THE CLIFF NEWS

Nagarkurnool, Telangana – Three teams of engineers and rescuers have assessed the structural strength of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where eight workers remain trapped following a collapse. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services Department, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted inspections overnight on Saturday and Sunday to determine if the tunnel was stable enough for a rescue operation. Superintendent of Police, Nagarkurnool, Vaibhav Gaikwad, confirmed the assessment, stating, “Three teams of the state and national disaster response contingents have assessed the tunnel to check if it is strong enough to let rescuers travel a distance.” Additionally, engineers and miners from Singareni Collieries have joined efforts to evaluate the situation. Rescue Efforts Face Challenges Due to Debris and Water On Saturday night, rescue teams reached the site of the collapse inside the tunnel and attempted to communicate with the trapped workers but received no response. Gaikwad explained, “There is a huge barrier of debris and mud at the spot, and nothing is visible beyond that. The rescue personnel called out to the trapped persons but there was no response. They may be trapped much deeper inside.” Dewatering and debris removal began on Saturday night and is ongoing. Experts on-site have emphasized that the tunnel contains water that must be drained before any rescue attempt. Construction firm Jaiprakash Associates, whose workers are among those trapped, has started pumping out the water. A senior expert noted that desilting would also be required, as debris is obstructing movement within the tunnel. The trapped workers include two Indian engineers from American tunneling firm The Robbins Company, while the remaining six are employees of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. Authorities Explore Multiple Rescue Options Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the last 200 meters of the tunnel are filled with slush, making direct access difficult. He outlined three potential rescue approaches: Political Response and Nationwide Concern The collapse occurred on Saturday morning when a section of the tunnel roof gave way. That evening, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the crisis. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his distress over the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The trapped workers have been identified as: Officials have confirmed that the tunnel’s ventilation system remains operational, ensuring a steady oxygen supply to the workers. The Telangana government is also reaching out to experienced tunnel rescue experts, including those involved in last year’s Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel rescue operation. Teams Navigate Deep Into the Tunnel Several rescue teams, including personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, Telangana Fire and Disaster Response, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and Nagarkurnool police, entered the tunnel at around 10 pm on Saturday to assess conditions and strategize a rescue. The team traveled 11 km on a tunnel locomotive and another 2 km on a conveyor belt, reaching the collapse site 13 km inside. The collapse has created a debris barrier up to eight meters high, spanning approximately 200 meters, behind which the workers are trapped. Beyond the 11 km mark, the tunnel is also filled with water, which is currently being pumped out before full-scale debris removal can begin. Authorities are racing against time to rescue the trapped workers as efforts continue around the clock. 4o

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that the Biden administration allocated $18 million in funding to India to assist with its elections. During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday (February 22, 2025), he questioned why the United States was providing financial assistance to India for its electoral process, arguing that the country does not require such aid. Criticism of USAID and Election Funding Trump strongly criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allocating funds to India, claiming that the agency provided $21 million for “voter turnout.” He further accused India of taking advantage of the U.S., citing high tariffs imposed by India on American goods. “Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money,” he said. Tariff Dispute and Financial Assistance Trump also pointed out that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing nations in the world, criticizing the U.S. for providing financial aid despite India’s high import duties. “They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariff nations in the world… We have a 200 percent [tariffs] there, and then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” he remarked. Funding to Bangladesh Also Questioned In addition to India, Trump targeted USAID for allocating $29 million to Bangladesh, claiming that the funds were used to “strengthen the political landscape” in the country. Without naming any specific individual, he alleged that the money was meant to support a “radical left communist” candidate. Jaishankar Calls for Investigation into USAID’s Activities Reacting to the claims, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday (Feb. 22) that the information released by the Trump administration was “concerning” and that the Indian government was looking into the matter. During an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar noted that USAID was allowed to operate in India “in good faith, to do good faith activities,” but the allegations suggested that “there are activities which are in bad faith.” He stressed that if there was any truth to the claims, the Indian public deserved to know who was involved. Congress Calls on Modi to Respond The Congress party also weighed in on the controversy, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Trump’s allegations and “talk to his friend” to refute the claims. Trump’s Previous Allegations and DOGE’s Report The latest remarks come after Trump raised similar concerns on February 19 and 20. At a Republican Governors Association meeting on February 20, he alleged that the $21 million allocated to India was a “kickback” scheme orchestrated under the Biden administration. Trump’s claims were further backed by his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which on February 16 reported that USAID contributed $21 million to the Election Commission of India to boost voter turnout. DOGE also stated that all such expenditures had been canceled.

