Devoted sisters from Bengaluru create handwritten Quran on cloth, present it at Ajmer Sharif
Srinagar, Jul 12: In a deeply spiritual and culturally significant gesture, two devoted sisters from Bengaluru Suraiyya Quraishi and Bibi Tabassum have prepared a unique, fully handwritten copy of the Holy Quran Sharif on cloth.The copy of the Quran was recently presented with reverence at the sanctified shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan []
Railways launches Swarnim Bharat Yatra to commemorate Independence Day with 10-day heritage tour
NEW DELHI: The Railways has planned to operate a special Swarnim Bharat Yatra tourist train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme, commencing on 14 August from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. The Swarnim Bharat Yatra train is aimed at commemorating Indias Independence Day with a 9-night, 10-day tour covering key historical and cultural sites associated with Indias freedom movement and heritage. The first destination of the Swarnim Bharat Yatra is Ahmedabads Sabarmati Ashram, one of the key centres of Mahatma Gandhis freedom movement. Following this, the train will visit the intricate 15th-century Adalaj Stepwell and continue with a day trip to Modhera, known for its ancient Sun Temple, and Patan home to the UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav. In Kevadia, Gujarat, travellers will witness the iconic Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, along with the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The journey then proceeds to Pune, where the Aga Khan Palace a landmark of the Quit India Movement and sacred sites such as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga await. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), tourists will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, along with the Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga. The tour concludes with visits to Jhansi Fort and the historic temples and palaces of Orchha, before returning to Delhi. The Deluxe AC Tourist Train has a composition of First AC, Second AC, and Third AC classes, accommodating 150 tourists with modern amenities such as dining cars, shower cubicles, sensor-based washrooms, foot massagers, and CCTV-enabled security, with boarding facilities available at Delhi Safdarjung, Gurgaon, Rewari, Ringas, Phulera, and Ajmer. The Railways said that the IRCTC has fixed the tour prices at Rs 71,585 (3AC), Rs 81,675 (2AC), Rs 94,845 (1AC Cabin), and Rs 1,01,430 (1AC Coupe), which includes train travel, three-star hotel accommodation, vegetarian meals, transfers, sightseeing in an AC vehicle, insurance, and IRCTC tour manager services.
Court shuts Ajmer's Rs 243 crore bridge inaugurated days ago
Mumbai Man booked for forcing wife, mother-in-law to perform black magic rituals in the buff
THANE: In a shocking incident, a 30-year-old man from Navi Mumbai allegedly forced his wife and mother-in-law to perform certain lack magic rituals in the buff to help his brother-in-law get married and circulated these images, police said on Saturday. A case was registered at Vashi police station on July 3 and the investigation was launched. No arrest has been made so far. Police stated the alleged incidents occurred between April and July this year in the house of the accused in Navi Mumbai. He hails from Devria in Uttar Pradesh. On April 15, the accused allegedly forced his wife and her mother to perform certain rituals without clothes intended to help his brother-in-law get married, a police official said. He forced them to take their nude pictures and subsequently asked her (the complainant) to come to Ajmer with these pictures, the official added. After the victim went to Ajmer with the pictures, the accused allegedly posted these images in the WhatsApp accounts of her father and brother, the FIR stated. Police booked the accused under sections 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
Saira Banus ancestral home in Delhis Ajmeri Gate is an echo from the past
The childhood home of Saira Banu in the bustling lanes of Ajmeri Gate within the Walled City of Old Delhi is a piece of history crushed between memory and decay
Section of ceiling at Ajmer Dargah collapses due to heavy rains
Jaipur: A section of the ceiling at the Ajmer Dargah collapsed during heavy monsoon rains on Wednesday, triggering outrage among devotees and raising questions over the maintenance of the centuries-old Sufi shrine. The incident occurred amid a downpour that led to clearing of the visitors area, preventing any casualties. However, the collapse has renewed scrutiny Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University (MDSU), Ajmer has released the results for both UG and PG Courses for the academic session 2025. The results for courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, and MCom are available online at the official examination portal mdsuexam.org. Students can check and download their results by entering their roll number on the website
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University (MDSU) has announced the 2025 results for UG and PG courses including BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, and MCom on its official website, mdsuexam.org. Additionally, the university has released the provisional list for Ph.D. Admission 2025. Shortlisted candidates must appear for document verification and subject-wise interviews at MDSU Ajmer campus with required documents. Students and Ph.D. applicants are advised to check the official site for detailed information and schedules.
Tanker Driver Burnt Alive After Vehicle Catches Fire On Jaipur-Ajmer Highway
A chemical tanker overturned and caught fire near Mokhampura on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Wednesday, leaving the driver dead, police said.
The 325-year-old Anglo-Arabic School at Ajmeri Gate is one of the oldest Muslim running schools in North India that upholds the value of education for upliftment
BYJUS RP Sues Former Directors Over Alleged Transfer Of Company Assets
BYJUS current resolution professional Shailendra Ajmera has filed a lawsuit against Think & Learn Private Limiteds former directors Byju Raveendran,
Pari Bhishnoi from Rajasthan's Ajmer was determined to become an IAS officer very early on. She was only in class 12th when she decided to make her career in the government sector. With hard work and perseverance she cleared the UPSC exam.
The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has released the RAS Mains Admit Card 2024 on its website for candidates who cleared the Prelims. The RAS Mains Exam is scheduled for June 17 and 18, 2025, across Jaipur and Ajmer. Approximately 21 thousand candidates will compete for 1,096 government positions, requiring them to download their admit cards and adhere to specified guidelines.
