September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Adds Restrictions on 7 More Amid National Security Review

In a sweeping move citing national security concerns, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the reinstatement of a travel ban affecting 12 countries, along with new travel restrictions for citizens from seven others. The restrictions are set to take effect from Monday at 12:01 AM, according to an official White House statement. The countries facing a renewed travel ban include:Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, new restrictions are being imposed on travelers from:Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. “This is about keeping America safe,” Trump declared. “I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.” According to the presidential declaration, the decision was based on a comprehensive review of visa overstay rates, the strength of civil documentation systems, and the level of cooperation these countries maintain with U.S. immigration and security agencies. Trump asserted that several of the affected nations fail to screen travelers adequately or refuse to accept deported nationals, posing a potential threat to U.S. interests. The announcement comes in the wake of a terrorist attack on June 1, 2025, at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, in which the suspect was reportedly an Egyptian national who had overstayed a tourist visa. In a video message posted on social media, Trump referenced the incident as evidence of weak immigration controls and emphasized the need for stricter vetting. The current policy stems from a January 20 executive order, directing the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to reassess countries based on what the Trump administration termed “hostile attitudes” toward the U.S. and their overall security cooperation. Notably, this move mirrors Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, which initially barred citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. That order sparked nationwide protests, legal battles, and widespread backlash before it was revised and ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. While the current list has expanded, reports suggest that Pakistan, Syria, and up to 41 other countries could also face future repercussions if found to be non-compliant in upcoming assessments. The Department of Homeland Security is expected to release additional details in the coming weeks.

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Editor04 mins

DGCA Flags Major Safety Violations by Turkish Airlines Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a strong warning to Turkish Airlines after uncovering a series of serious safety violations during surprise inspections carried out at major Indian airports. According to a statement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the inspections were conducted between May 29 and June 2 at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru airports under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO), which authorizes oversight of foreign carriers operating within national airspace. One of the most alarming findings was at Bengaluru Airport, where DGCA inspectors found that an untrained marshaller — who lacked the mandatory competency card — was guiding aircraft on the ground. This role is critical to preventing runway accidents and collisions during taxiing operations. In another violation, a Turkish Airlines aircraft was serviced by a technician instead of a certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) during arrival checks. The authorised maintenance partner, Airworks, was not present at the time of inspection, signaling a serious lapse in protocol. The airline’s cargo operations were also found to be in violation of safety norms. Turkish Airlines was reportedly transporting dangerous goods, including explosives, without required DGCA permissions. Inspectors noted that several mandatory safety documents were either incomplete or missing, further raising red flags about the airline’s procedural compliance. At Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, ground handling operations were found to be operating without a formal Service-Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its local partner, Globe Ground India. In addition, essential ground support equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and power units were being used without proper documentation, leaving room for accountability and safety gaps. In response, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to implement immediate corrective measures and has warned of continued oversight through follow-up inspections to ensure full compliance with both Indian and international aviation safety standards. These regulatory findings come at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between India and Turkey. Ankara’s recent expression of support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has sparked outrage in India, exacerbating already strained bilateral ties. While the safety violations are technically unrelated to diplomatic affairs, the timing of the revelations has intensified scrutiny of Turkish entities operating in India. The developments place Turkish Airlines — one of the major international carriers operating in India — under a spotlight of regulatory and public attention, and underscore the DGCA’s commitment to enforcing safety compliance across all carriers, domestic and foreign.

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Editor04 mins

Global IT Layoffs Surge in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty and AI Restructuring

