MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

India calls on BRICS to Unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize USD 1.3 Trillion for Achieving NDC Goals, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

India emphasizes on Collaborative Climate Action among BRICS Nations for Strengthening Global Sustainability and Just Transition for All

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

India has vociferously advocated the need for a Collective Leadership for advancing the 2030 Climate Agenda at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, Brazil, today. The Indian delegation was led by Sh. Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Session I: Advancing Environmental Cooperation amongst BRICS towards Sustainable Development and a Just Transition for All

During the first session, India underscored BRICS’ pivotal role in shaping global sustainability and Climate action. Highlighting that BRICS nations collectively account for 47% of the world’s population and contribute 36% of global GDP (PPP), India emphasized the group’s responsibility in addressing climate change and sustainable development.

India reaffirmed the significance of the New Delhi Statement from the 7th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting 2021, which advocates a holistic approach to climate action by integrating adaptation, mitigation, and means of implementation. Stressing the urgent need for equitable carbon budget utilization, India called for a balanced transition that prioritizes developing nations’ growth while ensuring sustainability.

A key focus was the Baku to Belem Roadmap, aimed at securing USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India urged BRICS partners to strengthen climate financing mechanisms to meet global sustainability commitments effectively.

On energy security, India reiterated commitments made in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration (2021), which promotes a diversified energy mix, including fossil fuels, hydrogen, nuclear, and renewables. India highlighted the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid, launched under the International Solar Alliance, as a transformative project for global renewable energy integration.

India also emphasized the role of resource efficiency and the circular economy in achieving sustainability goals. The Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition, launched under G20, was cited as a model for global corporate collaboration in sustainable resource management.

“A Just Transition must acknowledge the diverse economic realities of nations. Each country has a unique development pathway, and the provision of adequate means of implementation—in finance, technology, and capacity-building—is essential to ensuring that no nation or community is left behind in this transition. As BRICS nations, we must strengthen our engagements in multilateral forums, championing the interests of developing economies and advocating for a fair and equitable transition”, India’s statement read.

Session II: Collective Leadership for Climate and the 2030 Agenda

In the second session, India highlighted that the expansion of BRICS from five to eleven members strengthens its leadership in global climate governance. With BRICS nations facing common environmental challenges such as desertification, pollution and biodiversity loss, India stressed the importance of collective action and shared responsibility.

Emphasizing the need for fair and equitable climate transition, India stressed for continued collaboration amongst BRICS Nations at multilateral forums such as UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and UNEA. The country reiterated the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) as a fundamental guideline for climate negotiations.

India also acknowledged BRICS’ leadership in sustainability through flagship initiatives, including the Partnership for Urban Environmental Sustainability, the Clean Rivers Programme, and Sustainable Urban Management. The country called for enhanced cooperation in tackling marine plastic pollution, improving air quality, and printing resource efficiency.

On Climate Finance, India highlighted the urgent need for developed nations to fulfill their commitments, noting that the proposed USD 300 billion per year by 2035 under the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is far below the required USD 1.3 trillion. India emphasized the importance of COP30, to be hosted in Brazil, as a critical milestone for advancing global adaptation and resilience efforts.

India also reiterated its leadership in conservation and sustainability, mentioning initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance, a global effort for wildlife conservation. Furthermore, India urged BRICS nations to join global sustainability initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, and Global Biofuel Alliance to accelerate collective climate action.

India reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with BRICS partners to drive transformative change in climate action, environmental cooperation, and sustainable development. The Indian delegation expressed gratitude to Brazil, the BRICS Chair, for hosting the meeting and emphasized the importance of continued engagement for a greener, more resilient future.

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VM/GS
 

(Release ID: 2118492) Visitor Counter : 14

Source: Government of India

Lok Sabha Passes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

 “Bill Seeks to Unlock the Full Potential of India’s Vast and Strategic Coastline, Providing a Dedicated Legal Framework for Coastal Trade:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

 “Bill aligned with the vision of the National Logistics Policy for a Cost Efficient, Sustainable, Alternative for Logistics Movement:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

 “Under PM Narendra Modi ji’s Visionary Leadership, India’s Coastal Cargo Traffic Surges 119% since 2014, Eyes 230 Million Tonnes by 2030:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

 “Bill provides a legal framework to integrate the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan, promoting regional development of riverine and coastal areas:” Sarbananda Sonowal 

