IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Mine Awareness 2025 observed on April 4

• International Day for Mine Awareness 2025 observed annually on April 4.

• The 2025 theme is "Safe Futures Start Here."

• Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines and the efforts for their eradication.

• The United Nations declared April 4 as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on December 8, 2005, with the first observance in 2006.

• The day emphasizes the need for national leaders to strengthen mine-action capacities.

• Daniel Craig was the first UN Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.

• Over 100 million people worldwide are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

LEGAL NEWS

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2025 Passed by Parliament

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Parliament, with the Rajya Sabha passing it by a vote of 128 in favor and 95 against. The Lok Sabha had already approved the bill.

• The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill 2025, which repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923, was also passed after Rajya Sabha approval.

• The key objectives of the bills are to improve Waqf property management, protect heritage sites, and promote social welfare.

• The bills aim to enhance transparency in governance, streamline coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities, and safeguard the rights of stakeholders.

• The contribution from Waqf institutions to Waqf Boards has been reduced from 7% to 5%.

• Waqf institutions with an income over Rs 1 lakh will now be audited by state-sponsored auditors.

• A centralized portal will be introduced to automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.

• Muslims can now dedicate property to Waqf for a minimum of five years, restoring the pre-2013 rules.

• Women will receive inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.

• An officer above the rank of Collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.

• Non-Muslim members will be included in the Central and State Waqf Boards for greater inclusivity.

• History of Waqf Legislation in India:

✓ Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913 – Allowed creation of Waqfs for family benefit and aimed at improving Waqf management.

✓ Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913 – Allowed creation of Waqfs for family benefit and aimed at improving Waqf management.

✓ Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1930 – Strengthened the legal validity of family Waqfs, reinforcing the 1913 Act.

✓ Waqf Act, 1954 – Established State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council of India in 1964 to oversee Waqf properties.

✓ Amendments to Waqf Act, 1954 (1959, 1964, 1969, 1984) – Aimed to improve administration and efficiency.

✓ Waqf Act, 1995 – Repealed the 1954 Act, introduced Waqf Tribunals and defined roles of boards and mutawalli.

✓ Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013 – Established Waqf tribunals, mandated women representation on State Boards, and extended Waqf property lease periods.

✓ Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Seeks to modernize governance, reduce disputes, and fix issues in previous Acts.

✓ Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 – Repeals the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

President's Rule in Manipur and Constitutional Process

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha to approve the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur.

• The resolution was passed by the House following violence triggered by a reservation dispute between two communities after a decision by the Manipur High Court.

• The violence caused loss of life, and the Home Minister noted past conflicts, including the Naga-Kuki dispute between 1993 and 1998.

• There had been no violence in Manipur for the past four months, and no shutdowns between 2017 and the High Court’s decision.

• Violence erupted shortly after the High Court’s order, with both communities misinterpreting the ruling.

• The government’s priority is to restore peace and provide rehabilitation to those affected by the violence.

• After the Chief Minister's resignation, the Governor consulted political representatives and recommended President's Rule.

• The President accepted the Cabinet's recommendation for President's Rule.

• About Statutory Resolution:

• • A resolution can be introduced to bring attention to public issues, and either a private member or a minister can move a statutory resolution.
• • A statutory resolution is used to implement a constitutional provision.

• Violence in Manipur:

• • Violence in Manipur began in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
• • The violence followed a Manipur High Court decision in April 2023 regarding Scheduled Tribe status for Meitei people.

• President’s Rule (State Emergency):

• • Article 356 of the Constitution allows the Centre to take over a state's government if constitutional machinery fails, known as President's Rule or State Emergency.
• • The President can announce President’s Rule based on the Governor’s report or without it.
• • Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must approve the imposition of President's Rule within two months.
• • Once approved, President’s Rule lasts for six months and can be extended every six months for up to three years with Parliament’s approval.

NATIONAL NEWS

Indian Yoga Association's Contribution to International Yoga Day 2025 Celebrations

• The Indian Yoga Association (IYA) is actively participating in the preparations for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, with just 79 days remaining.

• Representatives from 27 state chapters of IYA have joined discussions, showcasing their commitment and enthusiasm for the event.

• The Ministry of AYUSH has appreciated IYA’s proactive approach and advance planning for IDY 2025.

• This collaboration aims to promote the event and spread yoga's benefits worldwide.

• The theme for IDY 2025 is "Yoga for One Earth One Health."

• IYA members have already planned activities around 10 signature events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day 2025.

• The 10 Signature Events for IDY 2025:

• • Yoga Sangam
• • Yoga Bandhan
• • Yoga Parks
• • Yoga Samavesh
• • Yoga Prabhav
• • Yoga Connect
• • Harit Yoga
• • Yoga Unplugged
• • Yoga Maha Kumbh
• • Samyoga

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Global Engagement Scheme by the Ministry of Culture

• The Global Engagement Scheme aims to enhance India's cultural presence and global image.

• The scheme is implemented through Indian Missions abroad and includes various cultural programs like the Festival of India.

• The Festival of India allows Indian artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents globally.

• Financial support is provided to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies.

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) plays a key role in promoting Indian culture worldwide.

• In 2021, India hosted the BRICS Culture Senior Officers' and Ministers' Meetings.

• In 2023, India organized the Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage and the 20th SCO Culture Ministers' Meeting.

• India also held the inaugural India-Central Asia Culture Ministers' Meeting in 2023.

• During its G20 presidency in 2023, India organized the G20 Culture Working Group and Culture Ministers’ Meeting.

• At the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, India showcased the G20 Digital Museum and "Routes and Roots" exhibitions.

• India adheres to the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention.

• The G20 Culture Working Group released the 'Kashi Culture Pathway' Outcome Document, advocating for culture as a standalone goal in the post-2030 development agenda.

• India is also part of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), and the Memory of the World (MOW) Programme.