August 2, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Becomes India’s Most Expensive Film with ₹4,000+ Crore Budget

Nitesh Tiwari’s epic retelling of Ramayana has officially become India’s most expensive film ever, with an unprecedented budget of over ₹4,000 crore (nearly $500 million) spread across two parts. This staggering figure places the film among the costliest global productions, comparable to Hollywood’s biggest franchises. A Monumental Cinematic Vision Initially speculated to cost ₹1,600 crore, the scale of Ramayana has grown enormously. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed the expanded budget and revealed that the project is being developed as a VFX-driven spectacle, tailored for IMAX screens and enhanced with AI-powered dubbing for seamless multilingual experiences — a first for Indian cinema. The visual effects are being handled by Prime Focus, the renowned studio led by Malhotra, which has worked on international blockbusters including Dune and Avengers: Endgame. “No Indian film, by a long distance, comes close to it… We’re making the largest film in the world for the greatest story, the greatest epic, that the world should see,” Malhotra stated, adding that the production remains cost-effective compared to similar Hollywood ventures. Star-Studded Cast and Grand Release The film boasts an ensemble cast: Ramayana will release in two parts, scheduled for Diwali 2026 and Diwali 2027 respectively, positioning it as a cultural and cinematic event. Honouring India’s Heritage Calling the film a “foundational piece of our culture,” Malhotra emphasized that Ramayana is not just a visual spectacle but a tribute to Indian heritage. “There has to be pride that must come through — in every Indian first, and then every other person in the world,” he said. Musical Legacy in the Making The motion poster launch, featuring stylized glimpses of Ranbir’s Ram and Yash’s Ravan, also unveiled a glimpse of the original score composed by Oscar winners Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman — a collaboration that has only intensified global anticipation. With its unmatched scale, legendary source material, and global production values, Ramayana is shaping up to be not only a landmark for Indian cinema but a global cinematic event.

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India Achieves 43% Drop in Zero-Dose Children, WHO-UNICEF Report Highlights Immunization Gains

India has made remarkable progress in reducing the number of zero-dose children — those who have not received even a single vaccine — according to the 2024 Global Immunization Estimates released jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF on Tuesday. The report shows a 43% drop in zero-dose children in India, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. This achievement reflects the country’s intensified focus on universal immunization, particularly post-COVID, and is part of a broader regional trend. Across South Asia, the number of zero-dose children dropped by 27%, from 2.5 million in 2023 to 1.8 million in 2024. Encouraging Trends in Vaccine Coverage In 2024, 92% of infants in South Asia received the third dose of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP) vaccine — a key global marker for immunization system performance. This is up by 2 percentage points from the previous year. Meanwhile, the coverage for the first DTP dose also rose from 93% to 95%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and demonstrating the resilience and priority given by South Asian governments to child health. Global Snapshot Globally, 89% of infants — around 115 million — received at least one DTP dose in 2024, and 85% (109 million) completed all three doses. Compared to 2023, that’s 1,71,000 more children starting vaccination and 1 million more completing the DTP series — a modest but positive sign of progress. Despite gains, challenges remain. There are still 14.3 million zero-dose children worldwide, which is 4 million more than the 2024 target under the Immunization Agenda 2030, and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year. “Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies and nations to flourish,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.“It’s encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do.” Areas of Concern The WHO warned that cuts in foreign aid and misinformation about vaccine safety threaten to reverse years of immunization gains. The organization urged countries to invest domestically in immunization programs and adopt local solutions to reach every child. Out of 195 countries: Conclusion India’s progress in cutting down its zero-dose children by nearly half is a standout example in global public health. However, with millions still unreached, the path ahead demands sustained investment, strategic outreach, and continued vigilance to counter misinformation and inequity in vaccine access.

