September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

Violence Erupts in Murshidabad Over Waqf (Amendment) Act: 110+ Arrested

Unrest broke out in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal following a demonstration against the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. Police confirmed on Saturday that over 110 individuals had been arrested in connection with the violence, which included the torching of vehicles, including police vans, the launching of projectiles at security personnel, and the barricading of roads. The disturbances spread across Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts as well. The Murshidabad district, where the violence was most severe, saw 70 arrests in Suti and 41 arrests in Samserganj. While the affected areas continued to experience tension, no major incidents occurred on Saturday morning. Authorities have imposed restrictive orders and suspended internet connectivity in the violence-affected regions to curb the spread of rumors and to maintain control. A police officer confirmed that patrols in Suti and Samserganj were ongoing and that gatherings were strictly prohibited to prevent any further disturbances. In addition, a teenage boy who was reportedly injured from police firing during the unrest in Suti has been transferred to a Kolkata hospital for treatment. The unrest mainly affected areas with large Muslim populations. The protests were sparked by the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has garnered controversy due to its impact on the management of Waqf properties. In response, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, strongly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing them of failing to manage the situation and calling it a pre-mediated act of violence. He referred to the unrest as an assault on democracy and claimed it was instigated by “Jihadist forces” aiming to spread chaos and fear. Adhikari demanded that authorities identify and bring legal action against those responsible for the violence, insisting that the perpetrators face severe penalties under the law. The authorities are currently working to restore order, with ongoing police operations across the region and a high alert in place to prevent any further unrest.

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Editor03 mins

ED Seizes 32 Properties Worth Crores Linked to Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and His Network

In a major crackdown on corruption, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 32 immovable properties allegedly owned by former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, his family members, and close associates. The seizure, part of a larger money laundering probe, has unearthed a web of dubious real estate transactions and inter-family property transfers that suggest systematic efforts to conceal illicit wealth. According to the ED’s chargesheet, as many as seven plots worth ₹6.61 crore located across Bhopal were registered under Aviral Building Construction Company, a firm jointly owned by Saurabh Sharma and his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal. Additionally, two properties in Indore valued at ₹1.77 crore were traced to the same entity, bringing the total value of the company’s assets to ₹8.38 crore. Investigations revealed that Sharma’s mother, wife, and mother-in-law also hold a significant number of immovable assets. Uma Sharma, Saurabh’s mother, owns five properties—one in Bhopal and four in Gwalior. In Gwalior, she holds two plots valued at ₹30.33 lakh and ₹26.54 lakh respectively, along with agricultural land worth ₹14.24 lakh and an additional bigha valued at ₹19.51 lakh. A double-story Housing Board house at E-7, Arera Colony, Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹1.67 crore, is also in her name. Divya Tiwari, Saurabh’s wife, gifted a land parcel worth ₹32 lakh in Mugalia Kot, Bhopal to her mother Rekha Tiwari. Another high-value property, located in Bhairopur, Bhopal, is jointly owned by Divya and Rekha and is valued at ₹1.20 crore. Rekha Tiwari herself owns two agricultural lands—one at Sevaniya Gaud, Bhopal, worth ₹72 lakh and another in the city valued at ₹20 lakh. The mother-daughter duo also jointly operate the Rajmata Bharatmata Shiksha and Social Welfare Committee in Bhopal, under which a plot worth ₹25.53 lakh in Indore is registered. Sharma’s associate Sharad Jaiswal is also in possession of numerous properties. These include a MIG flat in Ratnagiri, Bhopal (₹14.75 lakh), a plot in Hinautia Alam (₹25.62 lakh), a LIG flat in Alankar Heights (₹25.50 lakh), and another smaller plot in Hinautia Alam (₹9.23 lakh). Sharad also co-owns a ₹4.20 crore plot in Emaar Continental City, Indore with Kushal Mangal, and another ₹4.10 crore plot under Emaar India Limited in collaboration with Ganesh Infrastructure (linked to Ripusudan Pachauri). A property worth ₹1.84 crore—a two-floor house in E-7/78, Arera Colony, Bhopal—is registered under the name of Instant UR Infrastructure, a firm believed to be connected to Sharma’s network. Another high-value plot on AB Road, Indore, worth ₹1.80 crore, is also owned by the same entity. The ED has termed these property acquisitions and inter-family transactions as a deliberate attempt to launder and distribute illicit wealth. The investigation is ongoing, and further action, including arrests and additional attachments, is expected in the coming weeks.

