July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: National

Gold Soars Over 1% as U.S.-China Tariff War Heats Up, Investors Rush to Safe Haven

Gold prices surged more than 1% on Thursday, buoyed by a flight to safety after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on China, raising fresh concerns over inflation and global growth. Despite a temporary tariff pause for other countries, the move intensified the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies. 🔥 Tariff Tensions Reignite Demand for Bullion Trump announced a tariff increase on Chinese imports to 125% from 104%, prompting investors to seek refuge in gold, a traditional hedge during economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The latest tariffs overshadowed the administration’s decision to temporarily ease duties for other nations. “If we enter a slow growth period, which is our base case, we think rates will eventually head lower and push gold higher,” said Edward Meir, analyst at Marex, adding that $3,200/oz could be reached “by month-end, if not earlier.” 📈 Factors Fueling the Gold Rally in 2025 Gold has already gained more than 18% this year, fueled by: 📊 Fed’s Balancing Act Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting reveal that most policymakers are concerned about the economy facing “higher inflation alongside slower growth.” This puts pressure on the Fed’s future rate decisions, with possible trade-offs looming. Gold, which yields no interest, typically underperforms when rates are high. However, its role as an inflation hedge keeps it attractive amid uncertainties. 🔍 What’s Next? Investors are now eyeing key U.S. data: These indicators could provide further clues on inflation trends and Fed policy direction. 🪙 Other Precious Metals

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Editor03 mins

Finance Department Tightens Project Implementation Rules: Cabinet Nod Now Mandatory

In a move aimed at curbing unregulated budgetary expenses, the Finance Department has issued a circular mandating cabinet approval for all new projects, including those sponsored by the Central Government. The new directive makes it compulsory for all departments to seek formal clearance before initiating any project or scheme. Multi-Tier Approval System Introduced Before seeking cabinet clearance, departments must first get their project proposals vetted by the Cost Screening Committee, to be chaired by the respective department head. Following this, projects will be assessed based on their financial scale through various finance committees: If any project’s cost escalates by more than 10%, additional approval must be obtained from the relevant finance committee. Deadline and Duration of Project Validity The circular also states that projects running until March 31, 2026, must obtain fresh approval to continue. Additionally, all such projects must aim for completion by September 2025, or face discontinuation of funding beyond March 31. The order coincides with the upcoming term of the 16th Finance Commission, which will function from 2026 to 2031. Approvals given under the current framework will remain valid throughout this period. This revised process marks a significant tightening of fiscal controls and is expected to enforce greater transparency, discipline, and accountability in public spending across departments.

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Editor03 mins

Gunfights Erupt in Udhampur and Kishtwar as Security Forces Engage Terrorists

Fresh encounters broke out between security forces and terrorists at two separate locations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur and Kishtwar districts on Wednesday, following specific intelligence inputs about militant movement in the region. In Udhampur district, the gunfight began in Jopher Marta village, located in the Largar area of Ramnagar. Acting on inputs regarding the movement of a group linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a joint team of security forces launched a search operation in the dense forested area. As the advance party of security personnel moved into the suspected zone, they came under sudden fire from terrorists who were hiding in the vicinity. This led to an intense exchange of gunfire. According to sources, the operation is still in progress, with additional reinforcements deployed to the area to assist in the ongoing engagement. The Udhampur police confirmed the development in a statement on social media, stating that contact with terrorists had been established in the Jopher area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ramnagar police station. Initial search operations had already raised suspicions of terrorist presence, as gunshots were heard earlier in the day. It is believed that two to three terrorists are currently trapped in the area. Soon after the confrontation in Udhampur, a second encounter erupted in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district. Security forces have reportedly surrounded two to three terrorists hiding near the Chatroo forest. The gunfight at this location is also ongoing, as personnel continue to comb the terrain in search of the militants. Both operations remain active, and security forces are on high alert across the region.

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Editor03 mins

India to Acquire 26 Rafale M Fighter Jets for Navy in ₹63,000 Cr Deal with France

In a landmark move to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities, India will acquire 26 Rafale M (marine) fighter jets from France in a ₹63,000 crore government-to-government deal, sources confirmed on Tuesday. This will mark the first major fighter jet upgrade for the Indian Navy. 🔹 Deal Highlights: 🔹 Why Rafale M? The Rafale M is one of the most advanced naval fighter jets globally. Key features include: 🔹 Strategic Significance: The new Rafales will augment India’s surveillance and deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean, especially amid growing concerns over Chinese naval activity. They will complement the existing MiG-29K fleet operating from INS Vikramaditya. 🔹 Future Plans: India is also developing its own fifth-generation twin-engine deck-based fighter jets via DRDO, meant to serve as the naval counterpart to the AMCA project for the Air Force.

