June 30, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

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Ashok Khemka Retires: IAS Officer Who Stood Tall Against Corruption Bids Adieu After 34 Years of Service

Ashok Khemka, one of India’s most principled and resilient Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, is set to retire from public service on April 30, marking the end of a remarkable 34-year career defined by integrity, courage, and relentless dedication. A 1991-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, Khemka retires as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, a position he assumed in December 2024. Over his long and often turbulent career, he was transferred 57 times—an extraordinary testament to the political and bureaucratic resistance he encountered due to his uncompromising ethical stance. Khemka became a national figure in 2012 when he cancelled the mutation of a controversial land deal in Gurugram involving Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. This act of administrative courage brought both acclaim and controversy, casting him into the national spotlight as a symbol of bureaucratic integrity. Born on April 13, 1965, in Kolkata, Khemka is as distinguished academically as he is in service. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur (B.Tech in Computer Science, 1988), he also holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an MBA in Finance and Business Administration, and an LLB from Panjab University—accomplishments that underscore his intellectual rigor and lifelong commitment to learning. Despite his credentials and honesty, Khemka was frequently sidelined into what were perceived as “low-profile” postings, notably being transferred four times to the Archives Department—three of them during BJP rule and once under the Congress regime in 2013. In 2023, he openly expressed frustration over his marginalisation, especially after being overlooked for promotions given to his batchmates. Still, he remained undeterred. “Straight trees are always cut first. No regrets. With renewed resolve, I shall persist,” he tweeted, exemplifying his stoic resilience. Later that year, he volunteered to lead the Vigilance Department, offering his services to spearhead an anti-corruption drive. “No one, however elevated, shall be exempt from scrutiny,” he wrote in a letter to the Chief Minister, calling for equity in bureaucratic responsibilities and stronger mechanisms to root out corruption. His return to the Transport Department under Minister Anil Vij in 2024 marked nearly a decade since his previous stint was cut short after just four months. Khemka’s legacy transcends bureaucratic ranks—he is a rare figure whose career embodied the ideals of public service. As he steps away from the corridors of power, his unwavering stand against corruption, despite personal and professional costs, will continue to serve as a guiding light for future civil servants.

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Fresh Corruption Case Filed Against Former AAP Ministers in ₹2,000-Crore Classroom Scam

In a major development, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Police has filed a corruption case against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with the alleged ₹2,000-crore classroom construction scam. The ACB has also launched a comprehensive probe to determine the involvement of other officials and contractors linked to the project. According to ACB chief Madhur Verma, the role of unidentified government officials and contractors is also under scrutiny. The investigation pertains to the construction of over 12,000 classrooms and school buildings during the previous AAP regime, which, the ACB claims, were built at grossly inflated costs. Manish Sisodia, who served as Deputy Chief Minister and held the Education portfolio, and Satyendar Jain, the then PWD Minister, were responsible for overseeing the classroom construction project. The Public Works Department, under Jain’s leadership, was the executing agency for the constructions. The ACB’s initial findings suggest that 34 contractors, most of whom were allegedly associated with AAP, were awarded contracts. Many of the constructions were not completed within the stipulated timeframe, leading to significant cost escalations. Notably, the classrooms were built as Semi-Permanent Structures (SPS) with an intended lifespan of 30 years. However, the cost incurred was reportedly equivalent to that of pucca (permanent) classrooms with a lifespan of 75 years. Further irregularities were noted in the appointment of consultants and architects, who were allegedly hired without adherence to due procurement procedures. These violations contributed to the soaring project costs. The probe gained momentum following complaints by BJP leaders, who alleged that the classroom construction costs had escalated nearly fivefold. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had also prepared a report highlighting serious lapses and irregularities in the project. However, the ACB stated that this report was suppressed for nearly three years. According to the CVC findings, the cost of SPS construction was pegged at ₹2,292 per sq ft, which was almost at par with the cost of constructing full-fledged concrete buildings, ranging from ₹2,044 to ₹2,416 per sq ft. Additionally, project costs were increased by ₹326 crore without issuing new tenders, further raising concerns of financial mismanagement and procedural violations. The investigation is ongoing and is expected to uncover more details about the extent of the alleged scam.

