September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

Trump Calls for “Total Reset” in US-China Trade Relations After Geneva Talks

Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday called for a “total reset” in his country’s strained trade ties with China, following high-level discussions between US and Chinese officials in Geneva aimed at de-escalating tensions stemming from a recent tariff standoff. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: “A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner. We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business. GREAT PROGRESS MADE.” Trump emphasized the need for greater access to Chinese markets for American companies, signaling his intent to reshape the trade dynamics between the two global giants. The Geneva meetings marked the first formal negotiations since Trump imposed steep new tariffs on Chinese imports last month, triggering a new wave in the ongoing US-China trade war. The talks, held behind closed doors at the Swiss ambassador’s residence near Lake Geneva, involved US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. According to a commentary by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, the meetings were described as an “important step” toward resolving trade tensions. Discussions are expected to continue through the weekend. The trade dispute has led to the US imposing tariffs totaling 145 percent on Chinese goods, with some specific items taxed as high as 245 percent. China retaliated with 125 percent tariffs on American products. Trump, however, suggested he may be open to adjustments, remarking on social media that “80 percent levies on China seem right”, hinting at a potential softening. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed this sentiment on Fox News, saying the administration was interested in de-escalating tensions. However, Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that any tariff rollback would not be unilateral, emphasizing that China must first offer concrete concessions. The Geneva summit has opened a potential path forward, but the road to a comprehensive trade agreement remains fraught with economic and geopolitical challenges.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Congress Demands Special Parliament Session on Ceasefire, Operation Sindoor; Questions Modi Government on Third-Party Mediation

On Sunday, the Indian National Congress called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting and hold a special session of Parliament to deliberate on the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the Pahalgam terror attack, and Operation Sindoor—India’s counter-offensive response. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge wrote directly to the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for a transparent and national-level discussion on the chain of events that unfolded over the past week. “It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and today’s ceasefire, first announced by US President Trump,” Rahul Gandhi stated in his letter. He stressed that such a discussion would reflect the country’s collective resolve. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed pointed questions to the government, raising concerns about whether India has abandoned the Simla Agreement, which bars third-party involvement in India-Pakistan issues. His remarks came amid reports that the ceasefire understanding was brokered by the US, with announcements initially emerging from Washington DC. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also referenced a “neutral site” for talks, prompting Ramesh to ask: “Has New Delhi opened the doors to third-party mediation? Have diplomatic channels with Pakistan been reopened?” The ceasefire, which followed four days of intense missile and drone strikes, is said to have included an immediate halt to all military actions—by land, air, and sea—but tensions remain. Indian officials have stated that Operation Sindoor is still underway and that India retains the right to retaliate if provoked further. Ramesh further evoked the legacy of former PM Indira Gandhi, referencing her strong leadership in 1971 and her deft handling of the IMF loan negotiations in the early 1980s, as a benchmark for sovereign, bold policymaking. “The situation demands a response from the Prime Minister himself,” he asserted, citing remarks from former Army Chiefs V. P. Malik and Manoj Naravane who have weighed in on the India-Pakistan understanding. Congress has asked for clear answers on the terms of the ceasefire, any commitments secured, and the role of external powers like the US—insisting that Parliament and the public deserve transparency in matters of national security and diplomacy.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Bhopal to Revamp Civil Defence Plan Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions

Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh has directed officials to overhaul the city’s civil defence framework, replacing the outdated plan from 1971 with a comprehensive and modern strategy. The move comes in response to the recent surge in Indo-Pak tensions and was announced during a debriefing meeting following a city-wide mock drill involving multiple emergency response agencies. The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Additional District Magistrate’s (ADM) office, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police. One of the key directives issued was the training of at least 10% of the city’s population in basic disaster management skills — aiming to designate every tenth resident as a civil defence volunteer. In a push to enhance fire response capabilities, the Collector instructed BMC to procure and deploy surveillance drones, similar to those used by police forces. These drones will aid in the swift assessment of fire-prone zones and improve strategic coordination. Additionally, a major upgrade of fire safety infrastructure has been sanctioned, with an estimated budget of ₹8–10 crore. The city will also identify and categorize shelter homes — such as schools, hospitals, and community halls — across seven zones. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will oversee these zones and serve as reporting officers, functioning as incident commandants in emergencies. Officials highlighted Bhopal’s massive urban expansion — from a 5 km radius in 1971 to over 25 km today — as a key reason for revamping the civil defence strategy. In response, Smart City authorities have been tasked with installing emergency sirens in newer, rapidly developing areas to ensure city-wide alert coverage. ADM Ankur Meshram confirmed that work is already underway on the updated civil defence strategy. He noted that key focus areas include route mapping, food logistics, and resource monitoring. Meshram also emphasized the urgent need to fill SDRF vacancies, stating that the current manpower of 450–500 personnel is insufficient to meet the growing demands of disaster response operations in the expanding city. The new plan aims to equip Bhopal with a resilient, responsive, and community-driven civil defence system capable of handling modern threats and emergencies.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Violence Continues in Ukraine Amid Victory Day Ceasefire as World Leaders Rally Support in Kyiv

