June 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
Breaking News

Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi Lead the Pack as Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Enters Knockout Stage

The preliminary phase of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, hosted in Paris, concluded on Tuesday after an intense eleven-round competition. Twelve world-class players battled it out for eight coveted spots in the knockout phase, with several dramatic turns shaping the leaderboard. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Magnus Carlsen emerged as joint leaders, each finishing with 8.5 points. However, Nepomniachtchi was declared the top finisher due to superior tiebreak scores. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave claimed the third spot with a strong performance, collecting a total of 7 points. Arjun Erigaisi and Nodirbek Abdusattorov also advanced to the knockouts, securing 6.5 points each. Hikaru Nakamura, a fan favorite, qualified with 6 points after a critical draw against Abdusattorov, where he demonstrated resilient endgame defense under severe time pressure. German prodigy Vincent Keymer clinched a place in the top eight with a clutch victory over Fabiano Caruana in the final round, bringing his total to 5.5 points. Despite his defeat to Keymer, Caruana managed to secure a spot in the knockout phase with 4.5 points, largely thanks to Nakamura’s final-round win over Richard Rapport. One of the most surprising developments was the elimination of reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. The 18-year-old struggled throughout the final day, finishing with just 1.5 points. His hopes were dashed early in the eleventh round after a critical blunder against Nepomniachtchi, which left him on the back foot from the seventh move. Several other prominent players also bowed out, including Praggnanandhaa, Richard Rapport, and Vidit Gujrathi. Gujrathi, who recently got married, delivered a memorable tactical victory over Caruana, featuring a brilliant mating combination, but his earlier losses hindered his overall standing. Rapport, known for his creative flair, showcased a remarkable queen sacrifice for mate, yet fell short of qualification. As the knockout stage approaches, anticipation builds around whether Hikaru Nakamura can carry his momentum forward and potentially claim the title amidst fierce competition.

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Editor03 mins

PM Mudra Yojana Marks 10 Years with Over 520 Million Loans Sanctioned, Boosting Entrepreneurship Nationwide

In a landmark decade for the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), over 520 million loans worth ₹33.65 trillion have been sanctioned, with a remarkable ₹32.87 trillion disbursed, according to Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M. Nagaraju. Launched on April 8, 2015, this micro-finance initiative has played a pivotal role in extending collateral-free institutional credit to micro and small businesses across India, especially in small towns and villages where first-time entrepreneurs are eager to shape their destinies. A Focus on Social Inclusion and Economic Empowerment The PMMY has emerged as a potent tool for financial inclusion and economic growth. A key highlight of the scheme is its focus on empowering women and socially disadvantaged groups: Maintaining a Healthy Loan Repayment Culture Despite the sheer volume of loans disbursed, the scheme has maintained a commendably low Non-Performing Assets (NPA) ratio. According to Nagaraju, the average NPA stands at 3.6%, attesting to the robust repayment behavior among borrowers. For instance, the gross NPA in FY25 was recorded at 2.21%, slightly up from 2.10% in the previous year—an indicator of strong financial discipline among beneficiaries. Continuous Growth and Expansion Every year, the PMMY scheme adds between 500,000 and 600,000 new loan accounts, with annual loan sanctions estimated at around ₹5-6 trillion. Looking ahead to FY26, the recently launched Tarun-plus programme is set to further expand the scheme’s outreach, offering loans of up to ₹20 lakh. Since its inception in October 2024, Tarun-plus has already seen the opening of 22,557 loan accounts with loan sanctions totaling ₹3,190 crore. The entrepreneurial spirit among the nation’s small business community is unmistakable. In 2015, the average loan value under the PMMY was around ₹40,000; today, it has grown to roughly ₹1.5 lakh, reflecting both increased business confidence and scaling-up of enterprises. Diverse Loan Categories and Support Mechanisms PMMY supports a range of business needs through four distinct loan categories: These loans cover income-generating activities in manufacturing, trading, services, and allied agricultural sectors. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), managed by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) Ltd, ensures that Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) extending these loans are provided with a guarantee cover, further enhancing the scheme’s credibility and reach. Impact on Employment and MSME Growth The impact of the PMMY extends beyond entrepreneurship. The think tank SKOCH, in its report “Outcomes of ModiNomics 2014-24,” highlighted that the scheme has generated an average of 25.2 million steady and sustainable jobs per year since 2014, contributing to at least 51.4 million person-years of employment annually. Furthermore, a recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) underscores the transformative effect of the Mudra scheme, noting that MSME lending surged from ₹8.51 trillion in FY14 to ₹27.25 trillion in FY24. This momentum is expected to carry MSME lending past ₹30 trillion in FY25, driven by the significant credit flow catalyzed by the PMMY. Conclusion As PM Mudra Yojana celebrates its 10th anniversary, its legacy is evident in the robust expansion of the nation’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the groundbreaking impact on financial inclusion, especially among women and marginalized communities. With continued enhancements and the launch of innovative programmes like Tarun-plus, the scheme is poised to further revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape and contribute significantly to India’s economic growth in the years to come.

