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PM Narendra Modi proposes a 21-point Action Plan amongst member nations at BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok: Read details

OpIndia Staff
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PM Narendra Modi proposes a 21-point Action Plan amongst member nations at BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok: Read details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of cooperation among the BIMSTEC nations at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand today. The action plan focuses on strengthening business ties, harnessing the potential of the IT sector, and collaborating on disaster management, particularly in light of the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand. Modi also stressed the need for joint efforts in space exploration, bolstering security, and empowering youth to lead the future of BIMSTEC.

He remarked to boost business across BIMSTEC nations and harness the rich potential of the IT sector. PM Modi emphasized to work in the world of space and strengthen the security apparatus. Urging to collectively energise BIMSTEC and underlining the role of youth who will take the lead, he expressed hope that the cultural linkages will further bring the BIMSTEC nations closer.

In a thread post on X, PM Modi posted the 21 points of the action plan he has proposed. He wrote, “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.”

The 21-point Action Plan spans multiple sectors, including business, IT, disaster management, security, space, training, capacity building, energy, youth engagement, connectivity, and culture. It reflects a comprehensive approach to strengthen BIMSTEC cooperation, with India taking a leadership role by hosting several initiatives, establishing centers of excellence, and promoting regional integration through trade, technology, and cultural exchange.

Here are the 21 points of the action proposed by PM Narendra Modi:

Business

  1. Establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce
    To foster stronger business-to-business (B2B) ties among BIMSTEC nations.
  2. Organization of BIMSTEC Business Summit every year
    To provide a platform for entrepreneurs and governments to align on trade priorities.
  3. A feasibility study on the possibilities of trade in local currency in the BIMSTEC region
    To explore reducing dependency on global currencies like the US dollar and promote regional financial autonomy.

IT

  1. A pilot study to understand the needs of BIMSTEC countries to share the experience of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
    To assess the specific requirements of member nations for implementing DPI.
  2. Connectivity between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and payment systems in the BIMSTEC region
    To enable seamless, real-time, low-cost, and secure cross-border payments, boosting tourism, business, and remittances.

Mitigation and Disaster Management

  1. Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India
    To collaborate on disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation.
  2. The fourth joint exercises between BIMSTEC Disaster Management Authorities will be held in India this year
    To enhance regional cooperation in disaster response and management.

Security and Space

  1. Holding the first meeting of the Home Ministers’ Mechanism in India
    To strengthen cooperation in combating cybercrime, cybersecurity threats, terrorism, and drug and human trafficking.
  2. Setting up ground stations for manpower training for BIMSTEC countries, manufacturing and launching of Nano Satellites, and use of remote sensing data
    To advance space technology collaboration and enhance regional security through technological innovation.

Training and Capacity Building

  1. BODHI, i.e., BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human resource infrastructure initiative
    Under this, 300 youth from BIMSTEC countries will be trained in India every year.
  2. Scholarships to BIMSTEC students in the Forestry Research Institute of India and Naland University
    To promote educational opportunities in forestry and other academic fields.
  3. Training programme every year for young diplomats from BIMSTEC countries
    To build diplomatic capacity and foster regional understanding.
  4. Tata Memorial Centre will support training and capacity building in cancer care in BIMSTEC countries
    To enhance healthcare capabilities in cancer treatment and research.
  5. Establishment of Centre of Excellence for research and dissemination in traditional medicine and Centre of Excellence in India for exchange of knowledge and best practices, research, and capacity building for the benefit of farmers
    To promote traditional medicine and agricultural innovation through research and knowledge sharing.

Energy and Youth Engagement

  1. The BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has started working
    To coordinate energy-related initiatives and train youth in the energy sector.
  2. Faster work on electric grid interconnection
    To enhance energy security through regional grid connectivity, aligning with initiatives like ‘One World, One Sun, One Grid’.
  3. BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit will be held this year, and the BIMSTEC Hackathon and Young Professional Visitors programme will be launched
    To engage youth in leadership, innovation, and professional development.
  4. To hold the BIMSTEC Athletics Meet in India this year
    To promote youth engagement through sports.
  5. Hosting the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027
    To further youth interaction and regional unity through a major sporting event.

Connectivity and Culture

  1. BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival will be held in India this year
    To strengthen cultural ties and promote people-to-people connections through music.
  2. Establishment of Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India
    This Centre will work to enhance coordination in building, research, innovation, and capacity in maritime policies, and promote cooperation in maritime security.

