September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Politics

Iran, U.S. Resume Nuclear Talks in Rome Amid Deep Divisions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are set to engage in a fifth round of nuclear negotiations in Rome on Friday, mediated by Omani officials, as both sides attempt to bridge stark differences over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The talks come despite a warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who expressed serious doubts over the prospects of a deal. Key Highlights: Diplomatic Standoff Washington, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has indicated support for a deal allowing Iran a civil nuclear energy program without uranium enrichment. Rubio admitted this would be a difficult compromise, saying, “Achieving such a deal will not be easy.” Khamenei countered this position sharply, rejecting demands to cease enrichment as “excessive and outrageous”, and signaling that Iran would not bend easily to U.S. conditions. Tehran is open to some limits on enrichment but is seeking strong guarantees that the U.S. will not withdraw from the agreement in the future, a reference to the Trump administration’s 2018 exit from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). Sticking Points: Broader Implications With regional tensions simmering and Israel expressing alarm over Iran’s nuclear activities, the Rome talks are being viewed as a critical juncture. A successful outcome could avert the risk of military escalation and revive diplomacy, while failure may exacerbate tensions across the Middle East. Outlook Despite the public hardline posturing, both Tehran and Washington appear to see diplomacy as the preferred path. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether a new nuclear accord — possibly a revised version of the JCPOA — can be reached to stabilize the region and ease economic pressures on Iran.

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Editor04 mins

EAM S. Jaishankar Slams Pakistan in Dutch Interview, Reiterates India’s Zero-Tolerance on Terrorism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a firm stance against Pakistan’s terror links during an interview with Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant on Thursday, stating unequivocally that the Pakistani state and its army are deeply involved in supporting terrorism. The remarks came during his diplomatic visit to the Netherlands, aimed at bolstering bilateral ties with India’s second-largest trading partner in the European Union. “Let’s Not Pretend Pakistan Is Unaware” In his sharp comments, Jaishankar dismissed the notion that Islamabad is oblivious to the terror infrastructure flourishing on its soil. Drawing a blunt analogy, he asked rhetorically, “Suppose that there were large military centres in the middle of a city like Amsterdam where tens of thousands of people gathered for military training—would you say your government knows nothing about that? Of course not.” He reiterated India’s long-held view that Pakistan is the “epicentre of terrorism”, clarifying, “I am not suggesting that, I am stating that.” He noted that several individuals on the UN sanctions list—classified as notorious terrorists—reside openly in Pakistan’s cities with their addresses, operations, and networks publicly known. State and Army Complicit According to Jaishankar, the complicity of Pakistan’s state machinery is undeniable. “Let’s not pretend that Pakistan is not involved. The state is involved. The army is up to its neck in it,” he said, pointing to the systematic sheltering of terrorist groups within Pakistani territory. He lauded India’s armed forces for Operation Sindoor—India’s recent high-profile counter-terror operation—and emphasized that the country deserves international appreciation for its proactive stance against terrorism. Ceasefire and Consequences While Jaishankar acknowledged that the ceasefire understanding reached on May 10 has temporarily paused active military engagements between India and Pakistan, he issued a stern warning: “If terrorist attacks from Pakistan continue, there will be consequences. The Pakistanis must understand that very well.” Terrorism and Kashmir: Separate Issues Clarifying India’s policy position, Jaishankar separated the issues of Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism. “For India, terrorism is an independent, completely unacceptable international crime that should not be condoned or justified,” he said, making it clear that there will be no conflation of national security with political discourse on Kashmir. Jaishankar’s comments reflect New Delhi’s growing assertiveness on the global stage regarding cross-border terrorism and signal India’s unwillingness to let diplomatic niceties cloud its core security concerns.