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Editor06 mins

BJP Receives Over ₹2,243 Crore in Donations in 2023-24, Over Six Times More Than Congress: ADR Report

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to dominate the political donation landscape, receiving a staggering ₹2,243.94 crore in donations during 2023-24, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This marks a 211.72% jump from the ₹719.85 crore received in 2022-23. In comparison, the Indian National Congress (INC) received ₹281.48 crore, reflecting a 252.18% increase from the previous year’s ₹79.92 crore. Despite the growth, Congress’s donation total was still over six times lower than that of the BJP. 🔍 Key Figures from ADR Report: Party Donations Received (2023-24) % Change (YoY) BJP ₹2,243.94 crore +211.72% Congress ₹281.48 crore +252.18% AAP ₹11.06 crore -70.18% CPI(M) ₹7.6 crore Not specified NPP ₹14 lakh Not specified BSP ₹0 First time in 18 years 🧾 Transparency Concerns: The ADR report flagged transparency lapses, stating that: The lack of cheque numbers, bank names, and encashment dates makes it difficult to trace the origin of funds, the report noted. 🟣 BSP’s Decline The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) reported zero donations above ₹20,000 for the first time in 18 years, signaling a sharp erosion in its financial and political base. Once a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has faced severe electoral setbacks: 📈 Total Donations to National Parties (2023-24): The massive spike in donations, especially to the BJP, once again brings into focus the disproportionate funding patterns and transparency gaps in political finance.

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Editor03 mins

Kashmir: Senior Hurriyat Leaders Renounce Separatism Amid Amit Shah’s Visit

In a significant development coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Kashmir Valley, three senior separatist leaders have publicly renounced separatism and distanced themselves from Hurriyat Conference factions, signaling a marked shift in the region’s political narrative. The leaders — Mohammad Yousuf Naqash (Islamic Political Party J&K), Hakeem Abdul Rashid (Muslim Democratic League J&K), and Bashir Ahmad Andrabi (Kashmir Freedom Front) — were all formerly affiliated with the Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In similarly worded statements, the trio declared allegiance to the Constitution of India and made it unequivocally clear that they no longer support separatist ideologies or entities such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). “My organization and I have no connection whatsoever with APHC factions or any entity pursuing separatist agendas. We are loyal citizens of India and owe allegiance to the Constitution,” read their statements. They further warned that any misuse of their names in association with separatist groups would be met with legal action. They emphasized that their departure from the separatist fold was due to the failure of APHC to effectively address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A Broader Trend This renunciation is part of a growing wave of public exits from separatist politics in the Valley over the past month. It marks a historic shift — the first time since the 1990s insurgency that multiple separatist leaders have voluntarily denounced the separatist movement in such open terms. Union Minister Amit Shah has previously welcomed such moves, posting on X that “Separatism has become history in J&K”, reflecting the government’s long-standing effort to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. Background on APHC Formed in 1993, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was a coalition of over 20 political, religious, and civil society groups advocating for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, often citing UN resolutions. Over time, its internal divisions and diminishing influence have led to a weakening of its political relevance. With this latest development, it appears that a new chapter may be unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, one that could significantly alter the narrative around conflict, identity, and reconciliation in the region.

