July 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: trendingnews

Salman Khan’s Sikandar Crosses ₹170 Crore at Global Box Office in Five Days

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Eid release Sikandar is making waves at the global box office. The action-packed entertainer, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, has amassed an impressive ₹169.78 crore worldwide in just five days of its theatrical run, according to the makers. Production house Nadiadwala Grandson took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank fans, writing:“You’ve filled cinemas and our hearts. Thank you for making #Sikandar so special.”The message was shared alongside a new poster of the film celebrating its box office numbers. Sikandar had a massive start, earning ₹54.72 crore globally on its opening day, March 30. Despite experiencing a dip in daily earnings, the film continues to draw audiences. On Day 5, it collected ₹8.28 crore gross in India and ₹3 crore overseas, contributing to its strong cumulative figure. Sikandar’s Story and Cast In the film, Salman Khan plays Sanjay, a vigilante also known as “Rajkot ka Raja Saab.” He arrives in Mumbai on a mission to take down a corrupt political system, facing off against a politician portrayed by veteran actor Sathyaraj. Along the way, he also finds love—Rashmika Mandanna plays his wife. The ensemble cast also includes Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Anjini Dhawan, and Jatin Sarna, adding strength to the narrative. Online Leak Controversy While the film is performing well in cinemas, it has not been without controversy. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) recently condemned the unauthorized online leak of Sikandar before its theatrical release—a move that could have impacted its initial footfall. Backed by Sajid Nadiadwala, Sikandar is expected to continue its strong box office run, with a Netflix premiere lined up after its theatrical journey.

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Editor03 mins

Allu Arjun and Atlee Gear Up for a Big-Budget Film: Announcement Expected Soon

After the record-breaking success of Pushpa 2: The Rule, all eyes are on Allu Arjun’s next cinematic move—and it’s a big one. The stylish star is set to collaborate with blockbuster director Atlee, who recently delivered the mammoth hit Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan. On April 4, Allu Arjun was spotted at the Chennai airport, reportedly heading to a key meeting with director Atlee and Sun Pictures—the production house backing this upcoming entertainer. A video of the actor from the Hyderabad airport has gone viral, fueling anticipation for what’s being described as a high-octane, big-budget spectacle. According to insider reports, the untitled film will be solely produced by Sun Pictures. The official announcement is expected soon, with sources hinting that a promotional video might be shot as a formal reveal. Project Atlee-Salman Khan on Hold Interestingly, Atlee was earlier slated to collaborate with Salman Khan on a massive action film. However, the project has reportedly been postponed due to budgetary concerns. Speaking in a group interview before the release of Sikandar, Salman himself mentioned that Atlee’s film was grand in scale but currently shelved due to financial constraints. Two Titans of Indian Cinema Unite This upcoming Allu Arjun–Atlee film is already generating major buzz, especially given both artists’ recent box office dominance. Atlee’s Jawan grossed over ₹1,100 crore worldwide, while Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 soared to a phenomenal ₹1,800 crore in lifetime earnings. With two titans coming together, expectations are sky-high. The official title, promo, and cast details are expected to drop soon—setting the stage for another pan-India blockbuster in the making.

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Editor03 mins

Salman Khan Collaborates with V Vijayendra Prasad for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2

Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains one of Salman Khan’s most iconic and beloved films. The 2015 Kabir Khan directorial saw Salman portraying the heartfelt role of Pawan Kumar Chaturvedi—a devotee of Lord Hanuman who embarks on a mission to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family. The film was both a critical and commercial blockbuster, praised for its emotional depth and cross-border message of love and humanity. In recent developments, a sequel to the film may be on the horizon. According to a report by Pinkvilla, Salman Khan recently met acclaimed screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad, who also penned the original Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The meeting reportedly led to the development of an idea for a potential sequel. A source told the portal, “Salman Khan has met V Vijayendra Prasad a couple of days back. They have come up with an idea and discussions are on that could be for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. Moreover, there is a chance of possible collaboration between V Vijayendra Prasad and director Kabir Khan. The trio is coming together. However, nothing has been finalized yet.” The source further added that the aim is to bring the sequel to life with the same honesty and emotional weight that made the original a modern classic. If all goes well, the team behind the first installment—Salman, Kabir Khan, and Vijayendra Prasad—could reunite to deliver another heartfelt cinematic experience. For those unfamiliar, V Vijayendra Prasad is one of Indian cinema’s most respected screenwriters, known for writing blockbusters like RRR, Magadheera, and of course, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Salman Khan’s Current Projects On the professional front, Salman Khan was recently seen in Sikandar, directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Released on March 30, 2025, just ahead of Eid, the film opened to a mix of audience reactions and critical reviews. Co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, Prateik Smita Patil, Sharman Joshi, and Sathyaraj, the film is set to stream on Netflix following its theatrical run. With Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2 now entering the early stages of development, fans eagerly await official confirmation and further updates about what could be another emotionally powerful journey.