Leftwing propaganda portal comes up with a dubious fact-check to refute Kiren Rijiju’s remarks on the Waqf’s sweeping claim over a Tamil Nadu village: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Leftwing propaganda portal comes up with a dubious fact-check to refute Kiren Rijiju’s remarks on the Waqf’s sweeping claim over a Tamil Nadu village: Details

During the discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025 yesterday (3rd April) in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted several instances where waqf boards across the country made bizarre claims over entire villages. He pointed out one such case from Tamil Nadu where the Waqf Board claimed the entire Hindu-majority village of Thiruchenthurai/Thiruchendurai, including a 1500-year-old temple, near Trichy.

The statement of the head of the Waqf Board

An online media portal, The Federal, said that Rijiju’s statement about the waqf board claiming the Thiruchenthurai village was wrong and conducted a ‘fact-check’ to prove it. However, the purported fact-check had several loopholes. The portal quoted Abdul Rehman, head of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, who refuted Rijiju’s claims. Rehman said that the entire village measured up to 800-900 acres, while the waqf property covers about 480 acres. He claimed that the 1500-year-old temple is on the Waqf land, which was donated to it. He said that the donors wanted the temple to remain there.

The Federal further quoted Rehman as saying that the Union Law Minister was lying because the Waqf Board never claimed the entire village. He pointed out that the Waqf Board owns a significant amount of land in the nearby village of Suriyar, which also includes a 1000-year-old temple surrounded by nine ponds.

The shady fact-check

Proceeding with its fact-check, the media portal then presented some historical details about the village land and the waqf board. Quoting historical records, the Federal claimed that land donations to the waqf board were made by Queen Rani Mangammal in the 18th century. “According to historical records, Queen Rani Mangammal had gifted several villages, including Thiruchendurai, to the Waqf Board – a fact documented in a 1954 gazette and confirmed by an ancient copper plate referring to the village as Inam Gramam,” the media portal claimed.

Now, this statement of the Federal, which claims that the Queen gifted “several villages including Thiruchendura village”, contradicts the earlier quoted statement of Abdul Rehman in which he said that the waqf board did not claim the entire village but only a part of it, which also includes the ancient Hindu temple.

What was the case?

The incident of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board claiming the entire Hindu-majority village of Thiruchendurai in Tamil Nadu came to light in 2022 when a villager named  Rajagopal attempted to sell his 1 acre 2 cents of land to one Rajarajeshwari. When Rajagopal, a resident of the nearby village of Mullikarupur village arrived at the Registrar’s office to get the sale of his land registered, he was surprised to learn that the land did not belong to him and instead belonged to the Waqf Board.

“The Waqf Board owns the land on which you have come to register the deed. This contract cannot be registered, according to the Waqf Board’s directive,” Murali, the registrar, stated. “You should obtain a no-obligation certificate from the Waqf Board in Chennai,” he further added. “Why do I need to obtain a no-obligation certificate from the Waqf Board to sell my land which I purchased in 1992?” Rajagopal inquired in astonishment. Rajagoapl said that he was shown a 250-page letter from the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board, which said that in Tiruchenthurai village requires a no-objection certificate from the Waqf Board in Chennai. “The Waqf Board has informed the Deeds Department by letter and documentation that the entire village is theirs. It has also been stated that individuals who come to register a deed for land in the village should obtain a certificate of no objection from them,” he said.

The entire village was shocked to learn that their lands belonged to the Waqf Bard. They wondered how the Waqf Board could claim ownership of the entire village when the villagers have all the necessary land documents for their respective lands, both residential and agricultural. The subject was brought to the District Collector’s attention by the villagers, he stated that the matter will be investigated, and action will be taken after that.

Thousands of Muslims create a ruckus after youth tears pages of Quran in Shahjahanpur, police detain accused Nazeem

OpIndia Staff
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Thousands of Muslims create a ruckus after youth tears pages of Quran in Shahjahanpur, police detain accused Nazeem

Tensions erupted in Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh after torn pages of the Islamic book Quran were found in the Jalalabad police station area on Thursday evening. Thousands of Muslims gathered at the spot on Tehsil Road, demanding action. However, later, it was found that a Muslim man was the culprit.

