July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Featured

Four Dead, Several Trapped in Mustafabad Building Collapse; CM Orders Probe

In a tragic incident in northeast Delhi’s Mustafabad, a four-storey building collapsed in the early hours of Saturday, April 19, 2025, resulting in the death of at least four people. The collapse occurred around 3 am in Shakti Vihar, trapping approximately 22 people under the debris. Rescue teams managed to bring out 14 individuals, who were rushed to GTB Hospital, where doctors confirmed four of them as brought dead. Authorities believe that 8 to 10 people are still trapped under the rubble. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. She confirmed that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service (DFS), and other concerned agencies are actively involved in rescue and relief operations. “Arrangements have been made for proper treatment of all the injured,” the Chief Minister stated. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Gupta wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident and strict action will be taken against the culprits. My deepest condolences to those who died in the unfortunate accident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.” Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his condolences and urged party workers to assist in the ongoing relief efforts. “I appeal to all the party workers to fully cooperate with the administration in relief and rescue operations,” he said. Leader of Opposition Atishi echoed the sentiment and asked AAP volunteers in Mustafabad to provide their full support to authorities on the ground. Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, after visiting the collapse site, said that CM Gupta is directly monitoring the situation. He raised concerns about rampant illegal constructions in areas such as Mustafabad, Seelampur, Jafrabad, Seemapuri, Jamia, and Old Delhi. “The Municipal Commissioner has been instructed to vacate nearby unsafe buildings. No officer responsible for the building collapse will be spared,” Mishra added. Police teams and rescue agencies continue to work at the site, while an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

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Editor04 mins

Swami of Ramakrishna Mission Duped of ₹2.5 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Scam Posing as ED Probe

In a shocking case of cybercrime, Swami Supradiptananda, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, was duped of ₹2.5 crore by cybercriminals posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The scam, executed with chilling precision, kept the swami under what police describe as a “digital arrest” for 26 days, isolating him from all contact with the outside world. According to SP Dharamveer Singh, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. The scammers initiated contact on March 15, accusing the swami of involvement in a ₹20 crore money laundering case supposedly linked to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. They exploited real-world developments in the Goyal-Canara Bank case to lend credibility, even referencing the November 2023 ED prosecution complaint. To further entrap him, the fraudsters sent forged documents, including: The swami was told that the ashram’s funds needed verification by RBI and would be returned post-investigation — a claim that later proved false. Under psychological pressure and threats of arrest, a ₹5 lakh fine, and 7 years in prison, he complied with their every demand. For 26 days, he was made to send hourly updates, including live location, selfies, and was instructed not to communicate with anyone — not even ashram officials or family. The con artists managed to extract personal, financial, and institutional details, convincing the swami to authorize the transfer of ₹2,52,99,000 to multiple unknown accounts under the guise of legal compliance. When promised refunds failed to materialize and calls from the fraudsters ceased by April 11, Swami Supradiptananda realized the ruse and immediately reported it to the authorities. Police have since traced one of the beneficiary accounts to Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and dispatched teams to West Bengal, Assam, and other locations as part of the ongoing probe. Swami Supradiptananda has been associated with the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior since 2014. The case serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber frauds in India, especially those targeting respected institutions and individuals through psychological manipulation and forgery.

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Editor04 mins

US-China Trade War Escalates: Tariffs Soar to 245% Amid National Security Concerns

The United States has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%, citing retaliatory actions by Beijing, the White House announced on Tuesday afternoon (India time). This latest development marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade war between the two global economic giants, pushing the standoff further into uncertain territory. The move comes after President Donald Trump authorised a formal investigation into the national security risks associated with the United States’ dependence on imported, processed critical minerals and related products. These include essential resources like cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare-earth elements — materials that are vital for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and military equipment. The White House noted that over-reliance on foreign sources for such minerals leaves the US vulnerable to “serious, sustained, and long-term supply chain shocks.” It warned that this dependence could potentially endanger national security, hinder technological advancement, and undermine economic stability. Previously, the tit-for-tat tariff exchanges had seen the US imposing a 145% tax on Chinese imports, with China retaliating with a 125% tariff on American goods. In addition, China banned the export of key materials used by aerospace manufacturers and military contractors in the US. Despite these economic headwinds, a senior Chinese official on Wednesday admitted that the American tariffs were exerting pressure. However, China reported a stronger-than-expected economic performance, with its economy growing by 5.4% in the first quarter. Industrial output rose by 6.5% and retail sales by 4.6% year-on-year. Even so, Beijing acknowledged that the global economic outlook is becoming increasingly “complex and severe,” necessitating fresh efforts to drive growth and boost consumption. President Trump, meanwhile, has made it clear that the next move is up to China. “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” he said, just a day after accusing Beijing of reneging on a significant Boeing agreement. Trump has long claimed that countries like China, India, and Brazil impose higher tariffs on American imports than the US does on goods from those nations. He has advocated for reciprocal tariffs as a way to either force foreign governments to lower their trade barriers or stimulate domestic manufacturing, thereby creating local jobs—a key plank of his re-election campaign. Since January, the Trump administration has steadily increased tariffs on Chinese goods, starting with 10% hikes in February and March and culminating in a 34% spike in April. By April 9, the cumulative tariffs exceeded 100%, causing global financial markets, including in the US, to tumble. While Trump has paused some tariff orders, those affecting China remain firmly in place. In retaliation, China suspended imports of American sorghum, poultry, and bonemeal, imposed trade restrictions on 27 US firms, and filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization. Beijing has also intensified diplomatic outreach to other global players like India and the European Union, seeking to counterbalance US influence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently urged New Delhi and Beijing to “make the elephant and dragon dance” and jointly oppose “hegemonism and power politics.” As the trade tensions deepen, the path forward remains uncertain, with significant implications for global trade, geopolitics, and economic stability.