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Editor04 mins

Meerut Murder Case: Muskan Rastogi Found Pregnant in Jail Amid Chilling Investigation

Meerut: In a shocking twist to the brutal murder case of former Merchant Navy officer Saurabh Rajput, one of the accused, Muskan Rastogi, has been found pregnant while in judicial custody. According to Senior Jail Superintendent Viresh Raj Sharma, Muskan underwent a routine pregnancy test—standard for all female inmates upon admission—which yielded a positive result. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ashok Kataria confirmed that the preliminary test indicates Muskan is pregnant. An ultrasound will be conducted next to determine the condition and duration of the pregnancy. The gruesome case, which has rocked Meerut, involves allegations that Muskan and her lover, Sahil Shukla, drugged and stabbed Saurabh Rajput to death on the night of March 4 at his home in Indiranagar. The brutality didn’t end there—investigators allege the duo dismembered his body, severing his head and hands, and stuffed the remains in a blue cement-filled drum in an attempt to conceal the crime. Evidence suggests the murder was premeditated, with Muskan allegedly beginning to plan the act as early as November 2023. Investigators claim she manipulated Sahil by impersonating his deceased mother on Snapchat, coaxing him into the act. The autopsy report revealed horrifying details: Saurabh’s head was decapitated, hands cut off at the wrists, and legs bent backward—reportedly to make the body fit inside the drum. The cause of death was confirmed to be shock and excessive bleeding. Currently, both Muskan and Sahil are in judicial custody. Muskan is engaged in sewing work inside the jail, while Sahil has been assigned to agricultural duties. The duo has also been enrolled in a rehabilitation programme in coordination with a drug de-addiction centre. The pregnancy revelation is expected to add another layer of complexity to the already disturbing case, as authorities await the ultrasound results and continue their investigation into the motives, timeline, and psychological dimensions of the crime.

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Editor03 mins

DIY The Ultimate Homemade Shaved Ice – Brain Freeze Guaranteed!

What You’ll Need: Step 1: Freeze Your Ice Like a Pro ✅ Fill the Molds: Use the provided ice molds and fill them with water, juice, or flavored liquid if you want an extra burst of taste.✅ Freeze Overnight: Let the molds sit in the freezer for at least 8 hours or overnight. Fully frozen ice works best for a fluffy texture.✅ Pro Tip: Make extra ice blocks and store them in ziplock bags so you’re always ready for a chilled treat. Step 2: Set Up Your Shaved Ice Attachment ✅ Securely attach the ice shaver to your mixer or machine. Lock everything in place before starting to avoid messes or surprise snowstorms in your kitchen. Step 3: Shave That Ice ✅ Place one frozen block into the shaver. Turn your machine to the recommended low setting.✅ If everything is set correctly, you’ll see soft, fluffy shaved ice falling into your bowl or cup. If it’s coming out in chunks, double-check your settings—or embrace the texture for a slush-style treat. Step 4: Add Flavor ✅ Drizzle your chosen syrup, juice, or flavoring over the shaved ice.✅ Gently stir using a spoon or straw to distribute the flavor evenly. Don’t overdo it—too much liquid can turn your fluffy ice into a mushy puddle. Step 5: Time to Enjoy ✅ Grab a spoon or straw, dig in, and enjoy your homemade frozen delight!✅ Bonus: Snap a pic before it melts—because aesthetic food moments are a must. Just pace yourself if you want to avoid the inevitable brain freeze.

