July 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

India’s Active Covid-19 Cases Rise to 7,121; Experts Urge Targeted Protection Amid New Variant Surge

India’s Covid-19 situation is witnessing a gradual uptick, with 306 fresh cases and six fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The active case count has now risen to 7,121, marking a steady increase in recent weeks. Of the six deaths, three were reported from Kerala, two from Karnataka, and one from Maharashtra. Health officials noted that among the deceased was a 43-year-old immunocompromised male, while the rest were elderly patients with pre-existing respiratory or chronic health conditions. New Variants Fueling the Surge Experts attribute the recent surge to emerging variants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and the newly detected NB.1.8.1 subvariant. These are believed to be more transmissible but not necessarily more severe in terms of illness caused. Kerala Remains Worst Hit Kerala continues to be the worst-affected state, reporting 2,223 active cases and 170 new infections in the past 24 hours. It is followed by Gujarat with 1,223 active cases and 114 new infections, while Delhi saw a jump to 757 active cases, registering 66 new cases. Here’s a statewise summary of key data: State Active Cases New Cases (24 hrs) Deaths (24 hrs) Kerala 2,223 +170 3 Maharashtra 615 +2 1 Gujarat 1,223 +114 0 Delhi 757 +66 0 West Bengal 747 — — Karnataka 459 -100 2 Tamil Nadu 204 -3 0 No Mass Booster Drive Recommended In response to the rise, health experts have advised against a mass booster vaccination drive, recommending a targeted strategy focused on high-risk groups—especially the elderly, chronically ill, and immunocompromised individuals. With widespread hybrid immunity from prior infections and high vaccine coverage, they believe additional boosters for the general population are currently unnecessary. Continued Vigilance and Public Health Advisory The central government has issued advisories urging states and union territories to remain alert and prepared. Medical professionals have stressed the importance of distinguishing Covid-19 from seasonal viral fevers, which share similar symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and respiratory distress. The Indian Medical Association has reiterated the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded areas, especially for vulnerable populations. The situation remains under close observation, with authorities urging caution but not panic as they continue to monitor the evolving outbreak.

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Editor03 mins

Heartbreak for India as Late Penalty Hands 0-1 Defeat to Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier

A dramatic stoppage-time penalty shattered India’s hopes as Hong Kong, China secured a 1-0 victory in front of 42,570 fans at a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Group C clash of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round saw Stefan Pereira calmly slot home from the spot in the 94th minute, leaving India winless after two games. ⚽ Match Summary India looked set to grind out a well-earned point until goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who had been solid all evening, misjudged a high ball and collided with Michael Udebuluzor, conceding a penalty in added time. Pereira stepped up under pressure and converted with composure, handing Hong Kong a historic win and silencing Indian hopes in a match that had been evenly poised throughout. 🇮🇳 India’s Performance: Resolute But Lacking Finish India’s defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali, held strong for most of the match, keeping Hong Kong at bay despite waves of early pressure. Kaith had made several important saves before his late error, while India threatened on the counter through Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Ashique Kuruniyan. Brandon Fernandes was pivotal in midfield, but India’s inability to convert chances — including Kuruniyan’s 35th-minute miss — came back to haunt them. Substitute Sunil Chhetri brought control and urgency after coming on in the 58th minute. His shot in the 82nd minute looked dangerous before it was bravely blocked by the Hong Kong defence. 🟨 Key Incident: Penalty Drama in Added Time 📊 Group C Standings (After Matchday 2): Position Team Points GD 1️⃣ Singapore 4 +1 2️⃣ Hong Kong 4 +1 3️⃣ Bangladesh 1 -1 4️⃣ India 1 -1 📅 What’s Next for India? India will need a win against Singapore in October to revive their qualifying hopes. With only one point from two matches, coach Manolo Márquez has work to do in lifting spirits and fine-tuning attack strategies. 🗣️ Post-Match Talking Points: This loss will sting for a while — but India still has time and matches left to turn their campaign around. The road to Saudi Arabia 2027 has become steeper, but not impossible.

