June 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
Breaking News

UN Launches $275 Million Appeal for Myanmar Earthquake Victims Amid Widening Humanitarian Crisis

In the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, the United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for $275 million to provide life-saving aid to over 1.1 million vulnerable individuals. The powerful quake, which has already claimed more than 3,600 lives, has left entire communities in ruins and exposed millions to heightened humanitarian risks. The appeal, launched on April 11, 2025, comes amid growing concerns over inadequate funding for the region. According to the UN, just five percent of the previously estimated $1.1 billion humanitarian response plan—meant to support 5.5 million people—has been funded. The latest disaster has further deepened the crisis, prompting a call for immediate international assistance. “With new and increasing needs, additional resources are urgently required,” the appeal report stated. The new funding will focus specifically on 1.1 million people in the hardest-hit areas, with special emphasis on women and girls, who face heightened risks of gender-based violence, food insecurity, and lack of access to reproductive healthcare. The earthquake has left over 6.3 million people in dire need of assistance, with thousands displaced, infrastructure destroyed, and basic services disrupted. The UN’s renewed call for support highlights the pressing need to scale up aid efforts and prevent a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

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Editor02 mins

Fertiliser Shortage Looms in State Ahead of Kharif Season; CM Holds Emergency Meet

A severe fertiliser crisis appears imminent in the state as it gears up for the upcoming Kharif season. A growing scarcity of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and a sharp price hike in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilisers have raised concerns among farmers and policymakers alike. Emergency Meeting by Chief Minister Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis. During the session, it was decided that the existing stock of fertilisers will be distributed immediately to farmers at previously fixed rates, in an attempt to ease pressure and avoid black marketing. The government is also considering alternatives such as supplying urea or TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) to meet the shortfall of DAP. Currently, the state holds about 3.5 lakh tonnes of DAP and NPK combined, against a requirement of 7.5 lakh tonnes—leaving a significant gap. Disruption in Global Supply and Price Hike The crisis has been exacerbated by a disruption in global supply chains. With China halting DAP exports, India is now solely dependent on Morocco for DAP imports. Additionally, due to the government’s decision not to increase the price ceiling, fertiliser companies have reportedly halted DAP production, leading to further scarcity. To manage the Rabi season, the government had encouraged the use of NPK, but with the rising demand, manufacturers hiked prices from ₹1,470 to ₹1,720 per 50-kg bag—despite no increase in central subsidies. Shortfall in Central Allocation Adding to the crisis, the Centre has fallen short in its promised allotment of fertilisers to the state. While the state was supposed to receive 1 lakh tonnes of DAP and 1.5 lakh tonnes of NPK this month, only 25,000 tonnes of NPK have been delivered so far. DAP allocation is still pending. Farmer Backlash Likely With the price burden falling on farmers, especially for NPK, discontent is brewing. The hike, coupled with uncertainty around fertiliser availability, may trigger large-scale resentment in rural areas, potentially impacting agricultural output and political sentiment in the state. The government is expected to ramp up communication with the Centre and explore short-term measures to cushion farmers from the brunt of this crisis.

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Editor03 mins

Akaal Movie Review: A Visually Rich Tribute to Sikh Valour That Falters in Depth

Akaal is a grand, heartfelt attempt to spotlight the heroism of Sikh warriors during the politically volatile post-Ranjit Singh era. Gippy Grewal leads with grit and gravitas, supported by a solid turn from Nikitin Dheer as a menacing antagonist and Nimrat Khaira as the brave matriarch. However, the film stumbles with a predictable, underdeveloped plot and uneven pacing. What Works:✅ Strong performances, especially from Gippy Grewal✅ Stunning cinematography and period-accurate aesthetics✅ A rousing finale and earnest message about faith, courage, and community✅ Notable tracks: Akaal (Title), Ik Singh What Doesn’t:❌ Thin storyline with predictable arcs❌ Weak character development, especially for supporting roles❌ Inconsistent action choreography and Bollywood-style songs that jar with the film’s tone❌ Preachy, repetitive monologues by Gurpreet Ghuggi’s character Highlight:The film’s visual grandeur and commitment to historical detail mark a milestone for Punjabi cinema’s ambition, with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions also backing the project.

