September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Tottenham Hotspur Crowned Europa League Champions After 41-Year Wait, Beat Manchester United 1-0

In a landmark moment for the club, Tottenham Hotspur clinched the Europa League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. The victory ended a 41-year drought for a European trophy and secured Spurs a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. ⚽ Brennan Johnson’s Decisive Goal The only goal of the match came in the 42nd minute, when Pape Matar Sarr’s deflected pass hit Luke Shaw and fell kindly to Brennan Johnson, who calmly slotted it home. Despite a defensive match overall, that moment proved to be enough for Spurs to claim victory. 🧱 Solid Defense Holds United Back Manchester United came close to equalizing, with Rasmus Højlund’s 68th-minute header cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. Later, Luke Shaw forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, but Spurs’ defense held firm to preserve the lead. 🏆 A Historic Win for Spurs This is Tottenham’s first European title since 1984, when they won the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League). It also marks their first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. Manager Ange Postecoglou, under pressure due to Spurs’ 17th-place position in the Premier League, has now delivered silverware in his debut season and a place in the 2025-26 Champions League, despite Spurs not qualifying through league standings. 🔴 United’s Nightmare Continues For Manchester United, the loss is a massive blow. They sit 16th in the Premier League, and this result means they will miss out on European competitions next season entirely. United’s last Europa League title came in 2017 under Jose Mourinho. With this loss, United have now failed to beat Spurs in seven consecutive matches, including four defeats this season alone. After winning the 2024 FA Cup, this marks a disappointing end to the season, likely prompting serious squad evaluations. 📊 Quick Stats: This triumph may serve as a turning point for Spurs, while Manchester United face a summer of introspection and rebuild.

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Editor04 mins

John Bolton Mocks Trump’s Ceasefire Claim: “Takes Credit for Everything — This Is Just Trump Being Trump”

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has criticized Donald Trump’s recent assertion that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling the claim exaggerated and typical of the former US president’s self-promotional style. Bolton remarked, “It’s nothing personal to India. This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything.” He added that Trump has a pattern of jumping in “before everyone else could take credit,” even if the facts don’t support his claims. “It may be irritating — probably is — to many people, but it’s just Trump being Trump,” Bolton noted. The former NSA’s comments came after Trump took to the spotlight once again, declaring at a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, “We settled that whole thing… I think I settled it through trade.” He further asserted on his Truth Social account: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.” Bolton, however, dismissed the idea that American intervention alone ended the hostilities, suggesting that Trump was overstating his role. The ceasefire came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a massive retaliatory strike on April 25 targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, after 26 civilians were killed in a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. While Trump insists his diplomatic efforts prevented a “nuclear war,” Bolton’s rebuttal paints a different picture — one where Trump’s claims are more about optics than actual policy impact.

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Editor03 mins

Trump Unveils ‘Golden Dome’: First US Missile Defense Weapon in Space

United States President Donald Trump has unveiled new details about a groundbreaking missile defense initiative known as the “Golden Dome”, which he claims will be the first weapon the US places in space. Estimated to cost around $175 billion, the space-based defense shield is expected to become operational within three years, by the end of Trump’s current term. President Trump stated that the system’s architecture has been finalized, building on the announcement he made shortly after returning to the White House in January. At that time, he described the project as a countermeasure against next-generation aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drones, whether conventional or nuclear. Describing it as “very important for the success and even survival of the United States,” Trump emphasized that the Golden Dome will integrate land-, sea-, and space-based technologies. It will feature space-based sensors and interceptors that can track and neutralize threats at various stages of flight—including pre-launch, mid-air, and even space-based missile attacks. Speaking alongside Trump, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth noted that the Golden Dome will be interconnected with current ground-based defense systems and will serve as a comprehensive shield for the homeland. The system is designed to detect and neutralize a wide array of modern threats, ensuring multi-layered protection. Although President Trump pegged the total cost at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated the full lifecycle cost could exceed $500 billion over two decades. An initial $25 billion in funding has already been announced, and future costs will be gradually absorbed. The initiative will be led by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein, a four-star general with over 30 years of experience in missile defense and space systems. General Guetlein has been part of the Space Force since 2021 and is considered a top expert in aerospace military defense. While primarily intended to defend the United States, Trump revealed that Canada has expressed interest in joining the program, citing the importance of shared North American defense. The Golden Dome marks a major shift in US defense policy, signaling a bold step into space-based warfare and deterrence.