The global information technology (IT) sector continues to witness a wave of job cuts in 2025, following a period of mass hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new report by Trueup reveals that more than 62,000 employees have been laid off across 284 IT companies in the first five months of the year. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Apple are among the major players slashing jobs across various departments. While the scale of layoffs appears to have reduced compared to 2024—when approximately 2.4 lakh tech workers lost their jobs—the trend remains concerning. In May 2025 alone, over 16,000 employees were let go, suggesting that the sector is still grappling with post-pandemic economic realignments. Experts attribute these layoffs to global geopolitical tensions, ongoing wars, and a volatile economic climate marked by high inflation, interest rates, and uncertainty. These factors have compelled tech companies to cut spending, focus on profitability, and restructure their operations to remain competitive. Additionally, the race for dominance in AI technology is reshaping workforce strategies. Many companies are reducing traditional roles while investing heavily in AI development, leading to reorganisation-driven layoffs. Microsoft recently laid off more than 6,000 employees, targeting middle management roles as part of a broader effort to simplify its organisational structure and increase managerial span of control. CEO Satya Nadella clarified that the decision was based on structural changes, not individual performance, and aligns with the company’s push to bolster its AI capabilities. Google, on the other hand, has cut hundreds of roles in its Global Business Organisation and software divisions, including Pixel, Android, and Chrome teams. In May alone, around 200 employees from its business operations were shown the door. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is also set to eliminate over 3,000 jobs this year. CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited a company-wide restructuring and an effort to “raise performance standards” as the primary drivers behind the layoffs. Teams in Reality Labs, including Oculus Studios—responsible for VR content and the Supernatural fitness app—have been particularly affected. Despite the downturn, many of these companies continue to hire in AI and engineering roles, reflecting a shift in priorities rather than a full-scale contraction. The evolving dynamics underscore a major transformation in the global tech industry, as firms adapt to economic pressure and the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence.

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Editor04 mins

एलन मस्क ने ट्रंप के बजट बिल को बताया “घिनौना विधेयक”, कहा – अमेरिका को दिवालिया बना रहा है यह कानून

अमेरिकी अरबपति और उद्यमी एलन मस्क ने एक बार फिर पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप की सरकार के बजट विधेयक One Big Beautiful Bill पर तीखा हमला बोला है। हाल ही में ट्रंप प्रशासन में अपनी विशेष सरकारी सलाहकार की भूमिका से हटने के कुछ ही दिनों बाद, मस्क ने सोशल मीडिया पर इस विधेयक को “घिनौना और अपमानजनक” करार दिया। मस्क ने पोस्ट करते हुए लिखा: “माफ कीजिए, लेकिन अब और बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता। यह विशाल, बेहिसाब और भ्रष्टाचार-भरा बजट विधेयक एक घिनौनी अबॉमिनेशन है। जिन्होंने इसके पक्ष में वोट किया, उन्हें शर्म आनी चाहिए — आप जानते हैं आपने गलत किया है।” उन्होंने आरोप लगाया कि इस बिल में की गई खर्च की घोषणाएं और कर कटौती अमेरिका के पहले से ही विकराल बजट घाटे को और बढ़ा देंगी। 🔴 क्या है One Big Beautiful Bill? यह विधेयक: मस्क ने लिखा, “यह बिल बजट घाटे को $2.5 ट्रिलियन तक बढ़ा देगा और अमेरिकी नागरिकों को असहनीय कर्ज में डुबो देगा। कांग्रेस अमेरिका को दिवालिया बना रही है।” 🔵 राजनीतिक प्रतिक्रियाएं इस बिल को 22 मई को 215-214 मतों से हाउस ऑफ रिप्रेजेंटेटिव्स में पारित किया गया। थॉमस मैसी ने मस्क की आलोचना का समर्थन किया और पोस्ट किया, “वह सही कह रहे हैं।”मस्क ने भी जवाब में कहा, “यह विरोध केवल गणित पर आधारित है।” 🟡 ट्रंप प्रशासन में मस्क की भूमिका जनवरी 2025 में ट्रंप के दोबारा राष्ट्रपति बनने के बाद, एलन मस्क को विशेष सलाहकार के तौर पर Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) का नेतृत्व सौंपा गया था — जिसका उद्देश्य संघीय तंत्र में “बर्बादी” को खत्म करना था।मस्क पिछले सप्ताह इस पद से हट गए, और तभी से खुलकर ट्रंप प्रशासन की नीतियों पर निशाना साध रहे हैं। उन्होंने आगामी 2026 मध्यावधि चुनावों को लेकर मतदाताओं से अपील की: “हर उस राजनेता को बाहर करें जिसने अमेरिकी जनता के साथ विश्वासघात किया है।” ✅ निष्कर्ष एलन मस्क का यह आक्रामक रुख बताता है कि अमेरिका के भीतर ही नहीं, बल्कि रिपब्लिकन पार्टी के भीतर भी ट्रंप की नीतियों को लेकर गंभीर मतभेद और दरारें हैं। अब सबकी निगाहें सीनेट पर हैं — जहां यह तय होगा कि यह विवादास्पद बजट विधेयक कानून बनेगा या रुक जाएगा।

