June 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
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Elon Musk’s X Sues Indian Government Over Content Censorship

X Challenges IT Act’s Interpretation in Karnataka High Court Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in the Karnataka High Court, alleging unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. The case challenges the government’s interpretation of the Information Technology (IT) Act, particularly the use of Section 79(3)(b), which X argues undermines free expression and contradicts Supreme Court rulings. Allegations Against the Government’s Content-Blocking Mechanism According to X, the Indian government is misusing Section 79(3)(b) to create a parallel content-blocking system, bypassing the structured legal process outlined in Section 69A of the IT Act. While Section 69A allows the government to order content removal on grounds of national security, public order, or sovereignty concerns, X claims that Section 79(3)(b) is vague and forces platforms to determine what content is illegal, increasing their exposure to lawsuits and accusations of bias. Social media platforms often rely on Section 69A for legal clarity, arguing that content should only be removed if the government explicitly orders it. By using Section 79(3)(b), the government allegedly shifts the burden onto platforms, leading to over-censorship. Violation of Supreme Court’s Shreya Singhal Ruling X further contends that the government’s approach contradicts the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 ruling in the Shreya Singhal case. This ruling established that content could only be blocked through proper judicial scrutiny or the legally defined process under Section 69A. X claims that using Section 79(3)(b) sidesteps these safeguards, creating legal uncertainty for social media platforms. Concerns Over the Sahyog Portal The lawsuit also challenges the government’s Sahyog portal, an initiative under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) designed to handle takedown requests under Section 79(3)(b). X alleges that the portal functions as a “censorship tool” that pressures platforms to remove content without proper legal scrutiny. The company has refused to assign an employee to the system, arguing that it enables government control over online discourse without judicial oversight. With this legal battle, X seeks judicial intervention to ensure content moderation decisions are based on clear legal directives rather than government pressure, reaffirming its stance on protecting free speech.

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Rahul Gandhi Joins Congress Protest Against Farmer Evictions at Parliament

Congress Slams BJP and AAP for Crackdown on Farmers Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, joined Congress MPs from Punjab in protesting within the Parliament complex against the forcible eviction of farmers from protest sites at Sambhu and Khanauri on the Punjab border. The protest was in response to the police crackdown on farmers who had been demonstrating at these sites for over a year. Congress president and LoP in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, attacked both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling them “anti-farmer” forces that had united against the agricultural community. Kharge Condemns Detention of Farmer Leaders In a post on social media platform X, Kharge accused the Punjab government of initially inviting farmers for talks and then forcibly removing them from their protest sites. He strongly condemned the detention of senior farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher by the Punjab Police, asserting that the ruling parties were blinded by their arrogance. “The country has not forgotten – Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, when farmers were fired upon during BJP rule. How the son of a minister of the Modi government crushed the farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. How a farmer from Rajasthan hanged himself in Kejriwal’s rally in 2015 and he remained a silent spectator,” Kharge said. Congress MPs Stage Demonstration at Parliament Outside the Parliament’s Makar Dwar, Congress MPs from Punjab, including Sukhjinder Randhawa, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Gurjit Aujla, and Dharamvir Gandhi, led a demonstration condemning both the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led Central government for their handling of the farmer protests. The Congress leaders held placards demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a key demand of the protesting farmers. They accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of siding with the BJP against the farmers. Rahul Gandhi briefly joined the protest to express solidarity with the farmers and his fellow MPs, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the farmers’ cause.

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Editor03 mins

Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on India, Criticizes High Import Duties

Concerns Over India’s High Tariffs Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his concerns about India’s high import tariffs, labeling the country as one of the “highest tariffing nations in the world.” In an interview with Breitbart News, Trump expressed optimism that India might lower these tariffs substantially. However, he also announced that starting April 2, the United States would impose reciprocal tariffs on India, matching the levies that India charges on American goods. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Praised Despite his concerns over trade policies, Trump acknowledged the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a “group of wonderful nations” working together to strengthen trade relationships. He emphasized that these nations are countering others that seek to harm the U.S. through unfair trade practices. Stronger Trade Partnerships with Foes Than Allies Trump also criticized traditional allies, stating that the U.S. is often treated worse by its friends than by its adversaries. He specifically pointed out the European Union’s trade practices, calling them “terrible,” and noted that India, often considered an ally, also imposes high tariffs on American goods. According to him, the U.S. sometimes receives better trade treatment from nations that are not considered allies. Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Plan from April 2 On March 5, Trump had already signaled his intent to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that charge high levies on American goods. Speaking in his first address to a Joint Session of Congress in his second term, Trump criticized countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada for imposing significantly higher tariffs on U.S. exports. “If you don’t make your product in America, however, under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one,” Trump said. He emphasized that for decades, other countries had used tariffs against the U.S., and it was now time for America to respond in kind. Auto Tariffs Among the Highest Trump specifically highlighted India’s high tariffs on automobile imports, stating that the country charges duties exceeding 100% on American vehicles. He described these trade policies as “very unfair” and vowed to take corrective measures to protect U.S. businesses. With April 2 approaching, the world will closely watch how Trump’s reciprocal tariffs impact global trade dynamics, particularly U.S.-India relations.

