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)

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)