September 9, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Exclusive

Two Soldiers Killed in Kulgam Gunfight, Year’s Security Toll in J&K Rises to 19

Two Army personnel — Subedar Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu — were killed during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, taking the number of security personnel killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year to 19. The clash broke out when Army, CRPF, and J&K police launched a joint search operation in the Guddar forests following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. Officials said the militants opened fire when challenged. One terrorist was killed in the initial exchange of fire, and another was gunned down later. While their identities are still being confirmed, sources told PTI that one was a local militant and the other was suspected to be a Pakistani known by the code name “Rehman Bhai”. Three other Army personnel, including a Major, were injured in the encounter and evacuated for medical treatment. Despite efforts, Subedar Gaur and Lance Naik Sindhu could not be saved. The officer’s condition is reported to be stable. The Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the deaths of the two soldiers on social media. Of the 19 fatalities among security forces in J&K this year, six have taken place in Kashmir and 13 in the Jammu division. The encounter comes less than a month after a series of clashes in the Valley. On August 13, Havildar Ankit Kumar of the 9 Bihar Regiment was killed in a firefight with armed intruders along the LoC in Uri sector, Baramulla — the third Army fatality in five days. That incident followed the end of an 11-day offensive in Kulgam, where Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh of 19 Rashtriya Rifles were killed. Kulgam has witnessed multiple extended operations this year, including a prolonged battle in the Akhal Khulsan forests from August 1 to 13, in which two soldiers were killed before the forces concluded the offensive. According to security agencies, 18 terrorists have been killed in Kashmir since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, including three Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders linked to that strike. The trio was shot dead in Srinagar on July 28.

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Editor03 mins

Apple to Unveil Slimmest iPhone Yet at ‘Awe-Dropping’ Event

Apple is expected to debut its thinnest iPhone ever at its annual fall showcase on Tuesday at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. The iPhone 17 lineup will feature the standard, Pro, and Pro Max models, along with a new addition — the iPhone Air, tipped to be Apple’s lightest flagship yet, echoing the branding of its MacBook Air laptops. Beyond iPhones, Apple is set to launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and updated AirPods, rumored to include live translation capabilities — a feature already offered by Google’s Pixel Buds. The company is also likely to confirm rollout dates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. The showcase comes as Apple grapples with potential cost hikes from Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese goods. CEO Tim Cook has mitigated risks by moving significant production to India and stockpiling U.S. inventories ahead of deadlines. Another focal point will be Apple Intelligence, the AI suite unveiled last year to a lukewarm reception. Key among user expectations is the long-promised revamp of Siri, which has yet to materialize. Cook has pledged progress toward a more personalized Siri in 2026, with reports suggesting Apple may integrate Google’s Gemini AI models to bolster the assistant.

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Editor02 mins

Trump Says India Offered Zero Tariffs on US Exports Amid Strain Over Trade War

Former US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that India has offered to cut tariffs on American exports to “nothing,” even as tensions mount between the two countries over steep trade duties. “It has been totally a one-sided disaster,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, alleging that high tariff barriers in India made it difficult for US companies to sell their products, while India exported “massive amounts of goods” to the American market. “They (India) have now offered to cut their tariffs (on exports from the US) to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago,” he posted. Trump’s comments came just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi after a round of high-level meetings — including separate engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin — and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, a 10-nation bloc led by Moscow and Beijing. The timing has fueled speculation that New Delhi is seeking to rebalance ties amid Washington’s tariff escalations. Since late July, Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on all Indian exports to the US, citing India’s defence and energy purchases from Russia. Despite Trump’s sharp rhetoric, the US embassy in New Delhi struck a positive note, posting on X that the bilateral partnership “will continue to scale new heights” and describing it as a “defining relationship of the 21st century.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that the “enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation.” Trump’s tariffs have drawn criticism at home as well. Nikki Haley, his former UN ambassador, questioned why India was penalised for oil purchases from Russia while China — a far bigger buyer — avoided similar sanctions. Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned that such measures risked pushing India closer to China. The rift has also raised questions about the future of the Quad coalition — comprising India, the US, Japan and Australia — which was revived in 2017 to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, meanwhile, reiterated that India would not bow to external pressure. “India will neither bow down nor appear weak, but will strive to capture new markets,” he said last week.

