July 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Exclusive

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pony Operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah Dies a Hero, India Retaliates with Diplomatic Measures

In an act of extraordinary bravery, 30-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony operator from Hapatnard village in Anantnag, laid down his life while attempting to protect tourists during a brutal terror attack at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Locally known as a “ponywallah,” Shah was ferrying tourists on horseback when the attack unfolded. Eyewitnesses and a survivor confirmed that Shah confronted one of the terrorists and attempted to disarm him, showing incredible courage under fire. He was shot three times in the chest and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. A Community Mourns, A Nation Salutes His funeral, held in his native village on April 23, saw hundreds of mourners, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who praised Shah’s courage and offered condolences to his grieving family. Shah was the sole breadwinner of his household, and his death has left a profound void. “Syed Adil Hussain Shah confronted terrorists to save others. His sacrifice won’t be forgotten,” said the Chief Minister, vowing support for the victims’ families. India’s Swift Diplomatic Retaliation In response to the attack, India launched a series of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan, accusing it of continued support for cross-border terrorism: These steps mark a significant escalation in India’s response to terror attacks and underline a growing zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism and its enablers.

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FIITJEE Centres Shut Down Across India Amid Financial Crisis; Management Blames “Criminal Conspiracy”

The sudden and unexplained closure of multiple FIITJEE coaching centres across Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra has sent shockwaves through the academic community. Students preparing for competitive exams like the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) have been left in confusion and distress, with some centres shutting overnight, including prominent ones in Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar and Noida Sector 62. In a statement issued on Saturday, FIITJEE sought to downplay the panic, claiming that the “present turmoil is temporary” and that it has not shut any centre by its own decision. Instead, it blamed Centre Managing Partners (CMPs) for the closures, alleging that several CMPs deserted their posts abruptly, along with faculty teams, causing operations to halt in several locations. “Overnight desertion of the centre by the Centre Managing Partner, along with the entire team, suddenly is the only reason for this type of condition,” the institute’s statement read. FIITJEE operates 73 centres nationwide and asserted that it is working to restore operations “within a reasonable time.” It also claimed that the situation was being exploited as part of a wider conspiracy against the organization and promised that truth will come out through investigation. However, the situation has escalated legally. At least two FIRs have been lodged against FIITJEE, including one in Noida, where founder DK Goel, his wife Monila Goel, and seven others have been booked for cheating and criminal breach of trust under Section 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and relevant provisions of the IT Act. The complaint, filed by Satsang Kumar on behalf of the Parents’ Association, names the following individuals: Adding to the gravity of the situation, there have been mass resignations by faculty across several centres over non-payment of salaries, according to local reports. FIITJEE’s legal team has stated it is actively pursuing action against what it calls “malicious prosecutions.” In the meantime, hundreds of students and their parents remain in limbo, seeking clarity on the fate of their academic plans and refunds for fees paid. As investigations proceed, the future of one of India’s oldest and most reputed coaching institutes hangs in the balance.

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Elvish Yadav Apologises to Chum Darang After Facing NCW Summons Over Racist Remarks

Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner and YouTuber Elvish Yadav appeared before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on April 22, following a summons over his racist remarks targeting Bigg Boss 18 contestant and actor Chum Darang. The controversy stemmed from comments he made during a podcast earlier this year, which were widely criticized for mocking Chum’s name, ethnicity, and appearance. “I Apologise to Everyone I Hurt”: Elvish Speaking to ANI after his appearance at the NCW office, Elvish offered a public apology, admitting fault. “As we grow in life and age, maturity comes,” he said. “Those who were bothered by the ‘Chum’ part—there are many people who did not understand my intentions. I agree that if people are hurt by my statements, I must have said something wrong.” He added, “I have submitted my apology to all the people I have hurt, especially Chum. I don’t even know her personally, but I sincerely apologise.” The Controversial Remarks In February, Elvish made derogatory comments about Chum Darang during a podcast with fellow Bigg Boss 18 contestant Rajat Dalal. Referring to her appearance in Gangubai Kathiawadi, he mocked her name and ethnic background, saying, “Karanveer definitely had COVID because who would like Chum, bro? Who has such bad taste! And even Chum’s name itself is vulgar…” Backlash and Official Complaints Chum Darang swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them disrespectful and racially insensitive. The Arunachal Pradesh State Women’s Commission (APSCW) also reacted strongly, issuing a formal letter to the NCW demanding action against Elvish for his offensive comments. The incident triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many users highlighting the need for greater respect toward Northeast Indian communities in mainstream media. What’s Next? While Elvish Yadav has issued a formal apology, it remains to be seen if further disciplinary or legal action will follow. The NCW has yet to release an official statement on whether they consider the matter closed or if additional steps will be taken.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War Likely to Avoid Clash with Toxic; Film Delayed to Mid-2026

