July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: trendingnews

India Eyes Interim Trade Deal with US Amid Global Scramble to Avoid Tariffs

As over 75 countries rush to secure trade deals with the United States during its 90-day pause window to avoid reciprocal tariffs, India is strategically positioning itself to bridge the trade gap with Washington by replacing third-country imports, a senior Indian government official has confirmed. Key Points: India’s Strategic Leverage The official noted that while countries like Vietnam may benefit from concessions under separate US deals, India is uniquely positioned due to: “Replacing imports from other countries with US goods is not a difficult proposition. That could be one of the outcomes of the BTA,” the official emphasized. The US has flagged tariffs and trade deficits in its talks with India, while raising subsidies and currency manipulation concerns with other nations. India believes it can narrow the deficit while still securing preferential access to US markets. Goyal: “No Negotiation Under Pressure” Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal firmly stated on Friday: “India will not negotiate with a gun to its head… Our national interest remains paramount.” Goyal’s stance reinforces India’s intention to prioritize substance over speed, despite pressure to meet the 90-day deadline. Positive Outlook from Washington The senior official also highlighted: What’s Next? In the coming weeks:

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Editor04 mins

Pastor John Jebaraj Arrested for Sexual Assault of Minors; Second High-Profile Pastor Case in Weeks

In a disturbing development from Tamil Nadu, Pastor John Jebaraj of Kings Generation Church in Coimbatore has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls. The 37-year-old pastor, known for his presence on social media — particularly for his Christian devotional music with nearly 2 lakh Instagram followers — was apprehended on Saturday evening in Munnar, Kerala, by the Coimbatore City Police, after evading arrest for several months. The Case The incident dates back to May 2023, when the pastor allegedly assaulted the girls during a party at his home in Coimbatore. The case came to light after one of the survivors recently confided in a family member, prompting them to file a formal complaint at the Central All Women Police Station, Coimbatore. Jebaraj has been booked under the POCSO Act: Police officials have confirmed that further investigations are underway, including inquiries into whether other minors may have been harmed. Second Major Case Involving a Pastor This arrest follows another major case earlier this month involving self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh, who was convicted by a Mohali court for rape and sexual harassment in a 2018 case. The court delivered a strong verdict, rejecting Singh’s plea for leniency, and noted: “A religious leader holds a sacred responsibility and cannot betray the faith of devotees.” Singh, known for his controversial claims of “miracle healing” and running mega congregations, heads the Church of Glory and Wisdom in Jalandhar and Mohali, with claimed branches abroad. He became a preacher in 2012. Growing Scrutiny on Religious Figures These back-to-back cases have cast a spotlight on the accountability of self-proclaimed religious leaders, especially those with large online followings and direct access to young and vulnerable individuals. Activists and legal experts are calling for stricter background checks and oversight in faith-based organizations, particularly those involved in youth outreach. As the investigations continue, more survivors are being encouraged to come forward, and there is renewed pressure on authorities to crack down on abuse hiding behind spiritual authority.

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Editor03 mins

Pawan Kalyan’s Son Injured in Singapore School Fire, Family Offers Prayers at Tirumala Post-Recovery

Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan‘s son, Mark Shankar Pavanovich, was among several children injured in a tragic school fire in Singapore last week. The incident occurred on April 8 at a shophouse on River Valley Road, where a fire broke out, prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Eight-year-old Mark sustained injuries to his hands and legs, along with respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation. At the time, Pawan Kalyan was touring the Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh for official engagements. Upon receiving the news, he, along with his elder brother Chiranjeevi, immediately flew to Singapore to be by his son’s side. In a heartfelt public statement, Pawan Kalyan said: “Our youngest son, Mark Shankar, was injured in a school fire in Singapore and is being treated in hospital. He is gradually recovering.”He also extended gratitude to actors, politicians, and fans who prayed for Mark’s well-being and offered special poojas at temples on his behalf. After receiving treatment and recovering steadily, Mark Shankar has now returned to India with his family. To offer thanks for her son’s recovery, Pawan Kalyan’s wife Anna Lezhneva visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple on April 14, where she performed a head tonsuring ritual at Padmavati Kalyana Katta — a sacred location within the temple premises where devotees offer their hair as a mark of devotion and gratitude. Anna also took part in several temple rituals and pujas following the ceremony. Chiranjeevi, who has been vocal about his nephew’s condition, shared a message of hope on social media: “Our baby Mark Shankar has come home. But he still needs to recover. With the grace and mercy of our clan deity, Anjaneya Swamy, he will soon be fully healthy and back to normal. Tomorrow is Hanuman Jayanti, and that Lord stood by us, saving that little child from great danger and tragedy.” He also thanked the public, writing: “People from various regions and villages stood in solidarity with our family by offering prayers and blessings. I, on behalf of my brother Pawan Kalyan and our entire family, wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your support.” The episode has brought a wave of concern and sympathy from fans and well-wishers across Andhra Pradesh and beyond, as the family continues to focus on Mark’s full recovery.