 “Coastal Shipping Bill firmly grounded in the Spirit of Cooperative Federalism”: Sarbananda Sonowal

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:10PM by PIB Delhi

The Lok Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, paving the way for a dedicated legal framework for coastal trade as the maritime sector aims to provide a economical, reliable and sustainable mode of transportation as it decongest road and rail network. “The Bill seeks to unlock the full potential of India’s vast and strategic coastline, providing dedicated legal framework for coastal trade,” asserted Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to make coastal trade easier, more competitive, and better integrated with PM Shri Narendra Modi Govt’s overall transport vision — the National Logistics Policy. With its manifold forward looking provisions, the bill provides a future ready legal framework while upgrading the dated provision of earlier legislations like Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The proposed bill introduces key provisions for licensing and regulating foreign vessels in India’s coasting trade. It mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and establishes a National Database for Coastal Shipping. The bill also regulates foreign vessels chartered by Indian entities and outlines penalties for violations, aligning with the government’s push for decriminalising laws. Additionally, it grants the Director General of Shipping authority to seek information, issue directions, and enforce compliance, while empowering the Central Government to provide exemptions and regulatory oversight, ensuring streamlined and efficient coastal shipping operations in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Coastal Shipping Bill aligns local aspirations with national goals, and provides a framework for the next 25 years of coastal economic growth under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The overarching goal of the Bill to develop a coastal fleet owned and operated by Indian entities will lead to reduced dependence on foreign vessels for critical areas relevant for our country’s coastal shipping. It will reduce logistics costs, promote green transport, support the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and create thousands of jobs in shipbuilding, port services and manning of vessels. The bill is in line with international best practices for adopting dedicated law for coastal trade but adopted to suit Indian conditions. This Bill provides a dedicated legal framework to boost coastal trade, propelling inland waterways and riverine economies while offering a low-cost, reliable, and sustainable alternative to overloaded road and rail networks.”

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to reduce logistics costs and promote sustainable transport. Coastal shipping, a cost-efficient and low-emission mode of transport, will play a key role in easing India’s overburdened road and rail networks. Key provisions of the Bill include the removal of the general trading license requirement for Indian ships (Clause 3), reducing compliance burdens and enhancing ease of doing business. Foreign vessels can engage in coastal trade only under a license issued by the Director General of Shipping (Clause 4), with conditions that support Indian shipbuilding and employment for seafarers. The Bill mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan (Clause 8), revised biennially, to improve route planning, forecast traffic, and integrate coastal shipping with inland waterways. This strategic vision ensures long-term growth and sustainability in India’s maritime sector.

On the bill’s efficacy with present day realities as well as its role as a future ready framework, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The new Coastal Shipping Bill modernises and streamlines coastal trade regulations, addressing gaps in the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Unlike its predecessor, which focused solely on vessel licensing, this Bill provides a forward-looking, holistic framework aligned with global cabotage practices. It simplifies procedures, promotes growth, & integrates coastal shipping into India’s modern logistics network, ensuring efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness in the maritime sector.”

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 builds on key reforms, including prioritised berthing, green clearance channels, and GST reduction on bunker fuel. Coastal cargo traffic has surged 119% in the last decade, from 74 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 162 million tonnes in 2023-24, with a target of 230 million tonnes by 2030. The Bill ensures legal clarity, regulatory stability, and investment-friendly policies, strengthening India’s maritime security and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

On the possibilities from strategic integration of coastal shipping with inland waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The integration of coastal and inland waterways will promote regional development of riverine and coastal areas alike in the country. This Bill will also give impetus to the long-term vision of development of coastal and inland waterways transport in States such as Odisha, Karnataka and Goa among others. The integration of coastal shipping routes with inland waterways — which often traverse multiple states — calls for collective planning and coordinated execution. By recognising the role of States in this regard, this Bill ensures that the growth of coastal shipping is inclusive and participative.”

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 introduces a National Database of Coastal Shipping to enhance transparency, coordination, and data-driven decision-making. It also expands the category of charterers allowed to hire foreign vessels, including Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and LLPs. Ensuring cooperative federalism, the Bill provides active representation for States and Union Territories in key mechanisms, reinforcing India’s commitment to a streamlined, inclusive, and efficient maritime sector.

