Tragic Jet Crash Devastates Dhaka School
On July 21, a Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into Milestone College in Dhaka, claiming 27 lives, mostly students, in the nation’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The F-7 BGI jet lost control shortly after takeoff, smashing into the school during class hours. Over 100 people were injured, with survivors rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Firefighters and volunteers worked tirelessly amid the wreckage, while students protested, demanding transparency on the death toll. Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as blood donors rallied outside hospitals. The crash has sparked grief and questions about aviation safety, leaving a community in mourning.
Indian Air Force Bids Farewell to MiG-21s
The Indian Air Force is retiring its MiG-21 Bison jets this September, ending a 62-year legacy that began in 1963. Known as the “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes, these jets were pivotal in wars like the 1965 and 1971 conflicts with Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The 23 Squadron, dubbed the Panthers, will hold a ceremonial send-off in Chandigarh. Replacing them is the homegrown Tejas Mk1A, a modern fighter signaling India’s push for self-reliance. The MiG-21’s storied yet troubled history, including the Balakot mission flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, marks the end of an era for India’s skies.
Apache Helicopters Land in India
The Indian Army welcomed its first batch of Apache attack helicopters, a game-changer for its combat strength. Arriving after a 15-month delay, these US-made AH-64E Apaches will be stationed in Jodhpur. Equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Longbow radar, they excel in precision strikes while staying hidden from enemies. The $600 million deal, signed in 2020, adds six Apaches to the Army’s arsenal, following 22 for the Air Force. The Army hailed this as a “milestone moment” on X, boosting capabilities in a tense region. This move, fast-tracked after talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US officials, strengthens India’s military edge.
Tax Relief for India’s Small Taxpayers
Small taxpayers in India may soon breathe easier, thanks to a proposed change in the Income-Tax Bill, 2025. The Lok Sabha’s Select Committee recommends scrapping a rule forcing those below the taxable income threshold to file returns just to claim refunds from tax deducted at source (TDS). This rule burdened low-income groups like pensioners and temporary workers, risking penalties or prosecution for non-filing. By removing this clause, the Committee aims to ease compliance and ensure fairness, especially for those with minimal taxable income. Presented on July 21 by Chairperson Baijayant Panda, the reform reflects a push for a simpler, taxpayer-friendly system, aligning with broader efforts to reduce administrative stress.
Gita Gopinath’s Return to Academia
Indian-origin economist Gita Gopinath will leave her role as the IMF’s First Deputy Managing Director in August to resume teaching at Harvard. Gopinath, who joined the IMF as Chief Economist in 2018, called her tenure a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. Born in Kolkata, she earned degrees from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi School of Economics, and Princeton before joining Harvard in 2005. Her work shaped global economic policy, including the IMF’s “Pandemic Paper” during COVID-19. A trailblazer, she advised Kerala’s government and co-directed programs at the NBER. Married to Iqbal Singh Dhaliwal, Gopinath is a US citizen with OCI status. Her return to academia will focus on advancing research in international finance.
ChatGPT Challenges Google’s Search Throne
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is shaking up the internet, handling over 2.5 billion daily prompt requests, a leap from 1 billion last December. With only 330 million prompts from the US, its global reach is undeniable. While Google’s 15 billion daily searches still dominate, ChatGPT’s rise as an AI-powered alternative is turning heads. OpenAI’s new AI agents for premium users tackle complex tasks, boosting its appeal. With GPT 5.0 slated for 2025, OpenAI is closing the gap. Meanwhile, Google is countering with its Gemini AI integration. This news roundup highlights how AI is reshaping how we seek answers online, with ChatGPT leading the charge for a smarter, faster future.
Bollywood’s Bold New Talk Show
Kajol and Twinkle Khanna are teaming up for Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, a fiery talk show on Prime Video. Announced on July 22, the show promises unfiltered chats with Bollywood’s biggest stars. Akshay Kumar, Twinkle’s husband, quipped on Instagram, “Already scared just seeing you two together!” Fans are buzzing, hoping to see Akshay and Ajay Devgn roasted in the first episode. Produced by Banijay Asia, it’s set to rival shows like Koffee with Karan. Kajol’s next film, Sarzameen, hits JioCinema on July 25, while Akshay’s Jolly LLB 3 arrives in cinemas on September 19. This news roundup wouldn’t be complete without this spicy Bollywood venture
