New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) The Parliament in the early hours on Friday approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after a lengthy and intense discussion in the Rajya Sabha which saw the Bill getting nod in the Upper House by a majority of 128 votes against 95 -- just a day after it was passed in the Lok Sabha following a marathon debate that continued for almost 12 hours.

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made a strong case for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the lower house of the Parliament, Leader of Rajya Sabha and Union Minister J.P. Nadda led a passionate debate in the Rajya Sabha on the bill, while slamming the Opposition.

The debate that began on Thursday ended with the majority of members voting for the Bill on Friday.

The Bill will now be required to be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her Assent to become law.

J.P. Nadda came down heavily on the Congress for its handling of the Waqf Act, accusing the grand old party of enacting the law in a way that allegedly facilitated land mafias.

Speaking in the Upper House on Thursday, J.P. Nadda passionately defended the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, stressing the urgent need for reform to protect national interests and prevent the misuse of Waqf properties, which should serve the welfare of poor Muslims.

Spotlighting the national importance of the issue and the need for in-depth deliberation, J.P. Nadda drew attention to the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Comprising 31 members, the committee has facilitated over 200 hours of debate on the bill.

This, he pointed out, stands in stark contrast to the JPC setup during the UPA government in 2013, which had only 13 members and lacked the same level of commitment.

J.P. Nadda asserted that democracy thrives on meaningful discourse and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, rather than simply accepting a single viewpoint.

Underscoring its national significance and the imperative for focused deliberation, the leader of Rajya Sabha, the leader of the House, highlighted the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) under the PM Modi-led government, which comprised 31 members and facilitated an extensive 200 hours of debate on the Bill.

This, he noted, was a marked improvement over the JPC established during the UPA government in 2013, which had only 13 members and lacked the same level of commitment.

He emphasised that democracy thrives on logical discourse and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, rather than the mere acceptance of a singular viewpoint.

Sharing insights from Jagdambika Pal, J.P. Nadda revealed that the JPC under the PM Modi-led government convened 36 meetings, consulted 284 stakeholders, and visited 10 different locations to gather comprehensive input on the Waqf Bill.

“In contrast, the UPA-era JPC engaged with only 18 stakeholders, reflecting a lack of thoroughness,” he pointed out.

This enhanced consultation process, he argued, underscored the PM Modi-led government’s dedication to comprehensive deliberation.

J.P. Nadda criticised the opposition for attempting to derail the discussion by introducing irrelevant topics.

He urged members to prioritise the nation’s welfare over party interests, asserting that the Bill is fundamentally in the country's interest.

Addressing Constitutional concerns, J.P. Nadda explained that under previous regulations, Waqf land claims were shielded from challenges in civil courts, which he deemed a violation of constitutional principles.

He stated that the Waqf Amendment Bill seeks to rectify this by empowering district collectors to determine rightful ownership of properties and explicitly excluding lands under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from Waqf claims. This, he noted, was a pivotal reform.

Turning to social issues, he accused the opposition of neglecting the plight of Muslim women. He criticised the Congress-led UPA government for delaying action on the Supreme Court’s recommendation to ban “triple talaq,” describing it as a clear instance of reducing Muslim women to second-class citizens.

He pointed out that countries like Turkey abolished triple talaq as early as 1929, and other Muslim-majority nations had followed suit.

This reform, he stated, was finally enacted in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, empowering Muslim women.

Amid uproar, the Leader of the House also raised concerns about the identification of government properties as Waqf properties, questioning how temples, lakes, and other government assets were declared as such.

Before its passage, the Bill sparked intense debate in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The government asserts that these amendments aim to combat corruption, rectify mismanagement, and foster inclusivity. However, critics express apprehension that such measures may erode the rights of the Muslim minority and potentially facilitate the appropriation of historic mosques and other significant properties.

The Congress-led opposition vehemently opposed the bill during extensive deliberations in the Lok Sabha (Lower House), denouncing it as unconstitutional and prejudicial to Muslims.

Opposition leaders claim their recommendations were overlooked during subsequent discussions on the Bill.

Meanwhile, the government accuses the opposition of spreading misinformation to undermine the bill and obstruct efforts to ensure transparency in the management of waqf endowments.

