July 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Encounter Underway Between Security Forces and Terrorists in Pulwama, J&K

Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir – May 15, 2025:An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Nader Tral area of Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, following a specific intelligence input about terrorist presence in the region, police officials said. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, a cordon and search operation was launched in the area early this morning. As the forces zeroed in on the suspected location, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists, prompting a retaliatory exchange. “The operation is ongoing with intermittent firing from both sides. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited,” a senior police official told media outlets. This incident adds to the recent uptick in encounters and militant activity in south Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama and Shopian regions. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, and local residents have been advised to stay indoors.

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Editor01 mins

Trump Urges Apple CEO Tim Cook to Halt Expansion in India, Cites Tariff Concerns

US President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to reconsider the tech giant’s ongoing expansion in India, expressing concerns over high tariffs and a preference for domestic manufacturing. Speaking at a business event in Doha, Trump revealed that he had a “little problem” with Cook, stating, “I said to him, my friend, I am treating you very good. You are coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.” Trump emphasized that Apple could choose to build in India only if it was committed to supporting the country independently. “India is one of the highest tariff nations in the world, so it is very hard to sell in India. India can take care of themselves,” he asserted. The US President claimed New Delhi had offered Washington a deal involving minimal tariffs on US goods, though no such agreement has been confirmed by the Indian government. The remarks come at a time when Apple is actively shifting parts of its manufacturing base from China to India in response to tariff-related pressures from the US government. Apple CEO Tim Cook had recently indicated that the majority of iPhones sold in the US could soon be manufactured in India. Currently, Apple operates three production facilities in India—two in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka—run by Foxconn and Tata Group. Two additional plants are also in development. In the fiscal year ending March, Apple assembled iPhones worth $22 billion in India, marking a 60 percent increase from the previous year. Despite Trump’s push for domestic manufacturing, Apple continues to see India as a strategic hub for its global production needs.

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Editor03 mins

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai Takes Oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Wednesday, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Key Highlights: Ceremony & Dignitaries Present: The high-profile ceremony was attended by: Background: Justice Gavai was elevated to the Supreme Court from the Bombay High Court on May 24, 2019. Over the years, he has delivered several significant judgments and has been known for his balanced approach and strong emphasis on constitutional values. His appointment as CJI is seen as a landmark moment for inclusivity and diversity in the Indian judiciary, and he is expected to preside over crucial constitutional matters during his brief but potentially impactful tenure.

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Editor03 mins

US Shuts Down Pakistani Reporter Over Modi Allegations, Reiterates Focus on India-Pak Ceasefire

During a press briefing on Wednesday, a Pakistani reporter faced a firm pushback from the US State Department after attempting to portray Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as obstructing peace efforts between India and Pakistan. The reporter claimed that Pakistan welcomed US-led de-escalation initiatives and even suggested that former President Donald Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize if he could resolve the Kashmir dispute. He controversially remarked, “He’s the same gentleman that was not allowed to come to the US till 10 years ago,” referring to Modi’s past visa denial. However, US State Department official Thomas Pigott decisively dismissed the provocation, steering the conversation back to Washington’s principal concerns.“That is what we are happy to see. That’s where our focus remains… the ceasefire,” Pigott said, emphasizing that the US continues to support direct communication between India and Pakistan and the maintenance of the current ceasefire. When questioned about Trump’s potential for a Nobel Peace Prize, Pigott responded diplomatically, calling Trump both a “peacemaker” and a “dealmaker,” highlighting his broader ambitions for peace without endorsing any specific claim related to South Asia. The Pakistani journalist further attempted to bring Israel into the mix, alleging that India used Israeli-made drones in Operation Sindoor, the recent Indian military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He then drew a connection between the Abraham Accords and potential complications in Pakistan-Israel relations, asking whether Israeli involvement in Indian military operations could derail regional harmony. Pigott, however, avoided taking the bait and reaffirmed, “Our focus is only on ceasefire and direct communication between the parties. The President is a dealmaker, he’s a peacemaker, but nothing to comment further beyond that.” Key Takeaways: This incident highlights Washington’s cautious and consistent approach to South Asia—focused on de-escalation, not sensationalism.

