September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Nvidia Briefly Hits $4 Trillion Market Cap, Solidifying AI Dominance

Nvidia Corp. (NVDA.O) briefly reached a $4 trillion market capitalization on Wednesday, becoming the first company in history to do so and reaffirming its dominant role in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The milestone underscores Wall Street’s soaring confidence in the future of AI and Nvidia’s indispensable position in that landscape. Surging Stock and Historic Valuation Nvidia’s shares rose as much as 2.8% to an all-time high of $164.42 during trading, driven by continued strong demand for its high-performance AI chips. The stock ended the session up 1.80%, with a closing market value of $3.97 trillion. This rally marks a dramatic turnaround from its dip earlier in the year, when Chinese competitor DeepSeek briefly dampened investor sentiment with a low-cost AI model. In just over one year, Nvidia has tripled its market cap—having hit the $1 trillion mark in June 2023—outpacing the growth trajectories of tech giants Apple and Microsoft, which also hold market caps above $3 trillion. AI Boom Powers Growth The growth of AI has supercharged Nvidia’s valuation, with analysts and investors noting that companies are redirecting capital towards AI infrastructure, a field Nvidia dominates. “It highlights the fact that companies are shifting their asset spend in the direction of AI. It’s pretty much the future of technology,” said Robert Pavlik of Dakota Wealth. Nvidia’s AI chips power everything from data centers to generative AI applications like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, making it a critical supplier to major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet. Outperforming Global Markets Revenue and Valuation Metrics Challenges Ahead Despite its dominant position, Nvidia faces rising competition from AMD and other chipmakers offering more affordable AI solutions. Moreover, Nvidia’s top customers, including Microsoft and Amazon, are under shareholder pressure to curb AI-related expenditures, which could affect future chip demand. Still, Nvidia’s continued technological leadership and strong quarterly forecasts suggest it remains the undisputed leader in the AI-driven semiconductor space. In Summary: Nvidia’s brief rise to a $4 trillion valuation is not just a market milestone—it is a reflection of how deeply AI has reshaped global investing priorities, with Nvidia at the epicenter of this shift.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Fabian Ruiz Brace Powers PSG to 4-0 Rout of Real Madrid, Sets Up FIFA Club World Cup Final vs Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a stunning 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, thanks to a Fabian Ruiz double, a goal and assist from Ousmane Dembélé, and a late strike by Gonçalo Ramos. The result sends PSG into Sunday’s final, where they will face Chelsea, aiming to become the first French club to lift the Club World Cup. PSG Dominate From Start to Finish On a sweltering evening before 77,542 fans in New Jersey, PSG stunned the pro-Madrid crowd by racing to a 3-0 lead within 24 minutes: PSG controlled 76.5% possession in the first half, showcasing their midfield mastery and tactical superiority over the 15-time European champions. Mbappé Silenced in Emotional Reunion Wednesday’s clash marked Kylian Mbappé’s first match against PSG since leaving the club in 2024. But his return was far from triumphant. Starting for the first time in the tournament, he managed just three off-target shots and was kept quiet by the resolute PSG backline. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made two routine saves and PSG recorded their fifth clean sheet in six tournament matches. Real Madrid Looked Fatigued, Disjointed Following a long transatlantic training stint in Florida, Real Madrid looked leggy and off-pace, much like Inter Milan, whom PSG thrashed 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final. Trent Alexander-Arnold was a notable absentee, reportedly nursing a training injury. Madrid’s famed midfield struggled to link up with its frontline, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to register any real attacking threat after the opening 20 minutes. Gonçalo Ramos Seals the Deal Substitute Gonçalo Ramos rounded off the night with an 87th-minute tap-in, capping a devastating display by the Ligue 1 champions. A Historic Final Awaits Prize Money By reaching the final, PSG have earned between $88.4 million and $113.8 million, based on participation and performance bonuses.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Tesla Shares Plunge as Elon Musk Launches Political Party, Sparking Investor Jitters