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Editor04 mins

Vande Bharat Express on Katra–Srinagar Route Fully Booked for 10 Days Amid Overwhelming Public Response

The newly launched Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra to Srinagar has received an enthusiastic reception, with railway authorities confirming that the train is fully booked for the next 10 days. The service, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, represents a transformative step in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, seamlessly linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via high-speed rail. According to Jugal Kishor Sharma, Station Superintendent at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, the response has been “overwhelming.” He said, “There are no seats available for the next 10 days. People are very excited to travel on this route, and there’s a long waiting list.” Cutting Travel Time, Connecting Cultures The Vande Bharat Express reduces the Katra–Srinagar journey to just three hours, shaving off two to three hours compared to existing travel options. The route is particularly significant as it connects Katra, a renowned pilgrimage site, with Srinagar, the cultural heart of Jammu and Kashmir. Railway staff are working “round-the-clock” to accommodate the surge in passengers, ensuring smooth operations and passenger comfort, Sharma added. Engineering Marvels Along the Route The train journey offers more than speed — it’s also a visual and emotional experience. It passes over two iconic bridges: These engineering landmarks symbolise India’s technological prowess and the integration of Kashmir’s challenging terrain into the national transportation network. Emotional and Political Milestone Prominent political leaders were quick to highlight the train’s significance. Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who was among the first passengers, became emotional during the ride. “My eyes became teary when the train crossed the Chenab Bridge. It’s the biggest gift for the people of the Union Territory,” he said. Minister Satish Sharma described the launch as a “historic moment”, celebrating it as a long-awaited development that enhances accessibility and breaks the monopoly of air travel in the region. “It offers people a more affordable and reliable alternative,” he stated. A Boost to Tourism and Integration The train’s popularity reflects a growing demand for modern, efficient transport in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides offering greater convenience, it is expected to boost tourism, facilitate pilgrimage, and strengthen socio-economic ties between the region and the rest of the country. The Vande Bharat’s debut on this strategically important route marks not just a logistical achievement but a symbol of national unity and progress, bridging distances—both literal and emotional—between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.

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Editor04 mins

China Thanks India for Rescuing Crew of Fire-Hit Cargo Vessel off Kerala Coast

China has publicly expressed its gratitude to India for the swift and professional rescue of crew members aboard the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9 following an onboard explosion.Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, shared a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming that 14 of the 22 crew members were Chinese nationals, including six from Taiwan. She praised the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt response and lifesaving efforts. “On June 9, MV Wan Hai 503 encountered onboard explosion and fire 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal, Kerala. Of the total 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese, including 6 from Taiwan. Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue,” Yu Jing posted. According to official reports, 18 crew members were rescued, while four remain missing and five were injured in the incident. The vessel, which was en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), suffered an explosion in one of its containers, leading to a massive fire. It was sailing approximately 70 nautical miles off Kozhikode when the incident occurred and is currently adrift in the Arabian Sea.Search operations are still ongoing. China has extended its hopes for the safe recovery of the missing crew and a speedy recovery for the injured.Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has activated its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to predict drift patterns of any containers, debris, or individuals that may have gone overboard. Authorities are also monitoring for a potential oil spill, which could pose environmental and navigational risks.Forecast models indicate that, if oil has leaked, it may drift parallel to the Kerala coastline between June 10 and June 13. Local authorities have been advised to increase coastal surveillance and warn coastal communities to stay alert for any shoreline or marine hazards.

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Editor03 mins

Maruti Suzuki Slashes e-Vitara EV Production by Two-Thirds Amid Rare Earth Shortage

