Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill, claiming it threatens religious harmony and minority rights. He plans to challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court. The DMK's loud opposition to the Bill seems to be a strategic political move ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
The Archaeological Survey of India is actively coordinating with local authorities to protect the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra's Khuldabad. Measures include installing 12 feet high metal sheets, concertina wire, deploying private security, and regular inspections to prevent potential damage due to threats from extremist groups.
India urged BRICS nations to unite on the 'Baku to Belem Roadmap' for mobilising $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to achieve climate goals. The country emphasized the need for strengthened climate finance mechanisms and highlighted the importance of collective action and shared responsibility among BRICS members.
AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel announced plans to protest and challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Supreme Court, expressing little hope for justice. He criticized judges seeking post-retirement benefits and highlighted the support of Andhra Pradesh and Bihar CMs, crucial for BJP's majority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus were seen together at the BIMSTEC dinner table amidst worsening India-Bangladesh relations. The tension arose from Yunus' remarks about India's Northeast during his China visit, which Indian politicians criticized as provocative.
India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, involving around 60 scientific studies, with seven from India. The mission will focus on microgravity research, impacting biological processes and strategies for long-term space missions. It will include comprehensive research from nations like the US, Poland, Hungary, and others, contributing to global scientific progress.
The Punjab council of ministers approved amendments to the mining policy, which aims to curb illegal mining and enhance supply. The pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens and a school mentorship program by IAS/IPS officers were also approved to promote religious heritage and student development.
The Supreme Court has ruled that public servants who exceed their official powers are still protected from prosecution under Section 170 of the Police Act, provided there is a reasonable connection between their actions and their official duties. The safeguard requires prior government sanction before any legal proceedings can be initiated.
Passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai faced over 20 hours of delay at Diyarbakır Airport in Turkey due to an emergency medical diversion. The travelers, including a pregnant woman and passengers with medical conditions, complained about inadequate food, lack of communication, and challenging conditions at the airport.
Uddhav Thackeray accused the Union government of eyeing Waqf board lands and potentially targeting temple, church, and gurudwara lands next. The Shiv Sena (UBT) opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, suggesting the BJP aims to transfer these lands to industrialist allies while raising concerns over Hindutva.
Sukhwinder Singh and four other officials have been reassigned new positions after a stampede incident at the New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 resulted in 18 fatalities. The Railway Ministry is conducting a high-level inquiry to determine accountability and ensure such negligence is addressed.
Union minister Giriraj Singh sharply criticized Congress over the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing the party of past appeasement. Singh highlighted how the BJP-led government rectified the mistakes from 2013. The Lok Sabha passed the bill after an extended debate, aiming to improve Waqf property administration.
Airlines faced 24 hoax bomb threat calls this year till March 25, as per the government. Since 2022, a total of 836 such calls have been received. Stringent protocols by BCAS, including the Bomb Threat Contingency Plan, help manage these threats. Arrests were made and systems are in place to ensure minimal disruption to flight operations.
President Donald Trump has announced a new tariff regime, imposing a 10% baseline tax on imports from all nations and higher levies on countries with a trade surplus with the US. This action, justified as correcting trade imbalances, has significantly affected India with a 26% tariff on all its exports, leading to a negative market reaction.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha proposed using Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet as leverage to renegotiate tariffs imposed by the US. Trump's recent announcement included a 27% reciprocal tariff on India, citing unfair trade practices by India against the US.
Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde criticizes Uddhav Thackeray for opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva. Shinde defends the bill's intent to reform Waqf property administration, while Thackeray condemns what he calls BJP's hypocrisy.
The Rajya Sabha debates the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, following its passage in the Lok Sabha. With the NDA holding a slight numerical advantage in the Upper House, the bill, if approved, will proceed to the President for final assent.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has rejected the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Lok Sabha, expressing determination to nullify it once the BJP is ousted. During a presser, she accused the BJP of attempting to divide the country with the bill, which passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for its handling of the India-China border issue and US tariffs, accusing them of submission to foreign interests. He claimed China is occupying 4,000 sq km of Indian territory and urged for status quo restoration. Gandhi also expressed concern over the Foreign Secretary's interaction with the Chinese envoy.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath praised PM Modi and HM Amit Shah for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed by Lok Sabha, to regulate Waqf Board land claims. Adityanath highlighted past disputes in Prayagraj and emphasized the state's stance against land mafias, expressing confidence the bill will enhance law and order.
US President Donald Trump announced extensive reciprocal tariff proposals, significantly affecting India with an extra 27% duty. The Commerce Department is assessing the impacts. Both nations aim to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030, with continuous negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The India-US relationship focuses on enhancing trade, investments, and technology transfers.
Over 260 passengers of a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai are stranded at Turkey's Diyarbakır Airport for over 18 hours. The flight had been diverted due to a medical emergency and later faced technical issues. Passengers are complaining about the lack of arrangements and inedible food while they await further information.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thailand for a two-day visit to participate in the sixth BIMSTEC summit. Modi will engage in discussions with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and join BIMSTEC leaders in signing the Agreement on Maritime Cooperation. The visit also includes meetings with key regional leaders and will be followed by Modi's visit to Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a visit to Thailand for the sixth BIMSTEC summit, emphasizing India's Northeastern region's strategic role. He later heads to Sri Lanka to review progress with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, aiming to enhance bilateral ties and regional prosperity.
US President Trump labeled Prime Minister Modi as his 'great friend' while announcing a 26% retaliatory tariff on India, addressing the trade imbalance and high Indian tariffs on US goods. Trump emphasized the need for negotiations to create a level playing field and highlighted the substantial US trade deficit with India.
The Supreme Court of India has suggested that state governments allocate 25% of their budgets for health, education, hygiene, and infrastructure to help India become a developed nation. The court highlighted the consistent 'fund constraint' response from states and emphasized the need for intervention, despite acknowledging judicial limitations in financial policy matters.
The adoption process in India remains lengthy, with an average wait time of three and a half years for infants. Despite the number of adoptions reaching over 4,500 in 2024-25, thousands of prospective parents continue to wait anxiously, with the demand for younger children far exceeding available orphans for adoption.
PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus will discuss various issues during the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand on April 3-4. This will be their first meeting since Yunus became chief adviser. While Dhaka has requested the meeting, New Delhi is still considering it. Modi will also engage in diplomatic discussions with other heads of state and Thai royalty.