September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: thecliffnews

Rajasthan Royals Demand Action Against RCA Ad-Hoc Convenor Over Match-Fixing Allegations

The Rajasthan Royals franchise has officially written to Rajasthan’s Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the State Sports Council, urging strong disciplinary action against Jaideep Bihani, convenor of the ad-hoc committee of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), after his controversial allegations of match-fixing. Jaideep Bihani, a BJP MLA from Sriganganagar, recently made indirect accusations suggesting foul play in the Royals’ narrow two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. His remarks have triggered a sharp response from the Jaipur-based IPL team, which has categorically denied any wrongdoing. In a detailed letter, the Royals said Bihani’s statements were “completely false and baseless,” and lacked any form of credible evidence. The franchise alleged that Bihani accused the Rajasthan Royals management, the Sports Council, and the BCCI of collusion to exclude the RCA ad-hoc committee from IPL-related operations — a claim they firmly rejected. “These public allegations cause great damage to the reputation and image of Rajasthan Royals. Such statements have unnecessarily escalated the controversy and also attempted to mislead the public,” the letter stated. It further emphasized that the Royals, operating under Royal Multi Sport Private Limited (RMPL), have been coordinating successfully with the state government and sports authorities for 18 years, strictly as per BCCI guidelines. The franchise also clarified that the Rajasthan Sports Council, not the RCA, holds the rights to host IPL matches in Jaipur this year. “Rajasthan Royals is working closely with the BCCI and the Council under the guidance and support of the state government to organise the IPL smoothly,” they noted. Calling for urgent intervention, the Royals urged the authorities to take necessary steps to address Bihani’s conduct and prevent further damage to cricket’s integrity in the state. “We are writing to you with full faith in your leadership. We hope that you will intervene appropriately in this matter,” the franchise added. While the Rajasthan Sports Council has acknowledged receipt of the letter, its president Neeraj K. Pawan was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. The BCCI has also reportedly been informed about the issue. As the IPL season progresses, this controversy could have wider implications for the future of cricket administration in Rajasthan.

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RBI Eases Liquidity Coverage Ratio Norms: Major Relief for Banks, Boost to Credit Growth

In a significant move to strengthen the liquidity resilience of Indian banks without stifling their credit potential, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its final guidelines on Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), bringing notable relaxations. The new framework, effective from April 1, 2026, is expected to free up a substantial amount of capital and support credit expansion. 🔑 Key Changes in LCR Norms 🧾 What is LCR and Why It Matters? LCR mandates banks to maintain a sufficient stock of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), like government securities, to survive a hypothetical 30-day liquidity crisis. The intent is to safeguard against unexpected deposit withdrawals, such as what led to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in the US. 📉 Why This Move Matters for Banks 🧠 RBI’s View “These measures will enhance the liquidity resilience of banks in India and further align the guidelines with global standards in a non-disruptive manner,”— RBI statement.

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Editor03 mins

India Declares Three-Day State Mourning Following Pope Francis’ Death

The Indian government has declared a three-day state mourning to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, was widely regarded for his progressive views and global outreach. In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away on April 21. As a mark of respect, three-day state mourning shall be observed throughout India.” According to the ministry’s schedule, state mourning will be observed on April 22 (Tuesday) and April 23 (Wednesday), with an additional day of mourning to be observed on the day of the Pope’s funeral. During this period: Regional Leaders Join in Mourning Messages of grief and condolences have poured in from across India’s political and religious spectrum, as leaders paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy of peace, compassion, and unity. Many highlighted his contributions to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to address climate change, poverty, and inequality. India, home to one of the world’s largest Christian populations outside the West, has maintained warm diplomatic and cultural relations with the Vatican. Pope Francis had earlier visited India in 2023, where he was received with great honor by the Indian leadership and the Catholic community. Further details regarding the Pope’s funeral and India’s representation at the ceremony are awaited. 4o

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India, US Move Closer to Trade Deal Amid Tariff Pause; Modi Hosts VP JD Vance in Delhi

India and the United States signaled significant progress in finalizing a bilateral trade agreement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice-President JD Vance in New Delhi on Monday night. The meeting, part of Vance’s ongoing four-day visit to India with his family, also saw discussions on deepening ties across sectors such as defence, energy, and strategic technology. “We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi posted on X, following their meeting. He also hosted a private dinner for Vance, his wife, and their three children at his official residence. The trade talks take place against the backdrop of a temporary 90-day pause on increased US tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump. India, which was facing proposed tariffs as high as 27% on its exports to the US, has used the window to engage in accelerated negotiations. The tariff reprieve ends on July 9, prompting urgency in finalizing a deal. While Modi and Trump have maintained a friendly personal rapport—Modi was one of the first foreign leaders to visit Trump after the start of his second term—the US president has not held back in criticizing India’s trade policies, branding the country a “tariff king” and accusing it of unfair trade practices. In a statement after Monday’s talks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reiterated longstanding US concerns, pointing to the “serious lack of reciprocity” in its trade relationship with India. Washington is particularly pushing for greater access to India’s protected agricultural sector, including the sale of American corn—something Indian officials are reluctant to concede due to domestic sensitivities. India has already lowered tariffs on a range of goods and is reportedly considering more reductions to advance negotiations. However, agriculture and digital trade remain key sticking points in the discussions. Beyond trade, Modi and Vance discussed broader strategic collaboration, including defence, energy security, and emerging technologies. The Indian prime minister also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India later this year, likely during the Quad summit that Delhi is set to host. The bilateral meeting concluded with delegation-level discussions and the dinner hosted by Modi, underscoring the warmth between the two countries even as complex trade issues remain under negotiation.

