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Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: Centre Defends Constitutionality in Supreme Court Amid National Debate

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Centre Files Affidavit in SC Defending Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 The Central Government has filed a preliminary affidavit before the Supreme Court of India urging the dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 . The affidavit asserts that the new law does not infringe upon any fundamental rights or religious freedoms protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. Amendment Targets Administrative Regulation, Not Religious Practices In its affidavit, the Centre clarified that the amendments are limited to the secular domain , focusing on the regulation, management, and administration of Waqf properties . It argued that these changes are aimed at improving governance, transparency, and accountability within Waqf Boards, and do not interfere with religious practices . The government reiterated that the Waqf-by-user clause remains protected, provided it is registered by April 8, 2025. There is no mandatory requir...
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India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty in Strong Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

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In a bold and historic move following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India has officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan. The decision, confirmed at a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and strategic pressure on Pakistan. What Prompted the Decision? On April 22, a heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam , Jammu & Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians , including a Nepali national. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based terror outfits, prompted an emergency CCS meeting attended by top leadership— Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar . Key Announcements from the CCS Meeting Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty: India formally notified Pakistan of this suspension under Article XII (3) of the treaty, citing Pakistan's sustained support for cross-border terrorism . Closure...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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SC Grants Interim Bail to Vikas Yadav in Nitish Katara Murder Case Till May 8

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  Context and Background The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Vikas Yadav , a convict in the high-profile Nitish Katara murder case , until May 8, 2025 , due to the deteriorating health of his mother. Vikas Yadav, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence without remission , has been incarcerated for his role in the 2002 murder of Katara, which was deemed an honour killing. Vikas Yadav is the son of former UP politician DP Yadav , and was convicted along with his cousin Vishal Yadav for the abduction and brutal killing of Nitish Katara , a business executive who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Bharti Yadav , Vikas's sister. Supreme Court's Directions and Conditions for Bail The bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka issued the interim bail considering humanitarian grounds, stating that the court was “only considering the case in the context of the health condition of the convict’s mother.” The conditions for interim bail are as follows: ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Swiggy, Zepto Over App Inaccessibility for Visually Impaired Users

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Landmark plea raises concerns on digital inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities Background of the Case On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to food delivery giants Swiggy and Zepto , along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) , in a significant case concerning digital accessibility for visually impaired users . The petition, filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility , alleges that these companies' mobile applications are not designed to be accessible to persons with visual impairments, thereby violating multiple legal and constitutional provisions. The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta , who directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks . The matter will next be taken up on May 28, 2025 . Key Allegations by the Petitioner The petition, filed through advocates Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem , with advocate Rahul Bajaj appearing for the petitioner, outlines specific issues related to the user interface...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India Takes Stern Measures Against Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

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  India Takes Stern Measures Against Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack #NationalSecurity #IndiaStrikesBack #IndusWaterTreaty #PahalgamAttack A Strong Diplomatic & Strategic Message to Pakistan In the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians , including 25 Indian and one Nepali tourist, India has initiated a series of tough diplomatic, security, and strategic actions aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for supporting cross-border terrorism . On April 17, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) , chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , held a high-level meeting in New Delhi where these decisions were finalized. Indus Waters Treaty Held in Abeyance One of the most significant announcements was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 . Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism . This marks a major shift in India’s stance, leve...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Pahalgam Terror Attack: NIA Assists J&K Police in Deadliest Civilian Assault in Two Decades

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NIA Joins Investigation in Pahalgam A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the Pahalgam terror attack site in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, in what is being termed the deadliest attack on civilians in nearly 20 years. The visit follows the brutal killing of 26 tourists and the injury of over three dozen others at the Baisaran meadow, a popular destination often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer , the NIA team is currently assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collecting forensic evidence and assessing the attack site. The case is likely to be officially handed over to the NIA by the Ministry of Home Affairs soon. Lashkar-e-Taiba Proxy Claims Responsibility According to initial reports, the attack was orchestrated by The Resistance Front (TRF) —a proxy outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) . This development further escalates the geopolitical implications of...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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How India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Saved ₹3.5 Lakh Crore and Transformed Welfare Delivery

