June 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

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Allahabad High Court Bar Association Begins Indefinite Strike Against Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer

Lawyers Protest Lack of Transparency in Judiciary The Allahabad High Court Bar Association launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in protest against the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. Leading the protest at gate number 3 of the high court, Bar Association president Anil Tiwari clarified that the demonstration was not directed against any specific judge or court but against a system that, according to him, has failed to uphold transparency. “Our fight is against corruption and the lack of transparency in the judicial system. We demand a reconsideration and withdrawal of this transfer order,” he said. Bar Association Stands Firm on Protest The Bar Association had reiterated its opposition to Justice Varma’s transfer on Monday, March 24, and subsequently decided to commence the strike. Mr. Tiwari warned that the association was prepared for an extended battle. “From the very beginning, there has been an attempt to cover up this matter. Lawyers across India are now fighting this battle, and we will not resume work until this issue is resolved, no matter the consequences,” he stated. Supreme Court Collegium Confirms Transfer Amid Allegations The Supreme Court collegium, on March 24, confirmed its recommendation to transfer Justice Varma back to his parent Allahabad High Court. This decision follows an ongoing inquiry regarding the alleged discovery of a large sum of cash at his official residence in Lutyens Delhi. The alleged cash was found after a fire broke out at his residence on March 14, prompting fire officials to respond. Following these developments, the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court took immediate action, including withdrawing judicial work from Justice Varma. The transfer recommendation was officially communicated to the Centre through a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website. Justice Varma Denies Allegations, Calls It a Conspiracy Justice Varma has firmly denied any involvement in the alleged cash discovery, stating that neither he nor his family had placed any money in his residence. He denounced the claims, calling them a conspiracy aimed at framing and maligning him. “I strongly reject the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to me or my family members,” he asserted. Justice Varma’s Judicial Career Justice Varma enrolled as an advocate on August 8, 1992, and was appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court on October 13, 2014. He took oath as a permanent judge on February 1, 2016, before being elevated to the Delhi High Court on October 11, 2021. As the protest continues, the legal fraternity remains divided over the issue, with many lawyers demanding greater transparency in judicial transfers and disciplinary proceedings.

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Mumbai Police Investigate Kunal Kamra Over Jokes Targeting Eknath Shinde

Police Probe Alleged Conspiracy Behind Stand-Up Routine Mumbai Police are investigating whether comedian Kunal Kamra’s jokes about Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde were part of a larger conspiracy. Authorities are probing whether Kamra received financial or other support to mock the leader. Sources indicate that the police are also examining if someone helped the comedian write his material. A team from Khar police station visited Kamra’s Mumbai residence, where his parents live, to serve a summons, asking him to appear for questioning. Since the comedian has reportedly left the state, the summons was also sent to his WhatsApp. Kamra faces multiple charges, including defamation and making statements that could incite public mischief. Police have stated that his phone and other electronic devices might be examined as part of the probe. Viral Parody Song Sparks Controversy The controversy stems from a stand-up performance at Mumbai’s Habitat studio, where Kamra used a parody of Bholi Si Surat, a popular song from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai, to take a dig at Shinde. In his act, Kamra used the term “gaddar” (traitor) in reference to Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government and a split in the Shiv Sena. Following Kamra’s remarks, enraged Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy shows. Although Shinde distanced himself from the violence, he defended his party workers’ sentiments, stating, “Every action has a reaction.” He further questioned whether someone had given Kamra a “supari” (contract) to target him. Habitat Studio Faces Demolition, Announces Shutdown In the wake of the controversy, civic officials conducted a demolition drive at the Habitat studio, citing alleged building law violations. Following these developments, the venue announced its decision to temporarily shut down, stating that it was being unfairly targeted for the content performed on its stage. “We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist, but recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted, almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the studio said in a statement. Kamra Responds, Opposition Criticizes Government Action Kunal Kamra responded to the controversy, clarifying that neither the Habitat studio nor any political party was responsible for his remarks. “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The comedian asserted that he does not fear threats and is willing to cooperate with the police and legal authorities. However, he questioned whether the law would be equally applied to those who engaged in vandalism and the civic officials who demolished the venue without prior notice. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticized the Maharashtra government for going after Kamra. Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde’s former mentor and the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), backed the comedian, stating, “Kunal Kamra has told the truth. It was not satire. Those who steal are ‘gaddar.’ There is no ‘freedom of expression’ when it comes to traitors.”