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Editor05 mins

Salman Khan Receives New Death Threat: Gujarat Man Identified, Security Tightened

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again found himself at the center of a security scare. A 26-year-old man from Waghodia, Vadodara (Gujarat) has been identified as the sender of a threatening message that claimed a bomb would be planted in Khan’s car, and that the actor would be harmed. The threat was sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp helpline on Sunday, April 13. Details of the Threat The message warned of physical harm to the Y-Plus-security protected actor and stated an intent to enter Salman’s Bandra home and plant explosives in his car. The incident comes exactly a year after gunshots were fired outside Khan’s residence, raising serious concerns for his safety once again. Investigation and Suspect Background Mumbai Police promptly coordinated with Gujarat authorities and tracked the suspect to a village in Waghodia. Upon visiting his residence, it was discovered that the man is mentally unstable and currently undergoing medical treatment, according to Vadodara SP Rohan Anand. Mumbai Police served him a notice to appear before them in 2–3 days and registered a case under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Despite the suspect’s medical condition, security around Salman Khan’s Bandra home has been significantly increased. Ongoing Threats and Bishnoi Gang Angle This is not the first time Salman has been threatened. The actor has been on the hit list of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose community reveres blackbucks as sacred animals. The origin of these threats dates back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which Salman is accused of illegally hunting two blackbucks near Jodhpur. Over time, the Bishnoi gang has allegedly demanded: Salman Khan’s Response Despite the repeated threats, Salman remains composed. Speaking during an off-camera interaction ahead of his film Sikandar, he said: “Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai.”(“It’s all in God’s hands. I’ll live as long as I’m destined to. That’s all.”) As the investigation continues, fans and the industry remain concerned about the actor’s safety. The incident further highlights the increasing need for security for celebrities, especially those involved in high-profile legal or controversial cases.

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Editor04 mins

India, US Finalise Phase-One Trade Deal Terms Amid Tariff Tensions; Aim for $500 Billion Trade by 2030

India and the United States have finalised the terms of reference for the initial phase of a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement, according to a report by Reuters citing an Indian trade official. The development comes as both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 under the ambitious “Mission 500” initiative. This agreement follows an earlier commitment made in February, when both countries agreed to collaborate on the first stage of the trade pact and finalise it by the end of 2025. The initial deal is seen as a strategic step toward expanding cooperation in key sectors such as energy, critical minerals, technology, and manufacturing. The progress comes in the backdrop of rising trade tensions, especially after the US, under President Donald Trump, imposed 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods earlier this month. However, Trump has since announced a 90-day pause on further tariff hikes for major trading partners, including India, giving both sides room to negotiate. In response, India has revised its tariff structure, reducing import duties on approximately 8,500 industrial items. Notably, the tariff cuts include American exports such as bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, seen as a goodwill gesture to ease bilateral strains. The phase-one agreement underscores both countries’ intent to align on trade policies and deepen economic ties. India is reportedly considering zero-duty imports from the US in selected sectors, especially under its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that aim to attract global manufacturers and integrate India into global supply chains. This reset in trade relations comes after President Trump’s April 2 announcement of “Liberation Day”, during which he unveiled a sweeping 10% base tariff on all imports, targeting countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. The executive order, effective April 5, is part of a broader protectionist shift aimed at revitalising domestic industry, with China being the primary focus. The evolving India–US trade dynamic signals a strategic economic realignment, with both nations seeking to reduce dependence on China and strengthen their roles in global trade architecture.

