September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

Canadian PM Mark Carney Defends Modi’s G7 Invite Amid Ongoing Murder Probe, Sparks Backlash from Sikh Community

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended his controversial decision to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, despite ongoing investigations linking the Indian government to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Carney, speaking to reporters on Friday, avoided directly addressing questions about whether he believed Modi had any involvement in Nijjar’s killing. “There is a legal process that is literally under way and quite advanced in Canada, and it’s never appropriate to make comments with respect to those legal processes,” he said. The murder of Nijjar, a prominent Sikh separatist leader, in Surrey, British Columbia, sent shockwaves through the Indo-Canadian community and strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. Four Indian nationals living in Canada have been charged in connection with the June 2023 killing, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have concluded that the operation was directed by “the highest levels” of the Indian government. Despite these developments, Carney emphasized India’s global significance as a rationale for the invitation. “India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, the most populous country, and central to supply chains. It is essential to engage with its leadership on critical issues such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals,” he explained. He confirmed that Modi had accepted the invitation and would attend the G7 summit, scheduled for June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. In response, Prime Minister Modi issued a diplomatic statement, expressing optimism about future ties. “As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada will work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests. Look forward to our meeting at the summit,” he said. However, Carney’s move has triggered intense backlash from the World Sikh Organization (WSO) and other advocacy groups. WSO President Danish Singh called the invitation “a betrayal of core Canadian values.” He criticized the government for offering Modi a red-carpet welcome while India continues to deny involvement in Nijjar’s murder and refuses to fully cooperate with Canadian investigators. “For Sikhs in Canada, this is a betrayal, not just of our community, but of Canadian justice. We would never extend such hospitality to leaders from Russia, China, or Iran under similar allegations,” Singh said. Last year, both countries expelled senior diplomats over the murder case, with Canadian law enforcement also linking India to gang violence and foreign interference activities within Canada. Carney’s invitation to Modi comes as his newly elected government seeks to repair strained relations with other international partners. On Thursday, he held a call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both sides agreed to “regularize channels of communication” after ongoing trade disputes caused significant losses, particularly in seafood, EVs, and agricultural goods. Carney is also working to mend ties with the United States. Ongoing negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration aim to end a trade war that has seen steep tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed that Carney is in “deep, deep discussions” with Trump’s team — a development echoed by Canada’s industry minister. While the government continues to prioritize diplomacy and economic cooperation, critics argue that principles of justice and sovereignty are being compromised. As the G7 summit approaches, pressure is mounting on Carney to clarify Canada’s position on human rights and foreign interference — and whether such considerations truly guide its foreign policy decisions.

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Editor06 mins

Russia Launches Massive Retaliatory Strikes After Ukraine Hits Nuclear-Capable Bombers

Just days after Ukraine successfully targeted more than a third of Russia’s nuclear-capable bombers, Moscow has launched one of its most extensive assaults since the war began. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia fired over 400 drones and 40 missiles in a sweeping overnight attack that impacted at least nine regions, including Kyiv, Lviv, Lutsk, Sumy, and Chernihiv. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed the strikes were in response to what it called Kyiv’s “terrorist acts,” referring to Ukraine’s earlier strikes on key military assets inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the scale of the retaliation, calling it “one of the largest attacks since the beginning of the war.” He reported that 80 people were injured and that the attacks were widespread across the country, from western regions like Lviv to northeastern territories such as Sumy. Tragically, the Ukrainian State Emergency Service reported multiple casualties from the barrage, including three firefighters killed in Kyiv, two civilians in Lutsk, and one person in Chernihiv. The intense escalation follows Ukraine’s successful strike against Russian airfields, which reportedly damaged or destroyed a significant number of nuclear-capable strategic bombers—a critical part of Moscow’s long-range strike capability. Many in Ukraine saw the strike as a symbolic victory, though they were braced for inevitable retaliation. Following Friday’s assault, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, warned that Russia would be “forced to respond” to Kyiv’s aggressive operations. While it is unclear if this latest assault constitutes the full scope of Russia’s retaliation, concerns are growing that Putin could escalate the conflict even further. Despite the scale and devastation of the attacks, Ukrainian morale remains high. In the capital Kyiv, residents expressed continued faith in their military. “It didn’t break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces,” said Olha, a 39-year-old resident of Kyiv. The strikes mark a new phase in the war, with both sides increasingly targeting strategic and symbolic assets in an intensifying cycle of escalation. The international community is now watching closely to see whether diplomatic channels will reopen—or whether the conflict is on the verge of further intensification.

