In response to nationwide concerns and protests, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad clarified that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill does not target mosques, graveyards, or religious sites. Speaking to NDTV, he emphasized the bill’s goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper execution of the Waqf donor’s intent by trustees. The bill introduces government oversight and includes non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, which critics fear could infringe on Muslim rights and lead to property seizures. Massive protests in cities like Chennai and Kolkata reflect ongoing public anxiety despite BJP’s reassurances. (PC: NDTV)  

In a sharp political move, BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga put up posters across Delhi accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of destroying forests in Telangana. The campaign, aimed at countering Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, features slogans alleging environmental damage under Congress rule. The posters have appeared in several key areas of Delhi and reflect the intensifying pre-election narrative war between BJP and Congress.

In the March 13 Vadodara crash that killed Hemali Patel and injured seven others, 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia tested negative for alcohol but positive for marijuana, according to forensic reports. The crash occurred when Chaurasia’s car rammed multiple vehicles at high speed near Amrapali Chaar Rasta. His co-passengers, Praanshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad, also tested positive for cannabis use. Chauhan has been arrested, while Bharwad is on the run. Chaurasia faces charges under the NDPS Act and Motor Vehicles Act for drugged driving and causing death by negligence. (PC: NDTV)  

On April 4, 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by Parliament, sparking immediate legal challenges. Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, arguing that the bill infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the sanctity of waqf properties. The bill permits inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards and expands government powers over waqf land, raising concerns about potential property seizures lacking formal records. Critics see it as an attack on minority rights. The bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to be enacted into law. (PC: PTI)  

Kolkata schools are struggling after 25,752 teachers and staff lost jobs due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the bribe-for-job scam. Institutions like Bansberia Ganges High School in Hooghly lost 15 of 41 staff members, severely impacting education. The verdict followed a three-year CBI probe into recruitment corruption under former education minister Partha Chatterjee. CM Mamata Banerjee promised fresh recruitment, but WBSSC says hiring in three months is impossible. BJP accused TMC of corruption, while affected teachers plan legal action. The education crisis has sparked protests, with students and parents worried about their future. (PC: AP)

A major tragedy was averted on Friday as the Dehradun–New Delhi Jan Shatabdi Express suffered a rare wheel melt while in motion. Near Tapri Junction, the loco pilot detected unusual vibrations while increasing fan speed and immediately stopped the train. Upon inspection, it was found that a section of the engine wheel had begun melting, also damaging a part of the rail track. Railway engineers were rushed to the spot. Experts say had the train continued at speed, a derailment was likely. The Railway Board is now investigating the cause behind the severe mechanical failure. (PC: The Wall)

The Calcutta High Court has conditionally allowed two Ram Navami rallies in Howrah on April 4. Each rally can have 500 participants—morning for Anjani Putra Sena, afternoon for VHP—carrying PVC-made religious symbols only, not metal weapons. All must carry ID. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh said, “If I stop, I stop all—not just political parties.” He rejected central force deployment but emphasized police enforcement. Comparing with Durga Puja, he questioned, “If there’s trouble, will we stop Puja?” Locals, citing daily unrest, sought relief. The court approved split-time rallies after changing the route earlier demanded by the groups. (PC: Getty Images)

Massive protests erupted in Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad after Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill. Thousands, including actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and AIMIM members, marched against the bill, calling it “anti-democratic” and a threat to Muslim rights. Protesters demanded the bill's withdrawal, fearing it could retroactively affect Muslim properties. In Lucknow, police monitored the situation, urging public calm. The bill, passed with 288 votes in Lok Sabha and 128 in Rajya Sabha, mandates two non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies. Union Minister Rijiju claimed it won’t alter Muslim control, while Sonia Gandhi slammed it as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution. (PC: ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film producer and businessman Gokulam Gopalan in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Gopalan, known for producing the Malayalam film Empuraan and heading the Gokulam Group, is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids targeted his residences, offices, and institutions connected to the group. Sources indicate the probe is related to suspicious financial transactions and potential misuse of funds. Authorities are scrutinizing documents and digital evidence seized during the operations to trace the money trail and establish accountability. (PC: Kerala Kaumudi)    

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introducing non-Muslims into waqf boards and increasing government oversight of Muslim charitable endowments. Supporters argue this will enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while critics, including Muslim groups and opposition parties, contend it infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the management of waqf properties. The bill has sparked significant protests in cities like Kolkata and Chennai, with demonstrators demanding its withdrawal. Concerns are growing among India's Muslim minority, who fear the amendments could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation. (PC: The Economic Times & The Week)