A twin‑seater Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed around 1:25 pm on July 9, 2025, near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, killing both pilots . The jet had taken off from the Suratgarh air base for a routine training mission. Debris, including human remains, was found scattered across the agricultural field, with thick black smoke reported. The IAF confirmed that no civilian properties were harmed and expressed condolences, stating a court of inquiry has been established to determine the cause . This marks the third Jaguar crash since March 2025, raising concerns about the aging fleet. (PC: PTI)  

‘Vatsala’, Asia’s oldest elephant, died on July 8, 2025, at the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh at over 100 years of age. Originally from Kerala, she had become a beloved figure at the reserve—leading elephant herds and acting as a grandmother to calves. Due to age-related ailments, including blindness and foot injuries, she was under regular veterinary care. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav paid heartfelt tribute, calling her the “silent guardian of our forests.” Vatsala’s last rites were conducted by forest officials, marking the end of a remarkable life that captivated generations of visitors and staff alike. (PC: The Hindu)

A five-month-old dog named Rocky saved 63 lives in Siyathi village, Himachal Pradesh, during a midnight landslide on June 26. Alerted by Rocky’s frantic barking amid heavy rain, owner Lalit Kumar discovered a wall crack and flooding. He immediately woke his family and rushed door-to-door to warn 22 nearby families. Just minutes later, a massive landslide buried several homes, but all residents escaped unharmed. Only a few structures remain standing. Rocky, who was later rescued himself, is being hailed as a hero. The affected villagers are now sheltering at Naina Devi temple, with government aid and local support pouring in. (PC: India Today)

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine sortie near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday. The crash, which left debris and human remains scattered in an agricultural field, marks the third Jaguar crash in five months. No civilian casualties were reported. A court of inquiry has been launched to determine the cause. Villagers heard a loud noise followed by flames and smoke. This is the fifth IAF aircraft crash in 2025. The ageing Jaguar fleet, despite ongoing upgrades, continues to raise safety concerns within defence circles. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the Vadodara bridge collapse in Gujarat that killed at least nine people. Taking to X, he offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. PM Modi announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund. The Gambhira-Mujpur bridge, linking Vadodara and Anand districts, collapsed during morning traffic, plunging several vehicles into the Mahisagar River. Rescue efforts continue as authorities probe the cause of the deadly infrastructure failure. (PC: X)

A nationwide Bharat Bandh on July 9, 2025, led by 10 central trade unions, disrupted public services in Kerala, Jharkhand, and Puducherry. Workers from sectors including banking, insurance, mining, postal, and transportation joined the strike, protesting the Union government’s alleged anti-worker policies and recent labour code reforms. Kerala saw major disruptions in transport, leaving families stranded at railway stations and airports. While the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) abstained, other unions supported a 17-point charter of demands. The Union Labour Ministry claimed over 213 unions chose not to participate. The strike aimed to highlight concerns over job security, social protection, and workers’ rights. (PC: The Hindu)

At least 9 people were killed after the Gambhira-Mujpur bridge in Gujarat’s Padra taluka collapsed on Wednesday morning, sending multiple vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River. The bridge, connecting Anand and Vadodara districts, gave way during peak traffic. Two trucks, a Bolero SUV, and a pickup van were on the bridge at the time. Eyewitnesses reported a loud cracking noise before the collapse. Rescue operations involving fire brigade teams, police, and locals saved 3 injured persons. Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a probe. Locals alleged the bridge had long been neglected despite warnings and safety concerns. (PC: NDTV)

A report by The Air Current says investigators probing the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad are focusing on possible misuse of the Boeing 787’s engine fuel control switches. These switches, used to start or shut down engines, may have been improperly moved mid-air, cutting off fuel and engine thrust. The switches are protected by locks to prevent accidental movement. Black box data hasn’t ruled out inadvertent or intentional switch-off. US aviation expert John Cox said the switches can't be bumped accidentally. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. Mechanical failure is not suspected so far. (PC: News18)

At least 9 people died and 6 were injured after the 900-metre-long Gambhira bridge collapsed into the Mahisagar River in Gujarat’s Vadodara district on Wednesday morning. The bridge, built in 1985, connected Anand and Vadodara. Four vehicles, including two trucks and two vans, plunged into the river. Rescue efforts are ongoing, involving local authorities, NDRF, and police. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered an investigation and dispatched technical experts. Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed the deaths and promised strict action. Traffic between Vadodara and Anand has been severely disrupted as visuals show the slab between two piers entirely collapsed. (PC: HT)

The Financial Action Task Force's latest report reveals terrorists purchased aluminium powder—integral to the deadly February 14, 2019 Pulwama IED that killed 40 CRPF personnel—via an e-commerce platform like Amazon . The FATF warns that such platforms and online payment tools are increasingly exploited for terror financing. In a related 2022 case, a lone attacker at Gorakhnath Temple funded his actions by transferring roughly ₹6.7 lakh through PayPal, using VPNs to conceal his tracks . FATF urges stricter regulation of e‑commerce, payment systems, and VPNs to prevent abuse by extremist networks. (PC: India Today)