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Editor04 mins

Widespread Boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan Travel Impacts Tourism Industry

A concerted online campaign urging Indians to cancel travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan has gained significant traction since May 11, leading to thousands of cancelled bookings and prompting ticketing platforms and tour operators to halt further reservations to both countries. Social media saw three hashtags—#BoycottTurkey, #BoycottAzerbaijan, and #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan—trending across India, as users touted alternative destinations like Greece and Armenia. Reports emerged of families, including one in Mumbai, scrapping their Turkey vacations after a child questioned why they would visit a nation perceived as aligned with “India’s enemy.” The backlash extended to aviation, with IndiGo criticized for maintaining its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines. In response, the Turkish Department of Tourism issued a statement assuring Indian visitors of a warm welcome and emphasizing that local Turks are largely unaware of geopolitical tensions, a message that nevertheless drew hostile reactions online. Tourism stakeholders in India have largely backed the boycott. Jyoti Mahal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, told The New Indian Express that tour operators and industry professionals are advising against travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. She cited reports — including claims (potentially inflated) of an 800-person group from Gujarat cancelling their trips — as evidence of the movement’s impact. Azerbaijan, in particular, stands to lose heavily: in 2024, it recorded a record 243,589 Indian tourists—a 108% year-on-year increase from 2023 and a dramatic rise from just 4,853 arrivals in 2014. The sudden drop in bookings threatens to stall this decade-long tourism boom along the Caspian coast.

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Editor02 mins

BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw Returns Home After Detention by Pakistan Rangers

In a significant diplomatic development, BSF Constable Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been held by the Pakistan Rangers since April 23, was repatriated to India on Wednesday morning. The formal handover took place at 10:30 am at the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post in Amritsar, Punjab, following established border protocols. What Happened? Constable Shaw, a member of the 182nd Battalion of the Border Security Force, inadvertently crossed the International Border near Ferozepur, Punjab, while on operational duty. The BSF reported that Shaw, in full uniform and carrying his service weapon, stepped into Pakistani territory around 11:50 am on April 23, allegedly while moving to a shaded area to rest. He was swiftly apprehended by Pakistan Rangers and remained in their custody for 15 days before being handed back. Family’s Reaction Shaw’s family, based in West Bengal, expressed immense relief and gratitude. “We thank the central government and BSF for securing his return. The past two weeks were sleepless and filled with worry. We are eagerly waiting to see him in person,” a family member said. Political Reactions The episode triggered widespread responses across political parties: Diplomatic Context BSF officials confirmed that flag meetings were held between Indian and Pakistani counterparts soon after Shaw’s detention. These efforts bore fruit as Pakistan returned Shaw without any formal charges or escalation. Notably, Shaw’s inadvertent crossing came just a day after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. The heightened tension following the attack had made Shaw’s detention even more sensitive, adding pressure on both sides to resolve the issue peacefully. Next Steps BSF stated that Constable Shaw is currently undergoing debriefing by security and intelligence officials to understand the circumstances of his crossing and ensure his physical and mental well-being.

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Editor04 mins

BJP Distances Itself from Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s Remarks on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Amid Growing Controversy

The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday distanced itself from Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah’s controversial comments on Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, emphasizing that the party does not endorse such statements against individuals who have brought pride to the nation through their service. State BJP president V.D. Sharma addressed the issue, stating that he had spoken to Shah immediately after the remarks surfaced and conveyed clear instructions from the party leadership. While he did not elaborate on the nature of those instructions, Sharma asserted that the BJP is sensitive to such matters and responds swiftly when something inappropriate occurs. “No one has the right to disrespect Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who has made the country proud,” Sharma said. Responding to the Congress party’s demand for Shah’s resignation, Sharma refrained from commenting on statements by Opposition leaders but reiterated Colonel Qureshi’s contribution under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling her a source of national pride. He also confirmed that Shah was summoned to the BJP headquarters in Bhopal for a closed-door meeting on Tuesday evening, which lasted approximately 30 minutes. A photo from the meeting was later shared by the state BJP office. The controversy stems from Shah’s remarks made at a government event in Mhow on Monday, in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory Indian military action, Shah lauded PM Modi’s leadership and said, “Those who widowed our daughters (in Pahalgam), we sent a sister of their own to teach them a lesson,” implying that Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s religious identity was used symbolically in the operation against Pakistan. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a respected officer in the Indian Army, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, had jointly briefed the media during Operation Sindoor, showcasing the joint efforts of the armed forces in responding to the attack. The Congress party has escalated its demands for Shah’s resignation from the tribal affairs portfolio, staging protests in seven locations across Madhya Pradesh. On Tuesday night, Congress workers blackened the nameplate at Shah’s official residence in Bhopal, intensifying the political backlash. Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh strongly condemned Shah’s remarks, calling them “highly objectionable” and urged the BJP central leadership to take strict action against the minister. As pressure mounts from both civil society and political quarters, the BJP’s attempt to contain the damage suggests the party is keen to separate itself from divisive rhetoric, especially when it involves decorated armed forces personnel.

