Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Black Box Data Recovered
On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. The black box data, crucial for understanding the tragedy, was retrieved using a US NTSB kit that arrived 11 days later, raising questions about the delay. The plane’s two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders, one in the tail, heavily damaged, and one in the front, soot-covered but intact, revealed 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio. India’s new ₹9 crore black box lab, opened in April 2025, couldn’t process the damaged units alone, needing US help. Initial analysis is underway, but the cause remains unclear. Families and investigators await answers as the probe deepens into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
Delhi Building Collapse Traps Residents
Early Saturday, a four-storey building in Northeast Delhi’s Welcome area collapsed at 7 am, trapping several people. Eight, including 14-month-old Ahmad, were rescued and rushed to hospitals. A family of 10 lived in the building, and locals fear others remain buried. The cause is unknown, but rescue teams, including seven fire tenders, are working tirelessly. Locals, out on morning walks, became first responders, clearing debris before fire officials arrived. “I heard a loud noise, saw dust everywhere, and realised our neighbour’s home was gone,” said Asma, a resident. This follows a similar collapse in Mustafabad in April, where four died. The community is shaken, and authorities are racing against time to save lives.
Neeraj Chopra’s Hands-On Classic
Neeraj Chopra, India’s javelin superstar, hosted the inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, co-organised with JSW Sports. The event, sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India, saw him micromanaging everything, food, accommodation, even javelin delivery. “It felt like inviting someone home for dinner; everything had to be perfect,” he said. Despite tech glitches, like a slow “javelin chariot,” Neeraj ensured athletes felt welcomed. On Friday, he unveiled new Under Armour athletes at Gurugram’s Ambience Mall, staying humble despite his fame. His next goal? Winning gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Neeraj’s passion and simplicity shine, proving he’s as dedicated to hosting as he is to throwing.
Google DeepMind Snags Windsurf Talent
Alphabet, Google’s parent, has hired top executives from AI startup Windsurf, including CEO Varun Mohan, for its DeepMind unit. Windsurf’s $3 billion acquisition by OpenAI collapsed due to tensions with Microsoft, who wanted access to Windsurf’s tech. Instead, Google secured licensing rights and talent without buying the company. Founded in 2021, Windsurf builds AI coding assistants using natural language prompts, raising $200 million from investors. “We’re excited to advance agentic coding at DeepMind,” said Google’s Chris Pappas. The move boosts Google’s AI ambitions, especially for its Gemini model, while Windsurf’s team embarks on a new chapter. This shake-up highlights the fierce competition in AI development.
Rahul Gandhi Faces Defamation Case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pleaded not guilty in a Pune court on July 11, 2025, in a defamation case over remarks about Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar. Filed by Savarkar’s grandnephew, Satyaki, the complaint claims Gandhi’s 2023 comments in London tarnished the freedom fighter’s legacy. Gandhi’s lawyer, Milind Pawar, confirmed his client understood the charges under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The court set July 29 for evidence recording, signaling a full trial. The case stems from statements made at an Overseas Congress event, allegedly causing distress to Savarkar’s family. Gandhi’s plea marks a new chapter in this high-profile legal battle, drawing attention to political rhetoric in India.
India Tests ‘Astra’ Missile with Precision
India successfully tested its indigenous ‘Astra’ Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile off Odisha’s coast on Friday. Launched from a Su-30 Mk-I, the missile, equipped with a DRDO-made RF seeker, hit high-speed unmanned targets with pinpoint accuracy. With a 100 km range, Astra gives IAF jets a strategic edge, neutralising threats without risking enemy defenses. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a milestone in homegrown tech. The ₹2,971 crore contract for Astra Mk-1 supply was signed in 2022, with an upgraded 140 km version in the works. Its Indian-made seeker ensures supply chain security. Astra’s success strengthens India’s air superiority and could arm jets like Tejas Mk-2 in the future.
Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Maalik’ Stumbles at Box Office
Rajkummar Rao’s action thriller ‘Maalik,’ directed by Pulkit, hit theatres on Friday but earned a modest ₹3.35 crore nett on its opening day, per Sacnilk. Playing a gangster, Rao’s new avatar couldn’t match his last film, ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf,’ which opened at ₹7 crore. With 12.86% Hindi occupancy, night shows drew 21.88%, but mornings lagged at 6.65%. Despite a strong cast, including Manushi Chhillar and Huma Qureshi, ‘Maalik’ outdid ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’ (₹0.32 crore) but trailed Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro… In Dino,’ which earned ₹29 crore in eight days. Meanwhile, Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ slowed to ₹155.25 crore. ‘Maalik’ needs a weekend boost to recover.
Tesla Teases India Debut
Tesla is finally entering India, opening its first showroom in Mumbai’s BKC on July 15, with Delhi likely next. A teaser dropped, but the product lineup remains a mystery. The Tesla Model Y, spotted testing in India, is expected to lead as a fully imported electric SUV, priced around ₹27.69 lakh, including hefty import duties. Its sleek design boasts slimmer lights, connected tail lamps, and vibrant colour options like Ultra Red. With a 526 km range, all-wheel drive, and 0-96 km/h in 4.6 seconds, it’s a performance beast. Tesla’s long battle with India’s government is paying off, promising a new era for electric vehicles in the country. Excitement is building for what’s next.
Superman Soars at Box Office
James Gunn’s ‘Superman,’ starring David Corenswet, opened strong on July 11, earning ₹6.9 crore nett in India from 3D screenings, per Sacnilk. With an 82% Rotten Tomatoes rating from 336 reviews, it outshone ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (₹3.04 crore on Day 8) and ‘F1’ (₹1.93 crore on Day 15). Globally, it raked in $55 million across 78 countries. Gunn’s reboot, made for $225 million, brings a hopeful, kind-hearted Superman to a cynical world. “He sees beauty in everyone,” Gunn said. Despite competition from ‘Maalik’ and ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan,’ its 24.96% English occupancy signals a hit. Fans praise its comic-book vibe, perfect for families.
