July 1, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper
Breaking News

Prime Minister Modi Announces Expansion of Vizhinjam Deepwater Port

In a significant boost to India’s maritime sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that the capacity of the Vizhinjam deepwater port will triple in the next three years, positioning it as a key hub for some of the world’s largest cargo ships. The port’s expansion will help reduce India’s reliance on foreign transshipment hubs—primarily Colombo and Singapore, where 75% of India’s transshipments currently occur. This shift, Modi emphasized, would not only enhance India’s maritime capabilities but also boost revenue retention and create new economic opportunities in Kerala. The Rs 8,800 crore Vizhinjam project is India’s first dedicated transshipment hub, benefiting from its natural depth of nearly 20 meters, which allows larger vessels to dock, unlike many smaller ports in the country. Strategic Importance in India’s Maritime Vision Modi connected the Vizhinjam port’s development to India’s broader maritime strategy, especially highlighting the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced at the G20 summit. The prime minister noted that the port, while years in development, is primarily a result of private sector collaboration, with Adani Ports playing a key role in operating the terminal. In a lighter moment, Modi humorously pointed out the role of private investment, stating: “When the people of Gujarat learn that Adani built such a great port in Kerala, after working on a port in Gujarat for 30 years without building anything like this, they’ll be upset with him,” This comment elicited laughter from the audience, adding a personal touch to the announcement. Enhancements in India’s Maritime Sector The PM also underscored the broader changes in India’s maritime landscape, noting the 30% reduction in the turnaround time for ships at the country’s major ports over the last 10 years. Additionally, he highlighted the growth in the number of Indian seafarers, which has surged from 1.2 lakh in 2014 to over 3.2 lakh today, following the government’s reformed regulations aimed at improving the seafaring profession. Significance for Kerala’s Economic Growth The event, which coincided with the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, a key figure in Kerala’s spiritual and cultural legacy, linked the opening of the Vizhinjam port to Kerala’s growing importance in India’s economic and maritime plans. Modi stated that Shankaracharya’s teachings laid the foundation for unity, reinforcing Kerala’s pivotal role in India’s future economic development. Kerala’s Economic Context While the port’s inauguration is a monumental step, Kerala is currently facing rising debt and limited fiscal space, with the state government seeking more central assistance. Despite these financial challenges, the PM highlighted several significant infrastructure projects supported by the Centre, including the long-delayed Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses and new initiatives like the Kochi shipbuilding and repair cluster. The Vizhinjam deepwater port represents a cornerstone of India’s maritime future, with potential benefits that could transform both Kerala’s economy and India’s global trade competitiveness.

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Editor05 mins

India Bans All Imports from Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive escalation of its response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, citing national security and public policy concerns. The move follows confirmation of terror links to Pakistan in the massacre that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, in Baisaran meadow, Jammu and Kashmir. In a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the government stated: “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” The Wagah-Attari border, the sole land trade route between the two nations, had already been closed in the wake of the terror attack. Imports from Pakistan had already dwindled significantly, especially after India imposed a 200% duty following the 2019 Pulwama attack. By 2024–25, Pakistani imports made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports, with primary goods being pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds. Diplomatic Fallout: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended In a major diplomatic blow, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 agreement governing river water sharing between the two nations. With this suspension, India may now divert or block water from the Indus River system, potentially affecting millions of Pakistani citizens dependent on the water source. Additional Measures: Security Situation: Tensions remain high along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, with Pakistani troops reportedly targeting Indian positions through provocations and firing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s firm stand: “There will be no trade dialogue with Pakistan until terrorism is completely eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.” India has long maintained that Pakistan provides safe havens to terrorists, and the latest measures signal a zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism.