Tesla shares took a major hit on Monday, plummeting 6.8% to close at $293.94 on the Nasdaq, following CEO Elon Musk’s surprise announcement that he is launching a political party named the ‘America Party.’ The move has heightened investor concerns that Musk’s growing political interests are further distracting him from Tesla’s core business, which is already facing declining sales and increased competition. One of Tesla’s Worst Days in 2025 The sharp decline marked one of the worst single-day performances for Tesla this year. In monetary terms, the EV giant lost more than $68 billion in market capitalization in a single session. If the downward trend continues, analysts estimate that Tesla could shed over $80 billion in valuation, raising questions about the company’s long-term stability and leadership. Political Feud with Trump Escalates The controversy escalated after Musk had a very public falling out with former ally and current U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly over a tax-cut and spending bill. Trump mocked Musk’s new party as “ridiculous” and threatened to cut off billions in federal subsidies to Musk’s companies. The feud, which began in early June, previously wiped $150 billion off Tesla’s value in a single day during that period. Investor Concerns Over Distraction and Leadership Musk’s political ambitions are prompting renewed scrutiny of Tesla’s governance. While Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm denied earlier reports of efforts to replace Musk, the latest developments have reignited debate over the board’s oversight. Some analysts argue that Musk’s increasing political entanglement is eroding public trust and shifting focus away from Tesla’s innovation and performance. “The company is set to lose more than $80 billion in market valuation if current losses hold,” said Jed Dorsheimer, an equity analyst, as quoted by Bloomberg. Musk’s Net Worth Takes a Hit The fallout also dented Musk’s personal fortune. On Monday alone, his net worth dropped by $15.3 billion, reducing his year-to-date wealth loss to $86.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Despite the dip, Musk remains the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $346 billion. What’s Next for Tesla? With Tesla shares already down 27% this year, largely attributed to Musk’s political distractions and market headwinds, investors are watching closely for any corrective measures from the board or leadership reassurances from Musk. As Tesla juggles falling consumer demand, rising competition, and internal distractions, the road ahead may prove turbulent unless priorities are refocused.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Common Anxiety, Sleep, and Depression Medications Linked to Higher ALS Risk: Study Warns Against Panic, Urges Caution

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has raised concerns over a potential link between commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a progressive, incurable neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle paralysis and death. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals in Sweden, using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The medications under scrutiny include: Key Findings: Important Caveats: Association, Not Causation Neurologists caution against misinterpreting the findings. Dr. M. S. Panduranga of Dharamshila Narayana Superspecialty Hospital noted that early ALS symptoms—such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression—may precede diagnosis by years, leading to increased medication use. Thus, the medications may be markers of early disease rather than its cause. Dr. Manjari Tripathi of AIIMS added that many neuropsychiatric medications work by dampening brain activity, which might unintentionally interfere with motor neuron function over time. She warned that long-term, consistent use could potentially have toxic effects on the nervous system. ALS: A Silent but Devastating Disease ALS causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to difficulty in performing basic tasks like walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. Although rare, its impact is devastating. One of the most well-known ALS patients was physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with the disease for decades. Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj from Aakash Healthcare pointed out that individuals with a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use (over 10 years) showed stronger associations with ALS, particularly in younger patients. Medical Advice: Do Not Discontinue Medications Abruptly Despite these findings, neurologists strongly advise against panic or self-discontinuation of psychiatric medications. “There is no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS,” said Dr. Anshu Rohatgi of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “However, physicians should be vigilant when prescribing these drugs to individuals showing early neurological symptoms.” Conclusion: While this study opens the door to important discussions about the long-term neurological safety of psychiatric drugs, more research is needed to understand whether the association is biological or due to heightened medical observation in patients already at risk. Patients are urged to consult their doctors before making any changes to their medication regimen.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Climate Change May Trigger Surge in Explosive Volcanic Eruptions, Study Warns

Melting glaciers and ice caps caused by the ongoing climate crisis could significantly increase the frequency and intensity of volcanic eruptions, according to a new study. The loss of ice reduces pressure on underground magma chambers, making eruptions more likely — a process already observed in Iceland. Now, groundbreaking research in Chile shows that this phenomenon could occur across entire continents. The study, led by Pablo Moreno-Yaeger of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found compelling evidence that after the last ice age, volcanic activity in the Chilean Andes surged as thick ice sheets melted away. Presented at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference in Prague, the research is currently under peer review and provides key insights into the relationship between deglaciation and volcanic behavior. Pressure Release and Volcanic Eruption Researchers conducted detailed fieldwork around Mocho-Choshuenco, a volcano once buried under a 1,500-metre-thick Patagonian ice sheet. Using radioisotope dating and mineral analysis of volcanic rocks, they found that eruptions were suppressed between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago due to the heavy ice load. As the ice melted around 13,000 years ago, pressure on the underlying magma chamber was released. Gases trapped in the magma expanded, leading to a phase of frequent and explosive eruptions. “We found that following deglaciation, the volcano starts to erupt way more, and also changes composition,” Moreno-Yaeger said. The magma became more viscous and explosive as it melted surrounding crustal rocks during the suppressed eruption phase. Risk Zones: Antarctica and Beyond The findings raise concerns about future volcanic risks, especially in West Antarctica, where over 100 volcanoes lie hidden beneath rapidly melting ice. Other vulnerable regions include North America, New Zealand, and parts of Russia. Volcanic eruptions can temporarily cool the planet by releasing sunlight-reflecting aerosols. However, sustained volcanic activity would inject large volumes of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, potentially setting off a vicious climate feedback loop: warming melts ice, triggering eruptions that release gases, which in turn intensify warming. Need for Urgent Research Although it is well documented that global volcanic activity spiked two- to sixfold after the last ice age, little research has been done on how modern climate change is influencing volcanic systems. The Chilean study is one of the first to provide concrete geological evidence of this interaction on a continental scale. A recent review by scientists concluded that more attention is urgently needed to understand the links between climate change and volcanism — especially as extreme rainfall, another result of global warming, may also fuel violent eruptions. This emerging area of research holds critical importance for global safety and climate forecasting, as our warming planet continues to reshape geological as well as environmental systems.

