August 2, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
Breaking News

Naseeruddin Shah Deletes Facebook Post Supporting Diljit Dosanjh Amid ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ Row

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah deleted a Facebook post on Tuesday morning in which he had extended support to Diljit Dosanjh, who is currently facing criticism over his latest film Sardaar Ji 3. The controversy centers on the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and the film’s release in international markets, while it remains unreleased in India. What Shah Said Before Deleting the Post On Monday, Shah had posted on Facebook: “I STAND FIRMLY WITH DILJIT. The dirty tricks deptt of Jumla Party has been awaiting a chance to attack him. They think they’ve got it at last. He was not responsible for the casting of the film, the director was.” He further praised Diljit for being a global icon and condemned the politicization of cross-border artistic collaborations: “Diljit is known the world over, and he agreed to the cast because his mind is not poisoned. What these goons want is to put an end to personal interaction between the people of India and Pakistan. I have close relatives and some dear friends there and no one can stop me from meeting them or sending them love whenever I feel like it.” The post quickly gained attention but was deleted the following day, possibly due to backlash or the intensifying nature of the controversy. The Sardaar Ji 3 Controversy: What Happened? Diljit Dosanjh, one of the most popular Indian Punjabi artists globally, is at the center of a political and cultural storm following the release of Sardaar Ji 3 on June 27 in international territories. The film features Hania Aamir, a well-known actress from Pakistan, and this casting has sparked major outrage, especially given the strained Indo-Pak relations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed several Indian personnel. Boycott Calls and Industry Reactions Several groups have called for a ban on Diljit Dosanjh and his future projects: Adding fuel to the fire, singer Mika Singh also criticized Diljit and said he should publicly apologize. A Cultural Flashpoint This situation reflects the growing tensions between artistic expression and political sentiment. While some like Shah support cross-cultural ties and artistic freedom, others argue that collaborations with Pakistani artists are insensitive in light of recent events. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are now on whether Diljit Dosanjh or the Sardaar Ji 3 team will issue a formal response — or whether this will become another casualty of rising nationalism and cross-border animosity.

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Editor04 mins

It’s a Wrap for ‘Ramayana’: Ranbir Kapoor Delivers Emotional Speech on Last Day of Shoot

The shooting of Ramayana, Nitesh Tiwari’s grand mythological epic starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and others, has officially concluded. A heartfelt video from the film’s final day on set has surfaced, showing an emotional Ranbir Kapoor addressing the crew and cast. In the video, Ranbir expresses deep gratitude toward the entire team. He describes the role of Lord Ram as “the most important one of his career” and thanks his co-stars, including Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, Ravi Dubey (Lakshman), and Yash, who portrays Ravana. Ranbir also admits to finding it difficult to speak as such a massive journey comes to a close. “I don’t have words. I just want to say thank you. This film will always be a part of who I am,” said Ranbir in his emotional message. Poster Announcement Expected on July 3 With the filming wrapped up, excitement has intensified as fans now await the official poster, which is expected to drop on July 3, 2025. The announcement is being seen as the first big reveal of Nitesh Tiwari’s grand vision for the mythological universe. A Star-Studded Cast and Epic Scale Ramayana has been one of the most ambitious Indian films in recent years, drawing attention since its inception. The film boasts a stellar ensemble: Two-Part Mythological Saga with Cutting-Edge VFX Produced on a massive scale, Ramayana is being brought to life with the help of DNEG, the Oscar-winning visual effects studio behind Dune and Inception. The project is planned as a two-part film: With filming now complete, and post-production expected to be VFX-intensive, the makers aim to deliver a mythological experience on a global cinematic level. Fans are now counting down to July 3, when the first official look of this long-awaited epic will finally be unveiled.

