Air India Crash: Why Did Both Engines Fail?
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 onboard and 19 on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is racing to find answers, with a report due by 11 July. Air India pilots’ simulations point to dual engine failure as a likely cause. Tests ruled out landing gear or wing flap issues alone. The New York Times suggests fuel contamination or wrong flight settings might be to blame. The black box, including cockpit voice and flight data, is being studied in Delhi. Sabotage is also on the table. This is the first fatal Boeing 787 crash, raising tough questions about its safety record and what went wrong that day.
Bali Ferry Disaster: Lives Lost, Many Missing
A ferry tragedy struck near Bali on Wednesday night, leaving four dead and 38 missing. The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank in the Bali Strait, just 25 minutes after leaving East Java’s Ketapang port for Gilimanuk. Carrying 65 people—53 passengers, 12 crew, and 22 vehicles—the vessel hit trouble amid two-metre waves. Rescuers saved 23 survivors, but strong winds are slowing the search led by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. The ferry reported engine issues before sinking, though the full cause is unclear. All passengers were Indonesian, with no foreigners onboard. Indonesia’s frequent ferry accidents, often tied to poor safety standards, make this loss even more heartbreaking. Families wait anxiously as the search continues in rough seas.
RBI’s Loan Reform: No More Pre-Payment Fees
The Reserve Bank of India is shaking up lending rules. From 1 January 2026, banks and non-banking financial companies can’t charge pre-payment penalties on floating-rate loans for individuals and small businesses. This covers loans issued or renewed after that date. For smaller banks and mid-sized lenders, it applies to loans up to ₹50 lakh. Announced on 2 July 2025, the RBI’s move tackles unfair practices and borrower complaints. Lenders must now clearly outline pre-payment terms in agreements. For cash credit or overdraft accounts, no fees apply if borrowers give timely non-renewal notice. This change could save borrowers significant costs, making early loan repayments easier. It’s a big win for fairness in India’s financial system, and customers are already cheering the news.
Microsoft Cuts 9,000 Jobs in AI Overhaul
Microsoft announced 9,000 job cuts on 2 July 2025, slashing 4% of its 228,000-strong workforce. The layoffs hit sales, marketing, and the Xbox gaming unit, with the Perfect Dark reboot cancelled and its studio closed. This is Microsoft’s third cut this year, after 6,000 in May and 300 in June. The reason? A massive $80 billion push into AI infrastructure. The company wants to streamline operations and trim management layers. Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff is on an eight-week sabbatical, back in September. Kicking off Microsoft’s new fiscal year, these layoffs signal a bold shift toward AI dominance. While tough for employees, it’s a clear sign of where the tech giant is heading next.
Techie’s Startup Scam Sparks Outrage
Soham Parekh, an Indian software engineer, is in hot water after allegedly moonlighting at multiple US startups. On 2 July 2025, Mixpanel’s Suhail Doshi called him out on X, claiming Parekh worked at three to four Y Combinator-backed firms without disclosing it. Doshi, who fired Parekh in a week, said his CV, listing roles at Dynamo AI and others, was “90% fake.” CEOs from Lindy and Fleet AI echoed this, praising Parekh’s interview skills but slamming his lack of output. Parekh reportedly asked Doshi if he’d “sabotaged” his career. No statement yet from Parekh. The scandal has startups rethinking remote hiring trust. This news roundup shines a light on a growing debate about ethics in the tech world’s flexible work culture.
Intel’s CEO Plans Big Chip Strategy Shift
Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is eyeing a major shake-up, sources said on 2 July 2025. Tan, who started in March, may stop selling Intel’s 18A chip technology to outside clients, focusing instead on the advanced 14A process. This aims to lure giants like Apple and Nvidia from rival TSMC. The 18A process, used for Intel’s chips and deals with Amazon and Microsoft, could face a costly write-off if shelved. Intel’s board will debate this soon, though a decision might wait until autumn. After a $18.8 billion loss in 2024, Tan’s plan is a high-stakes bid to reclaim Intel’s edge. The chipmaker’s next moves could redefine its place in the global tech race.
Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood Star Triumph
Deepika Padukone made history on 2 July 2025 as the first Indian actress named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s 2026 Motion Pictures class. Announced via livestream by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, she joins stars like Emily Blunt and Timothée Chalamet. Her role in xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), plus global nods like TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2018) and the Ascendancy Award, sealed this honour, ratified on 25 June. While Sabu Dastagir got a star in 1960, Padukone is the first Indian actress to achieve this. Her milestone marks a proud moment for Indian cinema, showcasing her global influence. Fans are thrilled, and this cements her as a trailblazer.
Gill’s Century Powers India at Edgbaston
India’s Shubman Gill shone on 2 July 2025, scoring an unbeaten 114 to lift India to 310/5 on day one of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. England, up 1-0, chose to bowl first. Gill’s seventh Test century, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s 41 not out, built a key 99-run stand. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 87 added spark, with Karun Nair and Rishabh Pant contributing. England’s Chris Woakes took 2/59, but DRS calls frustrated their attack. India’s choice to rest Jasprit Bumrah for Akash Deep and make other changes stirred debate. England kept their XI unchanged. Part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship, this match is set for more thrills today. Cricket fans are buzzing after Gill’s masterclass.