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, has drastically scaled down its short-term production targets for its first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, by nearly two-thirds, according to a report by Reuters. The company initially planned to produce around 26,500 units of the e-Vitara between April and September 2025, but has now revised that figure to just 8,200 units. Supply Chain Crisis Tied to Rare Earth Shortage The sharp cutback is attributed to a shortage of rare earth materials, as detailed in an internal company document accessed by Reuters. These materials are essential for the production of electric motors, especially for magnets and high-tech components used in EVs. The shortage has been further aggravated by China’s export restrictions, causing widespread disruption in the global automotive supply chain. Long-Term Target Remains Unchanged Despite the immediate setback, Maruti Suzuki has reaffirmed its annual production target of 67,000 electric vehicles for the fiscal year ending March 2026. The company plans to make up for the shortfall in the second half of the fiscal year, with revised production goals set at 58,728 units from October to March, up from the previously planned 40,437 units during that period. Strategic Importance of the e-Vitara The e-Vitara, first revealed at India’s premier auto show in January 2025, is a key component of Maruti Suzuki’s electric mobility strategy in India. It also aligns with the Indian government’s vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to increase EV penetration to 30% of total car sales by 2030, compared to just 2.5% last year. Global Implications This reduction in output may also impact Suzuki Motor Corporation, Maruti’s parent company, given that India is its largest market by revenue and serves as a central EV production hub. A significant number of e-Vitara units manufactured in India are slated for export to Europe and Japan, especially starting summer 2025. While the short-term outlook has been tempered by supply limitations, Maruti Suzuki appears committed to ramping up EV production in the months ahead to meet its strategic and global objectives.

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Editor03 mins

Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: Crime Branch Reveals Chilling Conspiracy Behind Raja Raghuvanshi’s Death

In a chilling development in the murder case of 26-year-old Raja Raghuvanshi, Crime Branch officers from Madhya Pradesh have revealed that the murder was allegedly planned just days after Raja’s wedding to Sonam Raghuvanshi. The prime suspect, 21-year-old Raj Kushwaha—who worked at Sonam’s family’s plywood business—was arrested in Indore, while Sonam surrendered in Uttar Pradesh. Murder Allegedly Planned Soon After Marriage According to investigators, Kushwaha and Sonam allegedly conspired to eliminate Raja during the couple’s honeymoon in Meghalaya. Authorities believe Sonam provided Raja’s location to the hired killers, who then tracked the couple down during their trip. Meanwhile, Kushwaha remained in Indore to maintain an alibi and was even seen comforting Sonam’s father during Raja’s funeral, further raising suspicions. Hired Killers Followed the Couple to Meghalaya Police have identified three more accused—Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi—who were allegedly hired by Kushwaha to carry out the murder. The trio reportedly traveled to Guwahati by train and then proceeded to Meghalaya. The breakthrough in the case came when a local guide informed the Meghalaya police that he had seen Sonam walking behind Raja and the three men near the suspected murder site. Murder Weapon and Motive Under Investigation The murder weapon—a dao, a type of machete—also raised red flags, as it was not typical of the area. Police believe it was possibly procured in Guwahati. Investigators suspect that Sonam and Kushwaha maintained constant communication in the days leading up to the murder, which contributed to the Crime Branch’s suspicions. Additional DCP (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that the suspects traveled via Bihar before reaching Guwahati and ultimately Meghalaya. A seven-day transit remand was granted to Shillong police. The fourth accused, Anand Kurmi, is being brought to Indore from Bina in Sagar district. Family Raises Further Allegations Against Sonam Raja’s brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, expressed shock and said he had never met Kushwaha, though he had heard of his frequent conversations with Sonam. He added that the couple initially planned to visit the Maa Kamakhya Temple in Assam before heading to Shillong but had no confirmed return tickets. Raja’s mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, alleged that Sonam insisted on planning the honeymoon herself and took Rs 9 lakh from Raja to arrange the trip. She also accused Sonam of convincing Raja to carry expensive jewellery, which went against the family’s wishes. Furthermore, Uma claimed Raja had doubts about Sonam’s affection for him even before the wedding, but later, Sonam started engaging more with Raja—possibly to gain his trust and proceed with the honeymoon plan. Investigation Ongoing The case has sent shockwaves across the country, with law enforcement continuing to investigate financial transactions, phone records, and the sequence of events. Authorities are now probing whether Sonam arranged the payments for the killers and what role each accused played in the crime.

