June 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: trendingnews

The foundation stone for road and drainage construction in Ward 15 was laid under the leadership of MP Maya Narolia and Municipal President Neetu Yadav, giving new momentum to urban development. A pledge for cleanliness and progress was taken.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony for road and drainage construction in Ward 15 is a significant step towards development, symbolizing the overall upliftment of the city. Under the leadership and commitment of Rajya Sabha MP Maya Narolia, this project has been realized, bringing improvements in basic amenities for the residents of the ward. The honorable MP’s pledge to ensure the comprehensive development of the ward through her own funds reflects her unwavering dedication to public service and progress. She has made it clear that there will be no shortage of development projects in the city, and all essential initiatives will be completed on priority. Her visionary approach and welfare-oriented mindset are driving rapid transformation in the city. This successful event has proven that when leadership is strong, determination is firm, and public cooperation is widespread, the pace of development accelerates. MP Maya Narolia’s initiative has inspired the city to move towards a strong and prosperous future. Her dedication and leadership play a crucial role in urban development, instilling enthusiasm and confidence among the people. Neetu Mahendra YadavPresident, Municipal Council, Narmadapuram

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Editor02 mins

Kunal Kamra’s Standup Sparks Controversy, Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Comedy Club

Comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent standup act, Naya Bharat, has triggered a political storm, leading to severe backlash from Shiv Sena workers. Kamra, in his performance, allegedly took a dig at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to the ongoing political shifts within the state. After a video clip of his act went viral on social media, a group of Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra had performed. Habitat Comedy Club Targeted Following the incident, the Habitat Comedy Club issued a statement condemning the violence and affirming its stance as a neutral platform for artists. “We urge constructive conversations, not destruction, to address disagreements. We do not support hate or harm of any kind,” the statement read. The club also clarified that they were not involved in the content of any performer’s act but have repeatedly been targeted due to controversial performances. The Club Decides to Shut Down In response to the violent attack, the Habitat Comedy Club announced its temporary closure. “We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us,” the venue stated. The club also expressed concern over being unfairly held accountable for artists’ opinions and emphasized that their role is limited to providing a platform for free expression. “We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to ensure freedom of expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy,” the statement added. Political Reactions and Police Complaint The controversy intensified after Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a police complaint against Kamra. In the viral two-minute video, Kamra used the term gaddar (traitor) while referring to Maharashtra’s political landscape and mocked both the ruling Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske issued a warning to Kamra, claiming that party workers would chase him across the country. “You will be forced to flee India,” he said in a video message. He also alleged that Kamra had been paid by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. MLA Murji Patel further declared that he would “show Kamra his level” and demanded an apology from the comedian. Opposition Voices Support for Kamra In contrast, leaders from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction supported Kamra. MP Sanjay Raut shared the video on social media, captioning it Kunal Ka Kamal. Aaditya Thackeray also condemned the vandalism, calling it a “cowardly” act. “Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone,” Thackeray posted on X, questioning the state’s law and order situation. Ongoing Investigation Mumbai police have confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding the complaints filed against Kamra. Meanwhile, the Habitat Comedy Club remains shut as it evaluates its next steps in the wake of the controversy.

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Editor05 mins

Salman Khan’s Sikandar Sets Fashion Trends with Zohra Jabeen Kurta

Sajid Nadiadwala’s highly anticipated action drama Sikandar is poised to be this year’s biggest blockbuster, set for a grand Eid release. Since the teaser and songs dropped, Salman Khan’s commanding screen presence has been the talk of the town. One of the film’s songs, Zohra Jabeen, has already crossed 50 million views on YouTube, further fueling excitement. Beyond cinema, Salman Khan has long been a trendsetter in fashion, and his effortless style once again has fans following his lead. His elegant yet simple kurta from Zohra Jabeen has become an instant sensation, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. The demand for similar kurtas has skyrocketed, particularly in cities like Indore, Surat, Jaipur, and Mumbai, with fashion retailers struggling to keep up with orders. Ashish Sharma, a factory owner in Jaipur, revealed, “The kurta Salman Khan is wearing in Zohra Jabeen is incredibly popular right now. We’ve received an order for over 20,000 to 25,000 pieces, and we’ll be working at full capacity to deliver them before Eid. We’ve already sold about 10,000 pieces since the song’s release.” This surge in demand reaffirms Salman’s influence not just in cinema but in shaping fashion trends as well. Sikandar Trailer Update: Final Touches in Progress Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar features a stellar ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Prateik Babbar, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sathyaraj. As the film nears its release, fans eagerly await its trailer. According to a Mid-Day report, the makers are racing against time to finalize the trailer and the film’s final cut. A crew member shared, “Murugadoss is known for his meticulous approach. He wants to deliver an action spectacle with Sikandar. The post-production team is working round the clock to ensure everything is locked in time. With a song drop every few days, the audience is already invested. The trailer will only heighten the excitement further.” With Sikandar generating immense buzz and Salman Khan’s fashion setting new trends, the film is shaping up to be a major Eid blockbuster.

