September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

ईरान-इस्राइल तनाव: मिसाइल हमलों के बीच आईडीएफ ने जनता से घरों में रहने की अपील की, इस्राइल का पलटवार शुरू

ईरान से शुक्रवार तड़के इस्राइल पर मिसाइलों की एक नई बौछार की गई, जिससे यरुशलम और तेल अवीव सहित कई प्रमुख शहरों में एयर रेड सायरन बजने लगे। इस्राइल डिफेंस फोर्स (IDF) ने पुष्टि की है कि ईरान की ओर से प्रक्षेपास्त्र दागे गए हैं और देश की वायु रक्षा प्रणालियाँ सक्रिय रूप से इन्हें रोकने में लगी हुई हैं। यरुशलम और तेल अवीव के ऊपर कई विस्फोटों की आवाजें सुनी गईं और स्थानीय मीडिया ने कम से कम चार जगहों पर मिसाइल गिरने की पुष्टि की है। बीयर शेवा स्थित सोरोका मेडिकल सेंटर को भी मिसाइल हमले से नुकसान पहुंचा है। इसके अलावा, तेल अवीव, रमात गन और होलोन में भी मिसाइल गिरने की खबरें हैं। IDF ने जनता से अपील की है कि वे “अगले आदेश तक” घरों के अंदर ही रहें और सुरक्षित स्थानों की शरण लें, क्योंकि रक्षात्मक अभियान अभी जारी है। इस हमले के जवाब में, इस्राइली सेना ने ईरान के अराक भारी जल (heavy-water) परमाणु रिएक्टर पर हमला किया है। यह रिएक्टर पश्चिमी शक्तियों के लिए लंबे समय से चिंता का विषय रहा है क्योंकि इससे प्लूटोनियम आधारित हथियार बनाए जा सकते हैं। Reuters ने ईरानी राज्य टीवी के हवाले से बताया कि इस्राइल द्वारा अराक-खोंदाब क्षेत्र में नागरिकों को खाली करने की चेतावनी देने के कुछ समय बाद ही यह हमला किया गया। इसके अलावा, इस्राइल ने लेबनान के लितानी क्षेत्र में हिजबुल्ला के वरिष्ठ तोपखाना कमांडर यासीन अब्दुल मोनीम एज्ज़ेदीन को मार गिराने का दावा किया है। आईडीएफ के प्रवक्ता अविचाय आडरी ने बताया कि एज्ज़ेदीन इस्राइल पर कई हमलों की योजना में शामिल था और हिजबुल्ला की तोपखाना क्षमताओं को पुनः स्थापित करने में प्रमुख भूमिका निभा रहा था। हिजबुल्ला की ओर से इस पर अभी कोई प्रतिक्रिया नहीं आई है।

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Editor01 mins

Air India Crash: 135 Victims Identified Through DNA; 101 Bodies Handed Over to Families

Five days after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 270 lives, officials have confirmed that 135 victims have been identified through DNA matching, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their families. Authorities are relying on DNA tests to establish identities, as many of the bodies were severely charred or mutilated. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, informed that of the 101 deceased handed over so far, five individuals were not passengers on the flight. These victims belonged to various regions, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Diu. Dr. Joshi expressed hope that DNA profiling of all victims would be completed by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The devastating crash occurred on June 12 at 1:39 pm when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 people on board, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, with only one passenger surviving. Additionally, 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, lost their lives in the incident.Five days after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 270 lives, officials have confirmed that 135 victims have been identified through DNA matching, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their families. Authorities are relying on DNA tests to establish identities, as many of the bodies were severely charred or mutilated. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Rakesh Joshi, informed that of the 101 deceased handed over so far, five individuals were not passengers on the flight. These victims belonged to various regions, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Diu. Dr. Joshi expressed hope that DNA profiling of all victims would be completed by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. The devastating crash occurred on June 12 at 1:39 pm when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 people on board, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, with only one passenger surviving. Additionally, 29 people on the ground, including five MBBS students, lost their lives in the incident.

