September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: International

Former Australia Captain Michael Clarke Diagnosed with Skin Cancer

Michael Clarke, one of Australia’s greatest batters and a former captain, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Clarke shared an update on his health via social media, while also urging his followers to undergo regular health check-ups. In a post on Instagram, the 43-year-old wrote:“Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked. Prevention is better than cure but in my case, regular check-ups and early detection is key. So grateful that @drbishsoliman_ got it early.” Clarke’s Cricketing Legacy Renowned for his elegant stroke play and sharp cricketing brain, Clarke represented Australia from 2004 to 2015, playing 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is. As captain, he led Australia in 74 Tests (47 wins, 16 losses) and 139 ODIs, overseeing some of the country’s most successful campaigns. His tenure included a 5-0 Ashes triumph in 2013–14 and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup victory on home soil. Clarke remains one of Australia’s finest and most successful leaders in modern cricket. Understanding Skin Cancer Skin cancer develops due to the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often triggered by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is the most common form of cancer worldwide, but early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer globally, owing to its high UV index, geographic location, and a large fair-skinned population. Medical data shows that two in three Australians are likely to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.

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Editor03 mins

US Tariffs on India Over Russian Oil Purchases Deepen Rift

The United States has imposed steep new tariffs on India over its continued purchases of discounted Russian oil, striking a blow to the world’s fastest-growing large economy and straining relations between Washington and New Delhi. The punitive 25 per cent levy, applied on top of an existing 25 per cent “reciprocal” tariff, came into effect at 12:01 am US Eastern time on Wednesday. This move has pushed India’s tariff levels among the highest in the world. Escalation After Failed Talks President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on India marked a sharp escalation following the collapse of recent trade talks. Alyssa Ayres, a former US State Department official now at George Washington University, described the sudden deterioration in ties as “head-spinning.” Indian analysts believe the move was aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. However, despite higher costs, India has continued to import Russian crude, though at reduced levels. “Trump is trying to get at Putin, and India is a soft target to do so,” said Ashok Malik, chair of The Asia Group’s India practice and a former foreign ministry adviser. Economic Impact on India The Global Trade Research Initiative, a New Delhi-based think tank, warned that Indian exports to the US could fall sharply—from $86.5 billion in 2025 to about $50 billion by 2026. Sectors such as textiles, gems, jewellery, shrimp, and carpets are expected to suffer the most, with exports potentially collapsing by up to 70 per cent, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs. Standard Chartered Bank estimated the tariffs could reduce India’s GDP growth by as much as 1 percentage point. However, Anubhuti Sahay, head of India economic research at the bank, pointed out that India’s domestic-driven economy is less exposed than export-dependent Asian economies. Wider Tariff War In addition to general tariffs, Washington is planning sector-specific duties covering semiconductors, consumer electronics, and pharmaceuticals. India is now among the worst-affected nations in Trump’s global tariff war, with duties on par with Brazil’s and exceeding those on China, whose new trade terms are still under negotiation. “I think India could survive 25 per cent… but 50 per cent is a completely different scenario,” warned Mark Linscott, a former US trade negotiator who now advises companies in both countries. Stalled Negotiations and New Alignments Trade talks between the two sides stalled over New Delhi’s refusal to open its vast agricultural and dairy markets—sectors that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to “never compromise.” In response, US negotiators called off a planned trip to India this week. Amid mounting tensions, India has begun strengthening its engagement with Russia and China. Prime Minister Modi is set to make his first visit to China in seven years this weekend to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar last week urged Russian businesses to engage “more intensively” with India.