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Editor03 mins

ED Issues Second Summons to Robert Vadra in Shikhopur Land Deal Case; Vadra Alleges Political Vendetta

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday issued a second summons to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Shikhopur land deal in Haryana. The summons comes days after Vadra failed to appear before the agency following an earlier notice issued on April 8. In a show of defiance, Vadra, accompanied by supporters and Congress workers, marched to the ED office, asserting his innocence and calling the case a politically motivated attack. “Whenever I talk for the people, they try to suppress me. It’s a political vendetta. I have nothing to hide,” he said. He further claimed that the case has been repeatedly used to target him and his family, particularly when he expresses interest in entering active politics. “People love me and want me to join politics. When I express that willingness, they bring up old issues to divert from real problems,” he added. Vadra also stated that he has been summoned 15 times and interrogated for over 10 hours each time over the past 20 years, and that his legal team is compiling 23,000 documents to support his defense. Meanwhile, Congress supporters present at the ED office chanted slogans accusing the ruling BJP of misusing central agencies. One of the popular chants was, “Jab jab Modi darta hai, ED ko aage karta hai,” implying that the agency is being used to silence dissent and target opposition voices. The case pertains to a 2008 land transaction in Shikohpur village near Gurgaon, where Vadra’s company Skylight Hospitality purchased around three acres of land for Rs 7.5 crore. Later, the Haryana town planning department issued a letter of intent to develop a commercial colony on 2.71 acres of the plot. Subsequently, Skylight entered into an agreement with DLF to sell the land for Rs 58 crore, and the sale deed was registered in favor of DLF. Once Vadra deposes before the ED, the agency is expected to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to sources cited by news agency PTI. He has previously been questioned by the ED in connection with another money laundering case.

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Editor03 mins

Pawan Kalyan’s Son Injured in Singapore School Fire, Family Offers Prayers at Tirumala Post-Recovery

Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan‘s son, Mark Shankar Pavanovich, was among several children injured in a tragic school fire in Singapore last week. The incident occurred on April 8 at a shophouse on River Valley Road, where a fire broke out, prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Eight-year-old Mark sustained injuries to his hands and legs, along with respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation. At the time, Pawan Kalyan was touring the Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh for official engagements. Upon receiving the news, he, along with his elder brother Chiranjeevi, immediately flew to Singapore to be by his son’s side. In a heartfelt public statement, Pawan Kalyan said: “Our youngest son, Mark Shankar, was injured in a school fire in Singapore and is being treated in hospital. He is gradually recovering.”He also extended gratitude to actors, politicians, and fans who prayed for Mark’s well-being and offered special poojas at temples on his behalf. After receiving treatment and recovering steadily, Mark Shankar has now returned to India with his family. To offer thanks for her son’s recovery, Pawan Kalyan’s wife Anna Lezhneva visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple on April 14, where she performed a head tonsuring ritual at Padmavati Kalyana Katta — a sacred location within the temple premises where devotees offer their hair as a mark of devotion and gratitude. Anna also took part in several temple rituals and pujas following the ceremony. Chiranjeevi, who has been vocal about his nephew’s condition, shared a message of hope on social media: “Our baby Mark Shankar has come home. But he still needs to recover. With the grace and mercy of our clan deity, Anjaneya Swamy, he will soon be fully healthy and back to normal. Tomorrow is Hanuman Jayanti, and that Lord stood by us, saving that little child from great danger and tragedy.” He also thanked the public, writing: “People from various regions and villages stood in solidarity with our family by offering prayers and blessings. I, on behalf of my brother Pawan Kalyan and our entire family, wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your support.” The episode has brought a wave of concern and sympathy from fans and well-wishers across Andhra Pradesh and beyond, as the family continues to focus on Mark’s full recovery.

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Editor04 mins

Indian Army Downs Pakistan-Operated Chinese Drone Using Indigenous Laser-Based System; DRDO Unveils 30-Kilowatt Directed-Energy Weapon

In a significant technological breakthrough, the Indian Army intercepted and neutralised a Chinese-origin drone operated by the Pakistan Army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu using an indigenously developed anti-drone system. Defence sources confirmed that the drone had entered Indian territory in the 16 Corps area, located south of the Pir Panjal ranges. The swift response by Army Air Defence units, using the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, ensured the unmanned aerial vehicle was brought down without incident. The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), employs a variety of technologies to detect and disable hostile drones. It can jam communication signals, spoof navigation, and destroy aerial threats using a 2-kilowatt laser weapon capable of engaging targets from a distance of 800 to 1,000 metres. The system has already been deployed extensively along India’s borders in response to the increasing threat of drone incursions. Highlighting the country’s progress in directed-energy weapons, DRDO also unveiled a new 30-kilowatt laser weapon system designed to neutralise fixed-wing aircraft, swarm drones, and even incoming missiles. Having successfully completed trials, this advanced system is now entering production and deployment phases, placing India alongside a select group of nations — including the United States, Russia, and China — with operational high-powered laser weapons. Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, described the achievement as “just the beginning of the journey,” noting the synergy between DRDO, industry partners, and academia. He emphasized that India is also advancing work on other high-energy technologies, such as high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulse weapons — key components of what he termed “Star Wars capability.” Dr Jagannath Nayak, Director of the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, echoed the sentiment, calling the system a “massless weapon” that can neutralise multiple aerial threats by focusing intense beams of laser light. “This is an achievement for our country and DRDO,” he said, underlining the system’s ability to destroy fixed-wing aircraft and drone swarms in real-time. With this milestone, India is asserting itself as a leader in next-generation defence technologies, capable of countering evolving aerial threats with homegrown innovation.

