September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

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L2: Empuraan Becomes Third Highest-Grossing Malayalam Film in India

Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s much-awaited sequel, L2: Empuraan, has set the box office on fire, collecting a massive ₹88.26 crore in its 8-day extended opening weekend. The film has now surpassed Fahadh Faasil’s Aavesham (₹85.15 crore) and Prithviraj’s The Goat Life (₹85 crore), becoming the third highest-grossing Malayalam film in India. Box Office Performance While the dubbed versions (Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada) have contributed modestly, the film’s Malayalam version dominates the collections. Where L2: Empuraan Stands Among Malayalam Films in India With strong word-of-mouth and steady weekday trends, L2: Empuraan is now closing in on 2018’s ₹92.5 crore milestone, while Manjummel Boys’ record remains untouchable—for now. The Bigger Picture – A Growing Franchise With its momentum intact, can L2: Empuraan surpass 2018 in the coming days? Fans are eager to see if it will continue to climb the all-time Malayalam box office charts.

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Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87, Nation Mourns

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely celebrated for his patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Affectionately called ‘Bharat Kumar’, his contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark. Tributes Pour In from Bollywood and Political Circles Salman Khan Remembers the Legend Superstar Salman Khan paid his respects on X (formerly Twitter), writing:“Manoj Kumar Ji… a true legend. Thank you for the unforgettable films and memories…” Kangana Ranaut: ‘The Nation Mourns’ Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut expressed her sorrow, saying:“Today, the nation mourns the loss of an artist who instilled patriotism and national pride in the hearts of every Indian. Om Shanti!” Bollywood Remembers the ‘Kranti’ Star Actors Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, Farhan Akhtar, and filmmaker Karan Johar also shared heartfelt tributes. Ajay Devgn recalled Kumar’s kindness towards his father, stunt director Veeru Devgn. Political Leaders Join in Mourning Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Manoj Kumar a “true patriot and a remarkable artist”, while President Droupadi Murmu highlighted his impact on India’s cultural identity. Family’s Statement Manoj Kumar’s son, actor Kunal Goswami, confirmed his passing, stating:“My father passed away today at 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Hospital. He fought every hurdle with resilience and grace. His cremation will take place tomorrow. Sia Ram.” His legacy as an actor, filmmaker, and patriot will forever remain a cornerstone of Indian cinema.

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BJP Functionary Found Dead in Bengaluru, Alleged Abetment by Congress Leader Sparks Controversy

Vinay Somaiah, a 35-year-old BJP functionary, was found hanging in his office in Bengaluru’s Nagawara area, triggering political tensions. Before his death, he uploaded a social media message alleging that a Congress leader was responsible for abetting his suicide by filing an FIR against him. Background of the Case Vinay, a native of Kodagu district, was arrested two months ago in connection with a comment posted against Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna. The controversy arose when he was identified as the admin of a WhatsApp group where the remark was allegedly shared. Following a complaint filed by Congress worker Tennera Maina, the Madikeri police registered an FIR against three individuals, including Vinay Somaiah. He was arrested but later released on bail. Political Reactions and Investigation The incident has sparked outrage within the BJP, with party members calling for an impartial investigation. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, addressing the media, stated,“The police will investigate the matter thoroughly. The truth will come out, and necessary action will be taken based on the findings.” The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, including the allegations mentioned in his final social media message.

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IAF Pilot Killed in Jaguar Fighter Jet Crash Was Set to Marry Soon

Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, the Indian Air Force pilot who lost his life in the Jaguar fighter jet crash in Gujarat, had recently gotten engaged to a Delhi woman on March 23. His wedding was scheduled to take place in the coming months, his grieving family shared. The Tragic Incident The fighter aircraft, carrying two pilots on a night mission, crashed around 9:30 PM on Wednesday after taking off from the Jamnagar Airfield. The aircraft went down in an open field near Suvarda village, 12 km from Jamnagar city, and caught fire. While one pilot sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment, Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav succumbed to the crash. The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the pilots encountered a technical malfunction during the mission and ejected from the aircraft. Their actions ensured that the crash did not pose any harm to the airfield or local population. A Family of Bravehearts Hailing from Majra Bhalkhi village in Haryana’s Rewari district, Siddharth Yadav came from a lineage of servicemen. His father, Sushil Kumar, retired from the Indian Air Force, while his grandfather Raghubir Singh and great-grandfather served in the Indian Army. Siddharth, who joined the IAF in 2017, was known for his dedication and skill. He was an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), having enrolled in January 2016. “We are proud of him,” said his father, Sushil Kumar. “He sacrificed his life to save others. My grandfather and father served in the Army, while I was in the Air Force. Siddharth was the fourth generation in our family to serve the country. He became a fighter pilot, and my two nephews are also in the Air Force.” Investigation Ordered The IAF expressed its condolences and stated, “We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family.” A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the second pilot, who suffered a fractured leg, is now in stable condition at the Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital in Jamnagar. This is the second Jaguar crash in recent weeks. On March 7, another Jaguar aircraft crashed near Ambala, Haryana. In that incident, the pilot ejected safely.

