September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Ongoing Violence in Gaza and the West Bank Escalates Civilian Toll

At least 20 Palestinians, including three children, were killed today in Israeli military strikes across Gaza, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. A tent shelter near Nuseirat in central Gaza was among the latest targets, highlighting the ongoing peril faced by civilians in the besieged territory. In another deadly strike, Israel targeted a bustling market area in Jabalia town in northern Gaza, killing at least three more individuals. The Israeli military maintains that these operations are directed at Hamas, although the civilian toll continues to rise sharply. The humanitarian crisis extends beyond Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, a 12-year-old boy was fatally shot by Israeli forces in al-Yamoun, while settlers attacked the village of Bardala in the Jordan Valley, shooting five Palestinians and setting fire to farmland and buildings. Meanwhile, U.S. military operations in Yemen have intensified. Airstrikes continue on a daily basis, with more than 200 people reportedly killed since mid-March, marking a significant escalation in regional violence. At a Holocaust remembrance event in Tel Aviv, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar addressed foreign diplomats, asserting that Israel’s military actions are rooted in self-defense. “Many around us today seek our elimination,” Saar said, emphasizing that hostile actors are actively planning and executing efforts to destroy Israel. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in at least 51,305 Palestinian deaths and over 117,096 injuries over the past 18 months. In one of the most harrowing incidents today, a family of six—parents and four children—was killed in the Sheikh Radwan district of Gaza City. Local sources described a gruesome aftermath, as civil defense teams and neighbors were forced to collect the remains of the children from nearby streets and buildings. In a related development, Yale University has revoked the official status of a pro-Palestinian student group, alleging their involvement in protests during a visit by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The move has sparked concerns over the suppression of student activism related to the Gaza crisis. The intensifying violence underscores the dire need for a humanitarian resolution, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of an increasingly destructive conflict.

Read More
Editor04 mins

India Declares Three-Day State Mourning Following Pope Francis’ Death

The Indian government has declared a three-day state mourning to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, was widely regarded for his progressive views and global outreach. In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away on April 21. As a mark of respect, three-day state mourning shall be observed throughout India.” According to the ministry’s schedule, state mourning will be observed on April 22 (Tuesday) and April 23 (Wednesday), with an additional day of mourning to be observed on the day of the Pope’s funeral. During this period: Regional Leaders Join in Mourning Messages of grief and condolences have poured in from across India’s political and religious spectrum, as leaders paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy of peace, compassion, and unity. Many highlighted his contributions to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to address climate change, poverty, and inequality. India, home to one of the world’s largest Christian populations outside the West, has maintained warm diplomatic and cultural relations with the Vatican. Pope Francis had earlier visited India in 2023, where he was received with great honor by the Indian leadership and the Catholic community. Further details regarding the Pope’s funeral and India’s representation at the ceremony are awaited. 4o

Read More
Editor03 mins

India, US Move Closer to Trade Deal Amid Tariff Pause; Modi Hosts VP JD Vance in Delhi

India and the United States signaled significant progress in finalizing a bilateral trade agreement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice-President JD Vance in New Delhi on Monday night. The meeting, part of Vance’s ongoing four-day visit to India with his family, also saw discussions on deepening ties across sectors such as defence, energy, and strategic technology. “We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi posted on X, following their meeting. He also hosted a private dinner for Vance, his wife, and their three children at his official residence. The trade talks take place against the backdrop of a temporary 90-day pause on increased US tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump. India, which was facing proposed tariffs as high as 27% on its exports to the US, has used the window to engage in accelerated negotiations. The tariff reprieve ends on July 9, prompting urgency in finalizing a deal. While Modi and Trump have maintained a friendly personal rapport—Modi was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Trump after the start of his second term—the US president has not held back in criticizing India’s trade policies, branding the country a “tariff king” and accusing it of unfair trade practices. In a statement after Monday’s talks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reiterated longstanding US concerns, pointing to the “serious lack of reciprocity” in its trade relationship with India. Washington is particularly pushing for greater access to India’s protected agricultural sector, including the sale of American corn—something Indian officials are reluctant to concede due to domestic sensitivities. India has already lowered tariffs on a range of goods and is reportedly considering more reductions to advance negotiations. However, agriculture and digital trade remain key sticking points in the discussions. Beyond trade, Modi and Vance discussed broader strategic collaboration, including defence, energy security, and emerging technologies. The Indian prime minister also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year, likely during the Quad summit that Delhi is set to host. The bilateral meeting concluded with delegation-level discussions and the dinner hosted by Modi, underscoring the warmth between the two countries even as complex trade issues remain under negotiation.

