Gurugram Tennis Star’s Tragic End
In Gurugram, a shocking tragedy unfolded as 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, on July 10. The dispute? Her running a tennis academy. Deepak, humiliated by villagers’ taunts about living off her earnings, fired three bullets into her back while she cooked in their Sushant Lok home. Police arrested him after he confessed, citing pride and social pressure. Early reports suggested Radhika’s Instagram reels and a music video, “Karwaan,” sparked tensions, but police clarified the academy was the main issue. Radhika, a national-level athlete ranked 113 in ITF doubles, had shifted to coaching after a shoulder injury. Authorities are probing other angles, like a possible affair, but the sports community mourns a vibrant talent lost to a devastating family feud.
Gujarat Bridge Collapse Claims 19 Lives
A 40-year-old bridge over the Mahisagar river in Gujarat’s Vadodara collapsed on Wednesday, plunging vehicles into the river and killing 19 people. The death toll rose on Friday when an injured man, Narendrasinh Parmar, died in hospital. Two people remain missing, with rescue teams battling muddy terrain and soda ash in the water. A tanker carrying sulphuric acid adds risk to the operation, led by the NDRF and SDRF. Gujarat’s CM suspended four engineers after a preliminary report blamed pedestal and articulation issues. A detailed probe is due in 30 days. This marks Gujarat’s sixth major bridge collapse since 2021, including the 2022 Morbi disaster that killed 135. Locals joined rescuers, pulling trucks and two-wheelers from the river. The government’s now eyeing repairs for other ageing bridges statewide.
Chhangur Baba’s Conversion Scandal Uncovered
In Uttar Pradesh, Jamaluddin, alias Chhangur Baba, was arrested for allegedly running a cross-border religious conversion racket targeting Hindu girls. Authorities uncovered ₹500 crore in foreign funds, with ₹300 crore funneled through 100 Nepalese bank accounts from countries like Pakistan and Dubai. Agents withdrew cash in Nepal, passing it to India via Bihar’s border districts, earning 4-5% commissions. Chhangur’s network, active for 15 years, spent heavily in Ayodhya, authorities say. A ₹5 crore bungalow in Balrampur, linked to his aide Neetu, was demolished. The Enforcement Directorate is probing 40 accounts, including one with ₹6 lakh from foreign sources. Cybercriminals in Rae Bareli are also tied to the racket, with ₹700 crore in transactions. Chhangur’s arrest has sparked questions about unchecked funding and conversion networks across borders.
Ajit Doval Defends Operation Sindoor’s Precision
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called Operation Sindoor a triumph of Indian precision, hitting back at foreign media claims of collateral damage. Speaking at IIT Madras, he challenged critics to show “even one photo” of damage in India. The 23-minute strike on May 7 targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan, including Jaish-e-Mohammad’s base in Bahawalpur, in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam. Doval praised the mission’s indigenous tech, striking targets deep inside Pakistan with no misses. Pakistan’s drone and missile counterattacks were intercepted. The operation also hit 11 Pakistani air bases, making it a bold cross-border move. Doval’s fiery defence dismissed reports from outlets like The New York Times, emphasizing India’s capability and accuracy. This strike’s success has bolstered national pride but raised tensions with Pakistan.
Justin Bieber’s Surprise Album Drop
Justin Bieber’s seventh album hits shelves today, July 11, his first since 2021’s Justice. Def Jam’s keeping quiet, but sources say the pop star finalized the project in Iceland, vibing with collaborators like Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Cash Cobain. Billboards in Iceland and LA, flashing “Swag,” hint at the album’s name. Bieber’s Instagram teased the tracklist, showing polished studio mixes. Jam sessions at his LA home included DJ Tay James and SZA’s Carter Lang. After splitting with manager Scooter Braun and welcoming a child with Hailey Bieber, the singer’s life has shifted gears. He’s tapped fresh talents like Sekou via DMs, blending new sounds. Fans are buzzing, but will this album match Justice’s magic? With viral buzz building, Bieber’s ready to reclaim the charts.
Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik Faces Box Office Test
Rajkummar Rao’s Maalik is off to a rocky start, with only 16.68K tickets sold in pre-sales, outpacing Arjun Kapoor’s Mere Husband Ki Biwi by a whisker. The film, showcasing Rao’s rowdy avatar, aims for redemption on its opening day. To crack the top 10 Bollywood openers of 2025 on BookMyShow, it must beat Shahid Kapoor’s Deva’s 88K ticket sales. This year’s heavyweights like Chhaava (777K) and Sikandar (281K) set a high bar. Rao’s hoping his gritty performance pulls crowds, but the lukewarm advance bookings signal a tough fight. After a string of mixed box office results, Maalik is a critical test for the versatile actor. Will opening day crowds turn the tide, or is Rao’s redemption still out of reach? Fans are watching closely.
Joe Root’s Record-Breaking Century
Joe Root cemented his greatness with a stunning 37th Test century on Day 2 at Lord’s against India. Starting at 99 overnight, he smashed a four to reach his eighth hundred at the venue. At 34, Root’s chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s Test run record, trailing by under 3,000 runs. He also joined Steve Smith as the only active players with 3,000 runs against one team—India. Facing a fiery Indian attack after England slumped to 44/2, Root’s disciplined innings, with crisp cover drives and late cuts, steadied the ship alongside Ollie Pope. His 22nd home century surpassed Smith’s 36, thrilling the Lord’s crowd. England ended Day 1 at 251/4, with Root and Ben Stokes holding firm. Can Root keep rewriting records, or will India’s bowlers strike back?