Allaying criticism of the Opposition parties, the Union Minister asserted, “The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 upholds cooperative federalism by ensuring active participation of States and Union Territories. Under Clause 8(3), a committee—comprising representatives from major ports, State Maritime Boards, and experts—will draft the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan. This guarantees States a direct role in shaping strategy, routes, and regulations. By integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways, the Bill enables collective planning, fostering inclusive growth aligned with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

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GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2118487) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Registering annual growth of 9 percent Indian Railways makes 7,134 coaches in last fiscal, Catering to the common man, IR sets the new record vis a vis 5481 in the last decade

With focus on non-AC segment, Indian Railway produces 4,601 coaches in 2024-25

Annual average coach production rises from 3,300 in 2004-14 to 5,481 in 2014-24, with total production of 54,809 coaches in last decade

ICF Chennai produces 178 more coaches to cross annual threshold of 3,000; RCF Kapurthala with 201 and MCF Rae Bareli contribute by 341 more coaches in iconic journey of record production

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in the financial year 2024-25 by manufacturing 7,134 coaches, marking a 9% increase from the previous year’s production of 6,541 coaches, with special emphasis on non A/C coaches with production of 4,601 coaches, catering the needs of common man. This rise reflects India’s growing emphasis on modernizing Railway infrastructure to meet increasing passenger demand.

The Indian Railways has three coach manufacturing units in the country – Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala, Punjab and Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the premier passenger coach producing unit of Indian Railways in Chennai, surpassed its previous production records for the year 2024-25, as it rolled out 3,007 coaches.

Coach Manufacturing Unit	Location	Coaches Produced (2023-24)	Coaches Produced (2024-25)	Increase in Production
Integral Coach Factory (ICF)	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	2,829	3,007	+178
Rail Coach Factory (RCF)	Kapurthala,  Punjab	1,901	2,102	+201
Modern Coach Factory (MCF)	Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh	1,684	2,025	+341

Growth in Domestic Manufacturing

Coach production in India has expanded substantially over the years. Between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways manufactured less than 3,300 coaches on an average per year. However, from 2014 to 2024, production saw a major boost with production of 54,809 coaches with an average of 5,481 coaches per year, aligning with the push for improved connectivity and self-reliance in Railway manufacturing. The expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance domestic production capabilities, reduce dependence on imports and integrate advanced technology into Railway design.

Improving Passenger Experience and Connectivity

The record-breaking coach production aligns with the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, ensuring improved public transport services while also enabling domestic manufacturing. With more coaches being introduced, passengers can expect better facilities, enhanced safety features and increased capacity to accommodate growing demand.

Additionally, this achievement strengthens the ‘Make in India initiative’, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in Railway manufacturing. By focusing on modern, energy-efficient and passenger-friendly coaches, Indian Railways is making significant strides toward building a more robust and future-ready transport network.

With ongoing efforts in Railway electrification, high-speed corridors and upgraded passenger services, the increased coach production will play a vital role in shaping the future of India’s Rail transport system, ensuring greater efficiency, comfort and accessibility for millions of passengers.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2118452) Visitor Counter : 91

Source: Government of India

Railway and Telecom department Join Hands to make sure your lost mobile device is recovered through advance tracking capabilities

Strengthening operation ‘Amanat’, RPF onboarded on CEIR portal of department of telecommunication benefiting millions of Railways passengers

CEIR portal is DoT’s crucial digital tool to recover mobile phone by blocking IMEI number, tracking and managing of lost/ stolen devices

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:20PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move towards enhancing passenger experience by returning the lost/missing mobile phones, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully onboarded with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal of the Department of Telecommunication. This initiative follows the success of a pilot program in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).  The all India roll out of this program across Indian Railways would benefit millions of Railway Passengers.

In the inauguration launch and training program for CEIR portal, held today, Shri. Manoj Yadava, Director General, Railway Protection Force addressed the gathering of RPF field units while Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) delivered the keynote address. Speaking on this landmark development, the DG RPF Shri. Manoj Yadava stated that “The collaboration of RPF with the Department of Telecommunication for operating CEIR portal marks a significant milestone in railway security. By harnessing digital technology, we aim to provide passengers with a transparent and effective mechanism to recover their lost or missing mobile phones. This initiative strengthens law enforcement capabilities and fosters greater trust among railway commuters. We remain committed to safeguarding passenger property and ensuring a secure travel experience across the railway network.”