Tesla is preparing to enter the Indian market, but even with the government reducing import duties to below 20%, the starting price for its most affordable model, the Model 3, is expected to be between ₹35 lakh and ₹40 lakh, according to a report from global capital markets firm CLSA. Pricing Challenges for Tesla in India CLSA warns that Tesla’s impact on the Indian EV market may be limited if its pricing remains 20-50% higher than these domestic competitors. Tesla’s Strategy & Market Entry Market Sensitivity & Future Prospects Despite Tesla’s strong global brand, affordability remains a key challenge in India. Without significant investments in local manufacturing, Tesla’s vehicles may remain out of reach for most Indian consumers, limiting its market impact.

Farah Khan has landed in controversy after Hindustani Bhau (Vikash Fhatak) filed a criminal complaint against her at Khar Police Station for allegedly making offensive remarks about Holi on Celebrity MasterChef (February 20 episode). Complaint Details 📌 Allegation: Farah called Holi “a festival for the Chhapris”📌 Complaint filed by: Hindustani Bhau via Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh📌 Legal action requested under: IPC Sections 196, 299, 302, and 353📌 Complaint states: The comment insulted Hindu religious sentiments and could cause communal tension Backlash & Social Media Reaction 📢 The term “Chhapri” is considered derogatory and casteist, leading to massive online outrage.📢 Farah Khan is facing severe criticism and trolling on social media. What’s Next? 🚨 Legal proceedings may follow if police decide to act on the FIR.🔥 This controversy adds to the list of Bollywood celebrities facing backlash over religious remarks. Would you like real-time updates on this case? 🚨

Kochi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday announced a massive ₹3 lakh crore infrastructure development project for Kerala, with a primary focus on road expansion and modernization. Participating online in the Invest Kerala Global Summit, Gadkari revealed that ₹50,000 crore worth of road development projects would be implemented soon. A total of 31 new projects covering 896 km have been planned to enhance connectivity across the state. Key Announcements Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway 966 to be Four-Laned Ernakulam Bypass on NH-544 to be Six-Laned Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road New Road Project in Kollam District Boost for Kerala’s Tourism & Infrastructure Gadkari emphasized that Kerala’s globally renowned tourism sector, including Ayurveda, attracts numerous domestic and international visitors. He stressed the urgent need for superior infrastructure, particularly well-developed roads, to enhance accessibility and promote tourism. The Union Minister assured the central government’s full support in creating world-class infrastructure for Kerala.

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the allocation of $21 million in US taxpayer funds for voter turnout efforts in India, questioning why such financial aid was necessary. Addressing the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Trump expressed his frustration, stating, “Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout.” Allegations of Kickbacks and Interference During his speech, which was televised by NBC News, Trump suggested that the money might have been part of a kickback scheme, claiming, “Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it. It’s a kickback scheme. It’s not like they spend it. They kick it back to the people in many cases.” He also questioned another US initiative involving $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” stating that such terms were often vague and suggested ulterior motives. “Nobody knows what they mean by political landscape. What does that mean?” he asked. Musk-Led Government Department Cancels the Funding The controversy gained further traction after Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released a list of canceled US taxpayer-funded initiatives. The list explicitly mentioned the cancellation of $21 million earmarked for voter turnout in India. “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been canceled,” DOGE’s statement read, highlighting the India-specific funding. Trump Hints at USAID’s Alleged Interference in Indian Elections On Thursday, Trump went a step further, implying that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) may have been trying to influence India’s elections. “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough,” he said. Political War of Words in India Trump’s remarks triggered a political firestorm in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress engaging in a heated exchange. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the money was being used to sustain “deep-state assets” in India. “A day after Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. This money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India,” Malviya stated. In response, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera countered the BJP’s claims, questioning the government’s role in allowing such funds to enter the country. “For the past week, a story has been running that USAID gave $21 million to destabilize the Narendra Modi government. If despite having so many security agencies, Modi government allowed 21 million dollars to enter India, then it is a matter of shame. At the same time, when Modi government was asked a question about this, they said that this money came in 2012 during the UPA regime. In such a situation, did BJP win in 2014 with this money?” Khera remarked. With the controversy escalating, the issue of foreign funding in India’s electoral process has taken center stage, fueling debates over transparency, influence, and political accountability.

PM Narendra Modi has praised Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava, highlighting its impact and Maharashtra’s contribution to both Marathi and Hindi cinema. Speaking at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi, he acknowledged the film’s widespread appreciation and referenced Shivaji Sawant’s novel Chhava, which introduced many to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery. PM Modi on Chhaava 🗣 “Ye Maharashtra aur Mumbai hi hai jisne Marathi filmon ke saath-saath, Hindi cinema ko ye unchai di hai. Aur in dino toh, Chhaava ki dhoom machi hui hai.”(Maharashtra and Mumbai have uplifted both Marathi and Hindi cinema. And these days, Chhaava is making waves.) He also praised Shivaji Sawant’s work:🗣 “Sambhaji Maharaj ke shaurya se, iss roop mein parichay, Shivaji Sawant ke Marathi upanyas ne hi karaya hai.” Box Office Success Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava has been performing exceptionally well at the box office since its February 14 release. 💰 Crossed ₹200 crore on Day 7💥 Earned ₹30 crore on Day 6 (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti boost)📈 Strongest markets: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal Trade analyst Taran Adarsh called Chhaava a “record holder in Maharashtra”, confirming its grand entry into the ₹200 crore club. About the Film 🎭 Vicky Kaushal plays Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj⭐ Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna also play key roles🎬 Directed by Laxman Utekar With strong word-of-mouth and historical significance, Chhaava is expected to maintain its box office momentum in the coming weeks. 🚀