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Editor03 mins

UN Warns 14,000 Gaza Babies at Risk of Death Within 48 Hours Without Aid

A dire warning was issued by the United Nations’ humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Tuesday, stating that up to 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within the next 48 hours if life-saving humanitarian aid does not reach them urgently. Speaking on Radio 4’s programme, Fletcher underscored the critical need for immediate access to Gaza for trucks carrying baby food and nutritional supplies that are currently stuck at the border. Fletcher stressed that these supplies are not at risk of being seized by Hamas, but the delivery efforts face serious obstacles, including looting, military strikes, and the ongoing Israeli offensive. “We run all sorts of risk trying to get that baby food through to those mothers who cannot feed their children right now because they’re malnourished,” he said. On Monday, Israel allowed five aid trucks to enter through the Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossing, marking the first delivery in nearly three months. However, Fletcher described this as a mere “drop in the ocean” and noted that the aid had yet to reach the communities most in need. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened significantly over the past 11 weeks, with Israel imposing a total blockade on the territory. This has severely restricted the flow of food, medicine, and fuel, leading to catastrophic conditions. According to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, one in five Gazans is facing starvation, and nearly 71,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition. International pressure on Israel is mounting. On Monday, the UK, France, and Canada warned they would take “concrete actions” if Israel fails to lift aid restrictions and halt its military operations. A joint statement by 22 countries has also called on Israel to allow the full resumption of impartial humanitarian operations in Gaza. As conditions deteriorate rapidly, humanitarian agencies warn that time is running out, particularly for Gaza’s most vulnerable—its children.

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Editor03 mins

Warner Bros. Invests £1 Billion in Ambitious New Harry Potter TV Series

HBO is preparing a major return to the Harry Potter universe with a new television series that will reimagine the iconic story over multiple seasons. Backed by Warner Bros., the project has received a massive investment of approximately £1 billion (around $1.27 billion) to build an expansive production hub at Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire. This isn’t just a typical studio set; Warner Bros. is constructing an entire functioning town, complete with roads, towering car parks, and large soundstages. The famous streets of Little Whinging are being transformed with this lavish new setup. According to reports, the production city will feature a dedicated school for the young cast, a medical facility, and special care areas for the many animals involved in the series, ranging from owls and rats to spiders and horses. This self-contained filming ecosystem is designed to support a long-term production schedule and ensure every aspect of the series thrives. One notable change includes the redesign of Privet Drive. The Dursley home, previously depicted as gray and cramped, is being rebuilt in a sleek mock Tudor style, signaling a potential tonal shift that aligns with modern storytelling sensibilities. The adult cast is already coming together with some high-profile actors taking on key Hogwarts roles. Janet McTeer will portray Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu is cast as Snape, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paul Whitehouse as Filch, and Luke Thallon as Quirrell. Casting announcements for the Dursleys are still pending. Meanwhile, the search for the young actors to play Harry, Hermione, Ron, and other Hogwarts students is ongoing. With over 30,000 auditions submitted, selecting the new leads has been a meticulous process, and the final casting decisions are yet to be revealed. Once chosen, these young actors are set to have their lives changed forever. The eagerly awaited new Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere in 2026, promising a fresh and immersive take on the beloved wizarding world.

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Editor03 mins

US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Indian Travel Agents Over Illegal Immigration Facilitation

On Monday, the United States announced visa restrictions on unnamed Indian travel agents accused of knowingly facilitating illegal immigration, invoking Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows visa denial if an individual’s presence could result in “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” This marks the first known instance of the Trump administration’s second term targeting travel operators from a specific country—India—in its ongoing crackdown on undocumented migration. Key Highlights: Wider Context: Since President Donald Trump’s second term began, illegal immigration from India has become a high-priority issue. This includes: Diplomatic Angle: The visa ban comes amid sensitive bilateral dialogue, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly raising illegal Indian migration in his first meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. While India has expressed concerns about the treatment of deportees, there has been no official statement yet on the latest visa restrictions. The U.S. move may complicate ties further as both nations navigate a turbulent global order marked by terrorism, strategic realignments, and intensifying domestic pressures.