Read More
Editor04 mins

PM Modi Arrives in Brazil for BRICS Summit After Productive Argentina Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil on Saturday evening (local time) for a four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7) and undertake a historic state visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian PM in nearly six decades. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Galeao International Airport, marking the fourth leg of his five-nation tour. He arrived in Brazil after concluding a two-day visit to Argentina, which saw a deepening of bilateral ties across strategic sectors. Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Argentina Visit Looking Ahead: 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil PM Modi will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where discussions will center around economic cooperation, global south concerns, and multilateral reform. This BRICS summit is notable for being the first after expansion — with five new member countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — joining the original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Following the summit, PM Modi will head to Brasilia for a state-level bilateral visit, marking a significant diplomatic milestone in India–Brazil relations.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Australian Scientists Discover Key Proteins That Could Revolutionize Cancer and Ageing Treatments

A team of Australian scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery that could significantly alter the way we treat cancer and age-related diseases. Researchers at the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney have identified a group of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating telomerase—an enzyme essential for protecting DNA during cell division, according to a report by Xinhua news agency. Published in Nature Communications, the study identifies three proteins — NONO, SFPQ, and PSPC1 — that act as molecular guides, ensuring that telomerase reaches the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, which are vital for maintaining genetic stability. Telomerase adds DNA to telomeres, preventing them from shortening and thus protecting chromosomes from damage. While this enzyme is vital for the health and function of stem cells and certain immune cells, it is also exploited by cancer cells to sustain uncontrolled growth. Lead author Alexander Sobinoff explained, “Our findings show that these proteins act like molecular traffic controllers, making sure telomerase reaches the right destination inside the cell. Without them, telomerase cannot maintain telomeres properly.” This insight opens promising avenues for targeting telomerase regulation in cancer therapy. Disrupting these guiding proteins in cancer cells, the study found, prevents proper telomere maintenance, which could effectively halt the growth of cancer cells. Senior author Dr. Hilda Pickett, head of CMRI’s Telomere Length Regulation Unit, added, “Understanding how telomerase is controlled gives us a powerful new perspective. It paves the way for treatments aimed at cancer, ageing, and genetic disorders linked to telomere dysfunction.” This discovery represents a major step forward in molecular medicine, offering potential for new drugs or gene therapies that could either slow the ageing process or shut down cancer cell proliferation—all by targeting a newly uncovered cellular mechanism.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Jurassic Puzzle Solved: Fossil Halves Reunited After 90 Years Reveal New Tree-Climbing Reptile

In a remarkable tale of scientific detective work, two fossil halves separated for nearly 90 years have finally been reunited—unveiling a new species of tree-dwelling reptile from the Jurassic era, named Sphenodraco scandentis. The story began in the 1930s, when a fossil was unearthed in Germany’s Solnhofen limestone, a site famed for preserving prehistoric life in extraordinary detail. One half of the fossil found its way to Frankfurt’s Senckenberg Museum, long thought to be part of Homoeosaurus maximiliani, a known lizard-like reptile. Decades later, Victor Beccari, a doctoral student at the Bavarian State Collection, made a game-changing discovery: a matching fossil half stored at the Natural History Museum in London. Using DNA barcoding and skeletal analysis, Beccari and his team confirmed that the two pieces were originally part of the same animal. “The fossils were separated almost a century ago and the link was lost,” said Beccari. “Now, together, they tell a completely new story.” The fully assembled fossil reveals a long-limbed, agile reptile—the Sphenodraco scandentis—with clear adaptations for climbing trees, a rare find that sheds new light on the evolution of arboreal reptiles during the Jurassic period. This historic reunion not only corrects a long-standing misidentification but also opens a fresh chapter in our understanding of how ancient reptiles adapted to life in the trees—an early precursor to today’s lizards and other climbing vertebrates. Sometimes, history hides in plain sight—and in this case, it was tucked away in the collections of two different museums, waiting nearly a century to come together.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Gaza Crisis Deepens: Over 300 Killed in 48 Hours, Aid Sites Under Fire Amid Humanitarian Collapse

