August 5, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of Indian Men’s Football Team by AIFF

In a landmark decision for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee, following the recommendation of its Technical Committee, has appointed Khalid Jamil as the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team. The decision was made during a virtual meeting chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey on Friday, August 1, 2025. The selection followed a comprehensive SWOT analysis presented by AIFF’s Technical Director Syed Sabir Pasha and National Teams Director Subrata Paul, evaluating the final three shortlisted candidates — Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Štefan Tarkovič. Renowned Indian coaches and awardees — Dronacharya recipients Mr. Bimal Ghosh and Mr. Armando Colaco, and Dhyan Chand Awardee Mr. Shabbir Ali — supported the move to promote an Indian coach. They argued that Indian coaches deserve more opportunities at the top level, drawing parallels with their own experiences in coaching without prior national team roles. Technical Committee Chairman IM Vijayan, a Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee, emphasized that under Indian coaches like Sukhwinder Singh and Syed Nayeemuddin, India had achieved higher FIFA rankings. Vijayan strongly endorsed Khalid Jamil, noting his proven credentials and back-to-back AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year titles (2023–24 and 2024–25). Several Executive Committee members, including Vice President NA Haris, Pinky Bompal Magar, Thongam Tababi Devi, Climax Lawrence, Menla Ethenpa, Arif Ali, and Mohan Lal, echoed the sentiment, affirming that a homegrown coach could bring greater understanding and continuity to Indian football. While some members did propose Stephen Constantine, who had previously coached India, the final consensus favoured Jamil, especially with the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 later this month and AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifiers against Singapore coming up in October. Jamil’s regular involvement with Indian players was viewed as a significant advantage. With this appointment, Khalid Jamil becomes the first full-time Indian head coach of the senior men’s team in over a decade, marking a crucial step toward empowering domestic coaching talent and reinforcing national footballing identity.

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Editor03 mins

PM Modi to Launch ₹2,200 Crore Worth of Development Projects in Varanasi on August 2

Varanasi, Aug 2:Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Saturday, August 2, where he will unveil a slew of development projects valued at approximately ₹2,200 crore. The visit reflects a comprehensive push across sectors including infrastructure, education, health, tourism, environment, and rural development. A key highlight of the visit will be the release of the 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme, benefiting crores of farmers across India. “For my family members in Kashi, tomorrow is a very special day,” PM Modi wrote on X, expressing enthusiasm for the occasion. Connectivity & Infrastructure The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for major road projects, such as: Power Supply Modernisation To boost electricity infrastructure, PM Modi will launch works under the Smart Distribution Project and undergrounding of electrical lines, with investments exceeding ₹880 crore. Tourism, Culture & Heritage The Prime Minister will inaugurate: He will also initiate: Environment & Water To improve water quality and availability: Education Sector Uplift PM Modi will: Healthcare & Animal Welfare Significant enhancements include: PM Modi’s Varanasi visit underscores a vision of holistic urban renewal combined with rural upliftment, aiming to transform the ancient city into a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban hub while retaining its rich cultural legacy.

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Editor04 mins

Communal Tensions Flare in Pune’s Yavat Village Over Objectionable Post; CM Fadnavis Appeals for Calm

A tense situation unfolded in Yavat village of Daund Taluka, Pune district, after an allegedly objectionable social media post triggered communal unrest. The post, believed to have been shared by an outsider, sparked outrage, prompting villagers to take to the streets, with some individuals reportedly attempting to vandalise a local structure. In response, heavy police deployment was made in the area to control the situation. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred a week ago, and tensions had already been simmering before Friday’s flare-up. Authorities were compelled to conduct a lathi-charge to disperse the agitated crowd. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media on Friday, urging citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.“Some people deliberately post such statuses to create tension, but strict action will definitely be taken against them,” Fadnavis stated. He emphasized that no one has the right to insult any religion, and dismissed suggestions that the unrest was linked to any recent public gathering. “At present, the area is entirely peaceful,” he assured. “People from both communities are sitting together, discussing, and attempting to resolve the tension peacefully.” In the aftermath of the violence, a bakery owned by local resident Swapnil Adinath Kadam was vandalised and set on fire. Speaking to reporters, Kadam clarified that the bakery belonged to his family, not to any of the Muslim workers employed there.“Someone wrongly claimed the bakery was Muslim-owned and incited violence. They pelted stones, ripped off the tin roof, and threw inflammable material inside. Our entire bakery has burned down,” he said. Kadam stressed that none of his employees were linked to the controversial post. The police have initiated a probe into the source of the social media post and are also examining video clips circulating online, amid concerns about doctored content being used to inflame tensions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while investigating the origin and intent behind the provocative material.

