August 1, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Himachal Pradesh Devastated by Monsoon Fury: 63 Dead, 34 Missing, Crores in Damages

Himachal Pradesh, reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years. As of July 4, at least 63 people have been confirmed dead and over 30 are still missing amid a series of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides that have swept across the hill state. Authorities have issued a red alert for heavy rain in all districts till Monday, July 7, as the weather continues to hinder relief and rescue efforts. Rs 400 Crore in Recorded Damages – Real Losses Likely Higher According to D.C. Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority, the state has suffered property damages worth over ₹400 crore, though he warned the actual figure is likely far higher. “Our focus now is on search, rescue, and restoration. A detailed damage assessment will take time,” he told reporters. Mandi: Epicenter of the Disaster Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit, with 17 deaths and at least 40 people missing, particularly in the Thunag and Bagsayed areas. Both fall under the Assembly constituency of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur. Other badly affected areas include Karsog and Dharampur. District-Wise Death Toll: Across the state, over 100 people have been injured, and more than 500 roads are blocked due to landslides and debris. Infrastructure in Ruins The resulting shortages of water, electricity, and food have triggered concerns of a looming humanitarian crisis. Terrifying Visuals Surface Chilling videos from the state have gone viral online, showing raging rivers, mudslides, and entire homes being swept away. One video from Shimla’s Dhalli suburb captured a massive landslide crashing into a hillside settlement. In Sirmaur, a landslide in Shillai along NH-707 showed boulders and mud tearing across a road, as people screamed and scrambled to safety. 🟡 Watch Dhalli landslide clip on DD News Himachal🔴 Watch Shillai landslide video on X Relief Efforts Underway Multiple search and rescue operations are ongoing with NDRF, SDRF, and local police deployed in affected regions. However, access remains a major challenge in cut-off areas due to road blockages and communication breakdowns. As monsoon rains continue, the state government has urged extreme caution, especially for tourists and pilgrims, advising against travel to the hills. The coming days are expected to be critical, as weather conditions, rescue progress, and infrastructure restoration will determine how soon the battered hill state can begin its recovery.

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Editor04 mins

Judicial Custody Extended for Three Hitmen in Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case

A court in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district has extended the judicial custody by 14 days for three contract killers accused of murdering Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunji) in May 2025. The accused—Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi, all hailing from Madhya Pradesh—were produced before the court via video conferencing from Shillong district jail, where they have been lodged since their arrest. The court order came following a submission by Public Prosecutor Tushar Chanda. Chilling Murder During Honeymoon Raghuvanshi, who had married Sonam on May 11, went missing on May 23 during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya. His mutilated body was discovered on June 2 in a deep gorge in the Sohra region, a popular tourist destination. Investigations revealed that the murder was part of a conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by his wife Sonam and her lover Raj Kushwaha, both of whom are also in judicial custody. Wider Conspiracy Spans Indore Further arrests were made in Indore, involving three other individuals—a property dealer, a flat owner, and a security guard—who were charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. They had allegedly helped cover up the crime by assisting Sonam and Raj Kushwaha after the murder at a flat in Indore. The case has shocked both Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh, revealing a disturbing murder-for-hire plot executed during what was supposed to be a celebratory honeymoon. Investigations are ongoing, and the accused will remain in custody as police continue to build their case.

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Editor02 mins

Gukesh Silences Carlsen with Commanding Victory in Croatia, Leads Grand Chess Tour

