July 30, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Single Dose of Psilocybin Shows Long-Term Relief from Depression and Anxiety in Cancer Patients: Study

A groundbreaking new study published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, suggests that a single dose of psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—combined with psychological support, may offer long-lasting relief from depression and anxiety in cancer patients. 📊 Key Findings from the Study: 🧪 Current and Future Research An ongoing randomised, double-blind trial is evaluating up to two doses of psilocybin versus placebo to determine whether repeat dosing can increase the proportion of patients achieving full remission. Dr. Manish Agrawal, lead author and oncologist at Sunstone Therapies, stated: “One dose of psilocybin with psychological support has a long-term positive impact… We’re exploring whether repeating the treatment resolves depression for more than half of the patients.” 🧠 Why This Matters: 🌱 What’s Next? If these promising results are confirmed in larger studies, psilocybin-assisted therapy could emerge as a transformative approach in supporting the emotional well-being of people living with cancer.

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Editor03 mins

Discovery of New Bat Viruses in China Sparks Concern Over Future Zoonotic Threats

A recent study has identified 22 previously unknown viruses in the kidney tissues of 142 bats collected from Yunnan province, China, between 2017 and 2021, according to reports by Newsweek and The Sun. Among them, two viruses show genetic similarities to the deadly Hendra and Nipah henipaviruses, both known for causing severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans. 🔬 Key Discoveries from the Study: ⚠️ Why This Matters: The findings come in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also originated from China and raised global awareness about zoonotic viruses — those that spill over from animals to humans. While no direct threat has yet been reported from these newly found viruses, researchers have warned about their zoonotic potential. Molecular virologist Prof. Vinod Balasubramaniam said the discovery is “concerning” due to the location of the viruses in kidneys, potentially allowing urine to contaminate fruits or water supplies, especially in regions with close human-animal proximity. 🧬 Context & Implications: 📌 FAQs 1. Is the China bat virus dangerous? While the newly found viruses haven’t infected humans yet, scientists have called them “critical zoonotic threats” that require urgent surveillance. 2. Could there be another pandemic from bats? There is no current evidence of an imminent pandemic. However, the risk of spillover events continues to exist due to close human-wildlife interactions. 3. What virus is spreading in China? Researchers recently discovered 20+ new viruses in bats, but none have been reported as spreading among humans. Monitoring is ongoing. 🧪 Bottom Line: This research serves as a timely reminder that early detection and ecological surveillance are critical in preventing the next potential pandemic. Scientists are urging global health agencies to step up monitoring of zoonotic reservoirs, especially in regions with dense wildlife-human interfaces.

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Editor04 mins

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Hernia Surgery in Germany; Recovery in Progress Ahead of Bangladesh T20Is

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has undergone a successful hernia surgery in Munich, Germany and is currently in recovery. The 34-year-old batting star took advantage of a break in India’s schedule to address the issue before resuming international duties later this summer. Suryakumar was last seen lighting up IPL 2025 with an extraordinary run of form for Mumbai Indians, where he not only powered the team into the playoffs but also broke a world record for most consecutive 25+ scores (16) in T20 cricket. He ended the season with 717 runs, the highest-ever tally by a non-opener in IPL history, and also the most by a Mumbai Indians batter in a single edition. 🇮🇳 Upcoming International Assignments India is currently on a Test tour of England, running through August 4, and will then travel to Bangladesh for a white-ball series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is. Suryakumar has not been part of India’s 50-over squad since the 2023 World Cup final, and with no immediate T20I fixtures, the timing was ideal for surgery and rehabilitation. He is expected to return to lead the T20I side in the first T20I in Chattogram on August 26, marking his comeback. 🔥 India’s Explosive New T20 Era Since taking over the T20I captaincy following India’s World Cup win in June 2024, Suryakumar has overseen a revolutionary phase in India’s T20 approach. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from the format, the baton passed to the IPL generation, under whom India has redefined T20 batting. Embracing aggression and batting depth, the team has regularly crossed the 250-run mark, even setting a near-record 297 vs Bangladesh in October 2024, the second-highest total in T20I history. As Suryakumar recovers, fans and selectors alike will be eager to see him resume command of the high-flying Indian T20 squad as they continue building toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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Editor03 mins

Navy HQ Clerk Arrested for Spying for Pakistan’s ISI During Operation Sindoor; Nationwide Espionage Crackdown Intensifies