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Editor04 mins

Indian-Origin Tech CEO Allegedly Kills Wife and Son, Dies by Suicide in Washington

In a deeply disturbing incident reported from Newcastle, Washington, Indian-origin entrepreneur Harshavardhana S. Kikkeri, 57, allegedly shot dead his wife and 14-year-old son before dying by suicide at their home on April 24. The family tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the local community in Washington and the tech circles in India. The victims have been identified as Harshavardhana Kikkeri, the founder and CEO of the robotics company HoloWorld, his wife Shwetha Panyam, 44, who co-founded the company, and their teenage son. Their younger son survived the incident. News footage from the scene showed a child being escorted away and comforted by law enforcement officials. The King County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm the identities of the children. Authorities have not revealed a possible motive for the violent act and have stated that the investigation is still ongoing. “It is not immediately clear what provoked the extreme act,” police told media, according to an NDTV report. Kikkeri was originally from KR Pet Taluk in Karnataka’s Mandya district and had a notable career in the tech sector, including a stint at Microsoft. In 2017, he and his wife returned to India and established HoloWorld in Mysuru’s Vijayanagar Third Stage. The company, which focused on robotics, ceased operations in 2022 following financial strain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kikkeri later returned to the U.S. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief among those who knew the family, both in India and abroad. Friends and former colleagues are grappling with the shocking news, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic events.

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Editor03 mins

Champions League Semi-Final: Dembele Strike Gives PSG First-Leg Edge Over Arsenal

Arsenal face a tough challenge in their bid to reach their first-ever Champions League final after falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium. A superb early goal by Ousmane Dembele was enough to hand the French champions the advantage heading into the second leg in Paris. PSG struck early in style as Dembele finished off a stunning 26-pass move, combining with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to cut through Arsenal’s defense before firing in off the post. The visitors dominated the early phases, capitalizing on a sluggish start from the Gunners. Despite improving as the match progressed, Arsenal were unable to find an equaliser. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced two vital saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Mikel Merino saw his headed effort ruled out for offside. The North London side also survived a couple of late scares as PSG came close to doubling their lead. Speaking after the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained hopeful:“We are going to have to do something special in Paris. We have to go there and win the game – we are more than capable of doing it. It’s half-time and we have a big chance to be in the final.” Arteta admitted his side struggled early on, saying the opening 15 minutes were key, but praised their response and effort for the rest of the game. History, however, is not on Arsenal’s side. The club has never progressed in European competition after losing the first leg at home – a record of five defeats in five. PSG, meanwhile, will be confident heading back to Paris with the lead, but the tie remains finely poised. Arsenal must now produce a memorable performance at the Parc des Princes if they are to keep their Champions League dream alive.

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Editor03 mins

Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 14 Lives, Dozens Injured in Tragic Incident

A devastating fire broke out in a Kolkata hotel in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving several others injured. As thick smoke rapidly filled the stairwells and corridors, guests scrambled to find safety. Some made their way to the rooftop, while others were seen clinging precariously to parapets outside their windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Firefighters mounted a swift rescue operation, using hydraulic ladders to reach those stranded on ledges. Guests on the terrace signaled for help using phone flashlights, while authorities deployed loudspeakers to communicate with those trapped inside, offering reassurance as smoke engulfed the structure. One of the victims, identified as Sanjoy Paswan, was declared dead on arrival at Kolkata Medical College Hospital after reportedly falling from the building while trying to escape. Several other victims are currently being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at the same hospital. Once the fire was brought under control in the early hours, emergency teams were able to access the upper floors of the building. There, they discovered 13 more bodies, many of whom are believed to have died from suffocation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident, writing on social media platform X: “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He also announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). West Bengal’s Women, Children and Social Welfare Minister Sashi Panja stated that many of the hotel’s occupants were from other states, visiting for business purposes. She confirmed that two children were among the victims and emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze. “The fire brigade did its best to rescue all the boarders, but unfortunately some died due to suffocation,” she said. Authorities have cordoned off the area and continue to investigate the incident, as the city mourns yet another deadly tragedy caused by fire safety lapses.

