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Lok Sabha Prepares for Extensive Waqf Bill Debate: Numbers Overview

The Lok Sabha is set for a significant debate today as Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduces the Waqf Amendment Bill, aimed at amending the 1995 law governing Waqf properties in India. The government asserts that the amendments will enhance the management of these properties, but opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the legislation for bypassing their suggestions during the Joint Parliamentary Committee review. With eight hours allocated for discussion, both the ruling BJP and Congress have issued whips to ensure their MPs' participation. The BJP, alongside its allies, is expected to secure a majority, with 295 votes against the opposition's 234. Controversial provisions of the Bill include the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf management and the reclassification of government properties as non-Waqf. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has called for opposition to the Bill, arguing it undermines constitutional rights and promotes discrimination. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 10 am IST

Pak Army Fires Across LoC; India Responds, Sources Say

In a notable breach of the ceasefire, the Pakistani Army has reportedly crossed into Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, according to Army sources. On April 1, a mine explosion in the Krishna Ghati sector was attributed to this incursion, which was subsequently followed by unprovoked gunfire from Pakistani forces. The Indian Army responded effectively and in a controlled manner, assuring that the situation is currently under control and closely monitored. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from the incident. The Indian Army emphasized the necessity of adhering to the agreements established between the Director Generals of Military Operations of both nations to ensure ongoing peace along the Line of Control. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 10 am IST

Two Dead as Car Flips, Man Ejected on Camera

Two individuals tragically lost their lives in a road accident in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, on Tuesday. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows their car colliding with a divider on National Highway 150, resulting in the vehicle flipping multiple times before finally coming to rest. The victims, identified as Maul and Rehman from Yadgir district, died instantly, with the shocking footage revealing one of them being ejected from the car mid-air. The video has since gone viral, drawing significant attention to the dangers of reckless driving. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with more details expected to emerge. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 am IST

MK Stalin's Letter to PM Modi After Delimitation Meeting

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss concerns over the proposed delimitation of parliamentary seats, fearing it may diminish representation for southern states due to their success in population control. In a letter dated March 27, revealed publicly recently, Stalin emphasized the need for dialogue and transparency in the delimitation process, which reassesses parliamentary representation based on population changes. This request follows a March 22 meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on 'Fair Delimitation,' attended by various political leaders, where they voiced collective concerns about fair representation. Stalin insists that the issue transcends political boundaries and is crucial for citizens' rights. However, the BJP dismissed these concerns, accusing the DMK of spreading misinformation and using the issue to deflect attention from corruption allegations against the party. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 am IST

Parliament Update: Waqf Discussion, India Bloc Opposes Bill

The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform laws governing the administration of Muslim charitable properties, has sparked significant controversy in India's Parliament. Initially tabled in August last year, the bill underwent scrutiny by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), which submitted its report in February. Of the 66 proposed changes, 44 from the opposition were rejected, while 14 of the 23 amendments from the ruling BJP and its allies were approved. Notably, the original draft sought to include non-Muslim and female members on Waqf boards and proposed limiting donations from practicing Muslims for five years. Opposition leaders, including Congress's KC Venugopal, criticized the bill as a "direct attack on the freedom of religion," asserting it violates constitutional rights, particularly Articles 15 and 30, which protect religious practice and minority educational institutions. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 9 am IST

Ghibli-Style Makeover Fails, Woman Gains Third Hand

The Ghibli trend has taken social media by storm, fueled by OpenAI's latest image-generation tool, which allows users, including celebrities and politicians, to transform their photos into whimsical Studio Ghibli-style animations. One user experienced an amusing twist when her AI-generated image featured an unexpected third hand holding an ice cream cone, altering her cafe scene into a surreal open field. She shared the quirky result on Instagram, prompting a flurry of comments questioning the bizarre addition. In another instance, the AI misinterpreted a coconut in a photo of women performing Chhath Puja rituals, mistakenly depicting it as a severed human head. OpenAI's image generation tool, powered by GPT-4o, is now available for free, enabling users to create photorealistic and artistic images, including the trending Ghibli-style creations, with a limit of three images per day. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 8 am IST

SpaceX Reveals First View of Earth's Poles; Musk Responds

History was made on March 31, 2025, as SpaceX's Fram2 mission successfully launched, sending four spaceflight novices into an unprecedented orbit over the North and South Poles. Liftoff occurred at 9:46 p.m. EDT, with the crew achieving low-Earth orbit in just 10 minutes aboard the Resilience spacecraft. Led by Chun Wang, a Maltese entrepreneur, the diverse crew includes Jannicke Mikkelsen, Rabea Rogge, and Eric Phillips, who will conduct over 22 experiments during their mission, which is expected to last between two to four days. Stunning images and videos from space have been shared, showcasing the breathtaking views of Earth from a 90-degree inclination. Following their observations, the Resilience will perform a deorbit burn and splash down in the Pacific Ocean, marking a significant milestone in SpaceX's crewed missions, with a scheduled return to Earth on April 4. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 8 am IST

Bus-SUV Collision in Buldhana Leaves 5 Dead

At least five people lost their lives in a tragic collision involving a bus and an SUV in Buldhana district, eastern Maharashtra, on Wednesday morning. The accident occurred on the Khamgaon-Shegaon highway when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus collided with a Bolero vehicle. Following the initial impact, a private bus subsequently crashed into the wreckage of the two vehicles. Emergency services are currently working to extricate the driver of the private bus, who is trapped in the mangled cabin. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the region. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 8 am IST

Darjeeling Guide: Dining, Lodging, Shopping, and Exploring

Darjeeling, often described as a picturesque hill-town, offers a blend of misty mornings, British-era architecture, and stunning views of Kanchenjunga. This travel guide highlights essential attractions, including the iconic Tiger Hill for sunrise views, the scenic Darjeeling Ropeway, and the adventurous Singalila National Park, known for its trekking trails and rare wildlife. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels like The Elgin to budget-friendly stays such as Zostel. The culinary scene features a mix of Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali cuisines, with must-visit spots like Kunga Restaurant for momos and Glenary's bakery. Shopping enthusiasts can explore Chowrasta Market for local goods and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre for handcrafted items. The ideal visiting months are March to May and October to November, while access is easy via Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri railway station. Walking and shared jeeps are popular for navigating the town’s charming streets. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 8 am IST

Tripura Ex-Royal: 'Break Up Bangladesh' Comment on China

Comments by Bangladeshi leader Mohd Yunus, describing the seven northeastern Indian states as "an extension of the Chinese economy" and suggesting that Beijing could take control, have sparked outrage among Indian politicians. Pradyot Manikya, founder of the Tipra Motha party in Tripura, responded by proposing that India should consider annexing parts of Bangladesh, particularly the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which he claims have historically desired to join India. He argued that this move would provide northeastern states with direct access to the sea and improve conditions for the indigenous tribes living in Bangladesh. The controversy follows Yunus's remarks inviting China to leverage Bangladesh's strategic ports, which Indian officials, including Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have condemned as offensive. The evolving geopolitical landscape raises concerns for India's Chicken's Neck Corridor, crucial for access to the northeast, amid fears of increased Chinese influence in the region. sources

Published:
Apr 02 2025, 6 am IST