August 1, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

PM Modi Returns After Landmark 5-Nation Tour, Strengthens Global Ties and Receives Multiple Civilian Honours

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday morning, wrapping up a historic five-nation diplomatic tour spanning from July 2 to July 9. The visit covered Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, and included participation in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s chairmanship. 1. Ghana (July 2) – Strengthening African Ties PM Modi began his tour in Accra, Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over three decades. He held bilateral talks with President John Mahama, focusing on economic, energy, defence, and development cooperation. Both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. In recognition of his efforts, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian honour, “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.” 2. Trinidad & Tobago (July 3) – Honouring Diaspora Connections In Port of Spain, PM Modi met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, becoming the first Indian PM to visit the country since 1999. He addressed the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will now be extended up to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora. He was awarded Trinidad & Tobago’s highest honour, “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.” 3. Argentina (July 4) – Boosting Strategic Collaboration In Buenos Aires, PM Modi held talks with President Javier Milei, reviewing and expanding cooperation in defence, energy, mining, agriculture, and trade. He described the visit as “productive”, emphasizing growing bilateral momentum. He was presented with the Key to the City of Buenos Aires by Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government. 4. Brazil (July 6–7) – BRICS Summit and Bilateral Growth PM Modi attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, engaging with leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. He later held bilateral meetings in Brasilia with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aiming to deepen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership in areas like trade, defence, space, energy, and agriculture. In a ceremonial gesture, PM Modi received Brazil’s highest civilian honour, “The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.” 5. Namibia (July 8–9) – Historic Honour and Parliament Address In the final leg, PM Modi visited Namibia, where he addressed the Namibian Parliament and received a standing ovation for his speech. Discussions focused on areas like wildlife conservation, sustainable energy, and South-South cooperation. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah awarded PM Modi the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s highest civilian award. This five-nation tour marks a significant step in India’s global diplomatic outreach, bolstering relations across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, while reaffirming India’s growing stature in global affairs.

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Editor04 mins

“आधार कार्ड नागरिकता का प्रमाण नहीं”: सुप्रीम कोर्ट में चुनाव आयोग का बयान

बिहार में चल रहे स्पेशल इंटेंसिव रिवीजन (SIR) को लेकर दायर याचिकाओं की सुनवाई के दौरान चुनाव आयोग (ECI) ने सुप्रीम कोर्ट में गुरुवार, 10 जुलाई को स्पष्ट किया कि “आधार कार्ड नागरिकता का प्रमाण नहीं है।” यह बयान उस वक्त आया जब याचिकाकर्ताओं ने सवाल उठाया कि चुनाव आयोग ने मतदाता सूची में जिन 11 दस्तावेजों को नागरिकता के प्रमाण के रूप में स्वीकार किया है, उसमें आधार कार्ड और वोटर आईडी कार्ड को शामिल क्यों नहीं किया गया, जबकि ये दस्तावेज Representation of Peoples Act के तहत मान्य माने जाते हैं। याचिकाकर्ता की ओर से वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता गोपाल शंकरनारायणन ने दलील दी कि आयोग के मापदंडों के अनुसार भी आधार एक वैध पहचान पत्र है, फिर भी बिहार SIR में उसे अस्वीकार कर दिया गया। न्यायमूर्ति सुधांशु धूलिया और न्यायमूर्ति जॉयमाल्य बागची की पीठ ने जब पूछा कि आधार को स्वीकार क्यों नहीं किया जा रहा है, तब चुनाव आयोग की ओर से वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता राकेश द्विवेदी ने कहा,“आधार कार्ड नागरिकता का प्रमाण नहीं हो सकता।” इस पर न्यायमूर्ति धूलिया ने तीखी टिप्पणी की,“नागरिकता का निर्धारण चुनाव आयोग नहीं, गृह मंत्रालय (MHA) करता है।” जब आयोग की ओर से यह तर्क दिया गया कि उनके पास अनुच्छेद 326 के तहत यह अधिकार है, तो न्यायालय ने पलटकर कहा कि यदि ऐसा था तो यह प्रक्रिया बहुत पहले शुरू की जानी चाहिए थी। न्यायमूर्ति बागची ने चेताया, “मान लीजिए, आप 2025 की मतदाता सूची में शामिल किसी व्यक्ति को वोट देने के अधिकार से वंचित करने का फैसला लेते हैं, तो उसे अपील और प्रक्रिया से गुजरना पड़ेगा, जिससे संभव है कि आगामी चुनाव में उसका वोट देने का अधिकार ही छिन जाए। गैर-नागरिकों को सूची से हटाना गलत नहीं है, लेकिन अगर यह कवायद चुनाव से कुछ ही महीने पहले की जाती है, तो यह अनुचित है।” अब मामले की अगली सुनवाई में यह तय होगा कि क्या चुनाव आयोग का यह कदम मतदाता अधिकारों के उल्लंघन की श्रेणी में आता है या नहीं।

