West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the controversial anti-Waqf law will not be implemented in her state, rejecting legislation seen as targeting the Muslim community. She questioned the justification for violence and warned that those inciting unrest will face consequences. Mamata accused certain political parties of exploiting religion for political gain and urged citizens not to fall for such provocations. Protests against the Waqf law are spreading across India, including in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a sweeping campaign to identify and seize thousands of allegedly disputed Waqf properties. In Muzaffarnagar, over 300 individuals were issued legal notices and fined ₹200,000 each for wearing black armbands during Friday prayers in protest against the law.

Murshidabad’s Suti police station area witnessed renewed unrest over the amended Wakf law. Protesters attempted to block the national highway, prompting police intervention. Hindustan Times reported that some protesters threw bombs and stones at police officers, injuring several. In response, police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, eyewitnesses claimed only stones were thrown during the clash.

Heavy rainfall since Wednesday has led to the deaths of at least 100 people across parts of India and Nepal. In Bihar, the state’s disaster management department confirmed at least 64 fatalities from rain-related incidents. In Uttar Pradesh, more than 20 people have died, while Nepal reported at least 8 deaths due to lightning strikes and flooding. India’s Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

Authorities in India have sparked controversy by issuing a notice banning loudspeaker use at mosques during prayer times on the day of Hanuman Jayanti processions. The notice, signed by the SHO of Gandhinagar police station, has drawn criticism. Police later claimed the notice was “misworded” and intended as a request for cooperation rather than a directive. However, they warned that failure to comply could lead to further action.

Kolkata saw massive disruptions on Thursday as thousands participated in a protest rally organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind against the proposed Waqf Bill.

Held at Ramlila Maidan under the leadership of state president Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the rally drew large crowds from across West Bengal. Protesters argue that the new Waqf legislation would undermine minority property rights and endanger Muslim institutions and assets.

Demonstrations were also reported in Manipur, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other parts of India.

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Tuesday over proposed changes to the Wakf law, with several Muslim organizations taking to the streets. Following the unrest, authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings of more than five people in two police station areas and suspended internet services to prevent further escalation.

The protests, which continued into the night, saw police vehicles set ablaze and several shops and residential buildings vandalized. Protesters hurled stones at law enforcement, prompting the police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the situation, saying, “I understand the concerns of the minority community regarding Wakf property. But please have faith—nothing will happen in Bengal that could lead to division. We must live together in harmony. Didi will protect you and your property. Do not fall for provocations.”

India has revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries via Indian land customs stations, ports, and airports. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the cancellation order on April 8, also scrapping a 2020 directive that enabled the process. Goods already in transit through India will be allowed to exit. The move follows lobbying from India’s apparel exporters. This decision impacts exports to Nepal and Bhutan, which relied on Indian territory for transport.

India’s stock market suffered a significant crash on Monday, sparing almost no major corporation—including the likes of Tata, Adani, and Ambani.

Fearing losses, investors dumped shares en masse, leading to a steep decline across the board. The National Stock Exchange’s Nifty index fell by over 3.25%, while the Sensex dropped nearly 3% the same day.

Analysts link the crash to recent tariff-related announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. Federal Reserve has since issued a warning to the Trump administration, stating that imposing new tariffs could hinder the country’s economic growth.

Cities across India — including Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad — witnessed mass protests on Friday against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Thousands from the Muslim community took to the streets, accusing the government of interfering with religious properties. Effigies were burned in anger, and in some places, police clashed with demonstrators. In Gujarat, authorities forcibly removed elderly protestors sitting on the streets. The protest in Chennai was organized by a political party led by actor Vijay. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced strong opposition, assuring the state’s Muslim population that their rights would not be compromised.

Following a marathon midnight debate on Thursday, India passed the controversial Wakf Bill. On Friday, Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the bill, calling it “discriminatory” and a “violation of fundamental rights” of Muslims.

In his petition, Jawed argued that the bill breaches several constitutional provisions, including Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 25 (Freedom of Religion), Article 26 (Right to Manage Religious Affairs), Article 29 (Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities), and Article 300A (Right to Property). He emphasized that the law unfairly limits the autonomy of Wakf institutions while maintaining broader freedoms for religious trusts of other faiths. One of the most contentious provisions of the bill mandates the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the formation of Wakf Boards and the Central Wakf Council, which critics argue undermines community self-governance.

Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), tore a copy of the newly passed Waqf Bill in the Indian Parliament, denouncing it as unconstitutional.
The bill proposes the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on Waqf boards, a move that has sparked strong objections from opposition parties. Critics argue that the bill gives the government greater control over Waqf properties—donated lands and assets dedicated by Muslims—which currently span 3.8 million acres across India.
Owaisi alleged that the legislation violates Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and the right to manage religious affairs. “This bill is an attempt to seize Waqf properties under the guise of reform,” he warned.
He also accused the BJP government of stoking communal tensions, predicting that district officials would soon label Waqf lands as government property, leading to mosque closures.
Owaisi concluded by saying, “This law won’t lift Muslims out of poverty. It will safeguard ancient temples but not mosques.”

Despite strong opposition from Muslim communities and opposition parties, India’s Lok Sabha passed a controversial amendment to the Waqf Act on Wednesday. Critics are calling it a major blow to Muslim rights and Waqf property autonomy.

Opposition leaders argue that the new law drastically curtails the powers of the Waqf Boards, which oversee properties donated for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community. India’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the bill, claiming it would increase transparency and government revenue.

Key provisions of the amendment include:
• Mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims and Shia members on Waqf Boards.
• Government officials, at the rank of Collector or above, can now investigate claims over properties declared as Waqf.
• Waqf properties generating over ₹100,000 in annual income will be subject to audits by state-appointed auditors.
• Women must transfer their inheritance property before declaring it as Waqf.
• Only devout practicing Muslims are allowed to dedicate property as Waqf.
• The power to determine whether a property qualifies as Waqf has been handed over to the administration.

Muslim leaders have condemned the legislation, calling it an unprecedented encroachment on religious freedoms and community rights.

Just days after the Chief Adviser referred to maritime governance, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India has the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, spanning approximately 6,500 kilometers. He emphasized that India not only shares borders with five BIMSTEC member states but also serves as a crucial connectivity hub between the Indian subcontinent and ASEAN. Jaishankar further highlighted that India’s northeastern region is emerging as a “connectivity hub” for BIMSTEC, featuring extensive road, rail, waterway, power grid, and pipeline networks. He stressed that regional cooperation and facilitation are essential for the seamless movement of goods, services, and people. With this geostrategic vision in mind, India has dedicated increasing attention and energy to strengthening BIMSTEC over the past decade.

Despite strong opposition, Indian Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has introduced the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha). Following an eight-hour debate in both houses, a vote will be held on the bill. Opposition parties argue that the amendment undermines minority rights and allows the government to exert direct control over Waqf properties. The ruling BJP government claims the bill aims to curb illegal land occupation and ensure administrative transparency. Previously, the Waqf Board had sole authority over Waqf property declarations, but the new bill transfers this power to district administrators. Additionally, it mandates the inclusion of non-Muslims and Shia representatives in the Waqf Board.

Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire on Tuesday along the Kashmir border. The skirmish began after a mine explosion in the Krishna Ghati sector, prompting retaliatory gunfire from Pakistan. The Indian military stated, "Following the Pakistani attack, we responded in a restrained and calculated manner. The situation is now under control and under careful observation." No casualties were reported. Both sides reiterated the importance of upholding existing ceasefire agreements established in 2021.