September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: thecliffnews

Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark, Flood Threat Looms Over Low-Lying Areas in Delhi

The Yamuna river in Delhi crossed the danger level on Tuesday morning, triggering flood concerns across several low-lying parts of the capital. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the water level at the Old Railway Bridge stood at 205.80 metres at 8 a.m., surpassing the danger mark of 205.33 metres. The warning level for the river is 204.5 metres. Overnight rainfall worsened the situation, leaving many areas waterlogged. Residents of Mayur Vihar and other Trans-Yamuna localities reported water entering their homes and streets turning into streams. CWC data showed a heavy discharge into the Yamuna on Tuesday morning, including 1.76 lakh cusecs from Hathni Kund Barrage, 69,210 cusecs from Wazirabad Barrage, and 73,619 cusecs from Okhla Barrage. Authorities have begun announcements via boats along the riverbanks, urging residents to evacuate vulnerable zones. “We are constantly urging residents to vacate areas at risk of flooding. All district magistrates have been directed to remain prepared for any flood-like situation,” an official said.

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Trump Floats 200% Tariffs on Imported Medicines; Experts Warn of Price Shock

Washington, Sept 2 (AP): The Trump administration is considering tariffs of up to 200% on imported medicines, a move that would mark a sharp departure from decades of duty-free entry for most drugs into the US. Officials are invoking national security powers under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, arguing that America must rebuild domestic capacity after the supply shortages and stockpiling seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortages and consumer pain Analysts warn the policy could disrupt supply chains and raise prices. “A tariff would hurt consumers most of all,” ING’s Diederik Stadig wrote, predicting even a 25% levy could lift US drug prices by 10–14% once stockpiles run down. Low-income households and older patients would be hit hardest. Timing and industry response The White House has signalled implementation may be delayed 12–18 months to let companies adjust. Many drugmakers have already built inventories, which could blunt the near-term impact. But costs are expected to rise by 2027–28 as inventories thin and tariffs bite. Generics — which account for 92% of US prescriptions — are especially vulnerable. Operating on thin margins, some manufacturers may exit the US market rather than absorb the costs. Why supply chains are hard to shift The US ran a $150 billion trade deficit in pharmaceuticals last year. Most production has moved to China, India, Ireland, and Switzerland. Nearly all antibiotics, antivirals, and common generics rely on at least one active ingredient made abroad. Building end-to-end US supply chains would take years and heavy investment. Corporate pledges Drug majors are announcing large US investments — Roche plans to spend $50 billion, Johnson & Johnson $55 billion over four years. But experts caution that such pledges do not quickly replace foreign-made ingredients. India’s carve-out India, a leading supplier of generics, has reportedly been excluded from immediate tariff enforcement, recognising America’s dependence on Indian medicines. Industry leaders note India provides about 6% of US imports and is critical to affordable care. Uncertain path ahead Analysts doubt the 200% figure will be applied across the board. Exemptions are likely, especially for generics. Still, uncertainty is already reshaping strategies, with some firms considering scaling back their US drug portfolios. “Shock and awe is how this industry is going from zero tariffs to the potential of 200%,” PwC’s Maytee Pereira said, warning that only a fully domestic supply chain could shield drugmakers from the proposed levies.

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today accompanied Union Home Minister Amit Shah to review the rain and flood-affected areas of Jammu.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives and property, the LG said, “My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones or suffered damage in this calamity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured all possible support — from immediate relief to restoration of roads, buildings and other infrastructure — to help families rebuild their lives.” He added that the Army, Air Force, NDRF, NHAI, CAPFs, SDRF, J&K Police and the UT administration have deployed maximum resources for rescue, relief and rehabilitation. “District officers must remain vigilant round the clock in view of unusual climatic conditions. I urge people to take precautions and stay in safe places,” Sinha said.

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Trump Adviser Slams Modi’s Ties With Xi, Putin at SCO Summit; Calls India’s Oil Trade ‘Profiteering’

U.S. President Donald Trump’s top trade adviser, Peter Navarro, has criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s show of camaraderie with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, calling it “troublesome.” Speaking at the White House, Navarro said, “It was a shame to see Modi getting in bed as the leader of the biggest democracy in the world with the two biggest authoritarian dictators in the world, Putin and Xi Jinping. That doesn’t make any sense,” according to the Indian Express. His remarks come amid one of the lowest points in India–U.S. relations in two decades, with ties strained by Trump’s tariff policies and New Delhi’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude. The Trump administration has imposed a combined 50% tariff on Indian goods, along with extra levies on Russian oil imports, accusing India of “profiteering.” India has defended its Russian crude purchases as a matter of national interest, arguing that its energy policy is guided by market needs. Since Western sanctions on Moscow, Russia has become India’s largest energy supplier. Navarro, however, alleged that China was using India as a transshipment hub to bypass sanctions and described New Delhi’s oil trade as exploitative. Citing The Hindu, he said, “This is nothing but profiteering,” claiming that India was buying discounted Russian oil and re-exporting refined products to Europe and Asia at premium rates.