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Editor04 mins

PM Modi Slams Congress Over Waqf Law Opposition, Calls Out ‘Appeasement Politics’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing it of appeasing Muslim fundamentalists and neglecting the broader Muslim community. Speaking at the inauguration of Hisar airport in Haryana, PM Modi said the Congress’s stand on the new law was a clear indication of its vote-bank politics. He challenged the party’s commitment to the Muslim community, questioning why it had never appointed a Muslim party president or allocated 50 per cent of its election tickets to Muslim candidates. The Prime Minister emphasized that the newly inaugurated Hisar airport would serve as a significant milestone in Haryana’s developmental journey. He also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling him a Dalit icon and the architect of the Constitution. Modi stated that every decision of his government is inspired by Babasaheb’s struggle and dedication to social justice. Targeting the Congress party’s historical approach, Modi accused it of misusing the Constitution for political power. “During the Emergency, the spirit of the Constitution was murdered,” he said. He criticized the Congress for never implementing a Uniform Civil Code, which he claimed is enshrined in the Constitution, while his government had taken a step forward by introducing it in Uttarakhand. Modi also accused the Congress of betraying Ambedkar during his lifetime. “They insulted him, made him lose elections, and tried to erase his legacy after his death,” he said, adding that the Congress had perpetuated vote-bank politics while ignoring real issues like education and empowerment of marginalized communities. He said the Waqf law, as changed arbitrarily by Congress, was used to benefit land mafias rather than poor Muslims, Dalits, and backward classes. According to Modi, the new amendment ensures that tribal lands and properties cannot be taken over by Waqf Boards, and that this will help restore the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslims, which he described as true social justice. In response, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge countered Modi’s claims by invoking Ambedkar’s belief in the power of education. He said the current government does not follow Ambedkar’s vision but only indulges in blaming the Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others from the past. Kharge also highlighted the Congress’s consistent demand for immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, with specific provisions for SC, ST, and OBC women, as part of their long-standing commitment to equality.

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Editor04 mins

‘Jailer 2’ Heats Up in Attappadi: Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah Bring Firepower to the Sequel

The megastar-led sequel ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is shifting gears quickly as it enters its next crucial filming phase. After a successful initial schedule in Chennai, the production has now moved to the picturesque terrains of Attappadi, near Coimbatore, with filming officially kicking off on April 11. Superstar Rajinikanth has already arrived at the scenic Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to resume his role as Muthuvel Pandian, and this schedule promises to be packed with key emotional and action-heavy sequences. 🔁 Familiar Faces Return: Mirnaa Is Back A heartening return in the sequel is Mirnaa, who played Rajinikanth’s daughter-in-law in the original blockbuster. According to Cinema Vikatan, she’s involved in this new leg of shooting, suggesting that the emotional threads from ‘Jailer’ will be deepened. Fans can expect her character to evolve and take on a more central role, possibly adding gravitas to the family dynamics that stood out in the original film. 🎭 Enter SJ Suryah: A Dynamic New Addition The big surprise? The addition of actor-director S.J. Suryah in a pivotal role. Known for his intense screen presence and unique performances, Suryah’s inclusion has stirred massive fan excitement. Interestingly, he had once pitched a powerful concept to Rajinikanth involving triple roles and river water issues—though that film didn’t materialize, his collaboration with Thalaivar has finally taken form in Jailer 2. Sources suggest Suryah was personally keen on being part of the film, and with Nelson’s knack for giving characters strong narrative weight, his role is expected to be a major highlight. 🎬 What’s Next? The Attappadi schedule is expected to continue for two weeks, covering major scenes with both returning and fresh cast members. Post this, the unit will return to Chennai for the next leg of filming. With Nelson at the helm, Anirudh likely returning to score the music, and a cast that includes Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah, ‘Jailer 2’ is shaping up as a high-octane sequel with emotional depth and a fresh antagonist twist.

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Editor03 mins
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