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love And War will reportedly not be releasing in March 2026 as originally planned. According to a trade source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the film’s schedule has faced delays from Bhansali’s end, pushing the expected release to mid-2026. Production Delay and Budget Restructuring The source revealed that while the shoot began on time, the timeline was disrupted due to budgetary constraints. “The film was to conclude by November 2025, but as per the newest chalked schedule, SLB is now looking to finish the film by February 2026,” the insider said. Bhansali, who is self-financing the period drama, reportedly paused production temporarily to restructure the budget and secure adequate funding. “It’s a period film and needs the right costing to make things work. SLB has now procured the required funds and is restarting the shoot sans a delay of 2 months,” the source added. Clash with Toxic Averted With Love And War shifting its release window, a potential box office clash with Yash and Nayanthara’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups—which is slated for March 2026—has now been averted. Trade circles had speculated that the two big-ticket films might impact each other’s performance had they released simultaneously. New Release Date Under Discussion Although an official announcement is still awaited, industry insiders suggest that Love And War will now aim for a mid-2026 release. A final decision on the release date is expected once the revised production schedule is firmly in place. Starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, Love And War has been one of the most talked-about films of the year, especially since it marks Bhansali’s return to the big screen after Gangubai Kathiawadi.

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Dipika Kakar, Shoaib Ibrahim, and Aaliyah Kashyap Narrowly Escape Pahalgam Terror Attack

Television couple Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim narrowly escaped a tragic fate on Tuesday after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed at least 26 lives. The couple had been vacationing in the picturesque valley with their infant son Ruhaan and left just hours before the incident occurred. Shoaib took to Instagram to reassure concerned fans. “Hum sab safe hain, theek hain. Aaj hi morning me we left Kashmir… and we reached Delhi safely,” he wrote, thanking followers for their messages of concern. Leading up to the attack, Dipika and Shoaib had shared serene moments from their getaway on social media, including a now-heartbreaking video of Dipika walking through Pahalgam just two days prior. They were not the only celebrities in the region. Aaliyah Kashyap, daughter of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, also visited Pahalgam earlier this week. She traveled with her husband Shane Gregoire and friends, sharing idyllic shots of the valley. After news of the attack broke, she expressed her shock in an Instagram story: “This is crazy, we were just here 2 days ago. Praying for all the victims, their families and all the people affected. This is heartbreaking.” The attack occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, reportedly targeting civilians. As of now, details surrounding the motive and identity of the attackers remain under investigation. The tragedy has cast a dark cloud over what was meant to be a peaceful spring in the popular tourist destination. Fans, netizens, and fellow celebrities have since been pouring in prayers and condolences online for the victims and their families, while also expressing relief over the safe return of the celebrities who had recently visited the region.

