September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Emirates and FC Bayern Sign Landmark Long-Term Partnership Deal Through 2032

Munich / Dubai, August 7, 2025 — In a major boost for European football sponsorship, FC Bayern Munich and Emirates Airline have signed a long-term strategic partnership that will run until the end of the 2031/32 season. The deal marks Emirates’ return to the Bundesliga, further strengthening its deep ties to European football. Key Aspects of the Partnership: Official Statements: Michael Diederich, Deputy Chairman, FC Bayern Munich: “FC Bayern is very pleased to have gained a strong and shining partner in Emirates, which has been a committed supporter of club football in Europe for decades. Emirates provides financial planning security — essential for our sporting goals — and its global network supports our ambitions for international growth.” Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline: “We are immensely proud to partner with FC Bayern – Germany’s most iconic football club and a true global sporting giant. This is more than a commercial agreement — it’s a connection to a passionate global fanbase and a celebration of excellence, a value shared by both Emirates and FC Bayern.” Emirates’ Global Football Footprint: Emirates has been a consistent name in European football since 2001, partnering with top-tier clubs including: Relevance for Germany: Emirates in Sports & Culture: Beyond football, Emirates is a major player in: This partnership not only aligns two globally recognized brands but also reinforces the shared values of excellence, longevity, and global community-building. For FC Bayern, the alliance with Emirates adds strategic financial and branding muscle. For Emirates, it reconnects the airline with millions of Bundesliga fans while deepening its legacy in global sports marketing.

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Editor04 mins

Trump’s New Tariffs Hit Dozens of Countries, Global Leaders Scramble to Respond

| August 7, 2025 — A sweeping wave of new country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump came into force at 12:01 AM Washington time on Thursday, escalating global trade tensions and sending shockwaves through international markets. The tariffs — announced just days before the August 1 deadline — are designed to penalize what the Trump administration calls “unfair trade practices”. Tariff rates range from 10% on UK exports to a staggering 41% on Syrian goods, and apply on top of existing U.S. import duties. India Among the Hardest Hit India, already facing a 25% base tariff, is now subject to an additional 25% levy following an executive order signed by Trump on Wednesday. The move is in retaliation for India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, a decision the U.S. considers to be undermining its sanctions on Moscow. The Indian government has been given 21 days to respond, with President Trump warning that other countries trading with Russia could face similar penalties. Brazil, UK, and EU Affected Swiss Officials Blindsided Switzerland was hit with a 39% tariff, a move described as “shocking” by Swiss leaders. President Karin Keller-Sutter rushed to Washington this week for emergency talks with senior Trump officials in a bid to roll back the tariffs. Upon her return, the Swiss government scheduled an extraordinary cabinet meeting for Thursday. Trump Defends the Move In a late-night social media post, Trump hailed the tariffs as a boon for American revenue, claiming “billions of dollars will start flowing into the U.S.” He also attacked ongoing legal challenges against the policy, saying: “The only thing that can stop America’s greatness would be a radical left court that wants to see our country fail.” The U.S. Court of Appeals is currently considering whether Trump overstepped his executive authority by implementing the reciprocal tariffs without congressional approval. Global Backlash and Warnings Governments around the world are rushing to strike deals or lobby for exemptions, fearing the tariffs will: Economists warn that prolonged disputes could strain already fragile global supply chains, especially for agricultural and industrial goods.