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Editor03 mins

One Terrorist Killed in Intense Overnight Encounter in Kulgam’s Akhal Forests

Kulgam, Aug 2:One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in the Akhal forests of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday. According to an army official, “intermittent and intense fire fight continued through the night,” with troops responding “befittingly” to the threat. The engagement, part of a counter-terrorism operation code-named Op Akhal, began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning. In an early morning update on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army stated, “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” confirming that one terrorist had been neutralised so far. The post also indicated that the operation is still ongoing. A police official later identified the slain militant as Haris Nazir Dar, a resident of Rajpora. Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the site, including an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and grenades. The operation remains active as forces continue combing the area for any additional threats.

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Editor02 mins

Passenger Slaps Co-Traveller on IndiGo Mumbai–Kolkata Flight; Both Detained and Released

In a shocking incident aboard IndiGo flight 6E 138 from Mumbai to Kolkata, a male passenger allegedly slapped a fellow passenger before the flight took off on Friday morning. The altercation occurred after the boarding process had been completed and passengers were seated, just before the aircraft began taxiing at the Mumbai airport. According to sources, the accused suddenly slapped another male passenger, who was walking toward the front of the aircraft. A video circulating on social media, though yet to be independently verified, shows the victim visibly distressed and crying while fellow passengers protest the violent behaviour. IndiGo crew members swiftly intervened and moved the victim away from the scene. The airline alerted its ground team at Kolkata airport about the incident. Upon landing at 5:35 AM, both passengers were escorted off the aircraft by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and IndiGo security staff. They were then handed over to the police at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport. Both individuals were detained and questioned at the airport police station. While the accused was not arrested, he was issued a formal warning and released. Police sources have indicated that the victim may have underlying mental health issues, although no further details have been disclosed. The identities of both passengers remain undisclosed. IndiGo issued an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), strongly condemning the unruly behaviour. “Such behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on all our flights,” the airline stated. They added that all regulatory agencies had been duly informed, and their crew had acted according to standard procedures. The incident has raised fresh concerns about in-flight safety and passenger conduct, particularly on domestic routes that have seen a rise in such altercations in recent times.

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Editor03 mins

सामय रैना का तूफानी कमबैक: ‘स्टिल अलाइव एंड अनफिल्टर्ड’ टूर ने तोड़े सारे रिकॉर्ड

