Lok Sabha Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The Lok Sabha has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, now renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill. This legislation aims to reform the management of Waqf properties by amending the Waqf Act, 1995. Key amendments include changes in the composition of the Central Waqf Council, the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, and the removal of experts in Muslim law from Waqf Tribunals. The Bill also allows appeals against Tribunal decisions to the High Court within 90 days, replacing the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector for property surveys, and mandates audits for Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh. The Waqf Act, 1995, currently governs Waqf properties, which are dedicated solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. The new Bill seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency by creating a centralized portal for Waqf property management. It also ensures gender justice by mandating women’s inclusion in Waqf Boards. SC On Rural Development The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the need to prioritize education, hygiene, and healthcare in rural areas to foster holistic development. The Court suggested that states allocate at least 10-15% of their budgets to enhance rural infrastructure, addressing longstanding disparities in resource distribution. It highlighted the importance of addressing basic needs like hunger, healthcare, and education over less immediate priorities such as public libraries. India’s rural landscape is vast, with 6.65 lakh villages and significant improvements in multidimensional poverty reduction. However, challenges persist, including financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure. The Court recommended leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and community participation to establish essential facilities in rural areas. Cape Town Convention The Rajya Sabha has passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, which gives legal force to the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol. This Convention, adopted in 2001, aims to create a uniform legal framework for asset-based financing and leasing of high-value mobile equipment like aircraft. India ratified the Convention in 2007 but lacked domestic legislation to operationalize its provisions until now. The Bill grants statutory recognition to the Convention, allowing creditors or lessors to reclaim possession of aircraft within two months in case of default. It designates the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the domestic registry for aircraft-related international interests and dues. This legislation is expected to reduce leasing costs by 8-10% and encourage global leasing firms to operate in India. India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) marked its third anniversary, having strengthened economic ties between the two nations. The agreement, signed in April 2022, has led to a significant increase in bilateral trade, reaching USD 24 billion in 2023-24. India’s exports to Australia grew by 14% compared to the previous year, with sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electronics benefiting from the agreement. Diplomatic relations between India and Australia date back to 1941, with frequent interactions through forums like the Quad and G20. The partnership is expected to continue growing, driving mutual prosperity and contributing to a stable Indo-Pacific region. Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products Policy-2025 The Centre has introduced the Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products Policy-2025, focusing on self-reliance and domestic value addition in the steel sector. The policy aims to promote domestic production and consumption of iron and steel, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. It seeks to curb imports by mandating government ministries to procure locally manufactured iron and steel products for all contracts exceeding ₹5 lakh. Key highlights include a “melt & pour” requirement ensuring core production happens domestically and a ban on global tenders for contracts below ₹200 crore unless approved by the Department of Expenditure. The policy also emphasizes domestic value addition for capital goods used in steel production, requiring a minimum of 50% domestic value addition. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj April 3 marked the death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Shivaji is revered for his progressive leadership, military strategies, and fight for Swarajya (self-rule). He was influenced by Maharashtra saints like Tukaram and Ramdas, who advocated social equality and spiritual awakening. Shivaji’s administrative reforms included establishing the Ashta Pradhan Mandal and reforming the revenue system. His legacy includes the Indian Navy’s INS Shivaji and the UNESCO World Heritage Site-Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. North Sentinel Island A US citizen was arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes. The island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is protected by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, which prohibits travel within 5 nautical miles of the island. The Sentinelese are known for rejecting outside contact and are protected by law to preserve their isolation. Katchatheevu Island The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to retrieve Katchatheevu Island from Sri Lanka. The island, crucial for protecting Tamil Nadu fishermen’s traditional fishing rights, was ceded to Sri Lanka through bilateral agreements in 1974 and 1976. Despite these agreements, the issue remains contentious, with the Union government asserting that no Indian territory was ceded. President of Chile Visit to India The President of Chile visited India, marking 76 years of diplomatic ties. Key discussions included expanding the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement and launching negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). They also discussed cooperation in critical minerals for emerging technologies and clean energy, with a key agreement between CODELCO and Hindustan Copper Limited. Fluoride Pollution Crisis in Sonbhadra Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh faces a severe fluoride pollution crisis, with groundwater contamination exceeding safe limits. Fluoride is a naturally occurring pollutant that can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis in excessive amounts. The World Health Organization sets the maximum safe level of fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg/liter. Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 NITI Aayog released the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, assessing the fiscal health of major states in India. Odisha ranked first, followed by Chhattisgarh, […]
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