July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

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Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pony Operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah Dies a Hero, India Retaliates with Diplomatic Measures

In an act of extraordinary bravery, 30-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony operator from Hapatnard village in Anantnag, laid down his life while attempting to protect tourists during a brutal terror attack at the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Locally known as a “ponywallah,” Shah was ferrying tourists on horseback when the attack unfolded. Eyewitnesses and a survivor confirmed that Shah confronted one of the terrorists and attempted to disarm him, showing incredible courage under fire. He was shot three times in the chest and succumbed to his injuries on the spot. A Community Mourns, A Nation Salutes His funeral, held in his native village on April 23, saw hundreds of mourners, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who praised Shah’s courage and offered condolences to his grieving family. Shah was the sole breadwinner of his household, and his death has left a profound void. “Syed Adil Hussain Shah confronted terrorists to save others. His sacrifice won’t be forgotten,” said the Chief Minister, vowing support for the victims’ families. India’s Swift Diplomatic Retaliation In response to the attack, India launched a series of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan, accusing it of continued support for cross-border terrorism: These steps mark a significant escalation in India’s response to terror attacks and underline a growing zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism and its enablers.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War Likely to Avoid Clash with Toxic; Film Delayed to Mid-2026

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-anticipated film Love And War will reportedly not be releasing in March 2026 as originally planned. According to a trade source quoted by Bollywood Hungama, the film’s schedule has faced delays from Bhansali’s end, pushing the expected release to mid-2026. Production Delay and Budget Restructuring The source revealed that while the shoot began on time, the timeline was disrupted due to budgetary constraints. “The film was to conclude by November 2025, but as per the newest chalked schedule, SLB is now looking to finish the film by February 2026,” the insider said. Bhansali, who is self-financing the period drama, reportedly paused production temporarily to restructure the budget and secure adequate funding. “It’s a period film and needs the right costing to make things work. SLB has now procured the required funds and is restarting the shoot sans a delay of 2 months,” the source added. Clash with Toxic Averted With Love And War shifting its release window, a potential box office clash with Yash and Nayanthara’s Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups—which is slated for March 2026—has now been averted. Trade circles had speculated that the two big-ticket films might impact each other’s performance had they released simultaneously. New Release Date Under Discussion Although an official announcement is still awaited, industry insiders suggest that Love And War will now aim for a mid-2026 release. A final decision on the release date is expected once the revised production schedule is firmly in place. Starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, Love And War has been one of the most talked-about films of the year, especially since it marks Bhansali’s return to the big screen after Gangubai Kathiawadi.

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Boycott Calls Intensify Against Abir Gulaal Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The upcoming film Abir Gulaal, starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor, has come under intense scrutiny in the wake of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives. The incident has led to mounting calls for a boycott of the film, with many questioning the timing and casting choices amid strained Indo-Pak diplomatic relations. A Cross-Border Love Story Amid Cross-Border Tensions Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is scheduled to hit theatres on May 9. Billed as a romantic drama exploring a cross-border love story, the film was already a subject of controversy at the time of its announcement, primarily due to the inclusion of Fawad Khan—a Pakistani national—as its male lead. With tensions between India and Pakistan heightened once again following the Pahalgam attack, the outrage surrounding the film has grown significantly. Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash The attack has reignited public anger, particularly on social media platforms, where many users have condemned the Indian film industry’s continued collaboration with Pakistani artists. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration, writing, “Why are Pakistani artists still being welcomed in Indian cinema while our soldiers are being martyred at the borders and innocent lives are being lost?” Another asked, “Are we still going to allow movies like Abir Gulaal to be made?” Parallels with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil The controversy has drawn parallels to the backlash faced by Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in 2016, which also featured Fawad Khan. That film was released shortly after the Uri terror attack and faced nationwide protests, ultimately leading to an informal ban on Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment. One X user recalled, “Last time it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil… more than a month before its release, the Uri attack happened.” Political Opposition from MNS In a more organized response, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has voiced strong objections to the release of Abir Gulaal in Maharashtra. The party has consistently opposed the involvement of Pakistani talent in Indian cinema, citing national sentiment and security concerns. Makers Stand Firm on Release Despite growing public and political pressure, the makers of Abir Gulaal have decided to proceed with the planned May 9 release. Whether the film will face disruptions in certain states or a larger nationwide impact due to the boycott calls remains to be seen. For now, Abir Gulaal continues to dominate headlines—not for its story or performances, but for the controversy it has stirred.

