Friday, December 26, 2025

Delhi Govt approves 6km double elevated road in city

By
Priyanka Tanwer
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Photo: Naveen Bansal

In a relief to the residents of North East Delhi, the government is all set to construct double elevated roads to decongest the roads and reduce the incidents of traffic jams.

The government will build a 5.5 kilometre to 6 kilometre long elevated road in Pusta Sonia Vihar with an estimated cost of Rs 500 core. This project is aimed at easing traffic and improving connectivity in the trans-Yamuna region.

Photo: Naveen Bansal

“Due to the presence of many trees in the area, we have decided to construct a flyover instead of a conventional road. After discussions with the chief minister, the project has been approved, and work will commence following deliberations with the Flood Department,” Verma said.

Meanwhile cabinet minister Kapil Mishra who was accompanying Verma said that the Delhi government is working very fast under the leadership of chief minister Rekha Gupta.

“Now lakhs of people of Jamna Par, Karawal Nagar, Sonia Vihar will get relief from traffic jams. PWD Minister has approved doubling and elevated Sonia Vihar Pusta Road. A 6km long elevated road will be built from Nanaksar Gurudwara to Shani Mandir (UP border),” he added.

During the inspection of the area, verma instructed officials to install proper CCTV cameras and maintain cleanliness on the road with proper water management to provide proper basic infrastructure to the public.

He also visited Karkadi Mor, Balco Society in Vishwas Nagar Assembly and gave instructions to remove the huge pile of debris and beautify the area and both sides of the roads.

“During the site visit, the problem of encroachment was also seen, for the solution of which instructions have been given to the concerned officials. All the work here will be completed soon,” Verma said. 

Bill sets fair framework for Waqf administration: Govt

By
Priyanka Tanwer
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Photo: Naveen Bansal

After more than 12-hour debate in Lok Sabha, the upper house on Friday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it in the lower house.

According to the ministry of minority affairs, the bill addresses various longstanding issues including, lakh of transparency, incomplete surveys and mutation of Waqf land records, insufficient provisions for women’s inheritance rights among others.

A total of 10,381 cases of litigations including encroachment were pending in 2013 which have now increased to 21,618 cases. This bill will address this issue.

Under the new amendment, the bill aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to streamline Waqf property management while safeguarding heritage sites and individual property rights. Various states have seen disputes over Waqf property claims, leading to legal battles and community concerns. As of September 2024, across 25 States and UTs Waqf Boards, a total of 5973 government properties have been declared as Waqf properties,” the ministry said.

The Bill also seeks to improve the economic and social status of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women, by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) and financial independence programmes.

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 establishes a secular, transparent, and accountable system for Waqf administration. While Waqf properties serve religious and charitable purposes, their management involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that require structured governance,” the ministry stated.  

It further said that the role of Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council (CWC) is not religious but regulatory, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding public interest. By introducing checks and balances, empowering stakeholders, and improving governance, the Bill sets a progressive and fair framework for Waqf administration in India.

Amit Shah to visit J&K for three days from April 6

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on April 6, a local agency KNO reported here today.

Shah will first land in Jammu, where he is expected to spend two days meeting officials and visiting key locations. On the evening of April 7, he will travel to Srinagar, staying overnight before heading back to New Delhi the next day.

His itinerary includes visits to border areas and high-level discussions with senior security officials and local administrators. He will review the progress of centrally funded development projects and assess the overall security situation in the region.

In both Jammu and Srinagar, Shah is also scheduled to inaugurate several projects. A crucial security review meeting, bringing together top officials from the police, Army, and paramilitary forces, is also on the agenda, sources said.

During the visit, he is likely to meet former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Earlier this week, Abdullah dismissed speculation that Shah’s visit was linked to the ongoing anti-terror operation in Kathua. “His visit was planned before the encounter. It’s just a coincidence that both events are happening around the same time,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Waqf Bill ends era of years of injustice and corruption says Amit Shah

By
Sanmarg Dev
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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it a historic step toward ending years of injustice and corruption in the management of Waqf properties.

