July 28, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: trendingnews

Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly Splits Audience: A Mass Entertainer with Mixed Reviews

Ajith Kumar’s much-anticipated action entertainer Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran, hit theatres on April 10 and quickly ignited a storm of reactions across social media. The film, which sees Ajith playing a retired gangster forced to return to his violent past, has drawn both high praise and sharp criticism, making it one of the most polarizing releases of the year. While many fans were blown away by Ajith’s signature massy entry, powerful screen presence, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, others were less impressed by the film’s weak screenplay and repetitive storytelling. Social platforms buzzed with hashtags like #GoodBadUgly and #AjithKumar, as fans engaged in heated debates over the film’s highs and lows. Some fans hailed the film as Ajith’s best entertainer in over a decade, even comparing it favorably to his hit film Mankatha. Comments poured in praising the “mass-loaded fan feast” and GV Prakash’s energetic background score. Ajith’s stylish look and charisma were particularly celebrated, with many calling it his best appearance in years. On the flip side, several viewers criticized the film for being too dependent on fan service, lacking originality, and trying too hard to recreate mass moments. Some labeled it “cringe-worthy,” citing unintentional comedy in fight scenes and over-the-top sequences that didn’t land well. Others felt the story was too thin and disconnected, making it appealing only to hardcore Thala fans. Despite the divide, one thing was clear—Ajith Kumar remained the central force carrying the film. While the ensemble cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Prabhu, Prasanna, Sunil, Rahul Dev, and Yogi Babu, had their moments, most fans felt their roles were underutilized. With its vibrant music, flashy action, and star power, Good Bad Ugly may not win over everyone, but it offers a nostalgic ride for Ajith’s loyal fanbase. Whether it’s a hit or miss will ultimately depend on how the general audience responds in the coming weeks. 4o

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Editor03 mins

Tom Hiddleston Confirms Loki’s Return in Avengers: Doomsday: “It’s Not Over Yet”

Hollywood actor Tom Hiddleston is set to reprise his fan-favorite role as Loki in the highly anticipated Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. In a recent chat with ComicBook, Hiddleston expressed his excitement about returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, hinting that the God of Mischief’s journey is far from over. “(I’m) very, very excited. It’s really remarkable that I can talk about it because mostly I’m in a position of knowing and not being able to say anything… it’s been an extraordinary chapter of my life playing Loki, and it’s not over yet,” he said. Hiddleston first took on the role of Loki in 2011’s Thor, and over the years has become one of the MCU’s most iconic and beloved characters. His appearances span across major titles including The Avengers (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He also made a surprise cameo in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Outside of the films, Hiddleston continued Loki’s saga through the Disney+ series Loki, which debuted in 2021, as well as in Marvel’s animated anthology What If…? Avengers: Doomsday, which is already generating major buzz, also brings back Marvel legends Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Chris Evans (Captain America), hinting at an epic-scale storyline involving multiversal stakes and fan-favorite characters. With Hiddleston confirming Loki’s return, fans are now speculating what version of the trickster god will appear — especially following the events of Loki Season 2, which saw him embrace a god-like fate beyond time. Whatever the direction, one thing’s certain: Loki’s story is still being written.

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Editor03 mins

Jobless Teachers Begin Relay Hunger Strike Outside SSC Office in West Bengal

A section of teachers and staff who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court verdict annulling their appointments began a relay hunger strike on Thursday outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) office in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The protest follows a judgment that declared the entire 2016 SSC recruitment process as “tainted and vitiated.” The protesters, many of whom had gathered outside the SSC office building ‘Acharya Sadan’ since Wednesday night, expressed outrage not only over their dismissal but also over the alleged police action against fellow demonstrators outside the district inspector (DI) of schools’ office at Kasba on Wednesday. Teachers claimed they were baton-charged, kicked, and manhandled by law enforcement officers during the demonstration near Kasba Police Station. Joining the protestors, BJP MP and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay criticized the state administration, holding it accountable for the crisis. “Cases have been lodged against innocent teachers who lost their jobs due to the illegal acts of others,” Gangopadhyay said. He was accompanied by former Rajya Sabha MP Rupa Ganguly to the protest site, extending solidarity with the aggrieved educators. Gangopadhyay clarified that he had deliberately chosen not to meet Education Minister Bratya Basu on Wednesday in protest of the police’s handling of the demonstrations. He added that the BJP leadership supported his stance. As a judge, Gangopadhyay had ordered a CBI investigation in 2021 into alleged recruitment irregularities, which led to the termination of more than 25,000 teaching and non-teaching posts in state-run and state-aided schools. This decision was later upheld by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2024. The protesters contend that the SSC failed to distinguish between fraudulently appointed candidates and those who were rightfully recruited, thereby unjustly affecting many innocent individuals. The scam led to the arrests of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and others involved with the SSC during the controversial recruitment period, with both the CBI and Enforcement Directorate continuing their investigations into the matter.

