On 16 July 2025, the Indian Army and DRDO successfully test-fired the Akash Prime missile system at an altitude exceeding 15,000 ft in Ladakh. The upgraded variant intercepted and destroyed two high‑speed unmanned aerial targets, showcasing its enhanced precision and reliability in tough high‑altitude conditions . Armed with an indigenously developed radio-frequency seeker and capable of engaging threats within a 20 km range, Akash Prime is set to form the 3rd and 4th regiments in India’s air-defence arsenal . The successful trial reinforces India's multi-layered air defence strategy, drawing lessons from its deployment during Operation Sindoor. (PC: NDTV)

On June 4, a tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. A status report submitted July 17 to the Karnataka High Court blamed Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their event-management partner DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association for organizing the parade “unilaterally and without permission” . The report highlighted absence of legal approvals, chaotic social-media invites—including a Virat Kohli video—poor crowd and gate control, unclear pass distribution, and lack of medical amenities . Despite existing police plans, organizers pressed ahead, triggering panic and the fatal stampede. Judicial and administrative probes, FIRs, arrests, and official suspensions are underway. (PC: The Hindu)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 14 premises — 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur and 2 in Mumbai — linked to the Chhangur Baba religious conversion case. The probe focuses on a ₹2 crore transfer from accused Naveen to Shehzad Sheikh. Sheikh’s homes in Bandra and Mahim were searched; he is being questioned. Chhangur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, is accused of running a mass religious conversion racket targeting Dalits and the poor. Co-accused Neetu and Naveen were arrested by the UP ATS. The ED is investigating allegations of money laundering and foreign funding, with Baba allegedly amassing assets worth ₹100 crore. (PC: India Today)

On July 17 in Patna, a Janata Dal (United) party leader was shot and killed by unidentified assailants in a targeted late-night attack, marking the second political murder in just four days . This follows the July 13 killing of BJP functionary Surendra Kewat, part of a disturbing spree of seven murders in ten days across Bihar . Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, are sharply criticizing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration over deteriorating law and order, labeling Bihar as the “crime capital” . Police have launched investigations and are on high alert ahead of upcoming state elections. (PC: News 18)        

In a shocking early-morning incident on July 17, five gunmen stormed Paras Hospital in Patna’s Raja Bazaar and fatally shot Chandan Mishra, a murder convict out on parole and admitted to the ICU for treatment . CCTV footage shows the assailants entering calmly, firing multiple rounds, and fleeing before law enforcement could respond . Police suspect a gang rivalry motive and have registered a case, launching a manhunt for the shooters . The incident has sparked public outrage over Bihar’s deteriorating law and order, with opposition leaders condemning the government and demanding accountability.  

Indore has been declared India’s cleanest city for the 8th consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 survey. The results were announced on Thursday, with Surat and Navi Mumbai securing the second and third spots. Noida was ranked cleanest in the 3-10 lakh population category, followed by Chandigarh and Mysore. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a New Delhi ceremony attended by Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal. In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow marked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s birthday with a citywide cleanliness drive led by Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and councillors to promote sanitation awareness. (PC: News18)

A preliminary investigation into the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad has centered on the actions of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. According to cockpit voice recordings, both engine fuel control switches were moved to the “cut‑off” position seconds after takeoff, with the first officer audibly questioning, “Why did you cut off?”, before the switches were re‑engaged within about 10–14 seconds—though too late to avert disaster . The AAIB’s initial report confirmed the switch movement but flagged no mechanical or maintenance faults . U.S. and U.K. aviation bodies are assisting, but investigators have not determined if the switch action was intentional, accidental, or electrically triggered . The full probe could take up to a year. (PC: The Hindu)  

Indian police have rescued Russian woman Nina Kutina and her two young daughters from a cave in Karnataka’s Gokarna forest. Kutina, 40, defended her cave life, claiming “nature gives good health” and her children were happy. Without valid documents, they now face deportation. Authorities say Kutina overstayed her Indian visa after years of travelling through Asia. Her Israeli ex-partner seeks custody of the girls. Kutina insists she wasn’t endangering her children, describing life in the forest as healthy and fulfilling. Police found her after spotting clothes drying outside the cave during a patrol to protect tourists. (PC: BBC)

Pilots' unions have raised objections after a Wall Street Journal report suggested the Air India captain played a key role in June’s Boeing 787 crash in the US by allegedly cutting fuel flow to the engines, citing cockpit recordings. The Indian government has urged the public not to rush to conclusions, stating that investigations are ongoing. "Final reports must be awaited before assigning blame," a senior official said. The incident forced a safety pause on Air India’s international flights. Pilot groups say speculative reports risk damaging reputations without full facts being established. (PC: India Today)

During a Congress workers’ rally at Chaygaon on July 16, 2025, Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of treating the state like his "kingdom" and transferring land to corporate giants like Adani and Ambani. Gandhi confidently predicted that Sarma would be imprisoned on corruption charges once Congress assumes power after the 2026 assembly elections—“neither Modi nor Amit Shah will be able to save him” . Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these claims, promising to rebuild homes destroyed in state eviction drives . In response, Sarma reminded Gandhi that he’s currently out on bail in multiple cases. (PC: Screengrab)