutneys and oils—and sent them for lab testing in Bandra. The licence remains suspended pending the 14-day investigation period under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Political leaders, including CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde, condemned the MLA’s conduct as misuse of power and urged swift administrative action. (PC: ANI)

On July 9, 2025, a section of the 43‑year‑old Gambhira Bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara district collapsed during a heavy‑rain spell. Multiple vehicles—including trucks, vans, and an autorickshaw—plunged into the river. Initial reports cited 9 fatalities and 5 injuries , while later updates confirmed 12 dead and 9 injured . Survivors described the bridge giving way "like a pack of cards," with local fishermen and NDRF teams aiding the rescue . The Gujarat Congress has criticized the state government, warning that the collapse was a “disaster waiting to happen” despite earlier concerns . An official probe was ordered, and PM Modi called the tragedy “deeply saddening,” offering condolences and announcing relief for victims’ families. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)        

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapped and punched a canteen staffer at a Maharashtra MLA hostel after being served “rotten” dal. The incident was caught on video and sparked public outrage. Gaikwad justified the assault, saying he felt sick after eating. The Food and Drug Administration cancelled the canteen’s licence after a poor hygiene report. Officials found dirty floors, uncovered food, reused oil, and dead flies in a butter pot. The MLA, from Eknath Shinde’s faction, said, “I am a warrior, not a Gandhian,” and claimed he had no regrets about the assault. (PC: NDTV)

A section of the Gambhira Bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara collapsed on Wednesday morning, killing 11 people and injuring six. Several vehicles, including trucks and vans, fell into the Mahisagar River. Rescue teams, including the NDRF and local authorities, are working at the site. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered an urgent probe into the collapse. The bridge, built in 1985, had undergone regular repairs. PM Modi expressed sadness over the incident and announced ₹2 lakh for families of the dead and ₹50,000 for the injured. Officials say a technical team is investigating the cause of the collapse. (PC: News18)