कमेडी की दुनिया में लौटे सामय रैनास्टैंड-अप कॉमेडियन सामय रैना ने यह साबित कर दिया है कि दर्शकों से उनका जुड़ाव आज भी उतना ही मजबूत है, चाहे कितनी भी आलोचनाएं या विवाद क्यों न झेले हों। हाल ही में विवादों में घिरे अपने यूट्यूब शो India’s Got Latent को हटाने के बाद अब रैना ने अपने नए अखिल भारतीय टूर ‘Samay Raina is Still Alive and Unfiltered’ के साथ धमाकेदार वापसी की है। घंटे भर में 40,000 टिकट्स की बिक्रीइस टूर की टिकट बिक्री किसी चमत्कार से कम नहीं रही—महज एक घंटे में 40,000 टिकट्स बिक गए। यह सामय रैना की फैन फॉलोइंग और उनकी अटूट लोकप्रियता का स्पष्ट प्रमाण है। देशभर के प्रशंसकों ने उनके समर्थन में जबरदस्त उत्साह दिखाया है। यह सात शहरों का टूर भारतीय स्टैंड-अप कॉमेडी के इतिहास में मील का पत्थर साबित हो सकता है। टूर शेड्यूल और दर्शकों की प्रतिक्रियायह बहुप्रतीक्षित टूर 15 अगस्त को बेंगलुरु से शुरू होगा और इसके बाद हैदराबाद, मुंबई, कोलकाता, चेन्नई, पुणे होते हुए 5 अक्टूबर को दिल्ली में समाप्त होगा। ऑनलाइन टिकट बुकिंग की रफ्तार ने आयोजकों को भी चौंका दिया है, जो दर्शाता है कि रैना के प्रशंसक उन्हें मंच पर देखने के लिए कितने उत्साहित हैं। अंतरराष्ट्रीय सफलता और आलोचना के बाद वापसीइस टूर की घोषणा सामय के न्यूजीलैंड, ऑस्ट्रेलिया, यूके और यूरोप में सफल अंतरराष्ट्रीय टूर के बाद हुई है, जिसकी शुरुआत मई में हुई थी। टूर की जबरदस्त प्रतिक्रिया ने आलोचकों को चुप करा दिया है और एक बार फिर साबित कर दिया है कि वह भारतीय कॉमेडी के शीर्ष कलाकारों में से एक हैं। विवाद और उसका असरगौरतलब है कि India’s Got Latent शो के एक एपिसोड में अतिथि द्वारा की गई विवादास्पद टिप्पणी को लेकर काफी विरोध हुआ था। कई पुलिस शिकायतें दर्ज हुईं और सार्वजनिक आक्रोश के चलते रैना ने शो के सारे वीडियो अपने यूट्यूब चैनल से हटा दिए थे और जांच में सहयोग किया था। फिर भी, “स्टिल अलाइव” टूर की रिकॉर्डतोड़ सफलता यह दर्शाती है कि दर्शकों का भरोसा और समर्थन उनके साथ बना हुआ है। टूर का नाम भी उसी अनुभव का व्यंग्यपूर्ण और भावनात्मक प्रतिबिंब है—यह एक कलाकार की दृढ़ता और पुनः आरंभ करने की इच्छा को बयां करता है।

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Editor01 mins

अनिल अंबानी को ईडी का समन: मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग मामले में 5 अगस्त को पेश होने के आदेश

प्रवर्तन निदेशालय (ED) ने रिलायंस समूह के चेयरमैन अनिल अंबानी को मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग मामले में पूछताछ के लिए 5 अगस्त को दिल्ली मुख्यालय में पेश होने के लिए समन भेजा है। यह मामला उनके समूह की कंपनियों के खिलाफ दर्ज एक कथित लोन धोखाधड़ी से जुड़ा है। आधिकारिक सूत्रों के अनुसार, 66 वर्षीय अंबानी का बयान मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग निरोधक अधिनियम (PMLA) के तहत दर्ज किया जाएगा। 24 जुलाई को हुई छापेमारी ईडी ने यह कार्रवाई 24 जुलाई को रिलायंस समूह की कई कंपनियों और अधिकारियों के खिलाफ छापेमारी के बाद की है। तीन दिन चली यह छापेमारी मुंबई में 35 से अधिक स्थानों पर की गई, जिसमें 50 कंपनियों और 25 व्यक्तियों के ठिकानों को कवर किया गया। इनमें अनिल अंबानी समूह की कंपनियों के कई वरिष्ठ अधिकारी शामिल थे। क्या है मामला? ईडी के मुताबिक, अनिल अंबानी की कंपनियों पर कुल 10,000 करोड़ रुपये से अधिक के लोन घोटाले और रकम के कथित ग़लत उपयोग का आरोप है। जांच का मुख्य फोकस यस बैंक द्वारा 2017 से 2019 के बीच अंबानी समूह की कंपनियों को दिए गए लगभग 3,000 करोड़ रुपये के लोन की अवैध डायवर्जन की जांच पर है। कंपनियों की प्रतिक्रिया रिलायंस पावर और रिलायंस इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर ने स्टॉक एक्सचेंज को सूचित किया कि इन छापों का उनके व्यापार संचालन, वित्तीय प्रदर्शन, शेयरधारकों, कर्मचारियों या किसी भी हितधारक पर कोई प्रभाव नहीं पड़ा है। उन्होंने कहा, “मीडिया रिपोर्ट्स में जिन आरोपों का जिक्र है, वे रिलायंस कम्युनिकेशंस लिमिटेड (RCOM) या रिलायंस होम फाइनेंस लिमिटेड (RHFL) से संबंधित हैं, जो 10 साल पुराने लेन-देन से जुड़े हैं।” क्या मिला ईडी को? सूत्रों के अनुसार, ईडी को जांच में यह पता चला है कि लोन जारी होने से ठीक पहले यस बैंक के प्रमोटर्स को उनकी संबंधित कंपनियों में धनराशि प्राप्त हुई थी। एजेंसी इस ‘घूस और लोन’ के संबंध की जांच कर रही है। इसके अलावा ईडी यस बैंक की ओर से लोन मंजूरी में हुई गंभीर अनियमितताओं की भी जांच कर रही है। इसमें बैकडेटेड क्रेडिट अप्रूवल, बिना ड्यू डिलिजेंस निवेश प्रस्ताव और बैंक की क्रेडिट नीति के उल्लंघन के आरोप शामिल हैं। इस कथित घोटाले में कई ग्रुप और शेल कंपनियों में धन के डायवर्जन की बात भी सामने आई है, जिसकी ईडी गहन जांच कर रही है।