Read More
Editor04 mins

US to Push India for Greater Ecommerce Access in Trade Talks

The Trump administration is set to press India to grant full access to its $125 billion ecommerce market to US giants such as Amazon and Walmart, as part of an evolving trade agreement currently under negotiation. The deal, which spans a range of sectors from food to automobiles, is being discussed under the looming threat of a 26 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States. President Donald Trump has temporarily paused this tariff for 90 days to allow negotiations to proceed. During a recent meeting in New Delhi, US Vice-President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged “significant progress” in the trade discussions. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy, defence, and strategic technologies. According to multiple sources, including industry executives, lobbyists, and US officials, Washington is urging New Delhi to provide a level playing field for foreign ecommerce players. Currently, India restricts US companies like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart from selling their own inventory directly to consumers. Instead, they can only act as online marketplaces for third-party sellers, unlike Indian firms that can produce, own, and sell their own goods via their platforms. This distinction has been labelled a “non-tariff barrier” by US negotiators, alongside restrictions on foreign direct investment in retail. Tensions have grown as US companies have faced additional hurdles such as increased product inspections by the Bureau of Indian Standards, further complicating their operations in India. Executives close to the discussions revealed that Walmart CEO Doug McMillon raised the issue of India’s ecommerce barriers during a private meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. McMillon was also present at a White House meeting with other major US retail leaders to discuss trade and tariffs. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who attended and contributed to Trump’s presidential inauguration, is similarly involved in the background efforts. The US push is seen as a direct challenge to Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and the owner of India’s largest retail group, Reliance Industries. His conglomerate operates multiple ecommerce platforms and stands to lose if foreign players are granted equal access to the Indian market. Experts such as Arvind Singhal, chairman of Technopak Advisors, note that US efforts to liberalize India’s retail sector have been ongoing since 2006, but have been effectively resisted by Indian policymakers. Now, with trade talks gaining momentum, US officials are reportedly working in close coordination with ecommerce platforms to influence the outcome. As of now, the White House, Amazon, Walmart, and Reliance have declined to comment on the matter.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Kristen Stewart Marries Dylan Meyer in Intimate Ceremony in Los Angeles

Kristen Stewart, the star of Twilight, has tied the knot with her longtime partner, screenwriter Dylan Meyer, in an intimate wedding ceremony. The couple, who had been engaged for over three years, exchanged vows on Easter Sunday, April 20, in Los Angeles, surrounded by their close friends and family, including actor Ashley Benson. The ceremony followed their marriage license acquisition earlier that week. Kristen, 35, and Dylan, 37, took the big leap in a personal celebration at their Los Angeles home. Photos from the event were shared by TMZ, showcasing the couple in their unique wedding attire. Kristen donned a chic two-piece ensemble, while Dylan opted for a sheer white top paired with a gold skirt. The guest list included a few familiar faces, such as Ashley Benson and her husband Brandon Davis, but the couple’s team has yet to comment on the wedding reports. A Timeline of Their Relationship Kristen and Dylan first crossed paths “years ago” while working on a movie, but they didn’t reconnect until a friend’s birthday party six years later. Romance rumors began circulating in August 2019, and by October of that year, the couple made their relationship Instagram official. They got engaged in 2021, with Kristen playfully revealing during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show that Dylan was the one who proposed. Kristen joked that the proposal was a surprise, as they didn’t adhere to traditional gender roles, adding that it was “so cute” when Dylan made the first move. The couple’s nuptials mark a beautiful and personal milestone in their relationship, officially making them a married couple after years of love and commitment.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Prolonged Illness, Vatican Confirms

