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)

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to release its preliminary report on the June 12 Air India Boeing 787 crash near Ahmedabad—dubbed Flight AI 171—likely by July 11, aligning with the 30‑day ICAO deadline . The crash claimed 260 lives (241 onboard, 19 on ground). Authorities recovered both black boxes intact and are analysing them alongside reconstructed wreckage at a secure site, with US NTSB and Boeing experts assisting . Early investigation is focusing on engine fuel-control switch movements as a potential factor . The report may offer critical insights into causes and safety protocols before the final findings. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi government has cancelled a ₹60 lakh tender meant for renovating Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official residence. The tender was issued by the Public Works Department for two bungalows on Raj Niwas Marg in Civil Lines. One bungalow was to be her home, and the other her camp office. The camp office was opened last week. The cancelled renovation plan included 14 air conditioners, TVs, and other electrical fittings. Officials said the tender was cancelled due to administrative reasons. The decision comes amid ongoing debates over government spending on official residences and use of public funds. (PC: PTI)

A section of the Gambhira Bridge connecting Vadodara and Anand in Gujarat collapsed on July 9, 2025, causing five vehicles—including trucks, vans, and an autorickshaw—to plunge into the Mahisagar River. At least nine people have died and nine more were rescued, officials confirmed . A viral video shows a distraught mother screaming, “My child is drowning in the water,” as bystanders scramble in vain . The nearly 900‑metre bridge, constructed in 1985, had previously been marked unsafe; a replacement had been approved months earlier. Rescue efforts continue with cranes and JCBs, while authorities have launched a technical investigation into the disaster .    

A video from July 9, 2025, near Virar station in Maharashtra captures a sharp confrontation between a migrant auto-rickshaw driver and a biker over a brief overtaking incident. The rickshaw driver, originally from another state, asserts loudly, "Main Hindi bolunga" ("I will speak Hindi"), refusing to use local Marathi. The biker angrily retorts, questioning why Marathi isn't being spoken in the area. The exchange reflects deeper tensions amid a series of recent language-related incidents in the state. Social media buzzed over the clip, reigniting debates on linguistic identity and regional pride. (PC: NDTV)