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Editor04 mins

Delhi High Court Slams Baba Ramdev for Communal Remarks Against Hamdard, Rooh Afza

The Delhi High Court came down heavily on Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev on Tuesday for making communal remarks targeting Hamdard Laboratories and its iconic beverage, Rooh Afza. During a preliminary hearing in the case Hamdard National Foundation India v. Patanjali Foods Limited & Anr, Justice Amit Bansal expressed shock at the comments, warning that a strong judicial order may follow. “It shocks the conscience of the court. Indefensible,” Justice Bansal remarked, directing Ramdev’s legal counsel to seek instructions and ensure his presence in court. The controversy stems from a video circulated on April 3, in which Ramdev, while promoting Patanjali’s “Gulab Sharbat,” made derogatory remarks about Rooh Afza. In the video, he alleged that Hamdard was channeling profits into building masjids and madrasas, and used the provocative term “sharbat jihad.” Congress leader Digvijaya Singh subsequently filed a police complaint against Ramdev in Bhopal, accusing him of inciting communal hatred. Despite the backlash, Ramdev claimed he had not mentioned any specific brand by name. Representing Hamdard in court, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that Ramdev’s actions went far beyond product disparagement and constituted hate speech. “This is shocking. It’s about creating a communal divide. The law of defamation cannot protect such conduct,” he stated. Rohatgi urged the court to take immediate action, stressing that such content “should not be allowed even for a moment” given the volatile social climate in the country. He also informed the court that Ramdev had similarly targeted the company Himalaya, allegedly because it is also Muslim-owned. Highlighting Ramdev’s prior controversies—including a Supreme Court censure over his comments on allopathy—Rohatgi added, “A hard hand is required to nip this in the bud.” The legal team for Hamdard included Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sandeep Sethi, supported by a team of advocates including Pravin Anand, Dhruv Anand, Nikhil Rohatgi, Udita Patro, and others. The case is expected to continue with heightened scrutiny, as the court considers whether Ramdev’s remarks amount to actionable hate speech.

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Editor03 mins

US to Push India for Greater Ecommerce Access in Trade Talks

The Trump administration is set to press India to grant full access to its $125 billion ecommerce market to US giants such as Amazon and Walmart, as part of an evolving trade agreement currently under negotiation. The deal, which spans a range of sectors from food to automobiles, is being discussed under the looming threat of a 26 per cent tariff on Indian exports to the United States. President Donald Trump has temporarily paused this tariff for 90 days to allow negotiations to proceed. During a recent meeting in New Delhi, US Vice-President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged “significant progress” in the trade discussions. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy, defence, and strategic technologies. According to multiple sources, including industry executives, lobbyists, and US officials, Washington is urging New Delhi to provide a level playing field for foreign ecommerce players. Currently, India restricts US companies like Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart from selling their own inventory directly to consumers. Instead, they can only act as online marketplaces for third-party sellers, unlike Indian firms that can produce, own, and sell their own goods via their platforms. This distinction has been labelled a “non-tariff barrier” by US negotiators, alongside restrictions on foreign direct investment in retail. Tensions have grown as US companies have faced additional hurdles such as increased product inspections by the Bureau of Indian Standards, further complicating their operations in India. Executives close to the discussions revealed that Walmart CEO Doug McMillon raised the issue of India’s ecommerce barriers during a private meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. McMillon was also present at a White House meeting with other major US retail leaders to discuss trade and tariffs. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who attended and contributed to Trump’s presidential inauguration, is similarly involved in the background efforts. The US push is seen as a direct challenge to Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man and the owner of India’s largest retail group, Reliance Industries. His conglomerate operates multiple ecommerce platforms and stands to lose if foreign players are granted equal access to the Indian market. Experts such as Arvind Singhal, chairman of Technopak Advisors, note that US efforts to liberalize India’s retail sector have been ongoing since 2006, but have been effectively resisted by Indian policymakers. Now, with trade talks gaining momentum, US officials are reportedly working in close coordination with ecommerce platforms to influence the outcome. As of now, the White House, Amazon, Walmart, and Reliance have declined to comment on the matter.