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Editor04 mins

Tragedy at Simhachalam Temple: Wall Collapse Claims Eight Lives, Injures Several Devotees

In a tragic incident at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, eight devotees lost their lives and several others were injured when a rain-drenched wall collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday. The wall, located near the ₹300-ticket queue line close to the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand, gave way due to soil loosening caused by heavy overnight rains and strong winds. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was in constant touch with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. “Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam… my condolences to the families. I’m closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for the victims,” Naidu posted on social media platform ‘X’. He announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹3 lakh for the injured. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also offered his condolences to the bereaved families. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha, who was present at the temple at the time of the incident, said the collapse was likely triggered by heavy rainfall weakening the soil. She assured that there was no delay in rescue efforts and that the injured were immediately rushed to the hospital. Temple authorities and Endowments Minister K. Ramanarayana Reddy described the incident as a likely structural failure induced by weather conditions. Reddy called the incident unfortunate and emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols across temples to prevent such tragedies in the future. Rescue operations are still underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) actively involved. Seven bodies—comprising three women and four men—were recovered during the operation, while one person remains unaccounted for. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and urged officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and prompt compensation for the affected families. This incident follows another temple-related tragedy earlier this year, when six devotees were killed in a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd and structural safety at major religious sites.

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Editor04 mins

Bollywood Sequel Season: Kahaani 3, Queen 2, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2 in the Works

Bollywood is currently witnessing a wave of sequels, with filmmakers reviving some of the industry’s most beloved franchises. As audiences continue to welcome nostalgia and familiar storytelling, three major projects are now in development—Kahaani 3, Queen 2, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2. Kahaani 3: Vidya Balan Returns with Sujoy GhoshDirector Sujoy Ghosh has begun writing the script for Kahaani 3, which will see Vidya Balan reprise her iconic role. A source close to the development revealed that while Vidya is already on board with the concept, she is waiting for Sujoy to complete the full screenplay. The film aims to maintain the gripping intensity and suspenseful narrative that made the first two installments cult favourites. Queen 2: Kangana May Return, but Title Could ChangeMeanwhile, director Vikas Bahl is set to bring back Kangana Ranaut for a sequel to the 2013 blockbuster Queen. However, the original production house no longer exists, leading to legal complications regarding title rights. As a result, while the same cast will return, the film might release under a different title. Still, fans can expect another empowering and quirky adventure with Rani at the centre. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 2: A Fresh Cast for the Comedy SequelProducer Sajid Nadiadwala is reportedly working on a second installment of the 2004 hit comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, originally starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra. This time around, the plan is to introduce a younger, fresher cast to bring new energy to the comic chaos. The film is still in the scripting stage, and its progress depends on the final quality of the script. If it meets expectations, casting will begin soon; otherwise, the project may be shelved temporarily. With other sequels like Kesari: Chapter 2 and Raid 2 also generating buzz, it’s clear that franchise fever is alive and well in Bollywood—and audiences are more than ready to revisit their favourite cinematic worlds.

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U.S. Airstrike on Migrant Center in Yemen Kills 68, Sparks Outcry Amid Escalating Houthi Conflict

A U.S. airstrike reportedly struck a migrant detention center in Houthi-controlled Saada, northern Yemen, on Monday, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens more. The facility, according to Houthi media outlet Al-Masirah, housed 115 African migrants, many from East Africa attempting to reach Saudi Arabia for work. The attack has intensified scrutiny on the U.S. military’s “Operation Rough Rider”, a months-long campaign targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels following their continued assaults on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes. Grim Civilian Toll The Houthi-run Interior Ministry confirmed 47 others wounded, many in critical condition. Graphic footage aired by Al-Masirah showed bodies beneath rubble and frantic rescue efforts amid collapsed buildings. The incident represents one of the deadliest U.S. strikes on non-combatants in recent years, especially involving migrants, a group particularly vulnerable in Yemen’s protracted civil conflict. Background: U.S. Strikes and Houthi Escalation Since mid-March 2025, the U.S. has conducted over 800 strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure—command centers, missile depots, drone facilities—in response to Houthi attacks on international vessels and Israel, which began in late 2023. These attacks, the Houthis claim, are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Biden administration, continuing a policy begun under Trump, insists the goal is freedom of navigation and regional stability. A CENTCOM spokesperson said recent operations had reduced Houthi one-way drone and missile attacks by over 50%, yet acknowledged the group remains a capable and Iran-supported threat. Strategic & Humanitarian Crisis Yemen has long been a key transit route for East African migrants—mostly Ethiopians and Somalis—fleeing war and poverty in hopes of work in the Gulf. The country’s ongoing war has made the route extremely dangerous, with migrants often caught in clashes or detained in squalid conditions. With civilian casualties mounting, including an earlier strike in Sanaa that killed at least eight people, humanitarian groups are demanding accountability and greater restraint from all sides. Global Reactions and Rising Tensions As the international community expresses concern, calls are growing for the UN and global powers to reassess military strategies that risk civilian lives. The Houthis have vowed retaliation, while U.S. officials say the strikes will continue “until objectives are met.” The strike is not only a tragic loss of life but also a symbol of the spiraling regional crisis, with foreign powers’ involvement deepening divisions and complicating peace efforts.