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SS Rajamouli’s ‘SSMB 29’: Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran Begin Odisha Shoot Amid Tight Security

Ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the visionary behind blockbusters like RRR and Baahubali, is gearing up for his next epic project, ‘SSMB 29’. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles and is currently being shot in Odisha. During the Odisha schedule, Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra were seen interacting with locals, taking pictures, and engaging with fans. MLA Ramachandra Kadam met Rajamouli on set and presented him with handmade millet products. The film’s production commenced in February 2025 in Hyderabad, later moving to Odisha for crucial forest sequences. Despite the team’s efforts to maintain secrecy, leaked footage featuring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran surfaced online. In response, the production has tightened security measures to prevent further leaks. A Grand Action-Adventure Epic Mahesh Babu plays the lead role, while Priyanka Chopra marks her return to Indian cinema after a long hiatus. Prithviraj Sukumaran is set to portray the antagonist. M.M. Keeravani is composing the music, and P.S. Vinod is handling cinematography. Made on a massive budget of over Rs 1000 crore, SSMB 29 is expected to be a spectacular action-adventure inspired by Indiana Jones, blending Indian history with mythology. A key part of the story unfolds in Kashi, which is being recreated in Hyderabad due to logistical challenges. The film is rumored to be a two-part saga, with the first installment speculated for a Summer 2027 release.

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Editor02 mins

Union Cabinet Approves Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission to Boost Livestock Sector

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to enhance growth in the livestock sector. The revised scheme, part of the Development Programmes scheme, comes with an additional outlay of ₹1,000 crore, bringing the total allocation to ₹3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26). Key Enhancements in Revised RGM1️⃣ Heifer Rearing Centres 🐄 One-time 35% capital cost assistance to Implementing Agencies for setting up 30 housing facilities for a total of 15,000 heifers.2️⃣ Support for High Genetic Merit (HGM) IVF Heifers 🧬3% interest subvention on loans taken by farmers from milk unions, banks, and financial institutions to encourage the purchase of HGM IVF heifers.Continuation of Existing RGM ActivitiesStrengthening semen stations and Artificial Insemination (AI) networks.Bull production programme & accelerated breed improvement using sex-sorted semen.Skill development and farmer awareness programs.Establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening Central Cattle Breeding Farms.Impact of RGM & Government Efforts📈 Milk production increased 63.55% in the last 10 years.🥛 Per capita milk availability rose from 307 grams/day (2013-14) to 471 grams/day (2023-24).🐃 Productivity improved by 26.34% in the last decade. Achievements of Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP)Free AI services provided in 605 districts with low AI coverage (<50%).8.39 crore animals covered and 5.21 crore farmers benefited.22 IVF labs established under State Livestock Boards & Universities.Over 2,541 High Genetic Merit (HGM) calves born through IVF technology.Technological Breakthroughs in Atmanirbhar BharatGau Chip & Mahish Chip: Genomic chips for indigenous bovines, developed by NDDB & ICAR-NBAGR.Gau Sort: Indigenously developed sex-sorted semen production technology by NDDB.The revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission is set to revolutionize India’s dairy and livestock sector, strengthening the country’s position as the world’s largest milk producer. 🐄🚜

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Editor03 mins

Punjab Police Clear Farmer Protest Sites Amidst Rising Industrial Concerns

Punjab Police have begun dismantling structures and removing vehicles stationed by protesting farmers at two major highways, paving the way for their reopening. The action follows over a year-long blockade by farmers protesting for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands. Police Action & Farmer Leaders’ Detention Government Justification & Political Reactions Farmers’ Demands & Unresolved Talks With highways being cleared and negotiations ongoing, the farmer protests remain a major issue in Punjab’s political and economic landscape. 🚜

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Editor03 mins

Telangana government has proposed a ₹17,677 crore allocation for the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department

The Telangana government has proposed a ₹17,677 crore allocation for the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department in the 2025-26 state budget. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka presented the budget in the Assembly on March 19, 2025, highlighting key urban development initiatives under the H-CITI Plan and the newly established Future City Development Authority (FCDA). Key Announcements & Projects 1. H-CITI Plan (Urban Infrastructure & Traffic Management) 2. Flood Mitigation & Drainage Projects 3. Future City Development Authority (FCDA) 4. SPEED (Smart, Proactive, Efficient, and Effective Delivery) Initiative MA&UD Budget Breakdown (₹17,677 crore) Major Budget Allocations Key Takeaways This budget highlights Telangana’s commitment to urban modernization, sustainable infrastructure, and economic growth. 🚀

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Trump, Zelenskyy Discuss Partial Ceasefire and Energy Security in Key Phone Call

