September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Technology

Samsung India Workers’ Union Announces Protests Over Alleged Anti-Labour Practices

The Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU), supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has called for a series of protests to condemn what they describe as anti-labour practices by Samsung India’s management. The union alleges that the company has been offering salary hikes only to employees who sign agreements facilitated by a management-backed group, while excluding other workers from these benefits. During a union meeting held on Sunday, it was decided to escalate the protest, with a one-day hunger strike scheduled for May 13. Following this, on May 14, workers will hold a rally in Kancheepuram, where they will wear black badges and appeal to the District Collector for intervention in the matter. Further actions include a demonstration on May 16 in front of the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health in Guindy, where the union will press for action against alleged illegal production activities at the Samsung facility. On May 19, a mass petition will be submitted to the South Korean Embassy, urging diplomatic intervention to address repeated violations of Indian labour laws and trade union rights. Additionally, the union plans to lodge a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, citing alleged human rights abuses against workers at the company’s manufacturing plant. E. Muthukumar, SIWU president and CITU Kancheepuram district secretary, has called for direct negotiations between the union and Samsung India’s management, specifically regarding demands for wage revisions and other issues. He also demanded the immediate revocation of suspensions for 25 union office-bearers and members, along with the withdrawal of any retaliatory actions. Muthukumar has urged both the state government and the labour department to take strong actions to resolve the ongoing dispute.

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Microsoft Shuts Down Skype After 21 Years, Urges Users to Shift to Teams

After more than two decades of revolutionizing online communication, Microsoft has officially shut down Skype as of May 2025, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant audio-video calling platform. At its peak, Skype was used by over 300 million people worldwide and became synonymous with cross-border video communication. Microsoft had acquired the platform in 2011, as reported by The Washington Post. The retirement affects both free and paid Skype users, though Skype for Business will remain unaffected. Microsoft is encouraging all Skype users to transition to Microsoft Teams Free, which the company says offers the same core functions along with enhanced collaboration tools. The decision, though long-anticipated, has struck a nostalgic chord with many who relied on Skype to stay connected with loved ones and conduct international business. The platform’s decline over the years was attributed to stiff competition from video calling features on apps by Meta and Google, as well as the rise of Zoom, which gained massive popularity for offering smooth group conferencing. In a blog post, Microsoft assured users that Skype contacts and chat histories would be automatically transferred to Teams Free. Users can sign in using their Skype credentials, and also have the option to export or delete their data. As Skype bows out, Microsoft’s focus clearly shifts to Teams, which has become central to its communication and productivity ecosystem.

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Editor02 mins

Fossil Discovery in Assam Reveals Ancient Migration of Western Ghats’ Endemic Trees

A groundbreaking fossil discovery in Assam’s Makum coalfields has revealed that two tree species now endemic to the Western Ghats — Nothopegia travancorica and Nothopegia castaneifolia — were once widespread across northern and northeastern India, offering striking evidence of ancient climatic shifts and their impact on biodiversity. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences unearthed fossilised leaves of their extinct relatives, Nothopegia oligotravancorica and Nothopegia oligocastaneifolia, dating back 24 million years to the Oligocene epoch. The study indicates these species gradually migrated southward as Himalayan uplift led to cooler temperatures in the north, forcing warm-climate flora to seek refuge in stable tropical environments like the Western Ghats. “These species were once distributed from Assam to Darjeeling but moved south due to falling winter temperatures,” explained lead researcher Gaurav Srivastava, noting that the Himalayas rose sharply about 11 million years ago. The researchers highlighted venation patterns in the fossilised and modern leaves to establish evolutionary links. Today, Nothopegia travancorica is a small understorey tree, five to eight metres tall, restricted to specific humid forest pockets in the Western Ghats — including Ratnagiri, Panaji, Palakkad, and Thiruvananthapuram. Forest ecologist B.R. Ramesh, co-author of Atlas of Endemics of the Western Ghats, notes that this is not an isolated case: “Several species, such as those from the Dipterocarpaceae family, were once widespread across central and northern India. Now, their living members are found only in humid zones like the Western Ghats and northeast India.” This fossil evidence underscores the vital role of warm-climate refuges in preserving biodiversity amid global climate fluctuations. As warming accelerates, researchers warn that many existing taxa could face the same fate — local extinction or severe habitat restriction — unless decisive action is taken.