A shocking case of espionage has come to light with the arrest of Vishal Yadav, an employee posted at the Indian Navy Headquarters in New Delhi. He has been accused of leaking sensitive defence information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), including crucial details during Operation Sindoor, India’s high-profile military operation following the Pahalgam terror attack. Yadav, a clerk and resident of Haryana, was arrested by the Rajasthan Police’s CID Intelligence unit after months of surveillance. According to senior officer Vishnukant Gupta, Yadav was in constant contact with a female ISI handler, who posed as “Priya Sharma” on social media. She reportedly paid Yadav in exchange for confidential information related to naval and defence activities. Forensic analysis of Yadav’s phone uncovered years of communications and data sharing, including during Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), when Indian forces targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Crypto Payments and Gaming AddictionInvestigators found that Yadav, reportedly addicted to online gaming, had suffered major financial losses. This vulnerability was allegedly exploited by Pakistani handlers. He received payments through cryptocurrency accounts and direct bank transfers, making the financial trail harder to trace. Yadav is currently being interrogated at the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, with multiple intelligence agencies involved. Officials are probing the depth of the information leak and investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a larger espionage ring. Wider Crackdown After Pahalgam AttackThe arrest comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown on Pakistani espionage networks, which intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack. In recent weeks, several individuals across India have been detained for alleged links with ISI operatives, many of whom maintained contact through social media honey traps. In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, a state government employee named Shakur Khan was arrested for spying for Pakistan. In another major case, Haryana-based YouTuber and vlogger Jyoti Malhotra was taken into custody after being linked to a Pakistani officer posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during Operation Sindoor. The developments highlight a growing concern over digital espionage, where Indian nationals are being targeted through social media platforms and lured using money, romance, or ideological manipulation. Intelligence agencies have urged vigilance and are expected to roll out stricter counter-espionage protocols within defence and civil departments.

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Editor04 mins

पाहलगाम हमले का जिक्र न होने पर भारत ने SCO बैठक में साझा घोषणापत्र पर हस्ताक्षर करने से किया इनकार, रक्षा मंत्री ने पाकिस्तान को लताड़ा

भारत के रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह ने शंघाई सहयोग संगठन (SCO) की बैठक में बड़ा कदम उठाते हुए उस साझा घोषणापत्र पर हस्ताक्षर करने से इनकार कर दिया जिसमें जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम आतंकी हमले का कोई उल्लेख नहीं था। इस हमले में 26 निर्दोष लोगों की जान गई थी। भारत ने साफ कहा कि वह आतंकवाद पर समझौता नहीं करेगा, और जब तक वास्तविक स्थिति को दर्शाया नहीं जाएगा, वह किसी भी दस्तावेज़ को समर्थन नहीं देगा। सूत्रों के अनुसार, SCO के संयुक्त दस्तावेज़ में पाकिस्तान के बलूचिस्तान का उल्लेख किया गया था, जिसमें अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से भारत पर वहां अशांति फैलाने का आरोप लगाया गया। वहीं पहलगाम हमले को पूरी तरह से नजरअंदाज किया गया, जो स्पष्ट रूप से पाकिस्तान के कहने पर और चीन की अध्यक्षता में किया गया कदम माना जा रहा है। चीन वर्तमान में SCO का चेयर है और पाकिस्तान उसका स्थायी सहयोगी है। आतंक पर दोहरे मापदंड नहीं चलेगा: राजनाथ सिंह राजनाथ सिंह ने सम्मेलन को संबोधित करते हुए कहा, “शांति और समृद्धि का आतंकवाद और सामूहिक विनाश के हथियारों के साथ सह-अस्तित्व नहीं हो सकता। कुछ देश सीमा पार आतंकवाद को नीति का हिस्सा बना चुके हैं और आतंकियों को पनाह देते हैं। SCO को ऐसे दोहरे मापदंडों वाले देशों की खुलेआम आलोचना करनी चाहिए।” उन्होंने कहा कि पहलगाम हमले के पीड़ितों की पहचान उनके धर्म के आधार पर की गई और फिर गोली मारी गई। इस निर्मम हमले की जिम्मेदारी ‘द रेजिस्टेंस फ्रंट’ ने ली है, जो लश्कर-ए-तैयबा का एक छद्म संगठन है। भारत ने आतंकवाद के खिलाफ “जीरो टॉलरेंस” की नीति अपनाई है और हमने यह दिखाया है कि आतंक के केंद्र अब सुरक्षित नहीं हैं — भारत जरूरत पड़ने पर जवाब देने से पीछे नहीं हटेगा। SCO के सदस्य देशों को एकजुट होने की अपील राजनाथ सिंह ने कहा कि क्षेत्र के सामने सबसे बड़ी चुनौतियां शांति, सुरक्षा और विश्वास की कमी से जुड़ी हैं, जिनकी जड़ें कट्टरपंथ, उग्रवाद और आतंकवाद में हैं। उन्होंने SCO देशों से आह्वान किया कि वे आतंक के खिलाफ बिना किसी शर्त के खड़े हों, और जो देश आतंकवाद को बढ़ावा देते हैं, उन्हें न्याय के कटघरे में लाया जाए। ‘ऑपरेशन सिंदूर’ के बाद भारत की आक्रामक कूटनीति रक्षा मंत्री की यह कड़ी प्रतिक्रिया ‘ऑपरेशन सिंदूर’ के बाद भारत के वैश्विक रुख को दर्शाती है। इस ऑपरेशन के बाद भारत ने आठ देशों में प्रतिनिधिमंडल भेजकर यह स्पष्ट किया कि आतंकवाद के खिलाफ लड़ाई में अब वह सिर्फ शब्दों से नहीं, बल्कि ठोस कार्रवाई से जवाब देगा। भारत का साझा घोषणापत्र पर हस्ताक्षर न करना सिर्फ एक कूटनीतिक कदम नहीं, बल्कि यह संदेश है कि आतंकवाद पर कोई समझौता नहीं होगा, चाहे वह मंच SCO का हो या कोई और।