2-Foot-Long Monitor Lizard Emerges From Toilet In Rajasthan
A two-foot-long Goyra, commonly referred to as the Indian monitor lizard, invaded a home in the Kishangarh town of Ajmer district, Rajasthan,causing a massive stir in the neighbourhood.
BAHRAICH: Amid a ban by the district administration on the fair held at the tomb of Syed Salar Masood Ghazi in Bahraich, the national president of BJP Minority Front, Jamal Siddiqui, offered a 'chaddar' at the dargah on the occasion of Urs and said he considers Ghazi a saint. On May 3, the Bahraich district administration denied permission for the annual 'Jeth Mela' traditionally held at the dargah. In an official statement, the administration cited the prevailing atmosphere of public anger following incidents like the Pahalgam attack and Sambhal violence and concerns surrounding the amended Waqf Act as the reasons. The Jeth Mela, originally scheduled to take place from May 15 to June 15, was expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims from India and abroad. Replying to queries, Siddiqui told reporters that there can be a ban on the fair, but there is no ban on Urs. People are coming for pilgrimage. Syed Sahab's status is very high. Lakhs of people come here to pay obeisance and have benefited from him. I have also come here to pray with my father, he said. Lucknow Bench of Allahabad HC seeks locus standi of petitioners on plea against ban on Bahraich Urs The ban on the fair came in the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks against glorifying invaders. During a visit to Bahraich on March 20 this year, the CM had praised the bravery of Maharaja Suheldev, who is believed to have defeated Salar Ghazi, and said that glorifying the invader means strengthening the foundation of treason. Asked about Adityanath's remarks, Siddiqui told reporters, Yogi ji is the chief minister of our state. I don't know in what context he said this. Yogi ji's faith, knowledge and information are at their place, but I believe in Ghazi Baba. He said, When I was six months old, I was brought here. I have been coming here since then. Today, I have come here because of my faith and we have the right to follow our faith. On the question of Ghazi being called an invader, Siddiqui said, Ghazi Baba was born in Ajmer in 1014 and he died in 1034. Now, it is not possible to dig out tales that date back to one thousand years. But according to the miracles that I have seen with my own eyes from my birth till today, Ghazi Baba is a saint, a 'siddha purush'. He is a 'Peer' and Wali Allah. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all come here. The work of uniting the country is done here, Siddiqui said. The Allahabad High Court had on May 17 declined to grant permission for organising the annual fair at the dargah. However, in its order, the court's Lucknow bench allowed rituals and other related routine activities at the dargah. Despite it being a holiday, the Chief Justice constituted a special bench comprising Justices AR Masoodi and Subhash Vidyarthi which issued the order after hearing the petitions filed by Waqf number 19, Dargah Sharif and two other Public Interest Litigations .
Rajasthan sees rain in several places, max temp 43.6 deg Celsius in Jaiselmer
Rajasthan experienced varied rainfall, with Kishanganj in Baran district receiving the highest at 21 mm. Other areas like Ajmer Tehsil and Dungargarh also saw significant precipitation. While Jaisalmer recorded the highest temperature at 43.6 degrees Celsius, no heat wave conditions were reported. Sirohi registered the lowest temperature in the state at 22.1 degrees Celsius.
Byju's Learning App Delisted From Google Playstore Due To Non-Payment To Vendor
An email sent to Think and Learn's Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP) Shailendra Ajmera did not elicit any reply.
From Data to Driveways: Naman Ajmera Is Quietly Re-engineering Shared Electric Mobility
Naman Ajmera's data-driven rise at Envoy Mobility mirrors the EV sector's growth, as he transforms analytics into scalable, real-world solutions for shared electric mobility.