As the Victory Day ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin enters its third and final day, reports of continued Russian attacks in Ukraine highlight the fragility of the truce. In the northern Sumy region, an 85-year-old woman lost her life, and three others were injured as 19 residential homes and 10 additional buildings were damaged or destroyed, according to Ukrainian police. In the eastern Donetsk region, the town of Kostyantynivka was hit, injuring one person and setting two apartment blocks ablaze. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS) reported that rescue workers who arrived at the scene were targeted by subsequent “double tap” strikes—deliberate secondary attacks aimed at first responders. In the southern city of Kherson, a 58-year-old man was injured by an explosive-laden Russian drone, according to local authorities. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude toward the United Kingdom for its newly announced sanctions targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—a network of oil tankers used to circumvent energy export restrictions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the sanctions on Thursday, drawing praise from Zelensky, who said in a social media post that every measure to curb the Kremlin’s war financing brings peace closer. A high-level meeting between European leaders took place today at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv. Attending were France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Alongside Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, they paid tribute at Kyiv’s Independence Square to honor victims of the war. In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their readiness to support potential peace talks. Meanwhile, the Kremlin reiterated its position through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, stating that arms deliveries to Ukraine must cease before any ceasefire agreement can be genuinely discussed. Speaking to ABC News, Peskov claimed that Ukraine continues full-scale mobilization and is not prepared for negotiations, while Putin remains open to a “peaceful and diplomatic” resolution. As Kyiv welcomed European solidarity, Moscow celebrated Victory Day with a grand parade in Red Square. The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping was the highlight, emphasizing deepening Russia-China ties in the face of what they call the “collective West.” Putin and Xi held two rounds of talks before the event and discussed the Ukraine war informally. Also attending were leaders from Brazil, Venezuela, and Serbia, with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico being the only EU head of state present in Moscow.

Read More
Editor04 mins

PM Modi Cancels European Tour Following ‘Operation Sindoor’ Amid Rising Tensions

In the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cancelled his highly anticipated three-nation European tour, which was set to include stops in Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands in mid-May. Although the official reasons for the cancellation have not been publicly disclosed, the timing of the decision suggests a strategic shift in diplomatic priorities due to escalating regional tensions following India’s military actions. The cancellation follows India’s successful ‘Operation Sindoor’, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a direct retaliation to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 civilians tragically lost their lives. In response, the Indian Armed Forces executed precision strikes against nine identified terror sites, allegedly used by groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen to orchestrate attacks against India. India made it clear that these strikes were targeted, measured, and aimed specifically at terrorist infrastructure, carefully avoiding any escalation by not targeting Pakistani military installations. Pakistan condemned the strikes, calling them an act of war. The operation, while reaffirming India’s stance against terrorism, has contributed to an increased focus on domestic and regional security. As a result, PM Modi is expected to prioritize national security and immediate regional concerns over foreign visits at this critical time. Additionally, PM Modi also cancelled his planned visit to Russia, where he was supposed to attend the Victory Day celebrations on May 9 in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that India would be represented at a different level during the celebrations. This further underscores the shifting focus of Indian diplomacy following the heightened security situation in the region.

Read More
Editor03 mins

India’s Film Industry Faces Uncertainty Over Trump’s Threat to Impose 100% Tariff on Foreign Films

India’s film industry, which generates approximately 40% of its overseas revenue from the United States, is grappling with uncertainty following a recent threat by President Donald Trump to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside of the U.S. The announcement has sparked alarm among filmmakers, producers, and distributors in one of the world’s largest film industries, as they struggle to comprehend the potential impact of such a levy. While details surrounding the tariff remain scarce, the lack of clarity has only fueled concerns. Anubhav Sinha, a filmmaker known for his Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, expressed the uncertainty surrounding the tariff, particularly regarding the definition of “foreign-produced” films. “The real question is how the term ‘foreign produced’ will be defined,” he said, adding that the possible impact on services like post-production remains unclear. The Indian film industry employs 272,000 people and generated approximately 20 billion rupees ($237 million) in overseas box office earnings in fiscal 2024. These earnings account for about a tenth of the total revenue. Key Hollywood films featuring scenes shot in India include Slumdog Millionaire, Zero Dark Thirty, Eat, Pray Love, and The Dark Knight Rises. The United States, with its large Indian diaspora of around 5.2 million people, remains a crucial market for Indian cinema. Film producers are particularly concerned about the economic implications of such tariffs. Madhu Bhojwani, a producer known for the hit film Airlift, pointed out that any increase in ticket prices due to the tariff could significantly affect audience turnout, especially at a time when the industry is already facing challenges related to evolving consumer behavior and broader economic factors. India’s cost-effective production infrastructure, especially in visual effects and post-production, has made it an attractive hub for Hollywood films. According to Komal Nahta, a film trade analyst, approximately 10 to 15 foreign films are shot in India each year. He warned that the proposed tariffs could severely disrupt these collaborations, adversely impacting both the Indian film industry and Hollywood’s production costs. Without clear guidance on the specifics of the tariff, the Indian film industry is left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of how the potential policy change will affect the critical U.S. market and its growing role in international film production and post-production.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Putin Reaffirms Russia’s Support for a “Fair” Nuclear Deal Between the U.S. and Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s commitment to facilitating a “fair” nuclear deal between the United States and Iran during a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on May 6, 2025. According to a Kremlin readout, Putin confirmed that Russia is ready to contribute to advancing discussions aimed at reaching an agreement based on international law principles. The call comes as talks between Tehran and Washington face delays, with the latest round of negotiations, initially scheduled for May 3, 2025, postponed due to “logistical reasons” according to Oman, the mediator. Since April 12, the two countries have held three rounds of dialogue, marking their highest-level interactions since the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under Donald Trump’s presidency in 2018. Russia, which has strengthened its military and diplomatic ties with Iran following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has increasingly positioned itself as a key ally of Tehran, especially as both nations face heavy Western sanctions. The two countries solidified their partnership earlier this year, signing a strategic agreement. In a recent gesture of support, Moscow sent two planes to help extinguish a fire following a deadly explosion in Iran’s largest commercial port. Russia has consistently expressed its willingness to help broker a diplomatic resolution to the stand-off between the U.S. and Iran, offering its role as a mediator in ongoing negotiations.

