June 29, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
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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

India’s Inflation Drops to 67-Month Low of 3.34% in March; Economists Expect Further Rate Cut in June

India’s retail inflation eased sharply to 3.34 percent in March, marking a 67-month low, down from 3.61 percent in February, according to official data released on April 11. The drop is largely attributed to a continued decline in food inflation, offering some relief to households and reinforcing expectations of further monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This is the second consecutive month that inflation has remained below the RBI’s target rate of 4 percent. The latest figures come just a week after the central bank implemented its second consecutive interest rate cut, lowering the policy rate by 25 basis points to 6 percent, compared to 6.5 percent at the beginning of the year. Radhika Rao, Senior Economist at DBS Bank, noted that despite a firmer core inflation, the headline inflation for the January–March quarter undershot the RBI’s projections significantly. “This validates the central bank’s decision to shift to an accommodative stance, along with a rate cut at the April meeting. We maintain our call for further easing in June,” she said. With inflation easing and staying below the target range, economists are increasingly optimistic about another rate cut in June, as the RBI continues to balance growth support with inflation control in a recovering economy.

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Editor02 mins

Mehul Choksi Owes Rs 63 Lakh in Unpaid Maintenance Charges for Mumbai Property, Says Society Member

Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, wanted in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, has reportedly failed to pay maintenance charges amounting to around Rs 63 lakh for his property in Gokul Apartments, located in the upscale Malabar Hill area of Mumbai. The revelation was made by a member of the housing society, as quoted by news agency ANI on Monday. According to the society member, Choksi owns three units in the building, occupying the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors. It was alleged that the 11th floor is a terrace area, which Choksi has illegally occupied. He has not paid maintenance dues for over seven years, and the total amount without interest stands at approximately Rs 63 lakh. Additionally, the society undertook major renovation work in 2020, costing Rs 30-35 lakh per unit, which brings the total financial burden related to Choksi’s units to around Rs 95 lakh. The member further raised concerns about vegetation growing unchecked inside the flat. “Big trees have started growing in the flat, and the roots could damage the structural integrity of the building,” he said, noting that the society is being forced to bear the consequences of Choksi’s negligence. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier attached the property as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are pursuing Choksi in connection with the Rs 13,850 crore PNB fraud case. Investigators allege that between 2014 and 2017, Choksi and his associates conspired with certain PNB officials to fraudulently obtain letters of undertaking (LoUs) and foreign letters of credit, resulting in a loss of Rs 6,097.63 crore to the bank. On April 12, Belgian authorities confirmed Choksi’s arrest and stated that he is currently in detention. India has submitted an extradition request along with two open-ended arrest warrants, issued by a special Mumbai court in 2018 and 2021, to the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice. So far, the ED has attached or seized assets worth Rs 2,565.90 crore belonging to Choksi. The court has granted permission for the monetisation of these properties, in a bid to recover losses and pursue justice in the high-profile financial fraud case.

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Editor04 mins

Meghna Gulzar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Prithviraj Sukumaran Collaborate on Crime Thriller Daayra

The last time Meghna Gulzar and Kareena Kapoor Khan explored the crime thriller genre, their respective contributions received significant acclaim. Gulzar directed the riveting investigative drama Talvar, while Khan showcased her talent in the intense crime thrillers Jaane Jaan and The Buckingham Murders. This time, with the addition of Prithviraj Sukumaran, known for his stellar performances in critically acclaimed Malayalam thrillers like Mumbai Police and Memories, their collaboration promises to deliver a distinct and original narrative. Junglee Pictures, which had previously worked with Gulzar on Talvar and Raazi, reunites with the director for their third project together: Daayra. Currently in pre-production, this crime drama — co-written by Yash and Sima — marks the first collaboration between Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The combination of these accomplished talents has already generated significant anticipation for the project. Gulzar, speaking on the upcoming film, expressed her excitement about working with co-writers Sima and Yash. She noted the challenge and thrill of exploring the complex grey areas within the black-and-white nature of the narrative. As the lead characters come to life through the performances of Khan and Sukumaran, the dynamics of the story are poised to elevate further. Sukumaran, equally impressed by Gulzar’s screenplay, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He believes that Daayra is a layered narrative that will resonate with audiences. The actor, who is known for his compelling roles in crime dramas, emphasized that working with Meghna Gulzar, Junglee Pictures, and an actor of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s caliber would be a remarkable collaborative experience. He also highlighted how the film delves deep into societal norms, the world of crime, and the complexities of punishment. Currently celebrating her 25th year in cinema, Kareena Kapoor Khan is consciously stepping away from traditional star-driven vehicles, instead choosing to collaborate with directors like Hansal Mehta and Sujoy Ghosh. Meghna Gulzar, with her ability to craft powerful and socially relevant narratives, is seen as an ideal creative partner for Khan at this stage in her career. The actress is eager to begin filming Daayra, describing it as “a powerful and timely film of our times.”