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What is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)? Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a government initiative in India aimed at reforming the system of welfare delivery by transferring subsidies and financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. It was formally launched in January 2013 and significantly expanded post-2014 under the Modi government as a key pillar of the Digital India mission . The DBT system utilizes the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile phones — to ensure direct, traceable, and efficient delivery of public welfare funds, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Key Findings: ₹3.48 Lakh Crore in Savings A recent report by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation , as cited by the Ministry of Finance , has revealed that DBT has led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore from 2009 to 2024 . These savings are primarily attributed to plugging leakages in subsidy delivery, eliminating ghost beneficiaries , and reducing administrative overheads ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Gold Shines Bright in 2025: 25% Surge Makes Bullion the Star Performer

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Gold Surges 25% in Early 2025 Gold has delivered a standout performance in the first four months of 2025, surging nearly 25% and hitting all-time highs on both MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange of India) and COMEX (Commodity Exchange, U.S.) , according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd (MOFSL) . In comparison, silver has also experienced a rally—rising by 15% on COMEX—though the scale and pace of its performance have lagged behind gold. What’s Driving the Rally? According to MOFSL, the rally in gold has been driven by: Heightened geopolitical tensions , particularly in Asia and the Middle East Escalating U.S.-China trade wars , with steep tariffs and retaliatory measures A global flight to safety amid fears of stagflation and slowing growth Weakening of the U.S. dollar , which has depreciated by over 7% against major global currencies in 2025 Central bank purchases , particularly from emerging economies like China Trump’s Tariffs and Global Trade T...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Under Fire: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Sparks Controversy with Criticism of Judiciary

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BJP MP Questions Supreme Court's Role in Lawmaking In a politically charged statement, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Supreme Court of India is “inciting religious wars” and overstepping its constitutional mandate by interfering in legislative matters. Dubey questioned whether the Parliament should remain operational if the judiciary continues to dictate legal directives, suggesting that the top court has exceeded its jurisdiction. Context: Remarks Amid Waqf Amendment Act Hearing The remarks came in the backdrop of ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The apex court had earlier suggested it might issue interim orders regarding contentious provisions, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the authority of collectors in waqf property disputes. Dubey's Remarks and Legal References Citing Articles 141 and 368 of the Constitution, Dubey emphasized the separation of powers, asserting that wh...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies

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💼 No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies Government Responds to Misinformation The Ministry of Finance has officially debunked circulating claims about the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000 . In a public statement issued on Friday, the Ministry termed these reports as “completely false, misleading, and without any basis.” As of now, there is no proposal under consideration to levy GST on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions above any threshold, including the ₹2,000 mark. Understanding the GST and MDR Framework The confusion seems to have arisen due to a lack of clarity around the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) —a fee that was previously charged to merchants on digital transactions. To clarify: GST is levied only on MDR , not on the digital payment transaction itself. Since January 1, 2020 , as per a Gazette Notification dated December 30, 2019 , the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Parliamentary Panel Seeks Suggestions from Experts on Income-Tax Bill 2025

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Income Tax Bill 2025: Select Committee Invites Stakeholder Inputs In a move towards inclusive policymaking, the Lok Sabha Select Committee , chaired by BJP MP Baijayant Panda , has invited suggestions and memoranda from experts, industry bodies, organisations, and stakeholders on the Income-Tax Bill, 2025 . The committee is currently reviewing the proposed legislation, which aims to replace the existing Income-Tax Act of 1961 . As per the official release, submissions must be made within two weeks and should be presented in English or Hindi . Contributors are requested to send two hard copies to the Director (CF&S CITB) at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 133A . A Visionary Shift: From 1961 to 2025 The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, tabled in Parliament on February 13, 2025 , by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , represents a comprehensive overhaul of India's decades-old tax regime. It seeks to make the law more concise, lucid, and litigation-free , aligning with...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Hints at Interim Relief on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 Amidst Rising Legal and Social Concerns

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  🚨 SC Signals Stay on Key Provisions of Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday indicated the possibility of passing an interim order to stay certain contentious provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 . This comes in light of mounting legal challenges and widespread concerns regarding potential constitutional violations and communal sensitivities. A three-judge bench , comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna , and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan , expressed deep concern, particularly over the ongoing violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district , reportedly linked to Waqf-related issues. 🔍 Key Provisions Likely to Be Stayed The bench highlighted the following sections of the Waqf Amendment Act that may be put on hold through an interim order: Inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council , a major shift from the earlier Muslim-only structure. De-notification of proper...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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UK Supreme Court Rules ‘Woman’ Refers to Biological Sex Under Equality Act 2010

