THE CLIFF NEWS

British rock band Coldplay has set a new benchmark for live concerts in India, attracting an estimated 1.34 lakh fans to their final show in Ahmedabad on January 28. This record-breaking turnout surpasses previous attendance records set by Diljit Dosanjh and Justin Bieber, whose concerts had 50,000 attendees each. A Historic Tour Across India Due to overwhelming demand and sold-out shows, Coldplay performed a total of five concerts in India, with three in Mumbai and two in Ahmedabad. Their final performance marked the first time a ticketed concert in India crossed the one-lakh milestone, making it not only the largest concert in India but also one of Coldplay’s biggest shows globally, surpassing their Sydney show (83,000 attendees). Record-Breaking OTT Viewership The final Ahmedabad gig was also streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar, drawing a staggering 83 lakh viewers and recording 16.5 crore minutes of total watch time.According to the OTT platform, the highest engagement came from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. An Unforgettable Setlist Coldplay treated fans to a spectacular setlist featuring some of their biggest hits, including:🎵 Yellow🎵 Charlie Brown🎵 All My Love🎵 Clocks🎵 People of the Pride🎵 Hymn for the Weekend🎵 Viva La Vida Coldplay’s Message to India As the tour concluded, the band expressed their gratitude on social media, posting:“Thank you, Ahmedabad. Thank you, India. We’ll never forget these two weeks. Your love and kindness will stay with us forever.” Following the concert, Chris Martin and his actress girlfriend, Dakota Johnson, were spotted heading to the Kumbh Mela, adding a spiritual end to their India tour. 4o

Apart from films, celebrity endorsements are a major source of income for actors, with brands carefully selecting ambassadors who resonate with their target audience. Back in 2023, Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan was roped in as the brand ambassador for Manforce Condoms, replacing Sunny Leone. Now, Mankind Pharma’s Managing Director and co-founder, Rajeev Juneja, has revealed why the brand chose Kartik and who else he believes would be a great fit. Why Kartik Aaryan? During his appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Juneja explained that the decision to bring in Kartik Aaryan was strategic, as they wanted to shift focus more towards male consumers. Through this partnership, Kartik and Manforce aimed to educate the youth on the importance of consent in sexual relationships. Who Else Would Be “Apt” for Manforce? When asked to name another ideal brand ambassador for Manforce, Juneja chose Janhvi Kapoor as the best female choice, saying, “She is apt! She’s the best choice.” For a male ambassador, he named Ranbir Kapoor, while also praising Lakshya (of Kill fame) as a promising young face for the brand. Anushka Sharma & Deepika Padukone for Prega News? Mankind Pharma also owns Prega News, a popular pregnancy test kit. Currently endorsed by Anushka Sharma, Juneja called her the perfect fit, praising her as “disciplined and professional.” He also mentioned that Deepika Padukone—who welcomed her daughter Dua Padukone Singh last year—would be a great choice, but admitted that signing her might not be financially feasible: “Maybe her asking is too much for us.” With Bollywood stars becoming key faces of healthcare and wellness brands, it’s clear that endorsements are about more than just money—they’re about credibility, relatability, and impact.

Prabhas and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga are teaming up for the much-anticipated cop action drama Spirit. According to reports, the film is set to commence shooting in May 2025, with pre-production currently in full swing. Sandeep Reddy Vanga has nearly completed the writing process and aims to reinvent the cop genre with a gripping cat-and-mouse chase. The director is determined to deliver one of the biggest commercial successes of his career with this project. Prabhas will play an honest yet complex cop and is undergoing physical transformation for the role. The film will kick off its shoot in Hyderabad, with schedules planned in India and abroad. Backed by Bhushan Kumar, Spirit is expected to hit theaters in the latter half of 2026. This marks Vanga’s third collaboration with the producer after Kabir Singh and Animal. Following Spirit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga will begin work on Animal Park, starring Ranbir Kapoor, which is slated to go on floors by 2027.

Popular YouTubers Samay Raina, Tanmay Bhat, and Bhuvan Bam made a special appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, sharing lighthearted moments with Amitabh Bachchan in a viral clip that has taken social media by storm. Samay Raina Roasts ‘Sooryavansham’ During the episode, Samay Raina, known for his roast show India’s Got Latent, humorously recalled that Sooryavansham was one of the first movies he ever watched—thanks to its endless reruns on TV. He playfully questioned Amitabh Bachchan about his character consuming poisoned kheer twice, leaving the Bollywood legend in splits. “Aapne Beta Bana Hi Diya, Toh Property Mein Hissa?” The fun continued when Big B recreated his iconic Shehanshah dialogue:🗣️ “Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hain, naam hai Shehanshah.” Seizing the moment, Raina quipped, “Aapne beta bana hi diya hai toh property mein thoda hissa?” (Now that you’ve made me your son, can I get a share in the property?). Bachchan, amused, laughed at the witty remark. Samay’s Attempt to Enter ‘Jalsa’ The comedian also shared a hilarious anecdote about trying to enter Amitabh’s house, Jalsa, only to be stopped by security guards. As the conversation wrapped up, Raina cheekily said,“Mujhe believe nahi ho raha sir, aapko humare sath baithna pad raha hai.” (I can’t believe, sir, that you are being made to sit with us.) 25 Years of KBC The episode was part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Kaun Banega Crorepati, a show that has remained one of India’s most beloved quiz programs. Meanwhile, Samay Raina, who rose to fame as the joint winner of Comicstaan Season 2, continues to make waves with his bold and unfiltered roast show India’s Got Latent in 2024.

