HARBOUR AND SEA TRAINING PHASE OF INTERNATIONAL CREW OF IOS SAGAR

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Navy’s maiden initiative of Indian Ocean Ship Sagar (IOS Sagar) concluded its harbour and sea training phase at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, and the ship with her crew, has left for Karwar.

44 International trainees of 09 friendly foreign countries underwent a specially curated training capsule ranging from basic seamanship activities to state-of-the-art simulator training. Truly signifying the motto of ‘One Ocean One Mission’, the international crew was trained together on various facets of Communication skills, Firefighting and Damage Control drills, Visit Board Search & Seize (VBSS) procedures and finer aspects of Bridgemanship. Simulator based practical trainings were imparted to equip the crew with dynamic challenges of maritime domain. The training interactions also facilitated a forum for exchange of best training practices and procedures. Over the past decades, Indian Navy’s maritime training institutions have trained over 20,000 officers and sailors from over 50 FFC ranging from ab initio training to trade specific professional courses enhancing maritime expertise and capability.

In addition, the international crew was also exposed to sea training along with the Indian Navy crew of INS Sunayna by the Indian Naval Work Up team. The sea training was aimed at acclimatising the international crew with Indian Navy’s systems and procedures enabling them to operate as a well-knit and cohesive unit during the forthcoming deployment.

IOS Sagar is a unique example of fostering deeper maritime understanding and promoting regional stability and cooperation. Indian Navy’s collaboration with the regional Navies reaffirm commitment to safeguarding collective maritime interests and capacity building with partner nations across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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VM/SPS                                                                                                        75/25

(Release ID: 2118199) Visitor Counter : 50

Continued decline in new HIV cases in 2024 reflects success of prevention and control efforts in Hong Kong (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Department of Health (DH) today (April 3) summarised the situation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and released the findings of a survey on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) in Hong Kong in 2024. The decline in the number of new cases of HIV infection in Hong Kong for the ninth consecutive year and a prevalence rate well below the global average reflected the success of Hong Kong’s prevention and control efforts. However, due to the high proportion of late presentation, the DH encouraged the public to undergo HIV antibody testing, and to use condoms regularly and correctly to minimise the risk of HIV infection.

“In the year of 2024, the DH received 365 new HIV cases, including 297 males and 68 females aged between 14 and 89. Among the cases with a reported route of transmission, 312 cases (99 per cent) acquired the infection through sexual contact, including 216 through homosexual or bisexual contact and 96 through heterosexual contact. Almost half of the cases (44 per cent) were reported by public hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, followed by Acquired Immuodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) service organisations. The cumulative total of locally reported HIV infections since 1984 is 12 403. The prevalence of HIV infection among the general public in Hong Kong remained at 0.1 per cent, well below the global average, demonstrating the effectiveness of AIDS control and prevention in Hong Kong,” said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.

“A total of 74 new AIDS cases, including 63 males and 11 females, were reported during the same period. Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2 557 confirmed AIDS cases has been reported in Hong Kong. The most common AIDS-defining illness was Pneumocystis pneumonia,” she added.

Although the number of new HIV infection has declined for nine consecutive years since 2015, the proportion of late presenters among newly reported cases in Hong Kong has been as high as 40 to 50 per cent, with a higher proportion of late presenters among those not belonging to high-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and sex workers.

Late presenters refer to individuals with a very low CD4 cells (one kind of immune cell) count (less than 200 cells/mm3) or those who have already progressed to AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Late presentation indicates that these individuals were not diagnosed and put on treatment in a timely manner at an earlier stage of infection, resulting in a weakened immune system. Late presentation can lead to an increased risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies, leading to a higher mortality rate. In addition, as a result of an unsuppressed viral load, late presenters contribute to an increased risk of HIV transmission in the community.

In addition, the DH has recently completed a community survey related to transmission risk of HIV and STIs, titled “HIV/AIDS Response Indicator Survey 2024 for Female Sex Workers” (HARiS 2024 for FSWs).