First Latin American and Jesuit Pope Remembered for His Humble Leadership and Progressive Reforms Historic Passing of a Global Spiritual Leader The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. The pontiff, who became the first Latin American and first Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 7:35 AM after a prolonged illness. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking on Vatican TV, stated, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” A Papacy Marked by Health Struggles and Determination The Pope had faced numerous health scares throughout his tenure, including a recent and severe case of double pneumonia and kidney complications. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, his condition worsened before stabilizing in late March. On March 23, he made a symbolic appearance from the hospital balcony, offering a thumbs-up to supporters. Despite visible weakness, he resumed limited duties, including greeting crowds on Easter Sunday and meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on April 19. Final Resting Place Reflects Humility Pope Francis will become the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Honoring his personal wishes, he will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He also opted out of the traditional three-coffin burial custom, choosing instead a single coffin made of wood and zinc to reflect his pastoral humility. A Reformist and Compassionate Leader Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. He assumed leadership during a time of crisis, with the Church under fire for clerical sex abuse scandals and bureaucratic infighting. Throughout his papacy, Francis focused on inclusivity, environmental advocacy, and social justice, while modernizing elements of the centuries-old institution. Among his landmark initiatives: Legacy of Complexity and Change Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. He received criticism from both conservative factions, who felt he abandoned traditions, and progressives, who wished for bolder reforms. Nevertheless, he was seen by many as a bridge-builder, seeking to align the Church with the realities of the modern world. Over 12 years, he: The World Mourns a Pope of the People With his passing, the global Catholic community loses a beloved and accessible spiritual leader, one who championed a Church that is more merciful, just, and close to the marginalized. His legacy will continue to shape conversations on faith, compassion, and reform for years to come.

Read More
Editor05 mins

Fresh Russian Drone Strikes Reported in Ukraine Just Hours After ‘Easter Truce’ Ends

Just hours after a 30-hour Easter truce declared by Moscow came to an end, Ukraine has reported a fresh wave of Russian drone and missile attacks across multiple regions. The Ukrainian Air Force issued air raid alerts for Kyiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia as residents were urged to take shelter. Explosions in Mykolaiv and Missile Attacks Confirmed In the southern city of Mykolaiv, Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych confirmed that “explosions were heard” late Sunday night. Regional Governor Vitaliy Kim later reported that the city was struck by missiles, though no casualties or damage were recorded. Ukraine’s Air Force noted “rocket danger” in central areas and confirmed the presence of active Russian aircraft in the north-eastern and eastern regions. Air defence systems were reported to be engaged in the Kyiv area. Ceasefire Ends Amid Mutual Accusations The truce, which lasted from Saturday evening to midnight on Sunday Moscow time (21:00 GMT), was declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a temporary halt to hostilities during Orthodox Easter. However, both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. While the Kremlin has not commented on the new wave of strikes, a Kremlin spokesperson confirmed earlier that there would be no extension of the truce beyond Sunday. Zelensky: Russian Truce Was “PR” Move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the truce as a public relations stunt, calling Putin’s words “empty.” He claimed that Russia had carried out 1,882 attacks during the ceasefire period, 812 of which involved heavy weaponry. He emphasized Ukraine’s right to respond, stating, “We will respond to silence with silence, our strikes will be to protect against Russian strikes.” Zelensky also proposed a longer pause in attacks on civilian infrastructure, suggesting a 30-day cessation of long-range drone and missile strikes with the possibility of extension. Trump Calls for Peace Deal Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump weighed in, saying he hoped Russia and Ukraine would reach a peace deal “this week,” though he provided no specifics. War Grinds On as Civilian Toll Mounts Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. As of now, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. The conflict has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, predominantly soldiers, with no clear resolution in sight. While Putin’s ceasefire gesture appeared to offer a brief respite, the swift resumption of hostilities reinforces the deep mistrust and continued volatility along the frontlines.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Easter Truce Falters as Fighting Continues Despite Russia’s Announcement, Says Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country would respect a surprise Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but accused Russia of breaking the ceasefire within hours of its commencement, as air-raid sirens wailed across Kyiv and fighting persisted on the frontlines. The temporary truce, effective from 6:00 p.m. Saturday to midnight Sunday (local time), was hailed as potentially the most significant pause in hostilities during the nearly three-year-long war. However, Ukrainian officials and military reports suggest that Russian artillery fire and drone activity did not cease, casting doubt on the Kremlin’s sincerity. Zelenskyy’s Response: “Give Peace a Chance” President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would mirror Russia’s ceasefire commitment, hoping for a genuine opportunity to calm the conflict. He proposed a 30-day extension of the truce, stating: “If a complete ceasefire truly takes hold, Ukraine proposes extending it beyond Easter. Thirty days could give peace a chance.” But the Ukrainian military reported continued assaults and drone activity in frontline areas, especially in eastern Ukraine, undermining hopes for an actual pause. Putin’s Declaration and U.S. Involvement President Putin cited “humanitarian reasons” for the ceasefire during a televised meeting with military officials. The move followed months of diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had recently warned of withdrawing from peace talks unless a truce was reached. Putin claimed the truce would hold unless “provocations” were initiated by Ukraine, while also ordering Russian forces to remain alert and ready. Prisoner Exchange Amid Escalation In a rare moment of cooperation, Russia and Ukraine exchanged more than 240 prisoners each on Saturday. Both sides called the exchange significant, though it was overshadowed by renewed violence and broken truce expectations. Scepticism on the Ground Soldiers near the eastern frontline city of Kramatorsk reacted with doubt to the truce declaration, citing past experiences where similar announcements were short-lived or ignored. Local residents, too, expressed concern that the ceasefire was more symbolic than real. Outlook: Fragile Hopes for Peace As of Saturday night, Ukrainian military officials confirmed that shelling and drone activity had continued, although with reduced intensity in some sectors. Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a real and verifiable cessation of hostilities, insisting Ukraine would match any genuine effort from Moscow. “If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy posted online. Whether this Easter ceasefire evolves into a longer peace initiative remains uncertain, as trust between the two sides remains deeply frayed.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Half of US Visa Revocations Linked to Indian Students, Says AILA Amid Rising Deportation Concerns