Read More
Editor02 mins

Water Crisis Threatens Rawalpindi and Islamabad as Khanpur Dam Levels Plummet

A looming water crisis has emerged in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Khanpur Dam‘s water level has dropped significantly, with current supplies only expected to last for the next 35 days, according to Dawn. The situation is exacerbated by the appearance of rocks and mounds in the reservoir, particularly around the main storage zone and spillways, highlighting the severe impact of climate change and a rapidly declining water table. Dam authorities have expressed growing concern, noting that if substantial rainfall does not occur within the next 10 to 15 days, the water levels could drop further, potentially reaching the dead level of the dam. Insufficient rainfall in the catchment areas, including the Margalla Hills and Galiyat, has worsened the situation, as these areas typically contribute to the reservoir’s water levels. As of Tuesday, the dam’s water level stood at 1,935 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), just 25 feet above the dead level of 1,910 AMSL. The dry spell, combined with the depletion of natural springs, has resulted in a sharply reduced water inflow, which was recorded at just 82 cusecs compared to an outflow of 235 cusecs per day. To manage the crisis, authorities are considering halting the irrigation water supply to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting next week. Additionally, the provision of drinking water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad may also be cut back. Currently, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) receives 90 cusecs per day, while smaller civic bodies like UET Taxila get 6.18 cusecs, and the irrigation department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab receive 48 cusecs and 42 cusecs, respectively. The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has emphasized the need for immediate rainfall to avert further deterioration of the situation and prevent more severe water shortages for the two cities and surrounding areas.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Pakistan Open to De-Escalation Amid Rising Tensions After Indian Strikes

In the aftermath of India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has signaled a possible de-escalation—if India steps back. Speaking to Bloomberg Television, Asif stated: “We’ll never initiate anything hostile towards India. But if we’re attacked, we’ll respond. If India backs down, we will definitely wrap up this tension.” Key Points from Khawaja Asif’s Statement: Background: India launched precision missile strikes in the early hours of Wednesday as part of Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist infrastructure allegedly linked to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian government accused Pakistan-based groups of orchestrating the massacre. While India framed the operation as a preemptive and targeted counter-terrorism measure, Pakistan now faces the pressure of balancing international diplomacy with domestic political and military posturing. This marks a pivotal moment where both nations are treading a fine line between escalation and restraint.

Read More
Editor02 mins

Trump Claims India to Drop Tariffs to Zero, Credits Himself for Breakthrough in Trade Talks

On Tuesday, May 6, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a striking claim that India has agreed to reduce its tariffs to zero, attributing the breakthrough solely to his administration’s efforts. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, “They’ve already agreed. They would have never done that for anybody else but me,” emphasizing what he called a personal diplomatic success. Highlighting India’s historically high tariff structure, Trump asserted, “India, as an example, has one of the highest tariffs in the world… and they’ve agreed already to drop it. They’ll drop it to nothing.” He presented the move as a direct outcome of his tough stance in trade negotiations. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian government on Trump’s claims. Indian officials have so far remained silent, and no formal documentation or joint statement has supported Trump’s remarks. Adding context to the statement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last month said that the Trump administration was “very close” to finalizing a trade agreement with India. He pointed out that India was comparatively easier to negotiate with, given its high tariff levels. Bessent also referenced the visit of Vice President Vance to India, suggesting progress had been made during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trade relationship between the two nations has experienced multiple highs and lows under Trump’s leadership. Notably, on April 2, Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, part of a broader strategy during his global trade war. However, the tariff was suspended for 90 days, providing a temporary reprieve to nations affected by the escalating trade tensions. While Trump’s bold claim on tariff reduction adds a new twist to the ongoing U.S.-India trade narrative, observers await official confirmation from New Delhi to assess the veracity and implications of this potential development.

Read More
Editor03 mins
Switch Language »