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Editor01 mins

Apollo Leads $750 Million Funding Round for Adani’s Mumbai Airport; Largest Private Credit Deal in Aviation Sector

Mumbai. In a major private credit transaction, Apollo Global Management has led a $750-million financing round for Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), the operator of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and a key entity under the Adani Group. The US-based investment firm said the four-year senior secured notes will primarily be used to refinance MIAL’s existing debt, with an additional $250 million earmarked for capital expenditure. Apollo described the transaction as the first investment-grade private bond issuance in India’s aviation sector and one of the largest such deals in the country’s infrastructure space. “This marks Apollo’s second large financing for MIAL, having previously provided operational flexibility to deleverage and now delivering an investment-grade rated solution,” said Jamshid Ehsani, partner at Apollo. Growing Trend in Private Credit The deal is the latest in a series of large private credit transactions in India. Earlier this month, KKR provided $600 million to Manipal Group, marking its largest such deal in India. In May, Shapoorji Pallonji Group raised $3.4 billion from a group of global investors including BlackRock, Pimco, and Ares Management. MIAL is 74% owned by Adani Airports Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) holds the remaining 26%. Adani Airports is currently India’s largest private airport operator, managing eight airports across the country. Supporting Expansion and Sustainability In a separate statement, Adani Airports said the funding deal is supported by global banks and institutional investors such as BlackRock-managed funds and Standard Chartered. The proceeds will be used to support modernization, capacity expansion, and sustainability initiatives at Mumbai airport. Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports, said the transaction reflects the group’s “operational strength and unwavering commitment to sustainability.” Strategic Legal Support The transaction was supported by top legal firms. Allen & Overy LLP and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas advised MIAL, while Milbank LLP and Khaitan & Co represented Apollo. Mumbai Airport: A Key National Hub Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is India’s second-busiest airport, having handled 25.8 million passengers in the last financial year. The airport accounted for 23% of India’s passenger traffic and 30% of its air cargo, further underscoring its strategic importance in the country’s aviation and logistics infrastructure.

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Editor04 mins

Neeraj Chopra Wins Ostrava Golden Spike 2025 Javelin Title, His Second Victory in a Week

Ostrava, Czech Republic – India’s Neeraj Chopra continued his golden run this season by clinching the javelin throw title at the prestigious Ostrava Golden Spike 2025, just three days after winning the Paris Diamond League. Competing at the Ostravar Aréna, Chopra registered a best throw of 85.29m, finishing ahead of South Africa’s Douw Smit and Grenada’s Anderson Peters. 🥇 Final Standings – Top Throws of the Night: Though Neeraj couldn’t match his 90.23m national record throw from the Doha Diamond League, his consistency and early-season dominance were on full display. This victory marks his second title in less than a week and his third podium finish in the 2025 season. ✅ Neeraj’s 2025 Season So Far: This was Neeraj’s fifth competitive outing of the season and his third major competition after a challenging 2024, in which he struggled with injury and missed defending his Olympic title to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. Coaching Transition & Comeback In a major career move, Neeraj parted ways with his long-time coach Dr Klaus Bartonietz and began training under Jan Železný, the javelin world record holder and the director of the Ostrava Golden Spike event. The results are clearly showing, as Neeraj has returned stronger, more technically refined, and focused on surpassing his own limits. Looking Ahead With back-to-back titles, Neeraj Chopra now looks ahead to more events in the World Athletics Continental Tour and the build-up to the 2025 World Championships and the 2026 Olympics. His form, confidence, and newfound training regime suggest a promising season ahead for the javelin star. 🇮🇳 India’s golden arm is back — and stronger than ever.