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Editor03 mins

Singer Sonu Nigam Booked for Controversial Comment at Bengaluru Concert, FIR Filed Over ‘Kannada-Terrorism’ Remark

Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam is facing legal trouble after an FIR was registered against him at Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru, following a controversial comment he made during a live concert on April 27, 2025. The complaint was filed by members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent pro-Kannada organization, which accused the singer of making remarks that allegedly insulted the Kannada language and its speakers. According to CNN-News18, the FIR has been filed under Section 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace. The incident came to light after a video from the concert went viral on social media, drawing widespread backlash from Kannada-speaking citizens. The Controversial Remark The uproar began when Nigam responded sharply to a concertgoer who aggressively demanded a Kannada song. The singer, visibly upset, said: “Mujhe accha nahi laga… He was so rudely threatening me, ‘Kannada, Kannada’. Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na? Yahi kaaran hai jo kiya tha na abhi?” He then attempted to clarify his love for the Kannada language and Kannadiga people, emphasizing that he often sings Kannada songs out of respect, but added that such behavior was unacceptable. The reference to Pahalgam, an area associated with terror attacks, in the context of a linguistic demand, has sparked outrage, with critics accusing Nigam of equating Kannada language activism with terrorism. Reaction from Kannada Groups Dharmaraj Gowda, KRV’s Bengaluru district president, told News18: “His statements have hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community and could incite violence between linguistic groups. The video has gone viral, and crores of Kannadigas are outraged.” The formal complaint by KRV also alleges that Nigam’s words were an attempt to incite enmity between different linguistic communities, a serious charge under Indian law. Legal and Public Repercussions While Sonu Nigam has not issued a detailed public apology or clarification yet, the incident has prompted significant discussion about celebrity accountability, cultural sensitivity, and the volatile nature of linguistic politics in India—especially in states like Karnataka, where the preservation of the regional language and identity is a sensitive issue.

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Editor04 mins

‘House Arrest’ Controversy: ULLU Show Faces FIR Over Indecent Representation of Women, NCW Summons Host and CEO

The producer and host of the ULLU app’s reality show House Arrest are now facing serious legal trouble after a controversial clip from the show went viral. The video, which sparked outrage on social media, shows contestants—particularly women—being allegedly coerced into enacting sexual positions and responding to explicit questions, under pressure from the show’s host, Ajaz Khan, a former Bigg Boss contestant. The clip drew sharp criticism for its vulgar content and for violating participants’ consent. Mr. Khan was seen insisting that contestants comply with his provocative instructions despite visible discomfort, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Acting on a complaint filed by a Bajrang Dal activist, Mumbai’s Amboli Police registered an FIR against Ajaz Khan and the show’s producer, Rajkumar Pandey. The charges are under sections related to obscene acts in public, indecent representation of women, and provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following public outrage, the House Arrest show was pulled from the ULLU app. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), NCW stated: “NCW takes suo motu cognisance of obscene content on Ullu App’s show House Arrest. Viral clips show women being coerced into intimate acts on camera. NCW slams the platform for promoting vulgarity and violating consent. CEO and host summoned on May 9.” Both Ajaz Khan and ULLU CEO Vibhu Agarwal have been summoned to appear before the NCW on May 9, 2025. The incident has reignited debates around content regulation on OTT platforms, exploitation under the guise of entertainment, and the need for stringent checks to safeguard the dignity and consent of women in reality programming.

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Editor03 mins

Ananya Panday Breaks Down at Nirmal Kapoor’s Funeral; B-Town Mourns the Loss of Kapoor Matriarch

Ananya Panday was seen heartbroken and in tears as she attended the funeral of her best friend Shanaya Kapoor’s grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, who passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 90. The actress, deeply affected by the loss, was dressed in an ethnic white kurti and tried to avoid the media while mourning privately. According to a video shared by Filmygyan, Ananya was seen wiping her tears and stepping aside from the crowd to grieve quietly. Ananya was joined by actor Vedang Raina, who wore a light blue shirt and black trousers as he arrived to pay his respects. Close friends Shikhar Pahariya and Veer Pahariya were also spotted consoling Ananya during this vulnerable time, offering support as she dealt with the emotional weight of the day. Several Bollywood celebrities were in attendance to honor the memory of Nirmal Kapoor. Notable personalities including Jackie Shroff, Javed Akhtar, Rani Mukerji, and Anupam Kher visited the Kapoors’ residence to offer their condolences. The family, led by Anil Kapoor and his nephew Arjun Kapoor, made preparations for the final rites and guided the ambulance during the funeral procession. The Kapoor family released an official statement late Friday night, expressing their grief and celebrating the legacy of their beloved matriarch. The statement read: “Passed away peacefully on the 2nd of May, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. She lived a full and joyful life, leaving behind four devoted children, loving daughters-in-law, a caring son-in-law, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a lifetime of treasured memories.” The funeral took place at Vile Parle Crematorium, Pawan Hans, Mumbai, where many B-Town figures gathered to pay their last respects to Nirmal Kapoor, the mother of Producer Boney Kapoor, Actor Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Kapoor. The somber event marked the end of an era for the Kapoor family, one of Bollywood’s most iconic dynasties.