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Editor02 mins

Sunny Deol’s Jaat Holds Strong at the Box Office, Enters 2025’s Top 10 Grossers

Sunny Deol’s latest action-packed offering, Jaat, is off to a roaring start and shows no signs of slowing down. After scoring the second-highest opening of his career with a solid ₹9.62 crore on day one, the Gopichand Malineni directorial managed to maintain a strong grip on its second day, collecting ₹7 crore despite being a regular working Friday. That marks a reasonable 27% dip, which is considered a good hold for a mass-action film. Box Office Breakdown (India – Hindi version): Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Jaat is now officially one of the top 10 Hindi grossers of 2025, and the momentum is only expected to grow. With a 5-day extended weekend in its favour, the film is primed for a strong run. Sunday brings the Baisakhi holiday, and Monday (Ambedkar Jayanti) adds yet another boost, giving the film a dream runway with minimal competition at the box office. The positive word-of-mouth, coupled with the explosive duo of Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, has clearly clicked with audiences, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. If this pace continues, Jaat could well be on its way to becoming one of the biggest success stories of the year.

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Editor02 mins

‘Chhorii 2’ Review: Important Message, But No Scares in This Hollow Horror Sequel

The much-anticipated sequel Chhorii 2 aimed to expand on the chilling social commentary of the original 2021 horror-thriller. While the first film drew attention for spotlighting female infanticide within a haunting narrative, this new installment fails to strike the right balance between fright and message. Despite having a strong premise and capable cast, the film falters in its execution, leaving audiences underwhelmed. This time, Nushratt Bharuccha returns as Sakshi, battling not just supernatural forces but also deep-rooted social evils like misogyny, blind faith, and the archaic practice of child marriage. The horror is built around a mythical ‘adi manush’ (caveman) figure worshipped by villagers, who demands the ‘seva’ and ‘samarpan’ of young girls. Soha Ali Khan plays his devoted ‘daasi’, a woman complicit in the system, serving him to gain a sense of power. The film raises critical questions about the role of women in a patriarchal world, but unfortunately, does so at the cost of genuine horror or suspense. Despite being set in eerie caves and isolated sugarcane fields, the movie fails to evoke fear. Only one scene, where Sakshi briefly gets lost in the maze, offers a glimpse of what the film could have been. There are barely any jump scares, and the atmosphere never reaches a point of dread. Instead, the plot becomes increasingly predictable, relying on maternal instincts and emotional manipulation rather than genuine thrills. The supernatural elements, including ghosts and dead women, feel tokenistic. As the story progresses, the thrill wanes, and the viewer is left merely waiting for it to end. Still, the contrasting maternal approaches of Sakshi and the daasi offer a compelling angle—while one nurtures through strength and fairy tales, the other controls through manipulation and folklore. This parallel is heartening but doesn’t carry the film. One scene that truly stands out is when young village boys, around seven or eight, barge into a room to gawk at a girl—their objectification and bullying of a transgender child expose the toxic masculinity embedded in their upbringing. It’s a disturbing yet powerful commentary on the future such a mindset breeds. Performance-wise, Nushratt once again channels her fierce maternal instinct effectively, showing growth from a school teacher to a woman who will do anything to protect her daughter (Hardika Sharma). Soha Ali Khan, however, is underutilized in a half-baked role, despite her acting chops. Gashmeer Mahajani, a familiar face from Marathi cinema, makes his Hindi film debut but is not given much scope to shine. In conclusion, Chhorii 2 had all the ingredients—a meaningful theme, a talented cast, and a rich setting—but lacked the finesse and scares to deliver a compelling horror-thriller. With tighter editing, a more focused script, and a stronger horror backbone, this could have been a standout sequel. It might be worth a weekend watch from the comfort of your home, but don’t go in expecting goosebumps.

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Editor05 mins

Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over Waqf (Amendment) Act: 110+ Arrested

Unrest broke out in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal following a demonstration against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. Police confirmed on Saturday that over 110 individuals had been arrested in connection with the violence, which included the torching of vehicles, including police vans, the launching of projectiles at security personnel, and the barricading of roads. The disturbances spread across Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts as well. The Murshidabad district, where the violence was most severe, saw 70 arrests in Suti and 41 arrests in Samserganj. While the affected areas continued to experience tension, no major incidents occurred on Saturday morning. Authorities have imposed restrictive orders and suspended internet connectivity in the violence-affected regions to curb the spread of rumors and to maintain control. A police officer confirmed that patrols in Suti and Samserganj were ongoing and that gatherings were strictly prohibited to prevent any further disturbances. In addition, a teenage boy who was reportedly injured from police firing during the unrest in Suti has been transferred to a Kolkata hospital for treatment. The unrest mainly affected areas with large Muslim populations. The protests were sparked by the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has garnered controversy due to its impact on the management of Waqf properties. In response, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing them of failing to manage the situation and calling it a pre-mediated act of violence. He referred to the unrest as an assault on democracy and claimed it was instigated by “Jihadist forces” aiming to spread chaos and fear. Adhikari demanded that authorities identify and bring legal action against those responsible for the violence, insisting that the perpetrators face severe penalties under the law. The authorities are currently working to restore order, with ongoing police operations across the region and a high alert in place to prevent any further unrest.