Taking part in the debate in Rajya Sabha, Congress member Syed Naseer Hussain accused the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) of using the Bill to polarise and mislead, claiming it was part of a misinformation campaign.

Independent MP Kapil Sibal criticised the Bill for restricting property donations to Muslims, questioning its alignment with "one nation, one law", and called for reforms in Hindu property laws to ensure gender equality.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi labelled the Bill a conspiracy that violates Constitutional rights under Articles 25-26, accusing the government of arbitrariness.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda supported the Bill, praising its intent to protect donor-given properties from misuse by powerful individuals.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut mocked the government’s sudden concern for Muslims, while BJD MP Muzibullah Khan urged the government to address fears among Muslims about the Bill.

AAP's (Aam Admi Party) Sanjay Singh accused the government of misleading the public and called for transparency on public feedback regarding the Bill.

Trinamool Congress MP Nadimul Haque warned that the Bill could set a dangerous precedent, potentially targeting properties of other religions in the future. He criticised the Bill as discriminatory and an attack on the federal structure, urging caution against divisive policies.

The Bill, after its passage in the Lok Sabha, ignited a heated debate among a few members.

Leader of Opposition (RS) and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Bill, alleging it was designed to target minorities. He challenged BJP Parliamentarian Anurag Thakur’s accusations of corruption in Karnataka’s Waqf land, demanding proof or his resignation, vowing to step down himself if any claims against him were substantiated.

The Biju Janata Dal allowed its MPs to vote based on conscience, while Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora dismissed claims of government bias against minorities. He highlighted increased opportunities for religious minorities under Modi’s leadership and the positive impact of Article 370’s removal in Jammu and Kashmir, citing a rise in per capita income as evidence of progress.

Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan stated that approximately one crore people had submitted suggestions to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the Waqf Bill. The debate underscored sharp divisions, with the government advocating reforms and the opposition questioning its intent.

--IANS

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United Nations, April 4 (IANS) While appealing for international help to quake-ravaged Myanmar, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for transforming the “tragic moment” into an opportunity to end the brutal civil conflict.

He asked the international community to immediately step up vitally needed funding to match the scale of this crisis.

And to the government and people of Myanmar, he said, “as they unite in grief, it’s also time to unite behind a political solution to end the brutal conflict”.

“There must be an end to the violence and human rights violations across the country and a pathway for democracy to take root,” he said while speaking to reporters at the UN on Thursday.

Guterres announced that he was rushing Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher to Myanmar and his Special Envoy Julie Bishop will visit the country "to reinforce our commitment to peace and dialogue”.

India had already launched “Operation Brahma” immediately after the earthquake, flying relief supplies and personnel to Myanmar, which was the epicentre of the March 28 earthquake.

Guterres said, “The death toll is now 3,000 and climbing – with thousands injured, and many trapped under the rubble. This disaster has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing people throughout the country,” he said.

He added that as communities across Myanmar unite in grief, it’s also time to unite behind a political solution to end the brutal conflict.

Welcoming the temporary ceasefire between the military government and the rebels in the civil war, he said, “This is essential to help aid flow and let rescuers do their jobs. But an end to fighting must quickly lead to a beginning of a serious political dialogue and the release of political prisoners.”

He said that the ceasefire should lead to an inclusive political process where all the people of Myanmar feel represented.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the quake has affected more than 17 million people.

Myanmar is ruled by the military, which overthrew the democratically elected government in 2021.

The regime has not been recognised and the representatives of the civilian government continue to hold Myanmar’s seat at the UN.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress MP Digvijaya Singh engaged in a heated exchange during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The confrontation was sparked by BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi's controversial remarks on the Muslim community. Trivedi claimed that "good Muslims" align with the BJP while "bad Muslims" are associated with the Congress, leading Singh to object strongly and accuse Amit Shah of bearing responsibility for the Gujarat riots.

Amit Shah firmly refuted the allegations, clarifying that he was not the Home Minister at the time of the riots, taking office eighteen months after they had ended.

The BJP member Trivedi, during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, lamented the shift in the Muslim community’s representation over the years. He

contrasted the icons of India’s independence era - luminaries like Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Fariduddin Dagar, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Jigar Moradabadi - with figures such as Ishrat Jahan, Yakub Memon, Mukhtar Ansari, Atiq Ahmed, and Dawood Ibrahim.

