September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: bhopal

Indian Censors Block Acclaimed Film Santosh Over Portrayal of Police and Social Issues

Indian film censors have refused to approve the release of Santosh, a critically acclaimed film by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, citing concerns over its depiction of misogyny, Islamophobia, and police brutality. Set in North India, Santosh follows a young widow who joins the police force and investigates the murder of a Dalit girl. The film, which debuted at Cannes and was the UK’s official Oscar entry, has won widespread praise for its bold storytelling. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has blocked its release, demanding extensive cuts that the filmmakers deemed “impossible” to implement without compromising the film’s essence. Suri expressed disappointment, calling the decision “heartbreaking,” especially since the script was initially approved for filming in India without objections. Despite support from major Indian distributors, the film now faces an uncertain future in its home country.

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Budget-Friendly Pod Hotel to Open at Bhopal Railway Station on April 4

A new budget-friendly pod hotel is set to open on April 4 at Bhopal Railway Station, near Platform No. 6, offering an affordable and comfortable resting space for travelers. The facility, located on the first floor of the station’s new building, will provide 20 family pods and 118 single-bed pods for passengers. Affordable and Convenient Stay Options The rental charges will start at just ₹299 per hour, making it a cost-effective option for short-term stays. The railway authorities will also arrange food and beverages for guests. Pod Hotel Facilities The single-bed pods will be 5 feet by 7 feet in size, while the family pods will accommodate two adults and two small children. The pods are designed to serve passengers waiting for their next train, especially those with layovers of 2 to 4 hours. Amenities for a Comfortable Stay Final Preparations Underway According to Senior DCM Saurabh Kataria, the project is in its final stage, with last-minute arrangements being made for a smooth launch. The official inauguration date and a detailed pricing structure will be announced soon. This much-awaited project, which has been under discussion for the past three years, is finally set to enhance travel comfort at Bhopal Railway Station.

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The foundation stone for road and drainage construction in Ward 15 was laid under the leadership of MP Maya Narolia and Municipal President Neetu Yadav, giving new momentum to urban development. A pledge for cleanliness and progress was taken.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony for road and drainage construction in Ward 15 is a significant step towards development, symbolizing the overall upliftment of the city. Under the leadership and commitment of Rajya Sabha MP Maya Narolia, this project has been realized, bringing improvements in basic amenities for the residents of the ward. The honorable MP’s pledge to ensure the comprehensive development of the ward through her own funds reflects her unwavering dedication to public service and progress. She has made it clear that there will be no shortage of development projects in the city, and all essential initiatives will be completed on priority. Her visionary approach and welfare-oriented mindset are driving rapid transformation in the city. This successful event has proven that when leadership is strong, determination is firm, and public cooperation is widespread, the pace of development accelerates. MP Maya Narolia’s initiative has inspired the city to move towards a strong and prosperous future. Her dedication and leadership play a crucial role in urban development, instilling enthusiasm and confidence among the people. Neetu Mahendra YadavPresident, Municipal Council, Narmadapuram

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Salman Khan’s Sikandar Sets Fashion Trends with Zohra Jabeen Kurta

Sajid Nadiadwala’s highly anticipated action drama Sikandar is poised to be this year’s biggest blockbuster, set for a grand Eid release. Since the teaser and songs dropped, Salman Khan’s commanding screen presence has been the talk of the town. One of the film’s songs, Zohra Jabeen, has already crossed 50 million views on YouTube, further fueling excitement. Beyond cinema, Salman Khan has long been a trendsetter in fashion, and his effortless style once again has fans following his lead. His elegant yet simple kurta from Zohra Jabeen has become an instant sensation, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. The demand for similar kurtas has skyrocketed, particularly in cities like Indore, Surat, Jaipur, and Mumbai, with fashion retailers struggling to keep up with orders. Ashish Sharma, a factory owner in Jaipur, revealed, “The kurta Salman Khan is wearing in Zohra Jabeen is incredibly popular right now. We’ve received an order for over 20,000 to 25,000 pieces, and we’ll be working at full capacity to deliver them before Eid. We’ve already sold about 10,000 pieces since the song’s release.” This surge in demand reaffirms Salman’s influence not just in cinema but in shaping fashion trends as well. Sikandar Trailer Update: Final Touches in Progress Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar features a stellar ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Prateik Babbar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj. As the film nears its release, fans eagerly await its trailer. According to a Mid-Day report, the makers are racing against time to finalize the trailer and the film’s final cut. A crew member shared, “Murugadoss is known for his meticulous approach. He wants to deliver an action spectacle with Sikandar. The post-production team is working round the clock to ensure everything is locked in time. With a song drop every few days, the audience is already invested. The trailer will only heighten the excitement further.” With Sikandar generating immense buzz and Salman Khan’s fashion setting new trends, the film is shaping up to be a major Eid blockbuster.

