July 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Latest

Salah Chooses Legacy Over Lucrative Move, Signs New Liverpool Deal Despite £500m Saudi Offer

Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until he turns 34—a decision that sees him prioritising sporting ambition over financial gain, despite a staggering £500 million offer from Saudi Arabia. The Egypt forward, who stirred uncertainty back in November by saying he was “more out than in,” wasn’t being disingenuous—just honest about his situation. His desire to stay at Liverpool had never truly wavered, but the conditions had to be right for both parties. A breakthrough came late in March during talks involving Salah, his agent Ramy Abbas Issa, and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. By early April, the formalities were wrapped up, and even teammates like Andy Robertson were caught by surprise when the news emerged. Salah’s new contract will not involve a pay cut—he is set to earn close to £400,000-per-week, a figure that reflects both his continued brilliance and the difficulty of replacing a player who has already registered 54 goal contributions this season. While the Saudi Pro League had been confident—right up until last week—that they could entice Salah to the Middle East, the pull of European football and unfinished business at Liverpool proved stronger. Sources confirmed that Salah could have earned upwards of £500 million had he accepted the Saudi offer. But in contrast to Real Madrid’s €1 billion (approx. £859m) offer to Vinicius Jr, Salah chose the path of legacy. Liverpool’s upcoming changes—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid, which may free up financial space—likely helped in structuring deals for Salah and, soon, Virgil van Dijk, who is also expected to extend his contract. Salah, who has been with Liverpool for eight years, now looks set to complete a decade at the club. His obsessive professionalism and top-tier physical condition mean those close to him believe he still has at least three elite years ahead. With ambitions of winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and a long-standing desire to clinch the Ballon d’Or, Salah remains deeply driven. His commitment is not just about personal goals—he also wants to be in peak form for Egypt’s World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Off the pitch, his decision was also influenced by his family’s comfort in Merseyside, with wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan thriving in Liverpool. Ultimately, Salah’s story is one of loyalty, ambition, and belief—a decision to chase greatness in Europe rather than riches in the Gulf.

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Editor04 mins

ED Seizes 32 Properties Worth Crores Linked to Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and His Network

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 32 immovable properties allegedly owned by former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, his family members, and close associates. The seizure, part of a larger money laundering probe, has unearthed a web of dubious real estate transactions and inter-family property transfers that suggest systematic efforts to conceal illicit wealth. According to the ED’s chargesheet, as many as seven plots worth ₹6.61 crore located across Bhopal were registered under Aviral Building Construction Company, a firm jointly owned by Saurabh Sharma and his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal. Additionally, two properties in Indore valued at ₹1.77 crore were traced to the same entity, bringing the total value of the company’s assets to ₹8.38 crore. Investigations revealed that Sharma’s mother, wife, and mother-in-law also hold a significant number of immovable assets. Uma Sharma, Saurabh’s mother, owns five properties—one in Bhopal and four in Gwalior. In Gwalior, she holds two plots valued at ₹30.33 lakh and ₹26.54 lakh respectively, along with agricultural land worth ₹14.24 lakh and an additional bigha valued at ₹19.51 lakh. A double-story Housing Board house at E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹1.67 crore, is also in her name. Divya Tiwari, Saurabh’s wife, gifted a land parcel worth ₹32 lakh in Mugalia Kot, Bhopal to her mother Rekha Tiwari. Another high-value property, located in Bhairopur, Bhopal, is jointly owned by Divya and Rekha and is valued at ₹1.20 crore. Rekha Tiwari herself owns two agricultural lands—one at Sevaniya Gaud, Bhopal, worth ₹72 lakh and another in the city valued at ₹20 lakh. The mother-daughter duo also jointly operate the Rajmata Bharatmata Shiksha and Social Welfare Committee in Bhopal, under which a plot worth ₹25.53 lakh in Indore is registered. Sharma’s associate Sharad Jaiswal is also in possession of numerous properties. These include a MIG flat in Ratnagiri, Bhopal (₹14.75 lakh), a plot in Hinautia Alam (₹25.62 lakh), a LIG flat in Alankar Heights (₹25.50 lakh), and another smaller plot in Hinautia Alam (₹9.23 lakh). Sharad also co-owns a ₹4.20 crore plot in Emaar Continental City, Indore with Kushal Mangal, and another ₹4.10 crore plot under Emaar India Limited in collaboration with Ganesh Infrastructure (linked to Ripusudan Pachauri). A property worth ₹1.84 crore—a two-floor house in E-7/78, Arera Colony, Bhopal—is registered under the name of Instant UR Infrastructure, a firm believed to be connected to Sharma’s network. Another high-value plot on AB Road, Indore, worth ₹1.80 crore, is also owned by the same entity. The ED has termed these property acquisitions and inter-family transactions as a deliberate attempt to launder and distribute illicit wealth. The investigation is ongoing, and further action, including arrests and additional attachments, is expected in the coming weeks.