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Editor04 mins

राहुल गांधी का आरोप: “महाराष्ट्र चुनाव 2024 में बीजेपी ने लोकतंत्र को हाइजैक किया”

कांग्रेस नेता राहुल गांधी ने 2024 के नवंबर में हुए महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनावों को लेकर भारतीय जनता पार्टी (BJP) पर गंभीर आरोप लगाए हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि इन चुनावों में बीजेपी ने “मैच फिक्सिंग” करके लोकतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया को कमजोर किया और सत्ता हासिल की। बीजेपी, एकनाथ शिंदे की शिवसेना और अजीत पवार की एनसीपी वाली ‘महायुति’ गठबंधन ने कुल 288 में से 235 सीटें जीतकर राज्य के इतिहास की सबसे बड़ी जीत दर्ज की। बीजेपी अकेले 132 सीटों के साथ सबसे बड़ी पार्टी बनकर उभरी। राहुल गांधी ने एक लेख और सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट के ज़रिए बीजेपी पर “चुनाव चुराने” का आरोप लगाते हुए पांच-चरणीय साजिश का ज़िक्र किया। उन्होंने इसे “चुनाव में धांधली का ब्लूप्रिंट” बताया। राहुल गांधी द्वारा बताए गए पांच कदम: राहुल गांधी ने अपने लेख में लिखा, “यह मामूली स्तर की धोखाधड़ी नहीं, बल्कि एक औद्योगिक पैमाने पर की गई साजिश है जिसमें हमारे राष्ट्रीय संस्थानों को कब्ज़े में लिया गया है।” चुनाव आयोग की नियुक्ति पर विवादगांधी ने 2023 में केंद्र द्वारा पारित Election Commissioners Appointment Act पर सवाल उठाया, जिसमें चयन समिति से भारत के मुख्य न्यायाधीश को हटाकर एक केंद्रीय मंत्री को शामिल किया गया। उन्होंने कहा कि इससे निष्पक्षता खत्म हो गई और कार्यपालिका को अनुचित लाभ मिला। वोटर लिस्ट में अचानक वृद्धि पर सवालराहुल गांधी ने दावा किया कि 2019 के महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनावों में मतदाता संख्या 8.98 करोड़ थी, जो 2024 लोकसभा चुनावों में बढ़कर 9.29 करोड़ हुई। लेकिन केवल पांच महीनों में यह आंकड़ा बढ़कर 9.70 करोड़ पहुंच गया। उन्होंने इस वृद्धि को ‘संदिग्ध’ बताया और कहा कि इससे फर्जीवाड़े का अंदेशा होता है। बीजेपी प्रवक्ता तुहिन सिन्हा ने राहुल गांधी के आरोपों को “शर्मनाक और निराधार” बताया। उन्होंने कहा, “राहुल गांधी बार-बार हमारे संवैधानिक संस्थानों को बदनाम करने की कोशिश करते हैं। चुनाव आयोग ने हर बार इन विषयों पर विस्तार से सफाई दी है।” चुनाव आयोग की सफाईचुनाव आयोग ने कहा कि वोटर लिस्ट में वृद्धि युवाओं की बढ़ती भागीदारी और मतदाता जागरूकता अभियान का परिणाम है। लेकिन राहुल गांधी ने इसे भी ‘बयानबाज़ी’ करार दिया और कहा कि इसमें कोई पारदर्शिता नहीं है। विपक्ष की स्थितिविपक्षी महा विकास अघाड़ी (MVA)—जिसमें कांग्रेस, उद्धव ठाकरे की शिवसेना (UBT) और शरद पवार की एनसीपी (SP) शामिल थीं—सिर्फ 50 सीटें ही जीत पाईं। यह उन नेताओं के लिए एक बड़ा झटका रहा, जिन्होंने हाल ही में अपने-अपने दल और चुनाव चिह्न गंवाए थे। निष्कर्ष:राहुल गांधी के आरोप महाराष्ट्र चुनाव परिणामों को लेकर नई बहस छेड़ते हैं। उन्होंने चुनावी संस्थाओं की निष्पक्षता पर सवाल उठाए हैं, वहीं बीजेपी और चुनाव आयोग ने इन आरोपों को खारिज किया है। आगामी समय में यह मुद्दा संसद से लेकर अदालत तक गूंज सकता है।