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Editor04 mins

Former Australian Cricketer Michael Slater Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Domestic Violence, Released on Time Served

Former Australian Test opener Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of domestic violence-related charges. The 55-year-old was sentenced on Tuesday in the Maroochydore District Court in Queensland, but he is set to be released immediately as the sentence was backdated to cover time already served in custody. The remainder of his sentence has been suspended for five years. Slater had been behind bars since his bail was refused last year. His charges included unlawful stalking or intimidation, breaking and entering with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, and choking or suffocation. The offenses reportedly occurred between December 2023 and April of the same year. He was also charged with breaching a domestic violence order. Slater’s legal troubles have persisted in recent years. In 2022, he faced similar domestic violence charges in Sydney, which were dismissed on mental health grounds. At the time, the court mandated that Slater follow a 12-month treatment plan under medical supervision. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, alcohol addiction, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD. Slater enjoyed a decorated cricketing career, debuting for Australia in 1993. He represented the country in 73 Test matches, scoring 5,312 runs at an average of nearly 43, and played 42 One Day Internationals before retiring in 2004. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into television commentary, becoming a familiar face in cricket broadcasting until his legal troubles surfaced. The recent ruling marks a somber chapter for a once-celebrated athlete whose off-field struggles have overshadowed his sporting achievements.

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Editor03 mins

NASA’s Perseverance Spots Skull-Shaped Rock on Mars, Adding to Red Planet Mysteries

NASA’s Perseverance rover has captured an eerie and intriguing image of a skull-shaped rock formation on Mars, dubbed “Skull Hill” by the space agency. The rock was discovered on April 11 near the rim of Jezero Crater, a region long studied for signs of ancient Martian water activity and possible life. Using the Mastcam-Z instrument, Perseverance photographed the dark, angular rock that stands in stark contrast to its surrounding pale, dusty terrain. The feature, riddled with small pits and surface irregularities, has drawn attention not just for its haunting shape, but for the geological questions it raises. “This float rock uniquely contrasts the surrounding light-toned outcrop with its dark tone and angular surface,” NASA said, adding that the presence of pits could result from erosion or high-energy impacts. What Could “Skull Hill” Be? NASA scientists are considering several possibilities for its origin: Interestingly, the rock’s dark hue resembles meteorites previously discovered by the Curiosity rover in the Gale Crater, suggesting it might be either extraterrestrial in origin or formed under similar conditions. “The team is working to better understand where these rocks came from and how they got here,” NASA stated. Mars: Still Holding Secrets of Its Past This discovery comes as part of a broader effort to understand Mars’ geologic history and potential habitability. Recent findings have added to the mystery of Mars: Though no direct signs of life have been discovered, each of these clues, including enigmatic formations like Skull Hill, keeps the dream alive that Mars might have once hosted life—or might still harbor it in hidden niches.

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Editor04 mins

Chhaava Surpasses ₹600 Crore Mark, Continuing Its Historic Box Office Run

Despite its recent OTT debut on Netflix, the historical epic Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has continued to thrive at the box office, making a remarkable impact. As of its 66th day of release, the film has crossed the ₹600 crore nett mark, becoming only the third Hindi film to achieve this milestone. It joins the ranks of Pushpa 2 and Stree 2, but stands out for reaching this impressive figure without the benefit of being a sequel. The film, which honors the life and bravery of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has earned ₹600.10 crore to date. Unlike the aforementioned sequels, Chhaava achieved its success solely through its powerful content, stellar performances, and compelling narrative. Its box-office journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering it continues to draw audiences to theatres even after its Netflix release. Chhaava opened with a blockbuster reception, earning ₹225.28 crore in its first week. The momentum continued, with ₹186.18 crore in its second week. Here’s a look at its weekly box-office collections: Currently, the film ranks fifth in the non-English film category on Netflix, further showcasing its wide appeal. The ensemble cast, including Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, Ashutosh Rana, Divya Dutta, and Diana Penty, has received acclaim for their performances. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Maddock Films, Chhaava is enhanced by A.R. Rahman’s stirring score, which perfectly complements its epic narrative. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its gripping storytelling, outstanding performances, and emotional depth. The continued success of Chhaava serves as a testament to the growing demand for historically accurate and culturally rich stories presented on a grand scale.

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Editor03 mins

Saif Ali Khan and Priyadarshan to Collaborate for the First Time in Upcoming Thriller

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is all set for a thrilling new collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan. Known for directing popular franchises like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan will helm the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film Oppam. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Saif confirmed the exciting news, revealing that he will be playing the role of a blind protagonist in the film. “Yes, I am doing a film with Priyadarshan next. I play a blind guy. Very exciting,” Saif shared. This collaboration marks the first time the two industry veterans will work together, despite their long careers in entertainment. The original film Oppam featured renowned actor Mohanlal in the lead role, and Saif will now take on that character in the Hindi remake. Additionally, Bobby Deol is rumored to play the lead antagonist in the film, adding to the anticipation around this thrilling new project. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of the visually challenged protagonist in this unique film.

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