As per reports, the incident took place at around 9 PM on Thursday just 50 meters away from Jalalabad police station. A youth was seen tearing pages of the Quran and blowing them in the air in front of a shop. After the word of the incident spread, anger spread among the people of the Muslim community. A large number of people came out on the road and started creating a ruckus.

After receiving the information, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Dwivedi with the police force reached there and managed to pacify the crowd. A heavy police force was deployed on the spot to maintain order.

After that, the police identified the culprit using CCTV footage, who was identified as a youth named Nazeem. He was promptly arrested by the police.

Talking about the incident, SP Dwivedi said, “I myself reached the spot with police force and after calming down the crowd gathered at the spot and leaving the place, I examined the CCTV footage, in which a young man was seen blowing the pages of the holy book in the air. The accused has been identified as Nazeem, who is a resident of Jalalabad town.”

The SP said that the accused is mentally ill, and took him in custody in the night itself. The situation in the area remains peaceful, and police are interrogating the suspect.

IUML opposes Waqf Amendment Bill along with ally Congress, claims Munambam land issue is ‘different’: Here is how Congress is set to lose Christian support in Kerala over the Waqf land grab

OpIndia Staff
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IUML opposes Waqf Amendment Bill along with ally Congress, claims Munambam land issue is ‘different’: Here is how Congress is set to lose Christian support in Kerala over the Waqf land grab

The enactment of the Waqf Amendment Bill of 2025 has rattled the Congress and its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), given that it has the potential to nullify the illegal claim made by the Kerala Waqf Board on the lands of 600 Christian families in Munambam.

IUML leader Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal has vowed to challenge the Bill through legal means. The radical Islamic party had taken particular offence to the repeated references to the Munambam dispute amid the Waqf Amendment Bill controversy.

It claimed that that the Munambam issue is somehow different and not related to the Waqf Amendment Bill while also alleging that the dispute will henceforth become more complex.

The matter was raised in the Parliament by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (3rd April) during a debate on Waqf Amendment Bill of 2025. Minister Suresh Gopai assured that the bill would help the Christian residents of Munamabam.

After witnessing open support for the Waqf Amendment Bill by Christian bodies, IUML leader M.K. Muneer remarked that Christians and Muslims should hold talks to sort out the land dispute.

IUML supports the illegal claims of Kerala Waqf Board on lands owned by the 600 Chritistian families in Munabam but has ‘promised’ not to allow eviciton of residents. Its ally Congress was seen monkey-balancing over the issue.

Congress is in a fix

Opposed to the Waqf Amendment Bill to appease the Muslims, the grand-old party said that Munambam ‘is not Waqf land’ so as to not irk the Christian community.

In the hopes of targeting the BJP, Kerala Congress leader V D Satheesan claimed, “So, can all those who are claiming that the Bill will help the people of Munambam please explain how it will benefit the affected people there?”

It also attacked the CPIM-led-State government in Kerala for delaying resolution of the Munamabam land dispute. Christians constitute 18.4% of Kerala’s population. They have traditionally voted for the Congress party.

However, the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has recently urged the members of Parliament from Kerala to vote in favour of the Bill when it is tabled for discussion. It sought the amendment of the “unconstitutional and unjust sections” of the Waqf Act.

Through the press release, the KCBC President, Cardinal Clemis Katholika Bava, Vice-President Bishop Polly Kannookkatan and Secretary General Bishop Alex Vadakkumthala urged the Kerala MPs to support the amendments to “objectionable” parts of the Waqf Act.

Soon after, the the Catholics Bishops Conference of India made a similar appeal. “Certain provisions in the existing Waqf laws are inconsistent with the Indian Constitution and against the secular democratic values of the country,” it added.

BJP has been quick to make grounds and gain the confidence of the Syro-Malabar, Latin, and Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches on the Munambam land dispute. Christian votes helped BJP send its first MP from Kerala to the Parliament.

The support is likely to increase in the upcoming State Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held next year. It can make deep cuts in the Congress vote bank in Kerala.

The Munambam land dispute

The Munambam waqf land dispute has led to protests and political debates in Kerala. Around 600 Christian and Hindu families are opposing the Kerala State Waqf Board’s claim over 404 acres of land in the Munambam suburb of the Ernakulam district in Kerala. The Waqf Board has asserted that the said land was granted as waqf property in 1950. On the other hand, the residents have argued that they legally purchased the land decades ago. The controversy has gained a lot of traction owing to the bypolls in the state, with political parties using the matter for their own agendas.