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Editor01 mins

Zelenskyy Vows Continued Drone Attacks Unless Russia Halts Offensive Amid Istanbul Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia will persist unless Moscow ends its military offensive. Speaking to reporters after the latest round of US-brokered peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, Zelenskyy praised a recent drone strike targeting Russia’s strategic bomber fleet as a “strategic operation” that weakened Russian military capabilities. The attack occurred just a day before the talks. “This is happening on a daily basis,” Zelenskyy said, referring to Russia’s ongoing assaults, including a recent overnight attack involving more than 480 drones. “Unless they will stop, we will continue.” When asked whether the drone campaign might shift the war’s dynamics or provoke Russia, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine was not concerned about Russia being “enraged,” noting that Moscow continues its attacks regardless. Zelenskyy also commented on the role of the United States in the peace process, calling for “very strong steps” from President Trump to support sanctions and pressure President Putin to stop the war or at least initiate a ceasefire. Monday’s meeting in Istanbul, held at the Ciragan Palace, marked the first direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian delegations since May 2022. The talks lasted just over an hour. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that both sides agreed to exchange all severely wounded and ill prisoners of war, as well as the bodies of thousands of fallen soldiers. Discussions also touched on the possibility of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for peace negotiations. However, Russia has rejected the proposal, with President Putin maintaining the same broad war objectives he declared at the outset of the invasion.

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Editor03 mins

Gaza Crisis Deepens: 27 Palestinians Killed Near Food Distribution Site Amid Ongoing Conflict

At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution point in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, according to local health officials. The incident marks another deadly flashpoint in the ongoing humanitarian and military crisis in the region. 🔺 Key Developments 🍞 Humanitarian Crisis at Aid Sites 🕊️ International Reaction & Evacuation Orders 🏥 Medical System Under Threat ❗ Summary This latest surge in violence underscores the increasingly dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where aid distribution itself has become a deadly event. As both military operations intensify and civilian access to food and healthcare collapses, pressure is mounting on the international community to intervene and ensure civilian protection and humanitarian access in the war-ravaged enclave.

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Editor04 mins

FIFA’s $2 Billion Club World Cup Kick-Off Faces Hurdles Amid Hype and Criticism

FIFA’s ambitious $2 billion revamp of the Club World Cup begins June 15, aiming to transform global club football with a 32-team mega tournament across 12 stadiums in the U.S. But with plenty of cash on offer and questionable fan enthusiasm, the tournament’s foundations appear as shaky as they are extravagant. The event serves as a high-profile dress rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and promises a total prize pot of $1 billion, with the winning club potentially earning $125 million—a figure that eclipses top earnings in the UEFA Champions League. Yet, FIFPro has launched legal action over player welfare concerns, citing the compressed calendar and lack of recovery time after a draining European season. Opening at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face Egypt’s Al Ahly. But ticket sales remain sluggish even for the July 13 final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, highlighting tepid local interest despite Messi’s star power. FIFA’s opaque qualification criteria have also sparked criticism. Inter Miami earned their spot by topping MLS regular season standings, despite an early playoff exit—seen by many as a move to guarantee Messi’s participation. Meanwhile, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli, all reigning domestic champions, failed to qualify due to FIFA’s complex four-year ranking method. Further controversy erupted when Club Leon, 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, were excluded due to shared ownership with another qualifier, making way for Los Angeles FC. While FIFA secured a last-minute $1 billion broadcast deal with DAZN, questions linger over stadium readiness and pitch quality after last year’s Copa America controversies. FIFA promises standard-sized, natural grass pitches (105x68m) across all venues. Group stage contenders include heavyweights Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, while Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off a 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, lead a formidable Group B alongside Botafogo, Seattle Sounders, and Atletico Madrid. Beyond silverware, the tournament is a litmus test for U.S. fan engagement and FIFA’s broader commercial vision. Whether football—or soccer—truly finds its place in American hearts will be judged as much by full stands as by final scores.