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Editor03 mins

2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC

The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC (BFC) prepare to battle it out for the title at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. For both teams, this match represents the completion of a cycle in their respective journeys, with significant storylines unfolding for each side. Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan SG has had a remarkable turnaround this season. After a rough start, including a heavy 0-3 defeat to Bengaluru in September, Molina’s team bounced back with a record-breaking run. Now, with the League Shield in their grasp, Mohun Bagan is aiming for a historic ISL ‘double’. Having lost the final to Mumbai City FC last season, this is their chance to make amends and clinch their first-ever double at home. The Salt Lake Stadium, where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, will be a fortress in their bid to secure the title. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC, under the leadership of Gerard Zaragoza, enters the final with renewed focus and determination. Though they endured a tough patch earlier in the season, Zaragoza reflected on a significant moment from the past—a crushing 0-4 loss to Bagan last April. Now, the BFC side is back with a vengeance, confident and hungry for a strong finish to the season. Zaragoza highlighted how far his team has come since that defeat, with the club now poised to challenge for the trophy. The match promises to be an exciting showdown. Mohun Bagan SG will likely have the edge with the support of their passionate fans at Salt Lake, but Bengaluru FC won’t be an easy opponent. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Sunil Chhetri continues to perform at the highest level, and Zaragoza faces a pleasant dilemma regarding whether to start his star striker or bring him on as a substitute. With both teams motivated by personal narratives and historical goals, this final is set to be a fiercely contested affair. The battle between Mohun Bagan’s ambition for a double and Bengaluru’s hunger for redemption will make for a compelling end to the season.

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Editor04 mins

Salah Chooses Legacy Over Lucrative Move, Signs New Liverpool Deal Despite £500m Saudi Offer

Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until he turns 34—a decision that sees him prioritising sporting ambition over financial gain, despite a staggering £500 million offer from Saudi Arabia. The Egypt forward, who stirred uncertainty back in November by saying he was “more out than in,” wasn’t being disingenuous—just honest about his situation. His desire to stay at Liverpool had never truly wavered, but the conditions had to be right for both parties. A breakthrough came late in March during talks involving Salah, his agent Ramy Abbas Issa, and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. By early April, the formalities were wrapped up, and even teammates like Andy Robertson were caught by surprise when the news emerged. Salah’s new contract will not involve a pay cut—he is set to earn close to £400,000-per-week, a figure that reflects both his continued brilliance and the difficulty of replacing a player who has already registered 54 goal contributions this season. While the Saudi Pro League had been confident—right up until last week—that they could entice Salah to the Middle East, the pull of European football and unfinished business at Liverpool proved stronger. Sources confirmed that Salah could have earned upwards of £500 million had he accepted the Saudi offer. But in contrast to Real Madrid’s €1 billion (approx. £859m) offer to Vinicius Jr, Salah chose the path of legacy. Liverpool’s upcoming changes—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid, which may free up financial space—likely helped in structuring deals for Salah and, soon, Virgil van Dijk, who is also expected to extend his contract. Salah, who has been with Liverpool for eight years, now looks set to complete a decade at the club. His obsessive professionalism and top-tier physical condition mean those close to him believe he still has at least three elite years ahead. With ambitions of winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and a long-standing desire to clinch the Ballon d’Or, Salah remains deeply driven. His commitment is not just about personal goals—he also wants to be in peak form for Egypt’s World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Off the pitch, his decision was also influenced by his family’s comfort in Merseyside, with wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan thriving in Liverpool. Ultimately, Salah’s story is one of loyalty, ambition, and belief—a decision to chase greatness in Europe rather than riches in the Gulf.