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Editor04 mins

Vijay’s TVK Eyes Alliance with AINRC Ahead of 2026 Polls, Targets DMK Regime Change

In a strategic political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, is ramping up efforts to build a powerful alliance aimed at challenging the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and forming a coalition government in Puducherry. According to party sources, TVK is on the verge of finalizing an electoral alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC), led by Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. Talks between the two parties have gained momentum in recent days, with key discussions held to align political strategies. A significant meeting recently took place between TVK’s election campaign management general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, and Rangaswamy to explore the contours of a possible partnership. Insiders reveal that Rangaswamy shares a long-standing personal rapport with Vijay, fondly referred to as “Thalapathy” by his supporters, and is keen to partner with TVK amid rising tensions between AINRC and the BJP in the Union Territory. “Rangaswamy has expressed strong interest in joining forces with our Thalapathy. The alliance would reflect mutual respect and shared goals for the upcoming elections,” a senior TVK leader told DT Next. As TVK gears up for a state-wide outreach campaign under Vijay’s leadership, the party is actively engaging with multiple political entities to broaden its footprint across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “Our leadership is open to partnering with any party committed to ending the DMK rule and recognizing Vijay’s leadership in the alliance,” the leader added, emphasizing TVK’s readiness to play a central role in shaping the region’s political future.

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Editor03 mins

Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia: 155 Chinese Nationals Allegedly Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia. “We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged. Zelensky claimed: “Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.” China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that: “The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.” He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict. Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of: China’s Balancing Act China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods. North Korea Also in Focus The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort. With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.

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Editor04 mins

Finance Department Tightens Project Implementation Rules: Cabinet Nod Now Mandatory

In a move aimed at curbing unregulated budgetary expenses, the Finance Department has issued a circular mandating cabinet approval for all new projects, including those sponsored by the Central Government. The new directive makes it compulsory for all departments to seek formal clearance before initiating any project or scheme. Multi-Tier Approval System Introduced Before seeking cabinet clearance, departments must first get their project proposals vetted by the Cost Screening Committee, to be chaired by the respective department head. Following this, projects will be assessed based on their financial scale through various finance committees: If any project’s cost escalates by more than 10%, additional approval must be obtained from the relevant finance committee. Deadline and Duration of Project Validity The circular also states that projects running until March 31, 2026, must obtain fresh approval to continue. Additionally, all such projects must aim for completion by September 2025, or face discontinuation of funding beyond March 31. The order coincides with the upcoming term of the 16th Finance Commission, which will function from 2026 to 2031. Approvals given under the current framework will remain valid throughout this period. This revised process marks a significant tightening of fiscal controls and is expected to enforce greater transparency, discipline, and accountability in public spending across departments.

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Editor03 mins

India to Acquire 26 Rafale M Fighter Jets for Navy in ₹63,000 Cr Deal with France

In a landmark move to strengthen its maritime strike capabilities, India will acquire 26 Rafale M (marine) fighter jets from France in a ₹63,000 crore government-to-government deal, sources confirmed on Tuesday. This will mark the first major fighter jet upgrade for the Indian Navy. 🔹 Deal Highlights: 🔹 Why Rafale M? The Rafale M is one of the most advanced naval fighter jets globally. Key features include: 🔹 Strategic Significance: The new Rafales will augment India’s surveillance and deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean, especially amid growing concerns over Chinese naval activity. They will complement the existing MiG-29K fleet operating from INS Vikramaditya. 🔹 Future Plans: India is also developing its own fifth-generation twin-engine deck-based fighter jets via DRDO, meant to serve as the naval counterpart to the AMCA project for the Air Force.

