The installation of Sai Baba idols in temples in Varanasi has sparked a controversy, with Hindu organisations calling for their removal claiming that Sai Baba was a Muslim and had no connection with Sanatan Dharma. This has resulted in the removal of idols from 14 temples, with more to follow. While some argue that there is no objection to the worship of Sai Baba, there is opposition to his idols being installed in temples.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes oath for a third term, it has come to light that none of his 71 ministers are Muslim. This is the first time in history that the council of ministers sworn in after a general election does not include a single Muslim member. The absence of Muslim representation is reportedly due to the fact that no Muslim candidates from the leading BJP-led alliance were elected. This outcome has raised concerns about the inclusivity and diversity of India's new government.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Samajwadi Party's debutant candidate, 29-year-old Iqra Choudhary, shocked the BJP by winning the Kairana seat with a margin of over 69,000 votes. The constituency, which had faced communal tension during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, saw Choudhary's victory as a sign of unity among all communities. Against the BJP's Hindu-Muslim agenda and nationalism narrative, Choudhary's campaign focused on local issues like unemployment, inflation, and farmers' problems. With only 24 Muslim MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha, Choudhary acknowledges the lack of representation but vows to raise issues for both her constituency and the community.
President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian went missing in a helicopter accident in foggy mountains in East Azerbaijan province. Fear and worry has gripped the nation as thousands of Muslim faithful pray for their safe return. Concerns have been heightened due to Iran's history of turmoil and tensions, as well as recent mass protests and economic struggles. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has assured the nation that there will be no disruption in the country's work, but many Iranians are still anxious for the fate of their leaders.
In a historic move, Professor Naima Khatoon has been appointed as the first-ever woman Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University for a period of five years. This marks a significant milestone in the institution's over 100-year history, as no woman has held this prestigious position before. Professor Khatoon, who has a distinguished academic background, has served at AMU for several years and is the current Principal of Women's College. The appointment has received approval from President Droupadi Murmu, the Visitor to the University, and has been deemed appropriate by the Election Commission of India.
The Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making derogatory remarks against them during a rally in Rajasthan. They assert that his statements were a ploy to divert attention and create panic among voters, and that his focus on religious divisions is a clear attempt to sway public opinion away from their manifesto which highlights equality and justice for all. While the party has no mention of Hindu or Muslim in their manifesto, they challenge Modi to provide evidence of his accusations.
Founded in 2020 by Pankaj Hurria, Tiana Halal Pet Food has taken advantage of a gap in the market, offering high-quality halal pet food products for Muslim cat owners across the UK. The business has secured a contract with a major cash and carry store in Blackburn and continues to expand its products to more stores in the North West. With plans for international expansion and new product development, Tiana Halal Pet Food's success shows no signs of slowing down.