September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: thecliffnews

India Face Korea in Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Final With World Cup Spot at Stake

The Indian men’s hockey team has reached the final of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, setting up a mouth-watering clash with defending champions Korea on Sunday, September 7. A victory will not only secure India their fourth Asia Cup title but also guarantee a berth at the 2026 Hockey World Cup. India’s road to the final was not without its struggles. They opened with a shaky 3-2 win over China, where captain Harmanpreet Singh’s hat-trick masked the team’s sluggish start, still carrying scars from a poor Pro League campaign. Gradually, they found rhythm—edging Japan 3-2, thrashing Kazakhstan 15-0, and showing flashes of brilliance in the Super 4s despite a nervy 2-2 draw with Korea and a shaky start against Malaysia. The turning point came in the rematch against China, where India produced their most dominant display of the tournament—a 7-0 demolition featuring six different goalscorers and a flawless defensive performance, not conceding a single penalty corner. Korea, meanwhile, have had an inconsistent run. They stumbled in the group stage against Malaysia and later lost 3-0 to China in the Super 4s. But a spirited comeback from 1-3 down against Malaysia in their must-win clash propelled them into the final. Goalkeeper Jaehyon Kim, who made stunning saves in that match, has already declared Korea will be “going for the win” in the final. India vs Korea: The Numbers Korea’s last victory over India came in the 2021 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, decided via a shootout. With India in top form after their emphatic win over China, and Korea showing resilience in tight moments, Sunday’s final in Rajgir promises to be a battle of skill, grit, and nerves—with a World Cup ticket on the line.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Russian Strike Hits Kyiv Government Building in Major Escalation

For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, a government building in central Kyiv has been struck by Russian missiles. Until now, this area of the capital — heavily defended and home to the parliament, presidential palace, and key ministries — had remained untouched. The attack, which took place early Sunday morning, has sent shockwaves through Ukraine, marking what many see as a symbolic and deeply unsettling escalation. Helicopters were seen overhead dropping water to contain the blaze, while a thick cloud of smoke rose above the city. Journalists and civilians were kept away from the cordoned-off zone around the cabinet building. While no immediate casualties were reported at the site, Russia’s wider overnight assault on Ukraine left destruction and loss of life elsewhere in Kyiv and beyond. In Kyiv’s Svyatoshynsky district, a 32-year-old woman and her two-month-old son were killed when their apartment block was hit. Ukrainian police said the strike also damaged nearby buildings, cars, and warehouses, injuring at least 16 people. Across the country, Russian missiles and drones struck Odesa, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the attack as a “serious escalation,” noting that over 800 drones and missiles were launched overnight. He called for stronger international measures, including tougher sanctions on Russian oil and gas revenues and additional air defense support. The strikes came as President Vladimir Putin continues to publicly claim readiness for peace, a stance Ukraine dismisses as insincere. Sybiha pointed out the “cynicism” of Russia intensifying attacks even as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck back with an overnight drone assault on a Russian oil pipeline facility in the Bryansk region, inflicting what Kyiv described as “complex fire damage” to infrastructure crucial for transporting oil from Belarusian refineries to Russia. The escalation underscores the increasingly brutal nature of the conflict, with both sides intensifying strikes on strategic targets as hopes for meaningful diplomacy continue to fade.

Read More
Editor03 mins

GST रिफॉर्म: अधिकतर वस्तुओं-सेवाओं पर अब 5% और 18% स्लैब; सरकार कहती है — आम जनता के लिये निर्णय

