July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

Copa del Rey Final: Real Madrid Seek Redemption Against Barcelona

Real Madrid’s European exit stung badly, particularly for Kylian Mbappé and coach Carlo Ancelotti. But a Copa del Rey final victory against Barcelona on Saturday could offer swift consolation. Los Blancos were eliminated from the Champions League after a heavy 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal, while Barcelona progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since 2019. The Catalans, chasing a historic quadruple, lead La Liga by four points with five matches remaining — and Madrid would relish spoiling their dream as much as lifting silverware themselves. Madrid have suffered two bruising defeats to Barcelona this season — 4-0 at home in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. With another Clasico looming in the league on May 11, a win in Seville would be a massive momentum boost for Ancelotti’s side. Mbappé Under Scrutiny Despite scoring 33 goals across all competitions this season, Mbappé has become a symbol of Madrid’s frustrations. Some fans even whistled the Frenchman during Madrid’s last home match — a tradition that has greeted even legends like Cristiano Ronaldo in the past. Madrid’s attempt to fit Mbappé into a star-studded attack alongside Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo has often disrupted the team’s balance. Ancelotti’s challenge remains finding a system that harmonizes his galaxy of attacking talent. Mbappé’s recent ankle injury might tempt Ancelotti to initially bench him, using him as an impact substitute. However, given that Mbappé scored both Madrid goals in January’s Saudi Arabia defeat, and has been arguably their standout player in 2025, leaving him out from the start would be a considerable gamble. Ancelotti’s Future at Stake Ancelotti is widely expected to depart at the end of the season despite having a year left on his contract. Ending his second stint with at least one more trophy would be a fitting farewell for one of Madrid’s most successful modern managers. Saturday’s Clasico in Seville will be about far more than just the Copa del Rey — it could define the legacies of both Ancelotti and Mbappé at the club.

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Editor03 mins

Ground Zero Review: A Timely Yet Complicated Release Amid Pahalgam Tragedy

The release of Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, has coincided with the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, making its Kashmir-set story feel even more charged. Although the film is based on real events from the early 2000s, its depiction of a BSF raid on a terrorist hideout feels uncomfortably current, possibly boosting its theatrical prospects while also complicating its intended messaging. In contrast to highly politicized films like The Kashmir Files or Article 370, Ground Zero leans closer to Shershaah — portraying patriotism with a genuine but simplified concern for Kashmiri civilians. Hashmi plays Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, a real-life BSF hero who led the mission to eliminate Ghazi Baba, mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack. The film’s early portions resemble typical action thrillers set in Kashmir, with Pakistan notably absent from the narrative. Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar focuses more on internal challenges than cross-border tensions. However, the visuals and dialogues often fall into clichés, and most supporting characters are thinly written, with Dubey being the clear center of gravity. Emraan Hashmi’s performance stands out — portraying Dubey with restraint and depth, a surprising shift from his earlier “playboy” roles. Still, some of the film’s macho one-liners feel outdated against the nuanced tone Hashmi strives for. Key takeaway:While Ground Zero raises important questions — such as whether Kashmir’s people are treated with the same value as its land — the current emotionally charged atmosphere might push audiences to overlook its subtleties.

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Editor02 mins

Shreya Ghoshal Cancels Surat Concert Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has cancelled her upcoming concert in Surat, which was part of her All Hearts Tour, in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The concert was scheduled for April 26 at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium. In a joint statement posted on Instagram by Shreya and the organisers, they announced the cancellation, stating: “In light of the recent and tragic events, the organisers, along with the artist, have collectively made the decision to cancel the upcoming show… All ticket holders will receive full refunds automatically.” The caption added a heartfelt note of solidarity and condolences for the victims. Earlier, Shreya had shared an emotional message about the Pahalgam attack, expressing heartbreak over the tragedy: “This is a wound to the soul of our nation. My heart goes out to every family shattered by this senseless violence. We grieve with you. And we will remember.” Arijit Singh Cancels Chennai Concert Too Similarly, Arijit Singh also cancelled his April 27 concert in Chennai as a mark of respect to the victims. His organisers issued a similar statement promising full refunds to ticket holders. It’s really moving to see artists like Shreya and Arijit showing such solidarity in these difficult times.