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Editor02 mins

ED Links ₹300 Cr Assets, 52 kg Gold to Ex-RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma in Mega Money Laundering Case

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet in a money laundering case involving former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and 11 others. The charge sheet, submitted to a special court on Tuesday, reveals explosive findings, including 52 kg of gold bars and ₹11 crore in cash allegedly linked to Sharma. Family and Associates Named in Case The accused include: Only Uma Sharma was present in court on Tuesday and signed her order sheet before leaving. Key Evidence Presented According to ED officials and legal counsel: Advocate Rajneesh Bariya, representing Sharad Jaiswal, confirmed that two cases have been registered: Assets and Foreign Link During its investigation, the ED uncovered: Case Origin and Gold Haul The case began with a Lokayukta Police FIR in Bhopal against Sharma. The trail led to an Innova car owned by Chetan Singh Gaur, where the cash and gold were initially seized by the Income Tax Department. Bail Hearing on April 11 The lawyers for Sharma, Jaiswal, and Gaur, currently in judicial custody, are expected to file bail applications on Wednesday (April 10). The court will hear arguments on April 11, and a decision may be taken the same day.

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Editor03 mins

Kashmir: Senior Hurriyat Leaders Renounce Separatism Amid Amit Shah’s Visit

In a significant development coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Kashmir Valley, three senior separatist leaders have publicly renounced separatism and distanced themselves from Hurriyat Conference factions, signaling a marked shift in the region’s political narrative. The leaders — Mohammad Yousuf Naqash (Islamic Political Party J&K), Hakeem Abdul Rashid (Muslim Democratic League J&K), and Bashir Ahmad Andrabi (Kashmir Freedom Front) — were all formerly affiliated with the Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In similarly worded statements, the trio declared allegiance to the Constitution of India and made it unequivocally clear that they no longer support separatist ideologies or entities such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). “My organization and I have no connection whatsoever with APHC factions or any entity pursuing separatist agendas. We are loyal citizens of India and owe allegiance to the Constitution,” read their statements. They further warned that any misuse of their names in association with separatist groups would be met with legal action. They emphasized that their departure from the separatist fold was due to the failure of APHC to effectively address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A Broader Trend This renunciation is part of a growing wave of public exits from separatist politics in the Valley over the past month. It marks a historic shift — the first time since the 1990s insurgency that multiple separatist leaders have voluntarily denounced the separatist movement in such open terms. Union Minister Amit Shah has previously welcomed such moves, posting on X that “Separatism has become history in J&K”, reflecting the government’s long-standing effort to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. Background on APHC Formed in 1993, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was a coalition of over 20 political, religious, and civil society groups advocating for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, often citing UN resolutions. Over time, its internal divisions and diminishing influence have led to a weakening of its political relevance. With this latest development, it appears that a new chapter may be unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, one that could significantly alter the narrative around conflict, identity, and reconciliation in the region.

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Editor04 mins

भोपाल के 126 से ज्यादा कब्रिस्तानों पर अतिक्रमण, अस्पताल और दुकानें भी बनीं: वक्फ संपत्तियों की हालत चिंताजनक

भोपाल। शहर के ऐतिहासिक वक्फ संपत्तियों पर अतिक्रमण का मामला एक बार फिर सुर्खियों में है। भोपाल टॉकीज चौराहा के पास स्थित कब्रिस्तान की ज़मीन पर अस्पताल और दुकानें तक बना दी गई हैं। ये अकेला मामला नहीं है—भोपाल शहर में लगभग 150 से अधिक कब्रिस्तानों में से सिर्फ 15 से 24 कब्रिस्तान ही अस्तित्व में बचे हैं, जबकि 126 से अधिक कब्रिस्तान अतिक्रमण की चपेट में हैं। 🔥 मुख्य बिंदु: वक्फ संपत्तियों की दुर्दशा: हाजी मोहम्मद इमरान, जमीअत उलमा ए हिंद (मप्र) के सचिव के अनुसार, “वक्फ बोर्ड की जानकारी में सब कुछ है, लेकिन न तो कार्रवाई होती है और न ही मुस्लिम समाज को जागरूक किया गया।” 📌 वक्फ बोर्ड की प्रतिक्रिया: डॉ. सनव्वर पटेल, अध्यक्ष, मप्र वक्फ बोर्ड: “हमने 150 कब्रिस्तानों का रिकॉर्ड देखा है, पर भौतिक सत्यापन में सिर्फ 24 मिले। सत्यापन के बाद सभी अतिक्रमणकारियों को नोटिस भेजे जा रहे हैं।” 😔 भावनात्मक संकट भी गहराया: कई परिवार जो अपने पूर्वजों के पास अपने प्रियजन को दफनाना चाहते थे, अब उनके पास कब्रिस्तान ही नहीं बचा। कुछ कब्रिस्तानों में तो रास्ता तक नहीं बचा है। क्या है वक्फ: वक्फ वह संपत्ति होती है जिसे कोई व्यक्ति अल्लाह की राह में समाज के कल्याण के लिए देता है। इसका पंजीकरण होता है और वक्फ संपत्ति जब तक समाज के हित में उपयोग होती रहे, तब तक वक्फ करने वाले को पुण्य मिलता है। ज़रूरी सवाल: अगर आप चाहें तो मैं इस पर एक विस्तृत रिपोर्ट या प्रेस रिलीज़ भी ड्राफ्ट कर सकता हूँ।

