September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Bitcoin Surges Past $120,000 Amid Policy Optimism and Rising Institutional Demand

Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of $123,153.22 on Monday, breaking the $120,000 mark for the first time in its history. The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last trading 2.4% higher at around $122,000, driven by growing investor optimism surrounding potential U.S. regulatory breakthroughs and a wave of institutional interest. The rally comes as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to debate several key cryptocurrency-related bills that could finally establish a long-awaited regulatory framework for the digital asset industry. Among them is the Genius Act, which proposes comprehensive federal guidelines for stablecoins, and the Clarity Act, which seeks to define digital assets more clearly under existing securities laws. “Crypto President” Support and Market Momentum The surge has been further boosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has openly backed the crypto industry and recently declared himself the “crypto president.” His administration has prioritized digital asset regulation, and he has called on lawmakers to adopt crypto-friendly legislation. “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG. “Strong institutional demand, expectations of further gains, and support from Trump are all fuelling the bullish momentum. It looks like it can easily have a look at the $125,000 level now.” Bitcoin has gained 30% year-to-date, triggering a wider rally across the crypto sector even amid ongoing global uncertainty around trade and tariffs. Broader Crypto Market Follows the Rally Gracie Lin, CEO of OKX Singapore, highlighted an evolving perception of Bitcoin’s role in the financial ecosystem.“Bitcoin is increasingly being seen as a long-term reserve asset,” she said. “That shift is not just from retail and institutional players, but also some central banks and Asian wealth managers, which indicates structural change, not hype.” Crypto Week in Washington Earlier this month, U.S. lawmakers designated the week of July 14 as “Crypto Week.” A series of votes are expected on major legislation, including: Crypto Stocks Rally Too In the equity markets, crypto stocks and ETFs saw gains as well. In U.S. premarket trading, shares of Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges, moved higher in anticipation of the positive regulatory outlook. As Bitcoin flirts with the $125,000 level, market participants remain focused on U.S. legislative developments and global economic signals to gauge the sustainability of this rally.

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Editor04 mins

Markets React Cautiously as Trump Threatens New Tariffs; Bitcoin Hits Record High

The euro dropped to a three-week low early Monday while the U.S. dollar made modest gains, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect from August 1. The announcement was made via letters to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, which Trump posted on his Truth Social account. Despite the tariff threats, financial markets showed restrained reactions. The euro slipped briefly but later regained some ground, last trading 0.13% lower at $1.1676. The dollar rose 0.28% against the Mexican peso to 18.6763, while sterling declined 0.15% to $1.3470. The Japanese yen strengthened marginally, trading at 147.31 per dollar. Currency strategist Carol Kong of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia noted that markets appear increasingly desensitized to Trump’s frequent trade threats. “It seems like financial markets have become insensitive to President Trump’s tariff threats now, after so many of them in the past few months,” she said. Bitcoin Hits Historic High Amid this trade uncertainty, Bitcoin surged to a record high, crossing the $120,000 mark for the first time. It last traded 2.6% higher at $122,248.59, buoyed by optimism over potential regulatory wins for the crypto sector this week. Ether also rose, gaining 2% to $3,052. Trump Targets Fed Again In another headline-grabbing move, Trump said on Sunday it would be a “great thing” if Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stepped down. He repeated his call for lower interest rates, threatening the independence of the central bank. Markets are currently pricing in over 50 basis points of Fed rate cuts by December, with key U.S. inflation data due on Tuesday likely to shape those expectations. Mixed Data from Asia In China, new data on Monday showed exports and imports rebounded in June, as businesses rushed shipments amid a temporary trade truce with the U.S. Still, the Chinese yuan remained relatively stable, with the onshore unit at 7.1706 and the offshore at 7.1710 per dollar. Investors are now awaiting China’s GDP data, set to be released Tuesday, for deeper insights into the world’s second-largest economy. Growth is expected to have slowed in Q2 amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions and ongoing deflationary pressures. Meanwhile, other major currencies showed slight movements: As global markets tread cautiously, investors remain focused on tariff developments, upcoming inflation data, and macroeconomic indicators from China to assess the path ahead.