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Editor03 mins

Crisis of Credibility: Will Bengal’s SSC Scandal Be Mamata Banerjee’s Waterloo?

“The fate of a battle is the result of a moment, of a thought,” Napoleon Bonaparte once reflected on his fateful defeat at Waterloo. A single moment, a single misstep, can unravel the mightiest regimes. Is West Bengal, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, now facing such a decisive moment? On April 5, the Supreme Court of India, led by the Chief Justice, upheld a landmark Calcutta High Court ruling that invalidated the appointments of 25,752 teachers who cleared the School Service Commission (SSC) exam in 2016. The verdict rocked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government to its core—already reeling from public outrage over the RG Kar Medical College protests following the rape and murder of an intern doctor. A Test of Governance—and Honesty For Mamata Banerjee, who has long projected herself as the torchbearer of honesty and people-centric governance, this is more than just a legal setback. It’s a severe blow to the legitimacy of her administration. In a 32-minute address, Banerjee struck a defiant tone, blaming the BJP and CPM for the tainted recruitment process, and urging people to focus on the Supreme Court’s directive to hold fresh recruitment within three months. She expressed confidence that the ‘autonomous’ SSC would manage this transparently. But her optimism is not widely shared—especially by those with insider knowledge of the SSC. SSC Insider Speaks Out Chittaranjan Mondal, former chairman of the SSC, delivered a blistering critique of the process. Speaking to TOI Online, he described the situation as a “tragedy” and squarely blamed the SSC leadership at the time—implying they either succumbed to political pressure or were grossly negligent. Mondal pointed to the state government’s failure to submit OMR answer sheets, which created doubts about candidate legitimacy. “If the SSC is really autonomous,” he questioned, “why did the Commission stop issuing duplicate OMRs to candidates?” He expressed deep skepticism about the state’s excuses and warned that the upcoming recruitment would be under intense public and judicial scrutiny. “The buck stops with the political executive,” Mondal asserted, holding the TMC government ultimately accountable for the fiasco. Political Fallout on the Horizon? With assembly elections due in 2026, this scandal could have serious political ramifications. Public trust in government hiring is now severely shaken. The TMC’s credibility—particularly on education and employment—is under the scanner, and opposition parties are sure to weaponize this verdict in the months ahead. “Why the silence on accountability?” asked a youth activist at a solidarity march in Kolkata. “Students and job-seekers have been cheated—not just by a flawed system, but by a failed promise of fairness.” What’s Next? The Supreme Court has ordered fresh recruitment within three months, placing immense pressure on the SSC to act swiftly and transparently. Any further mistakes could deepen the crisis—not just institutionally, but politically. As Mamata Banerjee faces mounting pressure—from students, courts, and political rivals—this moment may well define the course of her leadership. Will it be a turning point of redemption, or a repeat of Waterloo?

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Editor05 mins

U.S. Tariffs Threaten to Slow India’s Economic Growth; Analysts Expect Deeper RBI Rate Cuts

India’s economic growth may take a hit of 20-40 basis points (bps) in the current financial year following the imposition of new 26% U.S. tariffs, potentially prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates more aggressively than previously expected, analysts said. The tariff decision, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, is seen as a major challenge to India’s growth outlook, putting pressure on the RBI’s growth projection of 6.7% and the government’s Economic Survey forecast of 6.3%-6.8% for FY 2025-26. Growth Forecasts Revised Following the tariff move: The Indian economy already slowed to an estimated 6.5% in FY24, the lowest in four years, due to high inflation, weaker urban demand, and tighter RBI credit norms. Rate Cuts Now Expected to Deepen With inflation projected at 4.2% — within the RBI’s comfort zone — and downside risks to growth mounting, economists now anticipate: Previously, analysts had forecast only one more rate cut to 5.75% by August before a pause. “This would be an appropriate risk minimization strategy,” said Citi’s India Chief Economist Samiran Chakraborty, emphasizing the lower upside risk to inflation relative to growth. The RBI, under new Governor Sanjay Malhotra, has already taken steps to ease liquidity and delay stricter lending norms, providing some relief to credit growth. Policy Space and Government Support The MPC’s February commentary suggested there is space to support growth while staying aligned with inflation goals. Meanwhile, the government has: “India sees no need for an economy-wide stimulus at this stage,” a government source told Reuters. Broader Implications Vivek Kumar of QuantEco Research noted the shifting global trade landscape could push policymakers worldwide to focus on reviving domestic consumption. For India, this could mean interest rate easing and a weaker rupee in the months ahead.