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Kartik Aaryan Turns Shape-Shifting Serpent in Karan Johar’s Fantasy Spectacle NagZilla

In a thrilling new venture, Kartik Aaryan is all set to mesmerize audiences in a never-seen-before avatar with Karan Johar’s upcoming fantasy film NagZilla. Directed by Mrigadeep Singh Lamba and co-produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films, the movie promises a grand cinematic experience rooted in mythology and folklore. Earlier today, Karan Johar unveiled a striking motion poster of the film on Instagram. The teaser shows Kartik—clad in blue jeans—standing inside a massive snake den, his back turned to the camera as he gazes at a distant cityscape. Slowly, his human skin begins to morph into green, scaly snake skin, confirming his role as an icchadhari naag (a mythical shape-shifting serpent). Aaryan’s voiceover in the clip introduces his character: “Icchadhari naag. Roop badalne ke shakti rakhne waale saap. Jaise ki main. Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Umar 631 saal. Insaano wali picturein toh bohot dekhli, ab dekho naago waali picture.”(Shape-shifting serpents. Just like me. Name: Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Age: 631 years. You’ve seen enough films about humans—now watch one about snakes.) The caption accompanying the teaser cleverly teases the film’s tone: “Insanon wali picharein toh bahut dekh li, ab dekho naagon wali pichchar! NaagZilla – Naag Lok ka pehla kaand. Funnn phailaane aa raha hai Preyamvadeshwar Pyare Chand. Naag Panchami par aapke nazdeeki Sssssinemas mein 14 August 2026 ko.”(The first chapter of Naag Lok. Coming to spread the hood. In cinemas on Nag Panchami—14 August 2026.) NagZilla is set to hit the big screens on August 14, 2026, perfectly timed with Nag Panchami, a festival celebrating serpents in Indian mythology. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan is also reuniting with director Sameer Vidwans for another Dharma-backed film, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, a romantic comedy slated for release on Valentine’s Day eve 2026. The project, co-produced by Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Bhumika Tewari, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora, marks Kartik’s second collaboration with Vidwans after Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023). With two major films on the horizon—one mythological and the other romantic—Kartik Aaryan is gearing up to rule both hearts and hoods!

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Narasimha Murthy Makes History with World’s First AI-Generated Feature Film, Love You

Indian filmmaker and screenwriter Narasimha Murthy has made cinematic history by creating the world’s first AI-generated feature film, Love You. A groundbreaking innovation from the Kannada film industry, the film is a landmark not just in Indian cinema, but globally, as it marks a bold leap into the future of storytelling. Reflecting on the film’s creation, Murthy said, “Every frame, every song, every moment, it’s AI-crafted. We didn’t use a single human performer.” With this project, he envisions a new era of creative collaboration between humans and machines. “This is not just a film; it’s the beginning of a new way to tell stories,” he emphasized, expressing pride in Kannada cinema for pioneering this movement. The 5-minute romantic drama was produced on a modest budget of ₹10 lakh and features AI-generated characters, visuals, and even 12 songs—all without actors, musicians, or traditional camera crews. Murthy wrote the dialogues and lyrics himself, while AI technician Nuthan, a graphic designer-turned-innovator, handled the AI production using 30 different AI tools. Creative guidance for the project came from Sundar Raj Gundurao, while Murthy and Nuthan worked closely to execute this never-before-seen vision in Indian cinema. In another historic first, Love You has been granted a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), officially making it the first AI-generated film approved for theatrical release in India. Though the release date is yet to be announced, the film has already created significant buzz and is expected to release in theatres worldwide. Love You not only pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible in filmmaking, but also opens up new possibilities for storytelling, production, and creative expression—making it a milestone moment in global cinema.

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Boycott Calls Intensify Against Abir Gulaal Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives. The incident has led to mounting calls for a boycott of the film, with many questioning the timing and casting choices amid strained Indo-Pak diplomatic relations. A Cross-Border Love Story Amid Cross-Border Tensions Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. Billed as a romantic drama exploring a cross-border love story, the film was already a subject of controversy at the time of its announcement, primarily due to the inclusion of Fawad Khan—a Pakistani national—as its male lead. With tensions between India and Pakistan heightened once again following the Pahalgam attack, the outrage surrounding the film has grown significantly. Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash The attack has reignited public anger, particularly on social media platforms, where many users have condemned the Indian film industry’s continued collaboration with Pakistani artists. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration, writing, “Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders and innocent lives are being lost?” Another asked, “Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made?” Parallels with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil The controversy has drawn parallels to the backlash faced by Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, which also featured Fawad Khan. That film was released shortly after the Uri terror attack and faced nationwide protests, ultimately leading to an informal ban on Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment. One X user recalled, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil… more than a month before its release, the Uri attack happened.” Political Opposition from MNS In a more organized response, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has voiced strong objections to the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. The party has consistently opposed the involvement of Pakistani talent in Indian cinema, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Makers Stand Firm on Release Despite growing public and political pressure, the makers of Abir Gulaal have decided to proceed with the planned May 9 release. Whether the film will face disruptions in certain states or a larger nationwide impact due to the boycott calls remains to be seen. For now, Abir Gulaal continues to dominate headlines—not for its story or performances, but for the controversy it has stirred.

