Petitioners in India’s Supreme Court sought a stay on the Waqf Act, but the court declined to issue one. However, the justices considered issuing an interim order with three key points. The move was postponed after the central government’s legal representatives requested more time to present their explanation. The matter will be heard again on Thursday.

The proposed interim directives include:
1. No land or institution currently declared as Waqf property can be declassified as non-Waqf during the pendency of the case.
2. District Magistrates may investigate Waqf-related properties but cannot issue any binding orders.
3. Members of Waqf Boards and Councils must be Muslim, although non-Muslims may join only by virtue of holding specific offices.

A World Population Review study listed the top 10 most hated countries globally, with China at the top and India in 10th place. India’s rising religious tension, treatment of minorities, and internet censorship have hurt its global image. Border disputes and internal unrest further fuel this negative perception. China is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, suppression of freedoms, and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The U.S., Russia, North Korea, and Israel also appear in the top five.

In a shocking incident in Telangana’s Kamareddy district, police were seen dragging a Dalit activist nearly naked during a protest on Ambedkar Jayanti. The activist, associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was attempting to put up a banner featuring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar when clashes erupted. A viral video shows the man being forcibly pulled away wearing only his undergarments. Police later claimed the protestors blocked roads and ignored warnings, prompting their intervention.

A disturbing incident in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked public outrage after a Muslim woman was forcibly stripped of her hijab and harassed in public. The victim, Farheen, was traveling on a motorcycle with her Hindu companion, Sachin, when a group of men stopped and assaulted them. A viral video shows a man forcibly removing her hijab, while others hurled abuses and physically assaulted both individuals. Six people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on Monday and rapidly gained traction on social media.

Police in Assam’s Cachar district baton-charged a protest against recent amendments to the Waqf law. Protesters responded by pelting stones, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). A senior police officer told PTI, “Some 300-400 people blocked roads without permission. When we tried to clear the area, some attacked us with stones. We had to use mild force.” A case has been filed, but no arrests have been made. Protesters claim the amended law discriminates against Muslims and demanded its repeal.

Violent protests over India’s controversial Wakf Amendment Bill in Murshidabad led to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The central government has deployed troops in the region. Muslim communities argue the bill undermines their right to manage over $14 billion in Wakf assets and threatens India’s secular framework. Rahul Gandhi warned of wider communal implications, while West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee vowed not to implement the “black law” in her state.

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.