Delhi High Court stays CAGs audit of Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The petitioner contested a notice dated March 15, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs concerning the audit of the Anjumans of Khadims at Dargah Khwaja Saheb in Ajmer
Rajasthan mothers name newborns after Army Operation 'Sindoor,' amid Indo-Pak tensions
JAIPUR: Amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, patriotism is finding a unique expression in Rajasthan. Inspired by the Indian Armys recent counter-terrorism initiative, 'Operation Sindoor', several families in the state are naming their newborns after the operation. At the Government Hospital in Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu district, three babies have already been named 'Sindoor'. The move comes as a symbolic tribute to the army and the sacrifices of soldiers and their families following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Seema, a new mother at the hospital, expressed her pride, saying, This name will always inspire my son to love his country. The childs grandmother added, We lost many of our bravehearts in the attack. I will send my grandson to the army so he can serve the nation. Sanju, a resident of Jhajhar village, also named her son 'Sindoor'. I gave birth four days ago. My dream is that my son grows up to protect the country. Our mothers and sisters lost their sindoor (symbol of marriage) in the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Army has given a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor, she said. Similarly, Kanchan from Kasairu village named her newborn daughter 'Sindoor' on Friday. This is my tribute to Operation Sindoor. The army has responded courageously to Pakistans cowardly act, she said. Dr. Jitendra Chaudhary, a doctor at the hospital, said, The parents of three newborns have named their children after Operation Sindoor. This reflects the deep patriotic sentiment among the people. The pain of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam still lingers. India hits three Pakistan airbases in retaliatory strikes Tensions High Along Border, Red Alert Issued Meanwhile, security concerns continue to escalate along the India-Pakistan border. A red alert has been issued in Sri Ganganagar, Churu, Hanumangarh, and parts of Bikaner (especially the Nal area). District collectors have advised residents to stay indoors due to fears of drone attacks. In Sri Ganganagar, electricity supply has been suspended as a precautionary measure. Public gatherings and events in Jaisalmer have been banned until further notice. Police have shut down major markets in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Bikaner. Security forces became active around 9 a.m. in Nal, about 8 km from Bikaner city, closing shops along the National Highway and within the village market. Explosions were heard early Saturday morning in Jaisalmer, and debris suspected to be from drones or missiles was discovered. Similar incidents were reported in the Uttarai area of Barmer and in Balotra, where objects resembling missiles fell from the sky. The Airports Authority of India has announced the temporary closure of airports in Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh (Ajmer), and Uttarlai (Barmer) until May 14, extending the earlier deadline of May 10. In response to the escalating tension, the Rajasthan government has sanctioned an additional 19 crore for border districts. The funds will be used for emergency supplies, transportation, camp medicines, and essential equipment. The districts receiving this budget include Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Sri Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh, and Phalodi. An all-party meeting has been called for Saturday to review the situation. At a cabinet meeting held on Friday, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma instructed all ministers to visit the districts under their charge and ensure preparedness. Deputy CM Premchand Bairwa and Minister Jogaram Patel confirmed that all advisories from the central government will be strictly followed. Indias air defence success: A saga of decade-long toil
Vande Bharat train maintenance: Golden Rock Workshop technical teams visit various facilities
Personnel visited the workshops at Matunga in Mumbai, Ajmer, and Charbagh in Lucknow to knowthe process in the maintenance of coaches and the existing infrastructure
Four die, seven injured in massive fire at hotel in Ajmer
A woman saved the life of her three-year-old son by tossing him from a window to a man standing in the lane
Four Dead in Hotel Fire in Ajmer, Guests Jump to Escape
Fire breaks out at five-storey hotel in Diggi Bazaar; short circuit suspected as cause
Massive Fire At Ajmer Hotel, Frantic Guests Jump From Windows To Escape Blaze | Video
Four people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area of Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday, officials said.
Four dead in Ajmer hotel fire; guests jump from windows to escape blaze
JAIPUR: Four people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area of Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday, officials said. Some of the guests at the five-storey hotel saved their lives by jumping from the windows. Fire incident occurred at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area today morning. Police team is on the spot. Four people, including two men, a woman and a child, have died due to suffocation and burn injuries, JLN Medical College Principal Dr Anil Samaria said. Additional SP Himanshu Jangid said the narrow approach road to the hotel is hampering rescue work. The fire was apparently caused by a short circuit. A guest at the hotel said there was a sound of a blast after which he, along with his wife, ran out. A woman threw her child in my lap from a window. She also tried to jump off the building but we stopped her, Mangila Kalosia, who was staying at the hotel, said. He said a man also jumped from a window and sustained head injuries. Rajasthan: A major fire at Naaz Hotel in Ajmer's Diggi Bazaar claimed four lives and injured five, including a child. Caused by a suspected short circuit, the blaze triggered panic among guests. Rescue efforts were hampered by narrow lanes, with fire brigade and police personnel pic.twitter.com/bqghSnggkw IANS (@ians_india) May 1, 2025
Massive fire breaks out in Ajmer factory - in video
Sex Assault, Blackmail: Bhopal Case Draws Parallels To 1992 Ajmer Scandal
Some victims recounted being raped inside moving vehicles and threatened with weapons, while others were forced into drug addiction to break their resistance.
Rajput woman in Ajmer takes up mission to end child marriages
Sonu Kanwar, herself married at the age of 12, has stopped about a dozen child marriages, and prevented hundreds of future child marriages by spreading awareness and seeking police intervention
Four new laws passed in Rajasthan after Governors approval
The Rajasthan government passed four bills during the recent budget session. The decisions came into immediate effect after the bills, tabled in the assembly last month, received approval from Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde. The bills passed are the Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024, Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025, Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act. Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024 Under this new law, democracy fighters will get a monthly pension of Rs 20,000. Along with this, a medical allowance of Rs 4,000 and a free travel facility will be available in roadways buses. This facility will also be available to their dependents. At present, there are 1,140 democracy fighters or their dependents in Rajasthan. After the death of a democracy fighter, their spouse will continue to get these facilities for life. They will also be invited to national festivals. The BJP government has implemented this again after it was stopped by the Congress government in 2019. Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025 In the 33 state universities of the state, the name of the Vice Chancellor has now been changed to 'Kulguru' and the name of the Pro-Vice Chancellor has been changed to 'Prati-Kulguru'. The government argues that the Guru does the work of character building of the students, and the word Vice Chancellor gives a sense of administrative ownership. Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025 Under the Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, judges will not be appointed now in the Municipal Improvement Trustees and Authorities of Rajasthan. A bill has been passed to eliminate the requirement of judges in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur and Ajmer Development Authorities. This bill was brought after the interim decision of the Supreme Court. This will have no effect on the powers of the authorities, and the state government will be able to determine uniform service conditions. Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act Under this law, 45 obsolete and old laws of Rajasthan have been abolished. Most of these are related to the Panchayati Raj department, which are no longer useful. The government says that this will simplify administrative processes and eliminate unnecessary complexities. Apart from this, a new update in Food Security Scheme, names of 17 lakh ineligible people have been removed while 19 lakh new ones added.