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Editor03 mins

GTA 6 Officially Delayed to May 2026: Rockstar Cites Quality Assurance Needs

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, chances are you’ve come across a meme poking fun at the seemingly never-ending wait for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The long-anticipated title from Rockstar Games has become a running joke online, especially as fans have been waiting since the company first officially announced the game in 2023. Now, that wait just got longer—Rockstar Games has officially confirmed another delay in the game’s release. The first official trailer for GTA 6 dropped on December 4, 2023, a day earlier than scheduled due to a leak. The trailer introduced fans to the game’s setting, the fictional state of Leonida (heavily inspired by Florida), and also revealed Lucia, the franchise’s first female protagonist. The game was initially announced for a 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with fans speculating a September launch. However, as of May 2025, Rockstar has delayed the release to May 26, 2026, citing the need for further polish and finalisation. In an official letter addressing the delay, Rockstar stated, “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.” The studio emphasized that the additional development time is crucial to meet the high expectations of its global fanbase. Rockstar further explained that with every release, their goal has always been to exceed player expectations, and GTA 6 is no exception. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” the company wrote. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, whose company owns Rockstar Games, also backed the decision to postpone. He acknowledged the delay’s potential short-term impact but stressed that delivering an exceptional gaming experience must take priority. According to Zelnick, prioritising quality ultimately aligns with Take-Two’s long-term strategy. While the announcement may frustrate many who have been waiting for over a decade since GTA V, Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience suggests that the finished product will be worth the wait.

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Amitabh Bachchan Enters Gaming Industry as Co-Founder of Tara Gaming; Unveils AAA Title ‘The Age of Bhaarat’

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has officially entered the world of gaming, announcing his role as co-founder of Tara Gaming, a new venture aimed at revolutionizing Indian digital storytelling through high-end video games. The studio, launched alongside bestselling author Amish Tripathi and gaming industry veteran Nouredine Abboud, made headlines on May 1 with the cinematic reveal of its flagship project — The Age of Bhaarat, a AAA action-adventure game franchise set in a reimagined ancient India. A Grand Vision Inspired by Indian Heritage The trailer teased sprawling mythological landscapes, legendary warriors, and mystical creatures — all crafted with cinematic finesse and rooted in Indian lore. Targeted at PC and console platforms, the game promises to deliver a rich narrative inspired by Indian epics, bringing the grandeur of Bharat’s storytelling tradition into the global gaming arena. Bachchan: “Gaming is the Next Frontier of Storytelling” Calling his entry into the gaming space an “extension of lifelong storytelling,” Bachchan shared his excitement for the new medium: “India has always been a land of powerful stories. Through this game, we have an opportunity to share our epics, creativity, and imagination with the world. Gaming is where stories come alive for the next generation, and I’m excited to help shape that experience at Tara Gaming with a uniquely Indian lens.” Backed by Industry Stalwarts “Mr. Bachchan’s belief in our vision adds immense strength to our journey. His presence is not just iconic — it elevates the soul of this endeavor.” What’s Next? Tara Gaming aims to position India as a creative powerhouse in the AAA gaming space, with The Age of Bhaarat as its flagship franchise. While a release window has not yet been announced, the project’s scale, artistic ambition, and cultural foundation suggest it could mark a significant shift in India’s place on the global gaming map.

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Editor04 mins

Tesla Refunds Early India Bookers, Signaling Possible Market Entry

Tesla Inc.’s India office has begun refunding reservation fees to customers who pre-booked the Model 3 back in 2016, according to emails seen by Bloomberg News. The move has fueled speculation that Tesla is preparing for an official launch in the world’s third-largest automobile market. “We would like to return your reservation fee for the time being,” the email stated. “When we finalize our offerings in India, we will reach out in the market again. We hope to see you back with us once we are ready to launch and deliver in your country.” The refunds are being issued as Tesla discontinues the older generation of the Model 3. The emails, sent from official Tesla domains, represent the latest indication that Elon Musk’s company is serious about entering the Indian market after years of delays, largely due to high import duties. Background and Timing: Implications: For India, Tesla’s entry would appeal to its growing upper-middle class but could present challenges to local automakers who employ thousands across manufacturing hubs. An email inquiry to Tesla’s Asia-Pacific office did not receive an immediate response.