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Editor04 mins

PM Modi Stands Firm on Farmers’ Interests as Trump Imposes New Tariffs on India

In a strong rebuttal to escalating trade tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would not compromise the interests of its farmers, fishermen, or livestock holders, even if it came at a personal political cost. His remarks came just a day after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s continued import of Russian crude oil. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country’s farmers.” Trump’s Tariff Move Sparks Diplomatic Row President Trump’s announcement came on the heels of an earlier 25% tariff hike on July 20, bringing the total additional duties on Indian exports to 50%. These punitive measures were introduced as retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — a move that Washington claims undermines US-led sanctions on Moscow. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The MEA emphasized that India’s energy imports are driven by market conditions and national energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, and pointed out that many other countries also continue to import Russian oil. “It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA stated. Strained Diplomatic Ties After Operation Sindoor The latest round of trade penalties also comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. Tensions between New Delhi and Washington escalated after President Trump claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan—an assertion firmly denied by India. During a recent debate in Parliament, PM Modi clarified, “We had said from day one that our action was non-escalatory. No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor.” The Prime Minister’s remarks were seen as a clear pushback against Washington’s narrative. India’s Resistance to US Trade Pressures The tariff hike also reflects ongoing frictions in the stalled India-US trade deal talks, where the US has been pressuring India to open up its agricultural market. India has resisted, citing the need to protect its domestic agricultural community, a stance now publicly reinforced by the Prime Minister. Paying tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution, PM Modi underlined India’s future focus: “Building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for our agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all.” With both nations digging in their heels, the latest development signals a period of heightened trade and diplomatic tension, even as both sides have historically tried to maintain a strategic partnership.

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रूस-भारत संबंधों को मज़बूती देने के लिए अजीत डोभाल मास्को पहुंचे, ट्रंप की टिप्पणियों से बढ़ा दौरे का महत्व

भारत और अमेरिका के बीच रूस से तेल खरीद को लेकर बढ़ते तनाव के बीच राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा सलाहकार (NSA) अजीत डोभाल रूस की राजधानी मास्को पहुंचे हैं। उनका यह दौरा पहले से निर्धारित था, लेकिन अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप की हालिया टिप्पणियों के बाद इसकी अहमियत और बढ़ गई है। इस महीने के अंत में भारत के विदेश मंत्री एस. जयशंकर के भी रूस जाने की संभावना है। अमेरिका की नाराज़गी: ट्रंप की तीखी टिप्पणी सीएनबीसी को दिए एक इंटरव्यू में ट्रंप ने कहा,“भारत एक अच्छा ट्रेडिंग पार्टनर नहीं रहा है। वे हमारे साथ बहुत व्यापार करते हैं, लेकिन हम उनके साथ नहीं कर पाते। हमने 25% टैरिफ तय किया था, लेकिन अब मैं अगले 24 घंटों में इसे और बढ़ाने जा रहा हूं क्योंकि वे रूसी तेल खरीद रहे हैं। वे युद्ध मशीन को ईंधन दे रहे हैं। अगर वे ऐसा करते रहेंगे, तो मुझे यह मंज़ूर नहीं है।” ट्रंप ने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि भारत यूक्रेन में लोगों की मौत के बावजूद रूसी तेल से मुनाफा कमा रहा है। डोभाल का दौरा: रणनीतिक साझेदारी को बढ़ावा NSA डोभाल के इस दौरे का उद्देश्य रूस-भारत रणनीतिक साझेदारी को मज़बूत करना है। सूत्रों के अनुसार, दोनों पक्ष सुरक्षा, ऊर्जा सहयोग और क्षेत्रीय स्थिरता से जुड़े मुद्दों पर बातचीत कर सकते हैं। भारत ने हमेशा अपनी स्वतंत्र विदेश नीति की बात दोहराई है और रूस से तेल खरीद को अपनी ऊर्जा आवश्यकताओं और राष्ट्रीय हित का मामला बताया है। ऐसे में डोभाल का यह दौरा भारत की कूटनीतिक स्थिति को स्पष्ट करने और द्विपक्षीय सहयोग को आगे बढ़ाने की दिशा में एक अहम कदम माना जा रहा है।

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Editor01 mins

PM Modi to Visit China for SCO Summit, Marking First Beijing Trip Since 2020 Galwan Clash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first visit to Beijing since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that strained India-China relations. Before heading to China, PM Modi will visit Japan on August 30. This diplomatic outreach follows a series of high-level interactions aimed at restoring normalcy between the two Asian powers. Earlier in June, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had attended SCO ministerial meetings. Jaishankar also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, underlining the importance of continued leadership engagement in stabilizing bilateral ties. India-China relations deteriorated sharply in May 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers were killed in clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan, eastern Ladakh. Casualties were also reported on the Chinese side. Following more than four years of strained ties, PM Modi and President Xi met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024. The meeting marked a turning point, as both leaders endorsed a complete disengagement and resolution of border issues. An agreement was reached on patrolling arrangements in Depsang and Demchok, restoring pre-2020 status along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Progress has also been made in people-to-people exchanges. In June, India and China agreed to: India has also announced it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals, signaling a broader thaw in ties.