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Editor04 mins

India Firmly Rejects Nuclear Blackmail, Puts Indus Waters Treaty in Abeyance Amidst Escalation with Pakistan: MEA

In a resolute stance, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday reiterated that India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail or tolerate cross-border terrorism. Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s recent military actions were confined strictly to the conventional domain, refuting any suggestions of a nuclear dimension in the recent tensions with Pakistan. Jaiswal addressed speculation surrounding a reported meeting of Pakistan’s National Command Authority on May 10, clarifying that the meeting was later denied by Pakistani authorities, including their Foreign Minister who has “on record” dismissed any nuclear aspect. “India has a firm stance that it will not give into nuclear blackmail or allow cross-border terrorism into invoking it,” Jaiswal stressed, underscoring India’s commitment to maintaining peace and security without compromising its sovereignty. Providing details on the recent ceasefire agreement, Jaiswal confirmed that the understanding was finalized directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. The agreement followed a formal request from Pakistan’s High Commission, with a phone call eventually taking place at 15:35 hrs on May 10 after initial technical delays. He credited India’s assertive military posture for compelling Pakistan to stop hostilities, declaring, “Our message was clear and consistent.” Jaiswal issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating, “That a nation which has nurtured terrorism on an industrial scale should think that it can escape the consequences is fooling itself.” He reiterated that the terrorist infrastructure targeted by Indian forces was not only responsible for the deaths of Indian citizens but also for numerous innocent lives across the globe. “There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is,” he said. In a major policy decision, the MEA also confirmed that India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, following a directive from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). “The IWT was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship. However, Pakistan has violated these principles by promoting cross-border terrorism for decades,” said Jaiswal. The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably renounces terrorism.

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Editor03 mins

ऑपरेशन सिंदूर की गूंज, तिरंगे के संग देशभक्ति की हुंकार। आतंकवाद के खिलाफ निर्णायक जवाब, जनता तक पहुंचेगा राष्ट्र की विजय का संदेश

