September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Recbio Signs Licensing Deal with Biological E for 9-Valent HPV Vaccine REC603

Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co. Ltd, a leading biopharmaceutical company from China, has signed a licensing and technology transfer agreement with Hyderabad-based Biological E Limited (BE) for its Recombinant 9-valent HPV vaccine, REC603. The vaccine is designed to protect against nine strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including those that cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal cancers, and genital warts. 🧬 What the Deal Involves Under the agreement: 🏭 Manufacturing and Global Goals The local production of REC603 by BE is aimed at meeting the rising global demand for cervical cancer prevention. According to the companies, large-scale manufacturing will begin once the technology transfer is fully complete. 🗣️ Company Statements Dr Liu Yong, Chairman and CEO of Recbio, hailed the partnership as a “major milestone in the global expansion” of their vaccine pipeline.Mahima Datla, Managing Director of Biological E, said the deal reflects their ongoing commitment to making life-saving vaccines more affordable and accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost India’s HPV immunisation efforts, while also expanding the global availability of affordable vaccines in the fight against HPV-related cancers.

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Club World Cup 2025: Fluminense Stun Inter Milan 2-0, Set Up Quarterfinal Clash with Al Hilal

In another stunning result at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Brazilian side Fluminense sent Italian giants Inter Milan crashing out with a 2-0 victory in Charlotte on Monday, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The win marks yet another blow to European dominance in the competition as South American teams continue their strong showing in the U.S.-hosted tournament. ⚽ Match Summary: 💬 Reactions: Thiago Silva, Fluminense captain: “We knew they were not going to be easy opponents. Less than a month ago they were in the Champions League final, but we played really well.” Jhon Arias, Man of the Match: “This is not just for Fluminense but for all of Brazil and South America. We are proud of how far we’ve come.” Cristian Chivu, Inter coach:Offered no immediate comment, but the mood in the Inter camp was one of shock and frustration after the early exit, compounding their 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final just weeks earlier. 🎯 Key Moments: 🌍 A Tournament of Surprises Fluminense’s victory adds to an impressive streak for South American clubs at this year’s Club World Cup: They now advance to face Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, who earlier eliminated Manchester City in a dramatic 4-3 extra-time thriller. 🔜 Next Fixture: Quarterfinal: Al Hilal 🇸🇦 vs Fluminense 🇧🇷📍 Orlando📅 Friday, July 5, 2025 With Europe’s big guns falling fast, South America and Asia are seizing the Club World Cup spotlight, rewriting the global football narrative one shock at a time.

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Editor04 mins

Club World Cup 2025 Shock: Al Hilal Knock Out Manchester City in Thrilling 4-3 Upset

In what is being hailed as one of the biggest upsets in FIFA Club World Cup history, Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal stunned reigning European champions Manchester City 4-3 in extra time on Monday (June 30), knocking them out in the Round of 16 and advancing to the quarterfinals. ⚽ Marcos Leonardo the Hero in Extra Time The match, played in Orlando, ended 2-2 in regulation before Marcos Leonardo sealed an unforgettable victory for Al Hilal with his second goal of the night in extra time. His emotional celebration followed a personal revelation — his mother had spent 70 days in the ICU, and she watched him score both goals that helped make Middle Eastern football history. “When I scored those two goals, I thought of her. She was able to watch the match,” said Leonardo. Al Hilal will now face Fluminense of Brazil in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing a non-European team in the last four. 🎯 Match Highlights: 🧤 Star Performer: Yassine Bounou Bounou delivered one of the best individual performances of the tournament — stopping Haaland multiple times and pulling off crucial late saves and organizing the defence to withstand City’s pressure. 💬 Post-Match Reactions: Bernardo Silva, City captain: “We scored three and could’ve scored five or six. But we allowed them to run, and every time they did, it was dangerous. That’s where we lost the game.” Pep Guardiola made several changes mid-game, but even with the likes of Rodri, Ake, and Akanji coming in, City couldn’t stop the Saudi side’s fearless counterattacks. 📉 Biggest Upset of the Tournament Al Hilal’s win over a team featuring global superstars like Haaland, Silva, Foden, and Ederson marks a monumental moment for Asian club football, showcasing the depth, talent, and rising competitiveness of Middle Eastern clubs on the global stage. The shock result ensures that no European team will lift the 2025 Club World Cup, setting up an exciting quarterfinal between Al Hilal and Fluminense.

