June 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Politics

Trump Proposes Rebuilding Alcatraz to “House America’s Most Ruthless”

Former President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons, along with the Department of Justice, FBI and Homeland Security, to “rebuild and open Alcatraz” as a maximum‑security facility for the nation’s most violent offenders. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump lamented that in “times past” the U.S. “did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm.” Alcatraz Island, famous for once incarcerating notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 until its closure in 1963. Since then, it has operated as a popular national recreation area managed by the National Park Service, drawing over a million visitors each year. Trump’s proposal envisions a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” prison complex, though he offered no details on budget, timeline or legal authority. Speaking to reporters upon returning to the White House from Florida, Trump downplayed the logistical hurdles, describing the plan as “just an idea I’ve had” that he decided to act on. In reality, reopening Alcatraz would require extensive environmental reviews, congressional approval for funding, and complex coordination between multiple federal agencies—none of which have indicated support for the project. Critics argue the proposal is largely symbolic, pointing out that modern corrections policy favors rehabilitation over isolation, and that upgrading existing facilities would be far more cost‑effective. Nonetheless, Trump’s call taps into a long‑standing political narrative around “tough on crime” rhetoric, and it remains to be seen if any serious steps will follow beyond his Truth Social announcement.

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Editor03 mins

Government Elevates Senior IAS Officers as Central Agency Raids Spark Panic

The state government has been lavishing attention on two senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, both of whom enjoy the confidence of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. One officer—known for his candid assessments of various departments—has long been a close adviser to successive CMs, leveraging his extensive network to influence policy across portfolios. The administration routinely consults him on inter‑departmental matters, and insiders say his counsel carries “near‑cabinet” weight. Similarly, another highly regarded IAS officer has seen a flurry of initiatives launched under his stewardship. His department’s ambitious welfare programs have won praise, and he has consistently secured government backing to expedite projects. Whispers in Secretariat corridors note that he “gets things done” by deftly navigating both political leadership and bureaucratic processes. Principal Secretary to Re‑Enter Mainstream, Relief in SightA veteran Principal Secretary (PS), long relegated to the “loop line” of postings, is poised for a return to the core executive fold. Though the administration had earmarked him for an outward posting of modest importance, recent deliberations suggest placing him in a key department where his skills can be better utilized. Having spent much of his career on peripheral assignments—and with multiple changes at the helm of government—the PS welcomes any transfer that restores him to substantive work. Should the primary proposal fall through, officials say he’s willing to serve wherever needed. Central Probe Raids Stun State BureaucracyPanic has rippled through one major department after a central probe agency raided the homes and offices of several officials. Investigators seized documents alleging irregularities, including references to a retired officer—“the Sahib”—and evidence of illicit payments (“carrots”) funneled through a serving bureaucrat. As the inquiry deepens, implicated individuals are scrambling to shield themselves, while rival officers within the same department sense an opportunity to press fresh charges. In the wake of the raids, both administrative morale and trust in oversight mechanisms have suffered a marked blow.

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Editor03 mins

Madhya Pradesh Minister Advocates Extrajudicial Killings for ‘Love Jihad’ Suspects

Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Vishwas Sarang sparked controversy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, by calling for those involved in so‑called “love jihad” to be publicly shot dead. His remarks came a day after Farhan Khan, a suspect in a rape‑and‑blackmail case, was shot in the leg while allegedly attempting to wrestle a pistol from a police sub‑inspector during an escort to recreate a crime scene. Sarang, a four‑time MLA from the Narela constituency in Bhopal, criticized the police for wounding the suspect in the leg, asserting, “They should have shot him in the chest. Such people have no right to live.” He went further, equating proponents of “love jihad” and those who rape minors with a burden on the nation, and urged that: “We must make sure that such culprits are shot, and a message should be given that such miscreants will not be forgiven. Shoot them publicly and end it.” Farhan Khan remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his right leg. Police reports state the shooting occurred during a scuffle when he tried to grab an escorting SI’s pistol near Sehore.

