Digest for 09 July, 2025
At Least 9 Dead as Bridge Collapses in Gujarat's Vadodara
A four-decade-old bridge over the Mahisagar River in Vadodara, Gujarat, collapsed during morning traffic, killing at least nine people and injuring six. Several vehicles, including trucks and a van, plunged into the river. The Gambhira bridge, which connects Vadodara and Anand districts, gave way around 7:30 am. The National Disaster Response Force and local teams are conducting rescue operations. The state government has announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a technical investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Texas Flood Death Toll Reaches 109, Over 160 People Still Missing
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Texas has risen to 109, with officials reporting that more than 160 people remain missing. The disaster, which began four days ago, has devastated several counties, with Kerr County being the worst affected. Search and rescue operations are ongoing but are hampered by mud and difficult terrain. The floods struck a youth summer camp, leading to numerous fatalities among children and counsellors. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the affected area.
Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Search Mode Across India
Google has begun rolling out its new AI Mode in Search to all users in India, a significant change to its core search engine. Initially launched as an opt-in experiment, the feature provides comprehensive, conversational AI-generated answers to queries, supplemented with links to web sources. The AI Mode, which supports text, voice, and image-based searches, will initially be available in English. This move represents a major reimagining of the search experience for millions of Indian users, integrating generative AI directly into search results.
ED Raids 11 Locations in Probe of 'Donkey Route' Human Trafficking
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab and Haryana in a money-laundering investigation linked to the "Donkey Route" human trafficking case. The probe stems from police FIRs against agents who allegedly charged individuals ₹45-50 lakh for promised legal travel to the US but instead sent them via dangerous, illegal routes. The raids targeted suspects identified through the statements of victims who were deported from the US, as authorities crack down on these illicit networks.
India and Brazil Deepen Ties in Defence, Energy, and Trade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Brazil, holding talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to strengthen bilateral relations. The leaders focused on diversifying trade and expanding cooperation in key areas including clean energy, defence, agriculture, space, and AI. During the visit, PM Modi was awarded Brazil's highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, aims to bolster India's strategic partnerships.