The Munambam waqf land dispute revolves around 404 acres of land in the coastal region of Munambam in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. There are 600 families living on the land, constituted primarily of Christians from the Latin Catholic community and Hindus from backward sections. These families have lived on this land for decades. The Kerala State Waqf Board has claimed ownership of the land, citing a waqf deed registered in 1950. The residents, however, have insisted that they own the legal rights to the land as they purchased it decades ago from Farook College, which was once entrusted with its management.

In the 1960s, Farook College started the process to evict residents who were occupying the land, leading to a legal battle. These residents, who lived on the land pockets for generations, did not have the official documentation to prove their ownership. Eventually, the college management decided to have an out-of-court settlement with the residents and sold land pockets to them at the market price.

The sale, however, became another headache, as, according to the documents, the management of the college did not disclose that the land they were selling was waqf property. Instead, they cited a “gift deed” that was registered in 1950 as the basis of the ownership. As the information of the land being waqf property was omitted from the sale information, it became the ground for future disputes. Later, the Kerala Waqf Board argued that the sale of waqf land without the consent of the Waqf Board was illegal under the Waqf Act.

For years, the issue did not become a matter of discussion until 2009, when the Nissar Commission, appointed by the CPI(M)-led government, announced that Munambam land was indeed waqf property. The commission found that the sale of the land initiated by Farook College was unauthorised and recommended that the land sold by the college should be recovered.

In 2019, a decade after the findings were reported by the Nissar Commission, the Kerala Waqf Board decided to act on it and suo motu declared the land as waqf property under Sections 40 and 41 of the Waqf Act, 1995. The Board then instructed the Revenue Department to cease accepting land taxes from the occupants of the land, effectively undermining the residents’ claims of ownership of the land.

In 2022, the Kerala state government overruled the Waqf Board’s directive. However, the Board challenged the decision in the Kerala High Court. The court issued a stay on the state government’s action, leaving the residents in a legal limbo. As of now, several appeals are pending in front of the court challenging claims made by the residents as well as the Waqf Board.

Five JD(U) leaders resign from the party over support to Waqf Amendment Bill

ANI
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Five JD(U) leaders resign from the party over support to Waqf Amendment Bill

Nadeem Akhtar, another JD(U) leader resigned from the party making him the fifth member to leave over the party’s support for the Waqf Amendment Bill.

His resignation follows that of four other leaders, including JD(U) leader Raju Nayyar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik and Mohammed Kasim Ansari.

Earlier, JD(U) leader Raju Nayyar wrote in his resignation, “I resign from JD(U) after Waqf Amendment Bill is passed and supported in the Lok Sabha.”

He went on to express his deep disappointment with the party, stating, “I am deeply hurt by the JD(U) voting in favour of this black law, which oppresses Muslims.”

“I resign from the post of former state secretary of JD(U) youth and primary membership of the party. I request to send a letter to the Honorable CM Nitish Kumar and relieve me from all responsibilities,” he added.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had urged all secular political parties, including BJP allies and MPs, to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.

In a letter addressed to JDU National President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Tabrez Siddiqui Alig expressed deep disappointment, stating that the party had “betrayed the trust of the Muslim community.”

While, in his letter, Mohammad Shahnawaz Malik wrote, “Millions of Indian Muslims like us had the firm belief that you are the flag bearer of purely secular ideology. But now this belief has been broken.”

Mohammed Kasim Ansari stated that he was resigning as the party’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill had “deeply hurt” millions of Muslims.

The resignations comes at a critical time for JDU, as Bihar gears up for the assembly elections.

The Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.” The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, has also been passed in the Parliament.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Should we aspire to be best in world or we are just happy being delivery boys and girls?’ Piyush Goel takes a dig at Indian startups

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‘Should we aspire to be best in world or we are just happy being delivery boys and girls?’ Piyush Goel takes a dig at Indian startups

Speaking at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 on Thursday (3rd April), Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goel lambasted the Indian startup ecosystem. Calling out the Indian startups for the lack of technological innovations, the Minister drew a comparison of the Indian startups with the Chinese startups. He said that while the Indian startups are limited to food, delivery, and basic consumer products with fancy labels, the Chinese startups are working on semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He displayed a comparative chart of Indian and Chinese startups during the event to drive home the point that while Indian startups are behind the Chinese startups which are leading the global startup landscape by venturing into future technologies.

via X

While the Union Commerce Minister appreciated all the progress that India has made so far, he also warned the young entrepreneurs against thinking small. “We are very proud of what India is now. But are we the best in the world as yet? Not yet. Should we aspire to be or are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?” said Goyal. Without mincing words, Goyal said that making fancy ice cream and cookies cannot be called startups.