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Samsung Considers Shifting Manufacturing Base from Vietnam to India Amid Tariff Concerns

South Korean electronics giant Samsung is reportedly evaluating the possibility of relocating a portion of its smartphone and electronics manufacturing operations from Vietnam to India. The strategic move is aimed at mitigating risks arising from potential US tariffs on Vietnamese exports, according to a report by Moneycontrol. Sources familiar with the development revealed that Samsung has already initiated early-stage discussions with Indian contract manufacturing firms such as Bhagwati (Micromax) and Dixon Technologies. These talks are focused on assessing the feasibility of shifting parts of its production lines to India. “Yes, talks have begun with Indian EMS players, including their existing partners. Not just Samsung, all other companies with a base in Vietnam are exploring possibilities to shift some production to India,” a source privy to the matter told Moneycontrol on the condition of anonymity. “Samsung and partners are discussing production adjustments in favour of India.” Vietnam currently functions as Samsung’s largest global manufacturing base. However, with rising trade tensions and the looming threat of tariffs—especially from the US—the electronics major is looking at India as a strategic alternative to serve international markets more smoothly and cost-effectively. India has been aggressively promoting itself as a global manufacturing hub under its Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and other government-backed incentives for electronics production. If Samsung proceeds with its plans, it could mark a significant boost for India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the country’s role in global supply chains.

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Editor02 mins

New Clues, Old Questions: Is There Alien Life on Exoplanet K2-18b?

A groundbreaking study led by astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge has reignited one of science’s oldest questions: Are we alone in the universe? The answer might lie 124 light-years away on a distant exoplanet named K2-18b. Drawing on data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), researchers have identified strong evidence of a chemical compound called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in K2-18b’s atmosphere. On Earth, DMS is exclusively produced by living organisms—primarily by ocean-dwelling phytoplankton—making it a potentially powerful biosignature. A Promising Discovery—With Caution The significance of the discovery lies in both the chemical and the context. K2-18b is categorized as a Hycean world, with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and likely a surface covered by liquid water—conditions widely regarded as suitable for life. The JWST, unlike its predecessor the Hubble, orbits the Sun instead of Earth, providing it with an enhanced view of deep space. When planets like K2-18b pass in front of their host stars, telescopes detect light filtered through the planet’s atmosphere. Specific wavelengths absorbed or emitted by atmospheric molecules reveal which chemicals are present. In the case of K2-18b, the DMS signal stood out, and researchers calculated only a 0.3% chance that the detection was a false positive. While that makes the finding statistically robust, experts urge caution. As planetary scientist Christopher Glein noted, the discovery, while exciting, may not yet be the definitive “smoking gun” of alien life. A History of Hopes and Setbacks Astrobiology has long wrestled with such tantalizing, but ultimately inconclusive, findings. The Viking landers on Mars in the 1970s, for example, initially seemed to detect microbial life in soil samples. But later experiments failed to confirm the presence of organic compounds, and further research suggested non-biological processes—involving perchlorate minerals and cosmic radiation—could explain the observed reactions. Part of the problem lies in a deeper mystery: scientists don’t fully agree on a single, precise definition of life. Without that clarity, determining what counts as definitive evidence of extraterrestrial organisms remains elusive. The Search Continues Despite the uncertainty, the K2-18b study represents a major step forward in the search for life beyond Earth. It not only highlights the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope, but also deepens our understanding of Hycean worlds—a new class of exoplanets that could hold the key to answering humanity’s oldest question. As always in science, especially in astrobiology, hope is tempered by caution. But one thing is clear: the cosmos may be whispering clues, and we are just beginning to listen.