In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police have arrested Zoya Khan, infamously known as the ‘Lady Don’ of Delhi, in connection with a major drug bust. The 33-year-old, who is the wife of jailed gangster Hashim Baba, was apprehended with 270 grams of heroin, valued at approximately ₹1 crore in the international market. Arrest in Northeast Delhi Zoya was taken into custody from the Welcome area in northeast Delhi. According to police sources, she had allegedly procured the large quantity of heroin from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. Acting on intelligence about an unknown individual delivering drugs to her, law enforcement officials moved in and successfully arrested her. Running a Criminal Empire from the Shadows Her husband, Hashim Baba, has been behind bars since last year for his alleged involvement in the murder of a gym owner in Greater Kailash, South Delhi. Despite his imprisonment, Zoya is believed to have managed his criminal empire, overseeing operations while ensuring no direct evidence could link her to illegal activities. For a long time, police suspected her role in the gang’s dealings, but she had managed to evade arrest due to a lack of solid evidence. However, with this latest drug bust, authorities have finally been able to bring her to justice. A Notorious Crime Family Hashim Baba is a known figure in Delhi’s underworld, with multiple criminal cases against him, including murder, extortion, and arms smuggling. Zoya, his third wife, married him in 2017 after divorcing her previous husband. The two were once neighbors in northeast Delhi, where they fell in love before she became entangled in his world of crime. With Zoya’s arrest, police hope to dismantle a key link in Hashim Baba’s network and further crack down on organized crime in the city. Investigations are ongoing to trace other individuals connected to the drug supply chain.

Congress leaders continued their sit-in protest inside the Rajasthan Assembly, spending the night in the House after six party MLAs were suspended following an uproar over a BJP minister’s remarks. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, Deputy Leader of Opposition Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Zakir Hussain Gesawat, Hakeem Ali Khan, and Sanjay Kumar Jatav were seen sleeping on bedding inside the Assembly in defiance of their suspension. The suspension followed heated protests over Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as “aapki dadi” (your grandmother) while responding to a question regarding hostels for working women. The remark triggered an uproar in the Assembly, leading to three adjournments as Congress MLAs moved towards the well, demanding the statement be struck from the record. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully condemned the minister’s remark, calling it inappropriate, while BJP leaders defended it as non-parliamentary. Later in the day, Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg accused the opposition of crossing limits and moved a motion for their suspension for the remainder of the budget session, which was approved. Reacting to the suspension, Jully accused the BJP of suppressing the opposition’s voice, stating that the minister’s “indecent” remarks went unpunished while Congress MLAs faced action. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also criticized the government, claiming the BJP was using suspension tactics to silence opposition voices, much like in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Gehlot further alleged that the BJP-led state government was attempting to divert attention from its failures. He questioned why Congress MLAs, including those from Dalit, backward, tribal, and minority communities, were suspended just when the opposition was set to highlight the government’s shortcomings. In response to the suspensions, Congress has announced a statewide protest on Saturday against the BJP government’s actions.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday criticized Air India for poor seat management after he was allotted a broken seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. Taking to X, the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister questioned whether the airline was deceiving passengers by charging full fares for faulty seats. Chouhan recounted his experience, stating that he was assigned seat number 8C on Air India flight AI436. Upon sitting down, he found the seat to be broken and sunken, making it uncomfortable. When he inquired with the airline staff, they reportedly admitted that the management was aware of the issue and that the ticket for the seat should not have been sold. Despite co-passengers offering to switch seats with him, Chouhan chose to remain in his assigned seat to avoid inconveniencing others. While he expressed personal indifference to the discomfort, he called it unethical for Air India to provide defective seating while charging passengers the full fare. “Isn’t this cheating the passengers?” he asked. Chouhan further remarked that he had expected Air India’s services to improve under the Tata Group’s ownership but was left disappointed. He urged the airline to take corrective measures to ensure passengers do not face similar issues in the future, questioning whether Air India would address such concerns or continue exploiting travelers’ urgent need to reach their destinations. In response, Air India apologized on X, assuring Chouhan that they were investigating the matter to prevent future occurrences. The airline also requested a direct message from him to discuss the issue further.