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Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi to Star in Legal Drama Inspired by Landmark Shah Bano Case

Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi are set to headline a powerful courtroom drama inspired by the historic 1985 Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case. The film, which marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark judgment, recently completed its shoot and is slated for a theatrical release in October or November 2025. The story draws from the real-life legal battle of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman who courageously challenged her husband — a lawyer himself — in a case that significantly shaped India’s constitutional and social fabric. It delves into Shah Bano’s relentless fight for justice and women’s rights in the face of financial hardship, societal pressure, and religious conservatism. Her case highlighted the tension between religion, individual rights, and gender justice, and became a cornerstone in the debate over Muslim personal law in India. Yami Gautam plays the central role, inspired by Shah Bano, while Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband, a character based on Ahmed Khan. The film underscores the social and legal impact of Shah Bano’s fight, which continues to influence jurisprudence and women’s rights movements across communities in India. Directed by Suparn S Verma, known for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee, the film has been shot across various locations in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh. Backed by a compelling real-life narrative and powerful performances, the movie aims to bring one of India’s most significant legal battles back into public conversation — a story that still resonates in law schools and among rights advocates nationwide.

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LeT Terror Attack in Pahalgam Targets Hindu Tourists, Claims 26 Lives

In a horrifying act of violence, four terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) carried out a targeted attack on Hindu tourists in the popular Baisaran meadows area—commonly known as Maggi Point or Mini Switzerland—in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles loaded with armor-piercing steel-tipped bullets and equipped with body cameras, selectively identified and shot Hindu men among the tourists, killing 26 people in a brutal 15-minute assault. Two of the assailants have been identified as local residents: Aadil Thakur from Bijbehara and Aasif Sheikh from Tral. The remaining two are believed to be Pakistani nationals of Pashtun origin. Despite The Resistance Front (TRF) claiming responsibility for the massacre, security officials confirmed that TRF is merely a façade for LeT, created to portray such operations as indigenous militant activity. Initial intelligence suggests that the terrorists had arrived in the area days prior, with their original target being a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Katra on April 19—a visit that was ultimately cancelled. Officials ruled out speculation that the attack was aimed at intelligence operatives, although one staff member from the Intelligence Bureau on holiday with his family was among the victims. Eyewitness accounts and security sources revealed that the attackers first questioned the tourists, separating the Hindu men based on names and other identifying markers. While some individuals tried to conceal their religious identities, the terrorists confirmed their suspicions before opening fire. Women and children were deliberately spared and moved aside. Shell casings recovered from the site indicate the use of AK-47s and armor-piercing rounds. Authorities believe the group may have included additional members acting as lookouts, as such teams typically operate in groups of up to six. Security forces have since launched an extensive manhunt, deploying special forces to track down the perpetrators. While intelligence agencies had previously issued alerts about terrorist movement in the area, the threat was reportedly dismissed as part of routine warnings issued ahead of high-profile events. Critics have questioned the lack of security presence in the area, especially given the heavy tourist footfall during the ongoing tourism season. Officials responded by saying that a security-heavy environment was deliberately avoided to maintain a perception of safety for visitors, as overt militarization could harm the region’s tourism-dependent economy. The attack has sparked national outrage and is being seen as a major security lapse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi, where he immediately reviewed the security situation at the technical area of the airport.

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