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Editor01 mins

Common Anxiety, Sleep, and Depression Medications Linked to Higher ALS Risk: Study Warns Against Panic, Urges Caution

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has raised concerns over a potential link between commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a progressive, incurable neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle paralysis and death. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals in Sweden, using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The medications under scrutiny include: Key Findings: Important Caveats: Association, Not Causation Neurologists caution against misinterpreting the findings. Dr. M. S. Panduranga of Dharamshila Narayana Superspecialty Hospital noted that early ALS symptoms—such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression—may precede diagnosis by years, leading to increased medication use. Thus, the medications may be markers of early disease rather than its cause. Dr. Manjari Tripathi of AIIMS added that many neuropsychiatric medications work by dampening brain activity, which might unintentionally interfere with motor neuron function over time. She warned that long-term, consistent use could potentially have toxic effects on the nervous system. ALS: A Silent but Devastating Disease ALS causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to difficulty in performing basic tasks like walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. Although rare, its impact is devastating. One of the most well-known ALS patients was physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with the disease for decades. Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj from Aakash Healthcare pointed out that individuals with a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use (over 10 years) showed stronger associations with ALS, particularly in younger patients. Medical Advice: Do Not Discontinue Medications Abruptly Despite these findings, neurologists strongly advise against panic or self-discontinuation of psychiatric medications. “There is no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS,” said Dr. Anshu Rohatgi of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “However, physicians should be vigilant when prescribing these drugs to individuals showing early neurological symptoms.” Conclusion: While this study opens the door to important discussions about the long-term neurological safety of psychiatric drugs, more research is needed to understand whether the association is biological or due to heightened medical observation in patients already at risk. Patients are urged to consult their doctors before making any changes to their medication regimen.

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Editor04 mins

RCB Pacer Yash Dayal Booked Under BNS Section 69 Over Allegations of Sexual Exploitation

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and India fast bowler Yash Dayal has been booked under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint of sexual harassment and exploitation filed by a woman from Ghaziabad. The FIR was registered at Indirapuram police station after a preliminary probe into the allegations received through the Chief Minister’s grievance portal (IGRS). Section 69 of the BNS pertains to sexual acts committed under false promises—such as fake assurances of marriage or employment—and treats them as a serious offense involving deception and exploitation. Conviction under this section can lead to imprisonment of up to ten years. The woman, in her complaint, alleged that she had been in a five-year relationship with Dayal, during which she was mentally, physically, and financially exploited under the false pretense of marriage. She claimed that Dayal introduced her to his family and acted as though they were already married, thereby gaining her complete trust. However, when questioned about his intentions, he allegedly turned violent and continued to harass her. She further accused the cricketer of borrowing money from her during the relationship and claimed that he has a history of similar behavior with other women. According to her, she has preserved evidence in the form of chat logs, screenshots, video call recordings, and photographs to substantiate her claims. As of now, Yash Dayal and his family have not issued any public statement regarding the allegations. The 26-year-old left-arm seamer was a key contributor to RCB’s historic IPL 2025 triumph, picking up 13 wickets and delivering critical overs at the death. He also received his maiden India call-up last year for the home series against Bangladesh, though he is yet to make his international debut.