केंद्रीय मंत्रियों ने कहा कि जीएसटी (GST) में व्यापक सुधारों के बाद अब अधिकांश वस्तुएं और सेवाएँ नए सरल स्लैब — 5% और 18% — के तहत करदायी होंगी, जबकि केवल दे-मेरिट या “सिन” उत्पादों पर उच्च दर 40% लागू रहेगी। इस बदलाव की घोषणा जीएसटी काउंसिल की बैठक (3 सितंबर) के बाद की गई, जिसमें कई वस्तुएं 18%/12% से 5% पर और कुछ 28% से 18% पर स्थानांतरित कर दी गईं। सूत्रों के हवाले से मंत्रियों ने जोर देकर कहा कि यह सुधार करीब ढाई साल के प्रयास का नतीजा नहीं बल्कि प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के लाल किले के वादे के अनुरूप लाया गया एक दीर्घकालीन सुधार है। मंत्री अश्विनी वैष्णव ने कहा, “जीएसटी सुधार की तैयारी डेढ़ साल पहले शुरू हुई थी…यह विदेशियों या चुनावों से प्रेरित नहीं है। यह पीएम मोदी के ‘सुधार, प्रदर्शन और परिवर्तन’ के लक्ष्यों के अनुरूप है और देश के लिए एक परिवर्तनकारी यात्रा शुरू करेगा।” सरकार ने स्पष्ट किया है कि यह दर-संरचना जनहित के मद्देनजर पुनर्रचना है। प्रधानमंत्री मोदी ने इन सुधारों को “गेम चेंजर” बताया और कहा कि सरल स्लैब, कम इनपुट लागत, तेज डिजिटल अनुपालन और बढ़ती मांग से ‘मेक इन इंडिया’ को मजबूती मिलेगी। केंद्र ने यह भी कहा कि 2025–26 के बजट में दी गई आयकर राहतों के साथ यह कदम अर्थव्यवस्था को आगे बढ़ाएगा। राजनीतिक और वैश्विक पृष्ठभूमि के तौर पर, यह रियायतें उस समय आई हैं जब अमेरिकी प्रशासन ने भारत पर बड़ी टैरिफ कार्रवाई की—ट्रम्प प्रशासन द्वारा भारत पर कुल मिलाकर 50% तक के दंडात्मक आयात शुल्क लगाए जाने के बाद यह चर्चा और तीव्र हो गई। केंद्र ने बार-बार कहा कि जीएसटी का पुनर्गठन केवल सार्वजनिक हित में है, न कि किसी बाह्य दबाव के प्रभाव में। कृषि के दृष्टिकोण से भी यह अहम कदम बताया गया। केंद्रीय कृषि मंत्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान ने कहा कि जीएसटी सुधार से किसानों के उत्पादन लागत घटाने और कुल उत्पादन बढ़ाने में मदद मिलेगी। केंद्र ने राहत एवं आर्थिक विकास दोनों के तर्क देकर इस परिवर्तन को लागू करने का पक्ष मजबूत किया।

Read More
Editor01 mins

Madharaasi Movie Review: AR Murugadoss Finds His Form Again

It is never easy to watch celebrated filmmakers stumble, their signatures dulled, and their formulas losing magic. For nearly a decade after Kaththi, AR Murugadoss seemed to have lost touch with what once made him a master of emotional, high-stakes action dramas. With Madharaasi, however, he makes a strong comeback, delivering a film that is at once a gripping action saga and a character-driven study, anchored by Sivakarthikeyan’s most complex role yet. The film opens with a tense National Investigation Agency operation led by Prem (Biju Menon), who attempts to intercept illegal arms shipments. The villains, Virat (a terrifying Vidyut Jammwal) and his chief Chirag (Shabeer Kallarakkal), escape and stash the weapons in Ambattur. As Prem recovers from injuries, fate brings him face-to-face with Raghu Ram (Sivakarthikeyan), a peculiar man with a death wish, heartbroken over his separation from Malathi (Rukmini Vasanth). What begins as comic and even caricaturish soon transforms into a layered narrative. Raghu’s quirks mask deep emotional scars, and Murugadoss crafts him as an empath in a world that rewards apathy. Through Raghu, the film explores themes of social conditioning, mental health, and empathy, while never losing sight of its masala cinema roots. Songs like the “Salambala” introduction track initially jar, but later find narrative justification. The first half is excellent—tight, emotional, and suspenseful. The second half sustains its momentum with superb action choreography, Anirudh Ravichander’s rousing score, and razor-sharp editing by A. Sreekar Prasad. Only in the final act does Murugadoss slip into old hero-worship habits, recycling tropes from Thuppakki and Kaththi with less impact. Still, the menace of Vidyut Jammwal’s villainy and Sivakarthikeyan’s commanding performance carry the film. Sivakarthikeyan’s Raghu is the film’s heart and engine. He oscillates between guardian angel, empath, nuisance, and death-bringer with seamless ease, giving Murugadoss the emotional anchor his recent films sorely lacked. Rukmini Vasanth too shines in a role that is more than ornamental. In an era where action spectacles often forget the importance of pathos, Madharaasi reminds us how emotional undercurrents can elevate mass cinema. Murugadoss also grounds his action in a real-world issue — the dangers of gun culture — making his film both entertaining and urgent. Despite its flawed climax, Madharaasi is a stirring return to form, proving that AR Murugadoss can still marry spectacle with soul. Verdict: A flawed but forceful comeback for AR Murugadoss, powered by Sivakarthikeyan’s best performance yet.