The CEIR portal, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, is a crucial digital tool designed to recover mobile phones by blocking, tracking and managing lost or stolen devices. By leveraging this platform, RPF will now be able to render lost/missing mobile phones unusable by blocking their IMEI numbers, thereby deterring illegal possession and resale of these devices. This initiative will also facilitate the swift recovery of lost phones through advanced tracking capabilities.

RPF has been at the forefront of efforts to recover passenger property which are lost or missing in trains as well as station premises. Operation Amanat of RPF, aimed at the sole objective of returning the valuables to its rightful owners, have yielded impressive results, with RPF successfully recovering misplaced or left behind items worth ₹84.03 crores between January 2024 and February 2025 returning them to more than 1.15 lakh grateful passengers. The incorporation of CEIR into railway security operations is expected to further bolster the efforts of RFP to restore misplaced or left behind mobile phones to their rightful owners.

Seamless Complaint Registration & Recovery Process

The integration of RPF with CEIR ensures a streamlined process for passengers reporting lost or stolen phones:

1. Complaint Registration via Rail Madad: Passengers can report lost or stolen mobile phones through the Rail Madad platform, either online or by dialling 139. If they choose not to file an FIR, they will be guided to register their complaint on the CEIR portal.
2. CEIR Registration by RPF: Zonal Cyber Cells of RPF will then register the complaint on the CEIR portal, entering the required details and blocking the device.
3. Tracking and Recovery: Once the lost phone is detected with a new SIM card, the user of the device will be advised to return it to the nearest RPF post.
4. Return to the Owner: The rightful owner must present supporting documents to reclaim the device.
5. Legal Action: In case of non-compliance, an FIR can be lodged, and the matter escalated to the District Police.
6. Device Unblocking: Upon recovery, the complainant can request to unblock the phone via the CEIR portal, with assistance from RPF if needed.

In May 2024, RPF began a pilot project in Northeast Frontier Railway to actively utilize the CEIR portal and to study its utility for RPF. This experiment resulted in successful recovery of numerous lost mobile phones and apprehension of individuals involved in mobile theft. With this initiative being expanded all across the country, RPF is confident that it would be able to provide faster and more efficient recovery solutions for railway passengers.

With technology-driven advancements and inter-agency collaboration, Indian Railways continues to reinforce its commitment to passenger safety, ensuring that every journey is secure and hassle-free.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2118451) Visitor Counter : 144

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government.

The Prime Minister’s Office handle on X posted:

“During PM @narendramodi’s visit, the Thai Government released an iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings that were painted during the reign of King Rama I.”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118440) Visitor Counter : 42

Source: Government of India

Beyond Religion: Understanding Waqf as a Property Management Issue

Untangling the legal and administrative realities of Waqf in India.

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

The Waqf system in India is often seen as a religious matter, but in reality, it is mainly about property management, administration, and governance. The Waqf Act, 1995, and its amendments focus on regulating Waqf properties to ensure they are properly used and managed. The law defines Waqf as the permanent donation of movable or immovable property by a Muslim for purposes considered religious, charitable, or beneficial to society. However, the key concern is not religious practice but the proper administration of these properties.

• The government has the authority to regulate non-religious activities of Waqf institutions, including education, social welfare, and economic development, under Section 96 of the Waqf Act.
• The Central Waqf Council (CWC) and State Waqf Boards (SWBs) oversee and regulate these properties to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
• Indian courts have ruled that Waqf Boards are statutory bodies responsible for property management, not religious organizations.

Several court decisions have reinforced that Waqf property management is a non-religious function:

• Syed Fazal Pookoya Thangal vs Union Of India (Kerala High Court, 1993) – Clarified that the Waqf Board is a government-regulated body, not a religious representative.
• Hafiz Mohammad Zafar Ahmad vs UP Central Sunni Board of Waqf (Allahabad High Court, 1965) – Ruled that a mutawalli (Waqf caretaker) does not own Waqf property but only manages it.
• Tilkayat Shri Govindlalji Maharaj vs State of Rajasthan (Supreme Court, 1964) – Declared that managing temple properties is a secular duty, a principle that also applies to Waqf properties.

