June 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
Breaking News

Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara Set to Release on July 18, 2025

The much-anticipated romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on July 18, 2025. The film marks the debut of Ahaan Panday in the Hindi film industry and stars Aneet Padda as the female lead. Presented by Aditya Chopra, Saiyaara is billed as an intense love story, bringing together two iconic names in the romantic genre—Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Mohit Suri, who are known for delivering generation-defining hits. This marks the first collaboration between the two, adding to the excitement surrounding the project. Much of the film was shot in 2024, with a grand music festival sequence filmed in February 2025 at Vrundavan Studios in Malad, Mumbai. The sequence, which featured 1,000 background artists, saw Ahaan Panday performing on stage to an enthralled crowd. At one point, Ahaan even jumped into the crowd to further captivate his audience, showcasing his charismatic screen presence. Aneet Padda, known for her role in the 2024 OTT show Big Girls Don’t Cry, also played a key part in this sequence. The announcement of Saiyaara has already generated significant buzz. The film’s title is a tribute to the iconic song “Saiyaara” from YRF’s 2012 hit Ek Tha Tiger, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans of the earlier film. As action films dominate the box office, there is a growing demand for romantic stories, and Saiyaara is poised to fulfill that need. The film’s release on July 18, which is currently an open slot free from competition with major Hindi or Hollywood releases, further enhances its prospects. With its beautiful premise, grand sequences, and talented cast, Saiyaara has the potential to resonate with young romantics and emerge as a memorable success at the box office. All eyes will be on the film’s trailers and songs, and if they strike a chord with audiences, Saiyaara could become a special cinematic experience for many.

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Editor03 mins

Anurag Kashyap Issues Apology After Controversial Comments on Brahmin Community

Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has issued a public apology following a controversy sparked by his comments about the Brahmin community during a social media exchange. The apology came after an FIR was registered against him at the Bajaj Nagar police station in Jaipur on Saturday night. In response to the growing outrage over his remarks, Kashyap took to Instagram, where he expressed deep regret for the language he used in anger. He acknowledged that he had crossed a line and inadvertently hurt the sentiments of an entire community he holds in high regard. Below is a translation of his Instagram post written in Hindi: “In anger, while trying to respond to someone, I forgot my own limits. And in that moment, I ended up speaking ill of the entire Brahmin community. A community whose people have been a significant part of my life, and who continue to contribute greatly to it even today. Today, they are all hurt by me. My family is hurt. Many intellectuals I deeply respect are hurt by the way I expressed myself in anger. By saying such things, I ended up undermining my own words. I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart to this community — to whom I never intended to say such things. But in anger, I ended up responding to someone’s cheap comment with such a remark. I apologize to all my colleagues, friends, family members, and this community — not just for what I said, but also for the way I said it, and for using inappropriate language. Going forward, I will make sure never to respond in that manner. I will try to control my anger. And if I ever have to express something, I will use the right words to do so. I hope you will forgive me.” The controversy erupted after a complaint was filed by local resident Anil Chaturvedi from Barkat Nagar. The complaint accused Kashyap of making derogatory remarks against the Brahmin community while responding to a user on social media. His comments, which went viral, prompted widespread criticism from various sections of society. Kashyap’s controversial remark came while he was defending his upcoming film Phule, a biographical drama about social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. The film had already faced criticism over its portrayal of caste dynamics, and Kashyap’s online defense only intensified the backlash.

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Editor04 mins

ED Summons Mahesh Babu in Money Laundering Probe Linked to Hyderabad Real Estate Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, asking him to appear on April 28, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering involving two Hyderabad-based real estate firms—Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group. 💼 Allegations: 🏗️ The Scam: 🔍 Celeb Involvement: While Mahesh Babu is not accused of active participation in the scam’s operations, the ED is investigating the legitimacy of payments made to him and other celebrities who were part of promotional campaigns. The agency is also planning to attach properties acquired using the suspected laundered funds.

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Editor02 mins

Former AP Intelligence Chief PSR Anjaneyulu Arrested in Wrongful Confinement Case Involving Actor