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Editor02 mins

UN Security Council to Hold Closed-Door Consultations on India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Attack

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, to discuss escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The move comes in response to a formal request by Pakistan, which currently serves as a non-permanent member of the 15-nation Council. Greece, holding the rotating presidency of the Council for May, scheduled the consultations following Islamabad’s appeal. The situation has intensified sharply following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians, including foreign tourists, were killed. India has directly blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the attack. In a series of diplomatic responses, India paused the six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), curtailed water flow to Pakistan from key rivers, and launched extensive de-silting and maintenance operations on the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams. Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, who presides over the Council this month, stated that the meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and potentially ease regional tensions. He reiterated Greece’s and the Council’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the governments of India and Nepal. Acknowledging that terrorism remains a central concern, Mr. Sekeris said, “We condemn terrorism in all its forms, everywhere it is happening.” He also noted that India is “far more bigger” and significant in regional dynamics, while expressing concern over mounting tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. In the weeks following the attack, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in an extensive diplomatic outreach, contacting nearly all current Council members—except China and Pakistan. He emphasized the need for accountability and international condemnation of cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar received strong support from several nations, including Greece, with which India shares a growing strategic partnership. Pakistan’s UN envoy Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a press conference last week, maintained that his country reserves the right to convene Council meetings when deemed necessary. He contextualized the recent developments as being rooted in the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. The closed consultations come amid heightened rhetoric, military preparedness, and diplomatic manoeuvring by both sides. The outcome of the meeting could influence international positioning on South Asia’s fragile security balance, especially in light of the suspended Indus treaty and the threat of further escalation.

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RSS, BJP Leaders Meet in Bhopal to Discuss ‘Love Jihad’, Pahalgam Attack, and Caste Census

Top functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government convened a high-level meeting on Friday at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal. The closed-door session came against the backdrop of recent “Love Jihad” allegations and the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hosted the meeting, which was attended by several key RSS office-bearers and BJP leaders, including BJP’s state in-charge Mahendra Singh, who stayed on in Bhopal specifically to take part in the discussions. The meeting followed a similar one held between RSS leaders and the Rajasthan government in Jaipur just a day earlier, underlining the Sangh’s increasing engagement with state-level responses on key social and security issues. According to sources, the meeting focused heavily on the growing concern over incidents labelled as “Love Jihad” in the state capital and other regions. RSS leaders reportedly urged CM Yadav to take stringent action against the accused in such cases. They also advised that, in addition to the Sangh’s ideological outreach and awareness campaigns, the government should explore broader public education initiatives to address the issue. The upcoming RSS centenary celebrations were also discussed, along with coordination plans between the party and the Sangh. Leaders underscored the need for cohesion between the organisation and the government machinery for better execution of political and administrative priorities. Another major topic of discussion was the fallout of the Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders reportedly reviewed the security situation and assessed its implications for national and state-level policy responses. The recently announced caste census by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also figured prominently. The leaders agreed that a “positive message” regarding the caste census should be conveyed to the public, suggesting a shift in communication strategy to position the initiative as inclusive and data-driven rather than politically divisive. The meeting concluded with an agreement that the RSS, BJP organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government would work closely on a comprehensive action plan to address current challenges and upcoming priorities.

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Editor03 mins

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh Demands Ban on Ajaz Khan’s Web Show ‘House Arrest’ for Obscenity

Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for an immediate ban on actor Ajaz Khan’s web series House Arrest, alleging that it promotes obscene content harmful to society, particularly impressionable children. The series is currently being streamed on the Ullu app, known for its adult-themed content. Wagh expressed serious concerns over the show, stating, “Ajaz Khan, who calls himself an actor, has created a show called House Arrest, which is nothing but the epitome of obscenity. Clips from this show are now freely circulating on social media, and they are extremely vulgar.” Highlighting the accessibility of such content, Wagh warned that children are increasingly exposed to it on mobile phones. “These kinds of programmes not only insult our culture but also degrade the moral health of society. This is a perverse attack on the minds of the next generation,” she said. Urging strict action, Wagh appealed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene and take steps against mobile platforms that enable the dissemination of such material. She accused content creators of misusing the principle of freedom of expression, saying, “In the name of freedom of expression, we must stop giving a free hand to obscenity. House Arrest is not merely content—it is an assault on the values of society.” Her demand has sparked renewed debate over the regulation of digital platforms and the boundaries of artistic freedom in India.