“Fancy ice cream and cookies…I know at least three or four billionaires whose children make one brand or the other of the very fancy ice cream and cookies, and run a very successful business. I have no complaint against that. But is that the destiny of India? We call ourselves startups by selling these kinds of products with good packaging and labels like healthy ice cream, gluten-free, and vegan products. This is not a startup. This is entrepreneurship. This is business,” he said.

“Look at what the other side is doing- robotics, machine learning, preparing themselves for 3D manufacturing, next generation factories that are more efficient, and they compete with the rest of the world and capture markets. We won’t be there to witness India in 2047. We are the sculptors of India, but you have to make Viksit Bharat 2047 happen. And that is eminently possible,” he added.

India needs to choose between making ice cream and semiconductor chips

The Union Minister said that the investors need to think out of the box and encourage startups focused on technologies like AI, semiconductors, and so on. He said that the country did witness growth in the field of semiconductors and AI but there is a long way to go. “We are developing our own Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are investing heavily to become self-reliant, building chips, AI models. We should prepare the nation for the future. What will India be manufacturing, ice cream or chips (semiconductors)? ” he said. “Instant grocery delivery, latest, hot on the block, I have no problems you can list that a few billion dollars, I am very happy. I only wish they had more Indian investors rather than foreigners buying off all our startups,” he added.

Taking a dig at the investors in the popular TV show ‘Shark Tank’ in which aspiring entrepreneurs present their business ideas before a panel of investors to seek investment, Goyal urged them to change their perspective. “We will all have to show some courage for that. I am saying this to all the investors as well. Aman Gupta, please change your perspective on the Shark Tank,” said Goyal.

Goyal said he did not plan to say all this in his speech. He showed a paper and said that he had received some talking points for his speech. “I had not planned this, by the way. Sitting there, I opened my talking points (he displayed a paper). I read it and I said to myself that the people here have arrived organically, and if I speak a word from this, then I’ll be addressing an empty hall in the third edition of the Startup Mahakumbh.”

Indian entrepreneurs and investors need to think global: Goyal

Goyal challenged the Indian entrepreneurs to expand their vision in order to compete with the global startups. “We’ll need to go global, we’ll need to think big. We’ll need to be ambitious. We’ll need to experiment. We’ll need to go beyond the boundaries of our own thinking. Let’s not limit ourselves to the past. Let’s explore the unknown. And, frankly, when we look at Deep Tech and I look at the numbers; probably a thousand companies or a thousand startups in the Deep Tech ecosystem. These are disturbing signs. Wealth creation in the short term may happen with some of these conveniences. But are we going to be limited to grocery stores only, or do we want to create an identity for India at the global level?

He urged the young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the startup-friendly ecosystem provided by the Modi government for the growth and promotion of the Indian startup ecosystem. He said India is making agreements with countries like the UK, Australia, Bahrain, and even the European Union. “Our ambitions are to compete with the best in the world. With everyone of them, we talk of the startup bridge. But I can’t take them to grocery stores and say this is what India is offering for startups, ” he said.

“Today, under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance and leadership, we are not aiming small. We are not looking at agreements with countries which are in a situation which is even worse than what India is in”, he added.

He appealed to the Unicorns to contribute towards creating “pools of domestic capital” to support startups. He said that Indian as well as global investors should show some generosity while giving clawback to Indian startups, so that young entrepreneurs can retain “respectable ownership” over their hard work. The Minister also proposed certain measures for assisting startups that have not been successful to help them start again.

All India Muslim Jamaat chief supports Waqf Amendment Bill, says it is meant to give rights, not take away

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All India Muslim Jamaat chief supports Waqf Amendment Bill, says it is meant to give rights, not take away

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat expressed his support to the Waqf Bill and assured the Muslim community that legislation does not pose any threat to the properties- mosques, dargahs, Eidgahs, or cemeteries of the community.

“This bill is meant to give rights, not take them away,” he said, refuting claims that it would harm the interests of Muslims.

Speaking after the bill was passed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Razvi expressed his gratitude to the central leadership and congratulated the public on the move.