He questioned the association of the Muslim community with individuals linked to controversies, attributing this shift to the politics that emerged after India adopted secularism in 1976.

His remarks sparked strong objections from opposition members.

Dr. Fauzia Khan of the NCP-SCP urged the Chairman to expunge Trivedi’s statement, arguing that associating the “Muslim community with terrorists” was an unfounded and offensive generalisation.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh echoed her sentiments, condemning Trivedi’s comments as stigmatising an entire community and criticising the Chairman for allowing such remarks to stand.

Home Minister Amit Shah defended Trivedi, asserting that his statements were factual, adding that the NCP had honoured Ishrat Jahan’s family, labelling her a martyr.

He further noted that figures like Atiq Ahmed and another Ansari were affiliated with the Congress.

Amid the heated exchanges, DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva invoked a Rule of parliamentary proceedings, which mandates the Chair to address defamatory remarks made against a member or a community.

The Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reserved his decision, promising to address the matter the following day.

--IANS

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Srinagar, April 4 (IANS) In a landmark achievement for the craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans, 8 more traditional products have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certificates by GI Registry, Chennai, based on their sources of origin.

A spokesman of handicrafts and handloom department said on Thursday: "GI registration provides legal protection against counterfeit products, prevents unauthorized use, boosts exports, and promotes economic prosperity for producers of goods associated with a specific geographical territory.

“Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara and Wagguv have secured GI registration. With this, the total number of GI registered crafts has reached 15, with 07 crafts having already been granted GI registration”.

Highlighting the benefits of the registration, the spokesperson exuded confidence that these 8 new products will provide much needed boost to exports and gain greater access in international markets, leading to increased demand.

“The registration, followed by GI labelling, will also help prevent unauthorised use, ensuring consumers get access to genuine products”, he added.

Referring to the stiff challenges faced by the department over a period of three years, the spokesman highlighted various steps taken for earning GI registration.

“After filing of applications online, the department had to go through the onerous task of preliminary scrutiny and examination of the applications filed, followed by issuance of show-cause notices and publication in GI Journal. Only after no objections were received, the GI registration was granted by Geographical Indication (GI) Registry Chennai, in favour of the 8 new products," he explained.

The spokesperson further stated that the department shall now shift focus to 6 more crafts for GI registration, which shall go a long way in revival of certain lost crafts and also boost their saleability in niche global markets.

These include Copperware (Kandkari), Silverware, Houseboat, Tapestry, Kashmir Tilla and Aari Staple Embroidery.

Identifying testing and QR labelling as a corollary to the GI registration of unique Kashmir products, the spokesman said the department has already submitted proposals for upgradation of its testing labs in IICT, CDI and Quality Control Division.

“In view of the increased demand for GI testing and labelling, the department shall upgrade its testing labs by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment like OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyzer), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and high-resolution Digital Microscopes, which shall ensure genuineness of the products tested and weeding out sale of machine-made counterfeit products, which are sold in the garb of hand-made products," he added.

--IANS

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Washington, April 4 (IANS) US markets on Thursday slid to their lowest in two years in the aftermath and response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports from every trading partner country, while the US dollar slipped to its lowest level.

The Wall Street Journal reported the US market had $2.7 trillion in market cap by noon. At the same point in the day, the Dow industrials had fallen 1300 points, or 3.1 per cent, the tech-heavy Nasdaq slipped 4.8 per cent.

President Trump on Wednesday announced sweeping tariffs on imports from more than 100 countries. There is a baseline rate of 10 per cent with higher, country-specific rates on dozens of trading partner countries, including India (26 per cent), China (34 per cent) and the EU (20 per cent).

Others hit with higher rates under the reciprocal tariffs were the UK (10 per cent), Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, the EU, Vietnam, Cambodia, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Many of the targeted countries are treaty allies of the US, the President said, adding friends have been more unfair to the US on matters of trade than foes.

He also reiterated his long-running beef with countries with high trade surpluses with the US or those that he has perceived as levying high import duties on American goods.

Canada and Mexico are exempted from the reciprocal tariffs, but imports from these countries are already under a 25 per cent levy that was announced by Trump earlier to force them to stop the flow of illegal migrants and fentanyl, a deadly opioid, through their borders into the US.

