September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

Tensions Escalate as Russia and Ukraine Exchange Deadly Strikes Ahead of Proposed Ceasefire

Overnight strikes between Russia and Ukraine have left at least seven people dead, with violence continuing just days before a proposed ceasefire. Ukrainian officials reported that three civilians were killed and seven injured in Sumy region due to Russian air-dropped bombs, mortars, and rockets targeting villages like Vorozhba and Bilopillia. Emergency evacuations were conducted in the area. Meanwhile, Russian authorities stated that three people were also killed in Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes on Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine confirmed that some of its forces remain active within Kursk, where it initiated a surprise incursion in August 2024 to protect the Sumy border and gain leverage in future negotiations. Further casualties occurred in the south, where a drone attack on Odesa killed one person, and in Kharkiv, where four were injured by Shahed drone strikes. These incidents underscore the fragility of ceasefire efforts amid escalating hostilities. Amid the violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains open to a longer truce. Speaking during his visit to Prague, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US in March. Zelensky emphasized that such a ceasefire “could start even today” to allow diplomacy to work. However, he dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unilateral three-day ceasefire proposal from May 8–11 as a “theatrical show,” arguing it was too short to make a meaningful impact. This comes as Russia prepares for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat. The Red Square military parade is traditionally a major display of Kremlin military power. But security concerns prompted Zelensky to warn that he cannot guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries planning to attend. The war, now in its third year, continues to inflict staggering losses. According to the Russian Service and Mediazona, at least 45,287 Russian soldiers died in 2024, making it the deadliest year for Russian forces since the full-scale invasion began. Analysts estimate that Russia lost 27 soldiers for every square kilometre gained. Names of over 106,000 Russian casualties have been documented, though experts believe this may account for only 45–65% of total deaths. Despite brief ceasefires during Easter and other holidays, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations, and no lasting peace appears imminent. As the 72-hour Russian ceasefire nears, skepticism remains high, especially from Kyiv, which sees such gestures as symbolic rather than substantive.

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Kharge Urges Modi to Adopt ‘Telangana Model’ for Caste Census, Pushes for Reservation Reforms

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with key suggestions for implementing the recently announced nationwide caste enumeration, which is set to be included in the upcoming national census. In a letter shared on social media, Kharge outlined three major demands: 1. Adopt the ‘Telangana Model’ Kharge called for the caste census questionnaire to be modeled on the Telangana caste survey, which was conducted under the Congress-led state government and published in February 2025. The survey is considered one of the most exhaustive state-level caste enumerations, capturing detailed socio-economic and demographic data. 2. Amend Constitution to Remove 50% Reservation Cap He urged the Centre to bring in a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the 50% cap on reservations, calling it “forcibly imposed.” This move, he said, should be independent of the caste survey results, allowing greater flexibility in addressing social inequities. 3. Implement Article 15(5) in Private Education Kharge pressed for the immediate implementation of Article 15(5) of the Constitution, which allows for reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private unaided educational institutions, a clause that has not been fully operationalized nationwide. Emphasizing Unity, Not Division Kharge rejected claims that caste enumeration is “divisive,” asserting that it is a tool to deliver justice and rights to the backward and marginalized communities. He noted that India stood united in the face of adversity, such as the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and said similar solidarity must be shown for social justice efforts. Call for Political Dialogue The Congress chief concluded by urging PM Modi to convene a dialogue with all political parties on the caste census. He stressed that the census should be conducted in a comprehensive manner, in line with the party’s recommendations, to uphold the constitutional promise of equality and opportunity.

