THE CLIFF NEWS

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari held a meeting with transport ministers from 27 states on Tuesday to address 17 critical issues aimed at transforming India’s transportation sector. Key areas of focus included road safety, cashless treatment for accident victims, and establishing driving training centres. Road Safety: A Top Priority Gadkari emphasized that road safety remains the government’s highest priority, citing alarming statistics. India recorded 1.8 lakh road accident fatalities last year, with 66% of the victims aged between 18-34 years. Cashless Treatment Scheme The government plans to roll out a nationwide cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, building on a successful pilot in select states. Driving Training Centres To address a critical shortage of skilled drivers, Gadkari announced plans to establish 1,250 driving and fitness training centres in partnership with states. Gadkari concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to safer roads, better infrastructure, and sustainable transportation solutions, emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens and the administration in achieving these goals.

The Madhya Pradesh government is set to finalize its state budget for the financial year 2025-26 through an intensive four-day session from January 8 to January 11. The process involves discussions with 54 departments, with a total of 15 hours and 30 minutes allocated for the meetings. Departments will be allotted time ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, based on their size and significance. Smaller departments like Happiness, Overseas Indian Affairs, Public Asset Management, and Aviation will receive 5 minutes each, while major departments such as Urban Development and Housing, School Education, Health, Agriculture, and Public Works will have 30 minutes. The remaining departments will get between 10 and 25 minutes to present their budget proposals. The discussions will feature deputy secretary-level officials from the finance department meeting with department heads, including additional chief secretaries and secretaries. The focus will be on refining the budget blueprint by evaluating both new and ongoing schemes, addressing unutilized funds, and justifying each expense under the zero-based budgeting (ZBB) technique. Key highlights of the exercise: After discussions with individual departments, the budget proposals will be presented to the finance minister and subsequently to the chief minister for approval. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, who holds the finance portfolio, highlighted the significance of this exercise. Earlier in 2024, the government presented a vote on account due to general elections, deferring the full budget to this year. The budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year was set at ₹3,65,067 crore. By adopting ZBB, Madhya Pradesh aims to set a precedent in financial management, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of public funds.

A tragic incident occurred in a remote district of Assam, India, where the body of a miner was recovered from a flooded coal mine two days after nine workers became trapped underground. The mine, approximately 300 feet deep with multiple underground tunnels, reportedly flooded on Monday morning when miners struck a water source. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to extensive flooding, but expert divers re-entered the mine early on Wednesday and managed to retrieve one body. The chief minister of the state confirmed the recovery on social media. Divers described the operation as extremely difficult, relying on touch to locate the body in the pitch-black tunnels. Authorities revealed that the mine was operating illegally. The rescue mission has been supported by the Army, which deployed divers, helicopters, and engineers to assist in the operation in the hilly Dima Hasao district. Officials leading the rescue noted that the presence of narrow and unstable tunnels, often referred to as “rat holes,” complicates the task and prolongs the timeline for recovery. These “rat hole” mines, characterized by their small, worker-sized tunnels, were widely used in the region until they were banned in 2014 due to high fatality rates and environmental degradation. However, illegal operations persist. This incident echoes a similar disaster in a neighboring state in 2019, where 15 miners lost their lives in a flooded illegal mine. Coal mining disasters remain a recurring issue in northeastern India, with safety concerns and illegal operations continuing to claim lives.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who left for Thailand to commence shooting for director Lokesh Kanakaraj’s upcoming film ‘Coolie’, has disclosed that around 70 per cent of the film’s shooting had been completed and that the next schedule of the film was to take place from January 13 to January 28. Talking to mediapersons at the airport early on Tuesday morning, Rajinikanth however declined to entertain questions on politics. When a reporter still persisted and sought to know his thoughts on the problems being faced by women in the state, Rajinikanth politely refused to comment, reminding the mediaperson of his request that no political questions be posed to him. ‘Coolie’, which is expected to be an action thriller, will feature a number of top stars including Telugu star Nagarjuna, Kannada star Upendra, Soubin Shahir and Sathyaraj. Bollywood star Aamir Khan is also believed to be playing a cameo in the film. The film will also feature actors Shruti Haasan, Rebe Monica John, and Junior MGR in pivotal roles. Music for the film is by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography is by Girish Gangadharan. The film is being edited by Philomin Raj and produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures. The film has triggered huge interest for a number of reasons. One of them happens to be the fact that the film will see actors Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth coming together for a film after almost 38 years. The two were last seen together in the superhit Tamil film ‘Mr Bharath’, which was released in 1986 and in which Sathyaraj played Rajinikanth’s father. Interestingly, Sathyaraj had turned down offers to act in some of Rajinikanth’s earlier films like ‘Enthiran’ and ‘Sivaji’. ‘Coolie’, which is Rajinikanth’s 171st film, will revolve around gold smuggling. Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanakaraj has disclosed that ‘Coolie’ will be a stand alone film and not a part of his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

Shahid Kapoor expressed his excitement about his upcoming film Deva during the grand fan event at Carter Road Amphitheatre, describing it as “the next step” in his journey. Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Shahid revealed, “This is a film for the people. We’ve made it with the audience in mind, revolving around their lives and experiences. It’s a story that will resonate with everyone.” He elaborated on his decision to take on the role, saying, “For years, people have been telling me to make a massy film, a film that connects with the masses. This is that next step in my journey—a character crafted for the people. This has been one of the most challenging films for me as an actor, incredibly challenging on so many levels. But I don’t want to reveal too much. Watch it on January 31, and you’ll see that there’s a Deva in all of us.” Shahid concluded with a promise to fans: “This is a heartfelt, beautiful film, and I can promise that audiences will truly enjoy watching it.” The Carter Road event highlighted the growing excitement around Deva. With its action-packed teaser and Shahid Kapoor’s electrifying performance, the film has already generated significant buzz. Slated for release on January 31, 2025, Deva is poised to be a cinematic spectacle that connects deeply with audiences.

Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president K. Pawan Kalyan announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia for each of the families of Arava Manikanta (23) and Thokada Charan, who tragically lost their lives in a road accident near Peddapuram in Kakinada district on January 4. The incident occurred when their two-wheeler collided with a van on the Rajamahendravaram-Kakinada road while they were returning from the pre-release event of the movie *Game Changer* held in Rajamahendravaram. In an official statement, Pawan Kalyan emphasized the government’s commitment to providing support to the victims’ families in addition to the ex gratia from the Jana Sena Party. He stated, “The government will explore all possibilities to offer ex gratia to the two youths apart from ₹5 lakh ex gratia to be offered by the Jana Sena Party.” Addressing concerns over road conditions, he highlighted the neglect of the Rajamahendravaram-Kakinada ADB road over the past five years and assured the public that it would soon be repaired. Pawan Kalyan further stated his intention to personally travel via the ADB road to reach the Pithapuram constituency, underscoring his commitment to addressing the issue.

India has reported seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in children, with cases detected in Bengaluru, Nagpur, Tamil Nadu, and Ahmedabad. The cases have emerged amid a rise in respiratory illnesses in neighboring countries. However, health authorities have reassured the public that there is no threat of a large-scale outbreak similar to COVID-19. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda emphasized that HMPV is not a newly discovered virus, having first been identified in 2001 and circulated globally for years. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases in Bengaluru. One involved a three-month-old girl admitted in December with fever and cold, who has since recovered and been discharged. The second case was an eight-month-old boy who tested positive for both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He was admitted with fever and a minor injury and is now recovering. In Ahmedabad, a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur tested positive for HMPV after being hospitalized with respiratory symptoms. The child has since been treated and discharged. Nagpur reported two cases—a seven-year-old and a thirteen-year-old—who were initially suspected of having H1N1. Further tests confirmed HMPV, and both recovered with outpatient care. In Tamil Nadu, two active cases were identified in Chennai and Salem. State health authorities confirmed that both children are stable. Officials reassured the public that HMPV infections are typically self-limiting, resolving with symptomatic care, hydration, and rest.

The Xizang region of Tibet experienced another earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter Scale at 11:27 AM IST, marking the second significant tremor in the area within five hours. Earlier in the day, a stronger earthquake had struck Dingri County in Xigaze City, leaving at least 53 people dead, 62 injured, and causing extensive structural damage, including the collapse of several buildings. Regional disaster relief authorities reported that a 6.8-magnitude earthquake occurred at 9:05 AM IST, with its epicenter located at 28.5°N latitude and 87.45°E longitude, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Emergency response efforts are underway, with drones deployed to assess the affected areas. Local forces have activated disaster relief plans, with transport and medical aircraft, helicopters, and ground teams on standby to assist. Reports of collapsed buildings in Tonglai Village, situated in Changsuo Township of Dingri, indicate severe local impacts. Additionally, the region has experienced several aftershocks following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake earlier at 6:35 AM IST, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. Aftershocks recorded include magnitudes of 4.7, 4.3, 4.5, 4.8, 4.9, and 5.0, occurring at intervals throughout the morning. The area remains on high alert as authorities continue rescue and relief operations.

The District and Sessions Court of Bhopal has ordered a compensation of ₹1.26 crore, with 6% annual interest, to the family of Vitesh Rathore, an area manager at a private finance company, who tragically lost his life in a road accident in 2023. Judge Prahlad Singh Kamethia issued the judgment, holding both the truck driver and the truck’s owner along with the insurance company liable for the accident. Advocate LB Yadav, representing the petitioners, detailed that Rathore was riding his bike around 3:00 PM on September 6, 2023, when a truck (bearing registration number MP-09 HH 6722) hit him at Bichhadhta turn, under the jurisdiction of Shahpura police station. Rathore sustained severe head injuries and succumbed to them at the scene. The compensation seeks to provide relief to the bereaved family of the deceased.

Akshay Kumar’s cameo in Stree 2 last year turned out to be a major highlight, and despite starring in other films like Khel Khel Mein and Sarfira in 2024, it was Stree 2 that emerged as his biggest blockbuster, crossing over Rs 800 crore at the global box office. Fans are now eagerly wondering if Akshay will reprise his role in Stree 3 and whether his character will play a more prominent part in the ever-growing Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe. At the trailer launch of Sky Force, Akshay humorously referred to his upcoming collaboration with Dinesh Vijan as his “dedh” (meaning ‘one and a half’) collaboration. When asked about returning for Stree 3, Akshay responded by suggesting that the decision lies with producers Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande. He added, “Aur Amar Kaushik ko direct karna hai” (And Amar Kaushik has to direct it), which seemed to confirm his involvement. In a follow-up conversation, Dinesh Vijan confirmed Akshay’s participation, jokingly calling him their “Thanos” in the universe, further cementing Akshay’s role in the franchise. For context, Akshay’s character in Stree 2 was introduced as the enigmatic leader of a hospital for the mentally disabled, with the secret to vanquishing the ghost tied to his bloodline. Although his name was not revealed, his character is positioned as a pivotal figure within the universe, leading to speculation that he may headline a future horror-comedy film of his own. Stree 2, directed by Amar Kaushik, was released in August 2024 and quickly became a domestic box office juggernaut, grossing over Rs 600 crore in India. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, continued to dominate the box office for almost six weeks. With Stree 3 scheduled for release on August 13, 2025, fans are excited to see what role Akshay Kumar will play in the next installment.