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Editor04 mins

Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is to Focus on Tests and 2027 ODI World Cup

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals, saying he wants to prioritise the team’s heavy Test schedule from 2026 onwards and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc, 35, made his T20I debut in 2012 and played 65 matches, claiming 79 wickets — the second-most for Australia in the format. He was a key member of the side that won the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, and last featured at the 2024 edition in the Caribbean. “Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority,” Starc said. “Looking ahead to the Indian tour, the Ashes, and the 2027 ODI World Cup, this is the best way for me to stay fresh, fit, and at my best for those campaigns.” Selectors acknowledged the void Starc leaves in Australia’s T20 setup, especially his pace and new-ball swing. Chair of selectors George Bailey said: “We might not replace Starcy like-for-like, but we’ve seen promising signs from Nathan Ellis, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, and Xavier Bartlett.” Australia have won 14 of 17 T20Is since Starc’s last appearance. His retirement comes as the selectors named the squad for October’s T20I series against New Zealand, with Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, and Mitchell Owen returning, while Ellis will miss the tour for the birth of his first child.

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Editor02 mins

Ugandan Woman Caught with Narcotics Sent to Bhopal Jail

Bhopal – In a major crackdown on drug peddling, the special court of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bhopal, has sent a Ugandan woman—recently caught with narcotics—into judicial custody, officials confirmed. The woman was arrested by DRI’s regional unit from Bhopal Railway Station on August 28, while she was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai with a consignment of crystal meth worth crores. Based on intelligence inputs, officers intercepted her midway before she could deliver the drugs. Officials said the accused was produced in court and sent to Bhopal Central Jail till further orders. She was not taken on police remand, and if required, DRI officers will interrogate her inside the jail. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) assisted in the operation. Crystal Meth: Highly Addictive & DeadlyCrystal meth—popularly known as ice or glass—is a dangerous synthetic drug made by combining substances like lithium, iodine, and acid. It is consumed by smoking, sniffing, or injecting. Experts warn that its use can severely damage the body and brain, leading to insomnia and other fatal health issues. Third Major Seizure in 15 DaysThis is the DRI’s third major strike in Bhopal within a fortnight. On August 16, officers busted a factory in Jagdishpur and seized mephedrone worth ₹92 crore. Four days later, they nabbed two smugglers from the Rajdhani Express, recovering hydroponic weed valued at ₹24 crore.

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Editor02 mins

Rahul Dravid Parts Ways with Rajasthan Royals After One Season as Head Coach

Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday confirmed the departure of Rahul Dravid as head coach, bringing his tenure to an end after just one season. The move comes on the back of a structural review following the franchise’s disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2025 — their worst season since 2021, with only four wins in 14 matches. In its statement, RR revealed that Dravid had been offered a broader role within the franchise, but the former India coach opted not to take it. “Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise,” the Royals said in a statement, while thanking him for his “remarkable service.” Key Factors Behind Exit Dravid’s Royals Legacy Wider IPL Coaching Shuffle Dravid’s departure leaves two franchises without head coaches ahead of IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals’ coaching structure currently features Kumar Sangakkara (Director of Cricket), Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach), and Shane Bond (Bowling Coach). The team last lifted the IPL trophy in 2008 and finished runners-up in 2022.

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Editor03 mins

Gold Prices Hit Record ₹9,535 per Gram in Chennai Amid Rupee Fall and US Tariff Impact

Gold prices surged to a fresh all-time high in Chennai on Friday, driven by uncertainties over U.S. export tariffs and the sharp depreciation of the rupee against the dollar. In the Chennai market, the price of 22-carat gold rose to ₹9,535 per gram and ₹76,280 per sovereign, up from the morning rate of ₹9,470 per gram and ₹75,760 per sovereign. The intra-day rally marked an increase of ₹65 per gram and ₹520 per sovereign. The precious metal has been on a record-breaking run in 2025. On January 1, 22-carat gold was priced at ₹7,150 per gram. It crossed ₹8,000 for the first time on February 9, touching ₹8,060, and surpassed the ₹9,000 mark on April 21 at ₹9,015. On August 19, the price stood at ₹9,235 per gram and ₹73,880 per sovereign—meaning prices have jumped ₹300 per gram and ₹2,400 per sovereign in just 10 days. Santha Kumar S, secretary of The Jewellers and Diamond Traders’ Association – Madras, said U.S. tariffs have temporarily frozen new shipments, while the weak rupee pushed prices higher. “If export duty is removed, rates could stabilise or increase further,” he said, noting that strong domestic demand during the upcoming festival season could push gold beyond ₹10,000 per gram. Meanwhile, in Delhi, bullion prices surged ₹2,100 to hit a fresh record of ₹1,03,670 per 10 grams on Friday. The All India Sarafa Association attributed the rise to persistent buying by stockists and the rupee’s continued weakness. “The Indian rupee hit an all-time low, raising concerns about the impact of 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on the country’s GDP,” explained Saumil Gandhi, senior analyst (Commodities) at HDFC Securities, highlighting the factors behind the latest spike.