The reciprocal tariffs are the fourth in a series of such measures undertaken by President Trump in his bid to cut America’s trade deficit, counter restrictive trade practices and force manufacturers to come to the US.

In the first round, he had reimposed a tariff of 25 per cent on steel and aluminum imports from his first term (raising the levy on aluminum from 15 per cent).

He had followed it up with tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China (as a country of source for precursor chemicals for fentanyl. Then came the 25 per cent levy on imported automobiles and auto parts. He next plans to tariff pharmaceuticals.

--IANS

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Washington, April 4 (IANS) Democrat Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said on Thursday that President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India are “misguided” and are likely to place an unnecessary strain on the US relationship with the world’s largest democracy.

“President Trump’s latest blanket tariffs on India are not only misguided but also profoundly damaging to the economic, diplomatic, and security interests of the US. At a time when our partnership with India is more crucial than ever to our shared prosperity and coordinated efforts to counter the military aggression and economic coercion of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), these tariffs place an unnecessary strain on our relationship with the world’s largest democracy,” the Congressman said.

The Congressman is one of five Indian-descent members of the House of Representatives. The others are Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar and Pramila Jayapal. Krishnamoorthi.

The Congressman said that while the friendship between the US and India will remain strong, these new tariffs will increase costs for American families and place additional burdens on both American and Indian businesses.

“I strongly urge President Trump to reverse his harmful new tariffs, including those on Indian imports, and instead prioritise the well-being of American families, the strength of the US-India partnership, and our collective economic and national security in the face of authoritarian threats,” he said.

On Wednesday, President Trump rolled out a reciprocal tariff system that seeks to levy higher tariffs on trading partner countries that levy high duties on imports from the US or have huge trade surpluses over the US.

There is a baseline rate of 10 per cent that has been levied on all imports into the US. A large group of countries have been brought under individualised rates. Imports for India will be tariffed at 26 per cent. Imports from China will be levied at 34 per cent, 20 per cent for imports from the EU and so on and so forth.

--IANS

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Imphal, April 4 (IANS) The Manipur BJP would soon constitute a 13-member committee to look into the issues of delimitation of electoral boundaries exercise in the state, senior party leader Kh Ibomcha said on Thursday.

Ibomcha, who is also an MLA of the Lamlai Assembly constituency, said that the BJP party also reiterated that it has no objection to delimitation of constituencies in the state if it is based on an authentic census.

In a recent meeting, the BJP MLAs of Manipur discussed the proposed delimitation exercise and decided to form a 13-member delimitation committee to deal with the serious issue.

The party leaders are making all efforts to resolve the matter in the state as soon as possible, Ibomcha told the media.

He said that of the 13 members from various sections, 12 will be MLAs and one will be from the office bearers of the state BJP Pradesh committee.

It was proposed that the delimitation likely be conducted based on a 2001 census report, but it was full of irregularities, and then the delimitation exercise would not be correct, Ibomcha pointed out.

The BJP has been demanding the implementation of the NRC before carrying out the delimitation exercise in the state.

The opposition Congress in Manipur on Wednesday opposed any possible delimitation exercises in the state based on the 2001 census report, and the party demanded a thorough rectification of the census data before re-demarcation of electoral boundaries.

Congress Vice-President in Manipur, Hareshwar Goswami, had said that the issue of inaccuracy in the 2001 census arose after detecting a disproportionate growth rate of people in nine subdivisions across three districts in the state.

The Congress leader said that the party supports delimitation, but it must be based on a correct census without any errors. Everyone knows that the 2001 census had many irregularities, he had claimed.

“Most people, political parties, civil societies and social organisations in Manipur are not opposed to the delimitation process. Most political parties, civil societies, social organisations and others are asking for it to be conducted based on a genuine Census,” Goswami pointed out.

He had said that the Congress’s stance on re-demarcation of electoral boundaries is that the exercise must be conducted on the basis of a correct Census and the delimitation to defer till 2026.

On March 25, leaders of 16 political parties in Manipur held a significant meeting and urged the Central government to defer delimitation of constituencies till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures.