Former Director General of Intelligence and senior IPS officer PSR Anjaneyulu was arrested in Hyderabad on Tuesday in connection with the alleged wrongful arrest and confinement of Mumbai-based actor Kadambari Jethwani. His arrest follows a suspension last year on September 16, along with two other top officers — former Vijayawada Police Commissioner Kranti Rana Tata and former Deputy Commissioner Vishal Gunni. The suspension was made under Rule 3(1) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The case stems from a complaint lodged by Jethwani in August 2024. She alleged that the three officers acted in haste after YSR Congress Party leader and film producer K. V. Vidyasagar Rao made verbal accusations against her of forgery and extortion. According to Jethwani, she and her father were arrested in Mumbai on February 2, 2024, and taken to Vijayawada, where they were confined for three days before being presented in court. After spending 40 days in jail, they were granted bail. She also alleged that they were subjected to mental torture by the police officers during their detention. An internal investigation, ordered by the Andhra Pradesh Police Chief, found that the IPS officers had acted on the oral instructions of Anjaneyulu. The probe revealed that the arrest was made without any formal complaint, written orders, or sufficient evidence. The officers had traveled to Mumbai and detained Jethwani before any FIR was registered, which formed the basis for their suspension. In a separate and earlier case, Anjaneyulu is also under investigation by Guntur police following an attempt-to-murder complaint lodged by now Deputy Speaker and former YSR Congress Party MP, K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju. He alleged that after his arrest in May 2021, he was taken to the CID office in Guntur where Anjaneyulu and others assaulted him using belts and lathis. Raju further claimed that he was denied access to critical heart medication during his detention. With serious allegations of abuse of power and violations of legal procedures, Anjaneyulu’s arrest marks a significant development in ongoing investigations into misconduct by top police officials in Andhra Pradesh.

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Editor03 mins

Mehbooba Mufti Voices Concern Over Erosion of Institutions, Supports Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks

On Democratic Institutions & Election Commission: “What Rahul Gandhi said… needs to be investigated,” Mufti said, adding that the credibility of even the Supreme Court was being attacked. ⚖️ On Judiciary Under Fire: 🪖 On Army FIR in J&K (Rajouri Incident): 🕌 On Muslim Community & Rising Communalism: “The condition of Muslims is deteriorating. Secularism has kept us going for 77 years, but now that is under threat.”

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Editor02 mins

Rajasthan Royals Demand Action Against RCA Ad-Hoc Convenor Over Match-Fixing Allegations

The Rajasthan Royals franchise has officially written to Rajasthan’s Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the State Sports Council, urging strong disciplinary action against Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the ad-hoc committee of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), after his controversial allegations of match-fixing. Jaideep Bihani, a BJP MLA from Sriganganagar, recently made indirect accusations suggesting foul play in the Royals’ narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. His remarks have triggered a sharp response from the Jaipur-based IPL team, which has categorically denied any wrongdoing. In a detailed letter, the Royals said Bihani’s statements were “completely false and baseless,” and lacked any form of credible evidence. The franchise alleged that Bihani accused the Rajasthan Royals management, the Sports Council, and the BCCI of collusion to exclude the RCA ad-hoc committee from IPL-related operations — a claim they firmly rejected. “These public allegations cause great damage to the reputation and image of Rajasthan Royals. Such statements have unnecessarily escalated the controversy and also attempted to mislead the public,” the letter stated. It further emphasized that the Royals, operating under Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), have been coordinating successfully with the state government and sports authorities for 18 years, strictly as per BCCI guidelines. The franchise also clarified that the Rajasthan Sports Council, not the RCA, holds the rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur this year. “Rajasthan Royals is working closely with the BCCI and the Council under the guidance and support of the state government to organise the IPL smoothly,” they noted. Calling for urgent intervention, the Royals urged the authorities to take necessary steps to address Bihani’s conduct and prevent further damage to cricket’s integrity in the state. “We are writing to you with full faith in your leadership. We hope that you will intervene appropriately in this matter,” the franchise added. While the Rajasthan Sports Council has acknowledged receipt of the letter, its president Neeraj K. Pawan was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. The BCCI has also reportedly been informed about the issue. As the IPL season progresses, this controversy could have wider implications for the future of cricket administration in Rajasthan.

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Editor04 mins

RBI Eases Liquidity Coverage Ratio Norms: Major Relief for Banks, Boost to Credit Growth

In a significant move to strengthen the liquidity resilience of Indian banks without stifling their credit potential, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its final guidelines on Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), bringing notable relaxations. The new framework, effective from April 1, 2026, is expected to free up a substantial amount of capital and support credit expansion. 🔑 Key Changes in LCR Norms 🧾 What is LCR and Why It Matters? LCR mandates banks to maintain a sufficient stock of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), like government securities, to survive a hypothetical 30-day liquidity crisis. The intent is to safeguard against unexpected deposit withdrawals, such as what led to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in the US. 📉 Why This Move Matters for Banks 🧠 RBI’s View “These measures will enhance the liquidity resilience of banks in India and further align the guidelines with global standards in a non-disruptive manner,”— RBI statement.