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Editor05 mins

Russian Strikes Kill 15, Including Children, in Kyiv as Moscow Escalates War

Russia unleashed a wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine early Thursday, killing at least 15 people—including four children—in one of the deadliest attacks on Kyiv in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the assault was Moscow’s response to renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war. In Kyiv, rescuers pulled bodies from the rubble of a partly destroyed apartment block on the city’s left bank, while officials reported at least 38 people wounded. Explosions rocked seven districts, damaging residential buildings as well as the headquarters of the EU mission to Ukraine and the British Council. Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the assault as among the heaviest on the capital in months. Ukraine’s military said Russian strikes hit 13 locations nationwide, targeting energy facilities and infrastructure. In central Vinnytsia region, an attack on a railway hub knocked out power for 60,000 residents. National grid operator Ukrenergo confirmed damage to energy facilities, as officials warned Moscow is likely to intensify strikes on the power grid ahead of winter. Zelenskiy condemned Russia’s escalation, saying, “Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.” Western leaders also denounced the strikes, with European Council President Antonio Costa calling them “deliberate” attacks and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accusing Vladimir Putin of “killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace.” Ukraine’s air defences reported shooting down 26 of 31 missiles and 563 of nearly 600 drones launched by Russia. Moscow’s Defence Ministry claimed it struck military industrial sites and air bases, while also announcing that its own air defences intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones across seven regions. Kyiv’s drone forces said they targeted oil refineries in southern Russia. The strike comes as Moscow pushes a grinding offensive in eastern Ukraine and intensifies long-range attacks, aiming to pressure Kyiv into territorial concessions. Despite high-level meetings involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskiy, and Russian officials, efforts to broker peace have stalled since the invasion began in February 2022.

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Editor03 mins

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement in viral Instagram post

Global pop icon Taylor Swift and American football star Travis Kelce are officially engaged. The couple made the announcement on Instagram on Monday with a dreamy joint post that quickly went viral, racking up 23 million likes and 1.5 million reposts within hours. The caption playfully read: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married (sic).” Fans immediately flooded social media with congratulatory messages, calling the news a “fairytale dream come true.” A Swift fan page on X posted, “taylor is finally living her fairytale dreams that she would write songs about as a teenager someone SEDATE ME (sic).” Another user wrote, “TAYLOR SWIFT IS FINALLY GETTING THE FAIRYTALE SHE HAS BEEN SINGING ABOUT FOR 20 YEARS (sic).” Memes, fan edits, and celebratory posts have already taken over the internet, with the engagement trending globally. Swift and Kelce first met in 2023, with their friendship soon blossoming into a romance. Their frequent public appearances drew massive fan attention and cemented their status as one of the world’s most talked-about celebrity couples. Most recently, Swift appeared on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce. While details about the wedding remain under wraps, fans are certain the event will be “one-of-a-kind” — much like the couple’s love story.

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Editor02 mins

PM Modi Reportedly Ignored Trump’s Calls Amid Tariff Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly refused to take four calls from US President Donald Trump in recent weeks, according to reports. Citing diplomatic sources, the report suggests Modi’s decision reflected both “the depth of his anger and his caution” following Washington’s tariff escalation. Japanese daily Nikkei Asia has echoed these claims, stating that Modi’s avoidance of Trump’s calls only heightened the US president’s frustration. Tariff Dispute Strains Relations Bilateral ties have been under stress since President Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, the highest imposed on any country other than Brazil. The measures also included an additional 25 per cent duty on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. In response, India has firmly rejected US pressure, with Prime Minister Modi declaring that he would “never compromise” the interests of Indian farmers. According to reports, Modi felt “insulted” by Washington’s actions, and his refusal to engage in talks with Trump reflects his deep displeasure. Pakistan Angle Adds to Strain Another factor souring India’s perception of Trump has been his repeated claims since May that he mediated to stop fighting between India and Pakistan—an assertion New Delhi has strongly denied. Trump’s emphasis on boosting ties with Islamabad, coupled with what observers describe as his “deal-driven style of diplomacy,” has further strained US-India relations. China Factor in the Spotlight Analyst Mark Frazier, suggested that Washington’s vision of an Indo-Pacific alignment—where India plays a central role in containing China—is “falling apart.” He argued that India never intended to be a permanent counterweight to Beijing and instead shares with China broader goals of expanding global influence and industrial growth. Frazier also noted that Chinese investments and technology could provide a boost to Indian industry, while India could, in turn, support Beijing’s economic and geopolitical ambitions. Modi’s Upcoming China Visit Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit China at the end of August to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This will be his first visit to the country and is widely seen as a step toward easing tensions with Beijing, while also navigating the uncertain trajectory of US-China relations.