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Editor03 mins

Man Arrested for Attempting to Take Control of Deceased Politician’s Mobile Number to Access Bank Accounts

A 48-year-old man, Vivek Sabhrewal, who holds an MBA degree and previously worked at a bank, was arrested on Sunday night from the Burari locality in Delhi. His arrest was made by officials from Bandra police station in connection with a cyber fraud case involving the late Maharashtra minister, Baba Ziauddin Siddique. Siddique was shot dead by two assailants on October 12, 2024. Following his death, his family decided to keep his mobile number active. His wife, Shahzeen Siddique, was designated as the authorised signatory of the number after completing the necessary formalities with the mobile service provider. On June 25, Shahzeen Siddique received an email from Vodafone Idea, notifying her about a request to update the authorised signatory on the same mobile number. Upon examining the email, her daughter, Dr. Arshia Siddique, noticed that the request was made using an email ID that closely resembled her mother’s—differing by just one letter—indicating an attempt at impersonation. Realizing the suspicious nature of the email, Arshia promptly lodged a police complaint. The police traced the accused using the mobile number linked to the fraudulent application. During interrogation, Sabhrewal allegedly confessed that his motive was to become the authorised signatory of the late leader’s mobile number to gain access to his bank accounts and siphon off funds. He has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 319 (cheating by personation), Section 335 (making a false document or fake electronic record), and Section 336 (forgery). Further investigation into the case is currently underway.

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Editor03 mins

‘Rudali Rally, Not Victory’: Fadnavis Takes Sarcastic Swipe at Thackeray Cousins’ Reunion

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded with pointed sarcasm on Saturday to the much-hyped ‘Voice of Marathi’ rally, which saw Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray sharing a political stage for the first time since their 2005 split. Referring to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s comment that Fadnavis had done what even Bal Thackeray couldn’t — bring the cousins together — the BJP leader quipped, “Balasaheb must be showering blessings on me.” Mocking the nature of Uddhav Thackeray’s speech, Fadnavis said, “I was told it would be a ‘vijay rally’ but it turned into a ‘rudali’ (mourning) speech. Instead of speaking for the Marathi cause, it became all about how his government was toppled.” Backdrop: Rally Over Rollback of Language Policy The rally was held to celebrate the Maharashtra government’s withdrawal of orders related to the three-language formula, which had triggered protests over alleged ‘Hindi imposition’. The opposition had criticized the policy as an attack on Marathi identity. In a dramatic moment at the event, Raj and Uddhav Thackeray hugged and raised hands together, symbolizing a possible thaw in their decades-old rift. In his speech, Raj Thackeray declared, “What Bal Thackeray could not do, Devendra Fadnavis has done — brought us together.” He also sent a warning to the government: “You may have power in the Vidhan Bhawan, but we have power on the roads.” Uddhav Slams BJP, Shinde; Raj Rallies Marathi Pride Uddhav Thackeray, speaking after Raj, said the “distance” between the cousins had been bridged. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Eknath Shinde, calling the 2022 rebellion that toppled his government a betrayal of the Marathi mandate. He labelled Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) and accused the ruling BJP-Shinde alliance of disrespecting the Marathi language and people. Fadnavis Hits Back Fadnavis, speaking to reporters after the event, didn’t hold back. He ridiculed Uddhav’s emotional tone and accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) of using the Marathi cause as a political shield:“It was less about Marathi and more about mourning their lost power. It felt like watching a ‘rudali darshan’.” He also criticized the Shiv Sena’s legacy in Mumbai’s governance:“They had control over the BMC for 25 years and delivered nothing. Under PM Modi’s leadership, BJP has changed Mumbai’s face and stood firmly with the Marathi ‘manoos’.” Political Implications The public reunion of the Thackeray cousins has fueled speculation about a new alignment ahead of the 2025 Maharashtra assembly elections. However, Fadnavis’ biting sarcasm and assertion of BJP’s developmental narrative signal that the battle for Marathi identity and political ground is far from settled. With Raj and Uddhav presenting a united front and Fadnavis doubling down on BJP’s achievements, Maharashtra’s political arena is poised for intense confrontations in the coming months.

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Editor05 mins

PM Modi Arrives in Brazil for BRICS Summit After Productive Argentina Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil on Saturday evening (local time) for a four-day visit, during which he will participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro (July 6–7) and undertake a historic state visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian PM in nearly six decades. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Galeao International Airport, marking the fourth leg of his five-nation tour. He arrived in Brazil after concluding a two-day visit to Argentina, which saw a deepening of bilateral ties across strategic sectors. Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Argentina Visit Looking Ahead: 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil PM Modi will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where discussions will center around economic cooperation, global south concerns, and multilateral reform. This BRICS summit is notable for being the first after expansion — with five new member countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — joining the original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Following the summit, PM Modi will head to Brasilia for a state-level bilateral visit, marking a significant diplomatic milestone in India–Brazil relations.