Heard On The Street: Dealers Spot Action In Ajmera Realty, Havells, Infosys, IndusInd Bank And More
NDTV Profit picked up these signals from deal room chatter during Tuesday's trade.
Ajmera Realty Q4 Update: Sales Dip 13% To Rs 250 Crore
During the 2024-25 fiscal, the company's sale bookings grew 6% to Rs 1,080 crore from Rs 1,017 crore in the preceding year.
Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state. Addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee said she will protect the minority people and their property. I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together, she said. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement. Apparently referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, she said, See the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh.This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them? The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of the next day after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday. History says that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India all were together. Partition took place later. And those are living here, it's our job to give them protection, she said. Banerjee said that if people are together, they can conquer the world. Some people will provoke you to assemble and launch a movement. I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (Banerjee) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other, the chief minister said. At the Jain community programme, Banerjee said she visits places of all religions and will continue to do so. Even if you shoot me dead, you will not be able to separate me from (that) unity.Every religion, caste, creed. All of them pray for humanity and we love them, she said. Banerjee said she goes to Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jain and Buddhist temples, gurudwara, church and Guru Ravidas temple. In Rajasthan, I visited Ajmer Sharif as well as Brahma Temple in Pushkar, she said.
The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill , 2024, in Parliament on Wednesday, triggering a heated clash between the Modi-led government and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. While the government is keen to pass the bill, the Opposition strongly opposed it, calling it unconstitutional. With 293 MPs, the NDA comfortably exceeds the required simple majority of 272 votes. The vote on the bill is expected later tonight. Ahead of the bills introduction, both the ruling BJP and the Congress party issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during the crucial debate and vote in the Lok Sabha. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena and LJP (Ram Vilas) - the four biggest constituents of the NDA after the BJP - also issued whips to their MPs asking them to support the government stand. Though BJP allies like the TDP, JD(U) and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) had expressed reservations over some aspects of the bill, they have become more agreeable after the parliamentary committee adopted a few of their suggestions, official sources have said. The contentious bill was first introduced in Parliament last year amid uproar from the Opposition and was subsequently sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament, headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, for scrutiny. The panel accepted 14 changes suggested by NDA MPs but rejected all 44 proposed by the Opposition members. On February 13, the House panel submitted its report, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 19. However, Opposition MPs in the panel raised concerns over their proposed amendments being dismissed and claimed their dissent notes were removed from the report without their knowledge. Political Debate in Lok Sabha Union Home Minister Amit Shah , defending the bill, asserted that fear is being spread that the Waqf bill interferes in religious matters, calling it a false narrative driven by vote bank politics. He emphasised that non-Muslims in Waqf councils and boards are included purely for administrative purposes, ensuring properties are managed according to their stated aims. Shah also underlined that Waqf is a charitable institution where a person donates property for social, religious, or public welfare purposes without the right to reclaim it. Participating in the debate, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the bill was aimed at polarisation and would damage Indias secular image. He alleged that the BJP introduced the bill to manage its diminishing vote bank and warned that it could backfire on the party. Yadav further claimed that the bill was a diversion tactic to shift focus from land capture by China. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi reiterated that the INDIA bloc would oppose the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitutions basic structure . Launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the bill was tabled, Gogoi accused the government of attempting to defame and disenfranchise minorities and staging what he described as a 4D assault on the Constitution - diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, disenfranchising them, and dividing Indian society. He accused the government of attempting to dilute Waqf provisions, disenfranchise minorities, and divide Indian society. Initiating the debate, Gogoi also accused the government of misleading Parliament by referencing past discussions on the matter. Hitting back, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the bill, arguing that numerous Waqf properties were being looted and misused. He insisted that the government had the authority to regulate Waqf matters and claimed that Gogoi failed to present a complete picture of constitutional provisions on the subject. BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the bill, stated that the amendments would benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) announced its opposition to the bill and confirmed that its MPs would vote against it. The partys stance comes amid protests from the Catholic Church, which criticised Kerala MPs for their position on the bill. Easy for family parties, we have 13 crore members: Amit Shah hits back at Akhilesh's BJP president election jibe What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill? The government argues that the bill aims to address inefficiencies in the existing Waqf Act by introducing administrative reforms and technology-driven improvements. A statement issued by the government in September 2024 highlighted key changes, including updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the property registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. These reforms, the government claims, will modernise the Waqf system and improve governance and transparency. However, since its introduction, the bill has faced widespread criticism, particularly from Muslim organisations. Religious and legal experts told TNIE that the bill targets Muslims and fuels Islamophobia. They argue that amendments, including the removal of the 'Waqf by user' provision, undermine the essence of Waqf. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, criticised the lack of consultation with community leaders or stakeholders, calling it a major shift in law without proper engagement. Professor G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy, described the bill as a violation of minority rights, saying it weakens the Muslim community and promotes Islamophobia. People stage a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Key controversial provisions One of the most debated provisions in the bill is the proposal to allow a non-Muslim to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Waqf board. This has raised concerns among Muslim leaders, who argue that it could interfere with the religious and cultural integrity of Waqf management. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be appointed to each states Waqf board by the respective state governments. Another contentious change grants the District Collector the power to determine whether a disputed property is Waqf or government-owned. The Opposition and Muslim organisations warn that this could lead to arbitrary decisions and misappropriation of Waqf properties. The bill also seeks to abolish the Waqf by user concept, which allows properties used as Waqf to retain their status even if not formally registered. Critics argue that this change could leave many Waqf properties vulnerable to legal challenges. Perhaps the most significant and controversial measure is the requirement that all Waqf properties be registered in a central database within six months of the laws commencement. (With inputs from Agencies) HIGHLIGHTS | Waqf Bill debate in LS: Claim that bill interferes in Muslim affairs is fear-mongering for vote bank : Shah
Security scare at Ajmer dargah
Rajasthan: Police detain youth for entering Ajmer Dargah with sword
Jaipur: A young man caused panic at the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz in Rajasthan on Tuesday when he entered the premises carrying a sword. The sight of him walking with the weapons alarmed the pilgrims, leading to chaos. Seizing an opportunity, another young man managed to snatch the swords from him, sustaining an injury Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Ajmer dargah khadims condemn supporters of Waqf Amendment Bill
Jaipur: Anjuman, the principal body of khadims (caretakers) of Ajmer dargah, has issued a condemnation against its members who expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, labelling them as non-state actors acting against the interests of Muslims. The rebuke follows an article by Khadim Salman Chishti endorsing the bill as progressive for the Muslim Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Gas leak at illegal chemical factory in residential area kills three including owner in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: Three people died and over 50 others fell sick as toxic gas leaked from a tanker parked at a chemical factory in Beawar district of Rajasthan, an official said. He said the factory owner and two others have died. District collector Mahendra Khadgawat said nitric acid leak at an illegally operated factory in a residential area in Badiya locality led to 53 people falling sick late on Monday night. The situation was controlled in time, he said. According to Superintendent of Police Shyam Singh, several people in the vicinity fell sick and were admitted to different hospitals following after inhaling the gas. He said factory owner Sunil Singhal (47) died on Monday night, while local residents Dayaram (52) and Narendra Solanki (40) died on Tuesday. Another official also said people in the area were admitted to a local hospital after they complained of breathing problems, heaviness in chest and vomiting. VIDEO | Beawar, Rajasthan: Nitrogen gas leak in an acid factory kills at least three, over 60 people hospitalised. SDM Divyansh Singh says, Investigation is underway. A joint team will be formed to conduct a survey of such factories in Beawar and take actions against those pic.twitter.com/ySiVMcX17M Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2025 Two persons, who are in a critical condition, are undergoing treatment at JLN hospital in Ajmer. The official said people in the area around the factory has been evacuated. Collector Khadgawat has ordered formation of a committee of officials from Nagar Parishad, revenue department and police to survey factories operating without permit in the district.
Lamborghini driver who hit two pedestrians in Noida gets bail
NOIDA: A district court on Monday granted bail to a man accused of hitting two pedestrians with his Lamborghini sports car in Noida. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Ajmer in Rajasthan, was arrested on Sunday following the accident near an under-construction building in Sector 94 here, police said. The two labourers have been identified as Dijen Ravidas and Rambhu Kumar, both hailing from Chhattisgarh. They were admitted to a private hospital and have been operated upon, police said. The accused's advocate, Mayank Pachori, told reporters, The court has granted bail as the offence was available. The bail was granted without conditions. He said the accident happened when Kumar was out on a test drive of the vehicle. Kumar, a car dealer in Noida, was booked under section 281 (rash or negligent driving) and 125(B) (endangering life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhupendra Singh, in-charge of the Sector 126 Police Station, said. A purported video surfaced online on Sunday, showing that after the accident, a man was heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died there. To this, the accused asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?) and came out of the car. The injured labourers said the car came towards them at a very high speed giving them no time to escape. I have injuries on my legs and hands my whole body is paining, said one of the injured labourers. During questioning on Sunday, Kumar told police that the accident had happened due to a fault in the vehicle. The car is registered in Puducherry. What we know about YouTuber Mridul Tiwari whose Lamborghini was involved in a crash in Noida
Ajmer Dargah Chief Gives Thumbs Up To Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It 'Crucial Reform'; Rijiju Reacts
Ajmer Sharif Dargah chief Salman Chishty has lauded the Waqf Amendment Bill and said that it seeks to create a more transparent system to better serve the Muslim community.
'Did anyone die?' asks Lamborghini driver after hitting two pedestrians in Noida, arrested
Two laborers from Chhattisgarh were injured after being hit by a Lamborghini on a footpath in Noida's Sector 94. The car driver, Deepak from Ajmer, alleged a vehicle fault caused the accident. He has been arrested and the car seized while the victims are out of danger, suffering leg fractures.
'Did anyone die here?': Lamborghini hits two pedestrians on Noida footpath, one held
NOIDA: A Lamborghini hit two pedestrians on a footpath adjacent to an under-construction building in sector 94 here on Sunday, police said. The injured, labourers from Chhatisgarh were rushed to a nearby hospital and are said to be out of danger. They have fractured their legs, police said. A purported video surfaced online showing that after the accident, the accused came out of his car and asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?). In the video, a man was also heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died here. Following this, someone in the video could be heard saying, police ko bulao (call the police). Bhupendra Singh, In-charge at Sector 126 Police Station told PTI , In the car accident two labourers were injured and they were from Chhattisgarh. They are out of danger and have fractures in their legs. The accident happened adjacent to an under-construction building, he said. The car driver has been identified as Deepak, a resident of Ajmer and the car is registered with the Puducherry registration. He has been arrested and the car has been seized, he added. During questioning he told the police that the accident happened due to a fault. Further investigation is underway, Singh said.