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Editor03 mins

भोपाल के 126 से ज्यादा कब्रिस्तानों पर अतिक्रमण, अस्पताल और दुकानें भी बनीं: वक्फ संपत्तियों की हालत चिंताजनक

भोपाल। शहर के ऐतिहासिक वक्फ संपत्तियों पर अतिक्रमण का मामला एक बार फिर सुर्खियों में है। भोपाल टॉकीज चौराहा के पास स्थित कब्रिस्तान की ज़मीन पर अस्पताल और दुकानें तक बना दी गई हैं। ये अकेला मामला नहीं है—भोपाल शहर में लगभग 150 से अधिक कब्रिस्तानों में से सिर्फ 15 से 24 कब्रिस्तान ही अस्तित्व में बचे हैं, जबकि 126 से अधिक कब्रिस्तान अतिक्रमण की चपेट में हैं। 🔥 मुख्य बिंदु: वक्फ संपत्तियों की दुर्दशा: हाजी मोहम्मद इमरान, जमीअत उलमा ए हिंद (मप्र) के सचिव के अनुसार, “वक्फ बोर्ड की जानकारी में सब कुछ है, लेकिन न तो कार्रवाई होती है और न ही मुस्लिम समाज को जागरूक किया गया।” 📌 वक्फ बोर्ड की प्रतिक्रिया: डॉ. सनव्वर पटेल, अध्यक्ष, मप्र वक्फ बोर्ड: “हमने 150 कब्रिस्तानों का रिकॉर्ड देखा है, पर भौतिक सत्यापन में सिर्फ 24 मिले। सत्यापन के बाद सभी अतिक्रमणकारियों को नोटिस भेजे जा रहे हैं।” 😔 भावनात्मक संकट भी गहराया: कई परिवार जो अपने पूर्वजों के पास अपने प्रियजन को दफनाना चाहते थे, अब उनके पास कब्रिस्तान ही नहीं बचा। कुछ कब्रिस्तानों में तो रास्ता तक नहीं बचा है। क्या है वक्फ: वक्फ वह संपत्ति होती है जिसे कोई व्यक्ति अल्लाह की राह में समाज के कल्याण के लिए देता है। इसका पंजीकरण होता है और वक्फ संपत्ति जब तक समाज के हित में उपयोग होती रहे, तब तक वक्फ करने वाले को पुण्य मिलता है। ज़रूरी सवाल: अगर आप चाहें तो मैं इस पर एक विस्तृत रिपोर्ट या प्रेस रिलीज़ भी ड्राफ्ट कर सकता हूँ।

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Editor01 mins

सिंगापुर के स्कूल में भीषण आग: पवन कल्याण के बेटे मार्क शंकर गंभीर रूप से घायल

साउथ सिनेमा के सुपरस्टार और आंध्र प्रदेश के उपमुख्यमंत्री पवन कल्याण के छोटे बेटे मार्क शंकर सिंगापुर में एक दर्दनाक हादसे का शिकार हो गए हैं। रिपोर्ट्स के अनुसार, मार्क के स्कूल में आग लग गई, जिसमें वह गंभीर रूप से झुलस गए। जन सेना पार्टी द्वारा जारी बयान के मुताबिक, इस हादसे में उनके हाथ और पैर बुरी तरह जल गए हैं, और धुएं की वजह से फेफड़े भी प्रभावित हुए हैं। मार्क इस समय सिंगापुर में इलाज के लिए एक अस्पताल में भर्ती हैं, जहां डॉक्टरों की एक टीम उनकी हालत पर नजर बनाए हुए है। यह घटना तब हुई जब वह क्लास में मौजूद थे। हादसे की विस्तृत जानकारी अभी सामने नहीं आई है। इस दुखद घटना पर पवन कल्याण ने कहा, “मैंने अराकू घाटी के पास कुरीडी गांव के लोगों से वादा किया था कि तय कार्यक्रम के अनुसार उनसे मुलाकात करूंगा। मैं उस दौरे को पूरा करने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हूं। आदिवासी क्षेत्र में विकास कार्यक्रम की व्यवस्था को अंतिम रूप देने के तुरंत बाद मैं सिंगापुर के लिए रवाना हो जाऊंगा।” फिलहाल, मार्क की सेहत को लेकर परिवार और समर्थकों में चिंता का माहौल है, और सभी उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना कर रहे हैं। आग लगने के कारणों की जांच स्थानीय प्रशासन द्वारा की जा रही है। इस हादसे से साउथ इंडस्ट्री और पवन कल्याण के प्रशंसकों में गहरा सदमा है। इस घटना से जुड़ी आगे की जानकारी का सभी को बेसब्री से इंतजार है। 4o