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Editor02 mins

Baisaran Valley Terror Attack Exposes Long-Active Lashkar Module in Kashmir

The brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, has brought to light a long-active terror module operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Considered one of the deadliest attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the incident has triggered strong diplomatic and security measures from India against Pakistan, which has been accused of sheltering the handlers of the group responsible. The attack was carried out by a group affiliated with the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organisation. The team comprised mostly foreign terrorists, aided by local militants and overground workers from the Valley, and operated under the control of 26/11 mastermind and Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed. Module’s Past Operations Sources indicate that this particular Lashkar module has been active in Kashmir for an extended period. Security agencies link the group to several major terror strikes, including attacks in Sonamarg, Boota Pathri, and Ganderbal. In October 2024, the module was involved in an attack at Boota Pathri, where two Army personnel and two civilians lost their lives. That same month, six labourers and a doctor were gunned down during an assault on tunnel construction workers in Sonamarg. Hashim Musa, one of the prime suspects in the recent Pahalgam massacre, is believed to have been involved in these earlier attacks as well. Following the Sonamarg attack, a major breakthrough occurred in December 2024 when Junaid Ahmed Bhatt, an A+ category Lashkar terrorist from Kulgam and a key figure in the module, was neutralized during an encounter in Dachigam. However, other members of the module managed to escape and went underground, hiding in dense forested regions until they received fresh orders from their Pakistani handlers. Direct Links to Lashkar Leadership The module is reportedly overseen directly by Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Saifullah, both operating from Pakistan. According to Indian intelligence agencies, the module receives not just ideological support, but also logistical and tactical guidance from Pakistan’s military establishment and its intelligence wing, the ISI. Although dominated by foreign fighters, the module also includes a network of local militants and overground workers embedded within the region, who provide logistical support, safe houses, and intelligence crucial for executing major attacks.

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Editor04 mins

MS Dhoni Criticizes CSK Batting Performance After Defeat Against SRH

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni did not hold back in expressing his frustration over the team’s batting performance following their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025 on Friday. Despite making a couple of changes to the lineup, including bringing in Dewald Brevis and Deepak Hooda while dropping Rachin Ravindra, CSK failed to deliver a strong start with the bat. The team lost Shaik Rasheed on the very first delivery of the match, which set the tone for another disappointing batting performance. Dhoni pointed to the failure to capitalize on a decent pitch and blamed the team’s inability to post a competitive total, despite the conditions being favorable for scoring. “We kept losing wickets, and in the first innings, the wicket was slightly better and 155 is not a justifiable score because it wasn’t turning a lot. Yes, after the 8-10th over, it became slightly two-paced for the fast bowlers, but nothing that was out of the ordinary. I feel we could have put a few more runs on the board,” Dhoni said after the match. “In the second innings, there was a bit of help for the spinners. They bowled well and it was stopping a bit, but we were short by 15-20 runs,” he added. The middle order did show some promise, with debutant Dewald Brevis contributing a quick 42 runs off 25 balls. However, Dhoni pointed out that the lack of consistency from other batters, particularly against spinners, was a significant issue. “I think he (Brevis) batted really well and we need something like that in the middle order, where we have slightly struggled when the spinners come in. That’s a time we need to either play good batsmanship, where you pick your areas or try to play the big shot in your area,” Dhoni said. The CSK captain emphasized that the team’s batting has been a major concern throughout the season, making it difficult for the side to stay competitive. He suggested that despite changes being made, when multiple players fail to perform, it becomes increasingly difficult to find a solution. “In a tournament like this, if you have one or two areas where you can plug in the holes, it’s good, but if the majority of your players are not doing well, it becomes very difficult,” Dhoni noted. “We need to assess conditions and look to put runs on the board. We can’t keep going because we’re not putting enough runs up. The game has changed,” he concluded.