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Punjab AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra Escapes Police Custody, Booked for Rape

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Harmeet Singh Dhillon Pathanmajra allegedly escaped from police custody on Tuesday while being taken to a local police station after his arrest. According to police, Pathanmajra and his accomplices opened fire on the police team and even ran over a personnel during the scuffle, leaving one officer injured. Punjab Police have launched a manhunt to trace the MLA, who represents the Sanour assembly seat in Patiala. Pathanmajra, who has in the past attacked his own party’s government over flood mismanagement and questioned its central leadership, now faces serious criminal charges. An FIR lodged against him includes sections of rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The case was registered following a complaint by a Zirakpur-based woman, who alleged that Pathanmajra falsely claimed to be divorced, entered into a relationship with her, and went on to marry her in 2021 despite already being married. Police officials confirmed that multiple teams are on the lookout for the absconding MLA.

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Modi, Putin Reaffirm Strategic Partnership at SCO Summit; Discuss Ukraine, Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia during a bilateral meeting following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of state summit in Tianjin, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. In a symbolic gesture, Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin travelled together to the venue of the talks in the Russian leader’s car, conversing privately for nearly an hour. Indian officials said Mr. Putin waited for Mr. Modi and later extended their conversation for another 45 minutes even after reaching the venue. “Had an excellent meeting with President Putin… Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors,” Mr. Modi posted on social media, adding that both leaders also “exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.” Mr. Putin hailed Mr. Modi as a “dear friend,” describing Moscow’s relationship with New Delhi as “special, friendly, and trusting.” He reiterated that Russia and India’s historic ties would remain the foundation of their future engagement. On Ukraine, Mr. Putin maintained that the conflict stemmed from NATO’s eastward expansion and a Western-backed coup in Kyiv. “This crisis wasn’t triggered by Russia’s attack on Ukraine, but by the West’s constant attempts to drag Ukraine into NATO,” he said. The meeting followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s phone call to Mr. Modi last week, in which he urged the Indian leader to send a “signal” to Moscow. Mr. Modi’s emphasis on a ceasefire contrasted with US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks urging Kyiv to “make a deal” instead of insisting on a truce. The Modi–Putin engagement also came against the backdrop of Washington’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. While Trump administration officials have accused India of “profiteering,” the MEA’s statement steered clear of the tariff dispute, noting instead that the leaders “discussed bilateral cooperation including economic, financial, and energy sectors” and expressed satisfaction with the growth of ties. Mr. Modi said he was looking forward to welcoming Mr. Putin in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia annual summit later this year.

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Salman Khan Seeks Lord Ganesha’s Blessings Amid Tight Security

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan paid a special visit to the residence of Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Ashish Shelar, on Monday night to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. Known for his heartfelt devotion to Ganesh Chaturthi, Salman arrived barefoot, dressed simply in a checkered shirt and blue pants. Despite the grandeur of the occasion, his humble presence stood out. Viral videos captured the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor offering prayers with folded hands, exuding serenity even as a massive security detail surrounded him. Salman has been under Z+ security protection in recent months, with authorities closely monitoring his public and private movements. Yet, his calm and composed demeanor during the Ganpati Darshan highlighted his genuine spiritual connection. Just a few days earlier, Salman was seen participating in Ganpati Visarjan celebrations with his family and close friends. Videos from the event showed him dancing energetically alongside Arpita Khan Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, Aayush Sharma, and Zaheer Iqbal. Fans widely praised his ability to remain grounded and fully enjoy the festivities despite the heavy security presence. On the professional front, Salman is currently working on Battle of Galwan, an action film directed by Apoorva Lakhia and co-starring Chitrangada Singh. The movie promises to showcase his action-packed persona once again. Alongside his film commitments, he continues to host Bigg Boss 19 Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, entertaining audiences with his trademark wit and charisma. Although his recent release Sikandar underperformed at the box office, Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars. His larger-than-life screen image, paired with moments of humility and faith during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, continues to win the hearts of millions.