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Editor01 mins

DGCA Flags Major Safety Violations by Turkish Airlines Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a strong warning to Turkish Airlines after uncovering a series of serious safety violations during surprise inspections carried out at major Indian airports. According to a statement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the inspections were conducted between May 29 and June 2 at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru airports under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO), which authorizes oversight of foreign carriers operating within national airspace. One of the most alarming findings was at Bengaluru Airport, where DGCA inspectors found that an untrained marshaller — who lacked the mandatory competency card — was guiding aircraft on the ground. This role is critical to preventing runway accidents and collisions during taxiing operations. In another violation, a Turkish Airlines aircraft was serviced by a technician instead of a certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) during arrival checks. The authorised maintenance partner, Airworks, was not present at the time of inspection, signaling a serious lapse in protocol. The airline’s cargo operations were also found to be in violation of safety norms. Turkish Airlines was reportedly transporting dangerous goods, including explosives, without required DGCA permissions. Inspectors noted that several mandatory safety documents were either incomplete or missing, further raising red flags about the airline’s procedural compliance. At Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, ground handling operations were found to be operating without a formal Service-Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its local partner, Globe Ground India. In addition, essential ground support equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and power units were being used without proper documentation, leaving room for accountability and safety gaps. In response, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to implement immediate corrective measures and has warned of continued oversight through follow-up inspections to ensure full compliance with both Indian and international aviation safety standards. These regulatory findings come at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between India and Turkey. Ankara’s recent expression of support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has sparked outrage in India, exacerbating already strained bilateral ties. While the safety violations are technically unrelated to diplomatic affairs, the timing of the revelations has intensified scrutiny of Turkish entities operating in India. The developments place Turkish Airlines — one of the major international carriers operating in India — under a spotlight of regulatory and public attention, and underscore the DGCA’s commitment to enforcing safety compliance across all carriers, domestic and foreign.

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Editor04 mins

एलन मस्क ने ट्रंप के बजट बिल को बताया “घिनौना विधेयक”, कहा – अमेरिका को दिवालिया बना रहा है यह कानून

