Authorities in South Tripura recovered a suspected drone near the India-Bangladesh border, causing concerns of a potential security breach. Found 300 meters from the international fence, the drone is being investigated for its origin and purpose. Preliminary analysis indicates it may have crossed from Bangladesh, raising fears of smuggling or espionage. The BSF and local police are collaborating to trace its flight path and assess the threat.”
In a harrowing case from Varanasi, a 19-year-old girl has accused 23 men of abducting and gang-raping her over a week between March 29 and April 4, 2025. The survivor, a resident of Pandeypur Lalpur, went missing after visiting a hookah bar in Sigra with her boyfriend. According to her statement, she was drugged, kidnapped, and repeatedly assaulted at various locations across the city. After managing to return home, she informed her family, prompting an FIR to be registered on April 6. So far, six suspects have been arrested, and police are actively examining CCTV footage as the investigation unfolds.
A massive 10-foot-long King Cobra was safely rescued from a house in Hawaithang, Cachar, by the Barak Valley Wildlife Division. The coordinated effort ensured zero harm to both residents and the protected reptile.
NHIDCL MD Dr. Krishan Kumar reviews progress on three key infrastructure projects in Assam including the ₹25,000 Cr Guwahati–Silchar Expressway, the first underwater tunnel at Numaligarh–Gohpur, and multiple NH corridor expansions.
The Centre has hiked domestic LPG cylinder prices by ₹50 for all consumers, while excise duty on petrol and diesel is also revised. Yet, retail fuel prices will remain unchanged, assures the Petroleum Ministry.
The Assam Police arrested Shivshankar Prasad, a UCO Bank employee, on April 6 in Bihar for his involvement in a significant embezzlement case at the South Salmara branch in Dhubri. Prasad allegedly misappropriated Rs 8 lakh from customer deposits and Rs 26 lakh from the bank’s reserves. Upon his arrest, Rs 10 lakh in cash was recovered. Complaints from account holders prompted an internal review, leading to a formal complaint by the branch manager, Chiradeep Paul. Prasad has been brought back to Assam, and investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the embezzlement and recover the stolen funds.
A devastating fire broke out in the LG electronics showroom in the Old Balibat area of Jorhat town on Sunday morning, causing an estimated loss of around Rs. 50 lakh. The fire, suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit, destroyed high-value electronic items like LED TVs, air conditioners, and refrigerators. The family living on the upper floor of the building was safely evacuated by firefighters. Four fire tenders were deployed, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to nearby shops. A detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Tensions have risen in the Ranghar Chariali Dhuliapara area of Sivasagar, Assam, following the death of Mousumi Sultana. Her family has accused her husband and mother-in-law of murdering her after repeated incidents of domestic violence. They allege the perpetrators staged her death as a road accident. Locals and her family are now demanding a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been enacted into law with the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, has also been approved by the president.
The legislative breakthrough was confirmed by way of an official government notification accessible for public record, reflecting the major progress being made in the central government’s reform agenda.
The passage of these bills in Parliament was characterized by intense debate and long hours. The Lok Sabha approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the wee hours of Thursday, and then there was a 17-hour marathon session in the Rajya Sabha on Friday that ended with its approval. These prolonged deliberations reflect the importance and delicacy of the suggested amendments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the passing of the bills a “watershed moment” for India. He underlined that these reforms are meant to promote more transparency, spur inclusive development, and empower communities that have long lingered on the periphery of economic and social advancement.
In a statement posted on the social media site X, Modi articulated that these changes in legislation signify a wider commitment to socio-economic justice and empowerment.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who brought the bill in Parliament’s both houses, justified the stand of the government, stating the amendment honors the constitutional rights of citizens across all sectors.
He said the spirit behind the reforms was inclusive in the sense that there is no move to hit or target any religion or society-based group, but merely an effort towards building an inclusive system for societies as a whole.
However, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill’s passage has triggered a political row. A number of opposition leaders have questioned the purpose and meaning of the bill. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, contending that the bill is unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Muslims. The leaders have been afraid that the bill would undermine minority rights and undermine current legal safeguards for Waqf properties.
Reconciling with criticism, the government at the centre has reaffirmed its intentions with respect to justice and equality. It has stressed that the bill resulted from elaborate public debate and review in the Joint Parliamentary Committee, evidence of a democratic procedure.
The government continues to uphold that the changes were designed towards bringing about updates in Waqf management, ensuring governance becomes better and up to date, so as to govern the Waqf properties more transparently on behalf of the desired beneficiaries.
As the political and legal wars intensify, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 hold the power to influence the destiny of religious endowment rule in India, with profound ramifications for minority rights, property administration, and communal concord.
Barak Bolchhe!