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Editor04 mins

Drama at St James’ Park — Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 after 100th-minute winner amid Isak transfer saga

A pulsating, often chaotic encounter at St James’ Park ended with Liverpool snatching a 3-2 victory in the 100th minute, capping a night of edge-of-the-seat drama fuelled as much by this summer’s acrimonious Alexander Isak transfer saga as by the football on the pitch. By the time the final kick arrived, emotions had run high. Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted afterwards: “I’m not sure it was a football match today.” The charge and countercharge reflected that confusion — and a crowd furious at Liverpool’s reported pursuit of Isak — as much as tactical play. Key moments Storylines beyond the score The match was inseparable from the Isak transfer drama. The Sweden striker watched from home in Northumberland as events unfolded, while Newcastle’s directors’ box was notable for the presence of chair Yasir al-Rumayyan and a heavy delegation from the club’s Saudi owners. The high-tension atmosphere was compounded by reports of boardroom talks earlier in the day — including overtures involving Liverpool executives — as Newcastle tried to resolve its striker situation. Gordon, pressed into a centre-forward role in Isak’s absence, was influential but ultimately self-destructive: he troubled Liverpool with clever movement and set-piece wins, yet his poor decision to lunge at Van Dijk cost his team dearly. Liverpool, led by a composed defensive core around Van Dijk and a midfield showing from Sandro Tonali, weathered much of Newcastle’s ferocity and capitalised late through substitutes. Verdict What might have been a routine top-flight fixture instead became a microcosm of modern football — transfers, owners, crowd fury and a wild finale. For Liverpool it was a nerve-shredding win; for Newcastle, a night of frustration amplified by off-field distractions and the costly loss of discipline.

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Editor04 mins

Five Journalists Killed in Israeli Strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza

An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on August 25, 2025, killed at least 20 people, including five journalists working for major international agencies such as Reuters, the Associated Press, and Al Jazeera. The journalists who lost their lives were identified as Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Abu Dagga, Moaz Abu Taha, Mohammed Salama, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and expressed regret, reiterating that Israel’s war was against Hamas terrorists and aimed at defeating the group and rescuing hostages held in Gaza. Medical officials confirmed that two missiles struck the hospital, causing heavy casualties. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that the Israel-Hamas conflict has become one of the deadliest for media workers, with at least 192 journalists killed in Gaza over the 22-month war. By comparison, 18 journalists have died in Russia’s war in Ukraine during the same period. Global Reactions U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to the news, said he was “not happy about it” and emphasized the need to bring an end to the ongoing “nightmare” in Gaza. Germany’s foreign ministry said it was “shocked by the killing of several journalists, rescue workers, and civilians,” demanding an investigation and urging Israel to allow immediate foreign media access and ensure journalist protection. U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was “horrified” by the strike, while Qatar denounced it as “a new episode in the ongoing series of heinous crimes” by Israel. The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem called for an “immediate explanation” and demanded an end to what it termed the targeting of journalists. Investigation Underway The Israeli military confirmed carrying out a strike in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital and announced it would conduct an investigation. It reiterated that journalists are not targeted as such and expressed regret over civilian casualties. However, Israel has previously accused some Gaza-based journalists of militant ties, such as Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, who was killed earlier this month. Israel alleged he was a Hamas operative, a claim strongly rejected by Al Jazeera. Due to restrictions, international media has largely been barred from independently covering the war in Gaza. Most reporting has relied on Palestinian journalists and residents inside the enclave, whose safety has increasingly come under threat as the conflict continues.