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Kesari Chapter 2 Teaser Unveiled: Akshay Kumar’s Most Intense Role Yet

Hold your breath and grab some tissues—Akshay Kumar is all set to bring one of Bollywood’s most heart-wrenching stories to life. Dharma Productions has officially unveiled the teaser for Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, and it’s nothing short of powerful and unforgettable. A Bold and Impactful Teaser In a bold cinematic move, the teaser features 30 seconds of a black screen, yet it manages to send chills down the spine. Director Karan Singh Tyagi and his team have crafted an emotionally charged promo, gripping audiences with intense dialogues that set the stage for a gripping historical drama. Revisiting the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Following the success of Kesari (2019), which depicted the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919. The visuals are gut-wrenching, promising a film that will leave audiences in tears. This time, Akshay Kumar steps into the role of C. Sankaran Nair, the courageous lawyer who fought to expose the brutal truth and seek justice for the innocent victims. A First for Indian Cinema The teaser also includes a surprising moment—possibly the first instance of a cuss word in Indian cinema. In a courtroom scene, Akshay’s character delivers the line: “Fk you.”** The powerful dialogue is sure to evoke strong emotions and a desire for justice. Fans are hoping the censor board allows the film to retain its raw intensity without unnecessary cuts. A Powerhouse Team Behind the Film Produced by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective, Kesari Chapter 2 boasts an impressive cast, including R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday. The production team includes Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Amritpal Singh Bindra, and Anand Tiwari, with co-production by Marijke deSouza, Somen Mishra, and Vedant Baali. The screenplay and story are penned by Karan Singh Tyagi and Amritpal Singh Bindra, with a gripping background score adding to the emotional depth of the film. Release Date Mark your calendars! Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh is set for a worldwide release on April 18, 2025. Are you ready for one of Bollywood’s most intense historical dramas?

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Editor04 mins

Yash’s Toxic Set for a Massive Box Office Clash with Love & War

Exciting news for all Yash fans! The much-awaited film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups finally has an official release date. South superstar Yash took to Instagram to unveil a stunning new poster and announced that Toxic will hit theaters on March 19, 2026. A Big Box Office Battle What makes this even more thrilling? A major box-office showdown! Just a day after Toxic arrives, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War—starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal—will release on March 20, 2026. With two massive stars, Yash and Ranbir Kapoor, leading these projects, this clash is set to be one of the biggest in Indian cinema. Interestingly, both actors will also share screen space in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1, which is slated for Diwali 2026. The Poster Reveal The newly released poster of Toxic presents Yash in a sleek, all-black outfit, walking through the rain with a gun in hand and a fiery backdrop behind him—hinting at an intense, action-packed experience. Yash captioned the post simply with the release date: “19-03-2026.” A Landmark Film in Indian Cinema Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups features Kiara Advani as the female lead. What makes this project unique is that it is the first major Indian film to be conceived, written, and shot in both English and Kannada. The film will also be dubbed in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, making it a truly pan-India and global cinematic experience. Speaking about the film, Geetu Mohandas previously stated: “Our goal with Toxic was to create a story that resonates deeply with both Indian and global audiences. We’ve taken great care to capture the essence of the narrative in both Kannada and English, ensuring an immersive experience for viewers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This film is designed to transcend borders, languages, and cultural barriers, connecting with people worldwide.” Production & Release Toxic is jointly produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. With its grand vision, unique storytelling approach, and the presence of Yash in a never-seen-before avatar, Toxic is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious films of 2026. Are you excited for this Yash vs. Ranbir Kapoor box-office clash?

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Editor04 mins

Rhea Chakraborty Cleared of Allegations in Sushant Singh Rajput Case

Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, who became the focus of intense media scrutiny following the tragic death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, in June 2020, has finally been cleared of all allegations. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly given her a clean chit, concluding that Sushant died by suicide and that no foul play was involved. The Beginning: Love and Business Partnership Rhea and Sushant began dating in April 2019, and their relationship soon extended into professional collaboration. In September 2019, they co-founded an artificial intelligence startup, Vividrage Rhealityx, along with Rhea’s brother, Showik Chakraborty. By December 2019, the couple moved in together, signaling a deeper commitment. Tragic Loss: Sushant’s Sudden Death On June 14, 2020, the film industry and fans across the nation were left in shock when Sushant was found dead in his Mumbai apartment. Initial reports suggested suicide, and speculation surrounding his demise quickly took over news headlines. Rhea, who had been living with him, had reportedly moved out a week before his death. Legal Turmoil: FIR Against Rhea A month after Sushant’s death, on July 25, 2020, his father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna, accusing Rhea of abetment to suicide, financial fraud, wrongful confinement, and criminal breach of trust. The case alleged that ₹15 crore had been siphoned from Sushant’s accounts. Multi-Agency Probe: ED, CBI, and NCB Investigations Several agencies became involved in the case, turning it into one of Bollywood’s most high-profile investigations. Rhea’s Counter FIR Amid mounting allegations, Rhea filed an FIR on September 7, 2020, against Sushant’s sisters, Priyanka and Meetu Singh, along with a doctor. She claimed they had obtained a fake medical prescription for Sushant without proper consultation, just days before his death. Arrest and Jail Time The situation worsened for Rhea when the NCB arrested her on September 8, 2020, accusing her of procuring drugs for Sushant. She was charged under the NDPS Act and spent 28 days in Byculla jail before the Bombay High Court granted her bail on October 7, 2020. Legal Developments and Court Rulings Closure and Remembering Sushant With the CBI’s latest findings clearing Rhea of any wrongdoing, the case has reached a turning point. The industry and fans continue to remember Sushant Singh Rajput for his remarkable work in films, with tributes pouring in from colleagues like Sara Ali Khan and Ankita Lokhande.