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Editor04 mins

Rashmika Mandanna Resumes Night Shoots for Horror Comedy ‘Thama’ with Ayushmann Khurrana

After celebrating her 29th birthday in the serene landscapes of Oman, Rashmika Mandanna is back to the grind, diving straight into night shoots for her upcoming horror comedy, Thama, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. The actress took to her Instagram stories to share a glimpse of the night sky, captioning it, “Shooting nights for the next couple of days… So the only posts and stories you’ll get of us is of either the moon or the camera lights or the stars (which in our city is impossible to see) Agreed?” Back in March, Rashmika had already teased her fans with snippets from the sets, revealing who’s behind her late-night work schedule. In a candid Instagram story, she posted a photo of director Aditya A. Sarpotdar sitting on a plastic chair and monitoring the shoot, writing humorously, “My director… Making me shoot night shoot every time… Ice bucket… Story of my life.” The director reshared it with a quirky caption of his own, “Where mortals fear the night, the vampires find their power,” to which Rashmika responded, “Wise words. Knows exactly how to make a Thama (vampire) happy!” A Dark Tale Unfolds in ‘Thama’ Thama tells the intriguing story of a resolute historian who delves deep into ancient manuscripts and uncovers long-buried secrets surrounding local vampire myths. As supernatural elements begin to stir, his quest becomes more than an academic pursuit—it transforms into a gripping battle for the soul of a town teetering on the edge. Directed by Munjya fame filmmaker Aditya A. Sarpotdar, the film marks his first collaboration with both Rashmika and Ayushmann. The screenplay has been penned by Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, and Arun Fulara, promising a unique mix of humor, horror, and emotion. Star Power and Maddock’s Expanding Horror Comedy Universe Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under the Maddock Films banner, Thama also features Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles. The film is part of Maddock’s ever-growing horror comedy universe, following hits like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya. With its supernatural plot and a dash of romance, Thama is poised to be an eerie yet entertaining ride for audiences, delivering thrills, chills, and a fresh spin on vampire folklore.

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Editor04 mins

Apoorva Mukhija aka ‘The Rebel Kid’ Breaks Silence on YouTube After ‘India’s Got Latent’ Controversy

Popular content creator Apoorva Mukhija, better known as ‘The Rebel Kid’, made her YouTube return on Wednesday, April 9, with a new ‘Story Time’ video following the controversy surrounding an episode of India’s Got Latent. This marks her first detailed public response since the backlash erupted in February. Titled ‘Till I Say It Is’, the video premiered at 6 PM on her official YouTube channel and addressed the outrage that stemmed from her appearance on the controversial podcast-style episode hosted by comedian Samay Raina. The episode, which also featured YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Jaspreet Singh, and creator Ashish Chanchlani, drew sharp criticism for remarks deemed vulgar and inappropriate, particularly relating to sensitive subjects like sex and parenting. Apoorva, who commands over 3 million followers on Instagram, is widely recognized for her candid and quirky ‘Story Time’ videos where she affectionately refers to her audience as “cute little red flags.” However, her recent content has taken a serious turn after the episode of India’s Got Latent went viral for the wrong reasons. Accused of making an objectionable comment during the show, Apoorva faced severe backlash, including rape and death threats, which she revealed through Instagram posts upon her return to the platform. “Trigger Warning: This post contains mentions of acid attacks, rape threats, and death threats,” she noted, sharing screenshots of the abusive messages and stating, “And that’s not even 1%.” Others involved in the controversial episode — including Ranveer Allahbadia, Jaspreet Singh, Ashish Chanchlani, and the producers — were summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and police. Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, has since returned to social media, promising to be more responsible in future, after the Supreme Court labeled his comments “vulgar” and gave him interim protection from arrest. Mukhija’s comeback video signals her attempt to move forward while confronting the intense scrutiny and harassment she has endured. While her loyal fans have welcomed her return, the incident continues to spark conversation around online accountability, content boundaries, and the dark side of internet fame.