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Editor03 mins

India Declares Three-Day State Mourning Following Pope Francis’ Death

The Indian government has declared a three-day state mourning to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, was widely regarded for his progressive views and global outreach. In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away on April 21. As a mark of respect, three-day state mourning shall be observed throughout India.” According to the ministry’s schedule, state mourning will be observed on April 22 (Tuesday) and April 23 (Wednesday), with an additional day of mourning to be observed on the day of the Pope’s funeral. During this period: Regional Leaders Join in Mourning Messages of grief and condolences have poured in from across India’s political and religious spectrum, as leaders paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy of peace, compassion, and unity. Many highlighted his contributions to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to address climate change, poverty, and inequality. India, home to one of the world’s largest Christian populations outside the West, has maintained warm diplomatic and cultural relations with the Vatican. Pope Francis had earlier visited India in 2023, where he was received with great honor by the Indian leadership and the Catholic community. Further details regarding the Pope’s funeral and India’s representation at the ceremony are awaited. 4o

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Editor03 mins

India, US Move Closer to Trade Deal Amid Tariff Pause; Modi Hosts VP JD Vance in Delhi

India and the United States signaled significant progress in finalizing a bilateral trade agreement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice-President JD Vance in New Delhi on Monday night. The meeting, part of Vance’s ongoing four-day visit to India with his family, also saw discussions on deepening ties across sectors such as defence, energy, and strategic technology. “We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi posted on X, following their meeting. He also hosted a private dinner for Vance, his wife, and their three children at his official residence. The trade talks take place against the backdrop of a temporary 90-day pause on increased US tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump. India, which was facing proposed tariffs as high as 27% on its exports to the US, has used the window to engage in accelerated negotiations. The tariff reprieve ends on July 9, prompting urgency in finalizing a deal. While Modi and Trump have maintained a friendly personal rapport—Modi was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Trump after the start of his second term—the US president has not held back in criticizing India’s trade policies, branding the country a “tariff king” and accusing it of unfair trade practices. In a statement after Monday’s talks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reiterated longstanding US concerns, pointing to the “serious lack of reciprocity” in its trade relationship with India. Washington is particularly pushing for greater access to India’s protected agricultural sector, including the sale of American corn—something Indian officials are reluctant to concede due to domestic sensitivities. India has already lowered tariffs on a range of goods and is reportedly considering more reductions to advance negotiations. However, agriculture and digital trade remain key sticking points in the discussions. Beyond trade, Modi and Vance discussed broader strategic collaboration, including defence, energy security, and emerging technologies. The Indian prime minister also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year, likely during the Quad summit that Delhi is set to host. The bilateral meeting concluded with delegation-level discussions and the dinner hosted by Modi, underscoring the warmth between the two countries even as complex trade issues remain under negotiation.

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Editor04 mins

Delhi High Court Slams Baba Ramdev for Communal Remarks Against Hamdard, Rooh Afza

The Delhi High Court came down heavily on Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev on Tuesday for making communal remarks targeting Hamdard Laboratories and its iconic beverage, Rooh Afza. During a preliminary hearing in the case Hamdard National Foundation India v. Patanjali Foods Limited & Anr, Justice Amit Bansal expressed shock at the comments, warning that a strong judicial order may follow. “It shocks the conscience of the court. Indefensible,” Justice Bansal remarked, directing Ramdev’s legal counsel to seek instructions and ensure his presence in court. The controversy stems from a video circulated on April 3, in which Ramdev, while promoting Patanjali’s “Gulab Sharbat,” made derogatory remarks about Rooh Afza. In the video, he alleged that Hamdard was channeling profits into building masjids and madrasas, and used the provocative term “sharbat jihad.” Congress leader Digvijaya Singh subsequently filed a police complaint against Ramdev in Bhopal, accusing him of inciting communal hatred. Despite the backlash, Ramdev claimed he had not mentioned any specific brand by name. Representing Hamdard in court, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that Ramdev’s actions went far beyond product disparagement and constituted hate speech. “This is shocking. It’s about creating a communal divide. The law of defamation cannot protect such conduct,” he stated. Rohatgi urged the court to take immediate action, stressing that such content “should not be allowed even for a moment” given the volatile social climate in the country. He also informed the court that Ramdev had similarly targeted the company Himalaya, allegedly because it is also Muslim-owned. Highlighting Ramdev’s prior controversies—including a Supreme Court censure over his comments on allopathy—Rohatgi added, “A hard hand is required to nip this in the bud.” The legal team for Hamdard included Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sandeep Sethi, supported by a team of advocates including Pravin Anand, Dhruv Anand, Nikhil Rohatgi, Udita Patro, and others. The case is expected to continue with heightened scrutiny, as the court considers whether Ramdev’s remarks amount to actionable hate speech.

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Editor03 mins
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