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Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi to Star in Legal Drama Inspired by Landmark Shah Bano Case

Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi are set to headline a powerful courtroom drama inspired by the historic 1985 Shah Bano vs Ahmed Khan case. The film, which marks the 40th anniversary of the landmark judgment, recently completed its shoot and is slated for a theatrical release in October or November 2025. The story draws from the real-life legal battle of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman who courageously challenged her husband — a lawyer himself — in a case that significantly shaped India’s constitutional and social fabric. It delves into Shah Bano’s relentless fight for justice and women’s rights in the face of financial hardship, societal pressure, and religious conservatism. Her case highlighted the tension between religion, individual rights, and gender justice, and became a cornerstone in the debate over Muslim personal law in India. Yami Gautam plays the central role, inspired by Shah Bano, while Emraan Hashmi portrays her husband, a character based on Ahmed Khan. The film underscores the social and legal impact of Shah Bano’s fight, which continues to influence jurisprudence and women’s rights movements across communities in India. Directed by Suparn S Verma, known for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain starring Manoj Bajpayee, the film has been shot across various locations in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh. Backed by a compelling real-life narrative and powerful performances, the movie aims to bring one of India’s most significant legal battles back into public conversation — a story that still resonates in law schools and among rights advocates nationwide.

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Indian Army Foils Infiltration Bid in Baramulla Hours After Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack

Just hours after Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent memory at Pahalgam, the Indian Army successfully foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla district on Wednesday, April 23. At least two terrorists were neutralized during the encounter that ensued after they were intercepted by alert security forces. According to an official statement by the Indian Army, a group of approximately two to three unidentified terrorists attempted to infiltrate Indian territory through the Uri Nala area in the Sarjeevan sector of Baramulla. The troops deployed along the LoC immediately challenged them, leading to a firefight. The ongoing operation, named Operation Tikka, is still in progress. The army confirmed the developments via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating: “On 23 Apr 2025, approximately 2-3 UI terrorists tried to infiltrate through general area Sarjeevan at Uri Nala, Baramulla. The alert troops on LC challenged and intercepted them, resulting in a firefight. Operation is in progress.” This military action followed closely on the heels of a horrific terror attack that shook southern Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday. In that incident, at least 26 tourists, including two foreign nationals, were killed when terrorists linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire at the popular tourist destination of Baisaran valley. Several others were injured in the gruesome assault. Government sources have revealed that an estimated four to six terrorists are still believed to be hiding in the forested hills surrounding Pahalgam. A large-scale search operation is currently underway to track them down. In response to the escalating security situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday. Upon arrival, he held a high-level briefing at the airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the evolving situation. Expressing grief and condemnation, the Prime Minister wrote on X: “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.” Security across the Union Territory has been tightened, and vigil has been stepped up at sensitive points and tourist locations to prevent any further incidents.

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LeT Terror Attack in Pahalgam Targets Hindu Tourists, Claims 26 Lives

In a horrifying act of violence, four terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) carried out a targeted attack on Hindu tourists in the popular Baisaran meadows area—commonly known as Maggi Point or Mini Switzerland—in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles loaded with armor-piercing steel-tipped bullets and equipped with body cameras, selectively identified and shot Hindu men among the tourists, killing 26 people in a brutal 15-minute assault. Two of the assailants have been identified as local residents: Aadil Thakur from Bijbehara and Aasif Sheikh from Tral. The remaining two are believed to be Pakistani nationals of Pashtun origin. Despite The Resistance Front (TRF) claiming responsibility for the massacre, security officials confirmed that TRF is merely a façade for LeT, created to portray such operations as indigenous militant activity. Initial intelligence suggests that the terrorists had arrived in the area days prior, with their original target being a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Katra on April 19—a visit that was ultimately cancelled. Officials ruled out speculation that the attack was aimed at intelligence operatives, although one staff member from the Intelligence Bureau on holiday with his family was among the victims. Eyewitness accounts and security sources revealed that the attackers first questioned the tourists, separating the Hindu men based on names and other identifying markers. While some individuals tried to conceal their religious identities, the terrorists confirmed their suspicions before opening fire. Women and children were deliberately spared and moved aside. Shell casings recovered from the site indicate the use of AK-47s and armor-piercing rounds. Authorities believe the group may have included additional members acting as lookouts, as such teams typically operate in groups of up to six. Security forces have since launched an extensive manhunt, deploying special forces to track down the perpetrators. While intelligence agencies had previously issued alerts about terrorist movement in the area, the threat was reportedly dismissed as part of routine warnings issued ahead of high-profile events. Critics have questioned the lack of security presence in the area, especially given the heavy tourist footfall during the ongoing tourism season. Officials responded by saying that a security-heavy environment was deliberately avoided to maintain a perception of safety for visitors, as overt militarization could harm the region’s tourism-dependent economy. The attack has sparked national outrage and is being seen as a major security lapse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, cut short his visit and returned to New Delhi, where he immediately reviewed the security situation at the technical area of the airport.