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Editor01 mins

हैदराबाद में हाइड्रोपोनिक गांजा तस्करी का खुलासा: एयरपोर्ट पर महिला पकड़ी, 40 किग्रा ज़ब्त

शहर में हाइड्रोपोनिक गांजा का क्रेज बढ़ने के साथ ही ड्रग सप्लायर्स भी इस उच्च-गुणवत्ता वाली गांजे की अडिग सप्लाई पर पूरी मेहनत कर रहे हैं। इसी कड़ी में बुधवार को नारकोटिक्स कंट्रोल ब्यूरो (NCB) के अधिकारियों ने आरजीआई एयरपोर्ट पर एक महिला को गिरफ्तार किया और उसके सामान से 40 किग्रा हाइड्रोपोनिक गांजा जब्त किया। अब जांच कर अन्य गिरोह के सदस्यों की पहचान की जा रही है। अधिकारियों के मुताबिक, “नशे की इस खेप को लाने वाली महिला बैंगकॉक से दुबई होते हुए हैदराबाद आई, ताकि संदेह न हो। हाल में सीधे बैंगकॉक से आने वाले एक कैरियर की गिरफ्तारी के बाद तस्करों ने अपना रूट बदल लिया था।” थाईलैंड हाइड्रोपोनिक गांजा का मुख्य स्रोत बन चुका है। इसकी कीमत गुणवत्ता के हिसाब से ₹30 लाख से ₹1 करोड़ प्रति किग्रा तक है। अधिकारी बताते हैं कि “2022 में थाईलैंड में गांजा खेती को अवैध अपराध से मुक्त किए जाने के बाद कई नर्सरी खुलीं। भारतीय ड्रग सिंडिकेट्स ने वहां के उत्पादकों से संपर्क बनाए और अग्रिम भुगतान के जरिए—क्रिप्टोकरेंसी या हवाला चैनलों से—बड़े ऑर्डर देना शुरू कर दिया।” हालांकि थाई सरकार ने जून से हाइड्रोपोनिक गांजे की बिक्री को विनियमित करना शुरू कर दिया है, सिंडिकेट्स के बीच दोनों देशों का कनेक्शन अब भी चलता आ रहा है। अधिकारी कहते हैं कि “एयर मार्ग सबसे बड़े तस्करी चैनल बन गए हैं। महिलाएं कैरियर्स के रूप में इसलिए चुनी जाती हैं क्योंकि एयरपोर्ट सुरक्षा कम शक करती है। उन्हें टिकट, ठहरने और खाने का इंतज़ाम किया जाता है और प्रति ट्रिप ₹20,000–₹40,000 का भुगतान किया जाता है।” इसके अलावा, ड्रग सिंडिकेट्स कूरियर सेवाओं, पोस्टल नेटवर्क और डार्क वेब के माध्यम से भी पैकेज भेजकर नशीले पदार्थ भारत में लाये जा रहे हैं।