More than 300 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured in the past 48 hours in what the Gaza Government Media Office described as “26 bloody massacres” carried out by Israeli forces, including direct attacks on shelters, schools, and aid distribution sites. In the last 24 hours alone, at least 118 Palestinians were killed and 581 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Among the dead were 33 people at aid sites affiliated with the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), reportedly backed by Israel and the United States. Aid Seekers Targeted, Shelters Bombed Ahmed Mansour, a displaced resident, told Al Jazeera, “Missiles were so destructive that they set everything on fire. Victims were left burning for hours without help. There is no one here to save us.” Aid Centers Under Fire, US Contractors Accused In Deir el-Balah, multiple people were reportedly gunned down near GHF-run food distribution sites. Survivors described sudden, unprovoked gunfire as desperate crowds waited for basic food supplies. Eyewitnesses told Al Jazeera that emergency services were unable to reach the wounded due to intense Israeli shooting. Adding to the outrage, a report by Associated Press (AP) cited US security contractors at GHF sites allegedly using live fire and stun grenades against starving civilians. Two anonymous contractors claimed the personnel were unqualified and heavily armed, operating with no accountability. While GHF denied the allegations, asserting that Israeli forces were responsible for any gunfire and no civilians were shot at their sites, it has not provided concrete evidence. Meanwhile, Haaretz reported that Israeli troops admitted they had orders to fire at unarmed civilians seeking aid. International Condemnation Mounts UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has demanded an independent investigation into the attacks on aid seekers. It criticized GHF’s limited reach, operating only four “mega-sites” in the south and central Gaza — none in the north, where humanitarian needs are most acute. UNRWA stated bluntly on X: “The UN must be allowed to do the work of aid distribution in Gaza.” Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian doctor with three decades of experience in Gaza, condemned GHF’s operations as a “sham” and a tool of psychological and physical warfare. “The distribution organisation is aimed at using food as bait to attract starving people, to terrorise them and to kill them. The shooting of people in food lines is a war crime,” he said. Political Motives Behind Aid Restrictions? Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was quoted earlier this week saying that too much aid is entering Gaza, and none should be allowed to ensure Israel’s military objectives are met. Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh commented that GHF’s role may be designed not to support relief, but to replace long-standing international aid mechanisms, intensifying pressure on Gaza’s population. As civilian death tolls rise, infrastructure collapses, and food becomes a weapon of war, calls for international accountability and humanitarian intervention are growing louder. But on the ground in Gaza, the suffering continues unabated.

Read More
Editor05 mins

Gukesh Silences Carlsen with Commanding Victory in Croatia, Leads Grand Chess Tour

Just days after being dismissed by Magnus Carlsen as “one of the presumably weaker players,” India’s 18-year-old world champion D. Gukesh delivered a stunning response—by defeating the world No. 1 on the board. Playing with the Black pieces in round six of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025, Gukesh beat Carlsen for the second consecutive time, rising to the top of the standings with 10 points from six games. Their previous encounter, a classical match at Norway Chess, ended with Carlsen visibly frustrated. This time in Zagreb, though the format was rapid, the result was the same: a composed and clinical Gukesh once again outplayed the Norwegian icon. Tactical Masterclass Carlsen opened with the English and gained a slight edge after 18…Nh5 19.Bf2!, but Gukesh found his rhythm with an incisive 26…d5, flipping the momentum. As Carlsen’s clock dipped below a minute and his position deteriorated, he was eventually forced to resign after 49 moves. Gukesh, who sat at the board early and calm before the match began, showed no signs of nerves. His performance was so commanding that Garry Kasparov, commentating on the event, remarked: “Now we can question Magnus’ domination. This isn’t just another loss. It’s a convincing one. Gukesh didn’t just capitalise on mistakes—he played better.” Rising Momentum Despite a slow start to the day—losing his first game to Jan-Krzysztof Duda—Gukesh bounced back in style, defeating Alireza Firouzja, R Praggnanandhaa, and Carlsen in succession. “I wasn’t too disheartened after the first-round loss,” he said. “Duda got a good position and played well.” Gukesh ends day two of the rapid section with 10 points out of 12, firmly in the lead. In the Grand Chess Tour format, rapid wins award 2 points, while blitz games (up next) offer 1 point per win. Carlsen’s Inconsistent Day Carlsen, meanwhile, had an uneven day. He beat Wesley So but was held to draws by Ivan Šarić and Duda, and now trails Gukesh by four points. The defeat to Gukesh—especially following his dismissive remarks earlier in the week—will sting. Other Highlights Gukesh is no longer the underdog. In Croatia, he’s making it clear: he’s here to stay—and to dominate.

Read More
Editor04 mins
Switch Language »