July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Featured

Cybercrime: Online Dating Scams and Sextortion Rackets on the Rise

Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with an online dating scam racket, with suspicions that more people may be involved. These scams involve cybercriminals manipulating individuals’ vulnerabilities by creating fake romantic or sexual relationships online. Once victims become emotionally invested, the scammers exploit them, often using shared photographs and personal information to blackmail the victim. A police officer explained, “The victims get blindsided by their emotions and want to fulfil every wish of the other person without realizing they are bleeding money. By the time they become aware, it is already too late.” The scam can target both men and women, with fake profiles being created to deceive them. According to cybersecurity experts, one common tactic employed by scammers is to quickly profess love while avoiding in-person meetings. “If a person you have met online keeps giving excuses to meet in person, then most likely he or she is not who they are claiming to be,” stated a police officer. For those new to online dating, police advise caution. “Make a reverse image search of the person you have started dating online,” recommended an officer. Scammers frequently create new profiles, and those looking for genuine connections should be wary of newly established accounts. The sextortion racket that is central to these scams began in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and has since spread to multiple parts of India, including Kolkata. Some of the arrested individuals trace their activities back to Bharatpur, where they were either trained or are directly involved in running these illicit operations. Police have also issued safety advice for online daters. “While chatting online, personal details should not be shared. Most of these scammers are targeting multiple victims, making it difficult for them to keep track of their fabricated stories. Look for any loopholes in their narratives,” said an officer. The rise of such online scams highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness, especially when engaging in virtual relationships. Authorities urge individuals to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of people they meet on online dating platforms.

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Editor03 mins

Fertiliser Shortage Looms in State Ahead of Kharif Season; CM Holds Emergency Meet

A severe fertiliser crisis appears imminent in the state as it gears up for the upcoming Kharif season. A growing scarcity of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and a sharp price hike in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilisers have raised concerns among farmers and policymakers alike. Emergency Meeting by Chief Minister Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis. During the session, it was decided that the existing stock of fertilisers will be distributed immediately to farmers at previously fixed rates, in an attempt to ease pressure and avoid black marketing. The government is also considering alternatives such as supplying urea or TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) to meet the shortfall of DAP. Currently, the state holds about 3.5 lakh tonnes of DAP and NPK combined, against a requirement of 7.5 lakh tonnes—leaving a significant gap. Disruption in Global Supply and Price Hike The crisis has been exacerbated by a disruption in global supply chains. With China halting DAP exports, India is now solely dependent on Morocco for DAP imports. Additionally, due to the government’s decision not to increase the price ceiling, fertiliser companies have reportedly halted DAP production, leading to further scarcity. To manage the Rabi season, the government had encouraged the use of NPK, but with the rising demand, manufacturers hiked prices from ₹1,470 to ₹1,720 per 50-kg bag—despite no increase in central subsidies. Shortfall in Central Allocation Adding to the crisis, the Centre has fallen short in its promised allotment of fertilisers to the state. While the state was supposed to receive 1 lakh tonnes of DAP and 1.5 lakh tonnes of NPK this month, only 25,000 tonnes of NPK have been delivered so far. DAP allocation is still pending. Farmer Backlash Likely With the price burden falling on farmers, especially for NPK, discontent is brewing. The hike, coupled with uncertainty around fertiliser availability, may trigger large-scale resentment in rural areas, potentially impacting agricultural output and political sentiment in the state. The government is expected to ramp up communication with the Centre and explore short-term measures to cushion farmers from the brunt of this crisis.

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Editor03 mins

Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over Waqf (Amendment) Act: 110+ Arrested

Unrest broke out in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal following a demonstration against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. Police confirmed on Saturday that over 110 individuals had been arrested in connection with the violence, which included the torching of vehicles, including police vans, the launching of projectiles at security personnel, and the barricading of roads. The disturbances spread across Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts as well. The Murshidabad district, where the violence was most severe, saw 70 arrests in Suti and 41 arrests in Samserganj. While the affected areas continued to experience tension, no major incidents occurred on Saturday morning. Authorities have imposed restrictive orders and suspended internet connectivity in the violence-affected regions to curb the spread of rumors and to maintain control. A police officer confirmed that patrols in Suti and Samserganj were ongoing and that gatherings were strictly prohibited to prevent any further disturbances. In addition, a teenage boy who was reportedly injured from police firing during the unrest in Suti has been transferred to a Kolkata hospital for treatment. The unrest mainly affected areas with large Muslim populations. The protests were sparked by the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has garnered controversy due to its impact on the management of Waqf properties. In response, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing them of failing to manage the situation and calling it a pre-mediated act of violence. He referred to the unrest as an assault on democracy and claimed it was instigated by “Jihadist forces” aiming to spread chaos and fear. Adhikari demanded that authorities identify and bring legal action against those responsible for the violence, insisting that the perpetrators face severe penalties under the law. The authorities are currently working to restore order, with ongoing police operations across the region and a high alert in place to prevent any further unrest.