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Editor04 mins

Jaishankar Meets Chinese Vice President on First China Visit in Five Years, Backs SCO Presidency

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, currently on his first visit to China in five years, met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday. During the meeting, Jaishankar expressed optimism about the recent improvement in India-China bilateral ties and emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive momentum. “Pleased to meet Vice President Han Zheng soon after my arrival in Beijing today. Conveyed India’s support for China’s SCO Presidency. Noted the improvement in our bilateral ties. And expressed confidence that discussions during my visit will maintain that positive trajectory,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). In the bilateral discussions, Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi’s support for Beijing’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He noted that relations between the two countries have seen gradual progress since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, in October last year. Highlighting areas of cooperation, Jaishankar mentioned the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been well received in India. He stressed that continued normalisation of ties could yield mutually beneficial outcomes, especially given the complexity of the current international landscape. “As neighbouring nations and major economies, an open exchange of views and perspectives between India and China is very important,” he added. This is Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. His trip follows recent high-level visits by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who were in China in June for SCO-related meetings. Jaishankar is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, later on Monday. The two leaders last met in February on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, where both sides emphasized mutual trust and support. The SCO foreign ministers’ meeting will take place in Tianjin on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Wang Yi is expected to visit India next month for talks with NSA Ajit Doval, as part of the ongoing dialogue under the Special Representatives mechanism aimed at resolving the long-standing border dispute.

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Editor03 mins

Cole Palmer Stars as Chelsea Stun PSG 3-0 to Win FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea produced a dominant first-half display to dismantle European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 and claim the title in the first expanded FIFA Club World Cup final, held in front of a raucous crowd of 81,188 at MetLife Stadium. Cole Palmer, the 23-year-old forward, was the star of the night, scoring two stunning goals and assisting another as Chelsea overpowered PSG, who had been considered heavy favourites. Palmer struck twice with almost identical left-footed efforts in the 22nd and 30th minutes, then set up João Pedro in the 43rd minute to seal a sensational opening half. Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City two years ago, finishes the season with 18 goals, and his performance on Sunday will go down as one of his finest in a Chelsea shirt. Chelsea’s Statement Win Despite finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea rose to the occasion on the world stage. This marks their second Club World Cup title, after their 2021 triumph. The team earned an estimated $128–154 million in prize money, with the exact figure dependent on participation bonuses. PSG’s Quadruple Dream Shattered PSG entered the match having already won the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and their first Champions League, hoping to complete an unprecedented quadruple. They had outscored opponents 16–1 in the tournament and hadn’t lost by a margin of three goals since October 2023. Their night worsened in the 84th minute when João Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella by the hair. The closing stages were heated, with PSG coach Luis Enrique and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma involved in a scuffle with Chelsea’s João Pedro. Key Moments Presidential Presence & Trophy Lift The final also drew U.S. President Donald Trump, who was booed by parts of the crowd as he walked on the pitch for the post-match awards. He later posed for photos with the Chelsea players and handed the trophy to captain Reece James alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Quotes of the Night What’s Next With just under five weeks until the 2025–26 Premier League season, Chelsea now heads into the new campaign brimming with confidence — and with serious ambitions to challenge Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal for domestic glory.

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Editor05 mins

Measles Cases in U.S. Reach Highest Level Since 1992: CDC

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 states, making this the worst year for measles since 1992, when 2,126 cases were recorded. Texas Worst-Hit; Outbreaks Linked to Unvaccinated Individuals Texas alone has reported 753 cases, accounting for more than half of the national total. The CDC noted that 27 separate outbreaks have been documented in 2025, with 88% of all confirmed cases linked to these outbreaks. Alarmingly, 92% of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, raising serious concerns about declining immunization rates. So far, 13% of patients have required hospitalization. Measles Had Been Eliminated in the U.S. The CDC reminded that measles had been officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously within the country. Historically, new cases were imported by unvaccinated travelers returning from countries where measles is still common. Measles: A Dangerous but Preventable Disease Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness, spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It begins with symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, and in some cases, death. In 2023 alone, 107,500 people—mostly children under five—died from measles globally, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine. CDC Urges Vaccination The CDC continues to stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Before widespread vaccination began in 1963, the U.S. experienced major measles epidemics every 2–3 years, resulting in 48,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths annually. With cases once again on the rise, public health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are fully vaccinated, particularly ahead of international travel.