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Editor03 mins

Air India Express Pilot Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Landing Flight in Delhi

In a tragic incident, an Air India Express pilot, identified as Armaan, died of a fatal cardiac arrest shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi on April 9. The incident took place at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. According to the airline, the pilot began to feel unwell following the safe landing of the aircraft. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Reports revealed that the pilot had vomited inside the cockpit after landing and later collapsed at the airline’s dispatch office at the airport. Air India Express released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague. “We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of profound grief. We are extending all possible assistance to them as we all cope with this tremendous loss,” the airline said. The airline also requested the public and media to respect the family’s privacy and avoid unnecessary speculation. They assured full cooperation with the relevant authorities as required. Captain Armaan’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, as colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional.

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Editor02 mins

Messi’s Magic Lifts Inter Miami to First-Ever Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi turned in another vintage performance as Inter Miami came from behind to beat LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium, overturning a 2-0 aggregate deficit to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals for the first time in club history. ⚽ Match Highlights: 🔥 Key Moments: 🗣️ “The Chinese issue is serious,” — well, not quite the quote here, but Messi’s performance certainly was. His brace, including the game-winner from the spot, was a reminder of why he’s still a game-changer on the world stage. 🧤 Heroic Goalkeeping: Oscar Ustari was instrumental in the win, making 8 saves, including several crucial stops on Denis Bouanga, as LAFC peppered Miami with 21 total shots to Miami’s 13. 🏆 What’s Next: ⚽ Historical Significance:

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Editor03 mins

Gold Soars Over 1% as U.S.-China Tariff War Heats Up, Investors Rush to Safe Haven

Gold prices surged more than 1% on Thursday, buoyed by a flight to safety after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on China, raising fresh concerns over inflation and global growth. Despite a temporary tariff pause for other countries, the move intensified the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies. 🔥 Tariff Tensions Reignite Demand for Bullion Trump announced a tariff increase on Chinese imports to 125% from 104%, prompting investors to seek refuge in gold, a traditional hedge during economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The latest tariffs overshadowed the administration’s decision to temporarily ease duties for other nations. “If we enter a slow growth period, which is our base case, we think rates will eventually head lower and push gold higher,” said Edward Meir, analyst at Marex, adding that $3,200/oz could be reached “by month-end, if not earlier.” 📈 Factors Fueling the Gold Rally in 2025 Gold has already gained more than 18% this year, fueled by: 📊 Fed’s Balancing Act Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting reveal that most policymakers are concerned about the economy facing “higher inflation alongside slower growth.” This puts pressure on the Fed’s future rate decisions, with possible trade-offs looming. Gold, which yields no interest, typically underperforms when rates are high. However, its role as an inflation hedge keeps it attractive amid uncertainties. 🔍 What’s Next? Investors are now eyeing key U.S. data: These indicators could provide further clues on inflation trends and Fed policy direction. 🪙 Other Precious Metals

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Editor03 mins

Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia: 155 Chinese Nationals Allegedly Involved

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia. “We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged. Zelensky claimed: “Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.” China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that: “The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.” He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict. Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of: China’s Balancing Act China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods. North Korea Also in Focus The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort. With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.