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Editor04 mins

Gold Smuggling Case: ED Uncovers ₹40 Lakh Link to Karnataka Home Minister’s Education Trust

In a major development in the ongoing gold smuggling probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has allegedly unearthed a ₹40 lakh transaction linking gold smuggling suspect Ranya Rao with an education trust chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara. According to high-level sources within the ED’s Delhi office, investigators discovered that ₹40 lakh was diverted from the trust’s funds to settle Ranya Rao’s credit card bills, raising serious questions about the nature of the financial relationship. The transaction is said to have occurred “at the behest of an influential individual,” though no formal documentation or vouchers have been found to justify the payment. Raids on Minister-Linked Educational Institutions In connection with these revelations, ED teams carried out simultaneous raids at: All these institutions are chaired by G Parameshwara, intensifying the political sensitivity of the case. Ranya Rao’s Network: Hawala, Gold Buyers, Illegal Forex Further investigations revealed a larger illegal financial network: The Smuggling Case Ranya Rao, 33, was arrested on March 3 after arriving from Dubai at Bengaluru airport. She was caught by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carrying 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold worth ₹12.56 crore, concealed on her person. The seizure was one of the largest in recent years at Kempegowda International Airport. Her arrest has since triggered parallel probes by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), both of which are exploring the broader financial and political ramifications of the smuggling network. Political Fallout While Home Minister G Parameshwara has not yet been formally named as an accused, the ED’s findings are likely to generate significant political turbulence in Karnataka. Opposition leaders are expected to demand clarification and accountability over the alleged misuse of trust funds and potential links to an international smuggling racket. The ED is expected to summon more individuals associated with the trust and financial operators connected to Ranya Rao in the coming days.connected to Ranya Rao in the coming days.

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Editor04 mins

John Bolton Mocks Trump’s Ceasefire Claim: “Takes Credit for Everything — This Is Just Trump Being Trump”

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has criticized Donald Trump’s recent assertion that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, calling the claim exaggerated and typical of the former US president’s self-promotional style. Bolton remarked, “It’s nothing personal to India. This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything.” He added that Trump has a pattern of jumping in “before everyone else could take credit,” even if the facts don’t support his claims. “It may be irritating — probably is — to many people, but it’s just Trump being Trump,” Bolton noted. The former NSA’s comments came after Trump took to the spotlight once again, declaring at a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, “We settled that whole thing… I think I settled it through trade.” He further asserted on his Truth Social account: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.” Bolton, however, dismissed the idea that American intervention alone ended the hostilities, suggesting that Trump was overstating his role. The ceasefire came in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, a massive retaliatory strike on April 25 targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, after 26 civilians were killed in a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. While Trump insists his diplomatic efforts prevented a “nuclear war,” Bolton’s rebuttal paints a different picture — one where Trump’s claims are more about optics than actual policy impact.

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Editor03 mins

ऑपरेशन सिंदूर: “जब सिंदूर बारूद बन गया” — बीकानेर में पीएम मोदी का हुंकार

प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने आज राजस्थान के बीकानेर में एक जनसभा को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि 22 अप्रैल को जम्मू-कश्मीर के पहलगाम में हुए आतंकी हमले का भारत ने महज़ 22 मिनट में बदला लिया। उन्होंने बताया कि ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के तहत भारतीय सेना ने पाकिस्तान और पाकिस्तान अधिकृत कश्मीर (PoK) में स्थित नौ सबसे बड़े आतंकी ठिकानों को ध्वस्त कर दिया। पीएम मोदी ने कहा, “जब सिंदूर बारूद बन जाता है, तो दुश्मनों को अंजाम भुगतना पड़ता है। न खून, बल्कि मेरी रगों में सिंदूर उबाल मारता है।” प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि इस हमले में लगभग 100 आतंकवादियों को मार गिराया गया, जो जैश-ए-मोहम्मद, लश्कर-ए-तैयबा और हिजबुल मुजाहिदीन जैसे आतंकी संगठनों से जुड़े थे। उन्होंने यह भी कहा, “पहलगाम की गोलियों ने 140 करोड़ भारतीयों के दिलों को चीर दिया। हमने आतंक के केंद्र पर वार किया और सेना को खुली छूट दी। हमारी सेना ने पाकिस्तान को घुटनों पर ला दिया।” इस अवसर पर पीएम मोदी ने अमृत भारत स्टेशन योजना के तहत पुनर्विकसित देशनोक स्टेशन का उद्घाटन किया और बीकानेर-मुंबई एक्सप्रेस ट्रेन को हरी झंडी दिखाई। उन्होंने देशनोक स्थित करणी माता मंदिर में पूजा-अर्चना भी की और स्कूली छात्रों से संवाद किया। पीएम मोदी ने कहा, “5 साल पहले बालाकोट एयर स्ट्राइक के बाद मेरी पहली जनसभा राजस्थान की सीमा पर हुई थी और अब ऑपरेशन सिंदूर के बाद फिर से मेरी पहली जनसभा बीकानेर की इसी वीरभूमि पर हो रही है। यह वीरभूमि का तप ही है कि ऐसे संयोग बनते हैं।” उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि पहलगाम में आतंकियों ने हमारी बहनों के सिंदूर को उनके धर्म पूछकर मिटा दिया। अब देशवासी एकजुट हैं और यह संकल्प ले चुके हैं कि आतंक का समूल नाश किया जाएगा।

