Month: April 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Dawoodi Bohra community for their significant contribution in shaping the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying their involvement extended to even the smallest technical details — “even down to commas and full stops.”

PM Modi also lauded Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for playing a key role in the drafting process.

“Perhaps very few of you know that when I first got the idea of working on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the first person I consulted was Syedna Sahib,” PM Modi told the delegation.

He said Syedna Saheb gave his full support and even sent members of the Bohra community to help with the legal review and drafting of the law.

“He smiled and later sent you to me. After that, I kept bothering him for three years, asking him to look at it in his own way, to give me legal advice, to give me a draft. You cannot imagine how much support he gave me during the consultation.”

The Prime Minister added that the community’s involvement went into the smallest technical details.

“He brought in knowledgeable people from your community, and even down to commas, and full stops — I received help at every step.”

PM Modi also reflected on his long-standing connection with the Dawoodi Bohra leadership and said discussions around Waqf issues go back many years.

“You might remember, when your grandfather, Syedna Saheb, who lived to be 99 or 100, once came to my home — we started talking about the Waqf issue even back then.”

He said he understands the community’s concerns about encroachments on sacred lands and stressed the importance of empowering honest caretakers of Waqf properties.

“If there is anyone who can present the best model of how the spirit of Waqf should work, and for whom it should be done, it’s Saheb Sahena.”

PM Modi said one of the main motivations for the reform came from complaints by Muslim women.

“After my 2019 victory, there were over 1,700 complaints from the Muslim community. Most of these were from women and daughters seeking justice. That’s when I truly understood the reality on the ground.”

He said the government spent five years studying the issue and consulted religious leaders from different sects, including Shia Muslims.

“Whether it’s the larger Muslim society or the Shia Muslims, all of them face challenges with the Waqf board and Hadiya.”

He explained that the aim of the new system is to bring justice to the poorest and most vulnerable.

“When the prayers of the poorest people come to you, their power multiplies many times. Our job is to give authority and system control to such honest people — and that’s the fight we’re fighting.”

The Prime Minister thanked the Bohra community for their support and said he was happy to meet them again.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to improve the management of Waqf properties. It focuses on empowering those involved in Waqf property management, improving survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and promoting development using modern and scientific methods. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised based on suggestions by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995 and aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key changes include a better registration system and more use of technology to improve Waqf board operations.

The new law is designed to fix the shortcomings of the earlier act and make Waqf boards work more efficiently. (ANI)

Bangladesh on Thursday raised historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the atrocities committed against Bangladesh during the 1971 War of Liberation by the Pakistani forces and pending financial claims from Pakistan.

During Operation Searchlight, Pakistani army killed an estimated three million Bengalis as well as raped over a million women.

Bangladesh also raised unsettled issues like the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and the transfer of foreign aid funds sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone.

Bangladesh also flagged a figure of USD 4.32 billion as part of its financial claim demanded from Pakistan, comprising its fair share of undivided Pakistan’s pre-1971 assets, including aid money, provident funds, and savings instruments.

Pakistan had an undivided share of Bangladesh’s wealth of USD 4.32 billion. Moreover, Pakistan did not allocate Bangladesh its share of the USD 200 million in aid that came from abroad following the 1970 Bhola cyclone.

Bangladesh also called for the return of more than 300,000 stranded Pakistani citizens who have been living in several camps since the 1971 war. Notably, they refused to take Bangladesh’s citizenship and wished to return to their own country, Pakistan.

The camps date from 1971, when fighting during the establishment of the Bangladeshi state forced the Urdu-speaking minority into temporary dwellings.

“These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations”, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters after bilateral consultations with Pakistan.

Bangladesh and Pakistan held Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the State Guest House, Padma, on Thursday. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led their respective delegation at the FOC.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28.

He hoped that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan would be launched soon.

Baloch also met separately with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, discussing issues of mutual interest.

Baloch said that Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to “harness the potential between the two countries.”

“We have huge intra-regional markets on our own right. We should use it, “Baloch said. “We can’t miss the bus every time”.

Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 through a bloody war. India had supported Bangladesh in the Liberation War. (ANI)

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation on Thursday said that Brahma Kumaris are working to light a lamp of peace and spiritual practice in every human being across the world through yoga and meditation.

He said that efforts are made here to awaken the goodness within every person, and they have been doing it for a long time now.

Shah added that one can feel an amazingly peaceful atmosphere when they arrive here, and it is because of the spiritual energy existing in this place.

“When one finds a Guru in personal life, he is able to lead the path of righteousness and there are many examples of it. Some people do such work that it turns every person’s soul into a lamp and help them walk on the path of light,” he added.

He said that by establishing Brahma Kumari, Lekhraj Kripalani Ji made a big call to make every person’s soul a lamp and move forward on the path of light, which is having a huge impact on society today.