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Editor03 mins

‘28 Years Later’ Crosses $100 Million Globally, Becomes Biggest Hit in the Franchise

28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s acclaimed zombie saga, is proving to be a box office juggernaut. In just its second week, the film has officially crossed the $100 million milestone globally, making it the most successful entry in the 28 Days Later franchise to date. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has earned $52 million internationally and $50 million in the US, for a total of $103 million worldwide. The movie’s success comes despite stiff competition from major titles like Brad Pitt’s F1 and M3GAN 2.0. Over the recent weekend, the film posted steady numbers in its domestic market, with $2.9 million on Friday, $3.8 million on Saturday, and another $2.9 million on Sunday. Internationally, 28 Years Later saw strong box office pull in countries like the UK, Mexico, Australia, and South Korea, helping to solidify its global success. When compared to its predecessors, the film is clearly ahead: Despite this impressive run, the film currently ranks 16th on the 2025 Worldwide Box Office chart. Topping the list are titles like: However, 28 Years Later has still outperformed other high-profile releases such as Karate Kid: Legends and The Accountant 2. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Its official synopsis reveals a post-apocalyptic world still trapped in a brutal quarantine decades after the rage virus outbreak. A group of survivors isolated on an island face grim revelations when one of them ventures into the infected mainland — discovering that both the infected and uninfected have changed in horrifying ways. With its strong critical reception, intense storytelling, and now a record-breaking box office haul, 28 Years Later firmly re-establishes the franchise as one of the most impactful in modern horror cinema.

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Editor03 mins

Rajinikanth’s Coolie Secures Record Overseas Deal, Hamsini Entertainment to Distribute Globally on August 14

As anticipation builds for Coolie, one of the most awaited Tamil films of the year, the makers have officially announced that Hamsini Entertainment will handle the film’s overseas theatrical distribution. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and headlined by Superstar Rajinikanth, the Tamil-language action thriller is slated for a worldwide release on August 14, 2025, in both standard and IMAX formats. The news was shared by Sun Pictures and Hamsini Entertainment across social media, generating significant buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. While the exact deal value hasn’t been officially disclosed, Asianet News reported that the overseas rights were sold for around ₹90 crore, making Coolie one of the highest-valued Tamil films in terms of international distribution. Hamsini Entertainment expressed their excitement in a statement:“We at #HamsiniEntertainment are thrilled to present @rajinikanth’s #Coolie overseas. With the highest-ever overseas business, this is more than a release – it’s a global celebration.” Coolie features an ensemble cast including Rajinikanth as Deva, Nagarjuna as Simon, Upendra as Kaleesha, Soubin Shahir as Dayal, Sathyaraj as Rajasekar, and Shruti Haasan as Preethi. Supporting roles are played by Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat, while Pooja Hegde and Aamir Khan are expected to appear in cameo roles. The film is produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner. Originally announced in September 2023 as Thalaivar 171, Coolie was confirmed as the title in April 2024. The film was shot across multiple locations including Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok, with principal photography wrapping in March 2025. Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music, continuing his successful collaborations with both Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj. The first single, “Chikitu,” released on June 25, has already made waves, while earlier teasers featured tracks like “Chikitu Vibe”, “Powerhouse Vibe”, and the nostalgic “Coolie Disco”, which samples a song from the 1983 classic Thanga Magan. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the film’s grand audio launch, with industry tracker Christopher Kanagaraj hinting at a potential event on July 27 at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium. No official confirmation has been made by the production team so far. With a massive star cast, globe-spanning locations, cutting-edge music, and now a major international distributor, Coolie stands tall as one of the most awaited Tamil cinematic spectacles of 2025.

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Editor04 mins

Oo Antava Copied by Foreign Artist? DSP Considers Legal Action, Fans Point to Turkish Song

The chartbuster “Oo Antava” from Pushpa: The Rise remains one of the most iconic songs in recent Indian cinema. Sung by Indravathi Chauhan, composed by Devi Sri Prasad (DSP), and picturised on Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Allu Arjun, the track created waves worldwide. But now, the composer has alleged that the song has been copied — and without any authorisation. DSP Speaks Out At a recent event, DSP addressed the issue while interacting with fans and media. Speaking in Telugu, he said: “You’ve all enjoyed the ‘Oo Antava’ song from Pushpa. I created that song in five minutes while working in my studio. There is no place on this Earth where that song hasn’t been played, and now an English singer has copied the song.” He added that he is considering legal action: “I am thinking about filing a case against them and what to do. But I am proud that our Telugu song has been copied.” Who Allegedly Copied It? While DSP didn’t name the artist, fans quickly zeroed in on a Turkish track titled “Anlayana” by singer Atiye, released in 2023. Listeners have pointed out numerous similarities in rhythm, melody, and progression between the two songs. The YouTube comments on Anlayana are now flooded with comparisons to Oo Antava. Oo Antava’s Impact Released in 2021, “Oo Antava” became an instant cultural phenomenon. Samantha’s daring and powerful performance in the dance number added to its viral success. The song was one of the highlight moments in Pushpa: The Rise, which starred Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. For the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, the makers have roped in Sreeleela for a new special dance number titled “Kissik.” What’s Next? With DSP considering legal steps and fans backing his claim, it remains to be seen whether this case of alleged plagiarism turns into a full-blown copyright battle. But for now, it’s clear that Oo Antava continues to make headlines — even years after its release.