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Editor03 mins

Shanaya Kapoor to Play Double Role in Student of the Year 3, Filming Begins April 20

Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, is all set to headline Student of the Year 3, the next installment of Karan Johar’s iconic youth franchise. But this time, there’s a twist—SOTY 3 will be a six-episode web series instead of a theatrical release, and Shanaya will be seen in a double role, a first for the franchise. Directed by debutant Reema Maya—who garnered acclaim for her 2023 short film Nocturnal Burger—the series will begin filming in Mumbai on April 20, 2025, and is scheduled to wrap within just over 30 days. The fast-paced shoot reflects Maya’s dynamic storytelling style, as the series aims to bring a fresh, edgy take to the SOTY universe. The Student of the Year brand, previously known for launching major Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Ananya Panday, and Tara Sutaria, is now transitioning to OTT, with SOTY 3 set to stream on JioHotstar. According to a report in Mid-Day, the project had been in development for the past six years. A source revealed, “Finally, Karan has given the green signal and the unit plans to begin filming it from April 20.” Another insider confirmed Shanaya’s dual role, which marks a bold new direction for the series. Shanaya Kapoor’s Busy 2025–2026 Line-up While SOTY 3 will mark Shanaya’s streaming debut, it will be her fourth project overall. Her debut film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh, has wrapped and is targeting a theatrical release soon. She also stars opposite Adarsh Gourav in the survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, which is slated for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release. Additionally, she’s working on an untitled project with Abhay Verma. With a mix of romance, thrill, and now a double role in a cult franchise, Shanaya Kapoor is clearly being positioned as one of the most exciting new faces in the industry.

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Editor03 mins

DIY Emergency Bow Tie – Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed: Step 1: Prepare the Pattern Draw or print the pattern based on your desired bow tie size. Use a ruler if you’re making it manually—it’s just a few simple rectangles. Step 2: Cut the Fabric and Batting Use the pattern to cut out your fabric and batting pieces. Ensure precision for a clean finish. Step 3: Iron the Batting Onto the Fabric Attach the batting to the upper half of the largest fabric rectangle on its backside. Leave about 1 cm of space above the batting, as this area will be used for stitching in the next step. Step 4: Sew the Main Piece Fold the main rectangle in half lengthwise (right sides facing each other) and sew along the long edge to form a tube. Step 5: Turn It Inside Out and Close the Ends Turn the sewn piece inside out so the right side of the fabric shows. Then, fold and sew the open ends together neatly. Step 6: Sew the Center Strip Take the smaller rectangle meant for the center of the bow and sew it into a small loop (or tube), just like you did with the main piece. Step 7: Shape the Bow Tie With the seam at the center, flatten the tube and fold it horizontally in the middle. Fold each side again towards the center to create the bow shape. You can use a rubber band temporarily to hold the folds in place. Step 8: Attach the Center Loop Wrap the center loop around the folded bow and sew the ends at the back. It may not be extremely tight, but that’s okay—secure it with a few hand stitches for a snug finish. Step 9: All Set! Your stylish bow tie is now ready to wear! Perfect for a quick, classy look for any event.

