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.

Two separate explosions at fireworks factories in West Bengal and Gujarat have resulted in the deaths of 21 people and injured six others. Authorities reported that the first explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Disa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, killing at least 13 people and injuring six. The second explosion took place late Monday night in Raipur, Dholahat, under Patharpratima police station in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The blast, which occurred at a house storing fireworks, claimed eight lives, including four children from the same family. Local sources fear that more people may be trapped under the rubble in Gujarat.

India’s Supreme Court has strongly condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s bulldozer policy, declaring it unconstitutional and inhumane.

In a case concerning the demolition of homes in Prayagraj, the court ordered compensation of 1 million rupees to affected families. Several houses, including those of a lawyer and a professor, were demolished without proper legal procedures. Authorities had mistakenly identified the land as belonging to a slain gangster, Atiq Ahmed, leading to the demolition just one day after informing the residents.

In a counterinsurgency operation in Chhattisgarh, Indian security forces killed 16 Maoist rebels. Two security personnel were injured. Acting on intelligence, a joint operation by the DRG and CRPF was launched in Sukma district, leading to a gunfight. Authorities recovered AK-47s, SLRs, Insas rifles, rocket launchers, and explosives from the site.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently visiting London, faced protests during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. The session was interrupted by audience members questioning her on the murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital, post-election violence, and recent incidents at Jadavpur University. Protesters attempted to raise their concerns by shouting during her speech. Mamata responded calmly, saying, “Do not bring politics here. This is not a political stage. If you want to engage in politics, come to my state and do it with me.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a televised statement on Thursday. “Preparations for the visit are underway,” Lavrov stated. He noted that following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia after his third-term re-election, it was now Russia’s turn for a diplomatic visit. However, Lavrov did not specify an exact date for Putin’s trip.

A football tournament in Panskura, East Medinipur, organized by the club Kalimata Sangha, has barred Muslim players from participating, sparking widespread controversy. Many blame the ruling BJP for fostering religious division. However, BJP leaders have denied involvement, suggesting it was a result of local communal tensions. The organizers have since apologized and withdrawn the controversial restriction.

India has strongly condemned the latest report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “biased and politically motivated.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that USCIRF should be declared an “internationally discredited entity” due to its prejudiced assessments. The report accuses India of discriminating against religious minorities and alleges that India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, has attempted to assassinate Khalistani separatists abroad. The report also calls for sanctions against RAW.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada.

The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.

India’s High Court has directed the central government to submit a status report within four weeks regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s citizenship controversy. Subramanian Swamy had filed a complaint with the Home Ministry, alleging that Rahul had identified himself as a British citizen in documents submitted to UK authorities. Indian law does not permit dual citizenship, and Swamy has demanded the cancellation of Rahul’s passport.