“I want to assure the Muslim community that there is no threat through the Waqf Amendment Bill–neither to masjids, dargahs, Eidgahs, nor cemeteries. The real threat is to the waqf land mafia, who have looted properties worth crores and acted against the true purpose of waqf,” he stated.

He further urged the community to refrain from protesting against the bill, emphasising that the amendment is designed for their benefit.

Razvi also warned against political misinformation and urged the public not to be misled by rumours.

“I appeal to Muslims not to be influenced by political agendas and not to pay attention to false narratives being spread about the bill,” he added.

Even as some religious leaders have endorsed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, dissenting voices within the community have raised concerns, alleging that the bill weakens Muslim rights and was passed without proper consultation with stakeholders.

“They are trying to mix honey with poison and say that this bill is beneficial for us. However, experts within our community have analysed and highlighted the disadvantages of this bill,” claimed Maulana Sufiyan Nizami (Chairman, UP Waqf Tamiro Tarraki Board).

“They (BJP) claim that the government has strategically framed the bill as a measure for the welfare of Muslims, while in reality, it undermines the legal and administrative framework of Waqf institutions. “This narrative is being pushed for political benefits,” he stated.

Maulana Sufiyan Nizami alleged that key stakeholders from the Muslim community were not adequately consulted before the bill was passed.

“The amendments have weakened the authority of waqf institutions rather than strengthening them. This move disregards the religious and community-based significance of waqf properties,” he asserted.

As an opponent to the bill, the Maulana accused the government of using its parliamentary majority to push the amendments without due consideration for the concerns raised by Muslim organizations.

“This has been done purely based on power, ignoring the voices of those directly affected,” they added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has now cleared both Houses of Parliament, continues to evoke sharp reactions.

While some leaders have called it a step toward transparency and reform, critics remain firm in their stance that it diminishes the autonomy and management of waqf properties.

The Lok Sabha, which discussed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate.

The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.

The bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Amid ‘cash scam’ row of Justice Yashwant Varma, Supreme Court Judges agree to declare their assets publicly

OpIndia Staff
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Amid ‘cash scam’ row of Justice Yashwant Varma, Supreme Court Judges agree to declare their assets publicly

On Thursday (1st April), all Judges of the Supreme Court unanimously agreed to publicly make available the declaration of their assets.

The apex court reportedly decided to boost public confidence in the Judiciary and promote transparency. The decision was taken during a full-court meeting held on Thursday.

The Judges decided to disclose their assets to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the declarations would be uploaded on the official website of the Supreme Court.

The specifics of the matter will be finalised in due course of time. The development comes weeks after a large pile of unaccounted currency notes was recovered from the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yahwant Varma.

It must be mentioned that all Judges of the Supreme Court have declared their assets, but they are not available for public access.

The Background of the Controversy

On 21st March, reports emerged that Delhi Fire Services found a pile of cash at Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma’s official residence during a firefighting operation. Reports further suggested that Justice Varma was not at his residence at the time, and an internal inquiry was initiated by the Supreme Court of India. Justice Varma also faced transfer to Allahabad High Court.

However, within 24 hours, the Supreme Court issued a clarification that the collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Varma was not linked to the alleged incident. However, an internal inquiry was confirmed.

Notably, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) ‘denied’ finding any cash during the firefighting operation. Later, DFS chief Atul Garg stated that he had never told any media outlet that firefighters did not find cash at the scene.

When asked why his name was being quoted in the reports, Garg replied, “I don’t know why,” adding that he had already sent a clarification to the media outlets carrying the statement.

The current issue has reignited the discussion over declaring assets by judges, which is currently only optional as per the Supreme Court’s resolution from 1997.

Judges in the Indian judiciary system are required to declare their assets. But there is a catch. It is done internally to the Chief Justice of India, and these asset details are available to the public only on a voluntary basis. That means, if a judge does not want the people of India to know about his or her assets, it is at their discretion.

The practice of internal declaration was established by a 1997 Supreme Court resolution. Public disclosure is not mandatory, which has been reflected by the court’s emphasis on privacy under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The stance has also been upheld in several key rulings, including in 2019, that allow disclosure only if a larger public interest is demonstrated.

Waqf Amendment Bill passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha: PM Modi calls it a watershed moment

ANI
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Waqf Amendment Bill passed in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha: PM Modi calls it a watershed moment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill of 2025 was a “watershed moment” and that this would help the marginalised, who have been “denied both voice and opportunity.”