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PM Modi Attends BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Set to Visit Sri Lanka Next

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand on Thursday, April 3, 2025, for a two-day visit to attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit. He was warmly received at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Members of the Indian community, including the Sikh diaspora, greeted him with cultural performances, including Bhangra. Strengthening India-Thailand Ties During his visit, Mr. Modi is scheduled to hold extensive discussions with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. In a post on X, he expressed his enthusiasm for deepening bilateral cooperation, highlighting India and Thailand’s shared historical and cultural ties. “Landed in Bangkok, Thailand. Looking forward to participating in the upcoming official engagements and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between India and Thailand,” Mr. Modi posted. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that Thailand and India share deep civilizational bonds and maritime cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. BIMSTEC Summit and Regional Cooperation Ahead of his departure, Mr. Modi underscored BIMSTEC’s role in regional development, connectivity, and economic progress over the past decade. Given India’s North Eastern region’s strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among BIMSTEC nations. “I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind,” he said. Visit to Sri Lanka Following his engagements in Thailand, Prime Minister Modi will depart for Sri Lanka on April 4 for a two-day visit. This marks his first visit to the island nation since the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Sri Lanka’s new President. During his visit, Mr. Modi will review the progress made on the joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,’ an initiative that gained momentum following Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India in December 2024. Expressing optimism about the trip, Mr. Modi stated, “We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision and provide further guidance to realize our shared objectives.” The visit aims to build on past collaborations and reinforce India’s strong ties with Sri Lanka for mutual economic and strategic benefits in the region.

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BJP Demands Apology from Sonia Gandhi Over Waqf Bill Remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an apology from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her critical remarks on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Mrs. Gandhi termed the Bill a “brazen assault” on the Constitution and accused the BJP of perpetuating “permanent polarisation” in society. Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Bill Amid Controversy The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill late on Thursday after a heated 12-hour debate. While Opposition members proposed amendments, they were rejected by voice vote. The Bill was approved with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed intense discussions before passing the Bill with a final count of 128 votes in favor and 95 against. The Opposition labeled the Bill “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional,” while the government defended it as a “historic reform” aimed at benefiting the minority community. Sonia Gandhi Criticizes the Government’s Actions Speaking at a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting in Samvidhan Sadan, Mrs. Gandhi alleged that the Bill was “bulldozed” through the Lok Sabha. She also criticized the proposed One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a subversion of the Constitution. “Whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure, or the conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss where our Constitution will remain on paper,” she said. She further accused the government of attempting to turn India into a “surveillance state.” She also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repackaging Congress-era initiatives as his own and called for a strong public outreach campaign to counter the BJP’s claims. BJP MPs Protest, Demand Apology Following her remarks, BJP MPs, led by Nishikant Dubey, protested in the Lok Sabha, demanding an apology from Sonia Gandhi. They alleged that she had insulted the Constitution by accusing the BJP of “taking the country down the drain.” The protests led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha on Friday morning, with BJP members chanting “Sonia Gandhi maafi maango” (Sonia Gandhi, apologise). Opposition members countered by demanding government responses on US tariff impositions. Congress Plans to Challenge Bill in Supreme Court In response, the Congress has announced its intent to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court. Party leader Jairam Ramesh stated on X that the Congress would “very soon” file a petition, expressing confidence in resisting what it sees as an attack on constitutional principles by the Modi government.

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PHQ Issues Show Cause Notices to 60 Policemen Over Medical Bill Scam

The Police Headquarters (PHQ) has issued show cause notices to 60 police personnel for allegedly withdrawing reimbursements for their medical bills multiple times. Officials revealed on Thursday that the financial scam may exceed ₹4 crore after the submission of replies by the accused personnel. Medical Bill Irregularities Uncovered In January this year, the PHQ accounts department detected irregularities in medical bill claims submitted by police personnel. Following an internal inquiry, the PHQ took immediate action by suspending three officers and forming a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. Upon scrutinizing the submitted and withdrawn medical bills, investigators found that several policemen, posted across different sections and departments, had submitted prolonged medical expenses more than three times. Consequently, the implicated personnel have been directed to submit their responses in the first week of April. Verification of Health Certificates To further investigate the legitimacy of these claims, the PHQ has reached out to the civil surgeon of JP Hospital, requesting verification of the health certificates issued by the hospital. A list containing over 75 personnel has been shared with the hospital authorities, and a detailed report is expected soon. Personnel Asked to Reveal Medical Certificate Details The accused police personnel have been asked to provide complete details regarding their medical certificates. The PHQ seeks to determine where the certificates were obtained, whether any commission was paid to secure them, and to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent certificates. Financial Irregularities May Exceed ₹4 Crore DIG Accounts Santosh Singh Gaur stated that police personnel who received illegal reimbursements will be required to return the amount. In case of non-compliance, the money will be deducted from their salaries. Officials have warned that those found guilty will face strict action. Gaur further noted that the total financial anomalies in the scam could surpass ₹4 crore. Treasury Department Employees Also Under Scrutiny Alongside the police personnel, PHQ officials have raised concerns about the role of treasury department employees in facilitating these fraudulent transactions. Allegations suggest that several bills were approved after minor modifications, such as changing fonts or making small adjustments. In some cases, police personnel allegedly submitted the same bill twice within a 15-minute window and withdrew the reimbursement amount immediately. Investigators are now examining the involvement of treasury officials in the scam, as their actions enabled the financial misappropriation.