Just days after being dismissed by Magnus Carlsen as “one of the presumably weaker players,” India’s 18-year-old world champion D. Gukesh delivered a stunning response—by defeating the world No. 1 on the board. Playing with the Black pieces in round six of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025, Gukesh beat Carlsen for the second consecutive time, rising to the top of the standings with 10 points from six games. Their previous encounter, a classical match at Norway Chess, ended with Carlsen visibly frustrated. This time in Zagreb, though the format was rapid, the result was the same: a composed and clinical Gukesh once again outplayed the Norwegian icon. Tactical Masterclass Carlsen opened with the English and gained a slight edge after 18…Nh5 19.Bf2!, but Gukesh found his rhythm with an incisive 26…d5, flipping the momentum. As Carlsen’s clock dipped below a minute and his position deteriorated, he was eventually forced to resign after 49 moves. Gukesh, who sat at the board early and calm before the match began, showed no signs of nerves. His performance was so commanding that Garry Kasparov, commentating on the event, remarked: “Now we can question Magnus’ domination. This isn’t just another loss. It’s a convincing one. Gukesh didn’t just capitalise on mistakes—he played better.” Rising Momentum Despite a slow start to the day—losing his first game to Jan-Krzysztof Duda—Gukesh bounced back in style, defeating Alireza Firouzja, R Praggnanandhaa, and Carlsen in succession. “I wasn’t too disheartened after the first-round loss,” he said. “Duda got a good position and played well.” Gukesh ends day two of the rapid section with 10 points out of 12, firmly in the lead. In the Grand Chess Tour format, rapid wins award 2 points, while blitz games (up next) offer 1 point per win. Carlsen’s Inconsistent Day Carlsen, meanwhile, had an uneven day. He beat Wesley So but was held to draws by Ivan Šarić and Duda, and now trails Gukesh by four points. The defeat to Gukesh—especially following his dismissive remarks earlier in the week—will sting. Other Highlights Gukesh is no longer the underdog. In Croatia, he’s making it clear: he’s here to stay—and to dominate.

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Editor04 mins

SEBI Ban on Jane Street Sparks Sell-Off in Capital Market Stocks Over Index Manipulation Allegations

Shares of several capital market service providers—including BSE, Angel One, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, CDSL, and Edelweiss Financial Services—saw sharp declines on Thursday following the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issuing a ban on Jane Street Group and associated entities for allegedly manipulating the Bank Nifty index on expiry days. Stocks React to SEBI Action The fallout from SEBI’s July 3 interim order was immediate: Analysts attributed the sell-off to fears that trading volumes may drop, as Jane Street is known for being a high-volume trader in derivatives and options, contributing significantly to market liquidity. The Alleged Manipulation Strategy SEBI’s investigation alleges a systematic index manipulation strategy executed by Jane Street entities on 14 Bank Nifty expiry days: This strategy was allegedly designed to engineer a softer index close, allowing Jane Street to profit heavily on short options positions. One example cited was January 17: SEBI’s Interim Order Highlights The SEBI order is a significant regulatory move to curb sophisticated forms of index manipulation and highlights how quant-driven high-frequency trading firms may face increasing scrutiny in Indian markets. Investors and brokers are now closely watching the broader market implications, particularly on expiry days, when volumes and volatility typically peak.

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Editor03 mins

भोपाल क्राइम ब्रांच ने पकड़ा फर्जी अमेज़न नौकरी देने वाला ठग, 80 से अधिक बेरोजगारों को बनाया शिकार