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Editor03 mins

Review Summary: James Gunn’s Superman Kicks Off a Bold New DCU, But Not Without Missteps

James Gunn’s reboot of Superman delivers a bold, hyperactive, and visually dazzling start to the new DC Universe, but its political metaphors and chaotic world-building might leave some viewers conflicted. Bringing in Gunn—known for his irreverent, character-driven storytelling in Guardians of the Galaxy—as both director and co-writer, DC signaled it was ready for a creative overhaul. And this Superman confirms that. David Corenswet debuts as the new Man of Steel, dimpled, charming, and grounded, while Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a megalomaniac billionaire with a penchant for interdimensional chaos and nanotechnology—clearly inspired by a blend of Elon Musk and certain real-world political figures. What Works: What Doesn’t: Final Verdict: Gunn’s Superman has the makings of an exciting franchise launch—funny, frenetic, and undeniably slick. But the film’s mishandling of its geopolitical subplot and the breakneck pacing leave it feeling more like a visual thrill ride than a story with staying power. As the DCU moves forward, here’s hoping it learns to slow down, dig deeper, and avoid simplistic world politics dressed up as superhero stakes. Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)Promising start, but needs more heart and thought.

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Israeli Strikes Kill 15, Including 10 Children, Outside Gaza Health Centre Amid Renewed Ceasefire Talks

A fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza killed 15 civilians, including 10 children, as they queued outside a health centre in Deir Al Balah on Friday morning, according to medical personnel and officials on the ground. The attack targeted a Project Hope-run medical facility where families had gathered to receive nutritional supplements and medical aid. The centre has now been closed indefinitely, following the deadly incident. “This morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” said Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project Hope. Israeli Military Responds The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike was aimed at a Hamas operative allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023 attack that reignited the conflict. “The IDF is aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals in the area. The incident is under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to minimise harm as much as possible,” read an official IDF statement. Rising Death Toll in Gaza The Palestinian health ministry reported that at least 67 more people have been killed by Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, as Israel continues to escalate aerial and ground operations. Meanwhile, Hamas has intensified its guerrilla-style attacks, reportedly killing at least 20 Israeli soldiers in various sectors of Gaza in the same period. Ceasefire Talks Progress in Doha Despite the ongoing violence, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway in Doha, with the goal of achieving a 60-day ceasefire, facilitating hostage releases, and increasing humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that his government is open to negotiating a permanent ceasefire during the proposed truce period—but only if Gaza is fully demilitarised. “At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war,” Netanyahu said in a video message from Washington on Thursday. US Proposal for Hostage Release US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed that the 60-day truce begin with the release of 10 hostages, roughly half of those believed to be still alive in Gaza. With civilian casualties mounting and international pressure growing, the outcome of the Doha talks could determine whether the devastating conflict, now in its tenth month, finally edges toward a resolution—or continues to deepen its humanitarian toll.

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Editor04 mins

Major Breakthrough: CBI Secures Deportation of Key Drug Accused Kubbawala Mustafa from UAE to India

In a significant win against international drug trafficking, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in close coordination with INTERPOL and NCB-Abu Dhabi, has successfully secured the deportation of wanted fugitive Kubbawala Mustafa from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. Mustafa, a prime accused in a major synthetic drug case, was brought back to India today via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. A four-member team of Mumbai Police had flown to Dubai on July 7 after his location in the UAE was confirmed and deportation procedures were cleared. Accused in Mephedrone Drug Case Mustafa is allegedly a key figure in an international synthetic drug manufacturing network. The case, registered under FIR No. 67/2024 at Kurla Police Station, Mumbai, relates to the seizure of 126.141 kg of Mephedrone worth ₹2.522 crore from a factory in Sangli, Maharashtra—linked to Mustafa and his associates. He had already been chargesheeted, and a court had issued an open-dated arrest warrant against him. Red Corner Notice & International Coordination On request by Mumbai Police, INTERPOL issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mustafa on November 25, 2024. The notice was instrumental in tracking and detaining him in the UAE. The CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) maintained sustained follow-up with UAE authorities. On June 19, the NCB-Abu Dhabi confirmed approval for a security mission to repatriate the accused. India’s Success in Extradition Efforts Red Corner Notices are powerful tools used globally to locate and provisionally arrest fugitives pending extradition or deportation. As the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL in India, the CBI, through its BHARATPOL platform, plays a central role in facilitating international fugitive returns. In recent years, over 100 fugitives have been successfully brought back to India via such multi-agency coordination. The return of Kubbawala Mustafa marks another major milestone in India’s ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and drug trafficking syndicates. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the remaining networks linked to the case.