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Editor04 mins

Indian Army Downs Pakistan-Operated Chinese Drone Using Indigenous Laser-Based System; DRDO Unveils 30-Kilowatt Directed-Energy Weapon

In a significant technological breakthrough, the Indian Army intercepted and neutralised a Chinese-origin drone operated by the Pakistan Army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu using an indigenously developed anti-drone system. Defence sources confirmed that the drone had entered Indian territory in the 16 Corps area, located south of the Pir Panjal ranges. The swift response by Army Air Defence units, using the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, ensured the unmanned aerial vehicle was brought down without incident. The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), employs a variety of technologies to detect and disable hostile drones. It can jam communication signals, spoof navigation, and destroy aerial threats using a 2-kilowatt laser weapon capable of engaging targets from a distance of 800 to 1,000 metres. The system has already been deployed extensively along India’s borders in response to the increasing threat of drone incursions. Highlighting the country’s progress in directed-energy weapons, DRDO also unveiled a new 30-kilowatt laser weapon system designed to neutralise fixed-wing aircraft, swarm drones, and even incoming missiles. Having successfully completed trials, this advanced system is now entering production and deployment phases, placing India alongside a select group of nations — including the United States, Russia, and China — with operational high-powered laser weapons. Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, described the achievement as “just the beginning of the journey,” noting the synergy between DRDO, industry partners, and academia. He emphasized that India is also advancing work on other high-energy technologies, such as high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulse weapons — key components of what he termed “Star Wars capability.” Dr Jagannath Nayak, Director of the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, echoed the sentiment, calling the system a “massless weapon” that can neutralise multiple aerial threats by focusing intense beams of laser light. “This is an achievement for our country and DRDO,” he said, underlining the system’s ability to destroy fixed-wing aircraft and drone swarms in real-time. With this milestone, India is asserting itself as a leader in next-generation defence technologies, capable of countering evolving aerial threats with homegrown innovation.

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Editor04 mins

Salman Khan Receives Fresh Death Threat via Mumbai Police Traffic Department’s WhatsApp

Bollywood actor Salman Khan received a fresh death threat early Sunday morning through the WhatsApp number of the Mumbai police’s traffic department in Worli. The unidentified sender sent a chilling message around 6:30 am, threatening to enter Khan’s residence and kill him. The message further stated intentions to plant a bomb in the actor’s vehicle and detonate it. A senior police officer confirmed the details of the threat, noting that the sender had explicitly stated their intention to kill Salman Khan. The threatening message was sent to the traffic police helpline, prompting the authorities to register a case. The Worli police have launched an investigation and are actively working to locate the suspect. This is not the first time Salman Khan has received threats. The actor has been on the hit list of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, particularly linked to the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. In recent months, Khan has faced multiple threats, some of which have come directly or indirectly through the Mumbai police. The most alarming incident occurred last April when a member of the Bishnoi gang opened fire outside Khan’s Bandra residence. Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi, later claimed responsibility for the attack. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Gujarat, while the Mumbai police arrested over a dozen members of the Bishnoi gang, invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against them.