भोपाल। क्राइम ब्रांच ने एक ऐसे ठग को गिरफ्तार किया है जिसने अमेज़न में टेली कॉलर की नौकरी दिलाने के नाम पर दर्जनों बेरोजगार युवाओं से ठगी की थी। आरोपी की पहचान नबील सिद्दीकी के रूप में हुई है, जो भोपाल के टलैया इलाके का रहने वाला है। पुलिस के अनुसार अब तक वह 80 से ज्यादा लोगों को अपना शिकार बना चुका है। पुलिस जांच में सामने आया कि नबील पहले पुणे स्थित अमेज़न कार्यालय में टेली कॉलर के रूप में काम कर चुका था। उसी अनुभव का फायदा उठाकर उसने अमेज़न के नाम से फर्जी ईमेल आईडी बनाई और नौकरी की फर्जी जॉइनिंग लेटर भेजने लगा। पूछताछ में नबील ने बताया कि वह बैच हायरिंग के नाम पर लोगों को फंसाता था। शुरुआत में कहता कि कंपनी को 30 कर्मचारियों की जरूरत है, फिर संख्या बढ़ाकर 50 और फिर 100 कर देता था, ताकि ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोगों से पैसे ऐंठ सके। जांच के अनुसार, उसने पहले 30 युवाओं का बैच तैयार किया और दावा किया कि उन्हें अमेज़न के पुणे कार्यालय में नौकरी मिलेगी। लेकिन बार-बार नियुक्ति को टालता रहा, यह कहकर कि पूरी संख्या पूरी होने पर ही हायरिंग होगी। कई युवा उसकी चाल में फंस गए। हालांकि जब समय बीतने पर भी नौकरी नहीं मिली तो कुछ उम्मीदवारों को शक हुआ। उन्होंने सीधे अमेज़न से जानकारी ली तो पता चला कि नौकरी का ऑफर पूरी तरह फर्जी था। इसके बाद उन्होंने तुरंत मामला क्राइम ब्रांच को रिपोर्ट किया। पुलिस एक साल से नबील की तलाश कर रही थी, क्योंकि वह फरार था। गिरफ्तारी के बाद अब पुलिस यह जानने की कोशिश कर रही है कि क्या नबील अकेले यह ठगी कर रहा था या उसके साथ कोई संगठित गिरोह भी जुड़ा है। साथ ही, फरारी के दौरान वह कहां-कहां रहा और किन लोगों के संपर्क में था, इसकी भी जांच की जा रही है। जांच जारी है।

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Editor01 mins

Calcutta High Court Orders Mohammed Shami to Pay ₹4 Lakh Monthly Alimony to Estranged Wife and Daughter

In a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute between Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami and his estranged wife Hasin Jahan, the Calcutta High Court has directed the pacer to pay a total monthly alimony of ₹4 lakh—₹1.5 lakh to Jahan and ₹2.5 lakh to their daughter—as interim maintenance. High Court Revises Lower Court Order The order, passed by Justice Ajoy Kumar Mukherjee on Tuesday, revises an earlier ruling by a district sessions court that had fixed monthly payments of ₹50,000 to Jahan and ₹80,000 to their daughter. “In my considered opinion, a sum of ₹1,50,000 per month to the petitioner No. 1 (wife) and ₹2,50,000 to her daughter would be just, fair and reasonable to ensure financial stability for both the petitioners, till disposal of the main application,” the High Court order stated. The court also noted that Shami, based on his financial disclosures and earning potential, was capable of paying a higher amount of maintenance than what was previously ordered. It emphasized that Jahan, who remains unmarried and is raising their daughter independently, deserves a standard of living comparable to what she experienced during the marriage. Additionally, the court clarified that Shami is free to voluntarily assist with educational or other reasonable expenses for his daughter beyond the fixed monthly amount. Background: Domestic Violence and Other Allegations The couple married in April 2014, but their relationship soured over time, leading to a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Hasin Jahan in March 2018 at the Jadavpur police station. Jahan accused Shami and his family of domestic violence, mental and physical torture, and dowry harassment under Section 12 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (PWDV) Act, 2005. She also made sensational allegations of match-fixing and claimed Shami had abandoned his financial responsibilities, leaving her to shoulder all family expenses. In her plea, Jahan had sought ₹7 lakh per month as personal maintenance and ₹3 lakh for her daughter. However, the magistrate court had initially dismissed her request for monetary relief to herself and ordered only ₹80,000 for their daughter’s maintenance. Upon appeal, this was modified to include ₹50,000 for Jahan and ₹80,000 for the child. High Court’s Rationale Justice Mukherjee ruled that the lower court’s assessment required revision. The judge cited relevant case law and stated: “The wife is entitled to a levelled maintenance that she enjoyed during the continuance of marriage and which reasonably secures her future as well as the future of the child.” The case remains under legal review, and the ₹4 lakh monthly payment is a temporary measure until the court arrives at a final decision in the matter. This order marks a significant development not just in the personal lives of the individuals involved but also reinforces the judiciary’s stance on ensuring financial protection for women and children in domestic disputes—especially in high-profile cases involving public figures.