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Editor03 mins

L2: Empuraan Breaks Records in Advance Bookings Ahead of March 27 Release

The highly anticipated political action thriller L2: Empuraan, starring Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is set for a grand release on March 27, 2025. The film has already achieved a historic milestone by surpassing ₹10 crore in pre-sales on its opening day overseas, making it the highest pre-sale for any Malayalam film internationally. Reports suggest that BookMyShow, India’s leading ticketing platform, briefly crashed due to an overwhelming surge in traffic as advance bookings went live. The film is expected to deliver the biggest worldwide opening for a Malayalam movie, potentially surpassing Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021), which earned over ₹20 crore on its first day. Industry Experts Predict a ₹40 Crore+ Opening Trade analysts Ramesh Bala and AB George have predicted that L2: Empuraan will cross the ₹40 crore mark worldwide on its opening day. Currently, reports indicate that the film has already grossed over ₹12 crore in international advance bookings, with days still left before its release. Adding to the excitement, the film will have its first show at 6:00 AM IST on March 27, with screenings scheduled worldwide in different time zones. Makers Dismiss Release Date Delay Rumors Recently, speculation about a possible delay in L2: Empuraan‘s release surfaced due to reported issues between its production houses, Aashirvad Cinemas and Lyca Productions. However, the filmmakers promptly dismissed these rumors with a statement:“Misinformation spreads faster than facts, but let’s clear the air – #Empuraan is arriving in all its glory on March 27, 2025, as scheduled. No delays, no doubts.” Star-Studded Cast and Pan-India Release As the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, L2: Empuraan sees Mohanlal return as Khureshi-Ab’raam, aka Stephen Nedumpally, while Prithviraj Sukumaran reprises his role as Zayed Masood, now with a bigger on-screen presence. The film also features Tovino Thomas, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manju Warrier, Abhimanyu Singh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in key roles. The film will be released in Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil, making it a true pan-Indian spectacle. Clash with Salman Khan’s Sikandar Adding to the box office excitement, L2: Empuraan will face stiff competition from Salman Khan’s action thriller Sikandar, which releases on March 30. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Sikandar stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and Sharman Joshi. With record-breaking advance sales and immense anticipation, L2: Empuraan is set to create history at the box office. Will it become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time? The countdown has begun!

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Editor04 mins

Mohammed Siraj and Mahira Sharma Deny Dating Rumors

Speculation surrounding a romantic relationship between Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj and actress Mahira Sharma has finally been addressed by both celebrities. On Friday, Mahira took to her Instagram stories to put an end to the rumors. She wrote, “Stop spreading rumours, I’m not dating anyone.” Her statement came amidst growing chatter about her alleged relationship with Siraj. Shortly before Mahira’s post, Siraj had also denied the rumors through his Instagram account. His statement read, “I request paparazzi to stop asking questions around me. It is completely untrue and baseless. I hope this ends.” However, the cricketer later deleted his post, further fueling speculation. The rumors gained momentum after Mahira attended an event in Mumbai on March 20, where paparazzi playfully questioned her about her IPL team preference. In a viral video, photographers could be heard asking, “Kal se IPL start ho raha hai. Mahira ji kiske side ho aap? Kaunse team ko support kar rahe ho? Aapke favourite team?” (From tomorrow, IPL is starting. Whose side are you on? Which team are you supporting? Which is your favorite team?). Reports of their alleged romance had been circulating for months. ETimes previously claimed that the duo was “romantically involved,” citing sources who suggested that Siraj and Mahira had been quietly getting to know each other over recent months. The dating speculation initially started when fans noticed Siraj liking one of Mahira’s Instagram posts. This was followed by both of them following each other on social media, leading to widespread fan theories about a possible relationship. However, with both Siraj and Mahira now categorically denying the rumors, it seems the speculation may finally be put to rest.