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Editor03 mins

Trump Escalates Trade Tensions with Canada, Announces 35% Tariffs Amid Growing Rift

In a letter dated Thursday, July 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 35% tariff on many imported goods from Canada, significantly escalating trade tensions between the two long-time allies. The move deepens a growing rift in the North American partnership that has endured for decades. The letter, addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marks a sharp increase from the 25% tariff rates first imposed in March. At the time, Mr. Trump cited the need to curb fentanyl trafficking, despite minimal smuggling of the drug from Canada. He also expressed concern over the U.S. trade deficit with Canada — a gap largely attributed to America’s oil imports. “I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers,” Mr. Trump wrote in the letter, framing the tariffs as a response to broader trade grievances. The increased tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, creating weeks of uncertainty for global markets. Although recent gains in the S&P 500 suggest investor confidence that Mr. Trump may ultimately reverse the decision, the looming implementation has already sparked concern. Canada, the United States’ second-largest trading partner after Mexico, has responded with retaliatory tariffs and sharp rebukes of Mr. Trump’s rhetoric — including his past suggestion of making Canada the “51st state.” Unlike Mexico, which also faces 25% tariffs over fentanyl-related concerns, Canada has received significantly more public pressure from the U.S. administration. Prime Minister Carney, elected in April on a platform emphasizing Canadian independence and assertiveness, has taken steps to reduce Canada’s dependence on U.S. trade. He is actively working to build closer ties with the European Union and the United Kingdom. Just hours before receiving Trump’s letter, Carney posted a photo with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating, “In the face of global trade challenges, the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada” — a thinly veiled critique of Trump’s erratic trade policies. While the May meeting between Carney and Trump at the White House appeared publicly cordial, Trump reportedly told Carney that there was nothing he could say that would persuade him to lift the tariffs. “Just the way it is,” Trump remarked. Carney has maintained a calm and diplomatic tone, suggesting that trade issues will require time and dialogue to resolve. “There are much bigger forces involved,” he said, “and this will take some time and some discussions.” Trump’s letter to Canada is part of a broader campaign. He has sent similar tariff letters to 23 countries. Notably, a separate letter this week announced a 50% tariff on Brazil, targeting the nation’s handling of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s trial. Trump himself faces similar legal scrutiny over efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. election results. These tariff letters underscore the Trump administration’s struggle to finalize trade deals that were once promised to be easily negotiated. His April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement introduced a 10% baseline tariff on most imports, followed by a 90-day negotiation window. However, with the latest letters, those 10% rates are giving way to a more aggressive tariff reset strategy. As August 1 approaches, all eyes are on whether President Trump will stand by the 35% tariff hike or yield to mounting diplomatic and market pressures.

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U.S. Sanctions UN Gaza Rights Expert Francesca Albanese Amid Ongoing War Criticism

In a controversial move, the Trump administration on Wednesday announced sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian territories, accusing her of waging a “campaign of political and economic warfare” against the United States and Israel. The decision, made under the State Department’s authority, comes as the latest escalation in Washington’s effort to shield its ally Israel from mounting international criticism over its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer, has been one of the most outspoken international voices condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, frequently describing the offensive as a “genocide” and urging countries to impose sanctions on Israel. Her stance has been supported by various genocide scholars, legal experts, and human rights organisations, though strongly denied by both Israel and the U.S. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “Albanese’s campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated. We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defense.” Albanese responded on social media by reaffirming her commitment to justice, stating she stood “firmly and convincingly on the side of justice.” In a message to Al Jazeera, she dismissed the sanctions as “mafia style intimidation techniques.” Context of the Sanctions The move follows months of behind-the-scenes pressure by the U.S. to have Albanese removed from her post at the United Nations—an effort that reportedly failed. Albanese has recently: Her reports have also gained traction amid genocide allegations filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and war crimes investigations at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Global Backlash Against U.S. Move The U.S. sanctions against Albanese have drawn strong criticism from international rights groups and legal experts: Critics argue the action undermines the integrity of international institutions and represents an alarming attempt to silence dissenting voices in global governance. Part of a Wider Crackdown This latest step is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to suppress pro-Palestinian sentiment. Earlier this year, the administration began arresting and deporting university faculty and students in the U.S. who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Background: The War in Gaza The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed nearly 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza, which, according to the Gaza health ministry, has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, a majority of them women and children. The actual civilian toll is believed to be much higher. Albanese has consistently framed the Israeli campaign as not just disproportionate, but part of a deliberate strategy of ethnic cleansing, a claim that has sparked fierce debate in international legal and diplomatic circles. The situation marks an unprecedented moment in international diplomacy—where a UN official has been sanctioned by a permanent member of the Security Council, raising serious concerns over the future independence of UN human rights mechanisms.

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