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Editor03 mins

Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly Splits Audience: A Mass Entertainer with Mixed Reviews

Ajith Kumar’s much-anticipated action entertainer Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, hit theatres on April 10 and quickly ignited a storm of reactions across social media. The film, which sees Ajith playing a retired gangster forced to return to his violent past, has drawn both high praise and sharp criticism, making it one of the most polarizing releases of the year. While many fans were blown away by Ajith’s signature massy entry, powerful screen presence, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, others were less impressed by the film’s weak screenplay and repetitive storytelling. Social platforms buzzed with hashtags like #GoodBadUgly and #AjithKumar, as fans engaged in heated debates over the film’s highs and lows. Some fans hailed the film as Ajith’s best entertainer in over a decade, even comparing it favorably to his hit film Mankatha. Comments poured in praising the “mass-loaded fan feast” and GV Prakash’s energetic background score. Ajith’s stylish look and charisma were particularly celebrated, with many calling it his best appearance in years. On the flip side, several viewers criticized the film for being too dependent on fan service, lacking originality, and trying too hard to recreate mass moments. Some labeled it “cringe-worthy,” citing unintentional comedy in fight scenes and over-the-top sequences that didn’t land well. Others felt the story was too thin and disconnected, making it appealing only to hardcore Thala fans. Despite the divide, one thing was clear—Ajith Kumar remained the central force carrying the film. While the ensemble cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Prabhu, Prasanna, Sunil, Rahul Dev, and Yogi Babu, had their moments, most fans felt their roles were underutilized. With its vibrant music, flashy action, and star power, Good Bad Ugly may not win over everyone, but it offers a nostalgic ride for Ajith’s loyal fanbase. Whether it’s a hit or miss will ultimately depend on how the general audience responds in the coming weeks. 4o

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Editor03 mins

Air India Express Pilot Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Landing Flight in Delhi

In a tragic incident, an Air India Express pilot, identified as Armaan, died of a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi on April 9. The incident took place at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. According to the airline, the pilot began to feel unwell following the safe landing of the aircraft. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Reports revealed that the pilot had vomited inside the cockpit after landing and later collapsed at the airline’s dispatch office at the airport. Air India Express released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague. “We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of profound grief. We are extending all possible assistance to them as we all cope with this tremendous loss,” the airline said. The airline also requested the public and media to respect the family’s privacy and avoid unnecessary speculation. They assured full cooperation with the relevant authorities as required. Captain Armaan’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, as colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional.

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Editor02 mins

Gold Soars Over 1% as U.S.-China Tariff War Heats Up, Investors Rush to Safe Haven

Gold prices surged more than 1% on Thursday, buoyed by a flight to safety after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on China, raising fresh concerns over inflation and global growth. Despite a temporary tariff pause for other countries, the move intensified the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies. 🔥 Tariff Tensions Reignite Demand for Bullion Trump announced a tariff increase on Chinese imports to 125% from 104%, prompting investors to seek refuge in gold, a traditional hedge during economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The latest tariffs overshadowed the administration’s decision to temporarily ease duties for other nations. “If we enter a slow growth period, which is our base case, we think rates will eventually head lower and push gold higher,” said Edward Meir, analyst at Marex, adding that $3,200/oz could be reached “by month-end, if not earlier.” 📈 Factors Fueling the Gold Rally in 2025 Gold has already gained more than 18% this year, fueled by: 📊 Fed’s Balancing Act Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting reveal that most policymakers are concerned about the economy facing “higher inflation alongside slower growth.” This puts pressure on the Fed’s future rate decisions, with possible trade-offs looming. Gold, which yields no interest, typically underperforms when rates are high. However, its role as an inflation hedge keeps it attractive amid uncertainties. 🔍 What’s Next? Investors are now eyeing key U.S. data: These indicators could provide further clues on inflation trends and Fed policy direction. 🪙 Other Precious Metals