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Editor03 mins

PM Modi Unveils ₹3,880 Crore Development Push in Varanasi: Major Boost to Connectivity, Education, and Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—his parliamentary constituency. The comprehensive package of projects spans infrastructure, education, energy, water, and urban renewal, underscoring a significant push toward holistic regional development. Focus on Connectivity and Transport To ease traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity, the PM laid the foundation for key road infrastructure. These include a major bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on NH-31 near Varanasi International Airport. Power Infrastructure Expansion Modi also initiated power projects aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity distribution network. These include the foundation of a 220 KV transmission substation at Chaukaghat (Varanasi), a 132 KV substation in Ghazipur, and an upgrade of the Varanasi electricity system—collectively valued at over ₹775 crore. Boost to Education and Smart City Initiatives As part of the Smart City Mission, the PM laid the foundation stone for the renovation of 77 primary schools and a new building for the Kasturba Gandhi School in Cholapur. He also inaugurated the Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College in Barki village, 356 rural libraries, and 100 new Anganwadi centres. Water and Sanitation Projects Several water-related projects were unveiled, including the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat on the Ganga River. Modi also inaugurated 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth ₹345 crore and announced improvements to six municipal wards in the city, along with aesthetic enhancements through landscaping and sculpture installations. Sports and Community Infrastructure To encourage sporting talent, the PM announced the development of a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium in Shivpur. Welfare and Cultural Recognition In a historic first, Modi distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens and handed out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for iconic Varanasi products such as tabla, painting, thandai, and tiranga barfi. Furthermore, he transferred over ₹105 crore as bonuses to milk suppliers in Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy. The event marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Varanasi under Modi’s leadership, aligning with the broader vision of modernization while preserving cultural heritage.

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Editor04 mins

JCO Martyred in Fierce LoC Gunfight in Akhnoor; Infiltration Bid Foiled by Army

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was martyred in a gunfight with militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu late Friday night. According to officials, the encounter erupted when alert army troops detected the movement of a group of heavily armed militants near a stream in a dense forest area of Keri Bhattal. The troops engaged the militants in a fierce exchange of fire that lasted for several hours. The JCO was initially injured during the firefight and later succumbed to his injuries. However, the infiltration attempt was successfully thwarted by the Indian Army. Following the incident, the area was cordoned off and additional reinforcements were rushed in. A large-scale search operation is currently underway to ensure no militant is hiding in the vicinity. This is the second major militant-related incident in the region within a span of two months. On February 11, two Army personnel, including a captain, were killed and another injured in an IED blast triggered by militants in the same area. The latest encounter comes just days after India and Pakistan held a brigade commander-level flag meeting in Poonch district to address border management issues. The meeting, the second of its kind since February, was aimed at reducing tensions following multiple incidents of cross-border firing and an IED attack. The Indian Army has since lodged a strong protest with Pakistani counterparts regarding continued cross-border terror activity and violations of the ceasefire agreement. It’s worth noting that ceasefire violations had significantly reduced after India and Pakistan reaffirmed the ceasefire pact on February 25, 2021. However, recent developments suggest a worrying uptick in hostilities along the LoC.

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Editor03 mins

Gold Hits All-Time High Amid US-China Trade Tensions; Experts Predict Further Surge

Gold prices soared to an unprecedented $3,238.82 per ounce (₹2.7 lakh) on Saturday, driven by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. The sharp rise marks a new record for the safe-haven metal, as global economic uncertainty continues to fuel investor demand. In the domestic market, gold prices had dropped earlier in the week, touching ₹88,200 on Tuesday, while globally, it stood at $3,000 (₹2.5 lakh). However, by Friday, prices rebounded sharply, reaching an all-time high of ₹96,000 in India and $3,262 (₹2.8 lakh) on the international market. In Ahmedabad, the price of 22-carat gold on Friday was reported at ₹85,660, while 24-carat gold touched ₹93,440 per 10 grams, reflecting the upward momentum. The surge is largely attributed to economic instability spurred by US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have intensified friction with China. As geopolitical risks mount, investors have increasingly turned to gold as a secure asset. Market analysts anticipate that the rally is far from over. Forecasts suggest that gold prices could climb to $3,500 per ounce (₹3 lakh) by the end of the year, should global tensions persist or worsen.