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Epic Action Sequence in Ramayan Featuring Kunal Kapoor and Yash

The highly anticipated epic adaptation of the Ramayan, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, continues to escalate in grandeur with new developments. Kunal Kapoor, who plays Lord Indra, is set to engage in a monumental action sequence opposite Yash, who portrays the mighty Raavan. This intense showdown marks a pivotal moment in Raavan’s quest for dominance after he gains near-immortality through penance. Key Highlights of the Battle: The Bigger Picture: Cast: Release and Expectations: The film, which is already in production, promises to be a visual spectacle with a strong narrative and intense performances from its cast. Fans can look forward to a larger-than-life adaptation with the battle between Lord Indra and Raavan shaping up to be one of its most thrilling sequences. This adaptation of Ramayan is already creating significant buzz and is expected to offer a fresh perspective on the classic epic, combining mythology with high-action cinematic appeal.

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RBI Eases Liquidity Coverage Ratio Norms: Major Relief for Banks, Boost to Credit Growth

In a significant move to strengthen the liquidity resilience of Indian banks without stifling their credit potential, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its final guidelines on Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), bringing notable relaxations. The new framework, effective from April 1, 2026, is expected to free up a substantial amount of capital and support credit expansion. 🔑 Key Changes in LCR Norms 🧾 What is LCR and Why It Matters? LCR mandates banks to maintain a sufficient stock of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), like government securities, to survive a hypothetical 30-day liquidity crisis. The intent is to safeguard against unexpected deposit withdrawals, such as what led to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in the US. 📉 Why This Move Matters for Banks 🧠 RBI’s View “These measures will enhance the liquidity resilience of banks in India and further align the guidelines with global standards in a non-disruptive manner,”— RBI statement.

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Saif Ali Khan and Priyadarshan to Collaborate for the First Time in Upcoming Thriller

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is all set for a thrilling new collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan. Known for directing popular franchises like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan will helm the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Oppam. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Saif confirmed the exciting news, revealing that he will be playing the role of a blind protagonist in the film. “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting,” Saif shared. This collaboration marks the first time the two industry veterans will work together, despite their long careers in entertainment. The original film Oppam featured renowned actor Mohanlal in the lead role, and Saif will now take on that character in the Hindi remake. Additionally, Bobby Deol is rumored to play the lead antagonist in the film, adding to the anticipation around this thrilling new project. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of the visually challenged protagonist in this unique film.

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Kristen Stewart Marries Dylan Meyer in Intimate Ceremony in Los Angeles

Kristen Stewart, the star of Twilight, has tied the knot with her longtime partner, screenwriter Dylan Meyer, in an intimate wedding ceremony. The couple, who had been engaged for over three years, exchanged vows on Easter Sunday, April 20, in Los Angeles, surrounded by their close friends and family, including actor Ashley Benson. The ceremony followed their marriage license acquisition earlier that week. Kristen, 35, and Dylan, 37, took the big leap in a personal celebration at their Los Angeles home. Photos from the event were shared by TMZ, showcasing the couple in their unique wedding attire. Kristen donned a chic two-piece ensemble, while Dylan opted for a sheer white top paired with a gold skirt. The guest list included a few familiar faces, such as Ashley Benson and her husband Brandon Davis, but the couple’s team has yet to comment on the wedding reports. A Timeline of Their Relationship Kristen and Dylan first crossed paths “years ago” while working on a movie, but they didn’t reconnect until a friend’s birthday party six years later. Romance rumors began circulating in August 2019, and by October of that year, the couple made their relationship Instagram official. They got engaged in 2021, with Kristen playfully revealing during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show that Dylan was the one who proposed. Kristen joked that the proposal was a surprise, as they didn’t adhere to traditional gender roles, adding that it was “so cute” when Dylan made the first move. The couple’s nuptials mark a beautiful and personal milestone in their relationship, officially making them a married couple after years of love and commitment.

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