September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Politics

India’s Trade Deficit with China Hits Record $99.2 Billion Amid Import Surge

India’s trade deficit with China widened to an all-time high of $99.2 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, driven by a sharp increase in imports of electronics, electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and other key industrial components—sectors in which China has a dominant role in India’s supply chains. This marks a 17% increase from the previous year’s deficit of $85.07 billion. In contrast, exports to China declined by 14.5% to $14.2 billion, falling below the levels recorded in FY14. India continues to register trade deficits with other major economies, including the UAE ($26.79 billion) and Hong Kong ($13.64 billion). Notably, India also experienced trade deficits with several free trade agreement (FTA) partners such as the UAE, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, raising concerns over the effectiveness of these agreements in promoting balanced trade. On a positive note, India recorded a trade surplus of $41.2 billion with the United States, reinforcing the US as a key export destination for Indian goods. The government is increasingly concerned about the potential dumping of Chinese goods, especially in light of the US Trump administration’s recent move to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports. Indian officials believe these goods could be redirected to Indian markets—either directly or via third countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. In response, India has activated an import monitoring mechanism to ensure prompt and timely action against such dumping practices. India’s main imports from China include electronic components, computer hardware, telecom instruments, electrical machinery, plastic raw materials, pharmaceutical ingredients, and organic chemicals. On the other hand, top exports to China comprise iron ore, petroleum products, marine items, spices, and organic chemicals. However, industry representatives have raised concerns that many raw material imports from China are under-invoiced by up to 25%, potentially skewing trade data and impacting domestic industry competitiveness.

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Editor03 mins

BJP Supporters Demand Bulldozer Action in Mumbai Amid ED Chargesheet Against Gandhis in National Herald Case

BJP supporters in Mumbai have stirred controversy by demanding “bulldozer action” against properties linked to the National Herald case. This comes in the wake of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Leading the charge was BJP leader Vishwabandhu Rai, who displayed provocative posters outside the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) building in Bandra. These posters, featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, bore the slogan “Deva Bhau, Bulldozer Chalao,” calling for the demolition of properties associated with the case. The ED submitted its chargesheet on Tuesday, naming Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as accused in the National Herald money laundering case. Other prominent Congress figures such as Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey have also been named. The document, filed earlier in April, is currently under review by Special Judge Vishal Gogne, who is expected to decide on taking cognisance during the next hearing scheduled for April 25. The agency has already initiated proceedings to seize properties worth over ₹700 crore belonging to AJL—a company closely associated with the Gandhi family. The assets in question include high-value real estate in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, notably including the iconic Herald House located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in the national capital. AJL, the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, is owned by Young Indian Private Limited, in which Sonia and Rahul Gandhi hold a combined 76% stake, making them majority shareholders. The ED has clarified that the recent developments are part of its ongoing investigation under Section 8 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and relevant rules from 2013 concerning the possession of attached or frozen properties. As political tensions mount, the demand for bulldozer action signals an escalation in the BJP’s offensive, mirroring tactics employed in other states, particularly Uttar Pradesh. The situation continues to fuel political debate around alleged misuse of power and selective targeting of opposition leaders.

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Editor03 mins

US-China Trade War Escalates: Tariffs Soar to 245% Amid National Security Concerns

The United States has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%, citing retaliatory actions by Beijing, the White House announced on Tuesday afternoon (India time). This latest development marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade war between the two global economic giants, pushing the standoff further into uncertain territory. The move comes after President Donald Trump authorised a formal investigation into the national security risks associated with the United States’ dependence on imported, processed critical minerals and related products. These include essential resources like cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare-earth elements — materials that are vital for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, and military equipment. The White House noted that over-reliance on foreign sources for such minerals leaves the US vulnerable to “serious, sustained, and long-term supply chain shocks.” It warned that this dependence could potentially endanger national security, hinder technological advancement, and undermine economic stability. Previously, the tit-for-tat tariff exchanges had seen the US imposing a 145% tax on Chinese imports, with China retaliating with a 125% tariff on American goods. In addition, China banned the export of key materials used by aerospace manufacturers and military contractors in the US. Despite these economic headwinds, a senior Chinese official on Wednesday admitted that the American tariffs were exerting pressure. However, China reported a stronger-than-expected economic performance, with its economy growing by 5.4% in the first quarter. Industrial output rose by 6.5% and retail sales by 4.6% year-on-year. Even so, Beijing acknowledged that the global economic outlook is becoming increasingly “complex and severe,” necessitating fresh efforts to drive growth and boost consumption. President Trump, meanwhile, has made it clear that the next move is up to China. “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” he said, just a day after accusing Beijing of reneging on a significant Boeing agreement. Trump has long claimed that countries like China, India, and Brazil impose higher tariffs on American imports than the US does on goods from those nations. He has advocated for reciprocal tariffs as a way to either force foreign governments to lower their trade barriers or stimulate domestic manufacturing, thereby creating local jobs—a key plank of his re-election campaign. Since January, the Trump administration has steadily increased tariffs on Chinese goods, starting with 10% hikes in February and March and culminating in a 34% spike in April. By April 9, the cumulative tariffs exceeded 100%, causing global financial markets, including in the US, to tumble. While Trump has paused some tariff orders, those affecting China remain firmly in place. In retaliation, China suspended imports of American sorghum, poultry, and bonemeal, imposed trade restrictions on 27 US firms, and filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization. Beijing has also intensified diplomatic outreach to other global players like India and the European Union, seeking to counterbalance US influence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently urged New Delhi and Beijing to “make the elephant and dragon dance” and jointly oppose “hegemonism and power politics.” As the trade tensions deepen, the path forward remains uncertain, with significant implications for global trade, geopolitics, and economic stability.