CPI-M Manipur state Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa, who was one of the three convenors of the March 25 meeting, had said that the meeting had resolved that the delimitation in Manipur should not be held till the rectification of the errors in the 2001 census in Manipur.

“We have also decided to urge the Central government to defer the delimitation till 2026, when national delimitation would be undertaken with the new census figures,” Santa had said.

The 16 political parties’ meeting follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court, which has instructed the completion of the pending delimitation exercise in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam within the next three months.

--IANS

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Belgrade, April 4 (IANS) The 49th UEFA Congress concluded on Thursday in Belgrade, marking the first time the event has been held in the Serbian capital. Elections for the UEFA Executive Committee were held on the occasion, and seven positions were filled for a four-year term.

Five representatives were picked for the FIFA Council's four-year term. At the same time, departing Executive Committee members David Gill, Karl-Erik Nilsson, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge were bestowed honorary UEFA membership in recognition of their significant contributions to UEFA and European football during their years of service.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin highlighted European football's role as a model of unity, citing Serbia and Albania's co-hosting of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship as an example.

"European football is a movement that thrives on unity, diversity, and a shared purpose," he said. "This unity extends across every aspect of the sport, encompassing clubs and national teams, men and women of all ages, elites, and grassroots players."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Serbia's football tradition, calling it a "football nation" and recalling its U-20 World Cup victory in 2015 and the historic strength of Yugoslav football, reports Xinhua.

Serbia's acting Prime Minister Milos Vucevic officially opened the Congress, calling it a "great honour and privilege" for Serbia to host such a distinguished gathering. Quoting football legend Marco van Basten, he underscored the sport's unifying power.

Football Association of Serbia (FSS) President Dragan Dzajic welcomed attendees and highlighted the country's football achievements.

"Welcome to the home of European and world champions in 2013 and 2015, the European runners-up of 1968, the club champions of Europe and the world in 1991, and the European runners-up of 1966," he said.

UEFA also announced Karl-Erik Nilsson, David Gill, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as honorary members of our Executive Committee.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, March 10 (IANS) Day after recovering one body from the debris, rescue teams continued intense efforts to search for the remaining seven people in the SLBC tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Monday.

Rescue teams from various agencies were undertaking digging work at another point identified by the cadaver sniffer dog squad from Kerala.

Rat miners from Uttarakhand, miners from Singareni Collieries and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were carefully digging around the point with mini-excavators.

The search operation continued for the 17th day in the last 70 metres of the 14-km-long tunnel, where the eight workers were trapped after a portion of the tunnel roof collapsed on a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) on February 22.

Rescue workers on Sunday evening exhumed one body from the point identified by the cadaver dog squad.

The body was identified as that of TBM operator Gurpreet Singh. The 40-year-old hailed from Punjab and was working for Robbins Company, which supplies and operates tunnel boring machines.

The body was shifted to government hospital at Nagarkurnool and after completing medical and legal formalities was taken to his hometown in Punjab.

The seven people yet to be traced are Manoj Kumar and Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, Sunny Singh from Jammu and Kashmir and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand.

The rescue agencies hoped that more bodies would be recovered soon based on the sniffer dog leads and the ground probing radar (GPR) scanning information provided by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).

The rescue workers continued to face challenges due to the debris of the TBM and the large amount of muck.

The TBM, which had a total length of 132.5 metres, was buried under silt and rocks in the February 22 incident.

The workers who were present in the front portion of the TBM were trapped while 42 others who were at the back end managed to come out of the tunnel.

The technicians from the South Central Railway (SCR) have so far cut the TBM into pieces for a length of about 60 metres.

The head portion of the TBM remained buried in the debris and the last 70 metres of the tunnel is still filled with 3 to 9 metres deep slush and other debris, posing a risk to the rescue workers.

While continuing dewatering and desilting, the rescue agencies were mobilising special equipment for the workers to carry out their work without the risk of being trapped in the slush.

Two cadaver dogs trained to locate missing humans and human bodies were brought from Kerala by a special helicopter three days ago.

According to officials, these dogs of the Belgian Malinois breed can detect smell even from a depth of 15 feet.

Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Singareni, SCR and other agencies are participating in the search operation.

The authorities on Saturday deployed robots for rescue operations in the tunnel as suggested by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during his visit to the tunnel on March 2.

