Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 11:03am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
Mukesh and Nita Ambani's residence, Antilia, faces legal scrutiny over its land's origins. The Maharashtra Waqf Board asserts that the 4,532 sq. mt. plot was originally intended for an orphanage, donated by Currimbhoy Ebrahim in 1895. In 2002, this land was sold to Antilia Commercial Pvt Ltd for ₹21 crore, significantly below its market value of ₹150 crore, without proper authorization from the Waqf Board. The sale's legitimacy has been contested, with claims of procedural violations and unauthorized approvals. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the matter, and a ruling could potentially impact the Ambanis' occupancy of Antilia. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:01am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
On April 7, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna addressed the Supreme Court regarding petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, sought urgent listing of the case. CJI Khanna emphasized adherence to the established procedure for such requests and assured that the matter would be reviewed promptly. The Act, which received Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, has faced multiple legal challenges from figures including MPs Asaduddin Owaisi and Mohammad Jawed, and organizations like Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama. Petitioners argue that the Act is arbitrary, discriminatory, and infringes upon the Muslim community's rights to manage its religious institutions. (PC: Maktoob Media)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 09:19am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara's recent remark that "such incidents do happen" in reference to sexual assaults during festive occasions has ignited widespread criticism. His comments, perceived as dismissive, have been met with rebuke from various quarters, including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who emphasized the gravity of the situation and the need for serious attention. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about women's safety in Karnataka, especially during public celebrations. Critics argue that such statements from high-ranking officials may contribute to a culture of impunity and deter victims from reporting crimes. The government faces mounting pressure to address these issues more effectively and ensure stringent measures for the protection of women. (PC: Facebook)
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 07:34am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear urgent petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, and Advocate Nizam Pasha, representing MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have requested expedited hearings. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna acknowledged the requests, stating they would be reviewed promptly. The petitioners argue that the amendments undermine waqf administration and threaten numerous historical waqf properties, especially those established through oral dedications lacking formal documentation. They also contend that changes to the composition of Waqf Boards infringe upon the Muslim community's rights to manage their religious affairs. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:09am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
A car driven by Bengali TV director Siddhanta Das killed one and injured six in Kolkata’s Thakurpukur Bazar on Sunday morning. The deceased, Aminur Rahman, was a Kolkata Municipal Corporation sweeper and a CPI(M) leader. Das, allegedly intoxicated, was arrested after locals thrashed him and co-passenger Shriya Basu, an executive producer, who collapsed at the scene. Both were reportedly partying all night after their show’s success. Witnesses say the car entered the crowded market from the Bishnupur side and rammed pedestrians. Police seized the vehicle and launched an investigation. The injured remain critical in CMRI and Kasturi hospitals. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:18am on 07 Apr 2025,Monday India
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash an FIR filed by Mumbai Police after he allegedly called Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a performance. Kamra argues the FIR violates his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression. The case stems from a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra, who lives in Tamil Nadu, was granted interim transit anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court. He skipped three police summons and clarified, “I will not apologise,” adding his remark echoed what Ajit Pawar had said about Shinde. (PC: X/kunalkamra88)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:20pm on 06 Apr 2025,Sunday India
India's rivers are home to 6,327 endangered dolphins, with 6,324 Gangetic and 3 Indus dolphins, a new Wildlife Institute of India survey reveals. The Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, is found mostly in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin. Conservationists warn of serious threats: poaching, accidental fishing net deaths, river cruise traffic, and habitat loss. Despite awareness efforts since 2009 and a recent research center, the dolphins remain vulnerable due to slow reproduction and reliance on echolocation. Experts stress that increased tourism and river noise could push the species toward extinction, mirroring the fate of China’s Baiji dolphin. (PC: Shutterstock)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:08pm on 06 Apr 2025,Sunday India
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, 28, lost his life when his Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat. Just 10 days earlier, he had gotten engaged to Saniya, and their wedding was set for November. At his funeral, a grieving Saniya wept, saying, “Baby, you didn’t come to take me. You promised.” A viral video shows her pleading, “Let me see his face one more time.” Yadav’s last rites were held in his Haryana village with full military honors. He came from a family of military officers. The Indian Air Force has launched an inquiry into the crash. (PC: News18)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:25pm on 06 Apr 2025,Sunday India
Comedian Kunal Kamra has asked Mumbai Police to record his statement via video conferencing after skipping three summons. He faces a case over a joke about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling him a “traitor.” The Khar Police summoned him for questioning on April 5, but he did not appear. Officers traveled to Pondicherry to investigate, as Kamra resides in Tamil Nadu. He has secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court until April 7. Kamra defended his joke, stating, "It is not against the law to make fun of leaders," and insisted he "won't apologize." (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:13pm on 06 Apr 2025,Sunday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge, restoring train services to Rameswaram after two years. The 2.08 km bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, replaces the old 1914-built structure. It allows ships to pass by lifting a 72.5-meter section. The project, costing ₹704 crore, connects Rameswaram with cities like Chennai, Ayodhya, and Bhubaneswar. Around 30 trains will operate on this route, with speeds adjusting to wind conditions. Built with anti-corrosive materials, the bridge is designed to last longer. The first train crossed within 20 minutes of the inauguration, marking a new era for railway travel. (PC: Nivedita Singh/News18)