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Mohammed Siraj and Mahira Sharma Deny Dating Rumors

Speculation surrounding a romantic relationship between Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj and actress Mahira Sharma has finally been addressed by both celebrities. On Friday, Mahira took to her Instagram stories to put an end to the rumors. She wrote, “Stop spreading rumours, I’m not dating anyone.” Her statement came amidst growing chatter about her alleged relationship with Siraj. Shortly before Mahira’s post, Siraj had also denied the rumors through his Instagram account. His statement read, “I request paparazzi to stop asking questions around me. It is completely untrue and baseless. I hope this ends.” However, the cricketer later deleted his post, further fueling speculation. The rumors gained momentum after Mahira attended an event in Mumbai on March 20, where paparazzi playfully questioned her about her IPL team preference. In a viral video, photographers could be heard asking, “Kal se IPL start ho raha hai. Mahira ji kiske side ho aap? Kaunse team ko support kar rahe ho? Aapke favourite team?” (From tomorrow, IPL is starting. Whose side are you on? Which team are you supporting? Which is your favorite team?). Reports of their alleged romance had been circulating for months. ETimes previously claimed that the duo was “romantically involved,” citing sources who suggested that Siraj and Mahira had been quietly getting to know each other over recent months. The dating speculation initially started when fans noticed Siraj liking one of Mahira’s Instagram posts. This was followed by both of them following each other on social media, leading to widespread fan theories about a possible relationship. However, with both Siraj and Mahira now categorically denying the rumors, it seems the speculation may finally be put to rest.

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Elon Musk’s X Sues Indian Government Over Content Censorship

X Challenges IT Act’s Interpretation in Karnataka High Court Elon Musk-owned social media platform X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government in the Karnataka High Court, alleging unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. The case challenges the government’s interpretation of the Information Technology (IT) Act, particularly the use of Section 79(3)(b), which X argues undermines free expression and contradicts Supreme Court rulings. Allegations Against the Government’s Content-Blocking Mechanism According to X, the Indian government is misusing Section 79(3)(b) to create a parallel content-blocking system, bypassing the structured legal process outlined in Section 69A of the IT Act. While Section 69A allows the government to order content removal on grounds of national security, public order, or sovereignty concerns, X claims that Section 79(3)(b) is vague and forces platforms to determine what content is illegal, increasing their exposure to lawsuits and accusations of bias. Social media platforms often rely on Section 69A for legal clarity, arguing that content should only be removed if the government explicitly orders it. By using Section 79(3)(b), the government allegedly shifts the burden onto platforms, leading to over-censorship. Violation of Supreme Court’s Shreya Singhal Ruling X further contends that the government’s approach contradicts the Supreme Court’s landmark 2015 ruling in the Shreya Singhal case. This ruling established that content could only be blocked through proper judicial scrutiny or the legally defined process under Section 69A. X claims that using Section 79(3)(b) sidesteps these safeguards, creating legal uncertainty for social media platforms. Concerns Over the Sahyog Portal The lawsuit also challenges the government’s Sahyog portal, an initiative under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) designed to handle takedown requests under Section 79(3)(b). X alleges that the portal functions as a “censorship tool” that pressures platforms to remove content without proper legal scrutiny. The company has refused to assign an employee to the system, arguing that it enables government control over online discourse without judicial oversight. With this legal battle, X seeks judicial intervention to ensure content moderation decisions are based on clear legal directives rather than government pressure, reaffirming its stance on protecting free speech.

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Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on India, Criticizes High Import Duties

Concerns Over India’s High Tariffs Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his concerns about India’s high import tariffs, labeling the country as one of the “highest tariffing nations in the world.” In an interview with Breitbart News, Trump expressed optimism that India might lower these tariffs substantially. However, he also announced that starting April 2, the United States would impose reciprocal tariffs on India, matching the levies that India charges on American goods. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Praised Despite his concerns over trade policies, Trump acknowledged the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a “group of wonderful nations” working together to strengthen trade relationships. He emphasized that these nations are countering others that seek to harm the U.S. through unfair trade practices. Stronger Trade Partnerships with Foes Than Allies Trump also criticized traditional allies, stating that the U.S. is often treated worse by its friends than by its adversaries. He specifically pointed out the European Union’s trade practices, calling them “terrible,” and noted that India, often considered an ally, also imposes high tariffs on American goods. According to him, the U.S. sometimes receives better trade treatment from nations that are not considered allies. Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff Plan from April 2 On March 5, Trump had already signaled his intent to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries that charge high levies on American goods. Speaking in his first address to a Joint Session of Congress in his second term, Trump criticized countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada for imposing significantly higher tariffs on U.S. exports. “If you don’t make your product in America, however, under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one,” Trump said. He emphasized that for decades, other countries had used tariffs against the U.S., and it was now time for America to respond in kind. Auto Tariffs Among the Highest Trump specifically highlighted India’s high tariffs on automobile imports, stating that the country charges duties exceeding 100% on American vehicles. He described these trade policies as “very unfair” and vowed to take corrective measures to protect U.S. businesses. With April 2 approaching, the world will closely watch how Trump’s reciprocal tariffs impact global trade dynamics, particularly U.S.-India relations.