“The survey is a public health surveillance programme conducted by the DH to regularly monitor the situation of HIV infection and the related risk behaviours among female sex workers to guide the implementation of the Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong (2022-2027). The survey revealed that the proportion of respondents who had their last HIV test in the preceding year increased from 37 per cent in a similar survey in 2022 to 55 per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions. Since the Strategies’ target of 80 per cent has not been achieved, prevention efforts should continue. The survey also revealed that condom use among respondents was generally satisfactory, with 99 per cent of respondents using condoms when having sex with non-regular clients. However, condom use when having sex with regular clients was less consistent among some respondents, indicating the need to strengthen the condom promotion programme,” Dr Wong said.

She reminded members of the public to use condoms consistently and properly to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and STIs. In addition, vulnerable populations at higher risk of contracting HIV and STIs (including men who have sex with men, FSWs and their clients and injecting drug users) should undergo HIV and STI testing regularly, at least once a year. People with HIV should seek specialist care and HIV treatment as soon as possible for viral suppression and health restoration. The DH will continue to collaborate with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raise awareness and knowledge among FSWs on HIV and STI prevention.

There are community resources available that enable members of the public to undergo HIV antibody testing. Members of the public can reserve a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test by visiting the HIV Testing Service website or calling the AIDS Hotline (2780 2211). They can also order HIV self-test kits (oral fluid-based and blood-based (finger prick) testing kits) on the HIV Testing Service website, and collect the self-test kits at various pick-up locations in Hong Kong.

​Dr Wong stressed that HIV infection is a manageable chronic disease. Early HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs can effectively prevent the progression to AIDS and other complications. Lifelong antiretroviral treatment is indicated for all people with HIV, and the treatment remarkably improves their health and possibility of survival. Moreover, those who achieve sustained viral suppression to an undetectable level with treatment will not transmit the virus through sex, i.e. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

The public may visit the following pages for more information on HIV/AIDS: the Virtual AIDS Office, the Red Ribbon Centre, the HIV Testing Service website and the Gay Men HIV Information website.

  

EPFO Simplifies Claim Settlement Process; Two Major Reforms Undertaken to Enhance Ease of Living for EPF Members and Ease of Doing Business for Employers

Source: Government of India

EPFO Simplifies Claim Settlement Process; Two Major Reforms Undertaken to Enhance Ease of Living for EPF Members and Ease of Doing Business for Employers

Removal of Requirement to Upload Image of Cheque Leaf / Attested Bank Passbook to Benefit Over 7.7 Crore Members of EPFO

Removal of Employer Approval Requirement for Seeding Bank Account Details with UAN to Immediately Benefit Nearly 15 Lakh Members with Pending Approvals

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:41PM by PIB Delhi

In yet another step towards enhancing the Ease of Living for EPF members and Ease of Doing Business for employers, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced two key simplifications in its claim settlement process. These measures will significantly streamline the process of claim settlement and reduce grievances related to claim rejections.

1. Removal of Requirement to Upload Image of Cheque Leaf / Attested Bank Passbook

EPFO has completely dispensed with the requirement of uploading an image of a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook while filing online claims. This requirement was initially relaxed on a pilot basis for certain KYC-updated members. Since its launch on 28th May, 2024, the move has already benefited 1.7 crore EPF members.

Following the successful pilot, EPFO has now extended this relaxation to all members. As the bank account holder’s name is already verified with the EPF member’s details at the time of bank account seeding with the Universal Account Number (UAN), this additional documentation is no longer necessary.

By removing this requirement, EPFO is set to immediately benefit around 6 crore members, eliminating claim rejections due to poor-quality/unreadable uploads and reducing associated grievances.

2. Removal of Requirement of Employer Approval for Seeding Bank Account Details with Universal Account Number (UAN)

To streamline the process of seeding bank accounts with UAN, EPFO has now removed the requirement of employer approval after bank verification.