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Editor04 mins

Jaishankar Meets Dutch Counterpart in The Hague, Discusses Terrorism, EU Ties, and Operation Sindoor Context

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his three-nation Europe visit with wide-ranging discussions in The Hague with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, focusing on bilateral ties, counter-terrorism cooperation, and India’s strategic engagement with the European Union. In his first overseas trip since the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar thanked the Netherlands for its strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly civilians and tourists. He also expressed appreciation for Dutch support of India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. “Thank FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherlands’ strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and support for zero tolerance against terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on X. The two ministers discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and also exchanged views on multipolarity, strategic autonomy, and pressing global security challenges. Later, Jaishankar met Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, where both sides shared their respective national security concerns and explored opportunities for closer defence collaboration. “Also spoke about the benefits of forging a bilateral defence partnership,” Jaishankar said, indicating a possible deepening of defence ties with one of India’s key EU partners. In a morning interaction with Dutch strategic experts, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of stronger India-Netherlands/EU engagement amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The Indian Embassy in The Hague noted that Jaishankar’s visit is expected to boost India-Netherlands ties and reinforce diplomatic momentum in the wake of Operation Sindoor — India’s precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar is expected to brief his counterparts in Denmark and Germany on India’s security imperatives and response to Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks between May 8–10, which saw Indian forces targeting multiple Pakistani military installations in countermeasures. His ongoing visit underlines India’s commitment to consolidating strategic partnerships in Europe amid a tense South Asian security climate and growing international focus on cross-border terrorism.

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Editor03 mins

India Cancels OCI of UK-Based Kashmiri Professor Over Alleged ‘Anti-India Activities’; Nitasha Kaul Calls It Transnational Repression

Dr. Nitasha Kaul, a British-Kashmiri professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster in London, has claimed that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) has been revoked by Indian authorities over allegations of engaging in “anti-India activities.” Taking to social media on Sunday, Dr. Kaul shared excerpts from the official communication she received, which accuses her of being driven by “malice and complete disregard for facts or history.” The notice also cites her “numerous inimical writings, speeches, and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms” as justification for the cancellation, alleging they target India’s sovereignty and institutions. This action comes months after Dr. Kaul was denied entry to India in February, where she was scheduled to attend an academic conference in Bengaluru. She had then voiced concern over what she described as a growing intolerance toward critical voices. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Kaul condemned the move, calling it “a bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of transnational repression.” She argued that the government is attempting to silence independent analysis and dissent, especially from those who critique policies perceived as anti-minority or anti-democratic. “Know that arresting academics in India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country and family for academics outside India,” she wrote, adding, “The idea is to send a signal — don’t dare challenge us within and don’t dare analyse what’s going on to convey to audiences outside.” Under current rules governing OCI status, the Indian government reserves the right to revoke citizenship privileges if an individual is found to have displayed “disaffection towards the Constitution of India.” Critics have long warned that such provisions could be used to suppress dissent. Dr. Kaul serves as Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and is a noted academic voice on issues related to Kashmir, human rights, and authoritarianism. The High Commission of India in London has been approached for a response, but an official statement is yet to be released.

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Editor03 mins

Lionsgate Reveals Title for Mel Gibson’s Epic Sequel: The Resurrection of the Christ

Lionsgate has unveiled the official title of the much-anticipated sequel to The Passion of the Christ — The Resurrection of the Christ — confirming it is coming soon. Studio head Adam Fogelson called it “the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation,” praising Mel Gibson as one of cinema’s greatest directors and describing the film as an awe-inspiring, epic experience set to leave audiences breathless worldwide. Fogelson highlighted his long-standing partnership with Gibson and producer Bruce Davey, expressing excitement for this landmark collaboration. Mel Gibson praised Lionsgate’s “brave, innovative spirit” and their passion and ambition in supporting the film’s release, expressing confidence in the studio’s commitment to making the project a success.

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