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Congress 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. 
Published: Apr 03 2025, 6 pmeznews.inUnion Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's recent remarks urging Indian startups to transition from food delivery services to more advanced technological innovations have sparked significant debate online. Goyal criticized the startup sector for producing "cheap labour" and suggested that India should aspire to develop high-tech industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors, similar to China. In response, Zepto co-founder Aadit Palicha defended consumer startups, highlighting their substantial tax contributions and job creation, while noting that even successful tech companies often began with simpler models. Ex-BharatPe MD Ashneer Grover acknowledged the importance of Goyal's comments but criticized politicians for not fostering economic growth. Former Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai urged the government to support high-tech startups instead of belittling existing ones. The exchange underscores the tension between promoting innovation and recognizing the economic impact of current consumer-focused business models in India. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe National Conference, led by Omar Abdullah, passed two resolutions today, urging the central government to respect the people's mandate in Jammu and Kashmir and condemning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This decision followed a two-hour meeting amid escalating tensions between Abdullah's government and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's office, particularly over the transfer of 48 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officers, which the National Conference claims undermines their authority. Abdullah emphasized that their desire for cordial relations should not be misinterpreted as weakness, stating, βIt can't be business as usual.β This conflict arises just days before Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the region to assess security amid rising terrorist activities. Additionally, concerns linger over the delay in restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, with the National Conference seeking clarity from the Centre on the timeline for discussions promised after the Maharashtra Assembly elections. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Hyderabad, influencer Shaikh Maryam Ali has sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing her throwing coffee at a store employee in a mall, following an alleged mocking response from the staff. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media platform X, featured Ms Ali yelling at the saleswoman and expressing her anger over what she described as a "worst experience." Viewers noted the spilled coffee on the counter and floor, with Ms Ali continuing to berate the employee throughout the video. Many users condemned her actions, calling for her to be banned from the mall and suggesting that the store owner should file a complaint for harassment. This incident follows another recent controversy involving a Delhi-based content creator who attempted to sneak into a hotel for a free breakfast, only to end up paying for her meal after being caught. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced two significant reforms aimed at streamlining the claim settlement process for EPF members and employers, as stated by the Ministry of Labour & Employment. The first reform eliminates the requirement for members to upload images of cheque leaves or attested bank passbooks when filing claims, benefiting over 7.7 crore members since its pilot launch on May 28, 2024. This change aims to reduce paperwork and grievances related to claim denials. The second reform removes the necessity for employer approval after bank verification for seeding bank accounts with the Universal Account Number (UAN), thereby expediting the process and alleviating the backlog of pending approvals for nearly 14.95 lakh members. These initiatives are designed to enhance the ease of living for members and improve the ease of doing business for employers, facilitating quicker access to financial services. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 4 pmeznews.inPradyot Kishore Debbarman, chief of Tripura's Tipra Motha party, has sharply criticized Bangladesh's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, for his comments regarding a "maritime gateway" for the northeastern Indian states. Speaking at a public gathering in Gomati district, Debbarman warned Yunus of potential territorial consequences, alleging that Yunus is aligning with Chinese interests and issuing veiled threats against India's northeast. He emphasized the indigenous Tiprasa communities' aspirations for a Greater Tipraland, asserting their capability to defend their territory. Debbarman's remarks coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Yunus at the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand, where Modi expressed concerns about minority safety in Bangladesh and advocated for a constructive relationship. Yunus, a Nobel laureate, had previously suggested that Bangladesh could serve as a maritime link for the landlocked northeastern states, potentially facilitating Chinese economic interests in the region. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inA 35-year-old BJP functionary, Vinay Somaiah, was found dead by suicide in his office in Bengaluru's Nagawara area on Friday, leaving behind a letter accusing local Congress leader Tenneera Maheena and MLA AS Ponnanna of orchestrating harassment that led to his death. Vinay, originally from Somwarpet in Kodagu district, was an administrator of a WhatsApp group where a controversial post targeting Ponnanna was shared. Following the post, an FIR was filed against Vinay and others, leading to his arrest and subsequent bail, but he claimed to have faced ongoing harassment despite a court stay on the case. In his letter, Vinay expressed fear of being labeled a "rowdy-sheeter" and called for support for his family from BJP leaders. Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara has promised a DCP-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vinay's death. Further inquiries are ongoing. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inPunjab Police dismissed senior woman constable Amandeep Kaur on Thursday, a day after her arrest for possessing 17.71 grams of heroin. Her apprehension occurred during the Punjab government's anti-drug initiative, 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh,' following a tip-off. A joint operation by police and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force led to her SUV being stopped near the Badal flyover in Bathinda, where the drugs were discovered. Kaur, who was stationed with Mansa police and attached to Bathinda Police Lines, faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Known as "police_kaurdeep" on social media, she has gained a following of over 37,000 for her posts showcasing a glamorous lifestyle. Controversy surrounds her, with allegations from a woman named Gurmeet Kaur claiming Kaur was involved in drug trafficking through an ambulance and living with Gurmeet's husband. Investigations are ongoing into the source and intended destination of the drugs. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 3 pmeznews.inMykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old YouTuber from the US, was arrested after illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to the reclusive Sentinelese tribe, known for their violent reactions to outsiders. Polyakov's attempt follows the tragic case of American missionary John Allen Chau, who was killed by the tribe in 2018 after he bribed local fishermen to take him to the island. Chau was shot with arrows shortly after landing, and his body was later buried by the tribe. In another incident in 2006, two Indian fishermen were killed when they inadvertently drifted to the island. Polyakov, after extensive planning, approached the island hoping to encounter the tribe. He attempted to attract their attention with a whistle but ultimately left behind a Diet Coke can and coconut before departing after an hour, highlighting the ongoing tensions between indigenous rights and outside curiosity. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inJailed Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik asserted in the Supreme Court that he is a "political leader and not a terrorist," highlighting past dialogues with seven Prime Ministers. During a video-conference appearance, Malik countered claims made by CBI solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who cited photos of Malik with terrorist Hafiz Saeed to argue he posed a security threat. Malik emphasized that the government has not designated his organization as a terrorist entity under the UAPA and noted that he had been granted bail in 32 cases following a 1994 ceasefire. He criticized the current government's revival of long-standing militant cases against him, stating it contradicts the ceasefire agreement. The Supreme Court denied his request for physical presence in trials related to the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed and a 1990 shootout, allowing him instead to cross-examine witnesses virtually from Tihar Jail. 
Published: Apr 04 2025, 2 pmeznews.inTamil Nadu's efforts to exempt itself from the National Entrance and Eligibility Test (NEET) faced a significant setback when President Droupadi Murmu rejected a bill aimed at allowing the state to use Class XII marks for medical course admissions instead. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the bill's rejection in the Assembly, highlighting that it had previously received approval in 2021 and 2022. The Tamil Nadu Assembly had also unanimously passed a resolution last June urging the central government to abolish NEET, which has been mandatory since 2017. Stalin criticized the rejection as an "insult" to the state and indicated plans for further legal action and a meeting of all legislative parties to strategize next steps. The ongoing opposition to NEET is fueled by concerns that the exam favors wealthier students, alongside tragic incidents related to exam pressures, including suicides and recent controversies over paper leaks. Other states, like West Bengal, have joined Tamil Nadu's protests against NEET. 
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