The Punjab Police have rejected claims that an abandoned vehicle, found in Delhi carrying ₹1.1 crore in cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets, belonged to the Punjab government. The police clarified that the number plate on the vehicle was “forged and fake.” Delhi Police’s Allegations On Wednesday, the Delhi Police reported that a suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and ‘Punjab Sarkar’ written on it was discovered near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. Upon inspection, officials found a significant amount of cash, liquor bottles, and AAP-related materials inside. The vehicle was seized, and a case was registered at Tilak Marg Police Station. Punjab Police’s Response Refuting the allegations, the Punjab Police stated that the vehicle is not owned or hired by the Punjab government. They identified the registered owner as Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri, a Maharashtra resident, who was previously posted at the Army Dental College in Pathankot three years ago. Further investigation revealed discrepancies in the vehicle registration details: The Punjab Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) reiterated that no such vehicle is in Punjab’s government records. BJP’s Attack on Kejriwal and AAP Following the incident, the BJP launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the upcoming elections. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal, saying:“Until now, we thought Kejriwal institutionalized corruption in Delhi, polluted the Yamuna and the city’s air. But today, we realize he has polluted Delhi’s political system too.” He further alleged that AAP was resorting to cash and liquor to influence elections, stating:“Since Arvind Kejriwal is losing the Delhi elections, his focus is now on liquor and money.” Political Fallout The controversy has triggered a heated political exchange, with AAP dismissing the incident as a “planted stunt”. The BJP, however, has demanded a thorough probe, intensifying political tensions ahead of crucial elections.

From fighter jets and armored combat vehicles to missiles and aero-engines, the Trump administration is set to push India to further increase its military purchases from the US. Since 2007, India has already procured US defense equipment worth over $25 billion, but President Donald Trump’s transactional approach signals a demand for more. In a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, Trump reportedly urged India to ramp up its procurement of US-origin weapon systems and platforms. This comes just months after India signed a $3.3 billion deal for 31 weaponized MQ-9B Predator drones and another $520 million agreement with General Atomics to establish an MRO facility in India. However, these deals were finalized during the final days of the Biden administration, and Trump is now expected to push for new big-ticket contracts. India, while acknowledging the technological superiority of US military equipment, remains firm on its “Make in India” policy, focusing on co-development and co-production rather than outright purchases. “India will have to negotiate carefully with the new Trump administration,” said a senior official, emphasizing the need for foreign collaboration at a reasonable cost. Major Deals on the Table Strategic Implications The Trump administration’s push for increased defense sales aligns with US-India strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific but also brings challenges. India aims to maintain technological self-reliance while leveraging American military expertise. Negotiations will focus on balancing cost, technology transfer, and local production, ensuring that India’s long-term defense needs are met without excessive reliance on foreign suppliers. With high-profile defense discussions set to take center stage, the coming months will be crucial in shaping India-US defense cooperation under Trump’s renewed presidency.

A devastating stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left nearly 60 others injured. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a judicial inquiry, appointing a three-member committee led by former judge Harsh Kumar to investigate the tragedy. Additionally, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a compensation of ₹25 lakh for the families of the victims. The stampede occurred between 1 am and 2 am at the Sangam on the Mela premises as a massive crowd of devotees surged toward the Sangam Nose at Triveni for a holy dip during the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya—one of the most auspicious bathing days of the festival. According to Mela Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna, 30 people lost their lives, with 25 victims identified so far. Among the deceased, four were from Karnataka, and one each from Assam and Gujarat. The rush also left over 90 people injured, 36 of whom remain hospitalized, while 24 have been discharged after treatment. Authorities revealed that the tragedy unfolded due to immense crowd pressure, which led to barricades breaking as devotees pushed forward. As a result, many individuals—some sitting or lying down while waiting for the holy dip—were crushed. Women and children were among the casualties. In the wake of the incident, the state administration has decided to suspend VIP protocols for the remaining religious baths at the Mela to ensure smoother crowd management. DIG Krishna also announced the launch of a helpline (1920) to assist families in tracing missing persons. A judicial committee, comprising former High Court judge VK Gupta and retired IAS officer BK Singh, will conduct an in-depth probe into the root cause of the tragedy. The police have also initiated a separate investigation. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) will visit the site on Thursday to assess the situation and oversee the inquiry proceedings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via a post on X, calling the incident “extremely saddening.” Initially, the Uttar Pradesh government remained tight-lipped about the number of casualties, but the scale of the tragedy has since become clear. Despite the devastating loss, members of the Akhara later gathered in smaller numbers at Triveni Sangam in the afternoon to take an Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. The administration continues its efforts to ensure the safety of the remaining pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh Mela.