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Editor04 mins

CBI Uncovers Massive Medical College Scam Involving Top Officials, Educationists and Godman

In what is being described as one of India’s biggest medical college scams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a sprawling corruption racket involving senior government officials, prominent educationists, middlemen, and a self-styled godman. The scam centres on the illegal approval of substandard medical colleges through bribery, manipulation, and regulatory fraud. 📍 Scope of the Scam The investigation spans multiple states including:➡️ Chhattisgarh➡️ Madhya Pradesh➡️ Rajasthan➡️ Delhi➡️ Uttar Pradesh➡️ Karnataka Over 40 medical colleges are suspected of obtaining recognition and approvals through bribery, fake documentation, and forged inspections. 🔍 Key Accused and Modus Operandi Notable Accused: Scam Techniques: 🏥 How the Scam Came to Light The probe began with a tip-off from Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR) in Raipur. CBI caught six individuals, including three doctors, accepting a ₹55 lakh bribe in exchange for a favourable inspection report. Subsequent raids at 40+ locations exposed an entrenched nexus, involving: 🧘‍♂️ Role of Rawatpura Sarkar: Godman or Gatekeeper? The godman, widely known as Rawatpura Sarkar, is deeply entrenched in the scam: 🧾 Southern India Operations and Digital Leaks The racket extended to: 💸 Middlemen and Illegal Fund Use ⚖️ Legal Action So Far 🏥 Impact on Public Health and Medical Education The scam has raised serious concerns about: The CBI has called this a “deep-rooted network” that not only mocks the regulatory process but puts public health at grave risk. 🔔 This is a developing story. More details are expected as the CBI intensifies its investigation.

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Editor05 mins

बिहार मतदाता सूची पुनरीक्षण पर चुनाव आयोग की बड़ी घोषणा: दस्तावेज़ न होने पर भी हो सकेगा सत्यापन

विशेष गहन पुनरीक्षण (Special Intensive Revision – SIR) को लेकर बिहार में मचे सियासी घमासान के बीच, राज्य मुख्य निर्वाचन कार्यालय ने रविवार (6 जुलाई, 2025) को एक महत्वपूर्ण घोषणा की है। विज्ञापन के माध्यम से बताया गया कि अब मतदाता जरूरी दस्तावेज़ प्रस्तुत न कर सकें, तब भी उनका नाम मतदाता सूची में सत्यापित किया जा सकता है। स्थानीय जांच से होगा निर्णय विज्ञापन में कहा गया, “यदि आप आवश्यक दस्तावेज़ उपलब्ध कराते हैं, तो निर्वाचक नामांकन पदाधिकारी (ERO) के लिए आपका आवेदन प्रक्रिया में लेना आसान हो जाएगा। लेकिन यदि आप दस्तावेज़ देने में असमर्थ हैं, तो ERO स्थानीय जांच या अन्य वैकल्पिक प्रमाण के आधार पर निर्णय ले सकता है।” यह पहला अवसर है जब चुनाव आयोग ने दस्तावेज़ों के बिना भी सत्यापन को स्वीकार किया है — विपक्ष की लगातार आपत्तियों के बाद यह कदम उठाया गया है। BLO को तुरंत फॉर्म दें, चाहे दस्तावेज़ न हों विज्ञापन में मतदाताओं से अपील की गई है कि जैसे ही उन्हें गणना प्रपत्र (एनुमरेशन फॉर्म) BLO (बूथ लेवल ऑफिसर) से प्राप्त हो, उसे भरकर तुरंत वापस करें। यदि दस्तावेज़ और फोटो उपलब्ध हों तो साथ में दें, अन्यथा सिर्फ फॉर्म भरकर भी BLO को सौंप सकते हैं। Aadhaar, PAN, MGNREGA कार्ड नहीं मान्य हालांकि, मतदाता पहचान के लिए आधार कार्ड, पैन कार्ड, मनरेगा जॉब कार्ड, वोटर आईडी, ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस और बैंक पासबुक को अमान्य बताया गया है। इसकी जगह 11 विशिष्ट दस्तावेज़ों को मान्य किया गया है, जिनमें शामिल हैं: कन्फ्यूजन न हो: दस्तावेज़ सूची में बदलाव नहीं, बस प्रक्रिया लचीली CEO कार्यालय के एक अधिकारी ने बताया कि दस्तावेज़ों की सूची यथावत है, लेकिन वोटर की परेशानी को देखते हुए कुछ लचीलापन जोड़ा गया है, जिससे ERO अब दस्तावेज़ों के अभाव में भी फिजिकल वेरिफिकेशन कर सकता है। अधिकारी ने स्पष्ट किया, “कम से कम मतदाता फॉर्म भरकर जरूर जमा करें, चाहे दस्तावेज़ और फोटो न भी हो।” विपक्ष का विरोध और सुप्रीम कोर्ट तक मामला INDIA गठबंधन के नेताओं ने शुक्रवार (4 जुलाई) को तेजस्वी यादव के नेतृत्व में मुख्य निर्वाचन अधिकारी विनोद सिंह गुंजियाल से मुलाकात की और SIR को अव्यवहारिक व अलोकतांत्रिक करार दिया। उन्होंने आधार कार्ड, राशन कार्ड और मनरेगा कार्ड को मान्य दस्तावेज़ों में शामिल करने की मांग की। अब तक कितनी हुई प्रगति? 5 जुलाई रात 7 बजे तक: मुख्य निर्वाचन अधिकारी गुंजियाल ने प्रदेशवासियों से अपील की है कि वे SIR प्रक्रिया में सक्रिय भागीदारी करें और किसी भी माध्यम (ऑफलाइन या ऑनलाइन) से फॉर्म भरकर दें, ताकि कोई भी पात्र मतदाता सूची से वंचित न रहे।

