July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Cover Stories

Sonu Sood’s wife Sonali injured in car accident

In an unfortunate turn of events, Sonu Sood’s wife, Sonali Sood, and her nephew were injured in a late-night car accident on the Nagpur Highway on Monday. The incident took place while Sonali was traveling with her sister and nephew. Her nephew, who was behind the wheel, was driving when the accident occurred. Both Sonali and her nephew were rushed to Max Hospital in Nagpur, where they are currently receiving treatment. Hospital staff confirmed that both individuals are under observation, and they are expected to receive full care over the next 48 to 72 hours. Fortunately, Sonali’s sister, who was also in the car, only suffered minor injuries. Upon hearing the news, Sonu Sood, known for his philanthropic efforts and selfless acts, immediately rushed to Nagpur to be by his wife’s side. A representative of the actor confirmed the incident and mentioned that Sonu was currently unavailable due to the situation. In a statement to Media, Sonu shared a sense of relief, saying, “She’s doing fine now. Had a miraculous escape.” The actor’s quick response to the crisis and his constant concern for his loved ones reflect his caring nature, which he is widely recognized for both on and off the screen. Sonu Sood, who is celebrated for his humanitarian work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a beacon of kindness in an often indifferent world. However, despite his numerous good deeds and efforts to help those in need, this time, the kindness he’s known for didn’t come back to him when he needed it most. The actor’s personal life, particularly his devotion to his family, is something his fans cherish. Sonu and Sonali tied the knot in 1996 and are the proud parents of two sons, Ayaan and Ishant. While he continues to juggle his professional commitments, including his most recent action thriller Fateh alongside Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonu has never shied away from prioritizing his family in moments of need. Though the details of the accident remain unclear, it is heartening to know that Sonali’s escape was miraculous. Fans and well-wishers will no doubt continue to send their prayers and support to Sonu Sood and his family, hoping for a swift recovery for his wife and nephew. For someone who has always gone above and beyond to help others, it’s evident that Sonu Sood’s family has a strong pillar of support in him during their time of need. We wish Sonali and her nephew a speedy recovery and hope this difficult time passes soon for the Sood family.

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Sunny Deol Praises South Indian Filmmakers, Says Bollywood Should Learn From Them

Bollywood superstar Sunny Deol, who will next be seen in “Jaat”, believes that Hindi cinema producers should take inspiration from their South Indian counterparts on how to make films with passion and dedication. Speaking at the trailer launch of “Jaat” on Monday, Deol praised the Hyderabad-based Mythri Movie Makers, known for producing blockbusters like the “Pushpa” franchise, for their commitment to storytelling. Directed by Gopichand Malineni (Veera Simha Reddy) and also produced by People Media Factory, Jaat is set for release on April 10, 2025. Sunny Deol: “South Filmmakers Focus on the Story as the Hero” Deol, who made a massive comeback with “Gadar 2” (2023), said he thoroughly enjoyed working with the South Indian producers. “My producers are so good. I want producers of Bombay to learn from them. You all call it Bollywood, but first, refer to it as Hindi cinema. They focus on the subject, rope in the director, trust his vision, and leave no stone unturned. The story is the hero. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them,” said Deol. The 67-year-old action star even hinted at doing more South films, jokingly saying, “Maybe I shall go and settle there (in the South). Let’s do another film!” Hindi Cinema Should Get Back to Its Roots Deol, known for ‘90s action hits like Ghatak, Arjun, Tridev, and Vishwatma, believes that Hindi filmmakers sometimes lose their cultural identity by getting influenced by Western trends. “South films retain their essence, which is why they become pan-India hits. Everyone relates to them. We should also follow this and get back to our roots. Films like ‘Ghatak’, ‘Damini’, and ‘Arjun’—we should make those kinds of movies again.” On Bollywood’s Changing Production Model When asked about what’s lacking in Bollywood, Deol clarified that the industry hasn’t necessarily fallen behind but has changed due to corporate involvement. “Earlier, producers believed in a story, committed to it, and gave it everything. But then corporate funding came in, making it all about business. In this, the hunger for filmmaking was lost.” He emphasized that South filmmakers give directors creative freedom, without compromising on budgets. “They don’t misuse directors. Yes, they spend more money, but it’s to enhance the quality of scenes. That patience is important.” On Playing Negative Roles When asked if he would follow his younger brother Bobby Deol (Animal) in taking on villainous roles, Sunny responded: “I won’t call it negative; it’s just a character. If I get such a role, I’d love to do it. But the director and producers need to have the guts to do that with me!” With Jaat set to release in April, fans are excited to see Deol back in his action-packed avatar, this time with a South Indian production powerhouse backing him.