सिंदूर की धमक से थर्राया दुश्मन, तिरंगे संग चला हिंदुस्तानी तिरंगे के साए में चलेगा अभियान ‘सिंदूर’ – 15 से 25 मई तक प्रदेशभर में निकलेगी राष्ट्रभक्ति की यात्रा ऑपरेशन सिंदूर की उपलब्धियों से अवगत कराएंगे कार्यकर्ता – भगवानदास सबनानी“यह लड़ाई आतंकवाद के खिलाफ थी, पाकिस्तान के नहीं” – रविन्द्र यति द क्लिफ़ न्यूज़ भोपाल भारतीय जनता पार्टी द्वारा प्रदेशभर में राष्ट्रभक्ति की भावना को जन-जन तक पहुँचाने और ‘ऑपरेशन सिंदूर’ की अभूतपूर्व सैन्य सफलता को साझा करने के उद्देश्य से 15 से 25 मई तक विशेष ‘तिरंगा यात्राओं’ का आयोजन किया जाएगा। इसी क्रम में मंगलवार को भाजपा प्रदेश कार्यालय, भोपाल में आयोजित भोपाल जिले की एक महत्त्वपूर्ण बैठक संपन्न हुई, जिसमें अभियान की रूपरेखा तय की गई। बैठक को भाजपा के प्रदेश महामंत्री एवं विधायक श्री भगवानदास सबनानी तथा भोपाल जिला अध्यक्ष श्री रविन्द्र यति ने संबोधित किया। ऑपरेशन सिंदूर – देश की निर्णायक शक्ति का प्रमाण श्री भगवानदास सबनानी ने अपने संबोधन में कहा कि प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के नेतृत्व में ‘ऑपरेशन सिंदूर’ ने पाकिस्तान के आतंकी ठिकानों पर करारी चोट करते हुए आतंकवाद को माकूल जवाब दिया है। उन्होंने बताया कि इस ऑपरेशन के तहत पाकिस्तान के 9 आतंकी ठिकाने, 11 एयरपोर्ट, 100 से अधिक आतंकवादी और 50 सैनिक तबाह किए गए। उन्होंने कहा, “यह केवल सैन्य सफलता नहीं, बल्कि भारत की सुरक्षा और संप्रभुता की रक्षा का ऐतिहासिक प्रमाण है।” उन्होंने स्पष्ट किया कि 15 से 25 मई के बीच प्रदेश के हर जिले, नगर और ग्राम में तिरंगा यात्राएं निकाली जाएंगी, जिनमें भाजपा कार्यकर्ता नागरिकों को ऑपरेशन सिंदूर की वास्तविकता और इसकी राष्ट्र के लिए महत्ता से अवगत कराएंगे। श्री सबनानी ने दो टूक कहा, “अब भारत किसी भी आतंकी हमले के जवाब में केवल निंदा नहीं, निर्णायक कार्रवाई करेगा – पुलवामा, उरी और अब पहलगाम के बाद यह स्पष्ट हो चुका है।” “भारत युद्ध नहीं चाहता, पर आतंक को जवाब देना जानता है” – रविन्द्र यति बैठक को संबोधित करते हुए भोपाल जिला अध्यक्ष श्री रविन्द्र यति ने कहा कि देश की जनता को यह संदेश देना ज़रूरी है कि भारत और पाकिस्तान के बीच कोई पारंपरिक युद्ध नहीं हो रहा है, बल्कि यह सीधा संघर्ष सीमा पार आतंकवाद के विरुद्ध है। उन्होंने कहा, “यह लड़ाई पाकिस्तान से नहीं, आतंकवाद से है। ऑपरेशन सिंदूर इसी सोच का विस्तार है।” उन्होंने बताया कि 15 मई को रोशनपुरा चौराहे से एमवीएम कॉलेज तक ऐतिहासिक तिरंगा यात्रा निकाली जाएगी, जिसमें आम नागरिक, विद्यार्थी, समाजसेवी और भाजपा कार्यकर्ता शामिल होंगे। कार्यकर्ताओं की भागीदारी से बनेगा यह राष्ट्र-जन आंदोलन इस अवसर पर जिला महामंत्री व नगर निगम अध्यक्ष श्री किशन सूर्यवंशी, जिला महामंत्री श्री जगदीश यादव, जिला उपाध्यक्ष श्री मनोज राठौर, युवा मोर्चा जिला अध्यक्ष श्री अजय पाटीदार, अन्य पदाधिकारी, मंडल अध्यक्ष, पार्षदगण और कार्यकर्ता बड़ी संख्या में उपस्थित रहे। बैठक में तय किया गया कि हर मंडल और प्रत्येक वार्ड में तिरंगा यात्रा निकालने के साथ-साथ जनसंवाद, नारी शक्ति रैली, छात्र जागरूकता संगोष्ठियाँ तथा वीरगाथा कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जाएंगे, ताकि यह राष्ट्रीय अभियान हर नागरिक तक पहुँच सके।

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Editor01 mins

India Warns of Retaliation Despite Ceasefire with Pakistan: PM Modi Sets Firm Conditions for Future Dialogue

In his first public remarks since the recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has only “paused” its military operations and will retaliate on its own terms if another terrorist attack occurs on Indian soil. Modi’s address came after both India and Pakistan confirmed no overnight firing along the heavily militarized border for the first time in days, signaling a temporary halt to escalating hostilities. The tensions flared after a brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan-backed militants, a charge that Islamabad vehemently denied. The violence brought the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of broader conflict, raising global alarm about regional stability. Addressing the nation, Modi emphasized India’s red lines clearly: “Terror and talks can’t go together. Nor can terror and trade.” He added that if dialogue with Pakistan were to happen, it would be limited to issues of terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He dismissed any broader negotiations and made no mention of U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation offer, underscoring India’s firm diplomatic stance. Meanwhile, Pakistan celebrated the ceasefire in cities like Lahore, framing its acceptance as a move in the “spirit of peace.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting with the Turkish ambassador, reiterated that Pakistan will not tolerate any violations of its sovereignty or territorial integrity. On Monday, senior military officials from both sides engaged via a hotline, discussing the status of the ceasefire and agreeing not to initiate any aggressive action. According to the Indian Army, the night passed peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir and other border regions, and no new incidents were reported. Both nations also expressed intent to consider reducing troop presence in forward areas, aiming to de-escalate tensions further. In a positive development, Pakistan reopened its airspace and resumed all flight operations, while India restored 32 airports across its northern and western sectors that had been shut during the conflict. Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif stated that while Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire, it will not be the first to break it. Despite the temporary calm, Modi made it clear that India remains vigilant, monitoring Pakistan’s every move. The message from New Delhi is unequivocal: any future attack will be met with decisive and preemptive action, and the “new normal” defined by Operation Sindoor remains firmly in place.

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Editor04 mins
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