LEGAL NEWS

The Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025 has ignited considerable legal and social debates across India, with critics arguing that it infringes upon constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. The Act primarily aims to reform the management of waqf properties—assets dedicated to Islamic religious and charitable purposes—but has encountered significant opposition, with over 70 petitions challenging it. These petitions claim that the Act violates the protections provided under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.

Overview of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025

This amendment seeks to strengthen the central government's control over waqf properties by making significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995. A key provision of the Act is the removal of the "waqf by user" concept, which previously allowed properties used for charitable purposes over time to be recognized as waqf, even without formal registration.

Major Provisions of the Act

1. Power of District Collector to Determine Waqf Status

o Under the amended Act, district collectors are granted the authority to determine whether a property qualifies as waqf. Critics have raised concerns that this provision could undermine the role of the judiciary and centralize too much power with local authorities.

2. Mandatory Registration of Waqf Properties

o The Act mandates that all waqf properties be formally registered, a requirement that has sparked concerns about its practicality, especially for historical properties that have existed for centuries without formal documentation.

3. Elimination of Waqf by User

o The new law removes the "waqf by user" concept, which allowed properties to be classified as waqf based on continuous religious use over time. This could affect properties that have historically been treated as waqf despite lacking formal registration.

4. Non-Muslim Representation on Waqf Boards

o The Act allows for the inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf Councils and Boards, which has raised significant controversy. Critics question whether this provision could lead to imbalance in the governance of religious institutions, prompting the Supreme Court to question whether non-Muslims would be allowed on Hindu religious trusts as well. The Court argued that Waqf Boards should primarily consist of Muslims, with exceptions for ex-officio members (government officials), who could belong to any religion.

Supreme Court Concerns (April 2025 Hearing)

In the first hearing of the case in April 2025, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices P.V. Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, expressed concerns about three key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. These provisions, they noted, could significantly alter the long-established framework governing waqf properties in India.

1. Impact on Waqf by User Properties

o The Court highlighted that properties that were previously declared as waqf by a judicial body should not lose their status under the new law. It emphasized that the new Act should not retroactively affect existing waqf properties that have been recognized by the judiciary.

2. Suspension of Waqf Status During Inquiry

o The new Act stipulates that if a district collector initiates an inquiry into a property, its waqf status will be frozen until the inquiry concludes. The Supreme Court questioned this provision, arguing that a property's waqf status should remain in effect even during an ongoing investigation unless proven otherwise.

3. Representation of Non-Muslims in Waqf Management

o The Court raised concerns about allowing non-Muslims to be part of Waqf Boards, questioning whether such a practice would be accepted in other religious contexts, such as Hindu religious trusts. The Court suggested that Waqf Boards should be composed mainly of Muslims, with ex-officio members being exceptions.

Implications of the Act

The final decision by the Supreme Court regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act will have significant ramifications, not only for the management of waqf properties but also for the broader balance between religious rights and state authority in India. It will set an important legal precedent for how religious institutions and charitable properties are managed under Indian law, and how government regulations interact with the autonomy of religious groups.

The Court's ruling will likely influence the future relationship between religion, law, and the state, particularly in terms of property management and the governance of religious institutions. As such, the case represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the regulation of religious practices and the role of state intervention.

DEFENCE

Sixth Edition of India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise Dustlik (2025)

• The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, Dustlik, began on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, India.

• This annual event alternates between India and Uzbekistan, fostering stronger defense cooperation between the two nations.

• The exercise aims to enhance military collaboration and improve joint operational capabilities in diverse terrain environments.

• Personnel from both the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army are participating in this edition of Dustlik.

• The term "Dustlik," which means "friendship" in Uzbek, reflects the spirit of the exercise.

• The focus of Dustlik 2025 is on counter-terrorism operations within sub-conventional domains, emphasizing anti-insurgency and hybrid warfare tactics.

• The last edition of the exercise was held in Termez, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.

• The theme for Dustlik 2025 revolves around joint multi-domain sub-conventional operations, particularly in responding to terrorist activities and territory capture scenarios.

• The exercise aims to refine response strategies and enhance the operational effectiveness of both armed forces in tackling modern security challenges.