The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) has raised alarms over the increasing number of student visa revocations and terminations in the United States, revealing that nearly 50% of the 327 reported cases involve students from India. The data, compiled from attorneys, students, and university personnel, also showed that 14% of those affected were from China, with other impacted nationalities including South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In a statement cited by PTI, AILA emphasized the need for increased transparency and oversight in visa-related decisions. “There should be a way for students to appeal SEVIS terminations that are inaccurate, without facing gaps in employment or requiring university involvement, given the sheer number of students affected,” the association said, calling for more accountability in immigration enforcement. This revelation comes amid growing controversy over the treatment of international students in the US. According to a Reuters report, numerous students have now turned to the courts to block immigration officials from deporting them following abrupt visa cancellations. On a single day, judges in Massachusetts, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., issued emergency injunctions against federal authorities, stopping them from taking action against students affected by what critics call arbitrary and unjustified revocations. One such case is that of Krish Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was arrested in November for disorderly conduct after a verbal altercation but was not charged. Nonetheless, in April, he was informed that his SEVIS record had been terminated. A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that the termination of his student status was likely unlawful, offering him temporary protection. Visa Crackdown Sparks Global Concerns The wave of visa revocations appears to be a part of the lingering effects of immigration policies introduced during the Trump administration. Despite legal pushback, hundreds of students are facing abrupt deportations, SEVIS database terminations, and a lack of recourse to appeal. Adding to the concern, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed that 682 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 2025, most for attempting to enter the country illegally. These developments have sparked outrage and political concern in India, with opposition leaders questioning the Ministry of External Affairs and demanding a clearer response to the plight of Indian students abroad.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Indian Student Harsimrat Randhawa Killed by Stray Bullet in Hamilton, Canada

A tragic incident unfolded in Hamilton, Ontario, on Wednesday evening when 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa was fatally struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop. Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shooting between two vehicles. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM local time near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. According to Hamilton police, a passenger in a black sedan opened fire on the occupants of a white sedan. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bullets hit Randhawa in the chest. Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported her to the hospital, but she sadly succumbed to her injuries. Police have confirmed that Randhawa had no connection to the individuals involved in the shooting. The senseless violence also impacted nearby homes. One residence on Allenby Avenue sustained damage when gunfire shattered a rear window while the residents were watching television. Fortunately, no one inside was harmed. The Hamilton Police Service has launched a homicide investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage taken between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM in the vicinity of Upper James Street and South Bend Road to come forward with any relevant information. In response to the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario. As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.” This devastating incident has reignited discussions around public safety and gun violence in Canada.

Read More
Editor03 mins
Switch Language »