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Editor03 mins

KGF: Chapter 2 Turns 3 – Hombale Films Reaffirms KGF: Chapter 3 is Coming

April 14 marks the third anniversary of KGF: Chapter 2, the record-shattering Kannada blockbuster that redefined Indian cinema’s pan-India appeal. Directed by Prashanth Neel and headlined by superstar Yash, the action-packed sequel was released on this day in 2022 and went on to become the highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, earning over ₹1200 crores globally. The film, produced by Hombale Films, picked up from the events of KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) and built upon the saga of Rocky Bhai in a grander, more explosive fashion. It not only captivated Kannada audiences but also struck gold across India and overseas, cementing Yash as a national icon and Prashanth Neel as a visionary director. Fans were thrilled when the film ended with a teaser for KGF: Chapter 3, hinting that the saga of KGF was far from over. Over the past three years, the makers have consistently assured audiences that the third installment is on the way, though no official production timeline has been finalized. To commemorate the third anniversary, Hombale Films released a special celebratory video on Monday. Clocking in at over two minutes, the video showcases iconic moments from KGF: Chapter 2 and ends with a reaffirmation—KGF: Chapter 3 is indeed coming soon. However, fans will need to wait a while longer. Both Yash and Prashanth Neel are currently committed to other major projects. Yash is busy with Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and Ramayana, while Neel is directing the Jr. NTR-led Dragon. All three films are scheduled for release in 2026. Given their packed schedules, KGF: Chapter 3 is expected to begin production only by late 2026 or early 2027. Despite the delay, the excitement remains sky-high, and the KGF universe continues to inspire hope for yet another cinematic spectacle.

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Editor03 mins

Katy Perry Set to Soar to the Edge of Space with All-Female Crew on Blue Origin Flight

Pop superstar Katy Perry will soon become one of the most famous celebrities to travel to the edge of space. The “Firework” and “California Gurls” singer is set to lift off on Monday aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft, part of a historic all-female mission organized by Jeff Bezos’ space company. The sub-orbital flight will launch from Blue Origin’s West Texas site at approximately 8:30 am local time (1330 GMT). Perry will be joined by five other women, including Bezos’ fiancée and pilot Lauren Sanchez, TV host Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, and activist Amanda Nguyen. This marks the first all-female space crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. The mission will also be Blue Origin’s 11th crewed sub-orbital flight aboard its New Shepard rocket. The journey will last around 10 minutes and take passengers more than 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) above Earth, crossing the Karman line—the internationally recognized boundary of space. During the flight, the capsule will separate from the booster rocket and offer a brief period of weightlessness, allowing the passengers to float freely before descending gently under parachutes, aided by retro rockets. Katy Perry shared with Elle magazine that her motivation for the trip is her daughter, Daisy, whom she shares with actor Orlando Bloom. “I’m doing this for my daughter… to inspire her to never have limits on her dreams,” Perry said. “I’m just so excited to see the inspiration through her eyes… when she sees that rocket go, and she goes back to school the next day and says, ‘Mom went to space.’” Blue Origin, which has already flown 52 people on similar missions—including “Star Trek” actor William Shatner—has not disclosed the price of these space tourism trips. The company is using such high-profile missions to maintain public interest and compete with rivals like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX. While Virgin Galactic offers similar sub-orbital experiences, Blue Origin aims to advance toward orbital missions, bolstered by the successful unmanned launch of its powerful New Glenn rocket earlier this year.

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Editor03 mins

Sourav Ganguly Reappointed as Chairperson of ICC Men’s Cricket Committee

In a significant move ahead of a crucial international cricketing season, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday announced the reappointment of Sourav Ganguly as chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Ganguly, who previously captained India from 2000 to 2005, has been serving in this role since 2021, following the tenure of Anil Kumble. At 52 years old, Ganguly brings a wealth of cricketing and administrative experience to the position. His former teammate and current National Cricket Academy head, VVS Laxman, has also been appointed as a panel member, reinforcing India’s strong presence in the sport’s global governance. Other Members of the Men’s Committee: Changes in Women’s Cricket Committee: The ICC also restructured the Women’s Cricket Committee, appointing: These appointments are seen as part of the ICC’s efforts to bolster the governance and evolution of cricket across both men’s and women’s formats by bringing in diverse, contemporary, and experienced voices from around the world.

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