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Editor04 mins

Israeli Strikes on Gaza Kill at Least 95, Target Cafe, School, Hospital, and Food Sites

At least 95 Palestinians were killed on Monday following a series of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, with devastating attacks reported on a seaside cafe, a school sheltering displaced families, food distribution points, and the courtyard of a hospital. The violence marks another bloody chapter in Israel’s 22-month-long war on the besieged enclave. Deadly Strike on Gaza City Cafe Among the worst-hit areas was Al-Baqa cafeteria in northern Gaza City, where 39 people, including women, children, and journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, died in a sudden airstrike. Witnesses described horrific scenes. “We found people torn apart,” said local resident Yahya Sharif. “It was a birthday party. No politics, no military links. Just families trying to find relief from the heat.” The bombing left a large crater and destroyed the entire structure. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud confirmed that no warning was issued before the strike. Attacks on Schools, Food Sites, and Hospitals Elsewhere in Gaza City, at least 13 people were killed at a food distribution warehouse in the Zeitoun neighbourhood. Another Israeli strike hit the Yafa School, which had been sheltering hundreds of displaced people. Evacuation warnings reportedly gave residents just five minutes to flee. In central Gaza, Israeli forces targeted the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital courtyard in Deir el-Balah, where thousands had taken refuge. “The blast was just 10 meters from us,” said Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum. “There was no warning. This hospital has now been targeted at least ten times.” Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the attack as a “systematic crime” against the territory’s collapsing health system. Attack on Aid Sites in Khan Younis In southern Gaza, at least 15 Palestinians were killed and over 50 wounded while waiting for food at a distribution point operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Khan Younis. Nearly 600 civilians have been killed in similar aid site attacks since GHF, backed by the U.S. and Israel, took charge of limited deliveries in late May. The Israeli military acknowledged civilians were harmed at these sites and claimed that lessons were being implemented. However, Haaretz reported that Israeli soldiers admitted to deliberately firing at civilians, even when they posed no threat. Forced Displacement and Ground Escalation Reports also indicate Israeli tanks entered the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, shelling civilian areas and prompting more evacuation orders in northern Gaza. Over 80% of Gaza’s territory is now either militarised or under displacement threats, according to the United Nations. “Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, a father of five from Gaza City. “We keep hearing about a ceasefire in the news, but all we see is death.” The escalating violence, home demolitions in Khan Younis, and renewed forced evacuation warnings have sparked fears of a new ground invasion by Israeli forces. As international talks for a potential ceasefire continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, food shortages deepening, and civilians left with nowhere safe to turn.

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Kazakhstan Bans Face-Covering Clothing in Public, Citing Facial Recognition and Cultural Identity

Kazakhstan has joined several Central Asian nations in restricting face-covering attire in public spaces. On Monday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new law that bans individuals from wearing clothing that “interferes with facial recognition” in public areas. What the Law States While the legislation does not directly mention religion or Islamic dress, it effectively bans face coverings with some exceptions—including for medical reasons, severe weather, and during sporting or cultural events. The move is part of a broader set of amendments signed into law, and aligns with similar restrictions already in place in countries like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Cultural Framing of the Ban Though the country is majority-Muslim, President Tokayev has framed the law as a celebration of national identity rather than a religious restriction. In earlier remarks, he was quoted as saying: “Rather than wearing face-concealing black robes, it’s much better to wear clothes in the national style… Our national clothes vividly emphasise our ethnic identity, so we need to popularise them comprehensively.” Regional Context Kazakhstan’s decision reflects a growing trend among former Soviet republics in Central Asia to curb Islamic symbols in public life, often under the pretext of security or national unity: Implications Critics argue that such laws can marginalise conservative Muslim communities, while proponents view them as necessary to preserve cultural traditions and ensure public safety. With this new legislation, Kazakhstan walks a delicate line between modernisation, national identity, and religious freedom.