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Budget-Friendly Pod Hotel to Open at Bhopal Railway Station on April 4

A new budget-friendly pod hotel is set to open on April 4 at Bhopal Railway Station, near Platform No. 6, offering an affordable and comfortable resting space for travelers. The facility, located on the first floor of the station’s new building, will provide 20 family pods and 118 single-bed pods for passengers. Affordable and Convenient Stay Options The rental charges will start at just ₹299 per hour, making it a cost-effective option for short-term stays. The railway authorities will also arrange food and beverages for guests. Pod Hotel Facilities The single-bed pods will be 5 feet by 7 feet in size, while the family pods will accommodate two adults and two small children. The pods are designed to serve passengers waiting for their next train, especially those with layovers of 2 to 4 hours. Amenities for a Comfortable Stay Final Preparations Underway According to Senior DCM Saurabh Kataria, the project is in its final stage, with last-minute arrangements being made for a smooth launch. The official inauguration date and a detailed pricing structure will be announced soon. This much-awaited project, which has been under discussion for the past three years, is finally set to enhance travel comfort at Bhopal Railway Station.

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Delhi Budget 2025-26: CM Rekha Gupta Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore Budget with Focus on Infrastructure, Women’s Welfare, and Clean Water

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Budget 2025-26 in the state assembly on Tuesday, marking the first budget of the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. The budget, amounting to ₹1 lakh crore, reflects a 31.5% increase from the previous year, with an emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, women’s welfare, and urban development. Calling it a “historic budget,” CM Gupta stated that this marks the beginning of Delhi’s transformation after a decade of stagnation. She criticized the previous administration, alleging financial mismanagement and inefficiency. Key Highlights of Delhi Budget 2025-26: 🔹 Capital expenditure doubled: ₹28,000 crore allocated for infrastructure projects.🔹 Healthcare Boost: ₹2,144 crore earmarked for PM Jan Arogya Yojna.🔹 Women’s Welfare: ₹5,100 crore for Mahila Samridhi Yojana, providing ₹2,500 per month to eligible women.🔹 Improved Connectivity: ₹1,000 crore set aside for better Delhi-NCR transport links.🔹 Road & Bridge Infrastructure: ₹3,843 crore allocated for better roads and bridges.🔹 Women’s Safety: 50,000 CCTV cameras to be installed across Delhi.🔹 Affordable Meals: ₹100 crore to set up 100 Atal Canteens across the city.🔹 Slum Development: ₹696 crore for JJ clusters and slum improvement.🔹 Clean Water & Sanitation: ₹9,000 crore allocated for clean drinking water projects.🔹 Sewer System Overhaul: ₹500 crore for sewage treatment plants (STPs) and ₹250 crore for old sewer line replacements.🔹 Yamuna Cleaning Mission: ₹500 crore earmarked to ensure only treated water enters the river through 40 decentralized STPs.🔹 Education Initiatives: ₹100 crore for CM Shri Schools; ₹750 crore for free laptops to 1,200 top students of Class 10.🔹 Film & Culture: Delhi to host International Film Festival with ₹30 crore allocated.🔹 Maternity Benefits: ₹210 crore for expecting mothers, offering ₹21,000 financial aid and nutrient kits.🔹 Public Transport: ₹12,952 crore set aside, with free bus ride cards replacing pink tickets for women.🔹 Power & Electricity: ₹100 crore pilot project to shift overhead and high-tension power lines underground.🔹 Pollution Control: ₹300 crore allocated, plus ₹506 crore for the environment & forest department.🔹 MCD Funding: ₹6,897 crore granted to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).🔹 New Jail Project: Plans to relocate Tihar Jail to a new facility in Delhi’s outskirts. While presenting the budget, CM Gupta sharply criticized the previous AAP government, accusing it of corruption and inefficiency. She vowed that her administration would focus on housing for the poor, better sanitation, and improved education standards. With this budget, the BJP-led Delhi government aims to modernize infrastructure, improve urban living standards, and enhance women’s safety and welfare while boosting economic growth in the national capital.