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 upper house on the bill while slamming the Opposition.

The Rajya Sabha approved the Bill in the early hours of Friday with a majority of 128 votes against 95, following a charged debate. This came just a day after the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha following a nearly 12-hour-long discussion.

Taking to X, Amit Shah posted, “Today is a historic day, when the Parliament has approved the ‘Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025’, ending the era of years of injustice and corruption and ushering in an era of justice and equality.”

He added, “Through this Bill, the Waqf Board and Waqf properties are going to be more accountable, transparent and equitable. This will definitely benefit the poor, women and children of the Muslim community.”

Congratulating the leadership behind the Bill, Shah said, “I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju for this important Bill that gives justice to crores of people. Also, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the parties and MPs who supported it.”

The Rajya Sabha debate, which started on Thursday, concluded with the approval of the Bill early Friday morning.

The legislation will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent to become law.

Star of Patriotic films Manoj Kumar passes away at 87

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar breathed his last on Friday at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was 87.

Reportedly, the medical reports reveal that Manoj Kumar’s death was caused by cardiogenic shock resulting from an acute myocardial infarction, a severe heart attack. The reports also indicated that he had been struggling with decompensated liver cirrhosis in recent months, which had worsened his health.

The legendary actor was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, when his health deteriorated.

Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, said in a official statement, “Veteran actor Shri Manoj Kumarji passed away peacefully at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital early this morning at around 3:30 AM, due to age-related health issues. He had been hospitalized for the past few weeks.”

Following the news of his passing, tributes quickly flooded in from celebrities, politicians, and fans alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, mourning the loss of the legendary actor-director. Taking to his X handle, he tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Manoj Kumar, widely recognized for his patriotic films, was affectionately known by the moniker ‘Bharat Kumar.’ Born as Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj made a lasting impact on Hindi cinema. His memorable performances in films such as “Shaheed”, “Upkar,” and “Rang De Basanti” struck a deep chord with the patriotic spirit of the Indian audience.

Manoj Kumar, one of the most successful actors of the 60s and 70s, worked in multiple iconic films like “Shor,” “Do Badan”, “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan,” “Purab Aur Paschim,” and many others. Apart from his acting career, he was also a director and producer. He directed several hit films like “Upkar,” “Kranti,” “Clerk,” and others.

Manoj Kumar also ventured into politics and, after his retirement from films, officially joined the BJP.

Delhi dubbed as most hardworking state in country

By
Priyanka Tanwer
-
Photo: Naveen Bansal

People in Delhi spend around two hours extra daily on employment and related activities, including travelling to and fro from work than the rest of the country, thus making it to be the most hardworking city, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation said in a report.

According to the data, while an individual in Delhi spends 571 minutes or nearly 9.5 hours every day for work related activities, the national average stands at 455 minutes.

On the other hand, Haryana spends 493 minutes while Tamil Nadu spends 484 minutes. Touching even lower, states like Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan spend around seven hours on work and related activities.

As per the Time Use Survey report, Delhi, along with Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Goa is counted among the richest states in terms of per capita income.

Meanwhile Rajasthan spends more time on socializing, community participation, religious participation than other states, standing at 148 minutes in comparison to the national average of 129 minutes.

Tamil Nadu has been dubbed the least social state, with just 106 minutes every day. Coming to Haryana, the state might not be the most hardworking but it is ranking at the top by spending the most time on leisure, sports activities, and cultural events.

“Haryana’s average time for leisure is 199 minutes, higher than other states as well as the national average of 176 minutes. Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh spend more than 475 minutes on learning activities compared to the national average of 420 minutes,” the report stated.

What comes next is the gender disparity at work, as men are seen as more involved in leisure, sports, mass media, and cultural activities, except for in six states, including Delhi. The disparity remains the highest in Uttar Pradesh, where women have been seen spending 72 percent less time on work than men, followed by Bihar with 71.6 per cent.