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Editor03 mins

Operation Sindhu Winds Down as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Takes Effect; Over 2,800 Indians Evacuated

New Delhi/Tehran. Following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Indian Embassy in Iran has begun winding up its emergency evacuation operations under Operation Sindhu, which had facilitated the safe return of thousands of Indian nationals since the West Asian conflict began on June 13. On Tuesday (June 24, 2025), the Embassy officially closed its help desk in Mashhad, a key hub for evacuation efforts in Iran. “Since there has been an announcement of ceasefire, the Embassy is gradually winding up the evacuation exercise initiated during the military conflict in Iran,” the Embassy in Tehran said in a statement. Indian citizens still requiring help or advice have been asked to reach out via the Embassy’s Telegram channel or the emergency helplines, which will remain operational for a few more days to monitor the situation and support any remaining needs. 2,295 Indians Evacuated from Iran The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that 2,295 Indian nationals had been evacuated from Iran since the start of Operation Sindhu. The last evacuation flight from Mashhad landed in India early Tuesday, carrying 292 Indians, along with two Nepali nationals — Ganesh P. Pokhrel and Suman Gaire — as confirmed by the Embassy of Nepal. In light of the ceasefire, the Embassy has advised Indian citizens not to proceed to Mashhad for evacuation and instead remain where they are unless instructed otherwise. Evacuations from Israel Continue Coinciding with the ceasefire declaration, India also ramped up efforts to evacuate its citizens from Israel. On Tuesday morning, 161 Indians arrived in India from Israel via Amman, Jordan, since Israeli airports remain closed due to ongoing security risks. This was followed by the evacuation of 268 more Indians from Israel on a C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which airlifted them from Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, to Delhi by 11 a.m. on June 24. In total, 594 Indians have been evacuated from Israel under Operation Sindhu. Ceasefire Confirmed The ceasefire between Israel and Iran was formally declared by U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged both sides to de-escalate following weeks of cross-border hostilities that had endangered regional stability and led to a massive evacuation effort by several countries, including India. The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the ceasefire announcement and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad, thanking partner nations for their coordination in supporting evacuation logistics during the crisis.

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Editor04 mins

J&K and Ladakh High Court Orders Repatriation of 63-Year-Old Woman Deported to Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack

Srinagar. In a significant humanitarian ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to repatriate a 63-year-old woman, Rakshanda Rashid, who was deported to Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The court noted that she had been residing in India for the past 38 years on a long-term visa and termed her deportation as a rare and urgent case requiring immediate intervention. The directive, issued on June 6 by Justice Rahul Bharti, mandates the Centre to facilitate Rakshanda’s return within 10 days and submit a compliance report by July 1. The petition was filed by her daughter, Falak Zahoor, while Rakshanda’s husband, Sheikh Zahoor Ahmed, informed the court that she is gravely ill and has no family or support system in Pakistan. In a two-page order, Justice Bharti underscored that the woman’s health condition and isolation posed a serious threat to her life. “Human rights are the most sacrosanct commitment to human life,” the order stated, adding that courts must step in with “SOS-like indulgence” in exceptional humanitarian cases, even if the full merits of the case are yet to be adjudicated. The court also questioned the legality of Rakshanda’s deportation, suggesting that the action may not have been justified given her long-term presence and life in Jammu. “This court is constrained to direct the secretary, ministry of home affairs, to retrieve the petitioner and facilitate the reunion with her husband in Jammu,” the order read. Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed, authorities had deported several individuals residing in Jammu and Kashmir on long-term visas. However, the move has triggered legal challenges, especially from families who have lived in India for decades. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 1, when the home ministry is expected to present its compliance report.

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Editor03 mins

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Soars to Space Aboard Axiom-4, Becomes First Indian to Reach ISS

The Axiom-4 mission successfully launched into space at noon on Wednesday, carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other international crew members. The spacecraft began its 28-hour journey to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic moment for India and several other nations. With this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space, over four decades after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight on a Soviet mission in 1984. Significantly, Shukla is the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, a continuously manned research facility orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 kilometers. Also aboard are Poland’s Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, both representing their nations’ return to human spaceflight after more than 40 years. Shortly after entering orbit, Shukla addressed viewers from space, saying, “This is not the beginning of my flight. This is the beginning of India’s human spaceflight efforts. I am with you all. You all can participate in this flight and feel the energy, and become a part of this mission.” The mission had faced several delays due to weather conditions and technical issues but finally launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on Thursday. Back home, the launch was celebrated with cheers and applause at the CSIR headquarters in New Delhi, where Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh, scientists, and dignitaries including Australian High Commissioner Philip Green watched the event live. The Axiom-4 mission symbolizes not just a scientific milestone, but a new chapter in India’s space journey, reinforcing its aspirations in human space exploration.

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Editor03 mins
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