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‘Wednesday’ Season 2 Part 1 Debuts on Netflix: Fans Applaud the Darker Tone, but Split Release Divides Viewers

Netflix has dropped Part 1 of the highly anticipated second season of Wednesday, and fans are flooding social media with reactions. The first four episodes, released on August 6, have drawn praise for their gothic atmosphere, intensified horror elements, and Jenna Ortega’s compelling performance—but viewers are sharply divided over the decision to split the season in two. A Darker, More Intense Turn The new season takes a deeper plunge into horror and mystery, expanding the eerie universe of Nevermore Academy. Many fans are applauding the show’s shift toward a darker tone. One viewer described it as “grimly terrific and morbidly fun,” while others praised the haunting visuals and mature storytelling. Jenna Ortega once again impresses with her sharp, deadpan portrayal of Wednesday Addams, earning widespread acclaim. Her chemistry with Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia) and Emma Myers (Enid) has also drawn attention, with the evolving mother-daughter dynamic and the deepening friendship between Wednesday and Enid standing out as emotional highlights of the season. Fans Frustrated Over Episode Split Despite the strong content, Netflix’s release strategy has sparked backlash. Only four episodes are available now, with the rest of the season set to drop on September 3. Fans on Twitter expressed disappointment, with many lamenting that the joy of binge-watching—a Netflix staple—is lost due to the two-part format. Some viewers feel the staggered release dampens the show’s momentum. “Waiting this long only to get half the season is frustrating,” one user posted, echoing the sentiments of many. Standout Creative Choices and Performances Season 2 opens with a memorable ballad version of Ariana Grande’s 7 Rings, which has generated buzz online. New cast additions, including Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley, have added fresh intrigue. Fans have also noted that Ortega’s increased involvement as executive producer seems to have deepened her portrayal of Wednesday, bringing even more nuance to the character. Touching moments between Wednesday and Enid have gone viral, particularly one emotional scene where Enid confesses how much Wednesday means to her—further cementing the characters’ bond as a fan favorite. What’s Next in Season 2 The new season picks up from Season 1’s cliffhanger, diving deeper into the mysterious stalker subplot. As new threats loom over Nevermore Academy, familiar characters return with more complex storylines. In a recent interview, Ortega described the second season as “darker, bigger, better,” and credited Netflix’s confidence in the show for allowing the creative team to push boundaries. Part 1 includes four episodes titled: These are now streaming on Netflix. Fans will have to wait until September 3 for the release of the remaining episodes, which promise to bring more twists, suspense, and signature Addams Family charm.

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Kelley Mack, ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘9-1-1’ Actor, Dies at 33

Actor Kelley Mack, known for her work in popular television series such as The Walking Dead and 9-1-1, passed away on August 2 in her hometown of Cincinnati. She was 33. Her family confirmed that she had been battling glioma of the central nervous system. Mack discovered her passion for filmmaking early, after receiving a mini video camera as a birthday gift. She began her career as a child actor in commercials and later earned recognition for her debut role in The Elephant Garden, which won the Student Visionary Award at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. Her performance also earned her an acting award from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. A 2010 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School, Mack went on to study cinematography at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University, graduating in 2014. Beyond acting, Mack was also a screenwriter. She collaborated with her mother, Kristen Klebenow, on several feature-length scripts, including On The Black, a period drama inspired by her grandparents’ lives at Ohio University in the 1950s. Mack’s talents spanned both sides of the camera, and her creative legacy lives on through her diverse body of work.