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Editor03 mins

मध्य प्रदेश में मातृ मृत्यु दर घटी, लेकिन अब भी देश में सबसे अधिक — स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में व्यापक सुधार की जरूरत

भारत में मातृत्व स्वास्थ्य को लेकर जारी Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality (2020-22) में खुलासा हुआ है कि मध्य प्रदेश की मातृ मृत्यु दर (MMR) 2019-21 के 173 से घटकर अब 159 पर आ गई है। यह गिरावट राज्य के लिए सकारात्मक संकेत है, लेकिन चिंता की बात यह है कि देशभर में यह दर अब भी सबसे अधिक है — जबकि राष्ट्रीय औसत 88 है। गंभीर हालात और असमानताएं नमूना पंजीकरण प्रणाली (SRS) के आंकड़ों के अनुसार, मध्य प्रदेश की महिलाओं में जीवनकाल के दौरान मातृ मृत्यु का जोखिम 0.47% है — जो देश में सबसे अधिक है। साथ ही, राज्य की मातृ मृत्यु दर 14 प्रति लाख दर्ज की गई है। इन आंकड़ों से स्पष्ट है कि राज्य की महिलाओं को गर्भावस्था और प्रसव के दौरान अब भी गंभीर स्वास्थ्य जोखिमों का सामना करना पड़ता है। विशेषज्ञ मानते हैं कि यह केवल चिकित्सा नहीं, बल्कि सामाजिक व संरचनात्मक समस्याओं का भी परिणाम है। स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं की खामियां जन स्वास्थ्य अभियान इंडिया (JSAI) के प्रतिनिधि अमूल्य निधि के अनुसार, मध्य प्रदेश में मातृत्व स्वास्थ्य से जुड़े संकटों की जड़ें कई स्तरों पर फैली हैं। इनमें शामिल हैं: निधि ने यह भी रेखांकित किया कि मातृ मृत्यु की पारदर्शी ऑडिट प्रणाली की गैरमौजूदगी से हालात और जटिल हो जाते हैं। तत्काल रणनीतिक हस्तक्षेप की आवश्यकता विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि यदि अन्य राज्यों की तुलना में मध्य प्रदेश अब भी इतना पीछे है, तो यह केवल आँकड़ों का फर्क नहीं, बल्कि नीतियों की विफलता भी है। इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए आवश्यक कदमों में शामिल हैं: निष्कर्ष: राज्य सरकार को चाहिए कि वह मातृत्व स्वास्थ्य को प्राथमिकता देते हुए, योजनाओं को ज़मीनी हकीकत से जोड़े। अमूल्य निधि के अनुसार, इन सुधारों के बिना “बचाई जा सकने वाली मौतें” होती रहेंगी, जो किसी भी समाज के लिए स्वीकार्य नहीं हो सकतीं।

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Editor01 mins

IDF Apologises for Map Showing J&K as Part of Pakistan; Sparks Political Row in India Amid Israel-Iran Escalation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued a public apology after posting a map on social media that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The error sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from Indian users who flooded the IDF’s X (formerly Twitter) handle demanding the post be retracted. Acknowledging the mistake, the IDF stated: “This post is an illustration of the region. This map fails to precisely depict borders. We apologize for any offence caused by this image.” However, the clarification did little to quell political controversy in India. The Indian National Congress seized the moment to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his foreign policy strategy. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera posted on X, “Another day, another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap. His ‘friend’ shows Jammu & Kashmir as a part of Pakistan.” The post was seen as a diplomatic embarrassment, particularly given the close ties shared between PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017, marking a shift in Indo-Israeli relations with increased public displays of friendship and strategic cooperation. Rising Tensions: Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates Meanwhile, the diplomatic row coincides with a dangerous flare-up in the Middle East. Iran launched another wave of missile strikes on northern Israel early Saturday morning, triggering air-raid sirens and forcing civilians into shelters. This followed an earlier Iranian retaliation where over 100 drones were deployed in response to deadly overnight Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iranian soil under “Operation Rising Lion.” Among the casualties was Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, as reported by local media. The conflict has now evolved into a full-blown military escalation between the two regional powers, raising global concerns about wider instability in the Middle East. As both diplomatic and military tensions surge, the incident involving the IDF’s map serves as a reminder of how sensitive geopolitical borders remain — especially when amplified on the global stage through social media.