Parvesh Verma inspects Wazirabad water treatment plant

By
Tehelka Bureau
-
Photo: Naveen Bansal

Delhi water minister Parvesh Verma on Thursday visited the Wazirabad water treatment plant for inspection and directed officials to carry out desilting work to enhance the storage capacity.

He said that the process would be completed within one and a half months after which the plant would be able to store water at double its current capacity.

“The Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant has a storage capacity of 220 MGD, but due to silt accumulation along a one-kilometre stretch, it is currently holding only around 100 MGD,” he said.

He also said that while Delhi receives adequate water supply from neighbouring states, improvements are needed in storage infrastructure and leakage prevention.

Additionally, efforts are being made to regulate ammonia levels in the Yamuna River, he said.

He further said, “IT dashboard is being developed to oversee 30 sewage treatment plants that come under the Delhi Jal Board. These plants need regular monitoring.”  

The minister added that he would personally inspect all water and sewage treatment plants in the city, one by one.

Earlier in the day, the minister informed that Delhi government is investigating irregularities in water billing that led to exorbitant charges for many residents.

Addressing the media at Delhi assembly he said, “I don’t know what the previous govt did, due to which water bills of lakhs of rupees were sent even to houses of 25-50 yards. We are getting this investigated. All increased bills will be corrected. If it is completely wrong, it will be forgiven. We have talked with the CM to give relief on fines too, and will make an announcement soon.”

After LS Nod, Waqf Bill to be presented in Rajya Sabha

By
Tehelka Bureau
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After the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, it will be tabled by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The Lok Sabha intensely discussed the bill for more than 12 hours, which began at Wednesday noon and continued till the early hours of Thursday. The Waqf Bill was passed with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.

Apart from the Waqf bill passage, a resolution was adopted by the Lower House confirming the President’s Rule in Manipur.

As per the Business List for Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will move in the Rajya Sabha the Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.

HM Shah will “move the following Resolution – that this House approves the Proclamation issued by the President on the 13th February 2025 under Article 356(1) of the Constitution in relation to the State of Manipur.”

The Lok Sabha early Thursday passed the Statutory Resolution confirming the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. Even though members across party lines supported the decision, some opposition members slammed the Centre for the situation in Manipur. HM Shah said that the government has taken every possible measure to bring back normalcy in the restive Northeastern state.

Minister Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani will lay a statement regarding the withdrawal of funds from the Contingency Fund of India for servicing Interest on Sovereign Guarantee Bonds (SGBs) raised by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

In the Lok Sabha, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, will be put up by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for consideration and passing. The motion was moved by Sonowal on April 1, namely – “That the Bill to consolidate and amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping, promote coasting trade and encourage domestic participation therein, to ensure that India is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by the citizens of India for its national security and commercial needs, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, be taken into consideration.”

Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu will move The Protection of Interests In Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, for consideration and passing. The Bill seeks to “provide for protection of interests in aircraft objects and to implement the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, each signed at Cape Town on 16th November, 2001.”

Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will make a statement in the Lower House regarding “the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 10th Report of the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs on PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) pertaining to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs”.

Ruling NC’s outreach to Hurriyat: Tanvir Sadiq meets Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to exchange Eid greetings

By
Tehelka Bureau
-

Srinagar: In a rare yet significant interaction between a mainstream political figure and a separatist leader in Kashmir, National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq visited Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his residence to extend Eid greetings.

Sadiq, who represents Srinagar’s Zadibal constituency, later shared the news on social media platform X, writing:

“Called on Islamic scholar @MirwaizKashmir Umar Farooq Sahab to extend Eid Mubarak greetings and wished him good health.”

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also acknowledged the visit, confirming that Sadiq had stopped by to convey his Eid wishes.

While it is customary in Kashmir for leaders to visit one another during Eid, such meetings between mainstream and separatist figures remain rare. This marks the second time an NC leader has met Mirwaiz Umar Farooq since the party’s recent electoral win. Earlier in February, senior NC leader and MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi met with Mirwaiz in New Delhi, where they discussed the Centre’s Waqf Bill amendments and other important matters.