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Editor05 mins

David Warner Arrives in Hyderabad for Robinhood Trailer Launch

Cricketer-turned-actor David Warner landed in Hyderabad to attend the grand trailer launch and pre-release event for his debut film, Robinhood. The Australian star received a warm welcome with a massive bouquet upon arrival. Fans gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him, and Warner graciously signed autographs, adding to the excitement surrounding his entry into Indian cinema. Warner’s Acting Debut in Telugu Cinema Warner is set to make his acting debut with Robinhood, a Telugu drama directed by Venky Kudumula. Expressing his enthusiasm, the cricketer stated that he thoroughly enjoyed shooting for the film. His involvement in the project has generated significant buzz, especially among cricket fans who have followed his stellar career on the field. Warm Welcome from Mythri Movie Makers The production house, Mythri Movie Makers, extended a heartfelt welcome to Warner last week. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), they wrote, “After shining and leaving a mark on the ground, it is time for him to shine on the silver screen. Introducing the widely loved @davidwarner31 to Indian Cinema with #Robinhood in an exciting cameo. Grand release worldwide on March 28th.” Warner, too, shared his excitement on X, writing, “Indian Cinema, here I come. Excited to be a part of #Robinhood. Thoroughly enjoyed shooting for this one.” Robinhood: A Thrilling Heist Drama The film stars Nithiin in the lead role as Honey Singh, a modern-day Robin Hood who steals from the rich to help the poor. Alongside Warner and Nithiin, the cast includes Sreeleela, Vennela Kishore, Rajendra Prasad, Devdatta Nage, Shine Tom Chacko, Aadukalam Naren, and Mime Gopi. Music, Cinematography, and Release Details Robinhood boasts music by National Award-winning composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, with Sai Sriram handling cinematography. The film’s art direction is overseen by Raam Kumar, and editing is done by Koti. With a talented team behind it, the movie is all set for a grand release in theaters worldwide on March 28, 2025.

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Editor03 mins

Ladakh Sees Unprecedented Road and Rail Development Since UT Status

Major Investments in Road Infrastructure Ladakh’s connectivity has expanded rapidly for both civilian and military purposes, with the central government investing ₹20,660 crore in road development since the region became a Union Territory in 2019, junior Union highways minister Harsh Malhotra stated in Leh on Sunday. Highlighting the surge in infrastructure projects, Malhotra mentioned key developments, including: Railway Expansion to Reduce Travel Time Malhotra also showcased progress on the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway project, which has been allocated ₹1.31 lakh crore. Once completed, it will reduce the Delhi-Leh travel time from 40 hours to just 20 hours. However, the Srinagar-Leh rail project has been put on hold but not canceled. Boost in Air Connectivity With an additional ₹640 crore earmarked for a new terminal at Leh airport, the region is also set to see improved air connectivity. Strategic Importance The minister emphasized that these projects are crucial for both civilian access and military preparedness, ensuring better infrastructure in the strategically sensitive region.

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US, Ukraine, and Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Negotiations

Parallel Negotiations in Riyadh US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night for discussions on de-escalating the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting, described as “productive and focused,” comes as Washington pushes for a broad ceasefire by April 20, which coincides with Easter in both Western and Orthodox traditions. However, according to a Bloomberg report, the timeline could be delayed due to the significant gap between Kyiv and Moscow’s positions. Meanwhile, Russian officials were set to hold separate discussions with the US on Monday, marking the first time such parallel negotiations have taken place since the early weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. US-Ukraine Talks: Calls for a Just Peace The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their meeting with American officials late Sunday night. Umerov stated that the discussion addressed key points, including energy security, and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his stance that Russia is prolonging the war. He called for increased pressure on Moscow from Kyiv’s allies, stating, “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war.” US-Russia Talks: Cautious Optimism The US-Russia negotiations were scheduled for Monday, with Russian state media confirming Moscow’s delegation had arrived in Riyadh on Sunday. American envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that progress could be made, particularly regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea. He suggested that such an agreement could lead to a broader ceasefire. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed expectations of a swift resolution, emphasizing that negotiations were just beginning. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a US-Ukrainian call for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Peskov warned of “difficult negotiations ahead” but acknowledged the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the US under the Trump administration. Outlook for Ceasefire While the US hopes to bridge the gap between Kyiv and Moscow through shuttle diplomacy, significant hurdles remain. Russia’s reluctance to agree to a full ceasefire and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure complicate efforts toward de-escalation. The coming days will determine whether these parallel negotiations can lead to meaningful progress in ending the three-year-long war.