NATIONAL NEWS

Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential: India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector

• NITI Aayog's report highlights the potential of India’s hand and power tools sector to drive significant economic growth.

• The report identifies key challenges, policy constraints, and interventions needed to strengthen India's hand and power tools industry.

• A strategic roadmap is outlined to boost India's global competitiveness and expand its international market share.

• The global hand and power tools market is valued at $100 billion, projected to grow to $190 billion by 2035.

• Hand tools, currently a $34 billion market, are expected to reach $60 billion by 2035.

• Power tools, including tools and accessories, represent $63 billion and are set to grow to $134 billion, with power tools leading the market.

• China dominates global exports, controlling 50% of the hand tool market ($13 billion) and 40% of the power tool market ($22 billion).

• India's exports in hand tools total $600 million (1.8% market share) and power tools $470 million (0.7% market share).

• The report emphasizes India’s potential to capture a $25 billion export share over the next decade, creating up to 35 lakh jobs.

• India could achieve a 10% share in power tools and 25% in hand tools, significantly boosting its industry.

• Challenges include a 14-17% cost disadvantage compared to China due to higher raw material costs, structural issues, and labor productivity gaps.

STATE NEWS

Madhya Pradesh Government Confirms Continuation of Ladli Behna Yojana

• The Madhya Pradesh government has confirmed that the Ladli Behna Yojana will continue without any interruptions.

• A new payment schedule has been introduced, with monthly payments now being deposited between the 10th and 15th of each month.

• Housing and Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya shared the update.

• For April 2025, the government is releasing ₹1,552 crore under the scheme.

• The funds will be credited directly to the accounts of the beneficiaries.

• The scheme currently benefits 1.27 crore women across the state.

• Each eligible woman receives ₹1,250 every month under the program.

• Ladli Behna Yojana, launched in 2023, aims to empower women in Madhya Pradesh and make them economically self-reliant.

• The scheme was initiated by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Tamil Nadu’s New Committee to Review Centre-State Relations

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced the formation of a high-level committee to reassess Centre-State relations, chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph.

• The committee’s aim is to strengthen the constitutional rights of Indian states, echoing a similar initiative by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai nearly 50 years ago.

• The move addresses ongoing concerns about the diminishing powers of states in India.

• In 1969, the Rajamannar Committee, led by Dr. P.V. Rajamannar, studied the Constitution and found that the Centre’s dominance over states had grown.

• The committee observed that although the Constitution is meant to be federal, its implementation effectively reduced states to mere extensions of the Centre.

• Key Findings of the Rajamannar Committee

• The committee highlighted constitutional provisions (Articles 256, 257, and 365) that allow the Centre to issue directives to states, undermining state authority.

• It recommended the repeal of Article 356, which allows President’s Rule, and called for a more robust Inter-State Council.

• The committee criticized the discretionary powers of institutions like the Planning Commission, which created state dependency and weakened the Finance Commission’s role.

• It argued that a strong Centre does not require overreach and that national unity is better served by clear and restrained power.

• Current Political Landscape

• Stalin’s committee formation comes amid tensions between Tamil Nadu and the central government, particularly over issues like NEET, GST compensation, and language policy.

RANKING AND REPORTS

Indira Gandhi International Airport Ranks 9th Among World's Busiest Airports in 2024

• Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi has secured the 9th position globally among the busiest airports for 2024.

• The airport served 77.8 million passengers this year, reflecting a 7.8% increase in traffic compared to 2023.

• Passenger numbers have grown by 13.6% since 2019.

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport holds the top spot, with over 108 million passengers, followed by Dubai and Dallas Fort Worth airports in second and third.

• IGI’s rise to 9th place is attributed to expanded airline operations and enhanced infrastructure, along with improved global connectivity.

• The Airports Council International (ACI) forecasts global passenger traffic will reach 9.9 billion by 2025.

• ACI’s rankings consider total passenger traffic, counting both embarking and disembarking passengers.

• In 2018, IGI was ranked 16th among the busiest airports worldwide.

• ACI represents over 2,000 airports across 170 countries.