Tanvir Sadiq, who also serves as the chief spokesperson of the National Conference, has long been a close associate of party vice-president Omar Abdullah. However, the NC has downplayed any political significance of this meeting. Party spokesperson Imran Nabi described it as a simple and routine exchange of Eid greetings.

Brutal police assault on soldier, son puts Mann govt on backfoot

By
Pawan Kumar Bansal
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The alleged thrashing of Col Pushpinder Bath and his son by Punjab cops in Patiala has escalated into a major controversy, attracting reactions from armed forces, political parties and even farmers, leaving the Mann-led government in the state under mounting pressure. A report by Pawan Kumar Bansal

A brutal beating of serving army officer Col Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son by Patiala Police has put Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan in a spot. Jaswinder Kaur, wife of Col Pushpinder, has demanded a CBI probe into the incident, amid groundswell of support from the cross section of society.

It is alleged that Col Pushpinder, posted on a sensitive post under the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, and his son were brutally beaten by about dozen cops including four police inspectors on the night of 13th-14th March, 2025 near Harbans Dhaba in Patiala.
The armed assailants allegedly attacked Pushpinder and his son without provocation and reportedly snatched Pushpinder’s official I-card and mobile .

Pushpinder has alleged that the assailants gave threats of fake encounter under CCTV
coverage. An FIR was registered and some cops were suspended when the matter was brought to the notice of Governor of Punjab after eight days of the incident.
The police put out a theory that the army officer and along with his son were taking liquor at a public place and on being questioned, Pushpinder’s son assaulted the cops. However, medical reports disprove the allegation that the duo were under the influence of liquor. As part of damage-control exercise during this period, the accused officers made video-calls to Pushpender’s wife, Jaswinder Kaur, admitting to the offence and requested compromise on the issue.
Confrontation between armed forces and police in a border state is a very serious issue and it should be  solved to the satisfaction of both parties. A probe by the Punjab Police being party to the incident will not be acceptable to the victims. On the other hand, harsh action against the police officers involved in the incident would demoralise the force. Also, anti-social elements and pro-Khalistani elements in Punjab and abroad can exploit the situation.
Allegations and counter-allegations are being levelled by the police and the army officer against each other. In the heat of media frenzy, nothing can be concluded in a hurry. Retired police officers have come in support of the police while former army men not only from Punjab but from adjoining J&K and Haryana, which have a large number of personnel in the army, are supporting their colleague. Brij Raj Singh, a retired colonel from Haryana, expressing shock over the incident demanded exemplary action against the erring cops. Col Manjeet Singh, along with his wife, visited the protest dharna venue in Patiala to express solidarity with his colleague.


Political opponents of Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan are exploiting the situation to discredit him. Now, farmers have also joined the protest which has further added to the worries of the government which is already facing farmers’ ire due to its action of evicting farmers from dharna sites at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Although belated, three police inspectors have been suspended and a case has been registered against twelve cops, including three suspended inspectors, but Pushpinder’s family is not satisfied. Old stories of tiff of SSP, Chandigarh, and an army officer and story of alleged misbehaviour of son of a former CM of Punjab with wives of army personnel in which CM had to express regret for the conduct of his son are reappearing prominently in media.

As part of damage control exercise, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and Western Command Chief Lt Gen Mohit Wadhva held joint press conference at Chandigarh in which Mohit Wadhva sought exemplary and time-bound action against Punjab police personnel, who allegedly assaulted Col Pushpinder Bath and his son in Patiala. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav assured that erring staff would be dealt with sternly. Lt Gen Wadhva said that the accused should be punished in a timely and exemplary manner so that the incident does not affect the cordial relationship between the civil administration and serving and retired army personnel. It is believed that had Punjab DGP taken timely action against the erring cops, the situation could not have exploded. Also, CM Bhagwant Maan should have intervened earlier.

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