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Unprecedented Drop in Chenab River Water Levels Sparks Curiosity, Security Concerns in J&K

In a rare and dramatic sight, the water level in the Chenab River at Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir fell below waist height on Monday, prompting hundreds of residents to gather along and even enter its exposed riverbed. This marked one of the lowest levels recorded in years, with locals calling the event “unprecedented.” Why Did It Happen? According to officials cited by The Indian Express, the sudden dip resulted from the temporary closure of sluice gates at the Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric dams, located in Ramban and Reasi districts, respectively. These closures were part of routine desiltation operations carried out over the weekend to refill the reservoirs. However, the timing raised eyebrows. Some officials also hinted at a strategic link to recent diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The drop comes shortly after the Indian government announced its intent to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 pact that governs sharing of the Indus river system with Pakistan. Tensions and Treaties The Baglihar and Salal dams are run-of-the-river projects, meaning India can regulate water flow but not stop it permanently. These projects have long been a point of contention, with Pakistan having previously objected to their designs. The disputes even involved World Bank arbitration, leading to design compromises. Rising Curiosity, Falling Caution As the riverbed dried up significantly, locals rushed in — not just out of curiosity but to hunt for old coins, ornaments, or relics exposed by the receding waters. However, by late afternoon, as the sluice gates were gradually reopened, the water levels began rising again. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had to intervene, using loudspeakers to warn of sudden water surges due to upstream rainfall and disperse the crowds for their safety. Locals React Villagers expressed awe and alarm. “We have never seen the Chenab like this,” said one resident, as quoted by PTI. Another remarked that the river’s bed had never been this exposed in living memory. This unusual episode reflects not only the delicate balance of hydrological control and diplomacy but also the public’s fascination and vulnerability when nature and politics intersect.

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Editor04 mins

CM Mohan Yadav Unveils Development Projects for Tribal Heritage at Aadi Utsav in Mandla

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while participating in the two-day ‘Aadi Utsav’ held at Ramnagar in Mandla on Monday, announced a series of development projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Gond kings and tribal communities. He declared that key monuments and forts, including Moti Mahal, Rani Mahal, and the memorials of tribal icons such as Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, and Rani Durgavati located in Ramnagar and Mandla, will be included in these initiatives. Highlighting the government’s commitment to the tribal population, Yadav also announced an allocation of ₹1,600 crore under the PESA Act for the conservation of natural resources—water, forests, and land—in tribal-dominated areas including Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya regions. Addressing the gathering at the event, the chief minister instructed the district collector, Somesh Mishra, from the stage to prepare a proposal for developing ‘Madhya’, a site in Ramnagar. The proposed development will include a seating facility for 5,000 people, drinking water provisions, and accommodation infrastructure. Paying tribute to legendary tribal leaders, Yadav recalled the contributions of Raja Hriday Shah, Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, Rani Durgavati, Birsa Munda, and Tantya Mama. “These great heroes fought valiantly to safeguard their identity and the nation’s natural wealth. In their honour, Krantisurya Tantya Mama University has been established in Khargone,” he added. On this occasion, the chief minister also visited Moti Mahal, a historic structure built by Hriday Shah, inaugurated a folk art exhibition, and laid the foundation stone for development works worth ₹61 crore in the region.

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Editor03 mins

Madhya Pradesh Minister Advocates Extrajudicial Killings for ‘Love Jihad’ Suspects

Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Vishwas Sarang sparked controversy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, by calling for those involved in so‑called “love jihad” to be publicly shot dead. His remarks came a day after Farhan Khan, a suspect in a rape‑and‑blackmail case, was shot in the leg while allegedly attempting to wrestle a pistol from a police sub‑inspector during an escort to recreate a crime scene. Sarang, a four‑time MLA from the Narela constituency in Bhopal, criticized the police for wounding the suspect in the leg, asserting, “They should have shot him in the chest. Such people have no right to live.” He went further, equating proponents of “love jihad” and those who rape minors with a burden on the nation, and urged that: “We must make sure that such culprits are shot, and a message should be given that such miscreants will not be forgiven. Shoot them publicly and end it.” Farhan Khan remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his right leg. Police reports state the shooting occurred during a scuffle when he tried to grab an escorting SI’s pistol near Sehore.