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Editor04 mins

Rajinikanth’s Coolie to Clash with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 This Independence Day

The box office is gearing up for a high-voltage showdown this Independence Day as two massive films—Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan-Jr NTR starrer War 2—are set to release around the same time. Rajinikanth’s Coolie Locks August 14 Release On Friday, Sun Pictures officially announced the release date of Coolie, confirming that the Tamil action drama will hit theatres worldwide on August 14, 2025. The announcement came with a striking new poster featuring Rajinikanth in a fiery avatar, accompanied by the caption:“Sound-ah yethu! Deva Varraaru. #Coolie worldwide from August 14th.” The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, wrapped up shooting last month. Lokesh, known for his stylish and intense storytelling, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, building excitement around the project. All About Coolie Coolie boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Nagarjuna, Pooja Hegde, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan. Notably, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is set to make a special appearance in the film, adding to its pan-Indian appeal. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander, who previously composed the chart-topping soundtrack for Jailer (2023), another Rajinikanth blockbuster. Veteran actor Sathyaraj also plays a key role. This marks Lokesh Kanagaraj’s seventh directorial venture, following the success of Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, which form the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). However, it’s still unclear whether Coolie will be part of the same universe. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 Set for Independence Day Weekend While Yash Raj Films has yet to officially announce the date, War 2—directed by Ayan Mukerji and starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani—is widely expected to release around August 15, setting up a mega box office clash. A sequel to the 2019 hit War, the upcoming installment continues the story of Major Kabir Dhaliwal (played by Hrithik) and is the sixth film in the YRF Spy Universe after Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan, and Tiger 3. The Spy Universe Expands Yash Raj Films is heavily investing in its interconnected spy franchise with upcoming titles like Pathaan 2, Tiger vs Pathaan, and Alpha already in development. Box Office Battle Royale With Coolie and War 2 eyeing the same release window, Independence Day 2025 promises a thunderous clash between two cinematic giants. While Coolie brings together South Indian legends with a splash of Bollywood star power, War 2 rides on the massive success of the YRF Spy Universe. Fans and trade analysts alike are eagerly awaiting official confirmation from YRF and the first teasers of both films to see how this blockbuster battle unfolds.

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Editor04 mins

Mahesh Babu’s Playful Airport Moment with Daughter Sitara Delights Fans

Superstar Mahesh Babu recently treated fans to a light-hearted and heartwarming moment at the Hyderabad airport. The actor, who is currently busy with the shoot of his ambitious project SSMB29, was seen traveling with his daughter, Sitara Ghattamaneni. What made the sighting extra special was Mahesh’s cheeky gesture for the cameras—he playfully showed off his passport, making Sitara burst into laughter. This came as a witty response to the viral memes from earlier, when fans joked that Mahesh Babu’s passport was “locked” after a photo of director SS Rajamouli holding multiple passports surfaced online. Mahesh’s little stunt proved otherwise, sending fans into a frenzy of joy. Dressed in a crisp white ensemble, Mahesh looked effortlessly stylish and sported his signature charm. He flashed a bright smile and even gave a thumbs-up to the paparazzi, creating an adorable dad-daughter moment that fans couldn’t stop talking about. What Makes SSMB29 So Special? SSMB29 marks a landmark collaboration between Mahesh Babu and the visionary director SS Rajamouli, known for epic hits like Baahubali and RRR. The film is already being touted as Mahesh’s biggest project to date, promising a global-scale adventure drama. Adding to the buzz, the film stars international icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas and South superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles. With a massive budget and a thrilling storyline, SSMB29 is shaping up to be a pan-India spectacle, with expectations soaring sky-high. Fans are thrilled to see Mahesh Babu in high spirits as excitement builds for this cinematic epic.