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Editor05 mins

Kerala Faces Twin Health Crises: Hepatitis Outbreak Escalates Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

As Kerala battles a renewed rise in COVID-19 infections, the state is now confronting a fast-spreading hepatitis outbreak, with Thrissur district emerging as the epicentre. The sudden spike in hepatitis cases, particularly Hepatitis A and E, has triggered widespread alarm among residents and strained the already-burdened healthcare infrastructure. Officials Sound Alarm Over Water and Food Hygiene District Medical Officer Dr. T.P. Sreedevi has issued an urgent advisory urging the public to take strict hygiene precautions, emphasizing: “Only boiled and properly treated water should be consumed. Avoid stale food entirely.” Hotels and eateries have been specifically asked to serve only boiled water and prevent the mixing of hot and cold water, as the virus spreads through contaminated food and water — a risk that increases during the monsoon season. Recognizing the Symptoms of Hepatitis The incubation period for hepatitis viruses typically ranges from 15 to 60 days after exposure. Common symptoms include: Urgent Public Health Recommendations To prevent further spread, officials have outlined clear precautionary measures: ✅ Drink only boiled or purified water✅ Avoid eating outside, especially roadside or stale food✅ Practice regular handwashing✅ Trim nails and maintain personal hygiene✅ Proper disposal of human waste✅ Seek medical help immediately if experiencing diarrhoea or other symptoms — avoid self-medication People are also urged to remain extra vigilant during festivals or travel, when exposure to contaminated food or water is more likely. Preparing for the Monsoon Surge With the monsoon season approaching, health experts warn of a potential increase in waterborne infections. The Kerala Health Department has already released disease prevention guidelines, urging people to remain alert and act swiftly at the first sign of symptoms. Though the situation is serious, timely awareness, responsible hygiene practices, and immediate medical attention can significantly reduce transmission and help manage the dual threat of COVID-19 and hepatitis.

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Editor03 mins

Starlink Set to Launch in India with ₹3,000 Monthly Plans and ₹33,000 Hardware Cost

Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, is making significant strides toward launching its services in India, with operations expected to begin within the next 12 months. According to CNBC Awaaz, the service is likely to be priced at ₹3,000 per month for unlimited data, with a one-time receiver kit cost of ₹33,000. This development comes after Starlink received a key operating licence from India’s Ministry of Telecommunications on June 6, putting it in direct competition with Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite arm, which are also authorized to offer satellite-based broadband services in the country. Aimed at Rural Connectivity with LEO Technology Starlink will provide 600–700 Gbps of bandwidth via its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The service is expected to primarily cater to rural and remote regions, where traditional broadband infrastructure such as fiber-optic networks and mobile connectivity remains patchy or unavailable. Although India is known for some of the world’s lowest data tariffs, Starlink is positioning itself as a premium connectivity solution in underserved areas. Revised Pricing Reflects Regional Parity Earlier estimates by former Starlink India head Sanjay Bhargava had pegged the first-year cost at ₹1.58 lakh, dropping to ₹1.15 lakh in subsequent years. The updated pricing aligns with Starlink’s rollout in Bangladesh, where customers pay the equivalent of ₹3,000 per month with a ₹33,000 equipment cost, totaling about ₹66,000 in the first year. Regulatory Approvals Still Pending While the operational licence is a major milestone, Starlink must still secure spectrum allocation, pending final recommendations from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) and approval by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Expanding Across Asia Starlink is already operational in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, offering Residential Lite plans priced between ₹2,600 to ₹3,000 per month, and Standard plans that can go up to ₹6,000 depending on the country. With its India debut on the horizon, Starlink is poised to reshape connectivity options for millions living in digitally dark zones.

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Editor03 mins

Nine-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Delhi; Accused Neighbor on the Run