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Editor05 mins

NASA Sacks Neela Rajendra Amid Trump Administration’s Crackdown on DEI Roles

In a significant move aligning with a new federal directive, NASA has terminated Neela Rajendra, the former head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The decision follows an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump mandating the elimination of all DEI-related roles and programs across federal agencies. Rajendra, an Indian-origin executive, had served in a key leadership role for several years, leading major initiatives such as NASA’s “Space Workforce 2030” pledge. The initiative focused on increasing the representation of women and minorities within the space agency’s workforce. In an attempt to comply with the executive order while retaining Rajendra’s expertise, NASA initially reassigned her to a newly created position titled “Head of the Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success.” Despite the title change, her responsibilities remained largely unchanged, including oversight of internal affinity groups like the Black Excellence Strategic Team. However, with stricter enforcement of the order taking effect, Rajendra was officially relieved of her duties in early April 2025. According to reports, quoting a report from the Daily Mail, an internal email from JPL Director Laurie Leshin confirmed her departure, stating: “Neela Rajendra is no longer working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact she made to our organisation. We wish her the very best.” Rajendra had previously survived mass DEI-related layoffs in 2024, when nearly 900 such roles were cut across various government entities due to budget constraints. Even after NASA shut down its DEI office in March 2025, she continued in her reassigned role until her eventual removal this month. Her departure marks NASA’s alignment with other federal agencies that have already complied with the Trump administration’s controversial directive. The administration argues that DEI initiatives have created division and led to the misallocation of taxpayer resources, a claim that continues to spark heated national debate.

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Editor03 mins

Assam Makes Assamese Compulsory for All Government Work; Bodo and Bengali to Be Used Regionally

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced that Assamese will be the compulsory official language for all government notifications, orders, acts, and similar official works across the state, starting from the Bohag Bihu season. The decision marks a significant push to strengthen the cultural identity of the Assamese language in state administration. In a notification issued by the state government, it was clarified that while Assamese will be the official language across most of the state: The directive also noted that English will continue to be used for communication with: Additionally, the notification stated: “For interpretation of provisions contained in any rules, acts, regulations, office orders, court orders or judgments, the English version shall prevail.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Sarma posted: “Beginning this Bohag, Assamese will be the compulsory official language for all government notifications, orders, acts etc. across Assam.” Language Landscape of Assam (as per 2011 Census): These numbers reflect the linguistic diversity of Assam, shaped by its multi-ethnic and multicultural identity. The move follows the Union Cabinet’s October 3, 2024 decision to grant classical language status to Assamese, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Bengali — a significant recognition of linguistic heritage. Subsequently, the Assam state cabinet, on October 8, passed a resolution celebrating this milestone and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “significant gesture towards Assam’s cultural and language heritage.” This latest linguistic policy reinforces the state’s commitment to preserving Assamese identity while also respecting the linguistic rights of minority regions through tailored official language use.

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Editor03 mins

India, US Finalise Phase-One Trade Deal Terms Amid Tariff Tensions; Aim for $500 Billion Trade by 2030

India and the United States have finalised the terms of reference for the initial phase of a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement, according to a report by Reuters citing an Indian trade official. The development comes as both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 under the ambitious “Mission 500” initiative. This agreement follows an earlier commitment made in February, when both countries agreed to collaborate on the first stage of the trade pact and finalise it by the end of 2025. The initial deal is seen as a strategic step toward expanding cooperation in key sectors such as energy, critical minerals, technology, and manufacturing. The progress comes in the backdrop of rising trade tensions, especially after the US, under President Donald Trump, imposed 26% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods earlier this month. However, Trump has since announced a 90-day pause on further tariff hikes for major trading partners, including India, giving both sides room to negotiate. In response, India has revised its tariff structure, reducing import duties on approximately 8,500 industrial items. Notably, the tariff cuts include American exports such as bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, seen as a goodwill gesture to ease bilateral strains. The phase-one agreement underscores both countries’ intent to align on trade policies and deepen economic ties. India is reportedly considering zero-duty imports from the US in selected sectors, especially under its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes that aim to attract global manufacturers and integrate India into global supply chains. This reset in trade relations comes after President Trump’s April 2 announcement of “Liberation Day”, during which he unveiled a sweeping 10% base tariff on all imports, targeting countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. The executive order, effective April 5, is part of a broader protectionist shift aimed at revitalising domestic industry, with China being the primary focus. The evolving India–US trade dynamic signals a strategic economic realignment, with both nations seeking to reduce dependence on China and strengthen their roles in global trade architecture.

