From arrest of Mihir Shah in hit-and-run case to PM Modi receiving Russia's highest civilian award: Today's top 10 morning news headlines

1. PM Modi honoured with Russia's highest civilian award; All you need to know

In a significant honor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been bestowed with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, Russia's highest civilian award. This prestigious award is a testament to the strengthening ties between India and Russia and recognizes PM Modi's efforts to enhance bilateral relations. 

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/aBBJ2QAINF

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024

2. Lord Balabhadra's idol slips after Rath Yatra in Puri, nine injured | WATCH

In a mishap following the Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, nine servitors were injured as the idol of Lord Balabhadra slipped during a post-ceremony ritual. The incident unfolded during the procession of the three idols from their chariots to the Adapa Mandap of Gundicha temple on Tuesday evening. 

BREAKING

7 injured as idol of Lord Balabhadra slips during Rath Yatra in Puri.#Puri #JagannathRathYatra pic.twitter.com/YseQS3mIp9

— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) July 9, 2024

3. Encounter breaks out in Kashmir's Doda, search ops underway

A fierce conflict between militants and security personnel erupted in the Ghadi Bhagwah forest in the Doda area of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.  When security personnel began a search operation in response to information on the presence of terrorists in the area, a shootout broke out. 

#WATCH | Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in J&K’s Doda. Security forces are carrying out the operation.

(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/172o8YiDIb

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024

4. We know how terrible: Putin on India's suffering from terrorism

During a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that India and Russia are suffering due to terrorism. He cited recent incidents in Moscow and Dagestan. "India has suffered from terrorism. We know how horrible it is. Recently, there were terrorist attacks in Moscow and Dagestan... We condemn terrorist attacks," Putin stated.

5. Russia agrees to release all Indian nationals in Russian Army

India has successfully secured the release of several Indian nationals who were working in supportive roles within the Russian military after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has been proactive in its efforts, ensuring the swift discharge of these individuals and is currently working on the release of around 20 more Indians who are still in Russia.

Russia to discharge and facilitate the return of all Indians working in the Russian Army, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter with President Putin: Sources

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/0gJM6XhaNm

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024

6. Mumbai police nabs main accused Mihir Shah in BMW hit-and-run case

Mumbai Police arrested the main accused in Mumbai hit-and-run case's main accused Mihir Shah on Tuesday. He has been taken to Worli Police Station. He was arrested 72 hours of the incident. According to reports, Shah's mother and two sisters have been arrested. To capture Mihir Shah, the police formed multiple teams and eventually located him in an apartment in Virar, approximately 65 KM from Mumbai.

7. Rs 30,000 crore for Bihar, $12 billion for Andhra: Demands of Nitish, Naidu from Modi's budget

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coalition government is facing a critical test. Nitish Kumar, leading the Janata Dal (United) in Bihar, has demanded Rs 30,000 crore ($3.6 billion) for state projects. Concurrently, Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh is seeking over $12 billion in aid.

8. Gautam Gambhir succeeds Rahul Dravid to become head coach of Indian Cricket Team

Gautam Gambhir has been named the new head coach of the Indian team, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Rahul Dravid, whose term expired during the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, is replaced by Gambhir, a former batsman for India. 

It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his… pic.twitter.com/bvXyP47kqJ

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 9, 2024

9. Chinese gang forces Indian woman to make nude calls, almost 3000 people involved

In a disturbing revelation, many Indian women trafficked to Cambodia by Chinese cybercriminals are being forced to honey-trap unsuspecting individuals back home through explicit video calls. This was exposed by Telangana resident Munshi Prakash, who fell victim to these fraudsters. 

10. EVM is risky, we should mandate paper ballots, in-person voting only: Elon Musk

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has triggered a debate on the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) as in today's digital age there are concerns about the security of electronic voting machines and mailed-in ballots have increased, on Tuesday. The statement from Musk has come when the United States is all set to witness elections by the end of this year.

Electronic voting machines and anything mailed in is too risky.

We should mandate paper ballots and in-person voting only. pic.twitter.com/TVC32b1Wkd

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2024