In a deeply disturbing case reported from northeast Delhi’s Dayalpur area, a nine-year-old girl was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Saturday evening. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with police confirming that the primary suspect is a 30-year-old neighbor who has since gone into hiding. According to officials, the child—a student of Class 5—had left home around 7 p.m. to deliver ice to a nearby relative. On her way, she was allegedly approached by the accused, who asked her to bring back house keys he claimed to have dropped on the road. Locals suspect this was a deliberate attempt to lure the child. When the girl failed to return, her family launched a search. About 30 minutes later, a relative reported having seen her enter a nearby building. Upon reaching the second-floor flat where the accused resided, they found it locked. A man claiming to be the accused’s brother promised to fetch the key from a local shop but fled the scene when accompanied by a family member. Suspicious of foul play, the family broke into the locked flat and found a suitcase inside, which contained the child’s unresponsive body with visible injuries. She was rushed to a nearby nursing facility, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Preliminary observations from medical staff indicated trauma and alleged abuse. Joint Commissioner of Police (East) Vijay Kumar said the police were informed at 8:41 p.m., and a case was registered under sections related to serious harm and child protection laws. An autopsy report is awaited to confirm the exact cause of death, though police suspect suffocation or similar causes. The accused, identified as a married man originally from Hapur in Uttar Pradesh and working as a mini-goods vehicle driver, is currently absconding. Multiple police teams are conducting raids to locate him. The incident has triggered protests in the locality. On Saturday night, residents reportedly vandalized the accused’s property. On Sunday, around 200 people staged a protest at Dayalpur Nala Road, causing traffic disruptions. Security forces, including personnel from the Tripura State Rifles, have been deployed to maintain order. Political leaders have also weighed in. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the current administration for a deteriorating law and order situation. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva condemned the crime and urged swift justice but accused the opposition of politicizing the tragedy. The young girl is survived by her parents, grandparents, and two younger brothers.

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Editor04 mins

सुकमा में नक्सली हमले में एएसपी की शहादत: सीएम और डिप्टी सीएम ने जताया शोक, बदले की चेतावनी

छत्तीसगढ़ के सुकमा ज़िले में सोमवार को नक्सलियों द्वारा लगाए गए IED विस्फोट में अतिरिक्त पुलिस अधीक्षक (कांटा डिवीजन) आकाश राव गिरेपुंजे शहीद हो गए, जबकि दो अन्य पुलिस अधिकारी घायल हो गए। यह घटना डोंड्रा गांव के पास तब हुई जब ASP और उनकी टीम एक जली हुई मशीन की सूचना मिलने पर पैदल गश्त कर रही थी। पुलिस के अनुसार, जैसे ही जवान मौके पर पहुंचे, वहां पूर्व-नियोजित IED विस्फोट हुआ। इस हमले में एसडीओपी भानुप्रताप चंद्राकर और थाना प्रभारी सोनल गवाला भी घायल हो गए। सभी को तत्काल उपचार के लिए कांटा अस्पताल पहुंचाया गया, जहां गिरेपुंजे की गंभीर हालत के चलते उन्हें बचाया नहीं जा सका। 42 वर्षीय आकाश राव गिरेपुंजे रायपुर जिले के निवासी थे और 2013 बैच के राज्य पुलिस सेवा के अधिकारी थे। वह मन्हपुर-मोहला और सुकमा जैसे संवेदनशील नक्सल प्रभावित इलाकों में तैनात रह चुके थे और बहादुर अफसरों में गिने जाते थे। मुख्यमंत्री विष्णु देव साय ने X (पूर्व ट्विटर) पर शोक जताते हुए कहा, “यह बेहद दुखद है। मैं उनके शौर्य को नमन करता हूं।” उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि “नक्सलियों को इस कायराना हमले की कीमत चुकानी होगी और जल्द ही छत्तीसगढ़ से उनका अस्तित्व मिटा दिया जाएगा।” राज्य के गृह मंत्री और उप मुख्यमंत्री विजय शर्मा ने भी गिरेपुंजे की शहादत को नमन करते हुए कहा, “सरकार नहीं चाहती कि एक भी गोली चले, लेकिन नक्सली मुख्यधारा में लौटें और पुनर्वास योजना का लाभ उठाकर समाज के विकास में भागीदार बनें।” घायल अधिकारियों की हालत अब स्थिर बताई गई है और उन्हें आगे के इलाज के लिए रायपुर एयरलिफ्ट किया गया है। वहीं, शहीद गिरेपुंजे के पार्थिव शरीर को पूरे राजकीय सम्मान और गार्ड ऑफ ऑनर के साथ अंतिम संस्कार के लिए रायपुर लाया जा रहा है। पुलिस विभाग की ओर से जारी बयान में कहा गया, “शहीद गिरेपुंजे का बलिदान हमारे संकल्प को और दृढ़ करेगा कि हम माओवादी संगठन जैसे निर्दयी और षड्यंत्रकारी तंत्र को पूरी तरह समाप्त कर देंगे।”

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Editor01 mins
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