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The Waqf Amendment Bill has successfully passed both houses of India's Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha voting 128 in favor and 95 against, following a lengthy debate. The Biju Janata Dal allowed its MPs to exercise a "conscience vote," reflecting diverse opinions within minority communities. Proponents, including Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, argue the bill aims to enhance property management and eliminate corruption, requiring proof of ownership before designating Waqf properties. However, the bill's contentious provisions include mandating two non-Muslim members on Waqf boards and restricting property donations to practicing Muslims, raising concerns about religious freedom and government control over Waqf properties. Opposition leaders, including Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the bill as potentially divisive and questioned the rationale behind non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards. The legislation will now be sent for presidential approval, amid ongoing debates regarding its implications for minority rights. 
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Apr 04 2025, 2 am ISTeznews.inTensions are rising between the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the Centre following the transfer of 48 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officers by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Chief Minister has called an emergency meeting with party legislators and allies to address what they view as a disregard for their mandate and authority. A senior National Conference leader stated that the transfer is unacceptable and undermines their elected government. This conflict arises just days before Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the region, aimed at reviewing security amid increasing terrorist activities. The J&K Reorganization Act of 2019 grants the Lieutenant Governor control over law and order, but transfers of JKAS officers fall under the elected government's jurisdiction. Additionally, concerns linger over the delay in restoring statehood, with the Centre yet to provide a timeline or respond to resolutions from the J&K assembly.
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Apr 04 2025, 2 am ISTeznews.inIn a tragic incident in Kondawat village, Madhya Pradesh, eight villagers lost their lives after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a well for the Gangaur festival. The disaster unfolded on Thursday when five villagers descended into the 150-year-old well to clear sludge but soon became engulfed in the hazardous fumes. When three others attempted to rescue them, they too were overcome and trapped. A rescue operation involving local authorities and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) lasted four hours, ultimately recovering all eight bodies. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the victims' families, promising a thorough investigation. In response to the tragedy, the devastated community has decided to seal the well to prevent similar incidents in the future. Preliminary findings suggest that toxic gases in the well caused suffocation and drowning.
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Apr 04 2025, 1 am ISTeznews.inA 19-year-old woman from Bihar was sexually assaulted near KR Puram railway station in Bengaluru early Wednesday morning. After arriving from Ernakulam, she and her brother were heading to a nearby restaurant when they were followed by two men who attacked them. The assailants overpowered the brother and dragged the woman to a secluded area, where she was raped. Local residents responded to her cries for help, capturing one attacker and handing him over to the police. The men, both auto drivers from Mulabagilu, have been arrested and face charges including rape, forcible detention, and kidnapping. Police quickly responded to the scene, with a nearby unit arriving within minutes to apprehend one suspect, while the second was arrested shortly after. A case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing, according to senior police officer Shivakumar.
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Apr 03 2025, 11 pm ISTeznews.inIn a tragic incident in Jamnagar, Gujarat, Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav lost his life while heroically averting disaster during the crash of his Jaguar fighter jet. The 28-year-old pilot encountered a critical technical malfunction shortly after takeoff from the Jamnagar Air Force Station. Displaying extraordinary bravery, Siddharth managed to eject his fellow pilot, Manoj Kumar Singh, ensuring his safety before steering the aircraft away from a densely populated area and guiding it into an open field. Siddharth was killed in the crash, which occurred approximately 12 km from Jamnagar, but his actions prevented civilian casualties. A resident of Rewari and the only son of Sushil and Neelam Yadav, Siddharth had recently returned to duty and was due to marry on November 2. His family, steeped in military tradition, is devastated by his loss, but they take pride in his courage and sacrifice.
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Apr 03 2025, 10 pm ISTeznews.inIn a heated Lok Sabha debate centered on the Waqf Amendment Bill, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi clashed with BJP MP Anurag Thakur over the government's handling of the China border dispute and new US tariffs. Gandhi criticized the government for perceived inaction regarding 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory occupied by China, highlighting an incident where a government official celebrated with the Chinese ambassador amidst the ongoing conflict. He demanded transparency in communications with China and warned that the US's newly imposed 27% tariffs could severely impact the Indian economy, particularly in the auto, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. In response, Thakur accused Gandhi of hypocrisy, recalling past Congress leaders' dealings with China and asserting that under Prime Minister Modi, the Indian Army has effectively defended the nation's borders. The exchange underscored the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition regarding national security and foreign policy.
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Apr 03 2025, 9 pm ISTeznews.inCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, asserting it aims to trouble Muslims and lacks significant changes from the 1995 Act. He questioned the need for non-Muslim members on Waqf boards, drawing parallels to religious management in Hindu contexts. Kharge emphasized the bill's divisive nature, suggesting it fosters an atmosphere of minority harassment. Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav echoed concerns about the government's potential shift towards totalitarianism, urging respect for all religions. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot accused the government of creating distractions and ignoring stakeholder opinions, while AIMIM's Imtiaz Jaleel criticized the bill's implications for land management. The Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir called it a betrayal of Muslims, announcing plans to challenge it in court. Amidst opposition uproar, Union Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, claiming it would prevent corruption and enhance transparency in Waqf property management.
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Apr 03 2025, 6 pm ISTeznews.inShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the BJP and its allies for their concerns regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill, suggesting it would embarrass Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has shifted its position on the bill, which it initially opposed. Senior BJD leader Sasmit Patra announced on social media that there would be no party whip during the vote, allowing members to act according to their conscience. This marks the first instance of a non-aligned party diverging from opposition to the bill, while parties like AIADMK and YSR Congress remain steadfast against it. The NDA currently holds a numerical advantage in the Rajya Sabha with 125 MPs. The BJD, which has historically maintained neutrality, has recently distanced itself from the BJP following a significant electoral loss, indicating a potential shift in parliamentary dynamics.
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Apr 03 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inSenior Janata Dal (United) leader Mohammed Qasim Ansari has resigned from the party, expressing disillusionment over its support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, which he claims undermines the principles of secularism and violates the fundamental rights of Indian Muslims. In a resignation letter to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ansari lamented that his years of dedication to the JD(U) have been betrayed, stating that the party's stance has shocked millions of Muslims who believed in its secular ideology. He condemned the bill as humiliating for the Muslim community. Meanwhile, JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) defended the bill in the Lok Sabha, asserting it aims to enhance transparency and welfare for all Muslims, countering claims that it is anti-Muslim. He accused opposition parties of fabricating a negative narrative for political gain, insisting the legislation would improve the management of Waqf properties for the community's benefit.
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Apr 03 2025, 8 pm ISTeznews.inNEW DELHI: The support of secular parties, notably Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United (JD(U)), for the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked intrigue in political circles. Traditionally opposed to the BJP on Muslim issues, these parties were persuaded to back the bill following discussions with senior ministers, who emphasized its intent to protect Muslim interests and women's rights. While allies like the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) agreed with the bill's general premise, concerns remained regarding its impact on existing Waqf properties and state rights. The Joint Parliamentary Committee accepted 14 amendments addressing these issues, including JD(U)'s insistence on non-retrospective application and state consultations on Waqf land. Leaders from the JD(U) and TDP affirmed the bill's alignment with the interests of marginalized communities, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing coalition-building strategy.
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Apr 03 2025, 6 pm IST
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