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Editor04 mins

Hania Aamir Reportedly Dropped from Sardaar Ji 3 After Pahalgam Attack Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Back in October 2024, fans were treated to a heartwarming surprise when Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh welcomed Pakistani actor Hania Aamir on stage during his London concert. The crowd erupted with joy as Diljit sang his hit track Lover for Hania, who was visibly overjoyed to share the stage with her idol. The sweet moment ignited rumors of a professional collaboration between the two, with fans speculating that Hania would star alongside Diljit in his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3. Earlier this year, those rumors seemed to gain traction as reports surfaced suggesting that Hania would indeed be a part of the third installment of the hit Punjabi film franchise, co-starring Neeru Bajwa. The team had reportedly completed their UK schedule last month. However, the unfortunate terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has led to renewed tensions between India and Pakistan. As a result, several cross-border collaborations in entertainment have come under scrutiny. One of the casualties of this geopolitical strain appears to be Hania Aamir’s Indian debut. According to viral reports, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 are now considering removing Hania from the film and reshooting her portions with an Indian actor. This decision, although not officially confirmed by the production team, has sent social media into a frenzy. Online reactions have been deeply polarized. While some netizens supported the alleged move, citing national interest and the sensitivity of the current situation, others criticized it as unfair to artists who have no connection to political or militant actions. Comments ranged from celebratory nationalist tones to heartfelt disappointment from fans of Hania who believe art should transcend borders. This development follows the decision to withhold the Indian release of Fawad Khan’s film Abir Gulaal, another Indo-Pak collaboration, reportedly shelved due to the same tragic event. As of now, no official statement has been released by Diljit Dosanjh, Hania Aamir, or the makers of Sardaar Ji 3.

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Editor03 mins

Ananya Panday Becomes Chanel’s First Indian Ambassador, Joins Cruise 2025/26 Show in Lake Como

Ananya Panday has officially joined the elite league of global fashion ambassadors as the first-ever Indian face of Chanel, marking a major milestone in her career. The actor will represent the iconic French luxury brand at its prestigious Chanel Cruise 2025/2026 show, being held at the opulent Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy. The show is set to be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola, who also snapped a now-viral picture of Ananya and her sister Rysa Panday, both glowing against the stunning Lake Como backdrop. The actor posted several stories and photos capturing her “dolce vita” experience — from sunlit boat rides and scenic alley strolls to indulging in Italian cuisine and skincare rituals. A particularly heartwarming Instagram story showed a bouquet and a welcome letter from Chanel, reading: “Dear Ananya, Welcome to Lake Como! We are delighted to welcome you to the Cruise show in Italy’s most magical city… We look forward to sharing this solar dolce vita experience and creating unforgettable memories with you.” Ananya also wrote: “Living the sweet Italian life with @chanelofficial.” A Rising Star on the Global and Cinematic Stage While breaking new ground in the fashion world, Ananya is also riding high on professional success. Her latest film, Kesari: Chapter 2, a courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, has received positive reviews and strong box office numbers — raking in over ₹65 crore in just 10 days. The film has outperformed some of Akshay’s recent releases and bolstered Ananya’s position as a bankable young star.

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