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Tesla Finally Launches in India with Mumbai Showroom, Model Y on Display

After nearly a decade of anticipation, Tesla has officially entered the Indian market, opening its first showroom — dubbed an “Experience Center” — in Mumbai. This major milestone comes nine years after CEO Elon Musk first teased Tesla’s India plans in April 2016, and follows years of delays, negotiations, and regulatory hurdles. Located in the upscale Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the 4,000-square-foot showroom currently showcases the Model Y in two variants: rear-wheel drive (RWD) and long-range RWD. Both models are being imported from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. Pricing and Orders The Model Y RWD is priced at ₹59,89,000 (approx. $68,000), while the long-range RWD variant will cost ₹67,89,000 (approx. $79,000). Tesla is also offering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) add-on in India at ₹6,00,000 (approx. $7,000). Indian customers can place orders starting today by paying a non-refundable deposit of ₹22,220 (around $260). Initially, the Model Y will be registered in Delhi, Gurugram, and Mumbai. Deliveries for the RWD variant are expected in Q3 of 2025, while long-range RWD deliveries will commence in Q4. Charging Infrastructure and Expansion In preparation for deliveries, Tesla will set up four charging stations each in Mumbai and Delhi, which will include both Superchargers and destination chargers. A second Tesla Experience Center is also slated to open in Delhi later this month, signaling a wider rollout plan across India. TechCrunch reports that Tesla also intends to begin importing vehicles from its Berlin Gigafactory once the India-EU free trade agreement is signed. India’s EV Market and Government Push India, the world’s fourth-largest automotive market after China, the U.S., and Japan, produces around 6 million vehicles annually. However, its electric vehicle (EV) market is still in a nascent stage, dominated largely by two-wheelers. The Indian government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 30% EV penetration in all auto sales by 2030. Tesla’s India entry follows multiple high-level discussions between Elon Musk and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initially, the Indian government encouraged Tesla to manufacture locally, but Tesla insisted on first testing the market through imports. Back in 2016, Tesla had taken $1,000 deposits from Indian customers for the then-upcoming Model 3, but later refunded them as launch plans remained uncertain. With this long-awaited entry finally materializing, Tesla now looks poised to tap into the growing Indian EV market — starting with the Model Y.

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Legal Case Filed Against Director Pa Ranjith and Others After Stuntman’s Death on ‘Vettuvam’ Set

A legal case has been registered against acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith, stunt actor Vinoth, Rajkamal of Neelam Productions, and vehicle owner Prabhakaran, following the tragic death of veteran stuntman Mohan Raj (popularly known as Raju) during a film shoot. The case has been filed under sections 289, 125, and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which relate to negligence and regulatory violations. The incident occurred on July 13 during the filming of ‘Vettuvam’, a movie starring actor Vishal. Raju was performing a high-risk car stunt when the accident happened. Despite being reportedly advised not to carry out the stunt due to safety concerns, he went ahead with it. His death has deeply shocked the industry and sparked intense discussions about safety standards on film sets. Pa Ranjith’s Condolence Note Shortly before news of the case emerged, Pa Ranjith posted an emotional tribute to Raju on social media, describing the stuntman as a “beloved and talented” colleague. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our good will, as it does on every film set that stages crash sequences, ended up in his unexpected death. This has sent us all into shock and heartbreak.” He further praised Raju’s professionalism: “Mohan Raj Anna was valued and respected by his colleagues in the stunt team and all of us in the crew. He was a veteran in performing stunts whose planning, clarity and execution we all relied on.” Who Is Named in the Case? The legal complaint includes: Their inclusion suggests possible shared responsibility linked to production oversight, safety arrangements, and the logistics of executing the stunt. What the BNS Sections Imply The invocation of these sections reflects the authorities’ serious approach toward the matter and places accountability on the individuals involved in the film’s production. Industry Reactions and Broader Implications This case has stirred significant concern within the Indian film industry, with insiders debating the often-overlooked safety protocols on film sets. The tragedy brings into focus the collective responsibility of directors, producers, technicians, and other crew members in ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken — especially during high-risk action sequences. The outcome of the legal proceedings remains to be seen, and as of now, the legal representatives of the accused have not issued any official statement. Meanwhile, the incident is serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and legal compliance in filmmaking — an industry where behind-the-scenes risks are often overshadowed by on-screen glamour.

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Veteran Marathoner Fauja Singh Dies at 114 After Tragic Road Accident in Punjab