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Delhi High Court Withdraws Judicial Work from Justice Yashwant Varma Amid Cash Controversy

Judicial Work Withdrawn The Delhi High Court has withdrawn judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma following a controversy surrounding the recovery of a large amount of cash from his residence. The decision was formalized through a notice issued by the Registrar of the High Court on Monday. The move came after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, on March 22, directed the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to refrain from assigning any judicial work to Justice Varma. “In view of the recent events, judicial work from Hon’ble Mr. Justice Yashwant Varma is withdrawn with immediate effect till further orders,” the High Court notice stated. Cash Discovery After House Fire The controversy erupted after a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence on March 14. During firefighting operations, authorities reportedly discovered unaccounted cash. A video of burnt cash being recovered was also allegedly shared by the Delhi Police Commissioner with the Chief Justice of the High Court. At the time of the incident, Justice Varma and his wife were traveling in Madhya Pradesh. His daughter and aged mother were present at home when the fire occurred. Repatriation to Allahabad High Court Following the revelations, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to repatriate Justice Varma to his parent High Court, the Allahabad High Court. Additionally, the Chief Justice of India initiated an in-house probe on March 21, forming a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. Supreme Court’s Response Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also published a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on the incident, along with Justice Varma’s response. The ongoing inquiry is expected to determine the implications of the recovered cash and its impact on Justice Varma’s judicial role.

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Editor03 mins

Sunita Williams… There’s No One Like You

Sunita Williams, an American astronaut of Indian origin, has set new milestones in the field of space science with her exceptional courage and dedication. Especially now, after achieving yet another milestone, she returned to Earth in the early hours of March 19. Her achievements are not only an inspiration for young minds interested in science but also a testament to the fact that limitations exist only in our minds. Sunita was born on September 19, 1965, in Ohio, USA. Her father, Deepak Pandya, was of Indian origin and hailed from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, while her mother, Bonnie Pandya, was of Slovenian descent. Sunita earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Science from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 and a master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995. This educational background paved the way for her selection in NASA’s astronaut program. At the beginning of her career, Sunita served as an Aviation Officer in the United States Navy and participated in several crucial missions as a helicopter pilot. In 1998, she was selected for NASA’s astronaut program, and after rigorous training, she embarked on her first space mission in 2006. During this mission, she set a record for the longest duration spent in space by a female astronaut, staying in space for 195 days. Additionally, she conducted four spacewalks, spending a total of 29 hours and 17 minutes outside the spacecraft, setting a record for the longest cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut at the time. Sunita Williams’ achievements are a matter of great pride, especially in India. Her translated interview has been incorporated into the Indian education system to inspire students. Notably, a Hindi translation of Sunita Williams’ interview has been included in the Hindi textbook (Second Language) for ninth-grade students in Telangana. This translation was done by the renowned writer Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratrupt,’ who is also the author and coordinator of this textbook. His vision and literary prowess have made it possible for students to engage with Sunita’s inspiring story. Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratrupt,’ who possesses rare NASA-related materials, has contributed significantly to education through his literary skills and foresight. His translation style has brought Sunita Williams’ story to Hindi-speaking students, encouraging them to explore space science and research. His initiative ensures that the younger generation is motivated by the stories of the world’s great scientists and innovators, inspiring them to dream big and work towards their goals. Sunita Williams’ story teaches us that with dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief, we can achieve any goal. Her accomplishments are not just significant in the field of science but also highlight how women of Indian origin can establish their identity on the global stage. Including her story in the curriculum is a commendable step that will encourage students to dream big and strive to achieve their ambitions. Finally, a salute to the literary talent and foresight of Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratrupt,’ who has brought Sunita Williams’ inspirational story to students in Hindi. His initiative is not only a crucial contribution to the field of education but also ensures that the younger generation is inspired by the stories of the world’s great scientists and innovators. Rajeev Ranjan, Special Correspondent, Bhopal

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