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Editor03 mins

India Pushes for Faster Trade Deal with US Amid Tariff Shifts and Global Uncertainty

India is accelerating efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the United States after US President Donald Trump temporarily paused reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, while significantly raising duties on China. The move, seen as part of Trump’s ongoing pressure strategy against China, saw tariffs on Chinese imports hiked to 125%. In contrast, the reciprocal tariff rate for Indian goods remains steady at 10%. India and the US had previously announced their intention to conclude the first phase of a trade deal by autumn 2025, aiming for a bilateral trade volume of $500 billion by 2030. The recent pause on tariff implementation comes as a relief to Indian exporters, particularly those in the shrimp industry, a government official told Reuters. The official added that India was among the first countries to initiate trade talks with the US and has remained committed to the agreed timeline. Just a day after imposing high tariffs that shook global stock markets, Trump provisionally reduced duties for key trading partners, including India. The tariff volatility has prompted countries to re-evaluate their global trade strategies. India is also open to allowing zero-duty imports from the US in several sectors, including those under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, according to a report by The Economic Times. The PLI scheme covers 14 sectors such as electronics, drones, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and specialty steel, backed by a budget of ₹1.97 lakh crore. A broader Indian offer could help fast-track the trade deal. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly planning to expand iPhone manufacturing in India—a potential shift influenced by Trump’s stricter tariffs on Chinese goods. Amid this global economic flux, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a cautious step to support growth by cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flagged growing risks to India’s GDP due to rising trade tensions. “The recent trade tariff-related measures have exacerbated uncertainties clouding the economic outlook across regions, posing new headwinds for global growth and inflation,” he stated in the monetary policy announcement. As global economic policies shift unpredictably, India finds itself navigating a complex trade and economic landscape while trying to safeguard its growth trajectory and global trade partnerships.

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Editor04 mins

Caste and Gender Bias Alleged in Tamil Nadu School: Class 8 Dalit Girl Made to Write Exam Outside

A disturbing case of alleged caste- and gender-based discrimination has emerged from Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district, where a Class 8 student belonging to the Arunthathiar (Scheduled Caste) community was reportedly forced to write her school examinations outside the classroom. The incident took place shortly after the girl had attained puberty, raising concerns about both menstruation stigma and caste bias in educational spaces. The student, enrolled at Swamy Chidbhavanda Matric Higher Secondary School in Senguttaipalayam village near Kinathukadavu Taluk, was made to sit outside the classroom during her Science exam on April 7 and again for her Social Science paper on April 9. After the student informed her mother about the discrimination, the mother visited the school and recorded a video of her daughter sitting outside, separated from her peers. The footage quickly spread on social media, leading to public outrage and widespread condemnation. Following the viral video, the student’s family approached education officials, and villagers in the area are expected to meet with the Pollachi sub-collector to demand accountability from the school management. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar confirmed that the Coimbatore rural police have initiated an investigation into the matter. The inspector of matriculation schools has been asked to submit a comprehensive report. “Stringent action will be taken against the school if found guilty,” said the Collector. Dalit rights activists have decried the incident as a grave violation of the girl’s dignity, citing it as both a gender and caste atrocity. “This isn’t just about menstruation; it’s about systemic oppression. The school must be held accountable,” said one activist. The Tamil Nadu education department is expected to issue a formal response after reviewing the findings of the inspection report. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debates around entrenched societal prejudices and the urgent need for sensitisation in schools regarding both caste and menstrual health.

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Editor03 mins

Barcelona Crush Dortmund 4-0, Take Giant Step Toward UCL Semifinals

CAMP NOU — Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Wednesday night to all but secure a semifinal berth for the first time since 2019. ⚽ Scorers: 🔥 Key Highlights: 🗣️ “We are confident, but not overconfident,” said Xavi post-match. “It’s only half the job done—we still have to perform in Dortmund.” 📊 Match Stats: 🎯 Tactical Brilliance: 🚨 Injury Concern: 🏆 Quadruple Hopes Alive: With La Liga leadership, a place in the Copa del Rey final, Spanish Super Cup already secured, and now a foot in the UCL semis, Barcelona’s quadruple dream remains very much alive.

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Editor03 mins
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