July 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

A gunfight is currently underway in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir

A gunfight is currently underway in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, where Indian security forces are engaged with four terrorists, sources in the security establishment have confirmed. The encounter began in Kulgam but shifted to a dense forested area in Shopian, where the situation remains tense and fluid. Key Highlights: Timing and Context: Operation Sindoor’s Aftermath This latest encounter comes on the heels of Operation Sindoor, India’s assertive response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. The broader context: PM Modi’s Address and the “New Normal” In a nationally televised address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Operation Sindoor has redefined India’s approach to terrorism. Key takeaways from his speech: “India will strike precisely and decisively… The world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan,” PM Modi said, highlighting that top Pakistani army officers were seen paying respects to terrorists, a clear indication of state-sponsored terrorism, according to India. Current Implications This encounter in Shopian may be part of a larger counterterrorism push in the region, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance policy post-Operation Sindoor. The location shift from Kulgam to Shopian indicates the mobility and possible coordination among terror outfits attempting to evade Indian forces. Security analysts believe this could also be an attempt by Pakistan-backed elements to test India’s resolve in the wake of recent escalations. The Indian armed forces, however, have signaled unwavering vigilance and readiness to escalate if provoked again. I’ll continue to monitor the situation and update you as more verified information becomes available. Let me know if you’d like a real-time timeline or deeper analysis of India-Pakistan tensions post-Operation Sindoor.

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Editor04 mins

Asian Markets Rally as US-China Trade Truce Spurs Global Optimism

Markets across Asia surged on Tuesday, buoyed by a strong rally in U.S. equities and renewed optimism surrounding the easing of trade tensions between the United States and China. A gauge of U.S.-listed Chinese stocks soared 5.4% on Monday, marking its best session in over two months, as investor sentiment improved on signs of a major de-escalation in the prolonged tariff conflict. Japan’s Topix index extended gains for a 13th straight session, setting it on course for its longest winning streak in 16 years. Shares in Australia and Japan also opened significantly higher, tracking the S&P 500’s 3% surge from the previous U.S. session. The sharp rebound in risk appetite followed a joint announcement by U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators, confirming a temporary tariff truce. The United States agreed to slash duties on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% for a 90-day period, while China reduced its tariffs on most U.S. imports to 10%. The coordinated move was widely interpreted as a meaningful step toward broader economic normalization between the world’s two largest economies. Despite the euphoria in equities, the U.S. dollar remained relatively flat during Asian trading hours, following a jump on Monday. The rally has come as a double-edged sword for some investors. Those who hedged against further market instability during April’s turmoil—through strategies like shorting the dollar, betting on increased stock volatility, or positioning for aggressive Fed rate cuts—now face painful unwinds. These reversals may also be contributing to the sudden momentum in global stock markets. As attention turns to central bank policy signals and upcoming economic data, markets are likely to remain sensitive to any shifts in trade negotiations or monetary expectations. For now, however, the de-escalation has brought a welcome sense of relief to global investors.

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Editor03 mins

Massive Fire Guts 22 Warehouses in Thane’s Bhiwandi Area, Chaos in Surrounding Localities

A massive fire broke out early Monday morning, May 12, in a warehouse at the Richland Compound in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district. The blaze, which quickly spread and was visible from several kilometres away, has caused widespread panic and chaos in the surrounding areas. According to news agency PTI, the fire first erupted in five units before rapidly engulfing a nearby storage space containing mandap (wedding stage) decorations. India TV News reports that approximately 22 warehouses have been destroyed in the inferno. The affected warehouses reportedly contained chemicals, printing machinery, electronic items, protein food powders, cosmetic products, clothing, footwear, mandap decoration materials, and furniture. Firefighting and rescue operations were swiftly initiated after distress calls were made. Fire tenders from Bhiwandi and Kalyan were deployed to the scene. As of now, four fire engines are actively working to control the fire. Police forces and emergency responders are also present, assisting with operations and crowd control. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is expected once the blaze is fully brought under control. No casualties have been reported so far. This incident follows a similar fire on May 10, when a plywood factory-cum-godown in Thane’s Rahnal village caught fire, leading to serious injuries to firefighters. That fire, which broke out around 3:30 am, spread rapidly due to the highly combustible materials stored inside.

