Tragic Incidents in Gujarat and Rajasthan: Bridge Collapse and Fighter Jet Crash

Bridge Collapse in Gujarat Claims Lives

In a tragic event on Wednesday morning, nine individuals lost their lives and six others sustained injuries when multiple vehicles plunged into the Mahisagar river following the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district, Gujarat. The disaster occurred around 7:30 AM when a slab between two piers of the 900-meter-long Gambhira bridge gave way. This bridge served as a vital link between the Vadodara and Anand districts.

Inaugurated in 1985, the bridge's failure has prompted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to direct the road construction department to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident.

Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan Results in Pilot Fatalities

In another unfortunate incident, two pilots of the Indian Air Force lost their lives when their Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Churu in Rajasthan. The aircraft, a two-seater trainer model, was engaged in a routine training exercise at the time of the accident. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage to civilian properties. A court of inquiry has been established to determine the cause of this crash, marking the third incident involving a SEPECAT Jaguar jet this year.

Supreme Court Denies Urgent Hearing on Controversial Film

The Supreme Court has declined to expedite a hearing regarding a petition aimed at halting the release of the Hindi film *Udaipur Files*, which is set to premiere in theaters on Friday. The film is reportedly inspired by the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal. The petition was submitted by Mohammed Javed, one of the accused in the case, who contends that the film's release could infringe upon his right to a fair trial, claiming that its trailer appears to be provocatively communal.

Kanhaiya Lal was killed in June 2022 in Udaipur after allegedly sharing a social media post supporting suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who had made controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a televised debate.

Trump Proposes Tariff on BRICS Imports

In international news, former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on imports from BRICS nations, stating that this would happen 'pretty soon.' His remarks came after he cautioned countries against aligning with what he termed 'anti-American policies' of the BRICS group. Trump accused BRICS of attempting to undermine the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency, asserting that the group was established to diminish the dollar's influence.

The BRICS coalition includes India, Brazil, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, and is viewed by Washington as a potential economic rival.