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Editor03 mins

India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India

The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have now extended to social media, with a growing number of Pakistani celebrities having their Instagram accounts restricted in India. Fawad Khan and Atif Aslam, two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, have joined a list of celebrities whose accounts are inaccessible to Indian users. Along with Fawad Khan, the official YouTube channel and X account of Atif Aslam, known for hits like Aadat, Tu Jaane Na, Tera Hone Laga Hoon, and Tere Bin, were also blocked for Indian users on Saturday. The issue began after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the tragic deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. Other Pakistani celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Arshad Nadeem, and Mawra Hocane, saw their accounts disappear from Indian social media platforms, further fueling the growing divide. The Instagram accounts of these stars display the message: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” The terror attack, which took place in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, has prompted Indian authorities to take swift actions against Pakistani cultural figures, as the attack has been linked to militant groups in Pakistan. Fawad Khan, in response to the incident, expressed his grief on his Instagram stories, sharing his condolences and offering prayers for the victims. His message read: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.” As a direct consequence of the attack, the film Abir Gulaal—which was set to feature Fawad Khan in a comeback role—has been banned in India. Vaani Kapoor, who stars in the film, has since deleted all her social media posts related to the project. Following the incident, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a blanket boycott of all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians working in Indian entertainment. This ban on Pakistani figures follows a broader trend of strained cultural ties between India and Pakistan, which have seen escalating measures following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The growing restriction on Pakistani content is further intensified by national security concerns amid these ongoing tensions.

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Editor04 mins

GTA 6 Officially Delayed to May 2026: Rockstar Cites Quality Assurance Needs

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, chances are you’ve come across a meme poking fun at the seemingly never-ending wait for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). The long-anticipated title from Rockstar Games has become a running joke online, especially as fans have been waiting since the company first officially announced the game in 2023. Now, that wait just got longer—Rockstar Games has officially confirmed another delay in the game’s release. The first official trailer for GTA 6 dropped on December 4, 2023, a day earlier than scheduled due to a leak. The trailer introduced fans to the game’s setting, the fictional state of Leonida (heavily inspired by Florida), and also revealed Lucia, the franchise’s first female protagonist. The game was initially announced for a 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with fans speculating a September launch. However, as of May 2025, Rockstar has delayed the release to May 26, 2026, citing the need for further polish and finalisation. In an official letter addressing the delay, Rockstar stated, “We are very sorry that this is later than you expected. The interest and excitement surrounding a new Grand Theft Auto has been truly humbling for our entire team. We want to thank you for your support and your patience as we work to finish the game.” The studio emphasized that the additional development time is crucial to meet the high expectations of its global fanbase. Rockstar further explained that with every release, their goal has always been to exceed player expectations, and GTA 6 is no exception. “We hope you understand that we need this extra time to deliver at the level of quality you expect and deserve,” the company wrote. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, whose company owns Rockstar Games, also backed the decision to postpone. He acknowledged the delay’s potential short-term impact but stressed that delivering an exceptional gaming experience must take priority. According to Zelnick, prioritising quality ultimately aligns with Take-Two’s long-term strategy. While the announcement may frustrate many who have been waiting for over a decade since GTA V, Rockstar’s commitment to delivering a high-quality experience suggests that the finished product will be worth the wait.