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Editor01 mins

India Dispatches First Multi-Party Delegation to UAE to Counter Pakistan’s Terror Narrative Post-Pahalgam Attack

In a significant diplomatic outreach following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, As per reports dispatched the first of seven multi-party delegations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These delegations aim to project a unified Indian stance on cross-border terrorism and highlight Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terror activities on Indian soil. 🔹 Key Highlights: 🌍 Background: This diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions after the Pahalgam suicide bombing, which killed multiple security personnel and civilians. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the LoC. The multi-nation campaign mirrors India’s earlier efforts post-Uri (2016) and Pulwama (2019) to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. 🧭 What’s Next: The remaining six delegations are scheduled to visit key strategic regions, including: Each will carry the unified message that terrorism is a global threat, and India, while advocating peace, will respond decisively to any provocation. This campaign is expected to shape global perception ahead of important international forums and build support for stronger global sanctions against state-sponsored terrorism.

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Editor03 mins

Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, Directs SIT Probe into ‘Operation Sindoor’ Posts

On Wednesday, May 21, the Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a professor at Ashoka University, who was arrested by Haryana Police on May 18 over social media posts regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’. The Court, however, refused to stay the ongoing investigation into the matter. Key Directions from the Court: Court’s Observations: The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh, stated that the interim bail was granted to facilitate the investigation, not to stall it. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mahmudabad, read aloud the professor’s social media posts, which included references to the praise of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi by right-wing commentators and a call to express equal concern over mob lynching and bulldozing incidents. Justice Surya Kant responded sharply: “So after commenting about war, he turned to politics!” He added: “Everyone has a right to express free speech. But is it the time to talk of this much communal…? The country has faced a big challenge… Monsters came all the way and attacked our innocents… Why gain cheap popularity at this juncture?” While Sibal agreed that the timing of Mahmudabad’s posts “could have waited till May 10,” he questioned where the criminality in the posts lay. Justice Kant remarked further: “Everybody talks about rights. As if the country for the last 75 years was distributing rights!” On Potential Future FIRs: Sibal also urged the Court to restrain further FIRs on the same issue. While the Court declined to pass an explicit order, Justice Kant orally assured that “nothing will happen” and asked the State of Haryana to act accordingly. The State retains the liberty to submit any additional incriminating material if discovered during the course of the investigation.

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Editor04 mins

India Cancels OCI of UK-Based Kashmiri Professor Over Alleged ‘Anti-India Activities’; Nitasha Kaul Calls It Transnational Repression