Ajmer Dargah welcomes Saugat-e-Modi campaign for underprivileged Muslims
Jaipur: Haji Salman Chishti, Chairman of the Chishti Foundation, has welcomed the Saugat-e-Modi campaign, an initiative launched by the BJP Minority Morcha. Under this campaign, special kits will be distributed to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across India ahead of Eid, ensuring they can celebrate the festival without hardship. The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CBI arrests senior GM of Power Grid Corporation of India for bribery
Uday Kumar, posted in Rajasthan's Ajmer, was arrested on Thursday along with Suman Singh of KEC International in Sikar where both had agreed to meet for alleged exchange of the bribe amount, said CBI
CBI nabs senior GM of Power Grid Corp, KEC executive during bribe exchange; company V-P named in FIR
New Delhi, Mar 21: The CBI has arrested Uday Kumar, senior GM of Power Grid Corporation of India, for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 2.4 lakh from an executive of Mumbai-based KEC International to extend favours to the company, officials said on Friday. Kumar, posted in Rajasthans Ajmer, was nabbed late on Wednesday along with Suman Singh of KEC International in Sikar where both had agreed to meet for alleged exchange of the bribe amount, they said. The bribe [] The post CBI nabs senior GM of Power Grid Corp, KEC executive during bribe exchange; company V-P named in FIR appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SEBI Imposes Rs 40 Lakh Fine On Eight Entities For Disingenuous Trades On BSE
SEBI levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh each Utkal Automotive Pvt Ltd, Mrinal Verma, Sanjoy Kumar Gupta and Family, Meenu Ajmera, Advent Commosales, Manish Kumar Kanodia HUF, Nisha Pandey, and Viswaroop Marketing,
Punctuality on track as Vaishnaw tears into Opposition
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday dismissed Opposition allegations regarding train punctuality, informing the Lok Sabha that 32 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality while 17 out of 68 divisions maintain more than 80% punctuality. The Bhavnagar rail division under Western Railway holds the top position for punctuality, maintaining a rate of over 99.6%. Following closely are the Madurai division at 99.2%, Ratlam at 98.9%, Bikaner at 98.1%, Sealdah at 98%, Rajkot at 97.7%, Ajmer at 97.1%, and Jodhpur at 96.1%. Other divisions among the 32 that have surpassed 90% punctuality include Kota and Guntur, both with 95.7%, Ahmedabad at 95.1%, Bangalore and Alipur Duar at 94.4%, Guntakal at 94.3%, Mumbai Central at 92.9%, and Trivandrum at 91.3%, among others. The Vijayawada rail division, with 89.5% punctuality, leads the 17 divisions that have achieved over 80% punctuality. It is followed by Firozpur division at 89.2%, Sonpur at 88.6%, Agra at 88.3%, Rangiya at 88.3%, Malda at 88.1%, Nagpur at 87.8%, Ranchi at 87.7%, Bhusaval at 87.4%, and Samastipur at 86.7%. He said over 13,000 passenger trains are currently in operation, including 4,111 mail and express trains, 3,313 passenger trains, and 5,774 suburban trains. Vaishnaw stated 17,330 trains were operated during the Mahakumbh period. Additionally, 1,107 special trains were arranged to accommodate the Holi rush. The number of Holi special trains has consistently increased, from 604 in 2023-24 to 1,107 in 2024-25.
Waqf Bill: A direct attack on India's secular structure, say religious and legal experts
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposed by the BJP-led Union government in August last year is set to be tabled again in the Parliament in the coming days in the second leg of the Budget Session. The bill, which sailed through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), evading all the changes and suggestions proposed by the Opposition MPs, is expected to spark fierce protests both inside and outside the Parliament. Announcing a protest against the bill on March 17, the leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which represents different organisations within the Muslim community, said in a press meet , The Muslim community views this Waqf Amendment Bill as a direct attack on the community. It is evident that the BJPs politics thrive on communal polarisation and the strategy of 'divide and rule.' However, its allied parties must decide how far they are willing to align with this divisive agenda. Introducing the bill in Parliament on August 8, 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had claimed, With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body....Forget about taking anyones rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them.... However, Muslim organizations and legal experts feel that a closer look at the new amendments hints at a careful intrusion into the religious freedom of Muslims and therefore challenges the very structure of secularism. Let's dig in. What are the 2024 Amendments aimed at? According to the government, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the 1995 Act with the goal of enhancing the regulation and management of waqf properties across India. One of its key provisions is the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims in the management of Waqf affairs, particularly within the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. The bill seeks to remove the 'waqf by user' provision, which allows a property to be treated as Waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. The bill also prevents a Muslim from giving Waqf before completing five years since embracing Islam. Other key provisions of the bill include replacing the Survey Commissioner with the Collector, who will now have the authority to conduct surveys of waqf properties. Additionally, the bill grants the Collector the power to seize properties from the waqf board if they are in dispute with the government, and to determine the ownership of such properties. The bill curbs the power of waqf tribunals and introduces provisions for appealing its orders to the High Court within 90 days. It also removes the Muslim law expert from the tribunal panel. The bill emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the registration of waqf properties and establishes separate waqf boards for minority sections within Muslims, such as the Aghakhani and Bohra communities. Waqf - a distinct form of charity Explaining 'Waqf' in the context of the proposed amendments, a September release by the PIB states that it (Waqf) refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and any other use or sale of the property is prohibited. Waqf means that the ownership of the property is now taken away from the person making Waqf and transferred and detained by Allah. Waqif is a person who creates a Waqf for the beneficiary. As waqf properties are bestowed upon Allah, in the absence of a physically tangible entity, a mutawalli is appointed by the waqif, or by a competent authority, to manage or