THE CLIFF NEWS

No Suitable Site Identified After 45 Days Even after 45 days of efforts, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has yet to identify a suitable site for relocating slums under the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme. Both the district administration and BMC are still conducting surveys to find viable locations for relocating slum dwellers. Rejected Proposal for Vallabh Nagar Relocation In November 2024, the Department of Urban Development and Housing (UAD) rejected a proposal to relocate the Vallabh Nagar slum to the Shaurya Smarak site under the ‘Jhuggi-Mukt Bhopal’ plan. Instead, UAD directed BMC to consider locations such as Ban Ganga for the relocation. Goals of the Scheme The ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ initiative aims to rehabilitate urban poor and slum dwellers by: Under the scheme, private developers will handle housing construction for slum dwellers, create commercial spaces to ensure project viability, and manage the expenses for housing provisions and rehabilitation during the transition phase. Challenges in Relocation and Re-densification Next Steps BMC and the district administration are under pressure to expedite the site identification process and finalize a practical relocation strategy. The successful execution of the ‘Slum Free Bhopal’ scheme depends on efficient planning, community engagement, and collaboration with private developers to ensure smooth transitions and sustainable urban development.

Vicky Kaushal’s Look as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava Sets the Internet Ablaze Vicky Kaushal is all set to enthrall audiences with his portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the upcoming historical drama Chhaava. Ahead of the much-anticipated trailer launch on January 22, 2025, new posters of the film have been unveiled, showcasing Vicky in a fierce, warrior avatar. Katrina Kaif’s Fiery SupportVicky’s wife, actress Katrina Kaif, expressed her excitement for the film by reposting the posters on her Instagram Stories, accompanied by fire emojis. Her enthusiastic reaction highlights her role as Vicky’s biggest cheerleader and adds to the buzz surrounding the film. Poster DetailsThe posters depict Vicky Kaushal embodying the spirit of the elements—prithvi (earth), jal (water), agni (fire), and vayu (air)—while wielding various weapons on the battlefield. The caption on the post read:“Agni bhi woh, Paani bhi woh, Toofan bhi woh, Sher Shiva ka #CHHAAVA hai woh! (He is the fire, he is the water, he is the storm, Shiva’s lion, he is Chhaava!).”The film’s trailer is set to release on January 22, 2025, with its theatrical release scheduled for February 14, 2025. Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz Star Cast and Plot With powerful visuals, a compelling storyline, and stellar performances, Chhaava is shaping up to be a must-watch epic drama. Fans are eagerly counting down to Valentine’s Day for this cinematic treat!

Masked Khalistani Activists Disrupt Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Screening in the UK A screening of Kangana Ranaut’s latest film Emergency was disrupted on Sunday night at Harrow Vue cinema in London by masked Khalistani activists. The protesters, chanting anti-India slogans and distributing pamphlets about the Sikh genocide, forced the screening to be canceled, leaving the Indian diaspora attendees shaken. Chaotic Scene at the CinemaSaloni Belaid, a British Indian who was present at the screening, described the atmosphere as chaotic. “Masked individuals stormed in, shouting ‘Down with India.’ They bypassed staff without tickets and began handing out flyers. Many fled in fear, but my friends and I chose to confront them,” she said. While the police arrived quickly, no arrests were made. Authorities cited the protesters’ right to demonstrate as long as no harm was caused. Despite some audience members requesting to continue, the screening was canceled as the staff appeared visibly shaken. Protest AllegationsJasveer Singh of the Sikh Press Association, which supports the protests, claimed that Emergency is “anti-Sikh Indian state propaganda.” The disruptions have reportedly led to canceled screenings in several UK cities. British Sikh groups allege that the film portrays Sikhs in a negative light, exacerbating tensions. Film Overview and ReceptionReleased on January 17, 2025, Emergency depicts the controversial Emergency period in India (1975-1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While Kangana Ranaut’s performance as Indira Gandhi has received widespread acclaim, critics have described the storytelling as disorganized. The film explores Gandhi’s political legacy, focusing on themes of power, resilience, and moral dilemmas. Broader ImplicationsThe protests have sparked debates around freedom of expression, historical representation, and the responsibilities of cinema in addressing sensitive topics. The incident also highlights ongoing tensions within the Indian diaspora over political and cultural narratives. This disruption adds a contentious layer to the film’s reception, underlining the challenges of portraying polarizing historical events on the global stage.