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Editor03 mins

Nearly Half of Indians Deported from US Belonged to Punjab, Says Minister

388 Illegal Immigrants Deported Since Trump Became US President Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has revealed that nearly half of the Indians deported from the United States in recent months belonged to Punjab. Between February 20 and March 2, a total of 55 illegal immigrants were deported on five commercial flights from Panama, with 27 (49%) hailing from Punjab. Breakdown of Deportees by State According to Singh’s written response in the Lok Sabha to a query by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the deportees were distributed as follows: Since Donald Trump assumed office as US President, 388 Indians have been deported, including 333 on military aircraft. Out of this total, 153 (40%) were from Punjab. Five Flights Brought Deportees in February-March The five commercial flights landed in Delhi on February 20, 23, 27, 28, and March 2, carrying deportees in varying numbers. 333 Indians Deported Earlier on Military Aircraft Before these flights, the US had deported 333 illegal immigrants on three military aircraft on February 5, 15, and 16. The distribution of these deportees was as follows: Government Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Deportees Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the Indian government has raised concerns with US authorities over the treatment of deportees, particularly the use of restraints during deportation. While US procedures allow for restraints, India sought assurances that no women or children were shackled on flights arriving on February 15 and 16. Singh confirmed that Indian agencies verified and recorded this after interviewing deportees upon arrival. MPs Raise Questions Over Deportation Process MPs Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Selvaganapathy TM questioned the government about several aspects of the deportation process, including: The minister clarified that repatriation flight landing sites are determined based on operational convenience, airspace routes, and proximity to the deportees’ final destinations.

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Editor04 mins

Nagpur Violence: 14 More Arrested, Total Arrests Reach 105

Curfew Remains in Effect as Police Maintain Vigil Curfew continues in 10 police station limits in Nagpur following the violent clashes that erupted on March 17. Security personnel remain deployed as authorities assess the situation. 14 More Arrested, Including 10 Juveniles Nagpur police have arrested 14 more individuals in connection with the violence, bringing the total number of arrests to 105. Among those detained on March 21, 10 are juveniles, according to a senior police official. New FIRs Registered in the Aftermath of Riots Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal confirmed that three additional FIRs have been registered in connection with the riots. “Fourteen accused were arrested from different parts of the city. Three more FIRs have been registered,” he stated. Riots Erupted Over Religious Tensions The violence broke out on March 17 following rumors that a “chadar” with holy inscriptions was burned during a protest led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The protest was reportedly demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The rumors triggered large-scale stone pelting and arson in several areas of Nagpur. Review Meeting to Decide on Curfew Relaxation A high-level review meeting will determine whether the curfew can be lifted from some parts of the city. Police Commissioner Singhal held a meeting at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines to assess the situation and strategize further action. 33 Police Personnel Injured, Key Accused Booked for Sedition During the clashes, 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers, sustained injuries. Authorities have booked key accused Fahim Khan under sedition charges as part of the ongoing investigation.

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Editor03 mins

Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma Named in CBI FIR Linked to Bank Fraud