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Editor01 mins

Grenade Attack on Manoranjan Kalia’s House Sparks Political Uproar Over Law and Order in Punjab

A grenade blast outside senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar has sent shockwaves across Punjab, with political leaders across parties slamming the AAP-led state government for a breakdown in law and order and an alarming spike in violence. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu met Kalia on Tuesday and strongly criticized the deteriorating security situation in the state. “There’s an atmosphere of fear in Punjab. This isn’t just an isolated attack—it’s a targeted attempt to disrupt peace and communal harmony. The state has seen militancy before, but even then, grenades weren’t so casually used,” Bittu said. This is the first grenade attack on a political leader’s house in the recent spate of such incidents. Punjab has witnessed over a dozen grenade attacks since November 2023, targeting police stations, places of worship, and even a YouTuber’s residence, all indicating a worrying pattern of rising militancy and gang violence. 🔥 Political Reactions and Sharp Criticism: 🔎 Background: The grenade attack has united opposition voices, who warn that Punjab may be on the brink of a security crisis if urgent action is not taken. As calls for accountability grow louder, all eyes are now on CM Bhagwant Mann’s response in the coming days.

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Editor04 mins

Tata’s ₹27,000 Cr Semiconductor Investment Signals Northeast’s Rise: Jyotiraditya Scindia at Rising Bharat Summit 2025

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Tuesday hailed the Tata Group’s ₹27,000 crore semiconductor investment in Assam, calling it a game-changer for the region and a testament to its growing importance in India’s development narrative. Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, Scindia emphasized that such a high-tech investment showcases Assam’s and the Northeast’s transformation into a strategic economic hub. “Infrastructure is now all-pervasive across the northeast. That is why companies like the Tata Group have chosen Assam, and nowhere else in the country, for their semiconductor foray. The direct and indirect benefits this will generate are beyond imagination,” he said. 🔧 Tata’s Semiconductor Push in Assam: ✈️ Infrastructure Boom in Northeast (Past 10 Years): Metric 2014 2024 % Growth Airports 9 16 78% National Highways 10,000 km 16,000 km 60% Scindia credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance for the infrastructure revolution. “The Northeast, once seen as the last frontier, is now emerging as the first frontier of India’s progress,” Scindia added. This marks one of the largest private investments in the history of the Northeast, setting a precedent for more high-tech industries to look beyond traditional hubs and into emerging regions like Assam.

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Editor02 mins

ED Raids Properties Linked to DMK Minister KN Nehru’s Family Across Tamil Nadu

Chennai/Tiruchy/Coimbatore, April 8: In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations across Chennai, Tiruchy, and Coimbatore as part of an ongoing probe into financial irregularities involving the TVH Group, a real estate company allegedly promoted by KN Ravichandran, brother of senior DMK leader and State Minister KN Nehru. According to official sources, the searches were connected to banking transactions by the TVH Group, with raids conducted at over 10 locations, including high-profile neighborhoods in Chennai like Adyar, Teynampet, Alwarpet, CIT Colony, Besant Nagar, and MRC Nagar. Key Highlights: Political Reactions: Amid rising political temperatures, Law Minister S Regupathy slammed the ED, calling it a “non-political ally of the BJP.” Drawing parallels with other opposition leaders facing similar action, he said the agency functions as “an extended arm of the BJP.” In a late evening press conference, DMK MP and legal wing head NR Elango described the raids as politically motivated and retaliatory, stating: “These delayed and unlawful raids target DMK leaders whenever our Chief Minister MK Stalin raises constitutional issues. The case in question appears to be related to a 2013 bank transaction, already charge-sheeted by the CBI in 2021. There is no indication that it involves any new corruption charge.” Minister’s Response: Despite the tense atmosphere as DMK cadres assembled near the raid locations, Minister KN Nehru was seen urging his supporters to leave and not interfere with the ED’s actions. This helped defuse the situation, avoiding any confrontation.

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Editor03 mins
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