अमेरिकी अरबपति और उद्यमी एलन मस्क ने एक बार फिर पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रंप की सरकार के बजट विधेयक One Big Beautiful Bill पर तीखा हमला बोला है। हाल ही में ट्रंप प्रशासन में अपनी विशेष सरकारी सलाहकार की भूमिका से हटने के कुछ ही दिनों बाद, मस्क ने सोशल मीडिया पर इस विधेयक को “घिनौना और अपमानजनक” करार दिया। मस्क ने पोस्ट करते हुए लिखा: “माफ कीजिए, लेकिन अब और बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता। यह विशाल, बेहिसाब और भ्रष्टाचार-भरा बजट विधेयक एक घिनौनी अबॉमिनेशन है। जिन्होंने इसके पक्ष में वोट किया, उन्हें शर्म आनी चाहिए — आप जानते हैं आपने गलत किया है।” उन्होंने आरोप लगाया कि इस बिल में की गई खर्च की घोषणाएं और कर कटौती अमेरिका के पहले से ही विकराल बजट घाटे को और बढ़ा देंगी। 🔴 क्या है One Big Beautiful Bill? यह विधेयक: मस्क ने लिखा, “यह बिल बजट घाटे को $2.5 ट्रिलियन तक बढ़ा देगा और अमेरिकी नागरिकों को असहनीय कर्ज में डुबो देगा। कांग्रेस अमेरिका को दिवालिया बना रही है।” 🔵 राजनीतिक प्रतिक्रियाएं इस बिल को 22 मई को 215-214 मतों से हाउस ऑफ रिप्रेजेंटेटिव्स में पारित किया गया। थॉमस मैसी ने मस्क की आलोचना का समर्थन किया और पोस्ट किया, “वह सही कह रहे हैं।”मस्क ने भी जवाब में कहा, “यह विरोध केवल गणित पर आधारित है।” 🟡 ट्रंप प्रशासन में मस्क की भूमिका जनवरी 2025 में ट्रंप के दोबारा राष्ट्रपति बनने के बाद, एलन मस्क को विशेष सलाहकार के तौर पर Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) का नेतृत्व सौंपा गया था — जिसका उद्देश्य संघीय तंत्र में “बर्बादी” को खत्म करना था।मस्क पिछले सप्ताह इस पद से हट गए, और तभी से खुलकर ट्रंप प्रशासन की नीतियों पर निशाना साध रहे हैं। उन्होंने आगामी 2026 मध्यावधि चुनावों को लेकर मतदाताओं से अपील की: “हर उस राजनेता को बाहर करें जिसने अमेरिकी जनता के साथ विश्वासघात किया है।” ✅ निष्कर्ष एलन मस्क का यह आक्रामक रुख बताता है कि अमेरिका के भीतर ही नहीं, बल्कि रिपब्लिकन पार्टी के भीतर भी ट्रंप की नीतियों को लेकर गंभीर मतभेद और दरारें हैं। अब सबकी निगाहें सीनेट पर हैं — जहां यह तय होगा कि यह विवादास्पद बजट विधेयक कानून बनेगा या रुक जाएगा।

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Editor01 mins

Zelenskyy Vows Continued Drone Attacks Unless Russia Halts Offensive Amid Istanbul Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia will persist unless Moscow ends its military offensive. Speaking to reporters after the latest round of US-brokered peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, Zelenskyy praised a recent drone strike targeting Russia’s strategic bomber fleet as a “strategic operation” that weakened Russian military capabilities. The attack occurred just a day before the talks. “This is happening on a daily basis,” Zelenskyy said, referring to Russia’s ongoing assaults, including a recent overnight attack involving more than 480 drones. “Unless they will stop, we will continue.” When asked whether the drone campaign might shift the war’s dynamics or provoke Russia, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine was not concerned about Russia being “enraged,” noting that Moscow continues its attacks regardless. Zelenskyy also commented on the role of the United States in the peace process, calling for “very strong steps” from President Trump to support sanctions and pressure President Putin to stop the war or at least initiate a ceasefire. Monday’s meeting in Istanbul, held at the Ciragan Palace, marked the first direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian delegations since May 2022. The talks lasted just over an hour. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that both sides agreed to exchange all severely wounded and ill prisoners of war, as well as the bodies of thousands of fallen soldiers. Discussions also touched on the possibility of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine is pushing for a 30-day ceasefire to create space for peace negotiations. However, Russia has rejected the proposal, with President Putin maintaining the same broad war objectives he declared at the outset of the invasion.

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Editor03 mins

U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate as Beijing Accuses Washington of Breaching Truce

The already fraught U.S.-China trade relationship has taken a fresh downturn, with China’s Commerce Ministry accusing the United States of “provoking new economic and trade frictions.” This follows former President Donald Trump’s explosive claim that Beijing had “totally violated” the recent trade truce reached in Geneva. China: U.S. Actions Undermining Stability In a statement carried by CNN, the Chinese Commerce Ministry rebuked Washington for escalating tensions: “The United States has been unilaterally provoking new economic and trade frictions, exacerbating the uncertainty and instability of bilateral economic and trade relations.” The Ministry warned of potential retaliation if the U.S. continues what it called a campaign of economic provocation: “If the United States insists on its own way and continues to undermine China’s interests, China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” Trump Fires Back: “So Much for Being Mr. Nice Guy” The latest row was triggered by a post from Donald Trump on his platform Truth Social, where he claimed: “China had TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US.” Trump said he had made a quick deal in Geneva last month “to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation,” implying the U.S. had exercised restraint. He concluded with a jab: “So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” Rare Earth Exports at the Heart of the Dispute A central point of contention is China’s continued export controls on rare earth minerals, which are vital for a range of technologies—from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced U.S. military equipment. The Geneva truce had included China’s commitment to suspend non-tariff retaliatory measures, yet these critical mineral restrictions remain in place. U.S. Treasury Responds U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, hinted at uncertainty surrounding Beijing’s actions: “Maybe it’s a glitch in the Chinese system, maybe it’s intentional,” referring to the rare earth restrictions. Bessent also suggested that a direct call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be scheduled soon in an effort to defuse tensions.