Read More
Editor04 mins

TV Actor Ashish Kapoor Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Rape Case

Television actor Ashish Kapoor, known for his roles in shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Saraswatichandra, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody by the Tis Hazari district court after being arrested on Wednesday in Delhi. The arrest followed allegations by a woman who accused Kapoor of sexually assaulting her inside a washroom during a house party in Delhi in the second week of August. According to police, Kapoor had come in contact with the woman via Instagram before inviting her to the party at his friend’s residence. On Friday, police confirmed that Kapoor underwent a medical potency test, which they believe could be crucial evidence in the case. Initially, the FIR named Kapoor, his friend, the friend’s wife, and two unidentified persons. However, the complainant later revised her statement, alleging that only Kapoor committed the assault. The woman further claimed that the incident was recorded on video, though no such footage has yet been recovered. She also alleged that the wife of Kapoor’s friend assaulted her outside the washroom after the incident. Notably, it was this woman who made the PCR call to police. Kapoor has been a familiar face on Indian television, having appeared in several well-known series including Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage, Chand Chupa Badal Mein, Dekha Ek Khwaab, Molkki Rishton Ki Agnipariksha, Woh Apna Sa, and Bandini. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.

Read More
Editor02 mins

Anuparna Roy Creates History at Venice Film Festival with Best Director Win

Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy made history at the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival, winning the Best Director award in the prestigious Orizzonti section. Taking the stage in a graceful white saree, the director described the moment as “surreal” and unforgettable. French filmmaker Julia Ducournau (Raw, Titane), who served as the president of the Orizzonti jury, announced Anuparna as the winner. While receiving the award, Anuparna thanked the festival, the jury, and the audience for embracing her film Songs of Forgotten Trees. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she said, “This moment is surreal. I am standing here at a great festival like Venice… I want to thank the jury, the audience, and the director of the festival. I also want to thank my producer who supported a film that didn’t fit into stereotypical boxes. Anurag [Kashyap] believed in the film from the very beginning. To my incredible cast — the beautiful Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel — this award is yours.” She went on to dedicate the award to her hometown and her country, while also acknowledging the efforts of her crew: “I want to thank Celluloid Films for believing in the project, my DoP, and our 80-year-old gaffer Debjit Banerjee — every one of you was amazing.” Anuparna also used the stage to address a larger concern: “I want to take a moment and talk about something bigger, something disastrous that is happening in Palestine. Every child deserves peace, freedom, and liberation, and Palestine is no exception. This is our responsibility to reflect on, even if it upsets my country — it doesn’t matter to me anymore. Thank you so much!” About the Film Songs of Forgotten Trees tells the story of the evolving relationship between two migrant women in Mumbai. The film was showcased in the Orizzonti section, which focuses on emerging trends, debut works, indie films, and underrepresented voices in cinema. Starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, the film is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh, with Anurag Kashyap backing the project as a presenter.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Punjab Floods Claim 46 Lives, Nearly 2,000 Villages Affected; Govt Seeks Centre’s Support

The death toll from the devastating floods in Punjab has risen to 46, with crops on 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland destroyed, officials said on Saturday. Nearly 2,000 villages across 23 districts have been affected, making this one of the state’s worst floods in five decades. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing by the NDRF, Army, BSF, Punjab Police, and district administrations. So far, 22,854 people have been evacuated, while around 200 relief camps shelter more than 7,000 displaced citizens. State finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said relentless rainfall in Punjab and neighboring hill states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has triggered unprecedented devastation. Rivers such as the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and seasonal rivulets have swollen dangerously, while the Ghaggar river has crossed its danger mark of 750 feet. Water levels in Punjab’s major dams remain a concern. On Saturday, the Pong dam stood at 1,394.19 feet—still four feet above its limit—though inflows dipped to 47,162 cusecs. At the Bhakra dam, levels slightly reduced to 1,678.14 feet with inflows of 62,481 cusecs. According to official data (August 1–September 6), the highest flood-related deaths were reported from Hoshiarpur and Amritsar (7 each), followed by Pathankot (6), Barnala (5), Ludhiana and Bathinda (4 each), and others. A 50-year-old man in Ferozepur was the latest casualty after being swept away by strong river currents. Three people are still missing in Pathankot. The floods have impacted 3.87 lakh citizens, with extensive losses to agriculture, infrastructure, livestock, and homes. Cheema stressed the need for urgent financial aid from the Centre, accusing the BJP-led Union government of ignoring Punjab’s plight despite pending dues of ₹60,000 crore. Meanwhile, Punjab minister Aman Arora hit out at Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for blaming illegal mining for the crisis, calling BJP leaders’ visits to flood-hit areas mere “photo-ops” without concrete financial support. Despite the devastation, Cheema said the AAP government has mounted a swift and coordinated response, deploying 24 NDRF teams, 2 SDRF teams, and 144 boats for rescue operations, while pledging continued relief and rehabilitation for affected families.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Mumbai Police issue Lookout Circular against Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra in ₹60 crore cheating case