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Editor05 mins

Carlsen Fires Verbal Salvo at Gukesh Ahead of SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz 2025

As the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025 kicks off in Zagreb, the stage is set for a compelling rematch between world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and reigning classical world champion D. Gukesh—and Carlsen has wasted no time in stoking the fire. Speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Carlsen made blunt and pointed remarks, questioning Gukesh’s credentials in faster time formats like rapid and blitz. “Gukesh played quite well here last time,” Carlsen acknowledged. “But it remains to be proven that he’s one of the best players in this format… I will approach it as if I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players.” A Rivalry Rekindled The comments follow their high-voltage encounter at Norway Chess 2025, where Gukesh stunned Carlsen in a classical game, overturning a worse position to claim victory. Carlsen’s visibly emotional reaction—thumping the table and scattering pieces—went viral, marking one of his rare public outbursts and underscoring how deeply the loss stung. But as the Grand Chess Tour shifts to rapid and blitz formats—domains where Carlsen has reigned supreme—he seems intent on reclaiming control of the narrative. He even dismissed Gukesh’s chances with a calculated confidence: “We have a very, very strong field. Gukesh hasn’t done anything to indicate that he’s going to do well in such a tournament.” A New Test for the World Champion D. Gukesh, at just 18, is the youngest classical world champion in history, but he faces a different challenge in Zagreb. Rapid and blitz demand quick instinct, sharp nerves, and experience—qualities Carlsen believes Gukesh has yet to fully prove in these formats. The two are scheduled to face each other three times between July 3 and July 6—once in rapid, twice in blitz. Their first clash on July 3 will be their first meeting since that unforgettable moment in Stavanger. Alongside Gukesh will be Praggnanandhaa R, the Bucharest leg winner and one of the circuit’s most in-form players. The Indian contingent arrives in Zagreb with momentum but under pressure to carry it into shorter formats. Carlsen Still the Standard While Gukesh holds the classical crown, Carlsen remains the benchmark—especially in rapid and blitz, where he has long been regarded as near-invincible. When asked about the top contenders, he placed Alireza Firouzja second—notably omitting Gukesh from his shortlist. “If I’m in good shape, it will take something special to beat me,” Carlsen asserted with typical assurance. A Reminder from Kasparov On the eve of the event, chess legend Garry Kasparov added a note of wisdom—one that seemed aimed at Gukesh and the younger generation navigating new-found fame and expectations. “The moment you stop thinking about improving, it’s over… The main opponent is your own excellence.” The Bigger Battle The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz isn’t just about points on the Grand Chess Tour—it’s a test of ego, evolution, and legacy. For Carlsen, it’s about reaffirming dominance. For Gukesh, it’s about proving he belongs at the very top—even in formats where he’s still finding his footing. As the pieces begin to move in Zagreb, all eyes will be on whether Carlsen’s confidence or Gukesh’s quiet determination wins the day.

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Editor05 mins

Apple’s India Dream Faces Setback as China Pulls Engineers from Foxconn Factories