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Editor04 mins

Trump Doubles Down on US Steel Tariffs, Impact Looms on Indian Steel Exports

US President Donald Trump announced at US Steel’s Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant in Pittsburgh that he is doubling tariffs on imported steel to protect the domestic steel industry. The current 25% duty on steel imports will increase further, effective June 8, 2025. Trump also stated aluminum tariffs will rise to 50%. Key Takeaway The US steel tariff hike poses a significant risk to India’s steel export growth, especially as the US is a major market. Coupled with India’s net importer status and rising domestic imports, the steel sector faces challenges both internationally and at home.

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Editor03 mins

Political Storm in Bengal: Personal Jibes, Sindoor Controversy, and Decline of Political Discourse

The controversy began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Alipurduar, where he sharply criticised the West Bengal government without naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Mamata responded at a press conference with a personal jibe targeting Modi’s wife, saying:“You are not every woman’s husband… why don’t you give sindoor to your Missus first?”Realizing the comment was inappropriate, she apologized, blaming Modi for provoking her. BJP’s Retaliation and Escalation Sindoor Incident in Hooghly Criticism and Concerns Larger Implications: Decline of Political Culture in Bengal Summary This episode illustrates a deepening political toxicity in West Bengal, where political rivalry has slipped into personal vendettas and symbolic provocations, such as the misuse of sindoor. It highlights urgent questions about the health of political culture and democracy in the state and the growing appetite for sensationalism over substantive governance.

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Editor04 mins

Trump Bids Farewell to Elon Musk in Oval Office as DOGE Tenure Ends

President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk in the Oval Office on Friday, May 31, 2025, marking the end of Musk’s controversial yet high-profile stint leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The billionaire entrepreneur is stepping away from government service to refocus on his companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X. During the ceremony, President Trump praised Musk for ushering in a “colossal change in the old ways of doing business in Washington.” He credited Musk with cutting numerous federal contracts and reshaping the bureaucracy, though some of Musk’s team members will remain within the administration. Dressed in all black and wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “The Dogefather,” Musk accepted a ceremonial key from the president and expressed his ongoing support. “I think the DOGE team is doing an incredible job,” he said. “They’re going to continue to be doing an incredible job.” Musk’s tenure left a polarizing legacy. While he achieved deep cuts across federal agencies, including significant reductions at USAID—leading researchers at Boston University to estimate that hundreds of thousands may have died due to the loss of humanitarian aid—he fell short of his bold financial promises. Initially vowing to slash $1–2 trillion in federal spending, Musk later revised the goal to $150 billion. The DOGE website currently claims $175 billion in savings, though its accuracy has been questioned. Despite the mixed results, Trump hailed Musk’s efforts as “the most sweeping and consequential government reform effort in generations” and hinted that Musk’s influence would persist. “He’s really not leaving,” Trump said, suggesting Musk would continue to advise the administration informally. Notably, Musk appeared with a bruise near his right eye, which he attributed to playful roughhousing with his young son. “I said, go ahead, punch me in the face. And he did,” Musk told reporters. The world’s richest man and Trump’s top donor in the 2024 presidential election, Musk recently stated he would scale back political donations. While his government role was always intended to be temporary, Musk had mused about staying on part-time. He has remained optimistic about DOGE’s future without him, calling it “a way of life—like Buddhism.” In a social media post the evening before the farewell, Trump summed up his admiration: “This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way. Elon is terrific!”

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Editor04 mins
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