After two years of relative stability, the rupee’s sharp decline is beginning to impact Indian corporate earnings, prompting several companies to hedge their currency exposures. The sudden depreciation is particularly affecting firms with significant foreign exchange liabilities. InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., which operates IndiGo, India’s largest airline, saw its forex losses triple to ₹1,460 crore ($169 million) in the December quarter. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the country’s largest carmaker, also cited currency fluctuations as a factor negatively impacting its margins. Smaller companies are not immune to the rupee’s slide, with NIIT Learning Systems Ltd. reporting a forex loss of ₹1.4 crore and Tanla Platforms Ltd. experiencing a currency impact of ₹4.4 crore. More such losses are expected as earnings reports continue to emerge. The rupee has weakened by 2.4% against the US dollar over the past two months, marking the steepest decline among emerging Asian currencies. This has fueled speculation that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may have loosened its tight grip on the currency. While the RBI’s approach over the last two years helped curb volatility, it may have also led companies to underestimate forex risks. With economic growth slowing and global uncertainties rising, businesses are now scrambling to hedge their exposures amid expectations of further rupee declines. “There was some complacency that had set in because the rupee was so stable,” said Neeraj Gambhir, Group Executive for Treasury, Markets, and Wholesale Banking Products at Axis Bank Ltd. He noted an increase in hedging inquiries as currency volatility surged. Companies purchased $48 billion in forward cover in December, the highest for 2024, according to data from the Clearing Corp. of India. This spike in demand pushed up hedging costs by over a percentage point last month. IndiGo, in response to the rupee’s volatility, is exploring options to extend its hedging beyond the current 12-month period. The airline is currently covering up to 70% of its forex exposure for up to a year, according to its Chief Financial Officer, Gaurav Negi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a victory in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, winning with 19 votes against the 17 votes of the AAP-Congress alliance. BJP candidate Harpreet Kaur Babla defeated Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Prem Lata in a closely contested election. The election, held in the assembly hall of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, was a significant political battle between the BJP and the AAP-Congress alliance. Polling commenced at 11:20 am and concluded at 12:19 pm. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation comprises 35 members, including elected councillors and the Chandigarh Member of Parliament (MP), who has voting rights as an ex-officio member. Before the election, the seat distribution stood at AAP with 13 councillors, Congress with 6, BJP with 16, and 1 vote belonging to the Chandigarh MP (Congress). Ahead of the polls, Congress councillor Gurbax Rawat shifted allegiance to the BJP, increasing the party’s tally to 16. This defection played a crucial role in the final outcome. The election was conducted through a secret ballot, with nominated councillor Ramneek Singh Bedi serving as the presiding officer. Additionally, retired Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Jaishree Thakur was appointed as an independent observer by the Supreme Court to oversee the election process.

Actor Siddharth, known for his candid opinions, recently spoke at the Hyderabad Literary Festival alongside singer-writer Vidya Rao, the mother of his wife, Aditi Rao Hydari. During the discussion, he reflected on his conscious decision to reject roles promoting toxic masculinity, despite the impact it had on his commercial success. Choosing Ethics Over Stardom Siddharth revealed that he turned down scripts featuring regressive tropes, such as slapping women, performing item songs, or dictating how female characters should behave. 📌 “I rejected them outright. Of course, I might be a far bigger movie star today if I was differently wired. But I did what I liked.” He added that this choice earned him long-term respect. “Today, people tell me I was respectful to women, good to parents and kids. Their children can watch my films from 15 years ago. That’s a gratifying feeling.” Breaking the Macho Hero Stereotype Siddharth spoke about how, while many actors embraced aggressive, hyper-masculine roles, he chose a different path. 📌 “When others were doing the ‘mard ko dard nahi hota’ (men don’t feel pain) kind of thing, I was happy to cry on screen.” Upcoming Projects 🎬 Last Seen In: Tamil film Miss You🎬 Next Release: The Test, starring Nayanthara and Madhavan🎬 Upcoming Role: Indian 3, directed by Shankar, who is also working on Game Changer with Ram Charan Siddharth’s choices continue to define his journey, proving that principles and integrity matter just as much as stardom. 4o