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Israel Launches Targeted Ground Operations in Gaza

Ground Offensive Begins After Airstrikes Israel launched targeted ground operations in the central and southern Gaza Strip just a day after conducting large-scale airstrikes, marking the most intense military action since the ceasefire in January. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation aims to expand the security zone and create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza. The troops also extended control over the Netzarim Corridor. Deployment of Golani Brigade for Future Operations The IDF announced that the Golani Brigade has been stationed in the Southern Command area, remaining on standby for future operations in Gaza. The military reiterated its commitment to combating terrorist organizations in the region to ensure Israel’s security. Israeli Defence Minister Issues Warning to Gazans Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Gaza residents, urging them to act on US President Donald Trump’s advice by returning Israeli hostages and removing Hamas from power. In a video statement, Katz stated that Gazans could explore options, including relocating to other parts of the world, if they comply. Heavy Airstrikes and Rising Casualties The recent Israeli airstrikes, which marked the end of the ceasefire with Hamas, continued into Wednesday at a reduced intensity. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 436 people, including 183 children and 94 women, have been killed since Tuesday’s attacks, with another 678 wounded. IDF’s Justification for Military Actions The Israeli military claimed that its operations specifically target militants, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties due to its presence in densely populated areas. The IDF also stated that it struck multiple militant sites, including a Hamas battalion command center. One of the Deadliest Conflicts for Humanitarian Workers The ongoing war in Gaza, which saw a temporary halt in January due to an internationally mediated ceasefire, has been one of the deadliest conflicts for humanitarian workers, according to the United Nations. As tensions continue to escalate, the humanitarian crisis in the region remains dire.

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Rakesh Roshan Steps Down as Director of Krrish 4, Paving Way for a New Vision

In a major shift for the beloved Krrish franchise, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has officially stepped down as the director of Krrish 4. The decision marks the end of an era, as Roshan has helmed every installment of the franchise since its inception. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Roshan explained his decision, stating, “The day has to come when I have to pass on the baton. I should do it when I’m in my senses, so I can oversee the process and ensure it’s being done correctly. Tomorrow, if I’m not in my senses and I have to pass it on, I won’t know what they’re making.” Despite stepping away from the director’s chair, Roshan expressed no regrets, emphasizing that there is no guarantee of success even if he were to direct the film. “That chance we have to take. Also, there’s no guarantee that if Rakesh Roshan directs Krrish 4, it’ll be a blockbuster. It might be the other way round as well,” he added. Krrish 4 Faces Challenges Amid High Budget and Industry Shifts The Krrish franchise, which began with Koi Mil Gaya (2003), followed by Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013), has been one of Bollywood’s most successful superhero sagas. However, bringing Krrish 4 to life has proven to be a challenge due to rising production costs and evolving audience preferences. Reports suggest that Siddharth Anand, initially attached as a producer, was in talks to secure a studio for Krrish 4, which carries a massive Rs 700 crore budget. However, the long gap since the last installment and concerns about the film’s relevance in a post-Marvel era reportedly led to Anand and director Karan Malhotra exiting the project. With Rakesh Roshan stepping back, speculation is rife about who will take over as director. As the franchise navigates this transition, fans eagerly await further updates on Hrithik Roshan’s return as India’s iconic superhero.

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Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Tops Netflix, Dismisses Oscar Recognition

A week after its release on OTT, Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency has claimed the top spot on Netflix. The actor-turned-MP has been actively sharing fresh reactions and reviews for the film on her Instagram, celebrating its success. Among the many positive reviews, one viewer suggested that Emergency should be India’s official entry for the Oscars. However, Kangana dismissed the idea, calling the award “silly” and accusing America of being a bully that “suppresses and arm twists developing nations.” “#EmergencyOnNetflix should go for the Oscars from India. Kangana, what a film,” a social media user wrote. Kangana responded by saying, “But America wouldn’t like to acknowledge its real face, how they bully, suppress, and arm twist developing nations. It’s been exposed in Emergency. They can keep their silly Oscar. We have National Awards.” Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta Praises Emergency Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, known for his crime thrillers, admitted that he had “prejudged” Emergency but was pleasantly surprised by its execution. “Today I watched Emergency by @KanganaTeam. Very frankly, I wasn’t planning to as I had prejudged it. I am so glad that I was wrong. What a fantastic film by Kangana—both performance & direction. Top Notch & World Class,” Gupta wrote. Kangana appreciated the acknowledgment and encouraged the industry to move past its biases. She replied, “Film industry must come out of its hate and prejudices and acknowledge good work. Thanks for breaking that barrier, Sanjay ji. My message to all filmi intellectuals: never keep any notions about me. Mujhe samajhne ki koshish bhi mat karna, main pahunch se bahar hoon (Don’t try to figure me out, I am out of your reach).” Fans Praise Kangana’s Performance A viewer also praised Kangana’s performance in the film, suggesting it might be her best yet. Responding to this, she said, “People are calling my acting in Emergency amazing and my best ever. Could I surpass Queen, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Fashion, and Thalaivi? Watch Emergency and find out.” Emergency Tops Netflix India Since its release on Netflix last Friday, Emergency has dominated the streaming platform. As of Sunday evening, it remains the number one trending movie, surpassing Ajay Devgn’s Azaad and Naga Chaitanya-Sai Pallavi’s Thandel.

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