Currently, every member is required to seed his/her Bank Account with UAN in order to get their PF withdrawals seamlessly credited to such account. During the F.Y. 2024-25, 1.3 crore members have submitted their requests for seeding their Bank Accounts and the requests after due matching with the respective Bank/NPCI are to be approved by the Employer through DSC/E-Sign.

It is seen that around 36,000 requests for seeding of bank account are being raised by the members on a daily basis and the banks take an average of 3 days to complete the verification. However, after the bank verification, the average time taken by the Employer to approve the process is about 13 days resulting in piling up of workload at the level of the Employer and consequent delay in the seeding of Bank Account for the Member. Further, this approval step is not adding any value to the verification process.

Out of 7.74 crore members who are presently contributing each month, already 4.83 crore members have seeded their Bank Accounts in UAN with 14.95 Lakh approvals are pending at the level of the Employers.

Accordingly, with a view to facilitate ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to the Employers and ‘Ease of Living’ to the Members, the role of Employer to approve the verification of bank account has now been dispensed with in the seeding process of the member’s Bank Account. This will immediately benefit over 14.95 lakh members whose approvals are pending with the Employers.

The above simplified process will also facilitate those members who want to change their already seeded Bank Account by entering their new Bank Account no. along with the IFSC code duly authenticated through Aadhaar OTP.

The members who are yet to seed their Bank Account or change their seeded Bank Account can take advantage of the above simplified process to get their Bank Account seeded at the earliest.

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2118168) Visitor Counter : 71

Department of Telecommunication’s initiative to prevent misuse of telecom resources for Cybercrimes and Financial Frauds

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken following steps to prevent misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds:

  1. Development of citizen centric Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile App with various facilities including reporting of suspected fraud communications.
  2. Development of online secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for sharing of information related to misuse of telecom resources among the stakeholders.
  3. Development of a system in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating within India.

DoT has undertaken following measures to act against the issue of misuse of mobile connections:

  1. Development of AI based tool to identify the suspected mobile connections taken on fake documents. 78 lakh such mobile connections have been disconnected after reverification.
  2. Policy instructions for re-verification of existing mobile connections identified by DoT/ TSPs/ Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
  3. Mandated telecom licensees to register their Point of Sale (PoS) {Franchisee, Distributors & Agents}, who enroll customers and issue SIMs on their behalf.
  4. Biometric verification, physical verification of address of place of business & local residence of PoS. Further, police verification of PoS in J&K, Assam & North East License Service Areas (LSAs).
  5. Blacklisting of PoS across all the TSPs if documents/ information given by PoS is false/ forged & on the directions of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)/ Licensed Service Areas (LSAs).
  6. Robust Know Your Customer (KYC) process for SIM Swap/ replacement.
  7. Discontinuation of paper based KYC process.
  8. Monthly audit on sample basis for the SIM cards issued by TSPs for compliance of guidelines.

This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2118197) Visitor Counter : 43

INDIA’S 6G VISION

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

Government has released Bharat 6G Vision Document in March 2023 with the objectives to design, develop and deploy 6G network technologies that provide ubiquitous intelligent and secure connectivity for high quality living experience for the world to position India as a global leader in 6G technology by 2030. The Government has taken following initiative to facilitate the development of 6G technology in the country:

  1. Funding two testbeds namely 6G THz Testbed & Advance Optical Communication Test Bed to promote R&D and innovation in the country.
  2. Sanctioned 100 5G labs at academic institutions in FY 2023- 24, across India for capacity building & for building a 6G ready academic and start-up ecosystem in the country.
  3. To accelerate Research for 6G ecosystem, 111 research proposals have been approved on 6G network ecosystems to promote research and innovation in line with global roadmap for 6G technology.
  4. Government has facilitated setting up of ‘Bharat 6G Alliance’ which is an alliance of domestic industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organisations to develop action plan according to the Bharat 6G Vision. It has signed MoU with leading global 6G alliances to enhance global collaborations for the development of 6G wireless technologies. It has also hosted the inaugural International 6G Symposium coinciding with WTSA 2024 and the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. The symposium aimed to explore local and global advancements in 6G technology, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and government officials.

