July 30, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: viralpost

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Judicial Work Withdrawn The Delhi High Court has withdrawn judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma following a controversy surrounding the recovery of a large amount of cash from his residence.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 Justice Yashwant Varma is withdrawn with immediate effect till further orders,” the High Court notice stated.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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Punjab Govt Clarifies Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s Hospitalisation, Assures Family Access

The Punjab government has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is not in police custody but has been admitted to Park Hospital in Patiala based on his own preference. The state clarified that Dallewal, a prominent figure in the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), chose hospitalisation considering his health condition and is free to leave at his discretion. The clarification came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed in the high court, which alleged Dallewal’s unlawful detention. The petitioner, Gurmukh Singh from Hoshiarpur, sought court intervention to ensure the safety of Dallewal and other missing farmer leaders. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel raised concerns that Dallewal’s family members were being restricted from visiting him at the hospital. In response, the Punjab government assured the court that there were no objections to family visits and that the state was overseeing his medical care as per Supreme Court directives. Following these submissions, Justice Manish Batra directed the state authorities to facilitate meetings between Dallewal and his family at the hospital, ensuring there were no obstructions from either the government or hospital administration. However, all visits must adhere to hospital protocols. The high court has scheduled the next hearing for March 26, where further deliberations on the matter will take place. By Correspondent Richa Tripathi

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Editor02 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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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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