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Editor01 mins

India Fought Three Adversaries in Operation Sindoor: Top General Reveals China-Turkey-Pakistan Nexus in May Clash

India was not just up against Pakistan during the four-day Operation Sindoor in May 2025 but was also challenged by covert and strategic support from China and Turkey, revealed Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), on Friday. His remarks mark the first official acknowledgment of the tri-nation collaboration against India in what has been described as the most intense military clash between India and Pakistan in decades. Speaking at a conference on New Age Military Technologies organized by FICCI in New Delhi, Lt. Gen. Singh said the May 7–10 confrontation saw China treat the conflict as a “live laboratory” to evaluate the performance of its weapons systems, including J-10 and JF-17 fighter jets, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and the HQ-9 air defence system—most of which saw their first combat use during the operation. Singh stated, “One border, three adversaries — Pakistan at the front, China in the background, and Turkey offering technological support. China used Pakistan to test its weapons. This is their classic strategy: kill with a borrowed knife.”He added that China was providing real-time intelligence to Pakistan, including the location of Indian military assets. “Pakistan even mentioned during DGMO talks that they knew which vectors were primed for attack. That information came from China.” This is the first time the Indian military has confirmed real-time battlefield coordination between Beijing and Islamabad, and the active combat use of Turkish drones, including the Bayraktar series, during the conflict. Singh noted that Turkey not only supplied UAVs but also deployed trained personnel to support Pakistan during the hostilities. Operation Sindoor: Background & ImpactOperation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. India struck nine terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The intense conflict featured missiles, drones, long-range artillery, and fighter jets. While Pakistan reportedly sought a ceasefire on May 10 after suffering heavy damage, Lt Gen Singh revealed that India had a larger military strike ready. “Pakistan asked for a ceasefire because they sensed a powerful, hidden punch was coming,” he said—marking the first official nod to a potential naval or expanded joint-force operation that may have been in the pipeline. Key Lessons and Strategic ShiftLt Gen Singh emphasized that India’s response reflects a paradigm shift in security strategy.“No longer will India absorb pain silently. Now, any sub-conventional (terror) attack will be met with conventional military retaliation,” he said. He credited India’s leadership for the clarity in strategic messaging and the timely decision to end hostilities, calling it a “masterstroke” that prevented escalation beyond desired objectives. Singh also cautioned that future conflicts may see population centres come under direct attack, stressing the need for enhanced air defence, counter-drone systems, and rapid military technology upgrades. Political Fallout and Calls for DebateThe revelation drew immediate political reactions. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused the government of downplaying Chinese threats, citing Prime Minister Modi’s 2020 comment that China had not entered Indian territory. The Congress reiterated its long-standing demand for a comprehensive debate on India-China relations in Parliament. ConclusionOperation Sindoor may be remembered not just for India’s robust military retaliation but also as a turning point that exposed the deepening military axis between Pakistan, China, and Turkey. The Indian military’s readiness, rapid escalation control, and strategic maturity offer key takeaways as India gears up for future multidimensional threats.

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