The Union Home Minister said that Brahma Kumaris have worked to create a wonderful environment of simplicity, abstinence and cooperation across the world through their sacrifice, penance and brilliance.

He said that two programs have taken place here simultaneously today – first, the launch of the theme of the year 2025-26 of the Brahma Kumari Sansthan, ‘Meditation for World Unity and World Faith, and, second, the inauguration of the national dialogue on self-empowerment through inner awakening of security force personnel.

Amit Shah said that after 75 years of independence, our country has come a long way and has become the fifth largest economy in the world and in a few years we will become the third largest economy.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are aiming to become the leader in every field in the world on the centenary of independence in 2047.

Shah said that India’s goal should be to take forward our traditions, that have the ability to lead to world brotherhood, connect the soul of every human with the divine and lead every life on the path of virtue, and organizations like Brahma Kumari are doing well in this direction.

The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the nation’s safety today is the result of the immense sacrifice and dedication of our security forces.

He acknowledged the tireless efforts of our personnel who guard the borders under the most challenging conditions.

He emphasized that in matters of internal security, the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and state police forces work diligently to uphold law and order and protect the vulnerable — a responsibility that often brings significant stress.

Highlighting the importance of mental and emotional well-being, he said that helping security personnel find peace in their mind, body, and soul is a crucial mission.

Shah praised the Brahma Kumaris for their commendable efforts over the past 25 years in reaching out to security forces, alleviating their stress, and promoting inner peace, which in turn contributes to a stronger and more secure nation.

Amit Shah highlighted India’s ancient tradition of harmonizing the mind, body, intellect, and soul through yoga and spirituality.

“This legacy has long guided us on the path of knowledge, progress, and thoughtful policymaking to solve complex problems. India continues to share this timeless wisdom with the world. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam–the idea that the whole world is one family–originated from India’s Upanishads, which embraced a global sense of unity and belonging.” Shah said.

Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India took a significant step in promoting its Vedic heritage globally by establishing International Yoga Day on 21st June.

He added that today millions around the world are embracing yoga, meditation, and spirituality as a way of life.

He expressed confidence that this path will increasingly become a foundation for global peace in the years to come.

The Union Home Minister said that the profound knowledge of the soul, God, and the cycle of creation received by Pujya Lekhraj Kripalani Ji came to be known as “Brahma,” and the Brahma Kumaris organization was founded to share this spiritual wisdom with the world.

He highlighted the vital role of women in this mission, noting that for generations, the divine feminine has been revered, and women have been at the heart of the Brahma Kumaris’ leadership and service.

He emphasized that true change in the world begins with self-transformation–only when an individual transforms from within can they inspire change in others. Guided by this principle, the Brahma Kumaris have spread powerful and positive thoughts around the world.

The Home Minister praised the organization for promoting values such as celibacy, vegetarianism, de-addiction, simplicity, and meditation.

“Through these practices, they help individuals connect the soul with God and realize their inner nature as pure, peaceful, and eternal beings–all in an accessible and relatable way,” he added.

Shah said that through the strength of womanhood, the Brahma Kumaris have become ambassadors of Indian culture, spreading the message of peace, dialogue, and spiritual harmony across the globe. (ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs addressed concerns over Australia’s visa crackdown on Indians, stating that visa matters are sovereign prerogatives of individual countries.

On being asked that Australia has launched a visa crackdown on Indians, especially from five states, including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, UP and Bihar, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly press briefing said, “Visa matters are sovereign matters. Whether Australia wants to issue a visa to X or Y, it’s their prerogative. So that is how we look at it.”

Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton on April 6 introduced a major proposal aimed at cutting the number of international students in the country. He pledged to reduce student intake by 80,000, arguing that the measure would help ease the housing crisis and make home ownership more attainable for young Australians, according to a report by The Australia Today.

In a statement on social media platform X, Dutton said, “ANNOUNCED: We will cap international student numbers and reduce permanent migration by 25 per cent – freeing up nearly 40,000 homes in the first year.”

He criticised the current government’s migration strategy, stating that the intake of 1.8 million new arrivals over five years was placing pressure on an already strained housing market, particularly in major urban centres. Dutton also noted that since the previous election, international student numbers had increased by 65 per cent–from 5,20,000 to over 8,50,000–coinciding with a 25 per cent rise in median rent across the country.

Amid this, new data from February 2025 showed that India became the top source country for student visas to Australia, surpassing China. In that month alone, 2,734 Indian students were granted visas, up from 2,398 in January. By the end of February, the total number of visas issued to Indian students had exceeded 5,000.

The rise in Indian student enrolments was attributed to a combination of factors, including Australia’s high-quality education system, robust career prospects, and vibrant campus life. Popular fields of study among Indian students include IT, engineering, business, and healthcare, The Australia Today reported. (ANI)

Actress Jennifer Lopez will star in Netflix’s adaptation of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ with ‘Forrest Gump’ filmmaker Robert Zemeckis set to direct.