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Editor02 mins

Pakistan Faces Water Scarcity After India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty, Sparking Social Media Reactions

Pakistan is facing the prospect of water scarcity after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The treaty, which has been in place since 1960, has long facilitated the sharing of water from the Indus River system between the two countries. The suspension of the treaty follows claims of cross-border terrorism linked to Pakistan, particularly after the massacre of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. While the situation is being taken seriously by Islamabad, the move has sparked humorous exchanges on social media. One of the latest viral videos from India shows a parcel of bottled water being prepared for Pakistani influencer Hania Aamir, who has a substantial fan following in India. In the video, a courier service employee shows a parcel addressed to Hania Aamir in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, containing several bottles of water. The employee can be heard making light of the situation, pointing out the contents and the humorous irony of the package being sent amidst the water crisis. The Indus Waters Treaty, which survived through three wars between the two countries, is now under scrutiny as tensions between India and Pakistan escalate. India’s decision to suspend the treaty is a direct response to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in cross-border terrorism. Pakistan, however, has issued a warning, stating that any attempt to halt the flow of water would be considered an “act of war.” Despite the seriousness of the issue, the situation has been the subject of numerous memes and jokes across social media, with many poking fun at the water crisis in Pakistan. The video of the bottled water being sent to Hania Aamir has become a symbol of the online reaction, which mixes humor with the reality of the looming water shortage in Pakistan.

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Editor03 mins

Fresh Corruption Case Filed Against Former AAP Ministers in ₹2,000-Crore Classroom Scam

In a major development, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Police has filed a corruption case against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with the alleged ₹2,000-crore classroom construction scam. The ACB has also launched a comprehensive probe to determine the involvement of other officials and contractors linked to the project. According to ACB chief Madhur Verma, the role of unidentified government officials and contractors is also under scrutiny. The investigation pertains to the construction of over 12,000 classrooms and school buildings during the previous AAP regime, which, the ACB claims, were built at grossly inflated costs. Manish Sisodia, who served as Deputy Chief Minister and held the Education portfolio, and Satyendar Jain, the then PWD Minister, were responsible for overseeing the classroom construction project. The Public Works Department, under Jain’s leadership, was the executing agency for the constructions. The ACB’s initial findings suggest that 34 contractors, most of whom were allegedly associated with AAP, were awarded contracts. Many of the constructions were not completed within the stipulated timeframe, leading to significant cost escalations. Notably, the classrooms were built as Semi-Permanent Structures (SPS) with an intended lifespan of 30 years. However, the cost incurred was reportedly equivalent to that of pucca (permanent) classrooms with a lifespan of 75 years. Further irregularities were noted in the appointment of consultants and architects, who were allegedly hired without adherence to due procurement procedures. These violations contributed to the soaring project costs. The probe gained momentum following complaints by BJP leaders, who alleged that the classroom construction costs had escalated nearly fivefold. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had also prepared a report highlighting serious lapses and irregularities in the project. However, the ACB stated that this report was suppressed for nearly three years. According to the CVC findings, the cost of SPS construction was pegged at ₹2,292 per sq ft, which was almost at par with the cost of constructing full-fledged concrete buildings, ranging from ₹2,044 to ₹2,416 per sq ft. Additionally, project costs were increased by ₹326 crore without issuing new tenders, further raising concerns of financial mismanagement and procedural violations. The investigation is ongoing and is expected to uncover more details about the extent of the alleged scam.

