Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:07am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday India
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:59am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday International
Leaked audio verified by BBC Eye and forensic experts suggests former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina directly authorised lethal force against student protesters in July 2024. In the recording, Hasina says security forces should "shoot wherever they find [them]." Up to 1,400 people were killed, the UN reported. The audio is now key evidence in her trial for crimes against humanity, held in absentia. Hasina fled to India; her party denies wrongdoing. The massacre at Jatrabari, where 52 were killed, is under special tribunal review. Bangladesh is now led by interim PM Muhammad Yunus, with national elections on the horizon. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:56am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday India
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday India
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:37am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday India
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:05am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday International
At least 109 people have died and 161 remain missing in Kerr County, Texas, four days after catastrophic flash floods hit the state. Most victims were from Camp Mystic and nearby areas along the Guadalupe River. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the ongoing search using helicopters, drones, and over 250 emergency personnel. Volunteers described the devastation as “a nightmare,” while questions mount over early flood warnings. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania will visit affected areas Friday. Meanwhile, New Mexico faces its own emergency, with houses in Ruidoso washed away and swift water rescues underway following a 15-foot flood wave. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:02am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday Sports
On Wimbledon 2025 Day 10, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner aim for semi-final berths. Djokovic faces Italy's Flavio Cobolli as he chases a record 25th Grand Slam, warning against underestimating the 22nd seed. Swiatek, eyeing her best Wimbledon run, plays Liudmila Samsonova, riding momentum and comfort on grass. Top seed Jannik Sinner, though battling an elbow injury, takes on 10th seed Ben Shelton, who seeks his first Wimbledon semi-final. Sinner advanced after Grigor Dimitrov’s retirement but remains uncertain about his fitness. All matches are crucial as The Championships move toward a thrilling climax at the All England Club. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday Tech Today
Indian-American tech veteran Sabih Khan has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple Inc., succeeding Jeff Williams later this month. Born in Moradabad, India, and raised in Singapore, Khan has been with Apple since 1995 and played a pivotal role in building its global supply chain. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan as a “brilliant strategist” and credited him for reducing Apple’s carbon footprint by over 60%. Currently Apple’s VP of Operations, Khan also leads initiatives to improve supplier responsibility and product quality. Williams will oversee design and Apple Watch teams until his retirement later this year. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:55am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday India
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)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:52am on 09 Jul 2025,Wednesday International
US President Donald Trump has warned Indian-origin Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani to "behave" if he wins the New York mayoral race, after Mamdani vowed to arrest Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. Citing the ICC warrant against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, Mamdani's pledge sparked backlash. Trump labeled Mamdani a "communist" and accused him of "anti-Jewish" rhetoric. "He better behave… or he’s going to have big problems," Trump said before a private dinner with Netanyahu. The Israeli PM dismissed the threat, calling it “silly” and said he planned to visit New York with Trump. (PC: NDTV)