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UN Security Council to Hold Closed-Door Consultations on India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Attack

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, to discuss escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The move comes in response to a formal request by Pakistan, which currently serves as a non-permanent member of the 15-nation Council. Greece, holding the rotating presidency of the Council for May, scheduled the consultations following Islamabad’s appeal. The situation has intensified sharply following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians, including foreign tourists, were killed. India has directly blamed Pakistan-based terror outfits for orchestrating the attack. In a series of diplomatic responses, India paused the six-decade-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), curtailed water flow to Pakistan from key rivers, and launched extensive de-silting and maintenance operations on the Baglihar and Kishanganga dams. Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris of Greece, who presides over the Council this month, stated that the meeting would provide an opportunity to express views and potentially ease regional tensions. He reiterated Greece’s and the Council’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the governments of India and Nepal. Acknowledging that terrorism remains a central concern, Mr. Sekeris said, “We condemn terrorism in all its forms, everywhere it is happening.” He also noted that India is “far more bigger” and significant in regional dynamics, while expressing concern over mounting tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. In the weeks following the attack, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in an extensive diplomatic outreach, contacting nearly all current Council members—except China and Pakistan. He emphasized the need for accountability and international condemnation of cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar received strong support from several nations, including Greece, with which India shares a growing strategic partnership. Pakistan’s UN envoy Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a press conference last week, maintained that his country reserves the right to convene Council meetings when deemed necessary. He contextualized the recent developments as being rooted in the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. The closed consultations come amid heightened rhetoric, military preparedness, and diplomatic manoeuvring by both sides. The outcome of the meeting could influence international positioning on South Asia’s fragile security balance, especially in light of the suspended Indus treaty and the threat of further escalation.

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RSS, BJP Leaders Meet in Bhopal to Discuss ‘Love Jihad’, Pahalgam Attack, and Caste Census

Top functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government convened a high-level meeting on Friday at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal. The closed-door session came against the backdrop of recent “Love Jihad” allegations and the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hosted the meeting, which was attended by several key RSS office-bearers and BJP leaders, including BJP’s state in-charge Mahendra Singh, who stayed on in Bhopal specifically to take part in the discussions. The meeting followed a similar one held between RSS leaders and the Rajasthan government in Jaipur just a day earlier, underlining the Sangh’s increasing engagement with state-level responses on key social and security issues. According to sources, the meeting focused heavily on the growing concern over incidents labelled as “Love Jihad” in the state capital and other regions. RSS leaders reportedly urged CM Yadav to take stringent action against the accused in such cases. They also advised that, in addition to the Sangh’s ideological outreach and awareness campaigns, the government should explore broader public education initiatives to address the issue. The upcoming RSS centenary celebrations were also discussed, along with coordination plans between the party and the Sangh. Leaders underscored the need for cohesion between the organisation and the government machinery for better execution of political and administrative priorities. Another major topic of discussion was the fallout of the Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders reportedly reviewed the security situation and assessed its implications for national and state-level policy responses. The recently announced caste census by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also figured prominently. The leaders agreed that a “positive message” regarding the caste census should be conveyed to the public, suggesting a shift in communication strategy to position the initiative as inclusive and data-driven rather than politically divisive. The meeting concluded with an agreement that the RSS, BJP organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government would work closely on a comprehensive action plan to address current challenges and upcoming priorities.

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Editor03 mins

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh Demands Ban on Ajaz Khan’s Web Show ‘House Arrest’ for Obscenity

Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for an immediate ban on actor Ajaz Khan’s web series House Arrest, alleging that it promotes obscene content harmful to society, particularly impressionable children. The series is currently being streamed on the Ullu app, known for its adult-themed content. Wagh expressed serious concerns over the show, stating, “Ajaz Khan, who calls himself an actor, has created a show called House Arrest, which is nothing but the epitome of obscenity. Clips from this show are now freely circulating on social media, and they are extremely vulgar.” Highlighting the accessibility of such content, Wagh warned that children are increasingly exposed to it on mobile phones. “These kinds of programmes not only insult our culture but also degrade the moral health of society. This is a perverse attack on the minds of the next generation,” she said. Urging strict action, Wagh appealed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene and take steps against mobile platforms that enable the dissemination of such material. She accused content creators of misusing the principle of freedom of expression, saying, “In the name of freedom of expression, we must stop giving a free hand to obscenity. House Arrest is not merely content—it is an assault on the values of society.” Her demand has sparked renewed debate over the regulation of digital platforms and the boundaries of artistic freedom in India.