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Editor03 mins

India Creates History at Asian Shooting Championship with Record 50 Golds

Shymkent, Kazakhstan: Curtains came down on the 16th Asian Shooting Championship with India scripting history, topping the medals tally for the first time ever. After 12 days of competition, the Indian contingent registered its best-ever performance, bagging an unprecedented 50 gold, 26 silver, and 23 bronze medals—just shy of the 100-medal mark. Hosts Kazakhstan finished second with 70 medals, including 21 golds, while China stood third overall with 15 golds and 37 medals. Particularly impressive was the senior team’s performance in the 15 Olympic events across rifle, pistol, and shotgun, where India secured six gold, two silver, and three bronze medals. Global powerhouse China took eight golds in these categories, while hosts Kazakhstan picked up one. “It is a spectacular performance… The confidence of the shooting ecosystem is sky-high and significantly boosted by our Paris Olympics performance. The juniors’ dominance shows Indian shooting has only just begun, and greater things are sure to come,” said Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Standout Performances Junior Dominance India’s junior shooters stole the show, sweeping across Olympic events with 10 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals, underlining the depth and strength of the next generation. The championship confirmed India’s rising stature in global shooting, with the performance hailed as a turning point for the sport in the country.

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Editor03 mins

Hamas Confirms Death of Gaza Military Chief Mohammad Sinwar

Months after Israel’s claim, Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its Gaza military chief, Mohammad Sinwar. The Palestinian militant group announced his death by publishing photographs of Sinwar alongside other deceased leaders, referring to him as a “martyr,” but did not provide details on when or how he was killed. Following Sinwar’s death, Izz al-Din Haddad, who currently oversees operations in northern Gaza, is expected to assume leadership of Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Who was Mohammad Sinwar? Mohammad Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas chief in Gaza and one of the key masterminds behind the October 7 attacks on southern Israel. Mohammad became the seventh commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in July 2024, following the death of previous commanders. Known as the “shadow” by Israeli security services due to his secretive operations, Sinwar was believed to have worked largely behind the scenes. He reportedly played a central role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner swap that included his brother Yahya Sinwar. Over the years, Israel launched multiple assassination attempts against him—first in 2000 during the Second Intifada, and again in 2006, 2008, 2019, and 2021. During the 2014 Gaza war, Hamas even faked his death to conceal his whereabouts, leading Israeli intelligence to wrongly believe he had been killed until evidence of his survival emerged nearly a decade later. Israel’s May Strike Israel said it eliminated Sinwar in May 2025 during a targeted strike on an underground compound beneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza. The operation reportedly involved bunker-busting bombs and the sealing of tunnel exits. Soon after, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Sinwar had been killed, grouping him with other slain militant leaders such as Mohammad Deif, Hassan Nasrallah, and Yahya Sinwar. “We eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists… We’re taking control of their food distribution and money machine. This is what destroys their governing capabilities. That’s what we promised,” Netanyahu said. With Hamas’ confirmation, Israel’s claim of Sinwar’s death stands validated, marking the loss of yet another senior figure in the group’s leadership.

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Editor04 mins

India Likely to Seal $1-Billion Defence Deal With US for 113 GE F-404 Engines

New Delhi: Amid escalating tariff tensions with Washington, India is set to sign a major defence deal with the US to procure 113 General Electric F-404 engines for its homegrown Tejas LCA fighter jets, according to defence officials quoted by ANI. The agreement, valued at around $1 billion, is expected to be finalised by September. The deal follows last week’s approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security for the purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of ₹62,000 crore, aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force’s depleting squadron strength. Boost to HAL Production Officials said the engine supply will help HAL complete the delivery of 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets on schedule. Production has been delayed due to GE’s earlier supply bottlenecks, with HAL still awaiting engines to ramp up deliveries. HAL has planned phased deliveries — the first batch of 83 jets by 2029–30, followed by the additional 97 by 2033–34 — provided GE can maintain its commitment of supplying two engines per month. Parallel Negotiations for GE-414 Engines HAL is also in talks with GE to acquire 200 more powerful F-414 engines to power the next-generation variants of Tejas and the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Strategic Push The indigenous fighter jet programme, strongly backed by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, is expected to promote defence indigenisation and provide opportunities to Indian MSMEs. The defence deal comes alongside India–US 2+2 discussions on defence and security cooperation, where both nations are working towards a new 10-year framework for their strategic defence partnership.

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