Netflix acquired the rights to Liv Constantine’s best-selling book in 2021. The psychological thriller follows a deranged con artist who targets an affluent couple, the Parrishes, as her next victims, reported Variety.

She infiltrates the couple by befriending the wife and wooing the husband, with the ultimate goal of becoming the next Mrs. Parrish, only to find that the wife’s life is far more complicated than she could have imagined, as per the outlet.

Andrea Berloff and John Gatins are writing the screenplay. When the film version of “The Last Mrs. Parrish” was announced in 2021, Lisa Rubin (who created Netflix’s tv series “Gypsy”) was originally hired to pen the script, according to Variety.

Producers include Liza Chasin for 3dot Productions, Molly Sims for Something Happy Productions, and Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Nuyorican Productions.

Lopez recently starred in the inspirational sports drama “Unstoppable” and will appear next in director Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman” musical remake.

Zemeckis’ filmography includes “Romancing the Stone,” “Back to the Future,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Cast Away” and “The Polar Express,” reported Variety. (ANI)

Gauri Khan’s upscale Mumbai restaurant Torii has addressed allegations of using adulterated paneer, clarifying that the claims are unfounded and based on a misinterpretation of food chemistry.

Controversy erupted after a YouTuber posted a video on his social media, in which he visited several celebrity-owned restaurants in Mumbai to test the quality of paneer using an iodine tincture.

Among the stops were Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian, and Bobby Deol’s Someplace Else.

At each location, the YouTuber applied iodine to samples of paneer to observe any colour change, which is often considered a sign of starch content.

While no paneer samples reacted at the other restaurants, a dish at Torii turned dark when exposed to iodine.

In the video, the YouTuber claimed, “Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the (Shah Rukh Khan’s restaurant is selling fake paneer.)!”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIePNxgofNq/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=390a33ea-1bb8-4cb0-a0bb-214ce003a919

Torii, co-owned by interior designer Gauri Khan, soon issued a statement in response, explaining the science behind the reaction.

“The iodine test reflects the presence of starch, not the authenticity of the paneer. As the dish contains soy-based ingredients, this reaction is expected. We stand by the purity of our paneer and the integrity of our ingredients at Torii,” the restaurant clarified in the comments section of the viral video.

In a lighthearted follow-up, Sarthak responded to Torii’s clarification with a playful comment, “So am I banned now? Btw your food is amazing.”

Gauri Khan, known for her luxury interior design projects under Gauri Khan Designs, has previously styled other restaurants. Torii, one of her latest ventures, is known for its chic ambience and is a regular haunt for Bollywood celebrities. (ANI)

The much-awaited series ‘The Royals,’ which stars actors Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, now has an official release date.

The coming-of-age royal comedy is set to stream on Netflix starting May 9.

Netflix, on Thursday, took to its Instagram account to share the announcement along with a new poster featuring the lead pair.

The caption read, “A ziddi rajkumar meets a girlboss aamkumari. Royal mess, or shahi love story? Watch The Royals, out May 9, only on Netflix.”

Check out the poster

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the eight-episode modern-day Indian royalty rom-com series will provide a glimpse into the glitter and romance of royal life.

The series also stars Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea.

Speaking earlier at Lakme Fashion Week, Ishaan shared his thoughts on the project and his experience working with legendary actor Zeenat Aman and Bhumi Pednekar.

“The Royals will come out on Netflix very soon… It was a really fun experience, and it was a whole new kind of experience. It is very fresh, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. It is very bingeable, and it has something for everyone,” said Ishaan.

On working with Zeenat Aman, he said, “We had a blast, and it was great working with her as well as the entire cast. She is an icon.” (ANI)

Chinese e-commerce giant Taobao has been fined NTD 1.2 million (USD 36,900) by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs for breaching local regulations through unauthorised advertising practices, as scrutiny intensifies over China’s economic influence and suspected use of Taiwan as a conduit for goods amid broader geopolitical tensions, Taipei Times reported.

The Ministry said that Taobao’s promotional activities, including prominent advertisements placed in Taipei metro stations last November, exceeded the platform’s officially approved business scope. It ordered the company to make necessary corrections within the first half of this year, warning that failure to comply could lead to the revocation of its license to operate in Taiwan.

The fine and enforcement come amid rising concerns about the role of Chinese firms in potentially laundering goods through Taiwan to bypass international restrictions.

During a meeting of the legislature’s Finance Committee, lawmakers addressed the broader issue of origin laundering and dumping of Chinese goods into Taiwan’s market. Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen accused China of dumping beer and said platforms like Taobao were employing similar tactics, reported Taipei Times.

The committee called on government agencies to tighten oversight and implement stronger safeguards against such practices, especially as the United States, under former President Donald Trump’s administration, has taken a hard-line stance on curbing Chinese origin laundering globally.