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Editor03 mins

मध्यप्रदेश में जल जीवन मिशन घोटाले को लेकर राजनीतिक तूफान, कांग्रेस ने मांगा मंत्री सम्पतिया उइके का इस्तीफा

मध्यप्रदेश की राजनीति में एक बार फिर भ्रष्टाचार के आरोपों ने हलचल मचा दी है। राज्य की जन स्वास्थ्य यांत्रिकी मंत्री सम्पतिया उइके पर जल जीवन मिशन में ₹1000 करोड़ की रिश्वत से जुड़ा गंभीर आरोप लगा है। इन आरोपों को सबसे पहले पूर्व विधायक किशोर समरीते ने उठाया, जिसके बाद जन स्वास्थ्य यांत्रिकी विभाग ने आंतरिक जांच शुरू कर दी है। कांग्रेस का हमला और इस्तीफे की मांग राज्य कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष जीतू पटवारी ने इन आरोपों को आधार बनाते हुए मंत्री सम्पतिया उइके से इस्तीफे की मांग की है। पटवारी ने चुनौती दी है कि सरकार साबित करे कि जल जीवन मिशन की 10% से अधिक परियोजनाएं पूर्ण हुई हैं। उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि वे प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से भौतिक सत्यापन की मांग करेंगे ताकि हकीकत सामने आ सके। उन्होंने सोशल मीडिया पर भी सरकार पर निशाना साधते हुए लिखा है कि यह घोटाला राज्य सरकार में व्यापक भ्रष्टाचार की बानगी है। मंत्री का इनकार और सरकार का समर्थन मंत्री सम्पतिया उइके ने इन आरोपों से साफ इनकार किया है। उन्होंने अपने आदिवासी पृष्ठभूमि और सेवा भावना को सामने रखते हुए कहा कि यह आरोप राजनीतिक साजिश हैं। वहीं मुख्यमंत्री मोहन यादव से उन्होंने समर्थन मांगा है, जिनके जल्द इस मुद्दे पर बयान देने की उम्मीद है। उप मुख्यमंत्री राजेंद्र शुक्ला ने भी मंत्री का बचाव करते हुए कहा कि आरोप लगाने वाले की विश्वसनीयता संदिग्ध है और यह सिर्फ कांग्रेस की राजनीतिक चाल है। सियासी तापमान और जांच की दिशा जैसे-जैसे जांच आगे बढ़ेगी, राजनीतिक टकराव और तेज़ होने की संभावना है। कांग्रेस इसे व्यवस्थागत भ्रष्टाचार का प्रतीक मान रही है, वहीं बीजेपी सरकार इसे विपक्ष का दुष्प्रचार बता रही है। अब सबकी निगाहें जांच के नतीजों और केंद्र सरकार की प्रतिक्रिया पर टिकी हैं, जो इस सियासी ड्रामे का अगला अध्याय तय करेंगे।

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Editor01 mins

मध्यप्रदेश कैबिनेट के अहम फैसले: ‘मुख्यमंत्री वृंदावन ग्राम योजना’ को मंजूरी, भोपाल में राष्ट्रीय रक्षा विश्वविद्यालय की स्थापना