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Editor02 mins

PM Modi, Amit Shah Set for Key Visits in Madhya Pradesh on April 13; Major Development Push Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Shri Anandpur Trust Ashram in Madhya Pradesh’s Ashoknagar district on April 13, marking a significant spiritual and public engagement. On the same day, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will be in Bhopal, attending a major event related to the dairy sector. Shah will oversee the signing of a tripartite agreement between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Madhya Pradesh government, and local milk unions. The event will take place at Ravindra Bhavan and is seen as a big boost to the cooperative dairy movement in the state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday. ₹4,000 Crore Central Projects for MP CM Yadav also highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has received central projects worth over ₹4,000 crore, including four major national highway projects. Key among them are: These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and logistics. Farmer Support Measures in Full Swing To support farmers and ensure fair pricing, the government has initiated procurement of chana, masoor, mustard, and tur at minimum support prices (MSP). The state aims to procure 7.28 lakh metric tonnes of chana by April 21 at an MSP of ₹5,200 per quintal. So far: Wheat Procurement Hits 31 Lakh Metric Tonnes The state is also actively procuring wheat at ₹2,600 per quintal (including bonus). Till date: Agrovation Projects & Cultural Showcase CM Yadav highlighted ongoing Agrovation projects in Mandsaur, Damoh, Morena, and Narsinghpur, aimed at enhancing agricultural innovation and value addition. In a cultural push, he also shared that a grand theatrical performance on Emperor Vikramaditya will be staged at Delhi’s Red Fort from April 12–14, celebrating the region’s rich historical legacy.

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Editor03 mins

PM Mudra Yojana Marks 10 Years with Over 520 Million Loans Sanctioned, Boosting Entrepreneurship Nationwide

In a landmark decade for the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), over 520 million loans worth ₹33.65 trillion have been sanctioned, with a remarkable ₹32.87 trillion disbursed, according to Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M. Nagaraju. Launched on April 8, 2015, this micro-finance initiative has played a pivotal role in extending collateral-free institutional credit to micro and small businesses across India, especially in small towns and villages where first-time entrepreneurs are eager to shape their destinies. A Focus on Social Inclusion and Economic Empowerment The PMMY has emerged as a potent tool for financial inclusion and economic growth. A key highlight of the scheme is its focus on empowering women and socially disadvantaged groups: Maintaining a Healthy Loan Repayment Culture Despite the sheer volume of loans disbursed, the scheme has maintained a commendably low Non-Performing Assets (NPA) ratio. According to Nagaraju, the average NPA stands at 3.6%, attesting to the robust repayment behavior among borrowers. For instance, the gross NPA in FY25 was recorded at 2.21%, slightly up from 2.10% in the previous year—an indicator of strong financial discipline among beneficiaries. Continuous Growth and Expansion Every year, the PMMY scheme adds between 500,000 and 600,000 new loan accounts, with annual loan sanctions estimated at around ₹5-6 trillion. Looking ahead to FY26, the recently launched Tarun-plus programme is set to further expand the scheme’s outreach, offering loans of up to ₹20 lakh. Since its inception in October 2024, Tarun-plus has already seen the opening of 22,557 loan accounts with loan sanctions totaling ₹3,190 crore. The entrepreneurial spirit among the nation’s small business community is unmistakable. In 2015, the average loan value under the PMMY was around ₹40,000; today, it has grown to roughly ₹1.5 lakh, reflecting both increased business confidence and scaling-up of enterprises. Diverse Loan Categories and Support Mechanisms PMMY supports a range of business needs through four distinct loan categories: These loans cover income-generating activities in manufacturing, trading, services, and allied agricultural sectors. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), managed by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) Ltd, ensures that Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) extending these loans are provided with a guarantee cover, further enhancing the scheme’s credibility and reach. Impact on Employment and MSME Growth The impact of the PMMY extends beyond entrepreneurship. The think tank SKOCH, in its report “Outcomes of ModiNomics 2014-24,” highlighted that the scheme has generated an average of 25.2 million steady and sustainable jobs per year since 2014, contributing to at least 51.4 million person-years of employment annually. Furthermore, a recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) underscores the transformative effect of the Mudra scheme, noting that MSME lending surged from ₹8.51 trillion in FY14 to ₹27.25 trillion in FY24. This momentum is expected to carry MSME lending past ₹30 trillion in FY25, driven by the significant credit flow catalyzed by the PMMY. Conclusion As PM Mudra Yojana celebrates its 10th anniversary, its legacy is evident in the robust expansion of the nation’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the groundbreaking impact on financial inclusion, especially among women and marginalized communities. With continued enhancements and the launch of innovative programmes like Tarun-plus, the scheme is poised to further revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape and contribute significantly to India’s economic growth in the years to come.

