July 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Latest

Union Cabinet Approves ₹60,000 Crore ITI Upgradation Scheme to Enhance Skilling Infrastructure

In a significant move to upgrade the country’s skilling infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved a new Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation Scheme. The initiative, which aims to revamp 1,000 government ITIs, will follow a hub-and-spoke arrangement and focus on industry-aligned trades to better equip the workforce for modern industry needs. This scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2024–25. The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period as a centrally sponsored project at a total cost of ₹60,000 crore, with the Central Government contributing ₹30,000 crore, the State Governments adding ₹20,000 crore, and the Industry sharing ₹10,000 crore. Furthermore, 50% of the central share will be co-financed equally by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. Aiming to address the shortcomings of past financial schemes, which were deemed insufficient for the full upgradation needs of ITIs, this new initiative will offer need-based investment provisions. These provisions will provide flexibility in fund allocation based on each ITI’s infrastructure, capacity, and specific trade requirements. Additionally, the Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling at existing National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana. This was also part of the Finance Minister’s Budget announcement in February. The first NSTI was opened in 1963, and there are currently 33 such institutes in India. Their primary focus has been on training trainers to enhance skill development. The ITI upgradation scheme is expected to benefit over 2 million youth by offering courses tailored to meet the human capital needs of industries, including MSMEs. This will ensure better alignment between local workforce supply and industry demand, enabling industries to access employment-ready workers. The overarching goal of the scheme is to address long-standing challenges related to infrastructure, course relevance, employability, and the perception of vocational training. Through this initiative, ITIs will be positioned at the forefront of India’s journey toward becoming a global manufacturing and innovation powerhouse.

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Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy Calls Emergency Meeting to Review Security Measures After Operation Sindoor

In response to the ongoing security concerns following Operation Sindoor, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has called for an emergency meeting with all concerned officials. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Hyderabad. The primary focus of the meeting will be to review security preparations for safeguarding key installations, including strategic Central, defence, and state government locations. The Telangana government has committed to providing full support and cooperation to the National Armed Forces, working together to ensure comprehensive security across the state. CM Revanth Reddy will personally oversee the situation, ensuring vigilance, safety, and security in Hyderabad, as well as in all cities, towns, and villages across Telangana. The press release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) highlighted that the state government is prioritizing preparedness and coordination in response to the heightened security environment.

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Editor01 mins

Masood Azhar Confirms Family Loss in India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Strikes

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has publicly acknowledged that 10 of his family members and four close associates were killed in the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Key Highlights: Operation Sindoor — What Was Hit? Indian armed forces launched coordinated airstrikes on nine terror hubs: Also struck were Hizbul Mujahideen-linked sites. Symbolism of ‘Operation Sindoor’: Named after the red vermilion (‘sindoor’) traditionally worn by Hindu women as a sign of marriage, the operation derives its title from the viral image of a woman mourning beside her husband’s body following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were brutally killed. This declaration from Azhar, a globally designated terrorist, is the first admission from a top Pakistan-based militant confirming the personal and organizational damage inflicted by India’s strikes.

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Editor03 mins

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans End Mumbai Indians’ Winning Streak in Rain-Hit Last-Ball Thriller

In a gripping clash at the Wankhede Stadium, Gujarat Titans (GT) handed Mumbai Indians (MI) their first defeat in six matches of the ongoing IPL 2025, winning by three wickets off the final delivery in a rain-marred contest. MI, batting first, managed 155/8, with the pitch proving to be tricky and the overcast conditions adding to the challenge. Following a rain interruption, the target was revised to 147 in 19 overs under the DLS method. GT, despite several hiccups and a slowing pitch, chased it down on the final ball. Key Highlights: With this win, Gujarat Titans have revived their campaign, while Mumbai Indians will need to regroup quickly. Both teams showed fight, but the edge went to GT — thanks to better composure in crunch moments.

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Editor03 mins

Pakistan Violates Ceasefire for 12th Consecutive Night Along LoC Amid Rising Tensions

Pakistani troops have continued to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, engaging in unprovoked small-arms fire across multiple sectors. The Indian Army has responded with strong and calibrated retaliation, marking the 12th consecutive night of cross-border provocations. The May 5-6 incident saw Pakistan’s military initiate firing across several sectors, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor. The firing began in the northern districts of Kupwara and Baramulla, spreading south to Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu. The ongoing violations undermine the February 2021 ceasefire agreement, which has largely been disregarded due to frequent violations by Pakistan along the 740-km-long LoC. The escalating tensions follow the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. In response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, leading to further cross-border hostilities. Pakistan has retaliated by blocking its airspace for Indian carriers, shutting down the Wagah border crossing, and warning India that any water diversion under the treaty would be viewed as an “Act of War”. The ongoing firing exchanges have continued in five districts—Baramulla, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu—with no reports of firing along the International Border in Samba and Kathua districts. The situation remains tense, with both nations now caught in an escalating cycle of military actions and diplomatic retaliations.