Ceasefire Agreement Reached on Energy Infrastructure AttacksIn a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a one-hour phone conversation on Wednesday, following Trump’s discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed that the leaders agreed on a partial ceasefire, specifically halting attacks on energy infrastructure—a key step toward potential peace talks. Trump described the exchange as a “very good telephone call”, indicating progress in aligning both Ukraine and Russia on their “requests and needs.” White House: ‘We’ve Never Been Closer to Peace’During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt framed the development as a breakthrough, stating: “We have moved beyond just the economic minerals deal framework and are now looking at a lasting ceasefire. Right now, we’re at a partial ceasefire, but we have never been closer to peace than we are today.” Leavitt also announced that Trump’s diplomatic team would travel to Saudi Arabia later this week to advance ceasefire negotiations, with discussions focusing on expanding the agreement to the Black Sea as a step toward full de-escalation. Zelenskyy Welcomes Truce But Calls for MonitoringSpeaking at a press conference in Helsinki, where he met Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelenskyy cautiously welcomed the ceasefire agreement but emphasized the need for international monitoring and guarantees. “Just the assertion and the word of Putin that he will not strike energy sites is too little. War has made us practical people. We need monitoring, we need guarantees, and we need actions—not just promises.” Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine would provide a list of critical infrastructure sites requiring protection and insisted that U.S. and European oversight would be necessary for enforcement. “If Russia doesn’t strike our infrastructure, we will not strike theirs. But we will not rely solely on their assurances—we need independent verification.” Trump and Zelenskyy Discuss Ukraine’s Security NeedsDuring the call, Zelenskyy also requested additional air defense systems, specifically Patriot missile batteries, to defend Ukrainian cities from potential Russian strikes. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump assured Zelenskyy the U.S. would work with European partners to explore available options: “President Trump assured President Zelenskyy that he would coordinate with European partners to identify available defense systems. The focus remains on protecting civilians and ensuring Ukraine’s security while advancing toward a broader peace deal.” Trump also proposed American assistance in securing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, suggesting that U.S. utility companies could help strengthen the country’s power grid and nuclear facilities against future threats. “The United States could play a vital role in ensuring Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants are protected. American involvement would be the best safeguard against future threats,” Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy. Next Steps: Saudi Arabia Peace TalksThe next phase of negotiations will take place in Saudi Arabia, where technical teams will discuss ways to expand the ceasefire and further peace efforts. With Trump actively involved, the talks could mark a turning point in efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

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Nagpur Police Arrest MDP Leader Fahim Khan for Alleged Role in Communal Violence

Fahim Khan Identified as Mastermind of March 17 Violence Nagpur Police arrested Fahim Shamim Khan, a local leader of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), for allegedly masterminding the communal violence that erupted in the city on March 17, injuring several people. Khan’s arrest followed the release of his photograph and a video in which he was seen delivering an inflammatory speech moments before the clashes broke out. Khan Remanded to Police Custody The 38-year-old politician, who serves as the city president of MDP and resides in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, was officially named in an FIR at Ganeshpeth Police Station before his arrest. He has been remanded to police custody until March 21. Authorities state that preliminary investigations and video evidence indicate his speech played a direct role in escalating tensions. Khan’s Political Background and Election Defeat Fahim Khan contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Nagpur constituency under the MDP banner, challenging senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. However, he suffered a massive defeat, losing by over 6.5 lakh votes. Communal Clashes and Injuries Violence erupted in Nagpur’s Chitnis Park area on March 17 following rumors about the desecration of a community’s holy book during a right-wing protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to stone-pelting and clashes that left 34 police personnel injured. Law Enforcement Actions and Ongoing Curfew Despite lodging an FIR against the protesters, no arrests have been made so far. A senior official confirmed that the law and order situation in Nagpur is now under control, but a curfew remains in effect in sensitive areas. Over 2,000 armed police personnel have been deployed to prevent further unrest.

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Editor03 mins

Israel Launches Targeted Ground Operations in Gaza

Ground Offensive Begins After Airstrikes Israel launched targeted ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip just a day after conducting large-scale airstrikes, marking the most intense military action since the ceasefire in January. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation aims to expand the security zone and create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza. The troops also extended control over the Netzarim Corridor. Deployment of Golani Brigade for Future Operations The IDF announced that the Golani Brigade has been stationed in the Southern Command area, remaining on standby for future operations in Gaza. The military reiterated its commitment to combating terrorist organizations in the region to ensure Israel’s security. Israeli Defence Minister Issues Warning to Gazans Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Gaza residents, urging them to act on US President Donald Trump’s advice by returning Israeli hostages and removing Hamas from power. In a video statement, Katz stated that Gazans could explore options, including relocating to other parts of the world, if they comply. Heavy Airstrikes and Rising Casualties The recent Israeli airstrikes, which marked the end of the ceasefire with Hamas, continued into Wednesday at a reduced intensity. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 436 people, including 183 children and 94 women, have been killed since Tuesday’s attacks, with another 678 wounded. IDF’s Justification for Military Actions The Israeli military claimed that its operations specifically target militants, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties due to its presence in densely populated areas. The IDF also stated that it struck multiple militant sites, including a Hamas battalion command center. One of the Deadliest Conflicts for Humanitarian Workers The ongoing war in Gaza, which saw a temporary halt in January due to an internationally mediated ceasefire, has been one of the deadliest conflicts for humanitarian workers, according to the United Nations. As tensions continue to escalate, the humanitarian crisis in the region remains dire.

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