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Editor06 mins

BJP Receives Over ₹2,243 Crore in Donations in 2023-24, Over Six Times More Than Congress: ADR Report

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued to dominate the political donation landscape, receiving a staggering ₹2,243.94 crore in donations during 2023-24, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This marks a 211.72% jump from the ₹719.85 crore received in 2022-23. In comparison, the Indian National Congress (INC) received ₹281.48 crore, reflecting a 252.18% increase from the previous year’s ₹79.92 crore. Despite the growth, Congress’s donation total was still over six times lower than that of the BJP. 🔍 Key Figures from ADR Report: Party Donations Received (2023-24) % Change (YoY) BJP ₹2,243.94 crore +211.72% Congress ₹281.48 crore +252.18% AAP ₹11.06 crore -70.18% CPI(M) ₹7.6 crore Not specified NPP ₹14 lakh Not specified BSP ₹0 First time in 18 years 🧾 Transparency Concerns: The ADR report flagged transparency lapses, stating that: The lack of cheque numbers, bank names, and encashment dates makes it difficult to trace the origin of funds, the report noted. 🟣 BSP’s Decline The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) reported zero donations above ₹20,000 for the first time in 18 years, signaling a sharp erosion in its financial and political base. Once a formidable force in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP has faced severe electoral setbacks: 📈 Total Donations to National Parties (2023-24): The massive spike in donations, especially to the BJP, once again brings into focus the disproportionate funding patterns and transparency gaps in political finance.

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Editor03 mins

Kashmir: Senior Hurriyat Leaders Renounce Separatism Amid Amit Shah’s Visit

In a significant development coinciding with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Kashmir Valley, three senior separatist leaders have publicly renounced separatism and distanced themselves from Hurriyat Conference factions, signaling a marked shift in the region’s political narrative. The leaders — Mohammad Yousuf Naqash (Islamic Political Party J&K), Hakeem Abdul Rashid (Muslim Democratic League J&K), and Bashir Ahmad Andrabi (Kashmir Freedom Front) — were all formerly affiliated with the Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In similarly worded statements, the trio declared allegiance to the Constitution of India and made it unequivocally clear that they no longer support separatist ideologies or entities such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). “My organization and I have no connection whatsoever with APHC factions or any entity pursuing separatist agendas. We are loyal citizens of India and owe allegiance to the Constitution,” read their statements. They further warned that any misuse of their names in association with separatist groups would be met with legal action. They emphasized that their departure from the separatist fold was due to the failure of APHC to effectively address the aspirations and grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A Broader Trend This renunciation is part of a growing wave of public exits from separatist politics in the Valley over the past month. It marks a historic shift — the first time since the 1990s insurgency that multiple separatist leaders have voluntarily denounced the separatist movement in such open terms. Union Minister Amit Shah has previously welcomed such moves, posting on X that “Separatism has become history in J&K”, reflecting the government’s long-standing effort to integrate the region more closely with the rest of India. Background on APHC Formed in 1993, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) was a coalition of over 20 political, religious, and civil society groups advocating for the resolution of the Kashmir issue, often citing UN resolutions. Over time, its internal divisions and diminishing influence have led to a weakening of its political relevance. With this latest development, it appears that a new chapter may be unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, one that could significantly alter the narrative around conflict, identity, and reconciliation in the region.

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Editor04 mins
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