 India has contributed in International Telecommunications Union International Mobile Technology (IMT) 2030 framework, also called 6G by industry for inclusion of ‘Ubiquitous Connectivity’ as one of the six usage scenarios of 6G and coverage, interoperability and sustainability as capabilities of 6G technology.

This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2118200) Visitor Counter : 54

Modernization and impact of Post Office Rules, 2024

Source: Government of India

Modernization and impact of Post Office Rules, 2024

Post Office Rules, 2024 are framed to be an enabler for enhancing quality of service delivery

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

The Post Office Rules, 2024 are framed to be an enabler for enhancing quality of service delivery including in rural areas through rationalization of postal products and services, creating scope for introducing new mail and parcel products and citizen centric services like financial and insurance services etc.

The Dak Sewa Jan Sewa principle plays a key role in improving the accessibility and efficiency of postal services, especially in rural and underserved areas through technology enabled and digitized postal services. The Department provides products and services under “Universal Postal Services”, which are affordable and available to all citizens. Facilities such as track and trace facility, electronic intimation through short messaging service for status of delivery of item, m-banking, e-banking, etc. are available to enhance last- mile connectivity for delivery of various citizen centric services and furthering the national agenda of financial and digital inclusion.

The Department of Posts has undertaken various measures for facilitating ease of doing business such as rationalization of mail and parcels products, introduction of “Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras” which provide rural entrepreneurs with access to export markets. Under the PM- Vishwakarma Scheme, the Department has also delivered 1.38 lakh tool kits to rural artisans.

This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen:

(Release ID: 2118198) Visitor Counter : 50

From Margins to Mainstream

Source: Government of India

From Margins to Mainstream

Empowering Lives, Enabling Growth

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

Waqf has always been meant to help the community by providing education, healthcare, housing, and support for the poor. However, problems like mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency have often prevented Waqf properties from benefiting those who need them most. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to fix this by making the system more transparent, efficient, and focused on reducing poverty.

One big problem in Waqf management has been a lack of transparency, leading to corruption and misuse of funds. The new bill introduces a digital portal to record all Waqf properties, making it easier to track and audit them. This ensures that funds are not misused and are spent on helping the poor. With mandatory financial audits and digital records, this change will reduce corruption and make Waqf management more accountable to the people.

The bill ensures that Waqf properties and funds are used to improve healthcare services for the poor. This includes:

  • Setting up clinics and hospitals on Waqf lands to provide free or low-cost healthcare.
  • Partnering with charities to fund medical aid programs.
  • Making medicines and essential treatments more available in poor areas.

With better management, more people will get access to healthcare, reducing medical costs and improving public health.

Education is a key way to fight poverty. The bill ensures that Waqf funds are used for:

  • Building and maintaining schools and madrassas.
  • Providing scholarships and financial aid to poor students.
  • Supporting vocational training centers to teach job skills.

By focusing on education, the bill helps people from poor backgrounds get better jobs and improve their lives.

Many poor people struggle with housing. The bill allows Waqf Boards to use properties for affordable housing. Section 32(4) permits:

  • Building low-cost housing for the poor.
  • Providing shelters for homeless people.
  • Creating subsidized rental programs for low-income families.

This ensures that Waqf properties are used to help people instead of being left unused or taken over illegally.

Helping people become financially independent is important for reducing poverty. The bill supports:

  • Setting up training centers for skills like carpentry, tailoring, and digital literacy.
  • Providing small loans to help people start businesses.
  • Connecting trained workers with jobs.

This approach helps people earn a living rather than relying only on charity.

A major issue with Waqf properties is illegal occupation. According to the WAMSI portal, nearly 58,898 Waqf properties have been taken over unlawfully. The bill introduces stronger legal measures to:

  • Reclaim illegally occupied Waqf lands for social welfare projects.
  • Give district collectors more power to protect Waqf properties.
  • Prevent unauthorized claims that take away resources meant for the poor.

These steps will ensure that Waqf properties are used properly to help those in need.