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Editor03 mins

Tajinder Bagga Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Telangana Deforestation Row

BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has stirred controversy after putting up hoardings across Delhi that target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a 400-acre green area in Hyderabad, Telangana. The hoardings, visible at multiple locations across the national capital, bear the message: “Rahul Gandhi ji, please stop cutting down our jungles in Telangana.” This political move follows a recent Supreme Court stay on the deforestation drive, ordered on April 3. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih took suo motu cognisance of the tree-cutting operation after reviewing an interim report from the Telangana High Court, which painted an “alarming picture” of deforestation in the area adjoining the University of Hyderabad. Congress Government Faces Heat The Congress-led Telangana government has come under heavy criticism for launching a development project on the green land, with opposition leaders accusing it of deploying hundreds of bulldozers to clear trees and wildlife. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao questioned the need to convert a natural habitat into a ₹30,000 crore real estate project, highlighting the city’s ongoing battle with rapid urbanisation. Student-Led Protests and Legal Intervention The issue sparked a wave of student activism. On April 3, University of Hyderabad students began an indefinite relay hunger strike, demanding the withdrawal of bulldozers and a halt to tree felling. Over 50 students participated in the hunger strike, with around 200 others joining the protest on campus. The protest gained support from the Workers’ Union and non-teaching staff. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the students ended their hunger strike. “We have called off the protest and hunger strike as the Supreme Court has ordered a stay on the activities,” said Anamika, a student leader, as quoted by The New Indian Express. The students have since announced a victory rally to celebrate what they called a major win for environmental justice.

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Editor03 mins

BSF Shoots Pakistani Intruder at International Border in Jammu and Kashmir

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Pakistani intruder who attempted to cross the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials reported on Saturday. The incident occurred during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, when BSF troops observed suspicious movement near the IB. According to an official BSF statement, the intruder continued to advance despite repeated warnings, prompting the personnel to open fire and neutralise the threat. The identity and motive of the individual remain under investigation. The BSF has lodged a strong protest with their Pakistani counterparts following the breach. The local police were alerted, and the body was removed from the site for postmortem examination and to complete other legal formalities. Authorities are continuing the probe, and further details are awaited.

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Editor01 mins

Over 73,000 Waqf Properties Under Dispute Amid Changes in Governance Structure

With Parliament passing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, significant changes are expected in the governance and regulation of Waqf properties across India. Data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs reveals that out of the 8.8 lakh Waqf assets spread across 30 states and Union Territories, over 73,000 are currently under dispute and could be directly affected by the new legal provisions. A Waqf is a piece of personal property voluntarily dedicated by a Muslim for a specific religious, charitable, or sometimes private purpose. Though the beneficiaries may vary, the ownership is considered to be vested with God. The Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) database, maintained by the central government, records details of all Waqf properties, including their type, management, and status. According to WAMSI, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Waqf assets at 2.4 lakh, managed across both Sunni and Shia boards. It is followed by West Bengal (80,480), Punjab (75,511), Tamil Nadu (66,092), and Karnataka (65,242). Bihar is the only other state besides UP that has separate Waqf boards for Sunni and Shia communities; other states operate with unified boards. Of the total 8.8 lakh Waqf properties, around 6.2 lakh fall under five major categories: graveyards, agricultural land, mosques, shops, and houses. Notably, graveyards alone constitute 17.3%, while agricultural land and mosques account for 16% and 14%, respectively. Amid opposition criticism, the NDA government had referred the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which accepted 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while rejecting all 44 suggestions from the Opposition. The final Bill redefines how Waqf properties are to be administered, including changing the composition of state Waqf boards and enhancing the state government’s role in dispute resolution. Disputed Waqf properties are classified under three main categories: encroached, under litigation, and alienated. Litigation can be external (civil suits involving individuals) or internal (disputes within the Waqf Board). Alienated properties are those involved in illegal transfers and are subject to civil suits, while encroached properties refer to those allegedly built on government land. These disputes, under the new Bill, may be resolved by a tribunal comprising a District Judge and a state government officer of Joint Secretary rank. One of the most high-profile Waqf disputes in India’s history was over the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, demolished in 1992. The case was heard across various judicial levels before the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in 2019, allowing for the construction of the Ram Temple at the site. Among the states, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh report the highest number of disputed Waqf properties. Punjab has the highest proportion of encroached properties, with 56.5% of its 75,511 assets under encroachment. In comparison, UP, despite having the most Waqf properties, has just 3,044 under dispute, while West Bengal reports 3,742 disputed properties, placing it second in volume.

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Editor05 mins
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