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Air India Flight to Indore Declares Mayday After Engine Fire Alert, Lands Safely in Delhi

An Indore-bound Air India flight (AI-2913) returned to Delhi on Saturday morning after its pilots declared a Mayday, reporting a suspected fire in the aircraft’s right engine shortly after take-off. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Delhi airport declared a full emergency, and fire and rescue teams were placed on standby. The Airbus A320neo, carrying more than 90 passengers, landed safely around 6:15 a.m. “All passengers and crew members disembarked safely,” Air India said in a statement. The affected aircraft has been grounded for detailed engineering inspection, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed. The flight had been airborne for over 30 minutes before returning. Following procedure, the cockpit crew shut down the right engine before making the emergency landing. Air India later arranged an alternate aircraft to carry passengers onward to Indore. In a separate incident, an Air India Express flight (IX-2610) from Chennai to Andaman was forced to return to its origin on Monday after severe weather prevented landing at its destination. The aircraft circled the airport but, due to deteriorating conditions, diverted back to Chennai, where it landed safely. Alternative arrangements were made to accommodate the affected passengers.

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Maratha Protest Halts Cargo Movement Across Maharashtra; AIMTC Warns of Global Fallout

Mumbai, Sept 2: The ongoing Maratha reservation protest has paralysed cargo movement across Maharashtra, with all major routes to South Mumbai — including Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai corridors, Panvel, and the Eastern Freeway — shut for heavy vehicles and over-dimensional consignments, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said on Monday. Exporters, importers, and project cargo operators are reporting massive losses as time-bound shipments remain stranded en route to Mumbai Port. AIMTC flagged one critical case: heavy machinery bound for the vessel Jabel Ali Nine, scheduled to sail Tuesday morning, has been blocked from reaching the port. Missing the sailing could trigger penalties, contract cancellations, and damage India’s credibility in global markets. “This is not a single case — hundreds of consignments are stranded,” said AIMTC advisor and former president Bal Malkit Singh. “Export-import cargo worth thousands of crores, critical for infrastructure and development projects, is being delayed. Idle containers, demurrage, detention charges, and penalties are mounting, while drivers are stranded without basic amenities. This is leading to financial disaster, mental stress, and harassment of operators.” Singh warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the crisis could cause reputational damage to Maharashtra and India, as missed shipments and cancelled contracts mount. The AIMTC has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state transport authorities to allow immediate movement of export-import cargo under police escort and to set up a dedicated emergency corridor for essential shipments during disruptions. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s Azad Maidan continues to see large-scale protests led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, as the Maratha agitation for 10% OBC reservation in jobs and education entered its fourth day on Monday.

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PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Semicon India 2025,’ Highlights India’s Growing Role in Global Chip Industry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the world now trusts India and is ready to build the future of the semiconductor industry with it. He announced that the government will soon introduce the next generation of reforms in the sector. Inaugurating Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, PM Modi emphasised India’s pivotal role in the trillion-dollar global chip market. “Investments of $18 billion are being made in 10 semiconductor projects approved since 2021,” he said. “The world trusts India, the world believes in India, and the world is ready to build the semiconductor future with India. While the last century was shaped by oil, the future will be shaped by chips.” The Prime Minister noted that the global semiconductor market, already valued at $600 billion, is on track to surpass $1 trillion, with India playing a key part. He said India is building a robust semiconductor ecosystem that goes beyond manufacturing to include research, design, and innovation, making the country globally competitive and self-reliant. Design centres in Noida and Bengaluru are developing some of the world’s most advanced chips, he said, while India continues to tackle industry-wide challenges. Modi also underscored India’s economic resilience, pointing to the country’s 7.8% GDP growth in the April–June quarter, achieved despite global headwinds. “Once again, India has performed better than every expectation, every assessment. At a time when the global economy is under pressure, India has achieved 7.8% growth. This performance shows India is on the right track to becoming a product nation,” the Prime Minister said. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also addressed the gathering, urging global companies to manufacture in India. He said the country has laid a strong foundation for its semiconductor industry within just a few years. The three-day Semicon India 2025 conference, themed “Building the Next Semiconductor Powerhouse,” is being held from September 2 to 4 at Yashobhoomi. Jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, it is one of South Asia’s largest semiconductor gatherings. The event features more than 350 exhibitors from 33 countries, over 15,000 visitors, six country roundtables, four country pavilions, and participation from nine Indian states. Sessions will focus on semiconductor fabs, advanced packaging, R&D, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, state-level policies, and investment opportunities.

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