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Editor04 mins

Toyota to Take Supplier Toyota Industries Private in $26 Billion Deal, Reshaping Corporate Structure

Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) announced a major restructuring move on Thursday, confirming a $26 billion deal to take long-time group supplier Toyota Industries Corp (6201.T) private. The acquisition is being led by Toyota Fudosan, an unlisted real estate firm chaired by Toyota’s current Chairman Akio Toyoda, underscoring the continued influence of the automaker’s founding family. The offer, pegged at 3.7 trillion yen ($26 billion), values Toyota Industries at 16,300 yen per share, notably below its recent closing price of 18,400 yen—a surprise to markets expecting a valuation closer to $42 billion, as previously reported. Toyota Industries, which manufactures forklifts, engines, batteries, and converters, has deep historical roots in the Toyota Group. Founded in 1926 as Toyoda Automatic Loom Works by Sakichi Toyoda, it later incubated the automotive division that became Toyota Motor Corp. Toyota currently holds about 24% of Toyota Industries, while the latter owns roughly 9% of Toyota Motor and over 5% of Denso (6902.T), another key Toyota group supplier. As part of the restructuring, Toyota also revealed plans to repurchase its own shares held by Toyota Industries—an effort aimed at untangling cross-shareholding structures and enhancing corporate governance. This move is in line with a broader trend in Japanese corporate reform, where regulators and investors are pressuring conglomerates to improve transparency, governance, and shareholder value. The buyout, though expected, signals a strategic pivot in how Toyota aligns its group entities for the future, especially under the influence of Akio Toyoda’s leadership and legacy vision.

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Editor02 mins

U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate as Beijing Accuses Washington of Breaching Truce

The already fraught U.S.-China trade relationship has taken a fresh downturn, with China’s Commerce Ministry accusing the United States of “provoking new economic and trade frictions.” This follows former President Donald Trump’s explosive claim that Beijing had “totally violated” the recent trade truce reached in Geneva. China: U.S. Actions Undermining Stability In a statement carried by CNN, the Chinese Commerce Ministry rebuked Washington for escalating tensions: “The United States has been unilaterally provoking new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating the uncertainty and instability of bilateral economic and trade relations.” The Ministry warned of potential retaliation if the U.S. continues what it called a campaign of economic provocation: “If the United States insists on its own way and continues to undermine China’s interests, China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” Trump Fires Back: “So Much for Being Mr. Nice Guy” The latest row was triggered by a post from Donald Trump on his platform Truth Social, where he claimed: “China had TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US.” Trump said he had made a quick deal in Geneva last month “to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation,” implying the U.S. had exercised restraint. He concluded with a jab: “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” Rare Earth Exports at the Heart of the Dispute A central point of contention is China’s continued export controls on rare earth minerals, which are vital for a range of technologies—from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced U.S. military equipment. The Geneva truce had included China’s commitment to suspend non-tariff retaliatory measures, yet these critical mineral restrictions remain in place. U.S. Treasury Responds U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, hinted at uncertainty surrounding Beijing’s actions: “Maybe it’s a glitch in the Chinese system, maybe it’s intentional,” referring to the rare earth restrictions. Bessent also suggested that a direct call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be scheduled soon in an effort to defuse tensions.

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Editor04 mins

Trump Doubles Down on US Steel Tariffs, Impact Looms on Indian Steel Exports

US President Donald Trump announced at US Steel’s Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant in Pittsburgh that he is doubling tariffs on imported steel to protect the domestic steel industry. The current 25% duty on steel imports will increase further, effective June 8, 2025. Trump also stated aluminum tariffs will rise to 50%. Key Takeaway The US steel tariff hike poses a significant risk to India’s steel export growth, especially as the US is a major market. Coupled with India’s net importer status and rising domestic imports, the steel sector faces challenges both internationally and at home.

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Editor03 mins
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