मंगलवार को हुई राज्य मंत्रिमंडल की बैठक में कई महत्वपूर्ण फैसलों पर मुहर लगाई गई। इनमें ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों को आत्मनिर्भर बनाने हेतु ‘मुख्यमंत्री वृंदावन ग्राम योजना’ की स्वीकृति दी गई। इस योजना के तहत हर विधानसभा क्षेत्र से एक ऐसे गांव का चयन किया जाएगा जिसकी जनसंख्या कम से कम 2000 हो और 500 से अधिक गायें हों। योजना के अंतर्गत गौ पालन, पर्यावरण व जल संरक्षण, सौर ऊर्जा का उपयोग, चारागाहों का विकास और बुनियादी ढांचे को सुदृढ़ करना शामिल है। इसका मुख्य उद्देश्य गौपालन और डेयरी विकास को बढ़ावा देना तथा स्वरोजगार आधारित ग्रामीण अर्थव्यवस्था को मजबूत करना है। योजना के अंतर्गत छह श्रेणियों में सुविधाएं उपलब्ध कराई जाएंगी। भोपाल में बनेगा राष्ट्रीय रक्षा विश्वविद्यालय राज्य मंत्रिमंडल ने भोपाल के गांधी नगर में राष्ट्रीय रक्षा विश्वविद्यालय की स्थापना को सैद्धांतिक स्वीकृति प्रदान की है। इसके लिए तीन वर्षों तक प्रति वर्ष ₹1.5 करोड़ की राशि उपलब्ध कराई जाएगी। स्थायी परिसर के लिए राजीव गांधी प्रौद्योगिकी विश्वविद्यालय (RGPV) से 10 एकड़ भूमि हस्तांतरित की जाएगी। जब तक नया भवन नहीं बनता, तब तक RGPV की उपलब्ध इमारत का उपयोग विश्वविद्यालय संचालन के लिए किया जाएगा। पिछड़ा वर्ग छात्रों के लिए हॉस्टलों में मैस सुविधा कैबिनेट ने पिछड़ा वर्ग कल्याण विभाग के अधीन 108 छात्रावासों में मैस शुरू करने को सैद्धांतिक मंजूरी दी। इन छात्रावासों में कुल 9050 छात्र रहते हैं। इसके लिए सरकार ने ₹31 करोड़ का बजट स्वीकृत किया है। एफएसएल में नए पदों को मंजूरी राज्य कैबिनेट ने मध्यप्रदेश फॉरेंसिक साइंस लैब (FSL) के लिए 1266 नए पदों की स्वीकृति दी, जिनमें 202 वैज्ञानिक अधिकारी शामिल हैं। यह निर्णय प्रदेश में फॉरेंसिक जांच प्रणाली को मजबूत बनाने की दिशा में अहम कदम माना जा रहा है। जर्जर पुलों के पुनर्निर्माण के लिए ₹4572 करोड़ मंजूर कैबिनेट ने 2025-26 से 2029-30 तक की अवधि में कुल 1766 क्षतिग्रस्त पुलों के पुनर्निर्माण के लिए ₹4572 करोड़ की सैद्धांतिक स्वीकृति दी है। इन पुलों को ऑल वेदर रोड्स से जोड़ा जाएगा, जिससे परिवहन व्यवस्था में सुधार होगा और आपदा के समय राहत कार्य आसान होंगे। इन फैसलों को राज्य सरकार के विकास, रक्षा, सामाजिक कल्याण और अधोसंरचना सुधार की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण प्रयास माना जा रहा है।

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Editor01 mins

Iran Looks to China’s J-10C Jets After Russian Su-35 Deal Falters Amid Security Pressures

In the wake of a delayed fighter jet deal with Russia and rising regional tensions, Iran is ramping up negotiations with China to acquire Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets in a bid to urgently modernise its ageing air force. The move reflects Tehran’s strategic pivot towards more affordable and quickly deliverable options as it grapples with the fallout from recent aerial offensives and long-standing military constraints. 🔻 What’s Behind the Shift? ✈️ Russian Su-35 Deal Stalled Iran had previously signed a deal with Russia for 50 Su-35 fighter jets in 2023. However, only four aircraft have reportedly been delivered so far. Delays, likely worsened by sanctions, logistical bottlenecks, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, have prompted Iran to seek alternatives. 🇨🇳 Why the Chinese J-10C? 💥 Security Tensions Push Urgency The recent joint Israeli-American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites exposed the inadequacy of Iran’s air defence and fighter response, according to a report in Khorasan. Iran’s air force was unable to react effectively, intensifying pressure on Tehran to rapidly upgrade its aerial capabilities. 📜 Decades-Old Interest Renewed Iran’s interest in the J-10 dates back to 2005, when talks reportedly began for 150 aircraft. However, payment disagreements (with Iran offering oil and gas instead of foreign currency) and a then-active UN arms embargo derailed the deal. Those barriers have since eased, and talks have reportedly resumed in earnest, with Iran now eyeing 36 J-10C jets. 🌍 Geopolitical Implications If finalised, this would mark a significant milestone in China–Iran defence cooperation and could tilt regional power balances, especially as Iran’s rivals — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — continue to modernise their own air forces. The J-10C acquisition could also bolster Iran’s military-industrial partnerships with China, as both nations seek to counterbalance Western influence in the Middle East and beyond. ✅ In Summary This acquisition could mark a turning point for Iran’s struggling air force — and a new chapter in Asian defence dynamics.