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Director Sanoj Mishra Arrested on R*pe Charges in Delhi

Filmmaker Sanoj Mishra was arrested by the Delhi Police on Sunday on charges of rape following a complaint filed by a 28-year-old woman. Mishra, known for previously offering a movie role to viral Mahakumbh girl ‘Monalisa’, was taken into custody after intelligence gathering and technical surveillance. The case was registered at Nabi Karim police station in Central Delhi on March 6. The complainant accused Mishra of rape, assault, causing miscarriage, and issuing threats. According to the FIR, the woman had been in a live-in relationship with Mishra in Mumbai for the past four years. She alleged that he coerced her into undergoing abortion thrice during this period. The complainant stated that on February 18, Mishra took her to a hotel in Nabi Karim and established physical relations with her under the pretense of marriage. However, he later backed out of his promise to marry her, prompting the woman to file a police complaint. Harsha Vardhan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), said, “During the investigation, medical documents related to the abortions were obtained from Muzaffarnagar. The Delhi High Court has rejected Mishra’s bail application.” The police further revealed that Mishra is married and resides with his family in Mumbai. The arrest followed a thorough investigation based on the woman’s complaint and corroborative evidence. This incident has sparked widespread attention due to the filmmaker’s connection with the viral Mahakumbh girl and the severity of the allegations. Further proceedings and legal actions will be determined as the case unfolds.

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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Heads to Delhi Seeking Support for 42% BC Reservation Bill

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to travel to Delhi on Tuesday evening to rally national support for the newly passed state legislation that grants 42 per cent reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in education, employment, and local bodies. Accompanied by key ministers, Congress legislators from BC communities, and an all-party group of MPs, the Chief Minister will focus on building consensus and urging the Union government to provide constitutional protection to the policy. The primary aim of the visit is to persuade the Centre to include the 42 per cent BC quota in the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Doing so would safeguard the policy from judicial challenges and enable its implementation despite the overall reservation level in Telangana rising to 67 per cent—well above the Supreme Court’s 50 per cent cap. Drawing parallels with Tamil Nadu’s 69 per cent reservation policy, the state government seeks similar constitutional backing to ensure long-term protection. During his two-day stay in the national capital on April 2 and 3, Revanth Reddy will participate in a large-scale protest (‘maha dharna’) organized by BC associations. The demonstration will emphasize the demand for the Central government to pass a Bill endorsing the reservation policy during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is also expected to join the protest, reinforcing the push for the BC reservation bill. The delegation plans to present the findings of a caste survey conducted in Telangana, highlighting the need for increased representation and empowerment of BC communities. The leaders aim to make a compelling case by demonstrating broad-based political and social support for the new reservation policy. Accompanying the Chief Minister are prominent leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Konda Surekha, and TPCC chief B. Mahesh Kumar Goud. Additionally, notable BC legislators such as Adi Srinivas, Birla Ailayya, Makkan Singh Raj Thakur, Vakiti Srihari, and Eerlapalli Shankarayya will be part of the delegation. With the issue gaining momentum, all eyes are now on Delhi as the Telangana government seeks to secure constitutional backing for its landmark reservation policy.

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Third Gunfight in Nine Days: Security Forces Trap Three Terrorists in Kathua’s Ramkot Area

Kathua: A fresh encounter between security forces and terrorists erupted on Monday night in the Ramkot area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the third gunbattle in the region within the past nine days. Security forces have reportedly trapped three terrorists in the upper reaches of Kathua as they continue their anti-terror operation. According to officials, the forces established fresh contact with the terrorists in the far-flung and densely forested Ramkot area. Reinforcements have been dispatched to the site to bolster the ongoing operation. Further details about the situation are awaited. This latest encounter follows two previous gunfights in the Kathua district. The first incident occurred on March 23 near Sanyal village in the Hiranagar sector, where a girl was injured and subsequently hospitalised. Fortunately, her condition was reported as stable. During that gunbattle, the terrorists managed to escape after initial contact, prompting security forces to continue their search operations. The second encounter took place on March 27 in Juthana, where four police personnel lost their lives during an anti-terror operation. Two terrorists, suspected to belong to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, were neutralized. Intelligence sources had earlier indicated that around four to five terrorists were hiding in a densely forested area in Juthana, leading to a major search and combing operation by the security forces. As the gunfight in Ramkot unfolds, the situation remains tense, with security forces determined to eliminate the remaining threat. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are committed to safeguarding the region from terror activities.

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