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy announced the deployment of robotic technology to accelerate rescue operations.

Robots equipped with cameras, infrared sensors, and robotic arms have been deployed to assess conditions and aid extraction.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed condolences over the death of Gurpreet Singh and announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia to his next of kin.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) The cost of preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis at home declined by 5 per cent in February compared to the corresponding figure for January this year, according to a Crisil report released on Monday.

For the vegetarian thali, the decline was driven by lower vegetable prices, particularly of onions, tomatoes and potatoes, while for a non-vegetarian thali, the cost eased with a decrease in broiler (chicken) prices, the report said.

Going ahead, the arrival of fresh rabi crops is expected to keep vegetable prices subdued, offering continued relief for vegetarian thali costs.

However, temperature conditions in March that have been above normal can impact the shelf life and quality of onions, which need to be stored for the next six months, as well as the quantity and quality of wheat -- the most significant crop of the rabi season, the report states.

The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east and west India. The monthly change reflects the impact on the common man’s expenditure. The data also reveals the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil and cooking gas) driving the change in the cost of the thali.

The ICRA report is in line with official figures that India’s retail inflation is on a downward trajectory. Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index fell to a 5-month low of 4.31 per cent in January as prices of vegetables and pulses eased during the month, bringing respite to household budgets, according to figures released by the Ministry of Statistics.

The easing of inflation reflects a steadily declining trend after having touched a 14-month high of 6.21 per cent in October. CPI inflation had declined to 5.48 per cent in November and 5.22 per cent in December.

The food inflation at 6.02 per cent in January 2025 is the lowest after August 2024.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a 25 basis cut in the policy rate from 6.5 per cent to 6.25 per cent in the monetary policy review to accelerate growth amid global uncertainties.

He said that inflation has declined and is expected to moderate further and gradually align with the RBI’s target.

Now, with the retail inflation continuing with its downward trend, the RBI will have more headroom to follow a soft money policy to make more credit available to businesses and consumers, which will propel economic growth.

--IANS

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Patna, March 10 (IANS) The Bihar government is set to take strict action against illegal encroachments on Bettiah Raj properties, with senior officials already mobilizing efforts to reclaim government land.

On Monday morning, the Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman of the Revenue and Land Reforms Board, K.K. Pathak, visited Bettiah City to assess the situation.

His visit has created a sense of urgency among officials in the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, that the government is serious about removing illegal occupants from these properties.

A total of 1,326 acres of additional Bettiah Raj land has recently been discovered, which was not included in the 2017-18 land survey. The administration is now expediting the process of registering this land in government records to ensure its protection.

With K.K. Pathak personally reviewing the status of these properties, a major crackdown on encroachments is expected soon. The government’s focus on land reforms could lead to wider action across the state to recover illegally occupied public land.

Following strict instructions from District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Rai, officials have been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the land records of Bettiah Raj.

K.K. Pathak is expected to review illegal occupations on government lands during his visit. Many long-standing cases of encroachments have surfaced, and strict action is anticipated against those involved.

His visit will also include a review of the digitization of Bettiah Raj properties for better record-keeping and transparency. The government is considering a heritage development plan to restore and develop the palaces and historical sites of Bettiah Raj.

Pathak’s reputation for swift action has put district officials on edge. Even before his arrival, they have started reviewing land records and preparing reports on pending cases. This visit is expected to be a critical test for the revenue and administrative officials in Bettiah.

With the Bihar Assembly passing the bill about the Bettiah Raj during the winter session last year, the property comes under the state government's ownership, which marks a significant development in the state's governance and land management.

The last ruler of Bettiah Raj, Harendra Kishore Singh, passed away in 1893 without leaving an heir, leading to the management of the estate by the "Court of Wards" starting in 1897.

The property, totaling 15,221 acres in Bihar and 143 acres in Uttar Pradesh, has seen significant encroachments. Over 66 per cent of the estate’s land in West Champaran and 60 per cent in East Champaran are reportedly occupied illegally.

Many current residents of the estate are likely to approach the judiciary, contesting their eviction or seeking ownership rights based on long-term occupation or other claims.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera on Monday slammed the Central government for Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at Bhupesh Baghel's residence and called it a part of BJP's conspiracy to distract attention from larger issues, particularly the Parliament.