Dr. Nitasha Kaul, a British-Kashmiri professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster in London, has claimed that her Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) has been revoked by Indian authorities over allegations of engaging in “anti-India activities.” Taking to social media on Sunday, Dr. Kaul shared excerpts from the official communication she received, which accuses her of being driven by “malice and complete disregard for facts or history.” The notice also cites her “numerous inimical writings, speeches, and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms” as justification for the cancellation, alleging they target India’s sovereignty and institutions. This action comes months after Dr. Kaul was denied entry to India in February, where she was scheduled to attend an academic conference in Bengaluru. She had then voiced concern over what she described as a growing intolerance toward critical voices. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Kaul condemned the move, calling it “a bad faith, vindictive, cruel example of transnational repression.” She argued that the government is attempting to silence independent analysis and dissent, especially from those who critique policies perceived as anti-minority or anti-democratic. “Know that arresting academics in India for speaking against hate is closely tied to removing access to country and family for academics outside India,” she wrote, adding, “The idea is to send a signal — don’t dare challenge us within and don’t dare analyse what’s going on to convey to audiences outside.” Under current rules governing OCI status, the Indian government reserves the right to revoke citizenship privileges if an individual is found to have displayed “disaffection towards the Constitution of India.” Critics have long warned that such provisions could be used to suppress dissent. Dr. Kaul serves as Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and is a noted academic voice on issues related to Kashmir, human rights, and authoritarianism. The High Commission of India in London has been approached for a response, but an official statement is yet to be released.

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Editor03 mins

Israel Orders Northern Gaza Evacuation as Air Strikes Kill Over 115

Israeli forces have issued evacuation orders for residents in parts of northern Gaza, compelling thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes amid relentless air strikes. On Friday, intense bombardment in the Beit Lahiya area forced families to gather only essential belongings and seek shelter elsewhere. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 19,000 Palestinians have been displaced since Thursday afternoon. “Many with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” the IOM noted on its X account, lamenting that “nowhere is safe in Gaza.” Since the conflict’s escalation in October 2023, nearly every Gazan has been uprooted at least once, with repeated forced displacements as Israel expands its military operations. On Saturday, the Israeli military announced in Arabic that it had begun “initial stages” of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at “achieving all the war’s objectives, including the release of the abducted and the defeat of Hamas.” An accompanying English statement confirmed that troops were being mobilized to secure “operational control in areas of the Gaza Strip.” Since dawn on Friday, at least 115 Palestinians have been killed in northern Gaza, with more than 100 others killed in similar strikes on Thursday. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the total death toll since October 2023 has reached at least 53,119, with 120,214 wounded. The enclave’s Government Media Office has since updated the figure to over 61,700, noting that thousands still missing under rubble are presumed dead.

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Editor02 mins

Sharif Offers Peace Talks Amid Post-Conflict Tensions; India Firm on Terror as Sole Agenda

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed readiness to hold talks with India “for peace,” despite heightened tensions following a recent bout of military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Speaking during a visit to the Kamra air base in Punjab province, Sharif was accompanied by top leaders and defence officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. During the visit, he met with soldiers involved in the recent conflict with India and reiterated that any conditions for peace must include resolution of the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Sharif’s comments reflect Pakistan’s continued insistence on bringing the Kashmir issue to the forefront of any peace dialogue. India, however, maintains that Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, are integral parts of the country. India has repeatedly rejected third-party involvement or discussion on its internal matters, including Kashmir. Responding firmly to the developments, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on the same day that the only pending issue concerning Kashmir is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking at the inauguration of the Honduras Embassy, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s stance remains unambiguous and consistent—talks with Pakistan will focus solely on cross-border terrorism and related security concerns. “The prime minister made it very clear that talks with Pakistan will be only on terror,” Jaishankar asserted. He further demanded the extradition of terrorists involved in attacks against India and the dismantling of terror infrastructure operating from within Pakistan. “They know what to do,” he added, indicating that any dialogue would be contingent upon concrete action by Islamabad. The latest confrontation, which prompted Sharif’s statement, began after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6-7, targeting nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists. Pakistan retaliated with missile and drone strikes on May 8, 9, and 10, which were met with decisive counterattacks by the Indian armed forces on military sites across Pakistan, including Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. Despite the conflict and entrenched positions, Sharif’s latest outreach suggests a desire to return to dialogue—though whether substantive progress can be made remains dependent on bridging deep and long-standing trust deficits between the two neighbours.

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Editor04 mins
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