The Joint Parliamentary Committee has recently approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 along with several crucial changes. These changes include shifting the authority for determining Waqf properties from the District Collector to the state government and increasing the number of members on Waqf Councils to include at least two non-Muslim members. The bill also empowers the state government to handle disputes related to property determination.
Following a deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the state government has introduced five major changes, including declaring the entire fair area a No-Vehicle Zone. The tragedy occurred on one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela as millions of pilgrims tried to reach the holy waters for a sacred dip. The changes include canceling VVIP passes, implementing one-way routes, restricting vehicle entry, and enforcing strict measures until February 4. To strengthen crowd management efforts, IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami, who successfully managed the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, have been directed to reach Prayagraj immediately.
Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a local community comes together to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement leader. Speakers from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the NWA MLK Council discuss King's impact and encourage others to take action in their own communities. As we continue to remember and honor King, his words and dream continue to hold power and inspire progress for all.
In a tragic incident at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a stampede led to the death of 30 people and injuries to over 90 others. The UP government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the kin of the deceased. Adityanath has also formed a three-member commission, headed by former Justice of the Allahabad High Court, to investigate the incident and suggest measures to prevent such accidents in the future. While the government has started rescue operations, questions are being raised about the cause of the stampede.
After the conclusion of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, the iconic Beating Retreat ceremony took place at Vijaya Chowk in New Delhi. The synchronized performances by the personnel of three armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces, along with the 30 foot-tapping tunes played by the bands, left the audience mesmerized. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries were present to witness the ceremony, which marked the end of the Republic Day festivities in India.
Following a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made an urgent appeal to devotees to avoid bathing at the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. He also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice in an hour, receiving directive to provide immediate relief to those affected. As thousands are gathered for the holy dip, this advisory and response from the CM and PM is critical in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of the devotees.
Shahid Sayeed, National Convener of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, praises the Joint Parliamentary Committee for approving the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. He declares that the bill will greatly contribute towards fulfilling the needs of the marginalized communities and strengthening their position in society. Sayeed hopes that the bill will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Amidst reports of a stampede-like situation at the Mahakumbh mela in Prayagraj, with at least 15 feared dead and 35 injured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are keeping a close eye on the situation. CM Yogi has appealed to devotees to remain calm and not rush towards the river, while also assuring that all ghats are Ganga ghats for the holy dip. The auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya has caused a massive influx of Hindus to the festival, leading to the cancellation and later, the resumption of holy baths by the ‘akhadas’ and devotees.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) will meet today to vote on the final amendments to the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. The JPC had already approved the bill with 14 amendments proposed by the ruling NDA, while rejecting 44 proposed changes by the Opposition. The JPC chairman, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, defended the committee's decision and stated that all amendments were put to vote and a majority of 16 voted in favor of the bill. However, the Opposition has raised objections and accused the chairman of bias and rushing the proceedings ahead of Assembly elections in the national capital.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Nishikant Dubey discusses the proceedings of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and addresses allegations made by the opposition regarding the handling of the committee. Dubey, a member of the panel, defends the committee's decisions and criticizes the opposition for their lack of understanding of the Bill's purpose. He also highlights the importance of bringing the Muslim community into the mainstream and the role of the BJP in this effort.
The former CFO of Infosys, Mohandas Pai, expressed his disapproval over the recent case registered against the company's co-founder Senapathy Kris Gopalakrishnan and former IISc Director Balaram, along with 16 others, under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act. The complainant, a member of the tribal Bovi community and a former faculty at IISc, claimed to have been falsely implicated in a honey trap case and faced casteist abuse. This incident has sparked debate over protecting the rights of individuals in governing boards.