Just as Apple gears up to scale production of its next-gen iPhone 17 in India, a silent yet strategic move from China may threaten to derail the tech giant’s ambitious shift. Over 300 Chinese engineers and technicians working at Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plants in southern India have been abruptly recalled—marking a significant disruption in Apple’s global supply chain diversification strategy. While neither Apple nor Foxconn has issued an official statement, the timing—and silence—is telling. The exits come amid escalating geopolitical friction between India and China, and growing concerns in Beijing over the West’s accelerating “China+1” manufacturing strategy. Why the Exit Matters Foxconn’s Chinese engineers weren’t just performing routine tasks—they were the bridge between decades of assembly expertise in China’s Shenzhen and Apple’s new manufacturing hub in India. These engineers were instrumental in: Without them, India’s largely young and unseasoned workforce will face a steep learning curve, especially when assembling devices composed of over 1,000 intricate parts. A Calculated Move by Beijing According to Bloomberg, China has been quietly tightening the flow of: From rare earth magnets for EVs to APIs in pharma, and now to tech manpower, China is subtly applying pressure on companies that seek to move operations out of its territory. It’s not just trade resistance—it’s supply chain control. This latest act—limiting the movement of Foxconn’s Chinese personnel to India—might be China’s most targeted response yet to the shifting manufacturing base. India’s $10 Billion iPhone Milestone at Risk Foxconn has significantly ramped up its Indian operations. In 2024 alone: India now contributes to 20% of Apple’s global iPhone output. The iPhone 17 was expected to be the biggest step yet in that journey. But now, efficiency and training standards may take a hit—even if quality doesn’t visibly drop, as Bloomberg cautiously noted. Beyond App Bans: A Strategic Disruption India’s post-2020 retaliation to the Galwan Valley clash was largely symbolic—banning Chinese apps like TikTok and limiting investments. But China’s current tactic strikes deeper—at the factory floor, where knowledge transfer and real-time mentoring are irreplaceable. As of now, there’s no official disruption in production, and Indian authorities have been quietly informed of the exits. But industry insiders believe delays and inefficiencies could emerge, particularly during the ramp-up phase for iPhone 17. Global Stakes in a Shifting Tech Order Apple’s pivot to India is part of a broader decoupling trend driven by US-China trade tensions. With America incentivising companies to diversify supply chains to countries like India and Vietnam, China is clearly playing defence—with brains, not bullets. Donald Trump, back on the campaign trail, has once again called for Apple to “make in America.” But with high US labour costs and lack of assembly-line scale, India remains Apple’s best bet. And that’s exactly where the current friction bites. By subtly pulling back engineers, China isn’t just reacting—it’s recalibrating, trying to remind the world that it still holds the intellectual infrastructure of tech manufacturing. What Lies Ahead For India, this isn’t just a tech hiccup—it’s a stress test for its global manufacturing ambitions. Can India plug the talent gap? Will Apple re-strategize? Can this withdrawal be reversed through diplomacy or incentives? In the months leading to the iPhone 17 launch, these questions will shape more than Apple’s production line. They may redefine the balance of power in global tech supply chains, and determine how quickly India can become the next factory of the world. The departure of a few hundred engineers may seem minor—but their absence marks a tipping point in a geopolitical contest playing out through chips, cables, and corporate boardrooms.

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Editor07 mins

Diljit Dosanjh Faces Backlash Over ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions, Sparks Debate on Artistic Freedom and Identity