Khera remarked, "BJP, which is surrounded on all sides and finding it hard to go unscathed on multiple issues, needs a distraction. They want to divert attention, change the headlines, and this could very well be part of that conspiracy."

Khera’s comments come as ED raids continue at multiple locations linked to Bhupesh Baghel and his family.

Further questioning the rationale behind ED raids, he said, "It is happening in an unclear case, and no one knows why it is taking place. Just few days ago, a court dismissed a CBI case against Bhupesh Baghel, so there is no case against him. Still, ED is raiding his premises today. It’s possible that this raid coincides with the start of Parliament’s session."

He also hinted that the central agency might have been brought in, by the ruling dispensation, to disrupt Bhupesh Baghel’s political activities in Punjab, where he recently took over as in-charge for the state.

"It could be an attempt to disturb him as he begins his political activities in Punjab," Khera added. He emphasised that such actions by the BJP, with ED working under their influence, would not be forgotten.

The ED conducted raids on the residence of Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, in the Padumnagar locality of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh.

The teams, arriving in four Innova cars, began their search early in the day, and according to reports, this operation is part of a wider investigation, with approximately 14 locations across the state being raided, some of which are linked to Chaitanya Baghel.

The raids were reportedly conducted in connection with alleged financial irregularities and money laundering cases, including a notorious liquor scam.

Bhupesh Baghel, who is facing accusations of irregularities in the liquor trade during his tenure, has consistently denied these allegations.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Gaurav Saxena, the ex-husband of 'Bigg Boss 18' contestant Hema Sharma has decided to step into acting post his divorce.

When asked about his acting debut, Gaurav told IANS, "More than acting, my love is to create new things. YouTube is a platform for people like us where we can do things we love. I am enjoying working on scripts and looking forward to the shoots lined up in the coming month."

Throwing some light on this project, Gaurav added, "I am going to commit to making some good content in the form of good short films. I am looking forward to exploring a new hobby all together."

He was asked, "⁠What made you take this decision?", to which he replied, "I think sometimes coming out of the comfort is exciting. I will also continue to travel and make vlogs as I have been to more than 56 countries, and I feel there is so much the world has to offer."

Gaurav further answered the question, "From a businessman to an actor is it not two different things completely?"

He stated, "I am happily working in my company. I don’t see myself shifting careers. But will be exploring new business ventures in the creative industry."

Talking about his life post-divorce, Gaurav revealed, "I feel more peaceful and calm as the divorce is finally through. I am travelling and doing what I like most. My company is doing great and I am excelling there as well so professionally and emotionally I am in a great spirit."

During a previous interaction with IANS, Gaurav spilled the beans on his future plans post-divorce. He revealed that he would fight for the custody of his kid.

"Steps ahead is me believing in justice and our Indian judiciary. I’ll fight. I have evidence and I’ll go by the rule. God is there with him over my kid. I am sure we both will unite and he will get everything he deserves and all that he has been deprived of for greed," the businessman shared.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, whose film ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ became a phenomenal hit after his re-release recently, has finally got his custom made retro style bobber bike.

On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a video in which he can be seen unveiling his bike, a custom made single-seater Shotgun 650 from the house of Royal Enfield. The bike has been cast aluminium with a brush finish.

The fuel tank, front and rear fenders, and fuel tank are all finished in a brushed aluminum finish. Even the head of the motorcycle has been modified and gets a machined alloy finish. The stock alloy wheels on the Shotgun 650 have been replaced, and seem to have been traded from another Royal Enfield bobber, Goan Classic. The bike gets custom-built machined wheels both at the front and rear.

The disc brakes on this bike also seem to be aftermarket units. It looks like the suspension on this motorcycle has also been modified as part of the project. The actor can also be seen planting a kiss on the bike’s rear fender.

He wrote in the caption, “My new family. Gifted by @royalenfield A one-of-a-kind, all-aluminum Shotgun 650. This bespoke build pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and design. Key custom elements include Handcrafted aluminum fuel tank, Custom aluminum top yoke, Dual-disc front brake conversion, Billet seat with premium leather upholstery, Custom-fabricated swingarm, precision-machined billet wheel,s Integrated meters seamlessly housed in the nacelle, Unique custom panels and sleek billet turn signals. A true masterpiece. this 1-of-1 Shotgun 650 redefines custom engineering with its bold aesthetic and precision craftsmanship”.