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Landmark Ruling Clarifies Definition of “Woman” Under Equality Law In a significant legal decision, the United Kingdom's Supreme Court has ruled that the term “woman,” within the context of the Equality Act 2010, refers exclusively to biological females—those assigned female at birth. The unanimous judgment, delivered by the court on Wednesday, has clarified that legal protections under the Equality Act are grounded in biological sex and not gender identity . Background of the Case The case was initiated in Scotland in 2018 by a group of campaigners who contended that certain rights and protections granted under the Equality Act should be restricted to biological women. They challenged the Scottish government’s position that trans women who hold a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) are legally women and therefore entitled to the same rights under the law. The case reached the UK’s highest court after several legal stages, finally prompting a comprehensive interpretation of...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Massive Blow to Sahara: ED Attaches ₹1,460 Crore Worth Land in Aamby Valley Under Money Laundering Probe

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Landmark Action in Sahara Money Laundering Case The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kolkata, has taken a significant step in its ongoing investigation into the Sahara Group by provisionally attaching 707 acres of land in and around Aamby Valley City, Lonavala. The attached property is valued at approximately ₹1,460 crore and was allegedly acquired using funds diverted through fraudulent schemes under benami names. The land seizure falls under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and is a part of the ED’s broader investigation into illegal financial activities carried out by Sahara Group’s entities. Background of the Case The ED initiated the probe based on three FIRs registered under Sections 420 and 120B of the IPC in Odisha, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Over 500 FIRs have been lodged against Sahara Group entities , with 300 cases qualifying as scheduled offences under the PMLA . Allegations include misleading depositors with promises of high r...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Criticises Allahabad High Court's "Victim Invited Trouble" Remark in Rape Case

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Apex Court Cautions Against Insensitive Judicial Language In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised the Allahabad High Court for making inappropriate remarks in a rape case, particularly the observation that the complainant "invited trouble" by accompanying the accused to his house after consuming alcohol. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih addressed the matter during a hearing on Tuesday. The Supreme Court bench cautioned judges against making such insensitive and unsubstantiated remarks in cases involving sexual violence. Justice Gavai emphasized that while bail decisions depend on the facts of each case, judges must exercise care and discretion in how they phrase their orders, especially when they relate to the complainant. “Yes, bail can be granted, but what is this discussion that she herself invited trouble? One has to be careful when saying such things, especially on this side,” said Justice ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge Set to Transform Connectivity in J&K: PM Modi to Inaugurate USBRL Section on April 19

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Introduction: A Historic Milestone in Indian Rail Infrastructure On April 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a defining chapter in India's infrastructure journey — the completion of the Katra to Sangaldan stretch of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This 272-kilometre-long rail project includes the world's highest railway arch bridge , the Chenab Bridge , which will officially connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India via rail for the first time in history. Chenab Bridge: An Engineering Marvel The Chenab Railway Bridge stands at a height of 359 meters above the riverbed, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in Paris . Made from approximately 30,000 metric tons of steel , this "fauladi bridge" is designed to withstand winds exceeding 250 km/h and is equipped to endure seismic activity , given the region’s fault-line-sensitive geography. The largest bridge foundation (S20) is one-third the size of a football field. ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Telangana to Implement SC Categorisation Act on Ambedkar Jayanti: A Historic Milestone in Social Justice

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Landmark Implementation Begins April 14 In a historic move, the Telangana government will officially implement the Scheduled Caste (SC) Categorisation Act on April 14 , 2025, coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti . This development marks Telangana as the first state in India to enforce the SC sub-categorisation reform following a green signal from the Supreme Court of India . The announcement was made by Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy , who chaired the final meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on SC Categorisation. The committee confirmed that the Government Order (GO) outlining the modalities of the Act will be issued on April 14 and its first copy will be formally handed to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy . SC Categorisation Structure: Based on Inter-se Backwardness The Act is designed to restructure the existing 15% reservation quota for Scheduled Castes by categorising 59 SC sub-castes into three groups: Group I : The most disadvantaged 15 comm...
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