The bill also ensures fairness and inclusivity, making sure aid reaches all communities in need. It prioritizes poor people and uses data to make better decisions about Waqf resources. Additionally, the bill includes measures to prevent disputes over land belonging to non-Muslims, so that welfare efforts are not disrupted.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is not just about managing properties—it is about making Waqf a strong tool for helping the poor. By increasing transparency, stopping corruption, improving healthcare and education, providing affordable housing, and supporting employment, the bill ensures that Waqf serves its true purpose. These reforms will help Waqf fulfill its original mission—supporting the underprivileged and creating a fairer and more just society.

Download in PDF

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2118262) Visitor Counter : 19

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Benefits of the Bill

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

What is Waqf

The concept of ‘Waqf’ is rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions. Another defining feature of a Waqf is that it’s inalienable- which means it cannot be sold, gifted, inherited or encumbered. Therefore, once a property is divested from the waqif, i.e., the creator of a waqf, it vests in God and as per Islamic belief since God is ever lasting, so is the ‘waqf property’.

Addressing Longstanding Issues

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to address issues such as –

 

  1. Lack of transparency in Waqf property management
  2. Incomplete surveys and mutation of Waqf land records
  3. Insufficient provisions for women’s inheritance rights
  4. Large number of prolonged litigations including encroachment. In 2013, there were 10,381 pending cases which have now increased to 21,618 cases.
  5. Irrational power of the Waqf Boards in declaring any property as waqf land based on their own inquiry.
  6. Large number of disputes related to government land declared as aqf.
  7. Lack of proper accounting and auditing of Waqf properties.
  8. Administrative inefficiencies in waqf management. ‘
  9. Improper treatment to Trust properties.
  10. Inadequate representation of stakeholders in Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.        

 

Modernizing the Waqf Bill

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

  1. Non-Muslim properties declared as Waqf 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 data from September 2024, across 25 States/ UTs Waqf Boards, a total of 5973 government properties have been declared as Waqf properties. Some examples of the same:

 

  • Tamil Nadu: A farmer in Thiruchenthurai village was unable to sell his land due to the Waqf Board’s claim over the entire village. This unexpected requirement prevented him from selling his land to repay a loan for his daughter’s wedding.
  • Govindpur Village, Bihar: In August 2024, The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board’s claim over an entire village in August 2024 affected seven families, leading to a case in the Patna High Court. The case is sub-judice.
  • Kerala: In September 2024, around 600 Christian families in Ernakulam district are contesting the Waqf Board’s claim over their ancestral land. They have appealed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
  • Karnataka: In 2024, Farmers protested after the Waqf Board designated 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land. Disputes also arose in Ballari, Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The government, however, assured that no evictions would take place.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Complaints have been raised against alleged corruption and mismanagement by the State Waqf Board.

Further, the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (JCWAB) had also received some communications regarding unlawful claim of properties by Waqf Boards, some of which are as under:

  • Karnataka (1975 & 2020): 40 Waqf properties were notified, including farmlands, public spaces, government lands, graveyards, lakes, and temples.
  • The Punjab Waqf Board has claimed land belonging to the Education Department in Patiala.

Additionally, MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) informed the JPC during their presentation in September 2024, that 108 properties under control of Land and Development Office, 130 properties under control of Delhi Development Authority and 123 properties in the public domain were declared as Waqf properties and brought into litigation.

  1. Rights of Muslim Women and Legal Heirs 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 programs.

Additionally, the Bill aims at achieving the following for the benefit for Muslim women-

  • Transparency in Waqf Management – Digitizing waqf records to curb corruption.
  • Legal Aid & Social Welfare – Establishing legal support centers for family disputes and inheritance rights.
  • Cultural & Religious Identity – Strengthening cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue.