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Editor03 mins

Kunal Kamra Faces Breach of Privilege Motion Over Satirical Song Targeting Eknath Shinde

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is under scrutiny by the Maharashtra Legislative Council after a breach of privilege motion against him was admitted by Council Chairperson Ram Shinde. The motion has been forwarded to the Breach of Privilege Committee, chaired by BJP legislator Prasad Lad, which is expected to soon issue a notice to Kamra seeking his response. The controversy stems from a satirical song released by Kamra during the state legislature’s budget session in March, in which he alluded to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), referencing Shinde’s political split from the Shiv Sena. The song triggered protests in both Houses of the legislature, leading BJP MLC Pravin Darekar to move the motion on March 26, the final day of the session. Darekar alleged that Kamra had used derogatory language against a popular public figure, thereby breaching the privilege of the legislature. Despite the motion being submitted over two months ago, it was admitted only recently due to differences of opinion on the legal validity of such a move. An official from Vidhan Bhavan confirmed that the privilege panel is likely to meet before the upcoming monsoon session, during which it will consider Kamra’s case and issue a formal notice to him for his explanation. The delay in action was reportedly due to caution advised by the legislature’s legal wing, which referred to Supreme Court rulings, including the Sita Soren case, highlighting that breach of privilege motions are valid only if the alleged act obstructs legislators from discharging their duties. The legal cell expressed doubts over whether Kamra’s song met that threshold and suggested that the final decision be left to the committee. Interestingly, a similar motion in the Legislative Assembly moved by Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare was not admitted by the Speaker, reflecting divided opinions even within the legislature on whether Kamra’s actions constitute a true breach of privilege. Kamra, known for his politically charged satire, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. The outcome of the committee’s review will determine whether any formal censure or further legal action will follow.

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Editor04 mins

Iran-Israel Conflict Poses Major Economic Threats for India Amid Oil Price Surge and Trade Disruptions

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has sparked serious concerns for India’s economy, with analysts warning of a surge in oil import costs and significant disruptions to export routes. The situation worsened after Israel launched strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites early on Friday, June 13, prompting retaliatory drone attacks from Iran. Global oil prices surged by nearly 8% in just one day following the strikes, fueling fears of inflationary pressure in India, which imports over 80% of its crude oil requirements. Although India currently imports only minimal oil from Iran due to U.S. sanctions, the ripple effects of the conflict are expected to be far-reaching. Amit Kumar, Partner and Energy & Renewables Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, told that any disruption around the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil supply flows—could severely affect shipments from key Indian suppliers like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. “The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is likely to pose risks to oil supply… even if direct imports from Iran are minimal, global price spikes due to conflict will raise crude oil import costs,” Kumar said. Trade experts also warn that the conflict could affect India’s export logistics. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman of the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India, highlighted that tension in the Middle East could limit access to the Suez Canal and Red Sea shipping routes. “With the Suez route compromised, ships will have to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 15–20 days of travel time and increasing shipping costs by $500–$1,000 per container. This effectively means a 40–50% hike in export costs,” Chadha explained. Despite the initial spike in oil prices, some analysts believe the market may stabilize. Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics at Julius Baer, said, “This latest conflict eruption follows the usual pattern, with prices rising temporarily before returning to previous levels. The oil market remains resilient, with sufficient storage and spare capacity.” Meanwhile, the price of gold has also spiked, crossing ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, as investors seek safer assets amidst global turmoil. Amit Jain, co-founder of Ashika Global Family Office Services, noted this trend is not merely short-term. “In times of conflict and uncertainty, gold remains the go-to hedge… This is part of a broader uptrend fueled by central bank gold buying, weakening confidence in fiat currencies, and long-term inflation concerns,” he said. As tensions in the Middle East continue, India faces a dual challenge of managing rising import costs and safeguarding its export economy, all while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

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Editor04 mins

Assam CM Orders Shoot-at-Sight in Dhubri Amid Communal Tension Over Cow Head Incident