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Editor02 mins

Sachin Tendulkar’s Heartfelt Tribute to Virat Kohli on Test Retirement: “You Carry My Deepest Admiration”

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar penned a touching tribute to Virat Kohli following the Delhi batter’s retirement from Test cricket, lauding his impact on Indian cricket and the younger generation of aspiring cricketers. In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Tendulkar reflected on a deeply emotional moment from 2013, when Kohli offered him a sacred thread from his late father after Tendulkar’s final international innings. The gesture, Tendulkar said, was too personal for him to accept, but has stayed with him ever since. “As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test,” Tendulkar wrote. “You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes.” Tendulkar praised Kohli’s Test career not just for its statistical brilliance but also for its intangible contributions. He hailed Kohli’s true legacy as one of inspiration — bringing a new generation of players and fans into the game, not just with his batting but through his passion and dedication. “Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players,” he added. Virat Kohli, who has long spoken of Tendulkar as his childhood idol and a key reason he took up cricket, ended his illustrious Test career on May 12, 2025. He leaves behind a remarkable record: 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As a leader, he captained India in 68 Tests, reshaping the team’s attitude and competitive edge. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli wrote on Instagram, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites — the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.” As one of Indian cricket’s modern icons steps away from the longest format, his influence — both on and off the field — will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

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Editor04 mins

Hyderabad Police Issues Cybersecurity Alert Amid Indo-Pak Conflict: Public Warned Against Malicious Content & Phishing Attacks

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, the Hyderabad City Police has issued a high-level cybersecurity advisory, warning citizens about a spike in cyber-attacks orchestrated by state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These groups, often backed by hostile nation-states, are known to target government agencies, military personnel, and critical infrastructure in India. What the Police Say According to DCP (Cyber Crimes) D. Kavitha, cyber threat actors are exploiting public anxiety and curiosity surrounding the conflict. “They are using phishing emails, fake login pages, malware-laced images, and executable files to infiltrate devices and steal data,” she said. Authorities have observed a surge in malicious content across platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, email, and social media, designed to deceive users into clicking fake conflict-related updates or downloading dangerous files. How the Cyber Attacks Work Common Attack Vectors: What Happens When You Interact With Them: Official Advisory: What You Should NOT Do What You SHOULD Do

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Editor03 mins

Operation Sindoor: IAF’s Precision Counter-Offensive Continues Amid Fragile Ceasefire

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday confirmed that Operation Sindoor — its counter-offensive mission launched in response to the brutal attack by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam — remains ongoing. This announcement came just a day after both India and Pakistan declared a ceasefire, which appears to have been short-lived. In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the IAF stated, “Since the operations are still ongoing, a detailed briefing will be conducted in due course. The IAF urges all to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information.” The force also affirmed that it had “successfully executed its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor with precision and professionalism,” and that the operations were “conducted in a deliberate and discreet manner, aligned with National Objectives.” The IAF’s declaration followed shortly after the United States claimed to have brokered a peace deal between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. However, the ceasefire seemed to have lasted only a few hours, as reports of heavy shelling by Pakistan resumed along the International Border in the Rajouri sector and parts of Srinagar. Officials confirmed that air defence systems were reactivated after multiple drone sightings in the region, leading to the downing of at least four drones near the Army headquarters. Multiple explosions were also reported in Srinagar and Baramulla on Saturday evening, prompting a reaction from Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who posted on social media, “What the hell just happened? Explosions heard across Srinagar!!!” Adding to the strategic impact, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, confirmed the use of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in the IAF’s offensive. According to defence sources, India used precision air strikes to target nine terror camps located across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Punjab province during the intervening nights of May 6 and 7, showcasing the IAF’s operational capabilities in the evolving conflict scenario.

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Editor03 mins

Air Travel Disrupted for Second Day at Delhi Airport Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

Air travel at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) remained severely disrupted for the second consecutive day, following heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan. Widespread airspace restrictions were enforced after a Pakistani drone and missile attack on Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, triggering flight cancellations and delays. In the past 48 hours, a total of 228 flights have been cancelled at Delhi Airport alone. On Friday, May 9, airport authorities reported 138 cancellations, comprising 63 domestic arrivals, 66 domestic departures, four international arrivals, and five international departures. The previous day, over 90 flights were cancelled, and more than 200 faced delays, especially during peak hours from 8 AM to 2 PM. Despite the disruptions, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates IGIA — India’s busiest airport — maintained that operations remain “normal.” However, it acknowledged that ongoing airspace restrictions and intensified security measures may affect flight schedules and increase processing times at checkpoints. DIAL has urged passengers to arrive early, remain patient, and cooperate with security personnel. Meanwhile, in a significant move, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the suspension of civil flight operations at 24 airports till Saturday, May 10. The list includes key airports such as Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, Leh, and Bhuj — most of which lie close to India’s western border. The current escalation in Indo-Pak tensions began Thursday evening, when Pakistani drones and missiles targeted multiple Indian states. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the origin of the attacks and said they were successfully intercepted by air defence systems. The assault prompted blackouts, air raid sirens, and even led to the suspension of an IPL match in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This flare-up came just a day after India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, a targeted military strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The situation remains volatile, with potential for continued disruption in air travel and public safety operations across northern India.