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Editor04 mins

अमेरिका ने भारतीय निर्यात पर लगाया 25% अतिरिक्त शुल्क, व्यापार पर मंडराया संकट

अमेरिकी होमलैंड सिक्योरिटी की अधिसूचना के बाद भारतीय निर्यातक नए झटके के लिए तैयार हो रहे हैं। बुधवार से अमेरिका ने सभी भारतीय मूल के सामान पर 25% अतिरिक्त शुल्क लगाने की घोषणा की है। इसके बाद भारतीय निर्यात पर कुल शुल्क 50% तक पहुँच जाएगा, जो अब तक वाशिंगटन द्वारा लगाए गए सबसे ऊँचे शुल्कों में से एक है। राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने यह कदम अगस्त में नई दिल्ली द्वारा रूस से कच्चे तेल की बढ़ी हुई खरीद के चलते उठाया है। अधिसूचना के अनुसार, यह शुल्क बुधवार सुबह 12:01 बजे (EDT) से या भारत में 9:31 बजे (IST) से लागू होगा। हालांकि, इस नियम से वे माल मुक्त रहेंगे जो पहले से ट्रांज़िट में हैं और जिनके पास आवश्यक प्रमाणपत्र हैं, साथ ही मानवीय सहायता और कुछ पारस्परिक व्यापार कार्यक्रमों के अंतर्गत आने वाले सामान भी इससे बाहर होंगे। नोटिफिकेशन में स्पष्ट किया गया कि यह कदम भारत द्वारा रूस के यूक्रेन पर सैन्य हमले में अप्रत्यक्ष सहयोग के कारण उठाया गया है। भारत के वाणिज्य मंत्रालय ने फिलहाल इस पर कोई आधिकारिक प्रतिक्रिया नहीं दी है। मंत्रालय के एक अधिकारी ने नाम न छापने की शर्त पर कहा कि सरकार को तत्काल राहत या शुल्कों में देरी की कोई उम्मीद नहीं है। हालांकि, प्रभावित निर्यातकों को वित्तीय सहायता दी जाएगी और उन्हें चीन, लैटिन अमेरिका और मध्य पूर्व जैसे वैकल्पिक बाजारों की ओर रुख करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया जाएगा। प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने स्पष्ट किया है कि किसानों के हितों से कोई समझौता नहीं किया जाएगा, भले ही इसके लिए भारी कीमत क्यों न चुकानी पड़े। मोदी जल्द ही सात साल बाद चीन की यात्रा पर भी जा रहे हैं, ताकि दोनों देशों के रिश्तों में सुधार लाया जा सके। निर्यातक समूहों की चिंता निर्यातक संगठनों का अनुमान है कि यह शुल्क भारत के अमेरिका को होने वाले लगभग 87 अरब डॉलर के निर्यात में से करीब 55% को प्रभावित कर सकता है। इंजीनियरिंग एक्सपोर्ट्स प्रमोशन काउंसिल के अध्यक्ष पंकज चड्ढा ने बताया कि अमेरिकी ग्राहकों ने पहले ही नए ऑर्डर रोक दिए हैं। अतिरिक्त शुल्कों के चलते सितंबर से निर्यात 20-30% तक घट सकता है। चड्ढा ने यह भी कहा कि सरकार ने वित्तीय सहायता का भरोसा दिया है, जिसमें बैंक ऋण पर सब्सिडी बढ़ाना और निर्यातकों को वैकल्पिक बाजारों में पहुँचाने में सहयोग करना शामिल है। लेकिन उनका मानना है कि अन्य बाजारों में उतनी मांग नहीं है और घरेलू बाजार में भी इन उत्पादों की खपत सीमित है। अर्थव्यवस्था पर असर निजी क्षेत्र के विश्लेषकों ने चेतावनी दी है कि 50% शुल्क लंबे समय तक लागू रहने पर भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था और कॉर्पोरेट मुनाफों पर भारी दबाव पड़ेगा। कैपिटल इकोनॉमिक्स के अनुसार, यदि ये शुल्क पूरी तरह लागू हुए, तो भारत की आर्थिक वृद्धि इस वर्ष और अगले वर्ष में 0.8 प्रतिशत अंक तक घट सकती है। विदेश मंत्री एस. जयशंकर ने कहा कि भारत और अमेरिका के बीच व्यापार वार्ता जारी है। उन्होंने यह भी तर्क दिया कि रूस से तेल खरीदने पर अमेरिका की चिंता केवल भारत तक सीमित नहीं होनी चाहिए, जबकि चीन और यूरोपीय संघ जैसे बड़े खरीदारों पर समान दबाव नहीं डाला गया है। तेल कंपनियों के अधिकारियों ने भी कहा है कि फिलहाल सरकार ने रूस से तेल खरीदने पर कोई निर्देश नहीं दिया है और कंपनियाँ आर्थिक लाभ को ध्यान में रखते हुए खरीद जारी रखेंगी।