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Editor04 mins

ED Seizes 32 Properties Worth Crores Linked to Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and His Network

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 32 immovable properties allegedly owned by former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, his family members, and close associates. The seizure, part of a larger money laundering probe, has unearthed a web of dubious real estate transactions and inter-family property transfers that suggest systematic efforts to conceal illicit wealth. According to the ED’s chargesheet, as many as seven plots worth ₹6.61 crore located across Bhopal were registered under Aviral Building Construction Company, a firm jointly owned by Saurabh Sharma and his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal. Additionally, two properties in Indore valued at ₹1.77 crore were traced to the same entity, bringing the total value of the company’s assets to ₹8.38 crore. Investigations revealed that Sharma’s mother, wife, and mother-in-law also hold a significant number of immovable assets. Uma Sharma, Saurabh’s mother, owns five properties—one in Bhopal and four in Gwalior. In Gwalior, she holds two plots valued at ₹30.33 lakh and ₹26.54 lakh respectively, along with agricultural land worth ₹14.24 lakh and an additional bigha valued at ₹19.51 lakh. A double-story Housing Board house at E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹1.67 crore, is also in her name. Divya Tiwari, Saurabh’s wife, gifted a land parcel worth ₹32 lakh in Mugalia Kot, Bhopal to her mother Rekha Tiwari. Another high-value property, located in Bhairopur, Bhopal, is jointly owned by Divya and Rekha and is valued at ₹1.20 crore. Rekha Tiwari herself owns two agricultural lands—one at Sevaniya Gaud, Bhopal, worth ₹72 lakh and another in the city valued at ₹20 lakh. The mother-daughter duo also jointly operate the Rajmata Bharatmata Shiksha and Social Welfare Committee in Bhopal, under which a plot worth ₹25.53 lakh in Indore is registered. Sharma’s associate Sharad Jaiswal is also in possession of numerous properties. These include a MIG flat in Ratnagiri, Bhopal (₹14.75 lakh), a plot in Hinautia Alam (₹25.62 lakh), a LIG flat in Alankar Heights (₹25.50 lakh), and another smaller plot in Hinautia Alam (₹9.23 lakh). Sharad also co-owns a ₹4.20 crore plot in Emaar Continental City, Indore with Kushal Mangal, and another ₹4.10 crore plot under Emaar India Limited in collaboration with Ganesh Infrastructure (linked to Ripusudan Pachauri). A property worth ₹1.84 crore—a two-floor house in E-7/78, Arera Colony, Bhopal—is registered under the name of Instant UR Infrastructure, a firm believed to be connected to Sharma’s network. Another high-value plot on AB Road, Indore, worth ₹1.80 crore, is also owned by the same entity. The ED has termed these property acquisitions and inter-family transactions as a deliberate attempt to launder and distribute illicit wealth. The investigation is ongoing, and further action, including arrests and additional attachments, is expected in the coming weeks.

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Editor04 mins

PM Modi Unveils ₹3,880 Crore Development Push in Varanasi: Major Boost to Connectivity, Education, and Infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—his parliamentary constituency. The comprehensive package of projects spans infrastructure, education, energy, water, and urban renewal, underscoring a significant push toward holistic regional development. Focus on Connectivity and Transport To ease traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity, the PM laid the foundation for key road infrastructure. These include a major bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on NH-31 near Varanasi International Airport. Power Infrastructure Expansion Modi also initiated power projects aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity distribution network. These include the foundation of a 220 KV transmission substation at Chaukaghat (Varanasi), a 132 KV substation in Ghazipur, and an upgrade of the Varanasi electricity system—collectively valued at over ₹775 crore. Boost to Education and Smart City Initiatives As part of the Smart City Mission, the PM laid the foundation stone for the renovation of 77 primary schools and a new building for the Kasturba Gandhi School in Cholapur. He also inaugurated the Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College in Barki village, 356 rural libraries, and 100 new Anganwadi centres. Water and Sanitation Projects Several water-related projects were unveiled, including the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat on the Ganga River. Modi also inaugurated 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth ₹345 crore and announced improvements to six municipal wards in the city, along with aesthetic enhancements through landscaping and sculpture installations. Sports and Community Infrastructure To encourage sporting talent, the PM announced the development of a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium in Shivpur. Welfare and Cultural Recognition In a historic first, Modi distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens and handed out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for iconic Varanasi products such as tabla, painting, thandai, and tiranga barfi. Furthermore, he transferred over ₹105 crore as bonuses to milk suppliers in Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy. The event marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Varanasi under Modi’s leadership, aligning with the broader vision of modernization while preserving cultural heritage.

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Editor04 mins
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