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Editor01 mins

World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Raising Awareness, Encouraging Prevention, and Supporting Survivors

Every year on August 1, World Lung Cancer Day is observed globally to raise awareness about lung cancer — the world’s deadliest cancer — and to educate the public about prevention, early detection, and treatment options. The day also serves as a platform to support those affected and to drive collective action against the disease. The Global Burden of Lung CancerAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, affecting both men and women. It accounts for around 18% of all cancer deaths each year, making it one of the most lethal malignancies with poor survival outcomes. The WHO estimates that smoking causes approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. But the risk isn’t limited to smokers alone — secondhand smoke, air pollution, and exposure to carcinogens like asbestos and radon also contribute significantly, particularly in non-smokers. Understanding Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers“Lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease,” says Dr. Bhuvan Chugh, Principal Consultant – Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, Gurugram. “We’re seeing a steady rise in cases among non-smokers, especially women, where the causes are more complex — involving both genetic and environmental factors.” Studies show that women living with smoking partners have a 27% higher risk of developing lung cancer. Meanwhile, outdoor air pollution — especially particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) — is now recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating sufficient evidence of its link to lung cancer. Every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 and PM10 levels beyond WHO’s recommended limits raises lung cancer risk by 8% and 9%, respectively. Smokers vs Non-Smokers: The Biological DivideLung cancer in non-smokers is often driven by oncogene addiction — a condition where cancer relies heavily on a single gene mutation for survival. These cases respond better to targeted therapies, often administered as oral tablets, drastically improving outcomes and tolerance. “With over 10 known driver mutations, precision medicine now allows doctors to tailor treatments based on genomic sequencing. It’s one of the most promising advances in modern oncology,” explains Dr. Chugh. Prevention Is PowerDespite grim statistics, lung cancer is largely preventable. The most effective measure remains quitting smoking, which can reduce risk by up to 90% within five years of cessation. It also protects others from secondhand exposure — a crucial step in safeguarding family and community health. Key Messages for World Lung Cancer Day 2025:Quit smoking — it’s never too late. Protect others from secondhand smoke. Reduce air pollution exposure where possible. Support early detection through screenings and awareness. Encourage research into targeted and precision therapies. Lung cancer is no longer a death sentence — but awareness, action, and innovation remain our strongest weapons.

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Indian State Oil Firms Halt Russian Crude Imports Amid Narrowing Discounts, U.S. Tariff Threat

India’s state-owned oil refiners have paused imports of Russian crude oil over the past week, Reuters reported Thursday, citing industry sources. The move comes as discounts on Russian oil have shrunk and U.S. President Donald Trump warned of steep tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil after August 8. Among the firms halting purchases is Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest refiner, which runs 10 of India’s 20 refineries with a total annual capacity of 60 million metric tons. Other major state-run companies including Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals have also suspended Russian crude orders. According to company executives, these refiners are now turning to the spot market to meet their needs, increasing imports from Middle Eastern OPEC members and West African producers. A Strategic Reversal The halt marks a significant shift in India’s oil strategy. Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, India had emerged as a major buyer of heavily discounted Russian oil, resisting pressure from Western governments and helping Moscow compensate for its loss of European markets. However, with discounts shrinking and geopolitical risks mounting, state-owned refiners appear to be recalibrating. Meanwhile, private sector refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy continue to be India’s top importers of Russian oil. Nayara — which is partially owned by Russia’s Rosneft — has attracted renewed attention after being named in the European Union’s 18th sanctions package. U.S. Pressure and Tariff Threats The Indian state sector’s pause follows President Trump’s ultimatum to Moscow: reach a peace agreement with Ukraine by August 8, or risk 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers. The threat of sanctions has added uncertainty to India’s energy procurement, particularly for publicly held companies more sensitive to geopolitical pressure. This development could reshape India’s oil sourcing dynamics and further strain Moscow’s ability to sell its crude abroad.

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