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Editor02 mins

PM Modi to Relaunch Amaravati Mega Capital Project with ₹58,000 Cr Boost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Andhra Pradesh on May 2 to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate a series of major infrastructure projects worth ₹57,962 crore. In what is being described as one of the largest single-day infrastructure announcements for the state, the Prime Minister will launch a total of 94 projects, mainly centered around the greenfield capital of Amaravati. A major share of the investment—₹49,000 crore—will go into 74 projects focused on the reconstruction of Amaravati. These include the development of key administrative buildings such as the Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, and residential quarters for judicial staff. This marks a major revival of the capital city, nearly a decade after PM Modi first laid its foundation in October 2015. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate nine central government projects valued at ₹5,028 crore. These include the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) missile testing centre at Nagayalanka in Krishna district, worth ₹1,459 crore, a Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam worth ₹100 crore, the Guntakal-Mallappa Gate Rail Overbridge worth ₹293 crore, and six national highway projects totaling ₹3,680 crore. The missile testing centre will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities with indigenous radars, electro-optical systems, and telemetry facilities. This relaunch marks a turning point after years of stagnation. During the 2014–2019 tenure of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, some temporary structures were erected in Amaravati, including a provisional Secretariat and High Court. However, the subsequent YSRCP government led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy halted most works on what it called Naidu’s “dream project,” which had involved pooling 54,000 acres from nearly 30,000 farmers. After returning to power last year, the TDP-led administration has breathed new life into the Amaravati plan. Chief Minister Naidu has ambitious goals to develop a futuristic capital, aiming to resume projects worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore by December. In a recent meeting with a delegation from Singapore, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand highlighted the scale and scope of the resumed development. Furthermore, the government plans to expand the Amaravati region by acquiring an additional 40,000 acres to develop a ‘mega city’ that merges Mangalagiri, Tadepalli, Guntur, and Vijayawada. Municipal Minister P. Narayana announced that the proposed city will be equipped with an international airport and consist of nine thematic cities—such as Government City, Knowledge City, Health City, Sports City, Electronics City, Media City, Finance City, Justice City, and Tourism City. Naidu envisions Amaravati as the “capital of goddesses” and a hub for world-class education and innovation, with institutions like BITS Pilani, XLRI, and the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub expected to set up campuses. The city will be integrated with major ports—Krishnapatnam, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam—via expressways and rail links, ensuring enhanced export connectivity and agricultural market access.

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Editor05 mins

Farmers in Assam’s Doyang Rise in Defiance to Protect Ancestral Lands Amid Border Tensions with Nagaland

In a powerful grassroots uprising, hundreds of farmers and villagers from Doyang in Assam’s Golaghat district staged a mass protest today, demanding protection of their ancestral agricultural lands in the Merapani Seed Farm area from what they allege is ongoing “encroachment” by neighboring Nagaland. With slogans, placards, and unyielding determination, the protestors defied legal notices, administrative advisories, and what they called “political pressure and conspiracies” to silence their voices. The Merapani region, a long-disputed border zone between Assam and Nagaland, has once again emerged as a flashpoint in the broader inter-state boundary conflict. “For generations, our livelihoods have depended on these lands,” said one farmer, “but now, we are being forced to fight for our very existence.” Despite warnings from the Assam government and Golaghat district authorities—including legal advisories discouraging the gathering—residents marched on, united in their call for urgent action. Their demands center on: Protestors voiced their frustration at what they described as the “deafening silence” of political leaders and bureaucratic inaction over a conflict that has simmered for decades. In response to the mounting tensions, Golaghat’s Border Magistrate Ratul Roy and Additional Superintendent of Police John Das arrived on site and held talks with the demonstrators. After receiving assurances that their concerns would be escalated to senior state officials for swift resolution, the farmers agreed to temporarily suspend their protest. However, they issued a firm warning: if action isn’t taken soon, they will return with greater strength. This demonstration marks a significant moment in the ongoing Assam-Nagaland border dispute and underscores growing rural frustration over land rights, administrative inaction, and state accountability.

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