administer a Waqf. Once designated as Waqf, the ownership is transferred from the person making the waqf (waqif) to Allah, making it irrevocable, explains the PIB release. According to Muslim scholars, the history of Waqf as a distinct and structured form of charity can be traced back to an advice given by Prophet Muhammed to his companion and the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, when asked about a piece of fertile land he owned in Khyber. The prophet advised Umar to preserve the land and make its yields useful for others. According to scholars, this became the basis of the definition of Waqf. Waqf law does not mandate Muslims to be its founders and beneficiaries and is not limited to just mosques, madrasas and graveyards. It could be anything that the person thinks will be useful for the society he is living in, considering it is allowed under the Islamic law, says Professor Abdulla Kottappalli, a notable scholar in waqf studies and Assistant Professor at the Centre for Indo-Arab Culture in Jamia Milia Islamia. An interesting story by explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta, in his book Rihla , paints a clear picture of the multidimensionality of the concept of Waqf. Battuta narrates the story of a Syrian merchant who happens to see children working in hotels, often being beaten up by the owners for carelessly handling Chinese pottery which was widely in use at the time. The merchant, according to Battuta, gives some of his property as Waqf, asking the owners to avail the damages from it and refrain from beating the children. In India, several institutions including schools, hospitals and universities were established using waqf funds and on waqf lands. History of Waqf boards The idea of waqf boards, as government-appointed supervisory bodies to oversee the functioning of waqf properties, emerged in the British era. Following the 1857 rebellion, the British decided to stay away from the responsibility of taking care of Hindu and Muslim religious structures and the respective communities were legally given the charge through the Religious Endowments Act of 1863. The British regime's decision of granting community autonomy over religious structures, according to Abdullah, was led by their idea of secularism, which required the state to refrain from interfering in religious matters. This idea of secularism was later adopted by India as one of its core constitutional values. The waqf boards came into existence post independence through the Waqf Act 1995 . According to the law, the waqf boards in each state will be headed by a chairperson and consists of one or two members elected from theelectoral colleges of a the state's Muslim parliamentarians, MLAs and Bar Council members. In case of non-availability of the above mentioned categories, the members can also be appointed from among Islamic scholars, social workers and other persons of eminence. The law also pushes for two of the members to be women, which has been in practice across various state waqf boards. Notably, the waqf board does not hold ownership rights over any of the waqf properties. It is only in charge of supervising the functioning of the properties and cannot benefit from it. The 1955 law authorises the state government to suspend or dissolve a committee or members if they are found unfit for the job or involved in corruption. Waqf Tribunals Tribunals in India are quasi-judicial bodies that were set up with the intention of reducing the burden of other courts and ensuring faster delivery of justice. Apart from waqf tribunals, there are corporate tribunals, like the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) which are entrusted to resolve disputes related to Indian companies. The waqf tribunals have been established according to section 83 of the 1995 Waqf Act, which allows state governments to constitute as many Tribunals as it may think fit, for the determination of any dispute, question or other matter relating to a Waqf or Waqf property. The three-member Tribunal consists of (1) a Judge of the rank equivalent to a Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge as Chairman, (2) a state officer equal to an Additional District Magistrate, and (iii) an expert in Muslim law and jurisprudence. The law grants the tribunal the power of a civil court and notes that its decision will be legally binding and final. However, like the decision of any other lower court, the decision of the Waqf Tribunal can be challenged in the higher courts. A High Court may, on its own motion or on the application of the Board or any person aggrieved, call for and examine the records relating to any dispute, question or other matter which has been determined by the Tribunal for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of such determination and may confirm, reverse or modify such determination or pass such other order as it may think fit, the 1995 Act notes. 'Targeting Muslims, enhancing Islamophobia' For the first time, the government is making serious amendments to an important law concerning the faith of Muslims with zero consultations with the community leaders or stakeholders, said SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB. The government had claimed that the amendments were intended at uplifting the backward sections within the community and ensuring transparency. But none of the provisions in the proposed bill is intended for this purpose. The entire bill has been designed in such a way so as to facilitate the government to usurp the Waqf properties, Illyas said stressing that around five crore Muslims have submitted their disapproval via emails against the bill. Commenting on the amendment that prevents a Muslim from giving waqf before completing five years after embracing Islam, Ilyas said, This is against the shariah. According to Islam, any practising or non-practising Muslims can give Waqf. Why would the government prevent a person who has recently embraced Islam from exercising his religion? It is illogical. The attempt to target aqf property is a violation of minority rights. It is a part of the overall strategy to weaken the Muslim community and enhance Islamophobia, said Prof. G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court of India. Gopal highlighted the singling out of Waqf properties, when every other religion's right to community autonomy remains untouched. Devaswom Boards, which oversee the secular governance of public temples in Kerala can statutorily have only Hindus as members. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Amendment Bill violates this norm by inserting non-Muslims into Waqf Boards which manage private property dedicated by Muslims as an inherent part of the practice of their religion while leaving undisturbed the prohibition against non-Hindus managing Hindu endowments and public temples, Gopal said. Interference with Waqf by non Muslims, against the teachings of Islam constitute a serious violation of the fundamental right of Muslims to practice their religion, he added. Gopal alleged that the hostile singling out of Islam is a constitutionally malafide action on the part of the government. It is inspired by the stated goal of the ruling partys ideology of converting India into a Hindu Rashtra. It has no Constitutional legitimacy, he stressed. According to Abdulla Kottapalli, the Bill is not just anti-Muslim but also challenges the very structure of Indian secularism. India has long followed a non-interventionist policy in the management of religious trusts, which is a crucial aspect of Indian secularism. If the Union Government imposes a Waqf regulatory mechanism without proper consultation and consent from the Muslim community, it would constitute an infringement of this long-standing secular tradition. Such an approach could undermine the legitimacy of the Waqf Board system among Muslims, he remarked. Calling the bill disastrous, former Maharashtra minister and Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan noted that contrary to the claims of the government, the amendments are not intended at aiding the Waqf Boards. Instead of aiding the board to overcome its challenges, the government is snatching away everything from the Muslim community. Its like killing the patient, instead of treating them, she said. The whole law is going to be disastrous for the Muslim community, they will be losing their religious lands and other properties donated by their forefathers for the upliftment of the community, she added. Dr Khan emphasised that amendments like the removal of the 'waqf by user' provision are challenging the very spirit of Waqf. A large amount of properties under the Waqf are 'waqf by user.' Many properties do not have documentation. For instance the Taj Mahal, or the Ajmer Dargah. How can you bring documents for these? The new amendment is a big threat to the actual spirit of Waqf, she said. Illyas expressed concern that this amendment will affect the ongoing disputes regarding the ownership of mosques including Gyanvapi and Sambhal. It is a very serious issue. In UP itself, more than 70 percent mosques will be affected by the removal of this provision, he said. Noting that the removal of 'waqf by user' provision will result in large amounts of land transfer from the hands of the Muslim community, Gopal said; The blanket removal of user rights solely of Muslims is anti-constitutional and should be struck down. Even though the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it is still a constitutional right. It is not possible to sweep away existing property rights in an arbitrary manner. Apart from the draconian amendments, concerns were also raised regarding the manner in which the bill was passed through the JPC, with opposition members raising serious allegations against the JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Commenting on the alleged sabotaging of JPC proceedings, Dr Fauzia Khan called it a death blow to democracy. If this is how we are going to function in parliament, then it is setting a dangerous precedent. Tomorrow, any party with a majority can just crush the voices of the minority and finish off the later, she said. The Waqf Bill wil be tabled in the Lok Sabha in the coming days. Apart from a heated debate and a legal battle, the bill will also be a determining factor in the upcoming Bihar elections which is crucial for the NDA ally JDU headed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. If Nitish Kumar and his party go ahead with their support for the Bill, they will not get any support from the Muslim community for the upcoming elections. Our position is very clear. If this Bill is passed, we will consider it a direct attack on the community. Its consequences will have to borne by the two allies too. This is a matter of faith for the Muslim community, the AIMPLB has warned. With multiple players at stake, it remains to be seen how the Narendra Modi-led government will decide on the issue, which is of utmost importance to Indian Muslims.
Member of erstwhile royal family Arvind Singh Mewar passes away
JAIPUR: Arvind Singh Mewar, the member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the chairman of the HRH group of hotels died early Sunday in Udaipur after prolonged illness, family sources said. Mewar (81), a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, had been ill for a long time and was receiving treatment at his residence in Udaipur's City Palace. He is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His funeral will take place on Monday. As a mark of respect, the Udaipur City Palace will be closed for tourists on Sunday and Monday. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, died in November last year. Arvind Singh Mewar was educated at the prestigious Mayo College, Ajmer and pursued hotel management courses in the UK and US. He received training in various international hotels. He lived and worked in Chicago for many years before building the HRH group of hotels as a professionally-managed corporate organisation. An avid cricketer, Mewar made his Ranji Trophy debut as Rajasthan's captain in 1945-46 and enjoyed a successful career spanning nearly two decades. In the 1970s, he also played polo before retiring from the sport due to health reasons. To showcase his commitment to professional polo in the UK, he instituted 'The Udaipur Cup' at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club. In Udaipur, Mewar Polo was formed as a polo team with professional players who had been handpicked and specially trained for Indian tournaments. The Mewar Polo team lifted the prestigious President's Cup defeating the 61st Cavalry players in 1991. He was also an avid pilot and has done solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft. Mewar was the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur and also headed other trusts. Since the death of his father, Bhagwat Singh Mewar, there have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the house of Mewar and a property dispute. Bhagwant Singh willed his property through a trust to Arvind, named him his successor, and disinherited his eldest son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, because he had filed a lawsuit against him. After the death of his father in 1984, Arvind assumed the leadership of the house. At the same time, Mahendra Singh Mewar, being the elder son, was coronated as the titular head of the family. Mahendra Singh Mewar died in November last year and his son Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, also a BJP MLA, was made the titular head of the family. A controversy erupted when Vishvaraj Singh was not allowed to enter the City Palace of Udaipur by his cousin brother and Arvind Singh Mewar's son Lakshyaraj Singh to complete the rituals. However, the deadlock ended later after Vishwaraj Singh was allowed to enter the city Palace to visit 'dhuni' (sacred fire) to offer prayers to the deity.