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Editor04 mins

Rahul Kanwal Appointed CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, Effective June 16

Senior journalist Rahul Kanwal is set to take over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, effective June 16, 2025. The decision was approved by the Board of Directors during a meeting held on April 25, 2025, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The appointment is subject to approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The announcement was made through a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). Kanwal, who recently announced his departure from the India Today Group after more than two decades, will now lead NDTV’s operations. His appointment marks a significant leadership shift at the network as it seeks to bolster its presence in the highly competitive news market. An alumnus of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School, Kanwal has a strong academic background, having studied journalism at Delhi University and pursued a program in International Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University. He is also a Chevening Scholar and recipient of the Roy Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism. Over his career, he has earned multiple awards for journalistic excellence. Kanwal brings with him vast experience in television journalism, having held key editorial positions at Aaj Tak and India Today TV. At the India Today Group, he served as News Director of TVTN and later as Executive Director of Business Today. At NDTV, Kanwal’s role will involve overseeing the channel’s editorial direction, strategic planning, and operational functions. He is expected to play a critical role in driving NDTV’s growth, strengthening its news coverage, and leading its digital transformation initiatives.

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Editor03 mins

India Cancels Visas, Tightens Measures Against Pakistan Nationals After Pahalgam Attack

A day after announcing the suspension of visa services for Pakistan nationals, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all states to identify individuals residing in India under 14 different visa categories — including film, journalist, pilgrim, and business — and ensure their prompt return. In response, states like Gujarat and Odisha have already started taking steps to facilitate their departure. The move comes in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 people — mostly tourists — were killed. The Union Home Ministry clarified that the suspension covers categories such as medical and student visas but exempts long-term, diplomatic, and official visas. According to an official MHA order, individuals under categories such as SAARC visa, business visa, visa on arrival, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim visas must exit India by April 26–27, while medical visa holders have until April 29. In a video conference held Friday with all chief secretaries and Union Territory administrators, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan emphasized strict enforcement of these orders. Officials confirmed that existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals — except for Long-Term, Diplomatic, and Official visas — have been revoked effective April 27. The Ministry of External Affairs and Bureau of Immigration have been instructed to ensure compliance with the new directives. Data from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, India granted 1,112 Long-Term Visas to members of minority communities from Pakistan. These visa holders are not impacted by the latest order. The visa cancellation is part of a broader series of retaliatory actions taken by India following the Pahalgam terror attack. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations, expelled diplomats and senior defence officials from the Pakistan High Commission, and closed the Attari-Wagah border. Security agencies have stated that three of the five militants involved in the attack had infiltrated from Pakistan. India shares a 3,323-kilometer-long land border with Pakistan, traversing Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Over the years, India has consistently accused Pakistan of sponsoring militancy and promoting secessionist activities within its territory.

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Editor03 mins

Suriya’s ‘Retro’ Was Originally Written for Rajinikanth, Reveals Director Karthik Subbaraj

