Workers strike against government’s economic reforms
More than 25 million workers across public services joined a nationwide strike against the Central government’s economic reforms on July 9.
Organised by 10 major trade unions and farmer groups, the Bharat Bandh protested against policies seen as pro-corporate and anti-worker.
The strike disrupted public services, halted coal mining in some states and delayed trains and banking operations.
IAF pilots killed as Jaguar crashes in Rajasthan
Two Indian Air Force pilots, Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, died in a Jaguar fighter crash near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district on July 9.
The twin-seater aircraft went down during a routine training sortie.
The Indian Air Force has ordered an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Both pilots were experienced officers.
Repairs underway on UK fighter jet stuck in Kerala
A 14-member team of engineers from the United Kingdom is carrying out repairs on a state-of-the-art British fighter jet that has been stuck at an airport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for more than three weeks.
The jet developed a technical fault and couldn’t return to the aircraft-carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
Its presence on Indian soil for over three weeks has drawn public attention and raised questions about the jet’s reliability. British officials say all efforts are being made to return the jet.
Tharoor says he tops Kerala CM candidate poll
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has topped a new pre-poll survey as the most preferred candidate for Kerala chief minister in the 2026 elections.
Conducted by Mumbai-based VoteVibe, the survey results were shared by Mr Tharoor on X and tagged to Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
His strained ties with the party central command have led to speculation that the Congress may not make him the chief minister if it wins the elections.
Congress state president Sunny Joseph downplayed the poll, saying leadership decisions are made post-election.
Railways brings new safety measures after 3 killed
Following the tragic death of three students in a school van at a railway crossing in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore, the Railways Ministry has announced 11 new safety measures.
These include CCTV with power backups, speed breakers and enhanced gate interlocking systems. Voice audits and construction of overpasses are also part of the plan.
The van had been struck by a train at the level crossing gate, which was allegedly open. A 15-day nationwide inspection drive has also been launched to assess and improve safety at railway crossings.
Sena MLA in viral video says he did nothing wrong
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, seen in a viral video punching a canteen worker in Maharashtra over allegedly bad food, says he has no regrets.
Mr Gaikwad claims the dal served was rotten and made him sick. He defended his actions by calling himself a “warrior” and citing his martial arts background. He said his repeated complaints about food quality were ignored.
The incident has triggered fresh debate over politicians’ behaviour and entitlement. Despite criticism, Mr Gaikwad remains unapologetic and says he did nothing wrong.
CBI takes custody of economic offender Monika Kapoor
Monika Kapoor, accused of a multi-crore export fraud in 1998, has been extradited from the United States by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after 25 years.
Monika, with her brothers, allegedly used fake documents to obtain government licenses for duty-free gold import. These were sold illegally, causing a Rs1.44 crore loss to the Indian exchequer.
She fled to the US in 1999 and was recently arrested there. Her firm, Monika Overseas, was central to the fraud. She is now in CBI custody and facing legal proceedings in India.
Alia Bhatt’s ex-assistant arrested for cheating
Alia Bhatt’s former assistant Vedika Shetty has been arrested for allegedly cheating the actress of Rs77 lakh.
Shetty worked with Ms Bhatt from 2021 to 2024 and handled her financial documents. She allegedly submitted fake bills, forged signatures and siphoned off money under the guise of travel and meeting expenses.
The fraud was discovered by Ms Bhatt’s mother, Soni Razdan, who filed a complaint in January. Police have registered a case for cheating and breach of trust.
Man beaten, forced to marry his aunt over an affair in Bihar
In Bihar’s Supaul district, a 24-year-old man named Mithlesh Kumar was beaten and forced to marry his aunt, Rita Devi, over an alleged affair.
He was abducted, assaulted and made to apply vermillion on her forehead in a public humiliation. His parents were also attacked when they tried to intervene.
A viral video of the incident shows the brutality. Police intervened after being alerted by locals.
Musk’s Starlink receives final regulatory nod for launch
Elon Musk’s Starlink has received final clearance from India’s space regulator IN-SPACe to begin operations in the country.
This five-year license follows an earlier nod from the telecom ministry. Starlink will become the third satellite provider to enter the Indian market after OneWeb and Reliance Jio.
The company aims to deliver high-speed internet in remote and rural areas. It had been waiting since 2022 for regulatory approvals. The launch is expected to boost internet access across the underserved regions of India.