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday, June 13, 2025, issued a shoot-at-sight order in the communally sensitive Dhubri town following escalating tensions sparked by repeated acts of cow desecration near a Hanuman temple. The town, located approximately 290 km west of Guwahati, has witnessed heightened communal strain since June 8 — a day after Id-ul-Azha (Bakrid) — when a severed cow head was found outside the temple. Although initial tensions were defused through community dialogues, the situation worsened when another cow head was placed at the same spot the very next day, prompting the Chief Minister to take stern action. “I have ordered a shoot-at-sight in Dhubri if any kind of untoward situation happens. The order is applicable for any illegal activities, including stone-pelting,” Mr. Sarma said while addressing the media after visiting the area. The Chief Minister directed the police to immediately arrest all known criminals in the district and asserted that Dhubri had long been a target for fundamentalist elements from across the Bangladesh border. To maintain peace and order, central security forces have been deployed in sensitive zones. Mr. Sarma alleged that there is a deliberate and organised attempt to incite communal violence, citing the appearance of secessionist posters across Dhubri, including on an Army infrastructure, calling for the district to be made part of Bangladesh. The posters were allegedly signed by a group named Nabin Bangla. “This is a part of a larger campaign to disturb communal harmony and territorial integrity. A Bangladeshi force appears to be orchestrating these events,” he stated. He also pointed to a rising trend of cattle smuggling from West Bengal into Dhubri, indicating the involvement of a new criminal network. “We will investigate who is behind this racket,” the CM added. Dhubri has a Muslim-majority population — around 74% as per the 2011 Census — largely consisting of Bengali-speaking Muslims, adding a demographic dimension to the volatile atmosphere. The situation in Dhubri remains tense, with authorities on high alert and both state and central security forces working to prevent any escalation.

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Editor03 mins

US on High Alert Amid Fears of Unilateral Israeli Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

The United States is reportedly on heightened alert over escalating concerns that Israel may carry out a unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, especially if ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapse. According to a report, the Trump administration is worried that such a strike could occur without prior US consent, potentially plunging the already fragile Middle East into deeper chaos. Trump Moves to Protect US Personnel Amid these rising tensions, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would begin relocating US personnel out of volatile parts of the Middle East, particularly Iran, citing security risks. “It could be a dangerous place,” Trump said, emphasizing the unpredictability of the situation. The US State Department has approved the voluntary departure of personnel from Iraq, while the Pentagon is allowing military families to leave American bases across the region. Nuclear Talks at a Crossroads The increased security measures coincide with President Trump’s growing pessimism over reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran. The president reiterated his hardline stance, stating unequivocally, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” Efforts to revive a nuclear deal have stalled, and Trump has voiced frustration with Tehran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment — a key US demand. Israel Signals Readiness to Strike Concerns intensified after Axios reported last month that Israel is preparing for a rapid military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure if talks fail. Citing sources close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (nicknamed “Bibi”), the report claimed that Netanyahu is waiting for the moment when US-Israel alignment makes such a strike feasible. Trump has also threatened military action against Iran if negotiations break down. However, US intelligence officials are increasingly concerned that Israel may act independently, a move that could trigger Iranian retaliation and undermine Washington’s diplomatic efforts. Tehran Issues Direct Warning Iran has made it clear that it views any Israeli attack as a direct provocation by the United States, given Washington’s close support for Tel Aviv. On Wednesday, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any strike on Iran would provoke a response against US bases in the region, raising the stakes for American personnel and assets. Global Embassies on Alert In response to the rising threat level, the US has ordered embassies within potential Iranian strike range — including those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa — to activate emergency action committees and report back with risk mitigation plans. Voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait have also been approved. As a precautionary measure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio updated the US global travel advisory, stating: “On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.” With both Israel and Iran digging in and US diplomacy at a critical juncture, the possibility of a sudden escalation looms large. All eyes remain on the next steps from Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Washington.