Fauja Singh, the legendary marathon runner known worldwide as the “Turbaned Tornado,” passed away on Monday at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in his native village Bias in Punjab’s Jalandhar district. The news of his demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, who penned Fauja Singh’s biography The Turbaned Tornado. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Singh wrote, “My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.” According to reports, Singh was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar where he succumbed to his injuries. Police Investigation Underway SHO Hardeep Singh of Adampur Police Station stated that an FIR has been registered in the case, and efforts are underway to trace the vehicle responsible for the accident. “As of now, the car that hit Fauja Singh has not been traced. We are investigating the matter. He was on the main road at the time of the incident. We will trace the case soon and arrest the accused,” said the SHO. Tributes Pour In Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and offered condolences to Fauja Singh’s family, recognizing his enduring contribution to sport and inspiration to generations. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria also paid an emotional tribute. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience… At 114, he joined me in the ‘Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om.” In a longer message, Kataria recounted walking alongside Singh during the Nasha Mukt march in December 2024: “Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit. It is heartbreaking to learn that he lost his life today in a tragic road accident. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab.” BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also paid tribute, writing: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Fauja Singh ji, a symbol of unbreakable spirit, resilience and timeless inspiration. At 114, he proved that age is just a number and purpose knows no limits. A legend not just in running, but in life. Rest in power, Sir.” The Legacy of Fauja Singh Born in 1911, Fauja Singh became an international icon for defying age barriers. He started long-distance running in his 80s and ran marathons into his 100s — setting records and inspiring countless people across the globe. His remarkable physical stamina, humility, and unwavering spirit made him a beloved figure in India and abroad. His tragic death marks the end of a truly extraordinary life, but his legacy — as a runner, a motivator, and a symbol of perseverance — will endure for generations.

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SC Issues Notice to UP Govt Over QR Code Mandate for Eateries on Kanwar Yatra Route

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government in response to multiple petitions challenging its directive requiring eateries and dhabas along the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR codes containing ownership information. The court sought the state’s response following petitions filed by Delhi University professor Apoorvanand Jha and activist Aakar Patel. The petitioners argued that the directive amounts to a digital form of religious profiling, which violates a previous Supreme Court order. That earlier order, issued in July 2023, had stayed similar mandates from both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which required food vendors and hawkers to display the names of owners and staff. At the time, the court had ruled that while authorities may require information about the type of food being served, they could not mandate disclosure of the owner’s identity. The current petitions allege that the QR code requirement is a case of “wilful disobedience” of the court’s previous ruling, stating, “These steps effectively serve the same unconstitutional end through digital means.” The plea cites media reports confirming that the QR codes grant public access to ownership details, thereby bypassing the court’s restraint. Further, the petitioners warned of a “grave and imminent risk” to the rights of affected vendors, especially those belonging to minority communities. They argued that the vague and overly broad directives blur the line between lawful licensing and unlawful religious profiling, potentially paving the way for “violent enforcement” by vigilante groups or authorities. The petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to immediately prohibit the Uttar Pradesh government from enforcing the directive, arguing that it is essentially a rebranded version of a previously stayed and constitutionally problematic policy.

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Team India Breaks Record for Most Sixes in an Away Test Series, Surpasses West Indies and New Zealand

In a historic feat, Team India has smashed the record for the most sixes hit in an away Test series, surpassing the previous joint record held by West Indies and New Zealand (32 sixes each). India now stands at 36 sixes with two more Tests and one full innings left to play in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. This landmark was reached during the third Test, as multiple Indian players contributed to the tally: India’s aggressive approach with the bat under the leadership of Shubman Gill has reaped dividends, and with the series only halfway done, experts believe the team may cross the 50-sixes mark — an unprecedented number in Test cricket history. Previous Record Holders: India’s ability to consistently clear the ropes in foreign conditions marks a significant shift in their traditional Test-playing style, blending aggression with strategic risk-taking. This record also underscores the depth in India’s batting lineup, with contributions from both top-order and lower-order players. As the series continues, all eyes will be on whether Team India can extend this record and redefine attacking Test cricket on foreign soil.

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India’s First One-Shot Dengue Vaccine Nears Completion of Phase-III Trials: Over 8,000 Participants Enrolled

