July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: trendingnews

Tensions Surge as Explosions Rock Jammu Amid India-Pakistan Drone Conflict

A wave of explosions and the wail of air raid sirens filled the skies over Jammu, a city in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir, as a fresh round of military hostilities broke out between India and Pakistan. Witnesses reported loud blasts and flashes of light overhead, suggesting interceptive strikes or aerial engagements. The escalation comes amid mutual accusations between the two nations, each claiming the other launched drones across the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC). India asserted that it had carried out strikes against Pakistani air defense infrastructure, while Pakistan claimed to have shot down multiple Indian drones. New Delhi described its actions as a defensive response to a terror attack last month in Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly Hindu pilgrims—were killed by armed militants. Officials maintain that Pakistan-backed groups were responsible, prompting a series of retaliatory strikes. Islamabad, however, responded by launching artillery fire along the LoC, reportedly targeting Indian military outposts. Indian authorities confirmed the death of one soldier and at least 16 civilians in the Poonch district due to intense shelling. With both countries escalating their military and cyber responses, global observers fear a deeper crisis may be imminent between the nuclear-armed rivals.

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Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana Title Announcement Video Gets CBFC Nod, Release Imminent

One of the most eagerly awaited films in Bollywood, Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and reportedly starring Ranbir Kapoor, has taken a major step forward with the clearance of its title announcement video. According to a report by Pinkvilla, the short video has been approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), receiving a ‘U’ certificate from its Mumbai Regional Office on May 5. The video runs for 2 minutes and 36 seconds, and while it hasn’t been officially unveiled yet, the certification has significantly heightened excitement among fans and cinephiles. The film is being positioned as a two-part cinematic epic. Ramayana Part 1 is slated for a grand theatrical release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 expected to follow a year later during Diwali 2027. The story, rooted in the ancient Indian scripture, is expected to be a visually rich and immersive spectacle, blending mythology with cutting-edge technology and storytelling. The project is being spearheaded by Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus and DNEG, who shared his vision in November 2024 via Instagram. He wrote, “More than a decade ago, I embarked on a noble quest to bring this epic that has ruled billions of hearts for over 5,000 years to the big screen. And today, I am thrilled to see it taking shape beautifully… Join us as we fulfil our dream of bringing our greatest epic to life with pride and reverence.” While the official cast is yet to be formally announced, strong industry buzz and leaked set photos suggest that Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Lord Ram, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita, and Yash taking on the role of Ravana. Yash, who is also co-producing the film, had earlier stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India that Ravana is one of the “most fascinating” characters he’s ever had the opportunity to portray. With the title reveal video now certified, fans are eagerly waiting for its public release, which is expected to offer the first glimpse into the tone, aesthetics, and vision of what may become one of Indian cinema’s most iconic mythological adaptations.

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Akshay Kumar to Reunite with Priyadarshan for Thriller Oppam Remake; Saif Ali Khan Joins as Co-Lead

Akshay Kumar and veteran director Priyadarshan—celebrated for their string of comedy blockbusters—are set to explore new territory with a high-stakes thriller. The duo has reportedly signed on to remake the 2016 Malayalam hit Oppam, originally starring Mohanlal, with Akshay stepping into the lead role. According to industry sources, Saif Ali Khan will share top billing alongside Akshay, marking a “pure two-hero battle” at the heart of the narrative. “Akshay is a big fan of Oppam,” a source told Bollywood Hungama, “and when Priyadarshan offered him the film, he signed the dotted line immediately. He’s excited to tackle a thriller under Priyadarshan’s direction.” Production is slated to begin in August 2025, with a start-to-finish shooting schedule planned to keep the momentum tight. The makers are eyeing a release in the second half of 2026, positioning the film as one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers. This collaboration marks a departure from the comedic realm that defined Akshay–Priyadarshan’s partnership, promising audiences a darker, suspense-driven storyline rooted in the original’s premise of sighted butler Vikram’s gripping battle against unseen threats. With two of Bollywood’s biggest stars and a seasoned director at the helm, the Oppam remake is poised to bring a fresh pulse of suspense and star power to Hindi cinema.