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Editor04 mins

Prime Focus to Invest ₹3,000 Cr in Mumbai Film City Project; Two Major Studio Projects Announced at WAVES 2025

In a significant boost to Maharashtra’s media and entertainment sector, Prime Focus on Friday announced an investment of ₹3,000 crore to build a sprawling 200-acre film city in Mumbai. The announcement came during the WAVES 2025 event, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Maharashtra government in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The proposed film city, described as a complete ecosystem for entertainment, will include: Founder Namit Malhotra revealed that the project could create up to 2,500 new jobs and complement the company’s existing workforce of 10,000, 70% of whom are based in India. While the exact location of the facility is yet to be finalized, the Maharashtra government has proposed two or three options within the financial capital. Godrej Fund Management to Invest ₹2,000 Cr in Panvel Studio Adding to the momentum, Godrej Fund Management announced a separate ₹2,000 crore investment to build a film and studio complex in Panvel, to be completed in two phases: This facility, once fully operational, will also generate 2,500 jobs, aligning with Maharashtra’s broader push to be a media and creative industry hub. Other Key Announcements Chief Minister Fadnavis called these developments a “watershed moment” for Maharashtra’s ambition to be a global creative capital, emphasizing job creation and international collaborations.

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Editor03 mins

7 Dead, Over 80 Injured in Stampede at Shri Lairai Zatra Festival in Goa

At least seven people lost their lives and more than 80 others were injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, late on Friday night. The injured have been rushed to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for treatment. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital and earlier inspected the situation at the Bicholim hospital. Taking to social media platform X, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that he is personally monitoring the situation. Sawant also announced a detailed inquiry into the incident, stating, “We will make the report public,” while speaking to reporters at the site. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that 10 of the 80 injured are critically hurt and that medical teams have been working overnight to save lives. “This is the most unfortunate incident,” he said, adding that more than six to seven people have lost their lives and that the government is doing its best to treat the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the local administration is actively supporting the victims. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The exact cause of the stampede and the identities of the victims have not yet been released by the authorities. The Shri Lairai Zatra is one of Goa’s most revered religious festivals, held annually at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao. Devotees from across the state and neighbouring regions attend the event to honour Goddess Lairai, a form of Goddess Parvati. A major highlight of the festival is the dhondachi zatra, in which devotees walk barefoot over burning embers—a ritual believed to invoke divine blessings. The festival draws thousands of participants, with grand processions, devotional music, and ceremonial offerings marking the celebration. This year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant and spiritual occasion.

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Editor03 mins

Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma Sparks Outrage with Call for Sterilisation of ‘Love Jihad’ Accused

Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma has triggered a storm of controversy by demanding the sterilisation of individuals accused in so-called “love jihad” cases. His remarks, made during a recent public event, have gone viral across social media, drawing both support and widespread condemnation. Sharma, a first-time Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Bhopal, said, “The government should ensure that those caught in love jihad cases are sterilised.” His statement was delivered in response to a disturbing case unearthed last month involving a gang accused of systematically targeting Hindu women—particularly students—under the guise of romantic relationships. These women were reportedly sexually assaulted, blackmailed using explicit videos, and pressured into religious conversion. The severity of the allegations has prompted the Bhopal Police Commissioner to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the network’s operations and its potential links to larger criminal or ideological outfits. Sharma went further in his speech, urging citizens to act if such cases surface: “Wherever such incidents are reported, call me directly. If needed, surround the police stations immediately.” His comments have raised alarms about the encouragement of vigilantism and potential interference with police procedures. He also issued a stern warning, saying, “If anyone tries to do such a thing, they will face consequences like never before. Society must be prepared for what action will be taken against them.” While Sharma’s remarks have drawn support from some right-wing groups, human rights advocates and opposition leaders have condemned them as inflammatory, unconstitutional, and a threat to due legal process. Critics argue that such calls for sterilisation are not only inhumane but also violate fundamental rights and promote communal disharmony. The debate around the term “love jihad”—a controversial and legally unrecognised phrase often used to describe alleged cases of Muslim men luring Hindu women into relationships for religious conversion—has intensified in recent years, particularly in BJP-ruled states.

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Editor03 mins
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