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Editor03 mins

Virat Kohli Mulls Test Retirement Amid India’s Transition Phase; BCCI Urges Reconsideration

In what could mark the end of an era in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intent to retire from Test cricket. The Indian Express reports that Kohli, after prolonged reflection—especially following his modest performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy—has expressed a desire to move on from red-ball cricket. This comes mere days after Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma officially announced his retirement from the format via social media, signalling a massive leadership and experience vacuum in India’s red-ball setup. Kohli’s Reported Decision and BCCI’s Response Kohli’s desire to retire appears to be firm, with no indications that he plans to reverse the decision. However, the BCCI is understood to be actively engaging with the batting stalwart, urging him to reconsider, especially with a crucial five-Test away series against England looming in June 2025. Kohli, who has played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, has been a cornerstone of India’s modern Test success. His tenure as captain revolutionised India’s pace battery and overseas performance, while his batting formed the backbone of many historic victories. Decline in Red-Ball Form Since 2020, Kohli’s form in Tests has noticeably waned. In the last five years, he has scored just 1,990 runs in 37 Tests with only three centuries—far from the standards he once routinely set. His 190 runs in the recent Border-Gavaskar series, including one unbeaten century, reflect a prolonged struggle to maintain consistency. Kohli has also been open about the mental toll of his dip in form. Speaking at an RCB event in March 2025, he said: “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside… you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well.” A Transitional Moment for Indian Cricket Kohli’s decision—should it become official—paired with Rohit Sharma’s retirement, signals the end of one of Indian cricket’s most dominant eras. It places added responsibility on the younger generation, with the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to take the baton. India’s red-ball setup is now at a critical juncture, facing a generational shift just before a demanding England tour and a new World Test Championship cycle.

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Editor04 mins

India Launches Precision Strikes on Pakistani Air Bases in Retaliation to Cross-Border Aggression

In a bold and calibrated military response to Pakistan’s continued provocations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted a series of precision strikes targeting multiple Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases. Senior Indian defense officials confirmed that the strikes hit key locations including Sargodha, Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Shorkot, and Chakwal in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The strikes mark a significant escalation following Pakistan’s recent aggression along the western border. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, speaking at a special media briefing alongside Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, stated, “Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes only at identified military targets in response to Pakistan’s actions. These were calibrated operations designed to limit collateral damage and uphold international norms.” These strikes follow ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a series of earlier precision operations by India aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The trigger for this intensified military action was the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed several Indian lives. Colonel Qureshi provided alarming details of Pakistan’s military aggression over recent days: “The Pakistani army has used drones, long-range weapons, loitering munitions, and fighter jets to attack Indian military sites. Air bases in Udhampur, Bhuj, Pathankot, and Bathinda were targeted. They even used high-speed missiles at night to strike Punjab’s air base.” She added that Pakistan had crossed ethical and legal lines by attacking civilian facilities, including hospitals and schools at Srinagar, Awantipur, and Udhampur. Wing Commander Singh condemned Pakistan’s misinformation campaign, stating, “Pakistan has falsely claimed destruction of the Indian S-400 system and airfields at Surat and Sirsa. India unequivocally rejects these baseless assertions.” She also noted a concerning buildup of Pakistani forces: “The Pakistan Army is observed moving troops towards forward areas, showing intent for further escalation. India remains in a high state of operational readiness. We have responded effectively and proportionately and are committed to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocates.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India’s position of restraint while underlining its right to self-defense. The coordinated presence of top military and diplomatic officials at the briefing underscored the seriousness of the current security situation and India’s resolve to defend its sovereignty while maintaining regional stability.

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Editor04 mins

Bhopal to Revamp Civil Defence Plan Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh has directed officials to overhaul the city’s civil defence framework, replacing the outdated plan from 1971 with a comprehensive and modern strategy. The move comes in response to the recent surge in Indo-Pak tensions and was announced during a debriefing meeting following a city-wide mock drill involving multiple emergency response agencies. The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Additional District Magistrate’s (ADM) office, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police. One of the key directives issued was the training of at least 10% of the city’s population in basic disaster management skills — aiming to designate every tenth resident as a civil defence volunteer. In a push to enhance fire response capabilities, the Collector instructed BMC to procure and deploy surveillance drones, similar to those used by police forces. These drones will aid in the swift assessment of fire-prone zones and improve strategic coordination. Additionally, a major upgrade of fire safety infrastructure has been sanctioned, with an estimated budget of ₹8–10 crore. The city will also identify and categorize shelter homes — such as schools, hospitals, and community halls — across seven zones. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will oversee these zones and serve as reporting officers, functioning as incident commandants in emergencies. Officials highlighted Bhopal’s massive urban expansion — from a 5 km radius in 1971 to over 25 km today — as a key reason for revamping the civil defence strategy. In response, Smart City authorities have been tasked with installing emergency sirens in newer, rapidly developing areas to ensure city-wide alert coverage. ADM Ankur Meshram confirmed that work is already underway on the updated civil defence strategy. He noted that key focus areas include route mapping, food logistics, and resource monitoring. Meshram also emphasized the urgent need to fill SDRF vacancies, stating that the current manpower of 450–500 personnel is insufficient to meet the growing demands of disaster response operations in the expanding city. The new plan aims to equip Bhopal with a resilient, responsive, and community-driven civil defence system capable of handling modern threats and emergencies.

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