India is inching closer to a potential breakthrough in dengue prevention as the Phase-III clinical trial of DengiAll, a one-shot tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec, progresses rapidly. The trial, being conducted across 20 centres nationwide, is expected to complete participant enrolment by October 2025, according to scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). So far, over 8,000 volunteers from cities like Pune, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar have already received either DengiAll or a placebo, with the final goal being the inclusion of approximately 10,500 participants. A Significant Milestone in Public Health DengiAll represents India’s first indigenously-developed single-dose dengue vaccine, co-led by ICMR institutions such as: According to Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of NIE, early results from Phase 1/2 trials indicate no safety concerns, and the current Phase-III trial aims to evaluate the efficacy, long-term immunity, and safety of the vaccine. Participants will be followed up for two years. The trial, which began in August 2024, is multi-centre, double-blind, randomised, and placebo-controlled. The first participant was vaccinated at PGIMS Rohtak. Why a Tetravalent Vaccine Matters Dengue is caused by four serotypes (DEN-1 to DEN-4), and infection with one serotype provides little to no immunity against the others. This poses a challenge in vaccine development, as a successful candidate must protect against all four. India sees co-circulation of all four serotypes in many regions, making a tetravalent vaccine like DengiAll especially critical. Vaccine Origins and Global Standing The vaccine strain, TV003/TV005, was originally developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. It showed promising results in trials conducted in Brazil, and Panacea Biotec is currently the most advanced Indian company working with this strain. The company holds a process patent for its vaccine formulation. India is one of the top 30 countries most affected by dengue. In 2024, the country reported over 2.3 lakh cases and 297 deaths. Alarmingly, 75–80% of infections are asymptomatic, yet still transmissible through Aedes mosquitoes. Children at Higher Risk Among the 20–25% symptomatic cases, children are particularly vulnerable to severe forms of the disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, often requiring hospitalisation. A Ray of Hope If successful, DengiAll could be India’s first licensed dengue vaccine and a game-changer in reducing the country’s disease burden and mortality rate. It also offers the promise of global impact, as dengue continues to surge across 129 countries, per WHO data from 2023. With its indigenous development, strategic public-private partnership, and rigorous scientific backing, DengiAll is poised to play a crucial role in India’s public health infrastructure — especially in the fight against one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne diseases in the world.

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Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap Announce Separation After Nearly Six Years of Marriage

In a heartfelt announcement, Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal revealed on Sunday night that she and her husband Parupalli Kashyap, also a former international shuttler, have decided to part ways. The couple, who tied the knot on December 14, 2018, made the decision after “much thought and consideration.” In an Instagram story shared with her followers, Saina wrote:“Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing – for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time.” From Partners On-Court to Off-Court Saina and Kashyap were long-time training partners at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad and were often seen supporting each other through their careers. While Saina Nehwal rose to iconic status with a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a stint as World No. 1, Kashyap reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 and clinched gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Kashyap transitioned into coaching after retiring in early 2024 and has since been active in mentoring upcoming Indian shuttlers. Saina’s Future in the Sport The 35-year-old Saina, once a trailblazer for Indian badminton, has been on an extended break from the sport. She last competed at the Singapore Open in June 2023, where she exited in the first round. In a podcast with shooter Gagan Narang last year, she spoke candidly about her struggles with arthritis and admitted she was contemplating retirement, likely to be assessed towards the end of 2025. A Legacy Beyond Medals Saina Nehwal’s impact on Indian badminton is monumental. She is: Her rise in the 2000s laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global badminton powerhouse, inspiring the next generation of stars like PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen. As fans and peers express support for both Saina and Kashyap, the focus now shifts to their respective individual journeys — one continuing as a mentor, and the other, possibly approaching a poignant farewell to a glorious career.

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Lawyer Shot Dead Near Police Station in Patna; Third High-Profile Killing in a Week Sparks Law and Order Row

PATNA: In a shocking escalation of violence just months ahead of Bihar’s Assembly elections, a lawyer was shot dead in broad daylight barely 300 metres from a police station in the state capital Patna. The victim, Jitendra Kumar, was attacked at close range while having tea at a roadside stall, police officials confirmed. The incident marks the third high-profile murder in a week in Bihar, raising serious questions about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. According to Patna (City) SP Parichay Kumar, Jitendra Kumar was shot multiple times by unidentified assailants, who fled the scene immediately after the attack. The lawyer was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. “We are scanning CCTV footage of the area to identify the culprits,” the SP said. A forensics team has collected samples and evidence from the crime scene. The police are yet to determine the motive or exact number of attackers. The SP added that the lawyer, though trained, had not been practising for the past two years and regularly visited the area for tea. This brazen killing comes in the wake of two other major murders that have rattled the state: The latest murder has triggered a fierce political backlash. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, alleging a complete breakdown of governance. “This is jungle raj in Bihar,” he said, citing the series of daylight murders. With the Assembly polls nearing, the rising crime rate—especially high-profile killings in public view—has put the administration on the defensive. Meanwhile, residents and opposition leaders alike are demanding urgent action and accountability from law enforcement agencies.

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