Women’s involvement ensures transparency and directs Waqf resources towards:

  • Scholarships for Muslim girls
  • Healthcare and maternity welfare
  • Skill development and microfinance support for women entrepreneurs
  • Vocational training in fields like fashion design, healthcare, and entrepreneurship
  • Establishing legal aid centers for inheritance disputes and domestic violence cases
  • Pension schemes for widows

 

  1. Upliftment of the Poor

Waqf plays a crucial role in serving religious, charitable, and social welfare needs, especially for the underprivileged. However, its impact has often been reduced due to mismanagement, encroachment, and lack of transparency. Some key benefits of Waqf for the Poor:

 

  1. Digitization for Transparency and Accountability
  • A centralized digital portal will track Waqf properties, ensuring better identification, monitoring, and management.
  • Auditing and accounting measures will prevent financial mismanagement and ensure funds are used only for welfare purposes.
  1. Increased Revenue for Welfare and Development
  • Preventing misuse and illegal occupation of Waqf lands will boost revenue for Waqf Boards, allowing them to expand welfare programs.
  • Funds will be allocated to healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood support, directly benefiting the economically weaker sections.
  • Regular audits and inspections will promote financial discipline and strengthen public confidence in Waqf management.

 

  1. Addressing Administrative Challenges

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to improve governance by:

  • Enhancing transparency in property management.
  • Streamlining coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities.
  • Ensuring stakeholder rights are protected.

 

  1. Empowerment of Backward classes & other sects of Muslim communities: The Bill aims at making the Waqf Board more inclusive having representation from different Muslim sects for better Waqf governance and decision-making-
  • The Bill mandates inclusion of one member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in State/UT Waqf Boards, if they have functional Auqaf.
  • Also, the Board will have representation from Muslims belonging to backward classes apart from Shia and Sunni members.
  • Includes two or more elected members from municipalities or Panchayats, strengthening local governance in waqf affairs.
  • The Board/CWC will have two non-Muslim members excluding the ex-officio members.

Conclusion:

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 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.

Kindly find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

 

(Release ID: 2118261) Visitor Counter : 22

Progress Made Under the National Mission for Manuscripts

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

The National Mission for Manuscripts has digitized Three Lakh Fifty Thousand manuscripts so far in different repositories. The Mission is preserving all types of manuscripts across the nation scribed on different materials with the help of its Manuscripts Conservation Centers.

The Mission has uploaded 1,36,490 manuscripts, out of which 77,152 manuscripts are available for public access. These manuscripts can be accessed at our website https://www.namami.gov.in/

The Ministry of Culture under the aegis of Gyan Bharatam Mission is committed to expand NMM outreach through public exhibitions or digital platform extensively.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2118253) Visitor Counter : 21

Special traffic arrangements for triathlon on Hong Kong Island

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from this Friday to Sunday (April 4 to 6) to facilitate the holding of a triathlon event.

A.    Road closure

    The following roads will be closed:

(1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

    Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.

(2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

– Yiu Sing Street;
– Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Fleming Road, including the slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass tunnel from Wan Chai to North Point;
– Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue;
– Northbound Lung Tat Path;
– Lung Hop Street;
– Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and Lung Wo Road;
– Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District;
– Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Man Yiu Street;
– Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street;
– Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street;
– Part of the traffic lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near Lung Wo Road;
– Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Lung Wo Road between Tim Wa Avenue and Man Yiu Street;
– Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between westbound Convention Avenue and eastbound Lung Wo Road;
– Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Hung Hing Road near Fleming Road;
– The slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel leading to the exit of Lung Wo Road; and
– Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road.

B.    Traffic diversions

    In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

(1) From 10am on April 4 to 0.59am on April 5 and 2.01pm on April 5 to 0.59am on April 6:

    Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East.

(2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

– Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road cannot turn right to northbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street;
– Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
– Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
– Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central, u-turn, eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue;
– Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street;
– Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted
via Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
– Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
– Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
– Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and
– Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Central Pier or Finance Street via Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street.

C.    Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

    All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:

(1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

    All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.

(2) From 10pm on April 4 to 2pm on April 5 and from 10pm on April 5 to 6pm on April 6:

– All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street;
– Lay-bys on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Central Barracks; and
– Lay-by on Edinburgh Place near City Hall.

     All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

     The Police will implement the special arrangements depending on the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists should exercise patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.