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India Bans All Imports from Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

In a decisive escalation of its response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, citing national security and public policy concerns. The move follows confirmation of terror links to Pakistan in the massacre that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, in Baisaran meadow, Jammu and Kashmir. In a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the government stated: “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” The Wagah-Attari border, the sole land trade route between the two nations, had already been closed in the wake of the terror attack. Imports from Pakistan had already dwindled significantly, especially after India imposed a 200% duty following the 2019 Pulwama attack. By 2024–25, Pakistani imports made up less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports, with primary goods being pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds. Diplomatic Fallout: Indus Waters Treaty Suspended In a major diplomatic blow, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, the 1960 agreement governing river water sharing between the two nations. With this suspension, India may now divert or block water from the Indus River system, potentially affecting millions of Pakistani citizens dependent on the water source. Additional Measures: Security Situation: Tensions remain high along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, with Pakistani troops reportedly targeting Indian positions through provocations and firing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s firm stand: “There will be no trade dialogue with Pakistan until terrorism is completely eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.” India has long maintained that Pakistan provides safe havens to terrorists, and the latest measures signal a zero-tolerance policy toward cross-border terrorism.

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‘House Arrest’ Controversy: ULLU Show Faces FIR Over Indecent Representation of Women, NCW Summons Host and CEO

The producer and host of the ULLU app’s reality show House Arrest are now facing serious legal trouble after a controversial clip from the show went viral. The video, which sparked outrage on social media, shows contestants—particularly women—being allegedly coerced into enacting sexual positions and responding to explicit questions, under pressure from the show’s host, Ajaz Khan, a former Bigg Boss contestant. The clip drew sharp criticism for its vulgar content and for violating participants’ consent. Mr. Khan was seen insisting that contestants comply with his provocative instructions despite visible discomfort, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. Acting on a complaint filed by a Bajrang Dal activist, Mumbai’s Amboli Police registered an FIR against Ajaz Khan and the show’s producer, Rajkumar Pandey. The charges are under sections related to obscene acts in public, indecent representation of women, and provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following public outrage, the House Arrest show was pulled from the ULLU app. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), NCW stated: “NCW takes suo motu cognisance of obscene content on Ullu App’s show House Arrest. Viral clips show women being coerced into intimate acts on camera. NCW slams the platform for promoting vulgarity and violating consent. CEO and host summoned on May 9.” Both Ajaz Khan and ULLU CEO Vibhu Agarwal have been summoned to appear before the NCW on May 9, 2025. The incident has reignited debates around content regulation on OTT platforms, exploitation under the guise of entertainment, and the need for stringent checks to safeguard the dignity and consent of women in reality programming.

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7 Dead, Over 80 Injured in Stampede at Shri Lairai Zatra Festival in Goa

At least seven people lost their lives and more than 80 others were injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, late on Friday night. The injured have been rushed to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for treatment. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital and earlier inspected the situation at the Bicholim hospital. Taking to social media platform X, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that he is personally monitoring the situation. Sawant also announced a detailed inquiry into the incident, stating, “We will make the report public,” while speaking to reporters at the site. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that 10 of the 80 injured are critically hurt and that medical teams have been working overnight to save lives. “This is the most unfortunate incident,” he said, adding that more than six to seven people have lost their lives and that the government is doing its best to treat the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the local administration is actively supporting the victims. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The exact cause of the stampede and the identities of the victims have not yet been released by the authorities. The Shri Lairai Zatra is one of Goa’s most revered religious festivals, held annually at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao. Devotees from across the state and neighbouring regions attend the event to honour Goddess Lairai, a form of Goddess Parvati. A major highlight of the festival is the dhondachi zatra, in which devotees walk barefoot over burning embers—a ritual believed to invoke divine blessings. The festival draws thousands of participants, with grand processions, devotional music, and ceremonial offerings marking the celebration. This year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant and spiritual occasion.

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Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has publicly denied a fake viral post falsely attributed to her in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam

Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has publicly denied a fake viral post falsely attributed to her in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The fabricated Instagram story claimed she blamed the Pakistan Army and appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to retaliate against Pakistani civilians — a statement she firmly disavowed. 🔍 What Happened: 📢 Hania Aamir’s Response: Posting on her verified Instagram, she said: “I did not make this statement, and I do not endorse or align with the words being linked to me. It is entirely fabricated and misrepresents who I am and what I believe.” She further emphasized: 🌐 Regional Context: Her clarification comes amid heightened cross-border tension and at a time when Instagram has restricted access to several Pakistani celebrities’ accounts in India, including hers. The message shown to Indian users reads: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.” 🕊️ Final Note from Hania: “I remain committed to spreading positivity and respect in all that I do.” This incident underscores the growing challenges around disinformation and online impersonation, especially in politically sensitive times.