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Editor02 mins

PM Modi Slams Congress Over Waqf Law Opposition, Calls Out ‘Appeasement Politics’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over its opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, accusing it of appeasing Muslim fundamentalists and neglecting the broader Muslim community. Speaking at the inauguration of Hisar airport in Haryana, PM Modi said the Congress’s stand on the new law was a clear indication of its vote-bank politics. He challenged the party’s commitment to the Muslim community, questioning why it had never appointed a Muslim party president or allocated 50 per cent of its election tickets to Muslim candidates. The Prime Minister emphasized that the newly inaugurated Hisar airport would serve as a significant milestone in Haryana’s developmental journey. He also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling him a Dalit icon and the architect of the Constitution. Modi stated that every decision of his government is inspired by Babasaheb’s struggle and dedication to social justice. Targeting the Congress party’s historical approach, Modi accused it of misusing the Constitution for political power. “During the Emergency, the spirit of the Constitution was murdered,” he said. He criticized the Congress for never implementing a Uniform Civil Code, which he claimed is enshrined in the Constitution, while his government had taken a step forward by introducing it in Uttarakhand. Modi also accused the Congress of betraying Ambedkar during his lifetime. “They insulted him, made him lose elections, and tried to erase his legacy after his death,” he said, adding that the Congress had perpetuated vote-bank politics while ignoring real issues like education and empowerment of marginalized communities. He said the Waqf law, as changed arbitrarily by Congress, was used to benefit land mafias rather than poor Muslims, Dalits, and backward classes. According to Modi, the new amendment ensures that tribal lands and properties cannot be taken over by Waqf Boards, and that this will help restore the rights of poor and Pasmanda Muslims, which he described as true social justice. In response, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge countered Modi’s claims by invoking Ambedkar’s belief in the power of education. He said the current government does not follow Ambedkar’s vision but only indulges in blaming the Congress, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others from the past. Kharge also highlighted the Congress’s consistent demand for immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, with specific provisions for SC, ST, and OBC women, as part of their long-standing commitment to equality.

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Editor04 mins

Allu Arjun and Atlee Join Forces for ₹800 Crore Pan-India Spectacle #AA22XA6

Icon star Allu Arjun is all set to ignite the silver screen once again — this time by venturing into a brand-new genre with blockbuster director Atlee, known for his work on Jawan. The duo is collaborating on the tentatively titled film #AA22XA6, and the buzz around the project is already reaching fever pitch. Mounted on a staggering budget of ₹800 crores, this film will be the second most expensive Indian film ever, right behind S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming epic SSMB29. The scale of #AA22XA6 reflects not only the ambition of its creators but also the rising pan-India stature of Allu Arjun. According to reports, ₹200 crores are being allocated solely to the production, while an enormous ₹250 crores are being dedicated to cutting-edge VFX — signaling that this will be a visually extravagant cinematic experience. Despite being just five films old, Atlee has already proven his mettle with Jawan, which grossed ₹386.34 crore in India and turned into a blockbuster across markets. Allu Arjun, riding high on the global box office domination of Pushpa 2: The Rule, which raked in a phenomenal ₹1785.84 crore worldwide, is taking his stardom to the next level. For #AA22XA6, the National Award-winning actor is reportedly charging a whopping ₹175 crores along with a 15% profit share, making him one of the most lucrative stars in the Indian film industry today. With Atlee’s flair for crafting mass entertainers and Allu Arjun’s unmatched charisma and popularity, #AA22XA6 is shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of the decade. A new genre, a mammoth budget, and two powerhouses coming together — fans can expect nothing short of cinematic fireworks.

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Editor03 mins

Tabu Joins Vijay Sethupathi in Puri Jagannadh’s Next Film

Bollywood powerhouse Tabu is all set to share screen space with acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi in an upcoming film directed by Puri Jagannadh. The yet-to-be-titled project is being produced under the Puri Connects banner by Jagannadh himself, alongside his frequent collaborator Charmme Kaur. The announcement was made via Puri Connects’ official Instagram handle on Thursday, with a striking image of Tabu posing with the director and Kaur. The caption read:“She’s electric. She’s explosive. She’s THE TABU. Team #PuriSethupathi proudly welcomes THE GEM OF INDIAN CINEMA, Actress @tabutiful on-board for a ROLE as DYNAMIC as her presence.” The film promises a high-octane collaboration between Makkalselvan Vijay Sethupathi and the ever-versatile Tabu, both known for their intense and layered performances. While details of the storyline and Tabu’s role remain under wraps, the makers have hinted that her character will be as impactful as her presence. Principal photography for the film is expected to commence in June. Meanwhile, Tabu is also gearing up for her next release, Bhooth Bangla, a horror comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The film, set to release next year, will see her reunite with Akshay Kumar. With PuriSethupathi on the horizon, fans can look forward to a dynamic blend of talent, style, and storytelling — helmed by one of South India’s most energetic filmmakers.