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Editor05 mins

Commercial LPG Price Cut by ₹58.50; No Relief Yet for Households

In a welcome move for small businesses, oil marketing companies have reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG gas cylinders by ₹58.50, bringing the new rate down to ₹1,723.50, effective from today. This marks the third price cut in recent months — following a ₹24 reduction in June and a ₹7 cut in February, though March saw a minor ₹6 hike. Relief for Hotels, Eateries, and Shops The price drop offers much-needed respite to restaurants, hotels, and small enterprises that heavily depend on LPG for daily operations. A company official confirmed the revision, calling it part of the companies’ dynamic pricing model based on international market trends. No Change in Household LPG Prices Despite repeated calls for a review, there has been no change in the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder, which continues to affect household budgets. Oil firms reiterated, “There is no change in the prices of 14.2 kg domestic cylinders.” Household Consumption Dominates LPG Use India’s LPG consumption is dominated by household use, accounting for nearly 90% of total LPG usage. The remaining 10% is split across commercial, industrial, and automotive sectors. This often results in domestic prices remaining insulated from fluctuations that affect commercial cylinder rates. Crude Oil Prices Offer Breathing Space One reason for recent LPG price corrections is the fall in global crude oil prices. India’s average crude oil basket price in May 2025 fell to $64.5 per barrel, the lowest in three years. Since LPG prices are linked to 10% of the crude basket, this decline is likely to reduce oil companies’ LPG-related losses by about 45% in FY2026. Domestic LPG Usage Surges India has seen a dramatic rise in LPG penetration, with the number of domestic connections doubling to 33 crore by April 2025, underscoring how vital cooking gas is in daily life across urban and rural India. While businesses benefit from the latest cut, millions of households continue to feel the pinch, awaiting a price relief that is yet to materialise.

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Editor03 mins

Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Could Lead to 14 Million Deaths by 2030, Warns The Lancet

A new study published in The Lancet medical journal has issued a stark warning: U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping cuts to foreign humanitarian aid could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five. The findings come amid global concern over the Trump administration’s decision to cancel more than 80% of programmes run by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move in March, part of a broader cost-cutting initiative supported by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at reducing the federal workforce. A Reversal of Two Decades of Progress Lead researcher Dr. Davide Rasella, from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, said the funding cuts threaten to “abruptly halt — and even reverse — two decades of progress in health among vulnerable populations.” “For many low- and middle-income countries, the resulting shock would be comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict,” Rasella added. Using historical data from 133 nations, the research team found that USAID programmes had prevented approximately 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021. Their model now forecasts 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030 if the 83% funding cut remains in place, with around 700,000 children under five expected to die every year as a result. Global Alarm and Humanitarian Crisis The report was released just as dozens of world leaders convened in Seville, Spain for the largest United Nations-led aid conference in a decade. The urgency of the moment was underscored by recent developments: USAID’s Legacy and Political Shift The United States remains the world’s largest humanitarian aid provider, operating in more than 60 countries, primarily through contractors. However, the Trump administration has redirected many USAID functions to the State Department, with Rubio stating that 1,000 remaining programmes will now be managed “more effectively” in consultation with Congress. The White House has also accused USAID of supporting liberal-leaning projects, a rationale that has drawn criticism from international observers and humanitarian organizations. The Road Ahead Experts warn that without urgent course correction or global cooperation to fill the funding gap, millions of lives are at risk, particularly in fragile regions already suffering from food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and climate-related crises. As debates continue in Seville, the Lancet report stands as a sobering call for action, urging nations to step up their commitments before the consequences become irreversible.

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Editor04 mins
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