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Editor03 mins

White House Lauds India as Strategic Indo-Pacific Ally; Trade Deal Talks Nearing Final Stage

In a press briefing held on Monday, June 30, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised India’s growing role as a strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. Responding to a question from news agency ANI, Leavitt underscored the strength of the U.S.-India partnership and emphasized the personal rapport between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia Pacific and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and he will continue to have that,” Leavitt said, while addressing concerns about China’s expanding influence in the region. In response to another ANI question regarding the prospects of a trade agreement between the two nations, Leavitt confirmed that a deal is in the final stages of negotiation. “Yes, the President said that last week [that the U.S. and India are very close to a trade deal], and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India,” she said. These remarks follow President Trump’s recent comments expressing cautious optimism about a breakthrough in U.S.-India trade relations. Speaking about reciprocal tariffs, he stated, “India, I think we are going to reach a deal where we have the right to go and do trade. Right now, it’s restricted. You can’t walk in there, you can’t even think about it. We are looking to get a full trade barrier dropping, which is unthinkable and I am not sure that that is going to happen. But as of this moment, we agree that going to India and trade…” With less than two weeks remaining before the critical July 9 deadline, both nations are working intensively to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during the ongoing 90-day pause on tariff escalations. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in the United States for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. On Monday, he also inaugurated a UN exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism,” which highlights the global threat of state-sponsored terrorism. The QUAD, comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, is a diplomatic coalition committed to ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Its origins date back to the collaborative humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

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Robert Pattinson’s Return as Batman Confirmed as Matt Reeves Finishes Script for The Batman: Part II

The wait for The Batman: Part II just got more thrilling. Director Matt Reeves has officially confirmed that the script for the much-anticipated sequel is complete—setting the stage for Robert Pattinson’s return as the Caped Crusader. Taking to Instagram, Reeves shared a black-and-white photo of the script’s cover featuring the unmistakable bat insignia. Though intentionally blurred to keep plot details under wraps, the title The Batman: Part II was clearly visible. The caption read, “Partners in Crime (Fighters),” accompanied by bat emojis, hinting at the vigilante action fans can expect. Also seen in the background were Reeves and his co-writer Mattson Tomlin, both seated and looking toward the camera. Tomlin later took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm: “Yes, the script is done.” What We Know So Far The original 2022 film earned widespread acclaim for its gritty tone, stylish direction, and Pattinson’s performance. The upcoming sequel is set to dive deeper into Gotham’s darkness, with fans speculating about the return—or debut—of major villains. With the script now locked, momentum is finally building for what promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited superhero films of the decade.

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Brad Pitt’s F1 Races to Record $144 Million Global Debut, Becomes Apple’s Biggest Box Office Hit

Apple Original Films has officially crossed a major milestone in its theatrical journey. The studio’s high-octane racing drama F1, starring Brad Pitt, has roared past expectations with a massive $144 million global opening weekend — marking Apple’s strongest box office launch to date. A Turbocharged Start Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), F1 opened across 78 international markets, pulling in $88.4 million overseas and $55.6 million domestically. The film quickly zoomed to the No. 1 spot in 74 territories, outperforming projections and reaffirming Pitt’s global star appeal. Imax and International Success F1 scored $27.7 million globally in Imax receipts, with international markets contributing $11.1 million. The film dominated the format in China, where it raked in $3.8 million via Imax alone—accounting for a striking 43% of the film’s total Chinese box office take. Outpacing Hollywood Benchmarks At current exchange rates, F1 is performing: What It Means for Apple F1’s blockbuster launch signals a major win for Apple’s theatrical ambitions, proving its ability to deliver global cinematic spectacles. With strong critical reviews and rising audience demand, the film is expected to maintain momentum in the weeks to come — especially in territories where Formula 1 enjoys intense popularity. As Apple continues expanding its cinematic footprint, F1 sets a fast-paced precedent for future theatrical projects backed by tech giants entering Hollywood’s big leagues.