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NASA’s Perseverance Spots Skull-Shaped Rock on Mars, Adding to Red Planet Mysteries

NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured an eerie and intriguing image of a skull-shaped rock formation on Mars, dubbed “Skull Hill” by the space agency. The rock was discovered on April 11 near the rim of Jezero Crater, a region long studied for signs of ancient Martian water activity and possible life. Using the Mastcam-Z instrument, Perseverance photographed the dark, angular rock that stands in stark contrast to its surrounding pale, dusty terrain. The feature, riddled with small pits and surface irregularities, has drawn attention not just for its haunting shape, but for the geological questions it raises. “This float rock uniquely contrasts the surrounding light-toned outcrop with its dark tone and angular surface,” NASA said, adding that the presence of pits could result from erosion or high-energy impacts. What Could “Skull Hill” Be? NASA scientists are considering several possibilities for its origin: Interestingly, the rock’s dark hue resembles meteorites previously discovered by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater, suggesting it might be either extraterrestrial in origin or formed under similar conditions. “The team is working to better understand where these rocks came from and how they got here,” NASA stated. Mars: Still Holding Secrets of Its Past This discovery comes as part of a broader effort to understand Mars’ geologic history and potential habitability. Recent findings have added to the mystery of Mars: Though no direct signs of life have been discovered, each of these clues, including enigmatic formations like Skull Hill, keeps the dream alive that Mars might have once hosted life—or might still harbor it in hidden niches.

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Editor04 mins

Google Confirms Sophisticated Gmail Attack: Users Urged to Stop Using Passwords

A New Wave of Cyber Threats EmergesGoogle has confirmed a highly sophisticated phishing attack targeting Gmail users by exploiting inherent vulnerabilities within the platform. This new threat has triggered widespread concern, viral posts on social media, and an urgent response from the tech giant, which now advises users to stop relying on passwords for account access. Ethereum Developer Targeted in High-Profile AttackThe attack gained traction after Nick Johnson, an Ethereum developer, disclosed being targeted by what he described as an “extremely sophisticated phishing attack.” Johnson emphasized that the exploit leverages a vulnerability in Google’s infrastructure. Alarmingly, he noted that Google has yet to fix the root cause, suggesting that similar attacks may become more frequent. How the Attack Works: A Clever ExploitThe phishing attempt started with a deceptive but legitimate-looking email from no-reply@google.com, claiming that Google had received a subpoena related to Johnson’s account. The email passed all security checks, including the DKIM signature, and appeared alongside genuine security alerts from Google, making it nearly indistinguishable from official messages. The attackers managed to use Google’s infrastructure to send a valid email to themselves, which they then forwarded, preserving the authentication and format. Google Responds: Enhancing Protections and Pushing PasskeysIn response, Google has acknowledged the issue and confirmed that new protections have been rolling out. These measures are expected to fully block this attack vector shortly. Meanwhile, Google strongly recommends users adopt two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkeys, the latter being far more secure. Unlike passwords, passkeys are tied to a physical device and require its security system (like biometrics or a PIN) to unlock access—making phishing attempts useless without the device. Passwords Are Now a Major Risk—Even with 2FAGoogle and security experts now warn that even having 2FA enabled, especially if it’s SMS-based, is no longer sufficient. Attackers can intercept or trick users into handing over both passwords and SMS codes. With this data, criminals can log in from other devices undetected. Passkeys eliminate this risk entirely by requiring the attacker to have the victim’s physical device. AI Is Amplifying the Threat LandscapeThe growing sophistication of these attacks is being supercharged by AI. As Microsoft has cautioned, AI tools are enabling cybercriminals to generate realistic phishing lures and craft detailed, personalized scams at scale. This means that while users may recognize current scams due to media coverage, they likely won’t identify the next, more advanced variation. Google’s Key Advice and What You Must Do NowGoogle has reiterated two critical pieces of advice: A Broader Warning on Email SecurityExperts remind users that email, as a medium, remains fundamentally insecure despite years of patches and improvements. With AI-driven phishing on the rise, the only reliable defense is a proactive shift to more secure login methods like passkeys. Final Takeaway: Upgrade Now, Don’t WaitAs threats evolve and attackers use smarter tools, sticking with passwords—even combined with 2FA—is a gamble. Google, Microsoft, and cybersecurity professionals now agree: the future is passwordless. Set up your Google passkey today and stay alert—any unsolicited message claiming to be from a bank, law enforcement, or tech support is almost certainly a scam.

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