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New Long-Necked Marine Reptile Discovered in Germany’s Posidonia Shale: Plesionectes longicollum

Paleontologists have identified a new species of ancient marine reptile, Plesionectes longicollum, from the famous Posidonia Shale fossil beds in Holzmaden, Southwest Germany, providing valuable insight into Jurassic ocean ecosystems from nearly 183 million years ago. 🦕 Meet Plesionectes longicollum 📍 Discovery Highlights 🔍 What Makes It Unique? Lead author Sven Sachs (Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld) and co-author Dr. Daniel Madzia (Polish Academy of Sciences) emphasized that while the fossil had been known for decades, its distinctive anatomy was only recently studied in full. “This specimen has been in collections for decades, but previous studies never fully explored its distinctive anatomy,” – Sven Sachs Despite being immature at the time of death, the reptile’s unique skeletal features justified declaring it a new genus and species. 🌊 Ecological Importance “This discovery adds another piece to the puzzle of marine ecosystem evolution during a critical time in Earth’s history,” – Dr. Daniel Madzia 🧬 The Posidonia Shale: A Jurassic Treasure Trove 🧩 Why It Matters 📚 A fascinating glimpse into life beneath the waves during the age of dinosaurs, Plesionectes longicollum is more than just a new species—it’s a key to unlocking ancient marine mysteries.

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Editor04 mins

EAM Jaishankar Meets Philippine President Marcos Jr; Hails Upcoming Modi-Marcos Talks to ‘Deepen Bilateral Partnership’

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday, August 4, 2025, met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Delhi on the first day of the latter’s five-day State Visit to India. Sharing a photograph of their meeting on X, Mr. Jaishankar expressed his confidence that President Marcos Jr.’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5 would “significantly deepen our bilateral partnership.” President Marcos Jr.’s visit marks the 75th anniversary of India–Philippines diplomatic relations, which were first established in November 1949. During his stay, the Philippine President will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and participate in a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening ties in areas such as trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchange. In a July 31 statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit presents a timely opportunity for both leaders to chart the future course of cooperation, as well as to coordinate on regional and global issues of shared interest. Reflecting on the historic milestone last November, Mr. Jaishankar had described the India–Philippines friendship as “enduring,” founded on democratic values, pluralism, and economic commonalities—and poised now to move into a “higher orbit.” Prime Minister Modi and President Marcos Jr. will hold their bilateral discussions on Tuesday, August 5, focusing on enhancing strategic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration across the Indo-Pacific region.

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Editor02 mins

England Becomes First Country to Launch Free Gonorrhoea Vaccination Program

In a global first, England’s National Health Service (NHS) has launched a free nationwide gonorrhoea vaccination programme, beginning August 4, to combat soaring STI cases and tackle growing antibiotic resistance. The vaccine rollout, targeting those most at risk, is being hailed as a public health milestone amid record-breaking infection rates. In 2023, gonorrhoea cases in England hit 85,000—the highest since tracking began in 1918 and nearly triple the number reported in 2012. 🔬 What’s the Vaccine? The jab is based on 4CMenB, a vaccine originally designed to protect against meningococcal B disease. While not specifically made for gonorrhoea, studies show it offers 32.7–42% protection against the infection—enough to significantly reduce transmission, reinfection, and complications. 🎯 Who Is Eligible? The vaccine will be offered through sexual health clinics to: 🗣️ What Officials Are Saying Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention: “This world-first vaccination programme will help turn the tide on infections… I strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for vaccination.” Dr. Sema Mandal, UK Health Security Agency: “The vaccine will give much needed protection to those that need it most – making the UK a world leader in the fight against gonorrhoea.” 💉 Offered Alongside Other STI Vaccines Eligible individuals at sexual health clinics will now be able to receive the gonorrhoea jab along with: 💷 Health and Economic Impact ⚠️ Why It Matters Gonorrhoea is not just an inconvenience—it can cause: And it’s becoming harder to treat as the bacteria evolves resistance to antibiotics. Bottom line: England is setting a global precedent by using vaccines to fight the rise of a major STI. Experts and health leaders are calling on eligible individuals to come forward and get protected—not just for themselves, but for the wider community.

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Editor03 mins
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