Diljit Dosanjh—one of India’s most acclaimed Punjabi singer-actors and arguably its most prominent global entertainer—is at the center of a growing controversy over his latest film, Sardaar Ji 3. The film features Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in a supporting role and was completed in February 2025, months before the April terror attack in Pahalgam that reignited tensions between India and Pakistan. In the wake of the attack, the Indian government, with support from influential film industry bodies, enforced sweeping restrictions on Pakistani artists, including a ban on their involvement in Indian projects. Despite this climate of heightened nationalism, the producers of Sardaar Ji 3, citing significant financial investments, opted for an exclusive overseas release on June 27, skipping a domestic release in India. Dosanjh defended the decision, stating that the film’s production preceded the diplomatic fallout and that the controversy was entirely beyond their control. He found support from industry stalwarts like Javed Akhtar and Imtiaz Ali, who echoed this pragmatic argument. However, their reasoned stance was quickly drowned out by nationalist outrage. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a strongly worded condemnation, calling Dosanjh’s collaboration with a Pakistani artist a “blatant violation” of industry directives and an “affront to the sovereignty, dignity, and security of India.” Their demands were severe: calls to remove Dosanjh from major projects such as Border 2, and even from some quarters, calls for the revocation of his Indian passport and citizenship. Amid the noise, there has been a noticeable lack of discourse around artistic freedom, free speech, and constitutional rights. Instead, mainstream media has largely amplified the most jingoistic and reactionary voices. Ironically, Dosanjh’s international success is grounded in his unwavering commitment to his Punjabi roots and language. He has shown that authenticity—not assimilation—is the true path to global stardom. Last year, he was named the top Asian celebrity worldwide, even surpassing Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan. His cultural resonance was further affirmed in early 2025 when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the PM’s official residence. The meeting, widely publicized by the government, saw Modi praising Dosanjh as a “truly multifaceted talent,” while Dosanjh called the interaction “fantastic” and “memorable.” Weeks before that, Dosanjh captivated the elite at the Ambani pre-wedding extravaganza in Jamnagar, delivering a performance that went viral alongside global icons like Rihanna. This event, like many others, reinforced his status as one of India’s biggest entertainment exports. From headlining Coachella—becoming the first Indian artist to do so—to selling out arenas across North America and Europe with his Dil-Luminati tour, Dosanjh has redefined what is possible for Indian musicians on the world stage. His appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he was introduced as “the biggest Punjabi performer on the planet,” and his collaborations with artists like Ed Sheeran and Sia, have propelled him into a league previously occupied only by Western pop giants. That Dosanjh, so recently embraced by the political establishment and celebrated by the nation’s wealthiest family, can now be labeled a traitor by some of those same forces, is a stark reflection of the contradictions in India’s current political and cultural climate. What was once a story of national pride is now being twisted into a political weapon. Crucially, Dosanjh’s Sikh and Punjabi identity is not a backdrop to his success—it is its beating heart. He has deliberately and proudly represented Sikh culture on global platforms, from his historic appearance at the 2025 Met Gala in a turban, kurta, tehmat, and bejeweled kirpan, declaring “Main Hoon Punjab,” to his concerts that serve as cultural celebrations. For diasporic Sikh communities worldwide, Dosanjh is more than a performer—he is a symbol of visibility, pride, and resistance in an often exclusionary entertainment landscape. In the end, the backlash against Dosanjh is not merely about a film or a political dispute—it is about who gets to define patriotism, art, and identity in an increasingly polarized India.

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Editor07 mins

Senior IPS Officer Siddharth Kaushal Resigns Voluntarily, Denies Political Pressure Allegations

Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Siddharth Kaushal has voluntarily stepped down from service, ending a distinguished career spanning over 13 years in Andhra Pradesh’s law enforcement. In his official statement released on Wednesday, Kaushal clarified that his decision to resign from the IPS was based entirely on personal grounds, dismissing speculative media reports that suggested political pressure or harassment as the cause. “I have tendered my voluntary resignation from the Indian Police Service, a decision made on purely personal grounds after deep personal reflection. It is a step taken in alignment with my long-term life goals and the wishes of my family members,” the statement read. The 2012-batch officer, who still had 21 years of service remaining, made it clear that the choice was independent and deliberate, asserting that rumors of external compulsion were baseless and misleading. Legacy in Andhra Pradesh Police Kaushal earned widespread recognition during his tenure as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Krishna and Prakasam districts, where his innovative policing methods and reforms drew appreciation. Throughout his service, he was known for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to community engagement. A New Chapter Ahead While Kaushal has not formally revealed his next move, sources close to him suggest that he is likely to join a multinational company following government acceptance of his resignation. An IIM Indore alumnus with a Master’s degree, Kaushal appears set to transition into the corporate world. Expressing deep gratitude, he thanked the State government, colleagues, seniors, juniors, and citizens for shaping his journey. “Serving in the IPS has been the most fulfilling and enriching journey of my life. Andhra Pradesh has been a privilege, and I will always carry the people of this state in my heart with affection and pride,” he said. As he looks ahead, Kaushal underlined his intent to contribute to society through new and meaningful avenues, leaving behind a legacy of service marked by integrity, innovation, and public trust.

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Editor03 mins
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