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Amitabh Bachchan Enters Gaming Industry as Co-Founder of Tara Gaming; Unveils AAA Title ‘The Age of Bhaarat’

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has officially entered the world of gaming, announcing his role as co-founder of Tara Gaming, a new venture aimed at revolutionizing Indian digital storytelling through high-end video games. The studio, launched alongside bestselling author Amish Tripathi and gaming industry veteran Nouredine Abboud, made headlines on May 1 with the cinematic reveal of its flagship project — The Age of Bhaarat, a AAA action-adventure game franchise set in a reimagined ancient India. A Grand Vision Inspired by Indian Heritage The trailer teased sprawling mythological landscapes, legendary warriors, and mystical creatures — all crafted with cinematic finesse and rooted in Indian lore. Targeted at PC and console platforms, the game promises to deliver a rich narrative inspired by Indian epics, bringing the grandeur of Bharat’s storytelling tradition into the global gaming arena. Bachchan: “Gaming is the Next Frontier of Storytelling” Calling his entry into the gaming space an “extension of lifelong storytelling,” Bachchan shared his excitement for the new medium: “India has always been a land of powerful stories. Through this game, we have an opportunity to share our epics, creativity, and imagination with the world. Gaming is where stories come alive for the next generation, and I’m excited to help shape that experience at Tara Gaming with a uniquely Indian lens.” Backed by Industry Stalwarts “Mr. Bachchan’s belief in our vision adds immense strength to our journey. His presence is not just iconic — it elevates the soul of this endeavor.” What’s Next? Tara Gaming aims to position India as a creative powerhouse in the AAA gaming space, with The Age of Bhaarat as its flagship franchise. While a release window has not yet been announced, the project’s scale, artistic ambition, and cultural foundation suggest it could mark a significant shift in India’s place on the global gaming map.

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ED Summons Mahesh Babu in Money Laundering Probe Linked to Hyderabad Real Estate Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, asking him to appear on April 28, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering involving two Hyderabad-based real estate firms—Sai Surya Developers and Surana Group. 💼 Allegations: 🏗️ The Scam: 🔍 Celeb Involvement: While Mahesh Babu is not accused of active participation in the scam’s operations, the ED is investigating the legitimacy of payments made to him and other celebrities who were part of promotional campaigns. The agency is also planning to attach properties acquired using the suspected laundered funds.

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Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Prolonged Illness, Vatican Confirms

First Latin American and Jesuit Pope Remembered for His Humble Leadership and Progressive Reforms Historic Passing of a Global Spiritual Leader The Vatican has announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. The pontiff, who became the first Latin American and first Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at 7:35 AM after a prolonged illness. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, speaking on Vatican TV, stated, “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” A Papacy Marked by Health Struggles and Determination The Pope had faced numerous health scares throughout his tenure, including a recent and severe case of double pneumonia and kidney complications. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, his condition worsened before stabilizing in late March. On March 23, he made a symbolic appearance from the hospital balcony, offering a thumbs-up to supporters. Despite visible weakness, he resumed limited duties, including greeting crowds on Easter Sunday and meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on April 19. Final Resting Place Reflects Humility Pope Francis will become the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican. Honoring his personal wishes, he will be laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome. He also opted out of the traditional three-coffin burial custom, choosing instead a single coffin made of wood and zinc to reflect his pastoral humility. A Reformist and Compassionate Leader Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. He assumed leadership during a time of crisis, with the Church under fire for clerical sex abuse scandals and bureaucratic infighting. Throughout his papacy, Francis focused on inclusivity, environmental advocacy, and social justice, while modernizing elements of the centuries-old institution. Among his landmark initiatives: Legacy of Complexity and Change Francis’s papacy was not without controversy. He received criticism from both conservative factions, who felt he abandoned traditions, and progressives, who wished for bolder reforms. Nevertheless, he was seen by many as a bridge-builder, seeking to align the Church with the realities of the modern world. Over 12 years, he: The World Mourns a Pope of the People With his passing, the global Catholic community loses a beloved and accessible spiritual leader, one who championed a Church that is more merciful, just, and close to the marginalized. His legacy will continue to shape conversations on faith, compassion, and reform for years to come.

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