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Allahabad High Court Bar Association Begins Indefinite Strike Against Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer

Lawyers Protest Lack of Transparency in Judiciary The Allahabad High Court Bar Association launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in protest against the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. Leading the protest at gate number 3 of the high court, Bar Association president Anil Tiwari clarified that the demonstration was not directed against any specific judge or court but against a system that, according to him, has failed to uphold transparency. “Our fight is against corruption and the lack of transparency in the judicial system. We demand a reconsideration and withdrawal of this transfer order,” he said. Bar Association Stands Firm on Protest The Bar Association had reiterated its opposition to Justice Varma’s transfer on Monday, March 24, and subsequently decided to commence the strike. Mr. Tiwari warned that the association was prepared for an extended battle. “From the very beginning, there has been an attempt to cover up this matter. Lawyers across India are now fighting this battle, and we will not resume work until this issue is resolved, no matter the consequences,” he stated. Supreme Court Collegium Confirms Transfer Amid Allegations The Supreme Court collegium, on March 24, confirmed its recommendation to transfer Justice Varma back to his parent Allahabad High Court. This decision follows an ongoing inquiry regarding the alleged discovery of a large sum of cash at his official residence in Lutyens Delhi. The alleged cash was found after a fire broke out at his residence on March 14, prompting fire officials to respond. Following these developments, the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court took immediate action, including withdrawing judicial work from Justice Varma. The transfer recommendation was officially communicated to the Centre through a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website. Justice Varma Denies Allegations, Calls It a Conspiracy Justice Varma has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged cash discovery, stating that neither he nor his family had placed any money in his residence. He denounced the claims, calling them a conspiracy aimed at framing and maligning him. “I strongly reject the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to me or my family members,” he asserted. Justice Varma’s Judicial Career Justice Varma enrolled as an advocate on August 8, 1992, and was appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court on October 13, 2014. He took oath as a permanent judge on February 1, 2016, before being elevated to the Delhi High Court on October 11, 2021. As the protest continues, the legal fraternity remains divided over the issue, with many lawyers demanding greater transparency in judicial transfers and disciplinary proceedings.

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SC Slams UP Government for Demolishing Homes in Prayagraj within 24 Hours of Notice

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India expressed shock over the Uttar Pradesh government’s swift demolition of houses in Prayagraj within just 24 hours of issuing a notice to the occupants. The court found this action to be highly problematic, stating that it “shocks the conscience” of the judiciary. The two-judge bench, led by Justice A S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, was hearing an appeal challenging a 2021 Allahabad High Court order that dismissed a petition against the demolition. The petitioners, which included a professor, a lawyer, and three other individuals, argued that they had not been given adequate time to challenge the demolition. The case stems from the demolition of houses on a Nazool plot, a government-owned land leased in 1906. The lease expired in 1996, and applications for freehold conversion were rejected in 2015 and 2019. The Uttar Pradesh government argued that the land was reserved for public use, and the petitioners had no legal rights to the property due to the lack of district collector approval for their transactions. Justice Oka, while delivering the judgment, criticized the manner in which the notices were served. He pointed out that the demolition was carried out just a day after the notice was delivered, without giving the residents a reasonable opportunity to appeal. The court emphasized that the state must act fairly and provide adequate time for individuals to challenge such decisions before taking any drastic action. Although the state’s Attorney General R Venkatramani defended the government, stating that prior notices were served in 2020 and early 2021, the court was unconvinced by the argument. The bench noted that only one of the three notices was delivered via registered post, while others were simply affixed to the premises. As a result, the Supreme Court decided that the affected residents should be allowed to reconstruct their homes at their own cost. However, the court also warned that if the appeal fails, the properties must be demolished at the appellants’ expense. The court concluded by stressing that such actions by the state should not be supported, as it would set a dangerous precedent if tolerated. The judgment underscores the importance of due process and the fair treatment of citizens in legal matters related to property rights.

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Rhea Chakraborty Cleared of Allegations in Sushant Singh Rajput Case

Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, who became the focus of intense media scrutiny following the tragic death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in June 2020, has finally been cleared of all allegations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly given her a clean chit, concluding that Sushant died by suicide and that no foul play was involved. The Beginning: Love and Business Partnership Rhea and Sushant began dating in April 2019, and their relationship soon extended into professional collaboration. In September 2019, they co-founded an artificial intelligence startup, Vividrage Rhealityx, along with Rhea’s brother, Showik Chakraborty. By December 2019, the couple moved in together, signaling a deeper commitment. Tragic Loss: Sushant’s Sudden Death On June 14, 2020, the film industry and fans across the nation were left in shock when Sushant was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. Initial reports suggested suicide, and speculation surrounding his demise quickly took over news headlines. Rhea, who had been living with him, had reportedly moved out a week before his death. Legal Turmoil: FIR Against Rhea A month after Sushant’s death, on July 25, 2020, his father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna, accusing Rhea of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, wrongful confinement, and criminal breach of trust. The case alleged that ₹15 crore had been siphoned from Sushant’s accounts. Multi-Agency Probe: ED, CBI, and NCB Investigations Several agencies became involved in the case, turning it into one of Bollywood’s most high-profile investigations. Rhea’s Counter FIR Amid mounting allegations, Rhea filed an FIR on September 7, 2020, against Sushant’s sisters, Priyanka and Meetu Singh, along with a doctor. She claimed they had obtained a fake medical prescription for Sushant without proper consultation, just days before his death. Arrest and Jail Time The situation worsened for Rhea when the NCB arrested her on September 8, 2020, accusing her of procuring drugs for Sushant. She was charged under the NDPS Act and spent 28 days in Byculla jail before the Bombay High Court granted her bail on October 7, 2020. Legal Developments and Court Rulings Closure and Remembering Sushant With the CBI’s latest findings clearing Rhea of any wrongdoing, the case has reached a turning point. The industry and fans continue to remember Sushant Singh Rajput for his remarkable work in films, with tributes pouring in from colleagues like Sara Ali Khan and Ankita Lokhande.