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Editor04 mins

Finance Department Tightens Project Implementation Rules: Cabinet Nod Now Mandatory

In a move aimed at curbing unregulated budgetary expenses, the Finance Department has issued a circular mandating cabinet approval for all new projects, including those sponsored by the Central Government. The new directive makes it compulsory for all departments to seek formal clearance before initiating any project or scheme. Multi-Tier Approval System Introduced Before seeking cabinet clearance, departments must first get their project proposals vetted by the Cost Screening Committee, to be chaired by the respective department head. Following this, projects will be assessed based on their financial scale through various finance committees: If any project’s cost escalates by more than 10%, additional approval must be obtained from the relevant finance committee. Deadline and Duration of Project Validity The circular also states that projects running until March 31, 2026, must obtain fresh approval to continue. Additionally, all such projects must aim for completion by September 2025, or face discontinuation of funding beyond March 31. The order coincides with the upcoming term of the 16th Finance Commission, which will function from 2026 to 2031. Approvals given under the current framework will remain valid throughout this period. This revised process marks a significant tightening of fiscal controls and is expected to enforce greater transparency, discipline, and accountability in public spending across departments.

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Editor03 mins

Apollo Hospital Bilaspur Served Notice Over Quack Doctor Allegations Involving Former Speaker’s Death

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Bilaspur district has issued a formal notice to Apollo Hospital, Bilaspur, seeking clarification and documentation regarding the alleged employment of a quack doctor, Dr. Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who reportedly posed as Prof. N John Camm. The case has drawn serious attention due to the involvement of former Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Rajendra Prasad Shukla, who died shortly after undergoing surgery at the hospital in 2006. The CMHO has demanded a comprehensive report from the hospital within three days, focusing on several key aspects of Dr. Yadav’s employment. These include the duration of his tenure, his position and responsibilities, registration status with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council, educational qualifications, and details about the cardiology procedures he performed—including success and mortality rates. The hospital must also provide a copy of Dr. Yadav’s appointment letter and disclose whether any complaints were previously filed regarding his medical qualifications or practice. If any such concerns were raised, the CMHO has directed the hospital to explain the nature of the actions taken. This notice follows an FIR lodged on April 5 in Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh, by CMHO Dr. M K Jain, alleging that Yadav performed angiography and angioplasty without valid medical registration. He was subsequently arrested in Prayagraj and presented before a local court. The spotlight on this case has intensified due to Shukla’s political stature—he was a serving Congress MLA from the Kota Assembly constituency at the time of his death and had served as the first Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly from 2000 to 2003. The development has sparked demands for a thorough investigation into potential lapses in medical scrutiny and hospital accountability.

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Editor03 mins

India Pushes for Faster Trade Deal with US Amid Tariff Shifts and Global Uncertainty

India is accelerating efforts to finalize a trade agreement with the United States after US President Donald Trump temporarily paused reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, while significantly raising duties on China. The move, seen as part of Trump’s ongoing pressure strategy against China, saw tariffs on Chinese imports hiked to 125%. In contrast, the reciprocal tariff rate for Indian goods remains steady at 10%. India and the US had previously announced their intention to conclude the first phase of a trade deal by autumn 2025, aiming for a bilateral trade volume of $500 billion by 2030. The recent pause on tariff implementation comes as a relief to Indian exporters, particularly those in the shrimp industry, a government official told Reuters. The official added that India was among the first countries to initiate trade talks with the US and has remained committed to the agreed timeline. Just a day after imposing high tariffs that shook global stock markets, Trump provisionally reduced duties for key trading partners, including India. The tariff volatility has prompted countries to re-evaluate their global trade strategies. India is also open to allowing zero-duty imports from the US in several sectors, including those under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, according to a report by The Economic Times. The PLI scheme covers 14 sectors such as electronics, drones, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and specialty steel, backed by a budget of ₹1.97 lakh crore. A broader Indian offer could help fast-track the trade deal. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly planning to expand iPhone manufacturing in India—a potential shift influenced by Trump’s stricter tariffs on Chinese goods. Amid this global economic flux, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken a cautious step to support growth by cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flagged growing risks to India’s GDP due to rising trade tensions. “The recent trade tariff-related measures have exacerbated uncertainties clouding the economic outlook across regions, posing new headwinds for global growth and inflation,” he stated in the monetary policy announcement. As global economic policies shift unpredictably, India finds itself navigating a complex trade and economic landscape while trying to safeguard its growth trajectory and global trade partnerships.

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Editor04 mins
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