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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. 
Published: Apr 02 2025, 9 ameznews.inThe Indian commerce ministry is currently assessing the implications of the United States' newly announced 26 per cent reciprocal tariffs on imports from India, set to take effect in two phases starting April 5. A senior official indicated that the ministry is evaluating the situation, noting that the Trump administration might consider reducing these tariffs if India addresses U.S. concerns. The U.S. President highlighted India's high tariffs on American goods, which he claims average 52 per cent, as a reason for the tariffs, describing the move as a pivotal moment for American industry. Despite the challenges posed by these tariffs, the official described the situation as a "mixed bag" rather than a setback for India, which is in the process of negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., aiming for completion by fall 2023.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 9 ameznews.inIndian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), with a launch anticipated in May 2024, according to NASA. Currently an officer in the Indian Air Force, Shukla will serve as the mission's pilot, becoming only the second Indian in space since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He will be joined by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu. Shukla's selection follows his designation as a key astronaut for India's Gaganyaan mission, aimed at sending a crew to low Earth orbit. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been named as a backup astronaut. Ax-4, launching from the Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, will mark the first spaceflight for astronauts from Poland and Hungary, with the crew expected to spend up to 14 days at the ISS.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 9 ameznews.inNEW DELHI: A Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar during a night mission on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one pilot, while the other is currently hospitalized. The IAF reported that both pilots experienced a technical malfunction and successfully ejected, preventing harm to the airfield and local residents. In a statement, the IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended support to the bereaved family, announcing a Court of Inquiry to investigate the incident. The crash occurred near Suvarda village, approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city, with videos showing a field ablaze and debris scattered across the area. The twin-seater Jaguar, a widely utilized aircraft in the IAF since the late 1970s, was on a routine training sortie at the time of the accident.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 7 ameznews.inIndia's Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) expressed concerns over the 26% tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, acknowledging the impact on domestic exporters. However, FIEO's Director General, Ajay Sahai, noted that India is in a relatively stronger position compared to competitors like Vietnam and China, with lower reciprocal tariffs. Trump highlighted India's high tariffs on US products, stating that India charges 56%, prompting the new tariffs. In 2023-24, the US remains India's largest trading partner, accounting for 18% of total goods exports, with a trade surplus of USD 35.32 billion. Key exports to the US included pharmaceuticals and telecom instruments, while major imports comprised crude oil and diamonds. FIEO hopes for a swift conclusion to the ongoing bilateral trade agreement, which could alleviate the effects of the tariffs.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 5 ameznews.inThe Waqf Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday after a lengthy 12-hour debate, concluding with a vote of 288-232. The bill, which amends the 1995 Waqf law, will be presented in the Rajya Sabha later today. Key provisions include the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, and stipulations that only practicing Muslims for five years can donate properties to Waqf. The Opposition criticized the bill as unconstitutional and accused the government of attempting to disenfranchise minorities. Union minister Amit Shah defended the bill as necessary for property management, citing past irregularities regarding Waqf properties. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board announced plans to challenge the bill legally and organize nationwide protests against it. The debate has intensified concerns about the implications for minority rights and property ownership in India.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 2 ameznews.inNEW DELHI: Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the AIMIM and MP from Hyderabad, staged a symbolic protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, drawing parallels to Mahatma Gandhi's defiance of unjust laws in South Africa. He condemned the bill as unconstitutional, claiming it fosters divisiveness in the country under the guise of religious issues, and urged acceptance of his proposed amendments. This protest followed remarks from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who asserted that the law would be accepted by all. The Opposition, united in its opposition to the bill, argued that it violates fundamental rights, including equality before the law and freedom of religion. Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal described the legislation as "dangerous and divisive," criticizing the government for prioritizing it over pressing issues like farmers' rights and youth unemployment. Concerns from the Muslim community suggest the amendments aim to increase governmental control over Waqf properties, a claim dismissed by BJP representatives.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn Visakhapatnam, a man named Naveen allegedly attacked his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Nakka Deepika, after becoming enraged at her father's request for a year-long wait before their marriage. During the incident on Wednesday, Naveen entered Deepika's home in Swayamkrushi Nagar armed with a knife, stabbing her and fatally injuring her mother, Lakshmi, 43, who intervened. Lakshmi died at the scene, while Deepika was hospitalized in critical condition. Naveen fled but was later apprehended by police near Srikakulam district. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister V Anitha have urged law enforcement to provide the best medical care for Deepika and ensure the harshest punishment for Naveen. The opposition YSR Congress party criticized the government for failing to address the rising violence against women, highlighting that an average of 70 such incidents occur daily in the state.
Published: Apr 03 2025, 12 ameznews.inIn a ceremony rich with tradition, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar was crowned in Udaipur City Palace on Wednesday, following the death of his father, Arvind Singh Mewar, on March 16. Clad in white, Lakshyaraj approached the ancestral throne amid conch shells and mantras, as Kulguru Vagish Kumar Goswami conducted sacred rituals in the Rai Angan, the palace's oldest courtyard. A ceremonial yagya was performed, honouring deities and past Maharanas. The event drew notable guests, including Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Kanakvardhan Singh and poet Shailesh Lodha. However, the occasion was marred by a familial rift, as Lakshyaraj's cousin, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, had earlier been crowned in Chittorgarh, leading to clashes at the palace gates. This succession dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the Mewar royal family since Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar's death in 1984, as descendants vie for control over the dynasty's legacy.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 11 pmeznews.inA 24-year-old US national, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for illegally entering the restricted North Sentinel Island, police reported on Wednesday. Arriving in Port Blair on March 26, Polyakov launched a boat from Kurma Dera beach on March 29, carrying offerings for the indigenous Sentinelese. He reached the island's shore, briefly landed, and recorded video footage before returning. Authorities noted that this was not Polyakov's first attempt; he had previously visited the islands in October and January, during which he attempted reconnaissance and illegally filmed the Jarawa tribe. An FIR has been filed against him under the Foreigners Act and tribal protection regulations. The Sentinelese are known for their hostility towards outsiders, with a history of violent encounters. His arrest has been reported to the Indian Home Department and the US Embassy for further action.
Published: Apr 02 2025, 10 pmeznews.inA Jaguar fighter jet from the Indian Air Force has crashed in Jamnagar, Gujarat, during a routine training sortie. One pilot successfully ejected before the crash, while the other remains missing. Following the incident, which caused the aircraft to catch fire upon landing, local police and firefighters have been deployed to the scene in Suvarda village, approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city, to search for the missing pilot. Eyewitness videos reveal a field ablaze, with parts of the aircraft, including the cockpit and tail, scattered and burning. The Jaguar, a twin-engine fighter bomber introduced in the late 1970s and extensively upgraded since, is a staple of the IAF, featuring both single and twin-seat variants.
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