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Editor01 mins

Markets Rebound Strongly Ahead of RBI Policy Decision Amid Global Trade Tensions

Indian benchmark indices witnessed a sharp rebound on Tuesday, recovering from their steepest single-day fall in 10 months. The rally was driven by broad-based buying across sectors, following a U.S. tariff-induced selloff that had rattled investors in the previous session. In early trade, the BSE Sensex surged by 1,200 points and was trading 714 points higher or 0.96% at 73,852 around 10:25 am. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 advanced 240 points or 1.10% to 22,398. This recovery comes after Monday’s slump, where the Nifty fell by 3.2% and the Sensex dropped by 3%, compared to an 8.4% decline in the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index. Investors are now closely watching the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upcoming policy announcement scheduled for April 9, with expectations of a 25 basis points cut in the repo rate to support growth amid escalating global trade tensions. From the Sensex pack, Titan, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, Axis Bank, and Tata Motors were among the top gainers, rising between 3–5%. Titan jumped 5% after reporting a strong 25% year-on-year growth in Q4 FY25, reflecting robust performance across key segments. On the sectoral front, the Nifty Consumer Durables index surged 3%, while Metal, Realty, and Financial Services indices gained over 2%. The broader markets also participated in the rally, with Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 opening 2% higher. Expert Take on Market Sentiment and Trade War Impact Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, highlighted that global market volatility is likely to persist due to ongoing trade tensions. He noted that while the trade war seems limited to the US and China for now, India is proactively engaging in talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. He warned that the US recession risk has increased and China could be the worst affected if Trump’s proposed 50% additional tariffs are implemented, potentially stalling Chinese exports and depressing global metal prices due to product dumping. Despite this uncertainty, Vijayakumar believes India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain stable. With an expected GDP growth of around 6% in FY26 and attractive largecap valuations, long-term investors can consider gradually accumulating quality largecap stocks, particularly in financials. Global Markets Recover as Negotiation Hopes Rise Global equities saw a modest recovery as well. Asian stocks bounced from 1.5-year lows, buoyed by hopes of potential trade negotiations. Japan’s Nikkei led the recovery with a 5.6% surge, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7% and Chinese blue-chip stocks edged up 0.6%. U.S. stock futures also pointed higher. However, U.S. President Donald Trump maintained a hard stance on China, threatening further tariffs unless Beijing withdrew its retaliatory measures. In response, China rejected the “blackmail” nature of U.S. threats. FII/DII Activity and Commodity Updates On April 8, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹9,040 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) countered the selling by purchasing ₹12,122 crore worth of stocks. Oil prices also rebounded, with Brent crude rising 1.26% to $65.02 per barrel and WTI crude climbing 1.52% to $61.61, after a steep decline in prior sessions triggered by fears of weaker demand due to tariffs. In currency markets, the Indian rupee slipped 0.06% to 85.88 against the U.S. dollar in early trade. The U.S. Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, declined 0.25% to 103.

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Editor05 mins

Grenade Attack on Manoranjan Kalia’s House Sparks Political Uproar Over Law and Order in Punjab

A grenade blast outside senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar has sent shockwaves across Punjab, with political leaders across parties slamming the AAP-led state government for a breakdown in law and order and an alarming spike in violence. Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu met Kalia on Tuesday and strongly criticized the deteriorating security situation in the state. “There’s an atmosphere of fear in Punjab. This isn’t just an isolated attack—it’s a targeted attempt to disrupt peace and communal harmony. The state has seen militancy before, but even then, grenades weren’t so casually used,” Bittu said. This is the first grenade attack on a political leader’s house in the recent spate of such incidents. Punjab has witnessed over a dozen grenade attacks since November 2023, targeting police stations, places of worship, and even a YouTuber’s residence, all indicating a worrying pattern of rising militancy and gang violence. 🔥 Political Reactions and Sharp Criticism: 🔎 Background: The grenade attack has united opposition voices, who warn that Punjab may be on the brink of a security crisis if urgent action is not taken. As calls for accountability grow louder, all eyes are now on CM Bhagwant Mann’s response in the coming days.

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Editor04 mins
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