The bike boasts of a powerful 648 cc air-cooled engine, and a 13.8 liter fuel tank. The bike is a bobber, and a single seater, and has a short rear fender. The bike is one of the heaviest bikes from the house of Royal Enfield standing at 240 kgs, one kilogram lighter than the heaviest RE bike - Super meteor 650. Shotgun 650 comes with a twin pod cowl consisting of a speedometer and a tripper navigation to help the riders with maps while on the go.

Earlier, the actor had a Royal Enfield Intercontinental GT 650, the third heaviest RE bike, a beautiful yellow coloured cafe racer. However, the actor sold off his GT 650 during the thick of the pandemic, and bought oxygen concentrators from the money to help the people in need. Apart from bikes, the actor also harbours a deep love for wildlife photography and wilderness, and often spends his time away from Mumbai to get charged up.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Shraddha Kapoor's furry baby Shyloh has turned 14 today. The 'Stree' actress commemorated the day with a special birthday party.

Shyloh was seen enjoying his birthday in the company of his other furry buddies.

The social media video dropped by Shraddha featured her sitting on the floor, feeding the cake to her pet while his other pet friends also accompanied him in enjoying the treat. We could also hear Shraddha saying in the backdrop, "He is going for it".

Shraddha was seen dressed in a casual attire with a simple white T and baggy trousers. She also had her hair tied in a messy bun.

Shraddha captioned her latest post, "Is b'day party pe invite hona mushkil nahi na mumkin hain (It is not difficult but impossible to be invited to this birthday party) #OnlyFamily.". She added, "Shyloh turns 14!!!"

Work-wise, going by the latest buzz, Shraddha will be joining forces with ‘Tumbbad’ fame director Rahi Anil Barve for her next. If the report are to be believed, she has signed a multi-film contract with producer Ektaa Kapoor, who will also back the untitled drama.

Over and above this, the details of another yet-to-be-titled flick of Ektaa and Shraddha are doing rounds on social media. The film will reportedly reunite the beloved ‘Aashiqui 2’ pair of Shraddha and Aditya Roy Kapoor. However, nothing has been made official as of now.

Additionally, reports have been doing rounds for some time that Shraddha will be a part of the upcoming installment of the popular 'Dhoom' franchise. If these reports turn out to be true, she will be seen sharing the screen with her 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' co-star Ranbir Kapoor in her next. However, the fans are still waiting for an official announcement.

After the massive success of the blockbuster hit 'Stree 2', Shraddha's fans are eagerly looking forward to the announcement of her next.

-- IANS

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Chennai, April 2 (IANS) Director Ajay Gnanamuthu, who is best known for having directed the franchise ‘Demonte Colony’, featuring actor Arulnithi in the lead, has now announced that work on the third instalment of the franchise has begun.

Taking to his X timeline to post a picture of his team in Sliema in Malta, Ajay Gnanamuthu wrote, “Demonte Colony 3 work in progress.” He also tagged his team members who were with him in the photograph.

The news has got fans of the popular franchise excited. There is excitement about the third instalment of director Ajay Gnanamuthu's much-awaited horror-thriller Demonte Colony 2, featuring actors Arulnithi and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead.

The significance of the franchise Demonte Colony is that there is a real place by the same name in Chennai and interestingly, is known for being haunted.

The franchise, which set a new benchmark in the horror genre in Tamil cinema, was started in 2015, when the first part of Demonte Colony was made. The gripping thriller was an instant hit. Eight years after the first part was made, the makers released the second instalment, which too went on to emerge a superhit.

The second instalment featured, apart from the lead actors, Arun Pandian, Muthu Kumar, Meenakshi Govindarajan and Archana Ravichandran in pivotal roles. Harish Kannan was the cinematographer for the second part of the film, which had music by Sam C S. Art direction was by Ravi Pandi and editing by D Kumaresh.

The second instalment of the franchise, which released last year, had an impressive 85-day run in theatres, much to the delight of its makers. The second instalment’s end made it evident that the makers were certain about making a third instalment of the franchise.

--IANS

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