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Editor02 mins

Microsoft Shuts Down Skype After 21 Years, Urges Users to Shift to Teams

After more than two decades of revolutionizing online communication, Microsoft has officially shut down Skype as of May 2025, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant audio-video calling platform. At its peak, Skype was used by over 300 million people worldwide and became synonymous with cross-border video communication. Microsoft had acquired the platform in 2011, as reported by The Washington Post. The retirement affects both free and paid Skype users, though Skype for Business will remain unaffected. Microsoft is encouraging all Skype users to transition to Microsoft Teams Free, which the company says offers the same core functions along with enhanced collaboration tools. The decision, though long-anticipated, has struck a nostalgic chord with many who relied on Skype to stay connected with loved ones and conduct international business. The platform’s decline over the years was attributed to stiff competition from video calling features on apps by Meta and Google, as well as the rise of Zoom, which gained massive popularity for offering smooth group conferencing. In a blog post, Microsoft assured users that Skype contacts and chat histories would be automatically transferred to Teams Free. Users can sign in using their Skype credentials, and also have the option to export or delete their data. As Skype bows out, Microsoft’s focus clearly shifts to Teams, which has become central to its communication and productivity ecosystem.

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Editor02 mins

Civil Defence Volunteers in Lucknow Trained for Missile and Air Attack Emergencies

In response to rising regional tensions and a nationwide directive, around 200 civil defence volunteers participated in a large-scale emergency preparedness drill in Lucknow, focusing on responding to missile and air attacks. The exercise, held on May 7, was part of a coordinated effort by the Union Home Ministry to strengthen civil defence readiness across multiple states. Amarnath Mishra, Chief Warden of Civil Defence in Lucknow, stated that the drill trained volunteers in evacuation procedures, response to air raid sirens, and protective measures aimed at reducing panic and saving lives during hostile attacks. “The focus was on practical techniques to protect civilians and educate them about how to safeguard themselves,” Mishra added. The drill comes in the wake of the Home Ministry’s directive to states, urging them to operationalise air raid sirens, rehearse blackout measures, and update evacuation and camouflage plans for critical infrastructure. These steps are seen as crucial to ensuring public preparedness amid the escalating Indo-Pak tensions.

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Editor02 mins

BSP Leader Beaten to Death in Satna Days After Switching from Congress

In a shocking incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, a 26-year-old Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader, Shubham Sahu, was brutally beaten to death by a group of 15 assailants around 1 am on Monday. Sahu had joined the BSP just two days earlier, having previously held official posts in the Congress party, according to sources. The fatal attack occurred in Mahdeva Mohalla, about 520 km from the state capital, Bhopal. Sahu had returned to his hometown on Sunday from Bhopal. That same night, he was ambushed and assaulted with sticks and stones by a mob that left him bleeding on the street. He was being rushed to Rewa district hospital, nearly 60 km away, but succumbed to his injuries en route. Satna Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta confirmed that Sahu had a criminal background and was named in around a dozen cases, including having faced externment orders from the district in the past. “The FIR names three individuals—Pankaj Gautam, Rajnish Gautam, and Vipin Gautam—who have all been arrested. We are identifying the remaining attackers,” Gupta said. The police believe that a land-related dispute was the likely trigger for the fatal assault. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether political rivalry or other factors played a role in the murder.

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Editor02 mins

19-Year-Old Delivery Executive Kidnapped and Murdered Over Love Angle; Four Arrested

In a shocking case of jealousy-fuelled violence, the Devanahalli police have arrested four men for the kidnapping and murder of a 19-year-old delivery executive, Preetham R, on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The arrested individuals—Srikanth (22), Sanjay (23), Charan (21), and Shivakumar (22)—have been booked for kidnapping and murder and are currently in judicial custody. According to police officials, the prime accused Srikanth was enraged after learning that Preetham had taken a liking to a girl related to him. Preetham’s father, Ramachandra, lodged a complaint stating that his son’s friend Moni had informed him about the budding affection between Preetham and a girl from Gantiganahalli. Investigations revealed that Srikanth had confronted and assaulted Preetham a week prior, warning him to stay away from the girl. Matters escalated on the night of May 2, around 10:30 p.m., when the four accused allegedly kidnapped Preetham, assaulted him brutally, and dumped his body behind the Government Lower Primary School in Niragantepalya. The body was discovered the next morning by a passerby, who promptly alerted authorities. Police said the motive was personal jealousy, and the crime was executed with clear intent. The case is under further investigation.

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Editor02 mins

Kulgam Tragedy Raises Tensions Amid Ongoing Counterterror Operation Post-Pahalgam Attack

In a troubling turn of events in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, a 23-year-old alleged overground worker (OGW) for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), died by drowning on Sunday, May 4, while leading security forces to a suspected terrorist hideout near Vishaw Nallah. Timeline of Events Eyewitness Footage and Family’s Allegations Police Statement The police, while confirming the incident, said: “During the cordon-and-search operation (CASO), the deceased went to the hideout under close supervision. Consequently, he jumped into Veshaw Nalla and probably tried to escape via the river route.” Broader Context This incident comes amid heightened military alert across Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack, with both the Indian Air Force and Navy briefing Prime Minister Modi on potential retaliatory actions. Magray’s death adds a new layer of political sensitivity and human rights scrutiny to an already volatile situation.

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