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)  

A massive Bharat Bandh has been called for July 9, 2025 by 10 central trade unions and farmer groups, with around 25 crore workers expected to participate . Major disruptions are anticipated in banking, postal services, coal mining, factories, power supply, and state transport, as public-sector employees join the strike . Though schools and private offices will largely remain open, parents are advised to assess safety . Rail services are expected to continue, but potential delays and security measures around stations may occur . Citizens are urged to plan ahead and watch local updates. (PC: ANI)

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has delivered its preliminary findings on the June 12 crash of Air India Flight 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner—to the Civil Aviation Ministry, roughly 30 days post-incident . The probe is concentrating on the engine fuel control switches, based on data from flight and cockpit voice recorders . Though it’s unclear if the report will be public, under ICAO rules the AAIB had until July 11 to submit it . Further analyses and a final report are expected in coming months as experts dig deeper into the factors behind the tragic crash that claimed 260 lives. (PC: Reuters)

A vigilant mountain dog in Siyathi village, Mandi district, barked incessantly around midnight on June 30, waking homeowner Narendra just as the hillside began cracking and water seeped in . Recognizing imminent danger, he alerted neighbours, helping 67 residents from 20 families escape seconds before a landslide obliterated nearly a dozen homes . Survivors now take refuge at Naina Devi temple, coping with anxiety and health issues, while the Himachal government provides ₹10,000 relief per family . Since June 20, monsoon disasters in the state have claimed 78 lives, closed 280 roads in Mandi, and prompted flash flood alerts. (PC: India Today)