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Editor02 mins

Bazooka Movie Review: Even Mammootty Can’t Save This Misfired Game Thriller

Making a movie with a legendary star like Mammootty is no small task, and debutant director Deeno Dennis takes on this challenge with Bazooka, only to fall short in delivering a film that does justice to the actor’s stature. Billed as a stylish game thriller, Bazooka opens with promise but quickly nosedives into a muddled narrative that never quite finds its footing, only attempting redemption when it’s too late. Set in crime-ridden Kochi, the story introduces ACP Benjamin Joshua (played by filmmaker-actor Gautham Vasudev Menon), a determined officer brought in to clean up the city. He encounters an unusual adversary — a criminal mastermind who uses video games as a tool for heists and outsmarts law enforcement at every step. Baffled by this digital strategy, the ACP turns to retired forensic expert John Caesar (Mammootty) for help. The film unravels through Caesar’s interactions with his neighbour, a gamer named Hakkim Shah (Sunny Varghese), as they try to make sense of the clues left behind by the elusive criminal known only as Mr. Mario. While the premise of video games being used to commit crimes could have added a fresh layer to the thriller genre, Bazooka fails to leverage this unique concept. The games referenced — Super Mario, Temple Run, Snakes and Ladders — feel outdated and childish, undermining any real tension or intrigue the narrative could have created. Action sequences are peppered throughout, seemingly more to glorify Mammootty’s persona than to serve the plot. Where the film truly falters is in its writing. Deeno Dennis appears more focused on fan service—employing slow-motion shots, dramatic close-ups, and stylized action—to elevate Mammootty’s presence, rather than building a coherent or compelling storyline. The investigation track is riddled with logical inconsistencies, and the dialogue often borders on the absurd. Despite the intent to be slick and modern, the screenplay lacks substance. Technically, the film has its moments. Saeed Abbas’ background score is rousing and energetic, and the rap number “Loading Bazooka” by Sreenath Bhasi tries to inject life into the film. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography ensures that Mammootty dominates every frame, while editors Nishadh Yusuf and Praveen Prabhakar do their best with the material at hand. Ultimately, Bazooka had all the ingredients for a genre-defying thriller, but squanders the opportunity by prioritizing style over story. Mammootty tries to bring depth and charm to his role, but even his towering screen presence isn’t enough to salvage this misfire. Bazooka may attract fans of the star, but as a film, it fails to hit its mark.

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Editor04 mins

‘Jailer 2’ Heats Up in Attappadi: Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah Bring Firepower to the Sequel

The megastar-led sequel ‘Jailer 2’, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, is shifting gears quickly as it enters its next crucial filming phase. After a successful initial schedule in Chennai, the production has now moved to the picturesque terrains of Attappadi, near Coimbatore, with filming officially kicking off on April 11. Superstar Rajinikanth has already arrived at the scenic Kerala-Tamil Nadu border to resume his role as Muthuvel Pandian, and this schedule promises to be packed with key emotional and action-heavy sequences. 🔁 Familiar Faces Return: Mirnaa Is Back A heartening return in the sequel is Mirnaa, who played Rajinikanth’s daughter-in-law in the original blockbuster. According to Cinema Vikatan, she’s involved in this new leg of shooting, suggesting that the emotional threads from ‘Jailer’ will be deepened. Fans can expect her character to evolve and take on a more central role, possibly adding gravitas to the family dynamics that stood out in the original film. 🎭 Enter SJ Suryah: A Dynamic New Addition The big surprise? The addition of actor-director S.J. Suryah in a pivotal role. Known for his intense screen presence and unique performances, Suryah’s inclusion has stirred massive fan excitement. Interestingly, he had once pitched a powerful concept to Rajinikanth involving triple roles and river water issues—though that film didn’t materialize, his collaboration with Thalaivar has finally taken form in Jailer 2. Sources suggest Suryah was personally keen on being part of the film, and with Nelson’s knack for giving characters strong narrative weight, his role is expected to be a major highlight. 🎬 What’s Next? The Attappadi schedule is expected to continue for two weeks, covering major scenes with both returning and fresh cast members. Post this, the unit will return to Chennai for the next leg of filming. With Nelson at the helm, Anirudh likely returning to score the music, and a cast that includes Rajinikanth, Mirnaa, and SJ Suryah, ‘Jailer 2’ is shaping up as a high-octane sequel with emotional depth and a fresh antagonist twist.

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Editor03 mins
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