Suriya and Pooja Hegde’s upcoming film Retro is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2025. Slated for a grand theatrical release on May 1, the film has already stirred major excitement among fans. But a recent revelation by director Karthik Subbaraj has added an unexpected twist to the film’s backstory. In a conversation with Galatta, Subbaraj clarified that Retro was never intended for Thalapathy Vijay, as rumors suggested. Instead, the original script was crafted for Superstar Rajinikanth, with a storyline heavily rooted in the action genre, reflecting the larger-than-life image of the iconic actor. However, when the film eventually landed with Suriya, the narrative took a dramatic turn. The story evolved into a romantic drama, allowing for a deeper emotional arc while retaining the intensity of its core themes. Subbaraj shared an interesting anecdote about Suriya’s reaction upon hearing the script. The actor directly asked if the story had initially been pitched to Rajinikanth, indicating how strongly the original tone aligned with the superstar’s persona. “I wrote this script keeping in mind Thalaivar. Initially, it was more in the action zone to suit Thalaivar’s image. After narrating it to Suriya sir, it was changed to a love story,” Subbaraj explained. Set against a nostalgic backdrop, Retro tells the story of Parivel Kannan, a man on a heartfelt mission to find his long-lost love, Rukmini. The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Joju George, and a special cameo by Shriya Saran. Originally titled Suriya 44, the film’s transformation and star power have only added to the buzz surrounding its release. With high expectations riding on its shoulders and a fresh spin on a script once designed for Rajinikanth, Retro is poised to offer audiences a unique blend of nostalgia, romance, and drama.

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Editor03 mins

Janki Bodiwala Makes Impressive Hindi Debut with Shaitaan as YRF Unveils Packed Theatrical Slate

Rising star Janki Bodiwala, a household name in the Gujarati film industry, has officially made her Bollywood debut with the supernatural thriller Shaitaan. Known for her impactful performances in regional cinema, Janki’s transition to Hindi films has garnered widespread attention, with critics and fans alike praising her screen presence and emotional depth in her first outing. Shaitaan has provided the perfect platform for the actress to break into mainstream Hindi cinema, introducing her talent to a national audience. With her Bollywood journey now underway, industry insiders predict a promising road ahead for Janki, as filmmakers increasingly look toward regional talent for fresh faces and diverse performances. Meanwhile, the Hindi film industry itself is buzzing with anticipation, thanks to Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) newly unveiled slate of theatrical releases. Over the next 12 months, YRF is set to roll out four major titles, promising a cinematic rollercoaster for moviegoers. The first of these is Saiyara, releasing on July 18, 2025. While the studio has kept plot details tightly under wraps, the film is said to be a youthful and innovative story driven by a fresh cast, sparking curiosity among audiences. Hot on its heels is War 2, set for an August 14 release. As part of the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe, the film is already generating major hype, especially with Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan going head-to-head in what is expected to be an electrifying action thriller. With newcomers like Janki stepping into the limelight and studios like YRF pushing boundaries, 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for Indian cinema.

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Editor03 mins

Farmers in Assam’s Doyang Rise in Defiance to Protect Ancestral Lands Amid Border Tensions with Nagaland

In a powerful grassroots uprising, hundreds of farmers and villagers from Doyang in Assam’s Golaghat district staged a mass protest today, demanding protection of their ancestral agricultural lands in the Merapani Seed Farm area from what they allege is ongoing “encroachment” by neighboring Nagaland. With slogans, placards, and unyielding determination, the protestors defied legal notices, administrative advisories, and what they called “political pressure and conspiracies” to silence their voices. The Merapani region, a long-disputed border zone between Assam and Nagaland, has once again emerged as a flashpoint in the broader inter-state boundary conflict. “For generations, our livelihoods have depended on these lands,” said one farmer, “but now, we are being forced to fight for our very existence.” Despite warnings from the Assam government and Golaghat district authorities—including legal advisories discouraging the gathering—residents marched on, united in their call for urgent action. Their demands center on: Protestors voiced their frustration at what they described as the “deafening silence” of political leaders and bureaucratic inaction over a conflict that has simmered for decades. In response to the mounting tensions, Golaghat’s Border Magistrate Ratul Roy and Additional Superintendent of Police John Das arrived on site and held talks with the demonstrators. After receiving assurances that their concerns would be escalated to senior state officials for swift resolution, the farmers agreed to temporarily suspend their protest. However, they issued a firm warning: if action isn’t taken soon, they will return with greater strength. This demonstration marks a significant moment in the ongoing Assam-Nagaland border dispute and underscores growing rural frustration over land rights, administrative inaction, and state accountability.

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Editor03 mins
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