THE CLIFF NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, January 17, approved a ₹11,440 crore package to revive Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the State-owned steel producer, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. Breakdown of the Revival Package The revival package includes: “This package aims to address RINL’s legacy issues and ensure its long-term sustainability,” the Union Minister said. Strategic Importance of RINL Union Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the critical role of RINL in India’s steel industry, noting its coastal location in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as a significant strategic asset. “RINL holds a unique position in the steel sector, contributing significantly to India’s industrial growth,” he said. The government also plans to modernize the plant and secure raw materials, ensuring operational efficiency. The revival is expected to benefit RINL employees, local economies, and Andhra Pradesh’s industrial landscape. Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Steel Industry Growth Prime Minister Modi highlighted the revival’s alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has a special place in the hearts of Andhra Pradesh’s people. This equity support of over ₹10,000 crore underscores the importance of the steel sector in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Future Plans The Union Minister outlined RINL’s operational roadmap, including the activation of two blast furnaces and plans to have all three furnaces operational by August 2025. This revival initiative signals the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s steel industry and fostering self-reliance in critical sectors.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday unveiled the first part of its manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra, for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, emphasizing women’s empowerment and senior citizen welfare. Key Promises in BJP Manifesto BJP president JP Nadda announced the following initiatives: Nadda stated, “The welfare schemes we have announced will serve as the foundation of a developed Delhi. Our manifesto prioritizes the empowerment of women and the welfare of senior citizens.” Continuation and Enhancement of Welfare Schemes Nadda assured that if the BJP forms the government, all existing public welfare schemes will not only continue but be strengthened. He also criticized the AAP-led government’s implementation of free bus travel for women, promising to increase the fleet of buses to ensure better service. AAP’s Counterattack AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of copying his party’s welfare initiatives. “The BJP manifesto is nothing but a copy of AAP’s welfare schemes. The BJP leadership should publicly acknowledge that welfare measures like free electricity, water, and bus services are a boon for the people,” Kejriwal said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who previously criticized AAP’s welfare programs as “revdis” (freebies), should now admit their value. “The BJP manifesto can be summed up in one line — ‘Arvind Kejriwal’s work is good, and we will continue it,’” Kejriwal remarked. Competing Promises While the AAP has promised ₹2,100 per month for women, the BJP has pledged ₹2,500. Meanwhile, the Congress has also offered ₹2,500 in its manifesto. Kejriwal criticized the BJP for not addressing critical issues like law and order, housing for slum dwellers, and regularizing unauthorised colonies. He emphasized that his government’s welfare measures have significantly benefited Delhi’s residents and should not be dismissed as mere “freebies.” BJP’s Women-Centric Policies Highlighting its focus on maternal safety and nutrition, Nadda referenced the Central Government’s initiative to increase maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks in 2017. He reiterated the party’s commitment to empowering women through practical and impactful policies. As the election race heats up, both parties are showcasing their achievements and promises, vying for the support of Delhi’s voters.

Indian television actor Aman Jaiswal, aged 23, passed away in a road accident on Jogeshwari Highway. Known for his work in Dhartiputra Nandini, Aman was riding his bike when he was struck by a truck. Despite being rushed to Mumbai’s HBT Trauma Hospital in Jogeshwari East, he succumbed to his injuries within half an hour. A Promising Career Cut Short Aman Jaiswal, originally from Balia, Uttar Pradesh, had made a significant mark in the television industry. He gained recognition for his lead role in Dhartiputra Nandini and his portrayal of Yashwant Rao Phanse in Sony TV’s Punyashlok Ahilyabai, which aired from January 2021 to October 2023. He also appeared in the hit series Udaariyaan, produced by Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta. Tributes and Condolences Director Dhiraj Mishra shared an emotional tribute to the late actor in an Instagram post, writing, “You will live in our memories… God can be so cruel sometimes. Your death made me realize today… Goodbye @aman__jazz.” The post was later deleted. Aman’s fans and colleagues from the entertainment industry expressed shock and grief over his untimely demise. Passion for Life Aman was not just a talented actor but also an avid traveler who loved biking. His Instagram account featured videos of his travels, and he was admired for his singing and guitar-playing skills, which earned him thousands of likes from his fans. The sudden loss of Aman Jaiswal has left his fans and the television community mourning a bright talent whose life ended far too soon.