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Editor03 mins

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Unveils Mysterious Martian Ridges That Hint at Hidden Water Activity

NASA’s Curiosity rover has sent back stunning new close-up images from Mars, offering a first detailed look at a geological mystery: crisscrossing mineral ridges known as “boxwork patterns” that have never been seen elsewhere on the planet. The rover, which has been exploring the 3-mile-high Mount Sharp since 2014, encountered these unusual formations on a new layer rich in magnesium sulfates—salts that form as water evaporates. Scientists believe the boxwork formed when ancient groundwater flowed through rock cracks, depositing minerals that later hardened. Over billions of years, Mars’ harsh winds eroded the softer rock, revealing the cemented ridges. “A big mystery is why the ridges were hardened into these big patterns and why only here,” said Curiosity project scientist Ashwin Vasavada of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). “As we drive on, we’ll be studying the ridges and mineral cements to make sure our idea of how they formed is on target.” The rover’s latest sample, drilled from a rock nicknamed “Altadena”, is currently under analysis in onboard instruments. It could offer insights into both the geological evolution of the region and Mars’ potential to have supported ancient microbial life. Another surprising discovery: calcium sulfate veins, previously common in lower clay-rich layers of Mount Sharp, have reappeared in this drier, sulfate-rich terrain. Their return raises questions about unexpected water activity during the planet’s drying phase. “These calcium sulfate veins used to be everywhere, but they more or less disappeared as we climbed higher up Mount Sharp,” said deputy project scientist Abigail Fraeman. “The team is excited to figure out why they’ve returned now.” To help identify locations, Curiosity assigns nicknames—this time from Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert, regions on Earth studied for their Mars-like dryness. The Altadena name honored a Southern California town near JPL, badly hit by a wildfire earlier this year. As Curiosity climbs higher into Martian history, scientists continue searching for signs of ancient water, organic molecules, and preserved life-friendly environments—revealing not just Mars’ secrets, but a mirror of Earth’s own geological past.

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Trump Hints at Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within a Week, Announces Aid Boost Amid Rising Civilian Toll

Washington D.C., June 27, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Friday that a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas could be reached within the coming week, amid escalating international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We think within the next week, we’re going to get a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters at the White House, during a high-level diplomatic meeting with African foreign ministers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The comments come after months of renewed hostilities, which resumed in March 2025 when Israel declared an end to the previous ceasefire, accusing Hamas of regrouping. That truce, brokered with U.S. support during the final days of former President Joe Biden’s administration, had brought temporary relief following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the conflict. Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Since March, Israel halted all humanitarian supplies — including food and medicine — into Gaza for over two months, triggering widespread famine warnings from aid agencies. The blockade has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, especially among children, according to independent observers. In response, Israel recently permitted limited aid access through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial joint operation involving U.S. security contractors and Israeli military oversight. However, witnesses and Gaza officials allege that Palestinians have been killed while waiting for aid, raising serious human rights concerns. On Thursday (June 26), the U.S. announced $30 million in funding to support the aid initiative. “We’re supplying, as you know, a lot of money and a lot of food to that area,” Trump said Friday. “We’re involved because people are dying. And look at those crowds of people that have no food, no anything.” Mounting Criticism Over Israeli Tactics Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an explosive report quoting anonymous Israeli soldiers, who claimed they were ordered by commanders to fire at unarmed Palestinian crowds near aid centers to disperse them. The report adds to international scrutiny over Israel’s handling of the crisis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied these allegations, calling them “false and harmful” to the morale of the Israeli Defense Forces. Ceasefire Prospects and Diplomatic Pressure The potential ceasefire comes amid increased U.S. diplomatic pressure and mounting concern among allies over the humanitarian toll and regional instability. The Trump administration, which had initially taken a hardline stance in support of Israel, has quietly shifted towards brokering renewed talks in recent weeks. Officials familiar with the negotiations say that Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are also involved behind the scenes in shaping the terms of a possible agreement. Sources indicate that key demands on both sides — including hostage releases and a phased Israeli withdrawal — are being debated. If finalized, the ceasefire would be the second major truce in the nearly two-year-old conflict, and would mark a significant diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration early in his second term.

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