Involvement in Simbhaoli Sugar Mills Fraud Case Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, has been named in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR related to a 2018 bank fraud case involving Simbhaoli Sugar Mills. The case originated from a complaint by the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), which alleged that the company, along with its directors, orchestrated a fraudulent loan scheme. At the time, Justice Varma was a non-executive director of Simbhaoli Sugar Mills. Fraudulent Loan Scheme and Bank’s Complaint According to the bank’s complaint, between January and March 2012, OBC’s Hapur branch disbursed Rs 148.59 crore to 5,762 farmers under a scheme meant to help them purchase fertilisers and seeds. The funds were to be transferred to an escrow account before being distributed to the farmers. Simbhaoli Sugar Mills had guaranteed repayment and covered any defaults. However, the company allegedly submitted falsified Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and misappropriated the funds. By March 2015, OBC declared the loan a fraud, with losses amounting to Rs 97.85 crore and an outstanding sum of Rs 109.08 crore. Other Accused and ED’s Parallel Probe Another significant figure named in the FIR was Gurpal Singh, the deputy managing director of the company and son-in-law of then Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Based on the CBI’s FIR, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a separate investigation into money laundering allegations. Allahabad High Court Orders Fresh Investigation In December 2023, the Allahabad High Court ordered a fresh CBI probe into seven banks linked to the loan disbursement, stating that the fraud had “shaken the conscience” of the judiciary. The court found that several bank officials may have colluded with Simbhaoli Sugar Mills in approving loans amounting to Rs 900 crore. It was noted that OBC was the only bank that approached the Enforcement Directorate, leading to the seizure of some properties. The court directed the CBI to investigate the involvement of bank officials and members of credit committees who facilitated the fraudulent transactions. CBI’s Renewed Investigation in 2024 Following the Allahabad High Court’s order, the CBI launched a fresh investigation in February 2024. The focus was to determine why banks continued to extend loans to Simbhaoli Sugar Mills between 2009 and 2017 despite its status as a loan defaulter. The new probe named the company, its directors, and unidentified bank officials. However, in March 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court’s order. Fire and Cash Discovery at Justice Varma’s Residence On March 14, a fire broke out in the storeroom of Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence in Lutyens Delhi. When the fire brigade arrived at 11:43 pm, they reportedly found a large sum of cash scattered among burnt jute sacks. A staff member claimed the destroyed materials included court-related documents and stationery. Though no FIR was registered since no injuries occurred, videos of the cash were recorded and shared with senior Delhi Police officials. The matter was escalated to the government and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The total amount recovered was reportedly Rs 15 crore, prompting an immediate inquiry by the CJI. Judicial Response and Transfer of Justice Varma Following the incident, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, decided to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court. However, the transfer was described as only the “first step” in an ongoing preliminary inquiry. Justice Varma did not hold court the following day and was reportedly “on leave.” Sources suggest that some members of the Collegium are advocating for stricter action against him. If he does not step down voluntarily, the Collegium could initiate an internal inquiry, potentially leading to his removal through impeachment by Parliament.

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Editor06 mins

India Approves Rs 7,000 Crore ATAGS Artillery Gun System

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) worth nearly Rs 7,000 crore, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector. ATAGS: A Game-Changer for the Indian Army The ATAGS is the first indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun system, equipped with cutting-edge technology and superior firepower. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian private industry partners, ATAGS boasts an extended firing range of up to 40 km, providing a strategic edge to the Indian Armed Forces. Key features of ATAGS include: Modernisation of Artillery & Strategic Deployment The induction of ATAGS will replace outdated 105 mm and 130 mm artillery guns, modernising the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. The system is expected to be deployed along India’s western and northern borders, strengthening operational readiness against potential threats. Boost to ‘Make in India’ & Employment Generation As a fully indigenous system, ATAGS will have a robust supply chain for spare parts and lifecycle maintenance, reducing dependency on foreign defence imports. The project is set to generate around 20 lakh man-days of employment across industries, strengthening India’s domestic defence ecosystem. Additionally, ATAGS is expected to enhance India’s position in the global defence export market, paving the way for future indigenous defence exports.

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Editor03 mins

Telugu Actors Booked for Promoting Online Betting Apps

Several top actors from the Telugu film industry, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha, Nidhi Agarwal, and Ananya Nagella, have been named in an FIR for allegedly promoting illegal online betting apps. The case also includes several social media influencers who allegedly lured users into investing in these platforms. Crackdown on Online Betting in Telangana Online betting has been illegal in Telangana since 2017 under an amended law aimed at preventing financial exploitation linked to gambling. Cyberabad Police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty confirmed that authorities are investigating how these apps function and the level of celebrity involvement. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also expected to file an enforcement case information report (ECIR) and summon those implicated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The crackdown follows a complaint by activist PM Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that betting apps use aggressive advertising tactics, leveraging celebrity endorsements to attract users. Actors Respond to Allegations Rana Daggubati responded to the FIR, stating that his contract with a gaming company ended in 2017 and that his endorsements were restricted to regions where skill-based gaming was legally permitted. His legal team emphasized that all collaborations undergo strict legal scrutiny, adding, “It is essential to highlight that the Supreme Court has recognized skill-based online games as distinct from gambling.” Similarly, Prakash Raj denied any wrongdoing, saying police had not contacted him but that he was “ready to cooperate.” He clarified that he partnered with a gaming company in 2016 but withdrew in 2017 upon realizing its operations. When a new company reused his commercial in 2021, he issued legal notices against them. Vijay Deverakonda’s team also defended him, stating that he endorsed a skill-based gaming app only in regions where it was legally permitted. Ongoing Investigation With the police and ED set to deepen their probe, more celebrities and influencers could come under scrutiny. Authorities are expected to examine financial transactions and promotional deals linked to the betting apps, potentially widening the scope of the case. 4o

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Editor03 mins
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