Mumbai, Sept 7 – The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) against Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, in connection with a ₹60 crore cheating case, officials confirmed on Friday. The move comes after a complaint was registered at Juhu police station on August 14, alleging that the couple duped a businessman in a loan-cum-investment deal. According to investigators, the LOC was deemed necessary as Shetty and Kundra make frequent international trips. An LOC is a mechanism used to restrict a person from leaving the country or to track their movements, with alerts issued to immigration and border control points. The case is under further investigation by the EOW.

Read More
Editor01 mins

Hazratbal Plaque Vandalism Row: LG Promises Action, Political War Erupts Over National Emblem

A major controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after the national emblem on a plaque inside Srinagar’s revered Hazratbal shrine was vandalized on Friday. On Saturday, Ladakh lieutenant governor Kavinder Gupta condemned the act, calling it “vandalism” and promising strict action against those responsible. In a social media post, Gupta said he was “deeply anguished” by the incident. However, former J&K CM Omar Abdullah took a different line, questioning why the emblem had been placed inside the shrine in the first place. “The plaque should not have been placed inside the shrine. The national emblem is used for government functions, not religious places,” Omar remarked. Notably, J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, who oversees law and order in the union territory, has so far remained silent on the issue. The row quickly took a political turn. The National Conference (NC) demanded the removal of Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, who was appointed in 2022 by the Union minority affairs ministry. At a press conference, NC legislators accused Andrabi of “planting the crisis in Kashmir” to benefit the BJP electorally in Bihar. NC’s Tanvir Sadiq said that police had registered an open FIR and expressed hope that it would include Andrabi for “violating the Constitution” by placing the emblem in the shrine. NC leader Salman Sagar added that the BJP deliberately installed a party politician as waqf chairperson to “control our religious places.” The BJP, on its part, strongly backed Andrabi. J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur compared those who defaced the emblem to Osama bin Laden, warning, “No one should dare to deface our Ashoka Chakra.” With an FIR registered, political tensions remain high, even as calls grow for accountability over both the vandalism and the decision to install the emblem at Hazratbal in the first place.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Navarro Escalates Attacks on India Over Russian Oil Trade, Faces Backlash Online

As tensions rise over trade and foreign policy, former White House adviser Peter Navarro once again lashed out at India, accusing it of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports. His latest post on X alleged that India’s purchases were “solely to profit” and that revenues were feeding Russia’s war machine in Ukraine. However, this time, X users fact-checked his claims, pointing out that India’s oil imports were aimed at energy security rather than profit, and did not breach Western sanctions. They also noted that while India imposes tariffs, the US enjoys a trade surplus in services and itself continues to import some commodities from Russia — exposing the hypocrisy of Navarro’s stance. Angered by the pushback, Navarro dismissed the community note as “crap” and criticized Elon Musk for “letting propaganda into people’s posts.” He doubled down on his allegations, writing:“India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn’t buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American jobs.” This was the latest in a string of inflammatory remarks. Navarro has previously branded India the “Maharaja of tariffs,” a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” and even claimed “Modi’s war in Ukraine.” In a particularly controversial statement, he said “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of Indian people” — a remark India officially rejected as “inaccurate.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Friday, “We have seen some inaccurate statements made by him. We reject them.” Navarro’s tirades come against the backdrop of Trump administration’s fresh tariff escalation. On August 27, the US imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian imports, doubling the penalty to 50%. The move was justified by Trump as a response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, further straining bilateral trade and diplomatic ties. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that such language from Washington was worsening relations with New Delhi, raising concerns over the trajectory of the India-US partnership.

Read More
Editor03 mins
Switch Language »