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang confirmed the fine and reiterated that Taobao’s advertisements were not covered by the business categories under which it is registered in Taiwan – namely, electronic information supply services and advertisement leaflet distribution. She said the ads in metro stations clearly exceeded the latter scope.

The ministry said Taobao’s actions violated Article 73 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Investment Permits by Mainland Area People, Taipei Times reported.

The platform failed to seek approval before altering its investment plan, it said. If no corrective measures are taken, the ministry may issue additional fines, revoke the investment permit, and order a withdrawal of operations. (ANI)

India and China are set to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, after a pause since 2020.

In a weekly media briefing on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that preparations are underway and a public notice will be issued soon.

“The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will happen this year, and we are making preparations. We will soon issue a public notice regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon,” added Jaiswal, offering hope to thousands of devotees awaiting the reopening of the sacred pilgrimage route.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has remained suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both countries have also agreed in principle to resume direct air services, with technical teams discussing the modalities, including an updated framework.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing in January 2025, both nations discussed resuming direct flights.

Jaiswal said, “In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume. When the foreign secretary had visited Beijing, both sides had agreed to resume direct air services. It was also agreed that relevant technical authorities would meet and negotiate. An updated framework is necessary to initiate direct flight services. The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework…”

He added, “I don’t have a timeline at this point in time, but technical level discussions are happening, which means that things are moving in the right direction.”

On the visa issue between India and China, the spokesperson said, “We are having talks with China regarding visas, and it is happening at multiple levels. During the talks, we discussed several issues, including people-to-people ties, connectivity, direct air services, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. So it’s evident that when we talk about these issues, in the matter of visa, there will be some kind of consensus between the two countries…”

The yatra holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, and its resumption is expected to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges between India and China.

The decision comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, which will be utilised to enhance public diplomacy efforts and create better awareness about each other.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 hosted by CNN News18, where he said that India’s relationship with China is “much better than before” and mentioned that both countries are actively discussing key collateral matters including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, resumption of direct flights, and pandemic-era disruptions. “The relationship is much better than before. I think the disengagement, particularly the Depsang Demchok, was important,” he said.

Jaishankar emphasised that many of the unresolved issues between India and China stemmed from a build-up of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the broader complications introduced during the COVID-19 era.

“We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force build-up over a period of years. There were many other things that also happened during this period. Some of it was collateral for the situation. Some of it was a carryover from the COVID era,” he said.

He further pointed out that strained relations from 2020 to 2024 had hurt both nations, with disruptions such as suspended direct flights and the halting of the Mansarovar Yatra still lingering. “We are trying to see whether… we can progress on this. We are looking at it because… the situation that we saw between 2020-2024 was not in the interest of either country,” he said.

In October 2024, India and China had reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok following several rounds of talks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping also met in Kazan last year during the 16th BRICS Summit, where they welcomed the disengagement agreement. (ANI)

Malaysia and China have signed numerous agreements to deepen cooperation between the two countries during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia, amid Beijing’s trade war with Washington, DC.

Malaysia was the second stop on Xi Jinping’s three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, which also included Vietnam and Cambodia. During the three-day State visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the King Sultan Ibrahim, Xi touted a “new golden era” of Chinese-Malaysian relations, following the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties last year. The king announced new cooperation between the countries in various fields, including artificial intelligence.

Malaysian Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that a total of 31 MoUs (memoranda of understanding) were signed by the two leaders during the visit, which he termed “among the most significant achievements in our history,” according to Bernama news agency.

A joint statement released at the end of Xi’s State visit stated that both sides agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future to accelerate their modernisation efforts and jointly promote regional and global prosperity and stability.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation under the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Health Organisation, and BRICS.

Xi met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Wednesday, and the talks covered bilateral relations and the current economic landscape, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as reported by the Bernama news agency.

With China being Malaysia’s main trading partner, he said that discussions looked at ways to “further enhance bilateral trade,” the news outlet cited Hasan as saying. The discussions were the issue of security in the South China Sea as well. Both China and Malaysia have staked claims over the South China Sea.

Malaysia is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose members are among the most heavily impacted by the US’s new tariffs.

The Trump administration imposed tariffs of 24 per cent on Malaysia. The tariffs have been, however, paused for 90 days.

According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, in 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached USD 212 billion, nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi departed Malaysia for Cambodia on Thursday. Xi said he hopes his visit to Cambodia will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

In an article published in several Cambodian media outlets ahead of his arrival in the country, Cambodia for a State visit, Xi noted that a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is powered by equality and mutual benefit.

For many years, China has been Cambodia’s largest trading partner and the largest source of investment. The industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen, Xi said, as cited in a report by Chinese state media Global Times. (ANI)