“The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” PM Modi posted on X.

Highlighting the importance of debate and dialogue, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all the MPs who contributed to strengthening the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill.

“Gratitude to all Members of Parliament who participated in the Parliamentary and Committee discussions voiced their perspectives and contributed to the strengthening of these legislations. A special thanks also to the countless people who sent their valuable inputs to the Parliamentary committee. Yet again, the importance of extensive debate and dialogue has been reaffirmed,” the PM said.

Pointing out that the newly amended Waqf bill would safeguard people’s rights, the Prime Minister said that the “lack” of transparency and accountability in the Waqf system had harmed the interests of Muslim women and Pasmanda Muslims.

“For decades, the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability. This especially harmed the interests of Muslim women, poor Muslims, Pasmanda Muslims. The legislations passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights,” he added.

He said that the central government was committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen.

“We will now enter an era where the framework will be more modern and sensitive to social justice. On a larger note, we remain committed to prioritising the dignity of every citizen. This is also how we build a stronger, more inclusive and more compassionate India,” PM Modi said.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked the union government after the parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, saying that the government had taken a “negative stand.”

“It is their interpretation, we kept our views on the bill in front of them (government). They have taken a negative stand, and they are taking it forward,” Kharge told reporters.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan said that it is “unfortunate” that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has been passed.

“The bill is not in the best interests of the nation, constitution…The intention with which they have made amendments to the waqf amendment bill shows that they are not helping. They are just targeting a particular community…The bill is not right,” Ranjan added.

The Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in the early hours of Friday after a marathon and heated debate.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “Ayes 128 and Noes 95, Absent zero. The Bill is passed.”

The House sat beyond midnight to pass the legislation.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition parties of trying to mislead people on the Waqf Amendment Bill and said it will benefit crores of people from the Muslim community.

Replying to the over 12-hour-long debate on the bill in Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said several suggestions made by the Joint Parliamentary Committee had been incorporated in the revised bill.

Rijiju said that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be renamed as the UMEED (Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development) Bill.

Lok Sabha, which took up discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday, passed it past midnight after a marathon debate.

The government introduced the revised bill after incorporating the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which examined the legislation introduced in August last year. The bill seeks to amend the Act of 1995 and improve the administration and management of waqf properties in India.

The Bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing waqf records.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Thailand releases special Ramayan commemorative stamp in honour of PM Modi’s visit

ANI
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Thailand releases special Ramayan commemorative stamp in honour of PM Modi’s visit

Thailand on Thursday released a special stamp based on the Ramayan mural paintings from the 18th century to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country. PM Modi is in Thailand for the BIMSTEC summit being held from April 2-4.

The mural shows scenes from the 18th century ‘Ramakien’, Thailand’s national epic, influenced by the Valmiki Ramayan.

PM Modi, while expressing gratitude to the Thai government for introducing the commemorative stamp, highlighted how both India and Thailand have a “centuries-old relations connected through our deep cultural and spiritual ties.”

“India and Thailand’s centuries-old relations are connected through our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has connected our people. From Ayutthaya to Nalanda, there has been an exchange of intellectuals. The tales of Ramayana are a part of Thai people’s lives,” PM Modi said.

“The influence of Sanskrit and Pali are reflected in language and traditions even today. I am grateful to the Thailand government that during my visit, a commemorative stamp, based on Ramayana mural paintings from 18th century, was issued,” he added.

“A strong cultural & civilisational bond. As a special gesture to mark PM @narendramodi ‘s Official Visit, Government of Thailand released an intricately designed iStamp depicting Ramayan murals painted during the reign of King Rama I,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also posted on X.

Earlier today, adding new vigour to the bilateral friendship PM Modi had a productive meeting with his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with the two leaders discussing various areas of bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. India and Thailand also exchanged memorandums across a range of sectors.

The MoUs include Joint Declaration on the Establishment of India-Thailand Strategic Partnership.

Sagarmala Division of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, Thailand exchanged MoU for development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

A MOU was also signed between National Small Corporation Ltd (NSIC) and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) of Thailand on co-operation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs exchanged a MoU. A MoU was also exchanged between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) and Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA).

Earlier today, the Indian community in Bangkok welcomed PM Modi with chanting of prayers, showing a deep-rooted cultural bond that continues to flourish.

From Thailand, PM Modi will leave for Sri Lanka for a two-day visit. 

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