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Editor04 mins

U.S. Airstrike on Migrant Center in Yemen Kills 68, Sparks Outcry Amid Escalating Houthi Conflict

A U.S. airstrike reportedly struck a migrant detention center in Houthi-controlled Saada, northern Yemen, on Monday, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens more. The facility, according to Houthi media outlet Al-Masirah, housed 115 African migrants, many from East Africa attempting to reach Saudi Arabia for work. The attack has intensified scrutiny on the U.S. military’s “Operation Rough Rider”, a months-long campaign targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels following their continued assaults on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes. Grim Civilian Toll The Houthi-run Interior Ministry confirmed 47 others wounded, many in critical condition. Graphic footage aired by Al-Masirah showed bodies beneath rubble and frantic rescue efforts amid collapsed buildings. The incident represents one of the deadliest U.S. strikes on non-combatants in recent years, especially involving migrants, a group particularly vulnerable in Yemen’s protracted civil conflict. Background: U.S. Strikes and Houthi Escalation Since mid-March 2025, the U.S. has conducted over 800 strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure—command centers, missile depots, drone facilities—in response to Houthi attacks on international vessels and Israel, which began in late 2023. These attacks, the Houthis claim, are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Biden administration, continuing a policy begun under Trump, insists the goal is freedom of navigation and regional stability. A CENTCOM spokesperson said recent operations had reduced Houthi one-way drone and missile attacks by over 50%, yet acknowledged the group remains a capable and Iran-supported threat. Strategic & Humanitarian Crisis Yemen has long been a key transit route for East African migrants—mostly Ethiopians and Somalis—fleeing war and poverty in hopes of work in the Gulf. The country’s ongoing war has made the route extremely dangerous, with migrants often caught in clashes or detained in squalid conditions. With civilian casualties mounting, including an earlier strike in Sanaa that killed at least eight people, humanitarian groups are demanding accountability and greater restraint from all sides. Global Reactions and Rising Tensions As the international community expresses concern, calls are growing for the UN and global powers to reassess military strategies that risk civilian lives. The Houthis have vowed retaliation, while U.S. officials say the strikes will continue “until objectives are met.” The strike is not only a tragic loss of life but also a symbol of the spiraling regional crisis, with foreign powers’ involvement deepening divisions and complicating peace efforts.

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Editor04 mins

Ukraine Rejects Russia’s 72-Hour Victory Day Ceasefire Proposal as “Manipulation”

Russia has declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine from midnight May 7–8 to midnight May 10–11, to coincide with Victory Day on May 9—its most revered national holiday marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin called on Ukraine to join the ceasefire, stating the move was made on “humanitarian grounds”. However, Ukraine swiftly rejected the proposal, denouncing it as political theatrics rather than a genuine peace gesture. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately… not for three days, not for a parade, but for at least 30 full days.” President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this view in his evening address, calling the Russian offer a manipulation, stating: “Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8.” Zelensky stressed that any ceasefire must be comprehensive and lasting, not a symbolic pause linked to Moscow’s domestic agenda. He implied that a short pause, especially one conditioned on a specific date and tied to national celebrations, lacks sincerity and strategic value. Ukraine’s Military: Ceasefire Proposal is “Infuriating” On the ground, the reaction was even more critical. Reporting from Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi noted that Ukrainian soldiers and military spokespeople view the proposal as infuriating and insane, suggesting it could be a ploy to regroup or reposition Russian forces under the guise of a temporary truce. The announcement comes amid renewed U.S. pressure on Russia for a broader ceasefire, as the conflict enters a prolonged and brutal phase. Russian President Vladimir Putin framed the ceasefire as a show of strength and morality, meant to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War (Russia’s term for World War II from 1942–1945). The Kremlin warned that if Ukraine does not honor the ceasefire and initiates attacks during the period, Russian forces will respond “adequately and effectively.” Despite the offer, the sharp divergence in interpretations between the two sides signals little hope for an immediate de-escalation. Kyiv continues to press for a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops, while Moscow appears focused on preserving optics for its domestic audience during a key historical anniversary.

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