Shares of Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. (AESL) traded in the red on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, despite the announcement of the company’s largest-ever order worth ₹25,000 crore. The stock was down 0.44% to ₹812.15 apiece on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) as of 3:05 PM. ₹25,000 Crore Bhadla-Fatehpur HVDC Project In a filing to the exchanges, AESL disclosed it had secured the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) order, a project titled ‘Transmission system for evacuation of power from REZ in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I.’ Key Highlights of the Project: With this project, AESL’s order book has surged to ₹54,761 crore, covering a 25,778 circuit kilometer (ckm) transmission network and 84,186 MVA transformation capacity. Comment from Adani Energy CEO Kandarp Patel, CEO of Adani Energy Solutions, emphasized the project’s significance in India’s decarbonization efforts: “By enabling efficient evacuation of renewable energy from some of the most inhospitable regions of the country and connecting them to the national grid, AESL is playing its role in India’s decarbonization journey. We will be deploying the latest technology and practices to deliver the project in time and with minimal environmental impact.” Market Reaction Despite the milestone announcement, the stock dipped slightly, reflecting broader market sentiment or investor caution. Adani Energy is noted for being the only private-sector player in India with an HVDC asset, a preferred technology for long-distance power transmission. The company previously completed the Mundra-Mahendragarh HVDC Project and is currently working on the Aarey-Kudus HVDC Project. This order reinforces Adani Energy’s strategic role in shaping India’s renewable energy infrastructure and national decarbonization goals.

Income Tax Raids Target Mythri Movie Makers and Producer Dil Raju The Income Tax (IT) Department conducted extensive raids on Tuesday morning at the residences and offices of key figures behind the Pushpa franchise, including Mythri Movie Makers and producer Dil Raju. Widespread Search Operations Reason for the Raids BackgroundMythri Movie Makers is one of the most successful production banners in Indian cinema, known for blockbuster hits including Pushpa: The Rise and its highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule. Dil Raju, a prominent producer in Tollywood, has been involved in several high-budget projects, making him a key figure under IT scrutiny. The searches are ongoing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

14 Maoists Killed in Major Operation Along Odisha-Chhattisgarh Border Security Forces Deliver Another Blow to Naxalism In a significant anti-Maoist operation, at least 14 Maoists were killed along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Gariaband district, police reported on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Initially, the police had confirmed two fatalities on Monday, January 20, but the count was updated following the recovery of more bodies. Among the deceased was Jayaram alias Chalpati, a senior member of the central committee—the Maoists’ highest decision-making body—with a reward of ₹1 crore on his head. The operation, hailed as a major success, involved joint efforts by the CRPF, Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG), and Chhattisgarh Police. Union Home Minister and Chief Minister React Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it “another mighty blow to Naxalism” in his post on social media platform X. “Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat,” he said, lauding the coordinated efforts of the CRPF, SOG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Police. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also congratulated the forces and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoism by March 2026. He saluted the bravery of the personnel, emphasizing that this success marked significant progress toward their target. Details of the Operation Recent Anti-Maoist Efforts Since January 1, 2025, security forces have eliminated at least 40 Maoists in multiple operations: Implications and Government’s Vision The Gariaband operation marks the largest single-day Maoist casualty this year and reflects the intensified efforts under the government’s “Naxal-free Bharat” campaign. With the “double-engine government” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh aims to be Maoist-free by March 2026. Security forces continue to conduct operations with determination, emphasizing coordinated action and the use of elite units like the CoBRA to tackle Maoist insurgency effectively.

Concerns Over Shifting Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony Opposition Grows Against Relocation Plan The proposal to shift the Bhopal Collectorate from the Old Secretariat to Professor Colony has sparked significant concerns among residents, officials, and local leaders. The proximity of Ban Ganga, one of the largest slums in Bhopal, as well as the presence of multiple educational institutions, has been cited as a major hindrance to the plan. Key Issues Highlighted Call for Reconsideration Residents and officials are urging the government to reconsider the relocation plan. Advocates of the re-densification strategy argue that it is a more practical solution that avoids the complications associated with shifting to a low-density yet critical area like Professor Colony.