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Editor03 mins

ED Issues Second Summons to Robert Vadra in Shikhopur Land Deal Case; Vadra Alleges Political Vendetta

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday issued a second summons to businessman Robert Vadra in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Shikhopur land deal in Haryana. The summons comes days after Vadra failed to appear before the agency following an earlier notice issued on April 8. In a show of defiance, Vadra, accompanied by supporters and Congress workers, marched to the ED office, asserting his innocence and calling the case a politically motivated attack. “Whenever I talk for the people, they try to suppress me. It’s a political vendetta. I have nothing to hide,” he said. He further claimed that the case has been repeatedly used to target him and his family, particularly when he expresses interest in entering active politics. “People love me and want me to join politics. When I express that willingness, they bring up old issues to divert from real problems,” he added. Vadra also stated that he has been summoned 15 times and interrogated for over 10 hours each time over the past 20 years, and that his legal team is compiling 23,000 documents to support his defense. Meanwhile, Congress supporters present at the ED office chanted slogans accusing the ruling BJP of misusing central agencies. One of the popular chants was, “Jab jab Modi darta hai, ED ko aage karta hai,” implying that the agency is being used to silence dissent and target opposition voices. The case pertains to a 2008 land transaction in Shikohpur village near Gurgaon, where Vadra’s company Skylight Hospitality purchased around three acres of land for Rs 7.5 crore. Later, the Haryana town planning department issued a letter of intent to develop a commercial colony on 2.71 acres of the plot. Subsequently, Skylight entered into an agreement with DLF to sell the land for Rs 58 crore, and the sale deed was registered in favor of DLF. Once Vadra deposes before the ED, the agency is expected to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to sources cited by news agency PTI. He has previously been questioned by the ED in connection with another money laundering case.

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Editor03 mins

PM Modi Slams Congress Over Waqf Law Opposition, Calls Out ‘Appeasement Politics’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing it of appeasing Muslim fundamentalists and neglecting the broader Muslim community. Speaking at the inauguration of Hisar airport in Haryana, PM Modi said the Congress’s stand on the new law was a clear indication of its vote-bank politics. He challenged the party’s commitment to the Muslim community, questioning why it had never appointed a Muslim party president or allocated 50 per cent of its election tickets to Muslim candidates. The Prime Minister emphasized that the newly inaugurated Hisar airport would serve as a significant milestone in Haryana’s developmental journey. He also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling him a Dalit icon and the architect of the Constitution. Modi stated that every decision of his government is inspired by Babasaheb’s struggle and dedication to social justice. Targeting the Congress party’s historical approach, Modi accused it of misusing the Constitution for political power. “During the Emergency, the spirit of the Constitution was murdered,” he said. He criticized the Congress for never implementing a Uniform Civil Code, which he claimed is enshrined in the Constitution, while his government had taken a step forward by introducing it in Uttarakhand. Modi also accused the Congress of betraying Ambedkar during his lifetime. “They insulted him, made him lose elections, and tried to erase his legacy after his death,” he said, adding that the Congress had perpetuated vote-bank politics while ignoring real issues like education and empowerment of marginalized communities. He said the Waqf law, as changed arbitrarily by Congress, was used to benefit land mafias rather than poor Muslims, Dalits, and backward classes. According to Modi, the new amendment ensures that tribal lands and properties cannot be taken over by Waqf Boards, and that this will help restore the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslims, which he described as true social justice. In response, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge countered Modi’s claims by invoking Ambedkar’s belief in the power of education. He said the current government does not follow Ambedkar’s vision but only indulges in blaming the Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others from the past. Kharge also highlighted the Congress’s consistent demand for immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, with specific provisions for SC, ST, and OBC women, as part of their long-standing commitment to equality.

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Editor04 mins

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

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Editor03 mins

Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia: 155 Chinese Nationals Allegedly Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia. “We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged. Zelensky claimed: “Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.” China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that: “The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.” He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict. Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of: China’s Balancing Act China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods. North Korea Also in Focus The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort. With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.

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Editor04 mins
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