Seminar on Juvenile Justice Act Held in Bhopal for Police Officers A seminar focusing on the Juvenile Justice Act was conducted on Friday by the Training Branch of Police Headquarters and the Police Academy Bhopal. The event, guided by Sonali Mishra, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Director of the Police Academy Bhopal, saw the participation of 34 field police officers from various districts of Madhya Pradesh, including additional superintendents, deputy superintendents, inspectors, and sub-inspectors. Key Highlights The seminar served as an important platform for sharing knowledge, addressing challenges, and strengthening the effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act across the state.

AAP Promises Free Electricity and Water for Tenants Ahead of Delhi Elections Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday a new initiative to provide free electricity and water to tenants if the party wins the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Addressing Tenant Exclusion Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal highlighted that tenants have been unable to benefit from the current free electricity and water schemes for various reasons. “Wherever I go, I meet people living on rent who say they benefit from good schools and hospitals but are deprived of free electricity and water schemes,” he said. The AAP leader emphasized that tenants are an integral part of Delhi’s population and pledged to extend these benefits to them. Campaign Focus on Welfare Programs The announcement comes as AAP ramps up its campaign for the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with results to be declared on February 8. Seeking a third consecutive term, the party is focusing on its welfare programs, highlighting free utilities, improved schools, and better healthcare services as its key achievements. This latest promise to address tenant concerns aims to broaden AAP’s voter base and reinforce its image as a champion of public welfare.

More than 40 hours after actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed in a daring attack at his Bandra (West) residence, Mumbai Police are yet to apprehend the suspect, who is believed to be a “hardened criminal.” Investigators suspect the accused changed his clothes to mislead authorities after fleeing the crime scene. Massive Manhunt Underway At least two dozen teams from the local police, Crime Branch, and Crime Intelligence Unit are involved in the search for the perpetrator. On Friday morning, the Bandra police detained a man resembling the suspect caught on CCTV at Saif’s building. However, after five hours of questioning, he was released as investigators confirmed he had no connection to the case. Police also interrogated a carpenter who had recently worked at Saif’s building and other workers, but no solid leads emerged. Key Breakthrough from CCTV Footage Later in the day, investigators made progress by identifying the suspect on another CCTV near Lucky Junction, where he was seen wearing a light blue half-sleeve shirt. In the initial footage from the fire exit at Satguru Sharan building, the suspect was dressed in a black half-sleeve T-shirt. “The fact that the accused changed clothes suggests he may be a hardened criminal,” an officer stated. Authorities have now intensified their efforts, reviewing CCTVs at nearby railway stations. The suspect was seen using a red scarf and cap to obscure his face and evade cameras, complicating the identification process. Despite circulating the suspect’s photo among Mumbai’s 40,000-strong police force, retired officers, taxi unions, and auto unions, no one has recognized him so far. Investigation Focuses on Drug Links In parallel, investigators are exploring a potential connection between the suspect and drug-related offenses. Multiple individuals with prior drug charges who resemble the accused have been questioned, but no concrete evidence has emerged. Crime Scene Details Preliminary investigations suggest the intruder entered the premises by jumping over the back gate of the building. He then used the fire exit stairs, avoiding most CCTV cameras. Footage captured him climbing barefoot to the upper floors at 1:38 a.m., with his face covered. Mumbai Police continue their relentless efforts to track down the elusive suspect as the high-profile case gains public attention.

8th Pay Commission: Minimum Salary Likely to Exceed ₹40,000; Significant Hike Expected The Union Cabinet has approved the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission, paving the way for a significant salary revision for central government employees. The new pay scales are anticipated to address inflation, rising living costs, and income disparities, ensuring competitive remuneration for government employees. Expected Salary Hike Previous Pay Commissions at a Glance Timeline and Implementation Significance of the 8th Pay Commission The 8th Pay Commission marks a crucial step in maintaining competitive and fair compensation for central government employees, enhancing their financial stability while contributing to the broader economic framework.

Pellet Injury to Bhopal Student Highlights Unregulated Sale of Airguns at Jumerati Bazaar Bhopal: A 23-year-old BBA student undergoing treatment for a pellet injury at a private hospital in Berasia has brought to light the unregulated sale of airguns and pistols in Bhopal’s Jumerati Bazaar. These weapons, sold without adherence to legal regulations, pose a serious public safety concern. Unregulated Sale of Airguns Legal vs Illegal Sales Cost and Accessibility Official Response The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing the sale of airguns to prevent misuse and potential harm.