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Ladakh Sees Unprecedented Road and Rail Development Since UT Status

Major Investments in Road Infrastructure Ladakh’s connectivity has expanded rapidly for both civilian and military purposes, with the central government investing ₹20,660 crore in road development since the region became a Union Territory in 2019, junior Union highways minister Harsh Malhotra stated in Leh on Sunday. Highlighting the surge in infrastructure projects, Malhotra mentioned key developments, including: Railway Expansion to Reduce Travel Time Malhotra also showcased progress on the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway project, which has been allocated ₹1.31 lakh crore. Once completed, it will reduce the Delhi-Leh travel time from 40 hours to just 20 hours. However, the Srinagar-Leh rail project has been put on hold but not canceled. Boost in Air Connectivity With an additional ₹640 crore earmarked for a new terminal at Leh airport, the region is also set to see improved air connectivity. Strategic Importance The minister emphasized that these projects are crucial for both civilian access and military preparedness, ensuring better infrastructure in the strategically sensitive region.

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US, Ukraine, and Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Negotiations

Parallel Negotiations in Riyadh US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night for discussions on de-escalating the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting, described as “productive and focused,” comes as Washington pushes for a broad ceasefire by April 20, which coincides with Easter in both Western and Orthodox traditions. However, according to a Bloomberg report, the timeline could be delayed due to the significant gap between Kyiv and Moscow’s positions. Meanwhile, Russian officials were set to hold separate discussions with the US on Monday, marking the first time such parallel negotiations have taken place since the early weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. US-Ukraine Talks: Calls for a Just Peace The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their meeting with American officials late Sunday night. Umerov stated that the discussion addressed key points, including energy security, and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his stance that Russia is prolonging the war. He called for increased pressure on Moscow from Kyiv’s allies, stating, “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war.” US-Russia Talks: Cautious Optimism The US-Russia negotiations were scheduled for Monday, with Russian state media confirming Moscow’s delegation had arrived in Riyadh on Sunday. American envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that progress could be made, particularly regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea. He suggested that such an agreement could lead to a broader ceasefire. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed expectations of a swift resolution, emphasizing that negotiations were just beginning. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a US-Ukrainian call for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Peskov warned of “difficult negotiations ahead” but acknowledged the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the US under the Trump administration. Outlook for Ceasefire While the US hopes to bridge the gap between Kyiv and Moscow through shuttle diplomacy, significant hurdles remain. Russia’s reluctance to agree to a full ceasefire and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure complicate efforts toward de-escalation. The coming days will determine whether these parallel negotiations can lead to meaningful progress in ending the three-year-long war.

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Punjab Govt Clarifies Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s Hospitalisation, Assures Family Access

The Punjab government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not in police custody but has been admitted to Park Hospital in Patiala based on his own preference. The state clarified that Dallewal, a prominent figure in the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), chose hospitalisation considering his health condition and is free to leave at his discretion. The clarification came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed in the high court, which alleged Dallewal’s unlawful detention. The petitioner, Gurmukh Singh from Hoshiarpur, sought court intervention to ensure the safety of Dallewal and other missing farmer leaders. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel raised concerns that Dallewal’s family members were being restricted from visiting him at the hospital. In response, the Punjab government assured the court that there were no objections to family visits and that the state was overseeing his medical care as per Supreme Court directives. Following these submissions, Justice Manish Batra directed the state authorities to facilitate meetings between Dallewal and his family at the hospital, ensuring there were no obstructions from either the government or hospital administration. However, all visits must adhere to hospital protocols. The high court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26, where further deliberations on the matter will take place. By Correspondent Richa Tripathi

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