Mumbai Police Investigation Uncovers Details of the Incident New revelations in the attack case involving actor Saif Ali Khan have shed light on the background of the accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national. According to reports from The Indian Express, the Mumbai Police probe indicates that the accused illegally entered India by crossing the Dawki river in Meghalaya approximately seven months ago. He reportedly used the Aadhaar card of a West Bengal resident to purchase a SIM card, which was instrumental in his movements and planning. Arrest and Incident Details Fakir was arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane in the early hours of Sunday, three days after breaking into Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra residence. During the attempted robbery, Fakir engaged in a scuffle with the actor, stabbing him six times. The police have since traced Fakir’s activities leading up to the attack. Fake Identity and Entry into India The accused reportedly assumed the name “Bijoy Das” after illegally crossing into India via the Dawki river on the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. Initially, Fakir stayed in West Bengal for a few weeks and attempted to procure an Aadhaar card in his fake name but failed. Investigators revealed that he used the Aadhaar card of Khukumoni Jahangir Sekh, a West Bengal resident, to obtain a SIM card. Employment and Movements in India Fakir later moved to Mumbai in search of employment, deliberately choosing workplaces where documentation was not required. A labour contractor, identified as Amit Pandey, assisted him in securing housekeeping jobs at pubs and hotels in the Thane and Worli areas. Call Records and Connections to Bangladesh Although Fakir initially claimed to be a Kolkata resident, police investigations uncovered inconsistencies in his statements. His call records revealed multiple outgoing calls to Bangladesh-based numbers, as well as the use of mobile applications to communicate with his family in Bangladesh. The probe continues, with police examining further links and the motive behind the attack. 4o

Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Punjab 95’ to Release Internationally on February 7 Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has announced that his much-awaited film, Punjab 95, will release worldwide on February 7, 2025, without any cuts. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies. No Indian Release Yet Due to complications with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film will not be released in India for the time being. Film Overview In Punjab 95, Diljit Dosanjh portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the abductions and disappearances of Sikhs during Punjab’s militancy period. The film highlights Khalra’s courageous efforts to expose the mass cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994. Khalra disappeared in 1995 under mysterious circumstances after being abducted by the police. A decade later, in 2005, four police officers were arrested for their involvement in his abduction and murder. In 2007, the Punjab and Haryana High Court sentenced the officers to life imprisonment. Trailer Announcement Diljit shared the film’s trailer on Instagram with the caption: “Panjab ’95 releases in Cinemas Internationally only on 7th February. P.S. Full Movie, No Cuts #ChallengetheDarkness.” TIFF Controversy Originally scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, the film was unexpectedly dropped from the lineup without explanation. Cast The film also stars Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky, known for his role in Kohraa. Punjab 95 promises to shed light on a pivotal chapter in Indian history, celebrating Jaswant Singh Khalra’s relentless fight for justice and human rights.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reportedly identified traces of valuable lithium deposits in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, signaling a significant opportunity for India’s domestic mineral production. The discovery could position Odisha as a critical player in lithium exploration, a mineral essential for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Strategic Focus on Lithium Exploration Efforts are underway to determine optimal sites for lithium extraction as India aims to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen its EV supply chain. The GSI has been leveraging advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones, to revolutionize mineral discovery. A pilot project in Mayurbhanj district, known for its mineral wealth, has already commenced. Following its success, mining surveys are planned for southern Odisha, specifically Kandhamal and Malkangiri districts. Broader Mineral Exploration Apart from lithium, the GSI has also reported findings of gold deposits in Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts, further underlining Odisha’s mineral richness. Mining Ministers’ Summit A preliminary meeting in Bhubaneswar has set the stage for a two-day summit of mining ministers in Konark. The summit will focus on: The outcomes are expected to influence the future of mining operations across the country. Odisha’s Mining Excellence Odisha has been recognized for its efficient and sustainable mining practices, often regarded as a benchmark for the rest of India. The recent discoveries and technological advancements reinforce its role as a leader in the nation’s mineral development efforts. The discovery of lithium reserves marks a pivotal moment for India’s ambitions to achieve self-reliance in crucial mineral sectors, potentially reshaping the landscape of domestic manufacturing and clean energy solutions.