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Editor01 mins

अमेरिका को डाक सेवाएं अस्थायी रूप से निलंबित, 25 अगस्त से प्रभावी

भारत पोस्ट ने शनिवार को घोषणा की है कि 25 अगस्त से अमेरिका जाने वाली सभी डाक सेवाओं को अस्थायी रूप से निलंबित किया जा रहा है। विभाग ने इसके पीछे नई अमेरिकी कस्टम नीतियों से जुड़ी “संचालन संबंधी चुनौतियों” को कारण बताया। अमेरिकी प्रशासन ने 30 जुलाई को कार्यकारी आदेश संख्या 14324 जारी किया था, जिसके तहत अब तक लागू 800 डॉलर तक के ड्यूटी-फ्री छूट नियम (de minimis exemption) को समाप्त कर दिया गया है। यह नया नियम 29 अगस्त से लागू होगा और इसके बाद सभी अंतरराष्ट्रीय शिपमेंट्स पर कस्टम ड्यूटी लगेगी। केवल 100 डॉलर तक के दस्तावेज/गिफ्ट आइटम ही फिलहाल छूट के दायरे में रहेंगे। भारत के संचार मंत्रालय की प्रेस विज्ञप्ति में कहा गया: “25 अगस्त से अमेरिका जाने वाले सभी डाक आइटम्स, उनके मूल्य की परवाह किए बिना, कस्टम ड्यूटी के अधीन होंगे। केवल पत्र/दस्तावेज और 100 डॉलर तक के गिफ्ट आइटम्स ही स्वीकार किए जाएंगे।” विभाग ने बताया कि यूएस कस्टम्स एंड बॉर्डर प्रोटेक्शन (CBP) ने 15 अगस्त को प्रारंभिक दिशा-निर्देश जारी किए थे, लेकिन “क्वालिफाइड पार्टीज़” जैसी प्रमुख प्रक्रियाएं अब भी स्पष्ट नहीं हैं। इस वजह से एयर कैरियर्स ने 25 अगस्त के बाद अमेरिकी डाक पार्सल लेने से इनकार कर दिया है। यह कदम ऐसे समय आया है जब भारत-अमेरिका व्यापार तनाव बढ़ रहा है। राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप ने हाल ही में भारतीय वस्तुओं पर 25% टैरिफ और रूसी तेल खरीद पर 25% अतिरिक्त दंडात्मक शुल्क लगाने की घोषणा की थी, जिससे कुछ वस्तुओं पर कुल शुल्क 50% तक हो गया है। डाक विभाग ने कहा कि जिन ग्राहकों ने पहले से ऐसे शिपमेंट बुक किए हैं जो नई छूट श्रेणी में नहीं आते, वे पूरी डाक-शुल्क वापसी के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं। “स्थिति पर करीबी नजर रखी जा रही है और अमेरिकी प्राधिकरणों व लॉजिस्टिक साझेदारों से समन्वय कर सेवाओं को जल्द बहाल करने का प्रयास किया जा रहा है,” विभाग ने कहा। फिलहाल अमेरिका के लिए केवल पत्र/दस्तावेज और 100 डॉलर तक के गिफ्ट आइटम्स भेजे जा सकेंगे। ई-कॉमर्स पैकेज, वाणिज्यिक पार्सल और अन्य श्रेणियों की बुकिंग 25 अगस्त से पूरी तरह बंद हो जाएगी। यह अस्थायी निलंबन भारत की डाक सेवाओं में एक दुर्लभ व्यवधान है और अमेरिकी व्यापार नीतियों से पैदा हुई अनिश्चितताओं को उजागर करता है।

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Centre Clears ₹70,000 Cr Submarine Deal with Germany Under Project-75(I)

The Centre has approved negotiations for building six advanced submarines in India in collaboration with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) under Project 75-India (P-75I), a deal valued at ₹70,000 crore, The Times of India reported. The Defence Ministry and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) will begin formal talks with TKMS by the end of this month, with the contract expected to be finalised within six months. The submarines will be equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, enabling them to remain underwater for nearly three weeks, significantly boosting the Indian Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. This decision follows a high-level meeting of defence and national security officials that reviewed India’s submarine programme and future requirements. The Navy aims to replace around 10 ageing submarines in the next decade, while parallel efforts continue on indigenous nuclear submarine projects. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in partnership with the Submarine Building Centre, is already developing two nuclear attack submarines, further expanding India’s underwater fleet.

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