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Editor02 mins

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

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Editor03 mins

Jobless Teachers Begin Relay Hunger Strike Outside SSC Office in West Bengal

A section of teachers and staff who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court verdict annulling their appointments began a relay hunger strike on Thursday outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) office in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The protest follows a judgment that declared the entire 2016 SSC recruitment process as “tainted and vitiated.” The protesters, many of whom had gathered outside the SSC office building ‘Acharya Sadan’ since Wednesday night, expressed outrage not only over their dismissal but also over the alleged police action against fellow demonstrators outside the district inspector (DI) of schools’ office at Kasba on Wednesday. Teachers claimed they were baton-charged, kicked, and manhandled by law enforcement officers during the demonstration near Kasba Police Station. Joining the protestors, BJP MP and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay criticized the state administration, holding it accountable for the crisis. “Cases have been lodged against innocent teachers who lost their jobs due to the illegal acts of others,” Gangopadhyay said. He was accompanied by former Rajya Sabha MP Rupa Ganguly to the protest site, extending solidarity with the aggrieved educators. Gangopadhyay clarified that he had deliberately chosen not to meet Education Minister Bratya Basu on Wednesday in protest of the police’s handling of the demonstrations. He added that the BJP leadership supported his stance. As a judge, Gangopadhyay had ordered a CBI investigation in 2021 into alleged recruitment irregularities, which led to the termination of more than 25,000 teaching and non-teaching posts in state-run and state-aided schools. This decision was later upheld by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2024. The protesters contend that the SSC failed to distinguish between fraudulently appointed candidates and those who were rightfully recruited, thereby unjustly affecting many innocent individuals. The scam led to the arrests of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and others involved with the SSC during the controversial recruitment period, with both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate continuing their investigations into the matter.

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Editor03 mins

Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia: 155 Chinese Nationals Allegedly Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia. “We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged. Zelensky claimed: “Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.” China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that: “The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.” He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict. Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of: China’s Balancing Act China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods. North Korea Also in Focus The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort. With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.

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Editor04 mins

India Pushes for Faster Trade Deal with US Amid Tariff Shifts and Global Uncertainty

India is accelerating efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the United States after US President Donald Trump temporarily paused reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, while significantly raising duties on China. The move, seen as part of Trump’s ongoing pressure strategy against China, saw tariffs on Chinese imports hiked to 125%. In contrast, the reciprocal tariff rate for Indian goods remains steady at 10%. India and the US had previously announced their intention to conclude the first phase of a trade deal by autumn 2025, aiming for a bilateral trade volume of $500 billion by 2030. The recent pause on tariff implementation comes as a relief to Indian exporters, particularly those in the shrimp industry, a government official told Reuters. The official added that India was among the first countries to initiate trade talks with the US and has remained committed to the agreed timeline. Just a day after imposing high tariffs that shook global stock markets, Trump provisionally reduced duties for key trading partners, including India. The tariff volatility has prompted countries to re-evaluate their global trade strategies. India is also open to allowing zero-duty imports from the US in several sectors, including those under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, according to a report by The Economic Times. The PLI scheme covers 14 sectors such as electronics, drones, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and specialty steel, backed by a budget of ₹1.97 lakh crore. A broader Indian offer could help fast-track the trade deal. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly planning to expand iPhone manufacturing in India—a potential shift influenced by Trump’s stricter tariffs on Chinese goods. Amid this global economic flux, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a cautious step to support growth by cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flagged growing risks to India’s GDP due to rising trade tensions. “The recent trade tariff-related measures have exacerbated uncertainties clouding the economic outlook across regions, posing new headwinds for global growth and inflation,” he stated in the monetary policy announcement. As global economic policies shift unpredictably, India finds itself navigating a complex trade and economic landscape while trying to safeguard its growth trajectory and global trade partnerships.

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Editor04 mins
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