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Editor05 mins

Elon Musk Expresses Regret Over Attacks on Trump Amid Escalating Feud

In a surprising turn, Elon Musk on Wednesday expressed regret over his recent social media outbursts targeting U.S. President Donald Trump, admitting that his posts “went too far.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote, “I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.” The apology comes after a week-long public spat between the tech billionaire and the President, which captured massive attention online. The conflict began when Musk heavily criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB)—calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would saddle Americans with unsustainable debt, potentially adding $3 trillion to the national deficit. Musk, who had previously endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and reportedly spent $288 million in support, also appeared alongside the President at several campaign events. Trump, in turn, named Musk to lead a task force aimed at downsizing the federal workforce and slashing government spending. However, tensions flared after Musk stepped down from his advisory role and openly denounced the OBBB. Trump retaliated, claiming, “Elon was wearing thin. I asked him to leave […] and he just went CRAZY!” The feud escalated when Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and tweeted unverified allegations linking Trump to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal—posts that he has since deleted. While Musk’s deletion of several inflammatory tweets suggested an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Trump showed no sign of backing down. Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned Musk of “very serious consequences” if he chose to support Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump also took aim at Musk’s businesses, threatening to cut off federal subsidies and contracts. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote. “I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it.” Despite Musk’s conciliatory statement, the fallout from this political and personal clash between the President and the world’s richest man remains uncertain.In a surprising turn, Elon Musk on Wednesday expressed regret over his recent social media outbursts targeting U.S. President Donald Trump, admitting that his posts “went too far.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk wrote, “I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far.” The apology comes after a week-long public spat between the tech billionaire and the President, which captured massive attention online. The conflict began when Musk heavily criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB)—calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would saddle Americans with unsustainable debt, potentially adding $3 trillion to the national deficit. Musk, who had previously endorsed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and reportedly spent $288 million in support, also appeared alongside the President at several campaign events. Trump, in turn, named Musk to lead a task force aimed at downsizing the federal workforce and slashing government spending. However, tensions flared after Musk stepped down from his advisory role and openly denounced the OBBB. Trump retaliated, claiming, “Elon was wearing thin. I asked him to leave […] and he just went CRAZY!” The feud escalated when Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and tweeted unverified allegations linking Trump to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal—posts that he has since deleted. While Musk’s deletion of several inflammatory tweets suggested an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Trump showed no sign of backing down. Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned Musk of “very serious consequences” if he chose to support Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump also took aim at Musk’s businesses, threatening to cut off federal subsidies and contracts. “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump wrote. “I was always surprised that Biden didn’t do it.” Despite Musk’s conciliatory statement, the fallout from this political and personal clash between the President and the world’s richest man remains uncertain.

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Editor07 mins

Chad Suspends Visas for U.S. Citizens in Retaliation to Trump’s Renewed Travel Ban

In a swift and symbolic act of diplomatic retaliation, Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby announced the suspension of visa issuance for U.S. citizens, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reimposition of a travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Chad. 🔴 What Happened? On Wednesday, Trump reinstated a controversial policy from his first presidential term, citing “deficient screening and vetting procedures” and refusal by certain nations to accept deported nationals. The 12 countries affected by the new ban are: The new ban also includes heightened restrictions on visitors from seven other nations and is set to take effect from Monday at 12:01 a.m. In response, President Deby declared via Facebook that Chad would invoke the principle of reciprocity and suspend U.S. visas, making it clear that while Chad lacks vast resources, “Chad has his dignity and pride.” 🌍 Regional Reactions: African nations—seven of which are included in the ban—are responding in varied ways: ⚖️ Diplomatic Fallout: This development threatens to deepen tensions between the U.S. and several African nations, at a time when global geopolitical alliances are shifting. Chad’s bold move underscores growing frustration in parts of the Global South over perceived unilateral and discriminatory visa policies. Analysts warn that the decision could affect military cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and regional diplomatic goodwill, especially in areas where U.S. presence or aid remains critical. ⏭️ What’s Next? The reciprocal visa suspension by Chad is currently indefinite, with no clear path to reversal unless the U.S. revisits or clarifies its policy. With diplomatic channels expected to be activated behind the scenes, attention will now turn to whether other affected nations will follow Chad’s lead—or opt for more conciliatory approaches like Sierra Leone. This incident once again highlights how visa policies can ripple far beyond immigration, shaping relationships, national pride, and international power dynamics.

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Editor04 mins
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