Paatal Lok Season 2: A Thrilling and Sensitive Dive into Nagaland’s Intricacies The powerful and unsettling Paatal Lok, one of India’s most acclaimed web series on Amazon Prime Video, returns with a riveting second season that shifts gears both in its narrative and setting. Season 1 began with a plot to assassinate a high-profile journalist, but Season 2 raises the stakes with a gruesome murder, introducing new dimensions to the story. A New Setting, A New Mystery The sequel transports Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Imran Ansari (Ishwak Singh), now an Assistant Commissioner of Police, into uncharted territory: Nagaland. The brutal murder of Jonathan Thom (Kaguirong Gonmei), a businessman-politician spearheading a high-stakes business summit in Delhi, plunges the duo into a web of political intrigue, cultural complexities, and societal nuances. Hathi Ram, still stationed at the Outer Jamuna Paar police station, gets involved when a missing person case he’s handling ties into the larger murder investigation. Together with ACP Ansari, they navigate Dimapur’s labyrinthine challenges, grappling with a culture and history starkly different from their own. A Fresh Narrative Approach The creators—led by Sudip Sharma and director-cinematographer Avinash Arun Dhaware—expertly weave the narrative into Nagaland’s socio-political landscape, offering a rare, authentic glimpse into a region often overlooked in mainstream Hindi content. Co-writers Abhishek Banerjee, Rahul Kanojia, and Tamal Sen deepen the story with themes of identity, exploitation, and corruption, ensuring the series retains its gripping police-procedural essence. Key Characters and Performances The show reintroduces familiar faces like Hathi Ram’s wife, Renu (Gul Panag), and former SHO Virk (Anurag Arora), alongside significant new characters. Tillotama Shome as Kohima SP Meghna Barua is a standout addition, bringing depth and perspective to the Nagaland-based plotline. Striking a Balance Between the Familiar and the New While the first season thrived on its portrayal of a stuck-in-a-rut inspector tackling Delhi’s nexus of power and crime, Season 2 charts a different course. Some may miss the psychological and sociopolitical crackle of the earlier season, but the narrative’s plunge into Nagaland’s lesser-seen realities is a refreshing departure. The show uses its new setting to explore themes of development, regional identity, and conflicting interests, without losing sight of its taut storytelling. The political intrigue surrounding Jonathan Thom’s murder mirrors broader questions about exploitation and skewed progress in India’s northeastern states. Verdict Paatal Lok Season 2 is not just an extension but a bold reimagining of the series. Its shift to Nagaland, combined with stellar performances, meticulous writing, and authentic portrayal of the region, ensures it remains a potent and compelling watch. This chapter cements Paatal Lok as one of Indian streaming’s finest offerings, proving that risk-taking storytelling can indeed pay off.

Panorama Studios Expands Horror Horizons with Shaitaan Franchise and Turkish Remake Plans After the overwhelming success of Shaitaan (2024), starring Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and R. Madhavan, Panorama Studios is reportedly working on a larger vision for the film. A remake of the Gujarati horror-drama Vash (2023), Shaitaan stood out for its compelling performances and fresh take on the horror genre. Plans for a Franchise The film’s success has encouraged Panorama Studios to develop it into a full-fledged franchise, with two sequels already in the works. Journalist Rahul Raut shared on X (formerly Twitter): “The @AbhishekPathakk company also plans to turn #AjayDevgn’s #Shaitaan into a franchise with its TWO SEQUELS already in the works.” While details about the storyline or returning cast are under wraps, this expansion aligns with Bollywood’s current trend of building cinematic universes and franchises. Turkish Horror Film Dabbe to Be Remade in Hindi In addition to the Shaitaan sequels, Panorama Studios has reportedly acquired the rights to the popular Turkish horror film Dabbe (2006). The original film, which explores the terrifying world of jinns and supernatural curses, spawned a successful series with six installments: The Hindi adaptation could potentially follow a similar anthology-style format, exploring varied stories of horror and the paranormal. Bollywood’s New Era of Horror Panorama Studios is not only revamping Indian horror but also diversifying its storytelling by incorporating international narratives. With Shaitaan sequels and the Dabbe remake in the pipeline, the production house seems poised to redefine horror in Indian cinema. Fans can expect spine-chilling thrills and groundbreaking stories in the coming years.