Waqf properties in India face major issues, including mismanagement, illegal occupation, and lack of transparency:

• The WAMSI portal reports that over 58,898 Waqf properties are illegally occupied.
• Cases of questionable claims by Waqf Boards include:
  • Govindpur, Bihar (August 2024) – The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board claimed ownership of an entire village, leading to legal disputes.
  • Kerala (September 2024) – Around 600 Christian families protested after the Waqf Board claimed their ancestral lands.
  • Surat, Gujarat – The Waqf Board declared the Surat Municipal Corporation Headquarters as Waqf property, despite it being a government building.

Instances of non-Muslim properties being arbitrarily declared as Waqf have raised concerns:

• In Tamil Nadu, the Waqf Board claimed the entire Thiruchenthurai village, affecting the property rights of non-Muslims.
• A total of 132 historical monuments were declared Waqf properties without proper documentation.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has been introduced to improve transparency and fairness in Waqf administration. The key reforms include:

• Ending arbitrary property claims – Section 40, which allowed Waqf Boards to unilaterally declare any property as Waqf, has been removed.
• Digitization of records – Waqf properties will now be documented digitally to prevent illegal claims and improve tracking.
• Strengthening dispute resolution – Waqf Tribunals will be given more authority to resolve property disputes efficiently.
• Ensuring accountability – Non-Muslim members will now be included in Waqf Boards to promote fairer decision-making.

The Waqf system in India is primarily about property management, not religion. The government and courts have repeatedly emphasized that Waqf administration is a secular function. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a crucial step in resolving issues of mismanagement, illegal claims, and lack of transparency. By introducing legal oversight, digitization, and accountability, the bill ensures that Waqf properties serve their intended purpose for the public good while protecting the rights of all citizens.

See in PDF

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2118417) Visitor Counter : 116

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:55PM by PIB Delhi

‘Waqf’ has been defined as the permanent dedication by any person of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognised by Muslim Law as pious, religious or charitable.^[1]

Introduction

India has been working to regulate and protect Waqf properties, which have religious, social, and economic significance. The first major law, the Waqf Act of 1954, laid the foundation for managing these properties. Over time, laws have been updated to improve governance and prevent misuse. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 aims to increase transparency, strengthen management, and protect Waqf assets. These reforms follow global best practices.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enforced by the Central Government, currently regulates Waqf properties. The main administrative bodies are:

• Central Waqf Council (CWC) – Advises the government and State Waqf Boards on policy but does not directly control Waqf properties.
• State Waqf Boards (SWBs) – Manage and protect Waqf properties in each state.
• Waqf Tribunals – Exclusive judicial bodies that handle disputes related to Waqf properties.

This system ensures better management and faster resolution of issues. Over the years, legal changes have made Waqf administration more transparent, efficient, and accountable.

An Overview of Waqf History in India

Waqf properties in India have been regulated by several laws to improve administration and prevent mismanagement:

1. The Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1913:

• Allowed Muslims to create Waqfs for family benefit, eventually leading to charitable purposes.
• Aimed to improve Waqf management but was not very effective.

2. The Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923: Introduced rules for proper accounting and transparency in Waqf management.
3. The Mussalman Wakf Validating Act, 1930: Strengthened the legal validity of family Waqfs, giving legal backing to the 1913 Act.
4. The Wakf Act, 1954:

• Created State Waqf Boards (SWBs) for the first time to oversee Waqf properties.
• Strengthened Waqf management after India’s independence.
• Established the Central Waqf Council of India in 1964 to supervise State Waqf Boards and provided a pathway toward the centralisation of Waqfs.
• This central body oversees the work under various state Waqf boards which were established under provisions of Section 9(1) of the Waqf Act, 1954.

5. Amendments to the Wakf Act, 1954 (1959, 1964, 1969, and 1984): These amendments aimed to further improve the administration of waqf properties.
6. The Waqf Act, 1995: This comprehensive Act repealed the 1954 Act and its amendments:

• This was enacted to govern the administration of Waqf Properties in India.

• It provides for the power and functions of the Waqf Council, the State Waqf Boards, and the Chief Executive Officer, and also the duties of mutawalli.

• Created Waqf Tribunals, special courts with powers similar to civil courts.
• Tribunal decisions are final and cannot be challenged in civil courts.

7. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013 introduced significant changes including:

• Created three-member Waqf Tribunals, including a Muslim law expert.
• Required two women members on each State Waqf Board.
• Prohibited the sale or gifting of Waqf properties.
• Increased the lease period of Waqf properties from 3 years to 30 years for better use.

8. Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024

• Aims to modernize Waqf administration, reduce legal disputes, and improve efficiency.
• Seeks to fix issues in the 1995 Act and the 2013 Amendment.

 

Schemes by the Ministry of Minority Affairs

The Quami Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS) and Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY) are being implemented through the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Government of India. These two schemes are for automation and modernization of State Waqf Boards.

• Under QWBTS, Government Grants-in-Aid (GIA) is provided to State Waqf Boards through CWC for the deployment of manpower to computerize and digitize records of waqf properties and to enhance the administration of Waqf Boards.
• SWSVY offers interest-free loans to Waqf Boards and institutions to develop commercial projects on Waqf properties.
• Rs 23.87 crore and Rs 7.16 crore respectively were spent under QWBTS and SWSVY from 2019-20 to 2023-24.^[2]

Overview of Waqf Properties in India:

As per data available on WAMSI portal 30 States/UTs and 32 Boards reported that there are 8.72 lakh properties, covering an area of more than 38 lakh acres. Out of the 8.72 lakh properties, 4.02 lakhs are Waqf by user. For remaining Waqf properties, the Ownership Rights Establishing Documents (deeds) have been uploaded on the WAMSI Portal for 9279 cases and only 1083 Waqf deeds have been uploaded.

 (As of March 14, 2025)

Source: https://wamsi.nic.in/wamsi/dashBoardAction.do;jsessionid=40F3DA0F79ED801CE30802EB0F326394?method=totalRegisteredProp

Data on State-wise numbers and area of Waqf properties (as of September 2024)

Sr. No.	State Waqf Boards	Total No. of Properties	Total area in Acre
1	Andaman and Nicobar Waqf Board	151	178.09
2	Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board	14685	78229.97
3	Assam Board of Waqfs	2654	6618.14
4	Bihar State (Shia) Waqf Board	1750	29009.52
5	Bihar State (Sunni) Waqf Board	6866	169344.82
6	Chandigarh Waqf Board	34	23.26
7	Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board	4230	12347.1
8	Dadra and Nagar Haveli Waqf Board	30	4.41
9	Delhi Waqf Board	1047	28.09
10	Gujarat State Waqf Board	39940	86438.95
11	Haryana Waqf Board	23267	36482.4
12	Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board	5343	8727.6
13	Jammu and Kashmir Auqaf Board	32533	350300.75
14	Jharkhand State (Sunni) Waqf Board	698	1084.76
15	Karnataka State Board of Auqaf	62830	596516.61
16	Kerala State Waqf Board	53282	36167.21
17	Lakshadweep State Waqf Board	896	143.81
18	Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board	33472	679072.39
19	Maharashtra State Board of Waqfs	36701	201105.17
20	Manipur State Waqf Board	991	10077.44
21	Meghalaya State Board of Waqfs	58	889.07
22	Odisha Board of Waqfs	10314	28714.65
23	Puducherry State Waqf Board	693	352.67
24	Punjab Waqf Board	75965	72867.89
25	Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs	30895	509725.57
26	Tamil Nadu Waqf Board	66092	655003.2
27	Telangana State Waqf Board	45682	143305.89
28	Tripura Board of Waqfs	2814	1015.73
29	U.P.  Shia Central Board of Waqfs	15386	20483
30	U.P. Sunni Central Board of Waqfs	217161
31	Uttarakhand Waqf Board	5388	21.8
32	West Bengal Board of Waqfs	80480	82011.84
	Total	872328	3816291.788

 

Conclusion:

The changes in Waqf laws in India from 1913 to 2024 show a strong effort to protect and manage Waqf properties for society’s benefit while ensuring a proper administration system. Each law aimed to solve current problems while keeping the main purpose of Waqf endowments. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 is an important step toward making Waqf management more transparent, responsible, and inclusive.

Kindly find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

(Release ID: 2118415) Visitor Counter : 264

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand in Bangkok. They deliberated on the immense potential of cooperation between India and Thailand in areas like defence, trade, culture and more.

In a post on X, he stated:

“It was a delight to meet Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand. He has extensive experience in matters relating to governance and policy making. He is also a great friend of India and had a very warm relationship with Atal Ji. 

Mr. Shinawatra and I talked at length about India-Thailand cooperation and how it benefits the people of our respective countries. We deliberated on the immense potential in areas like defence, trade, culture and more.

@ThaksinLive”

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118408) Visitor Counter : 13

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant move to facilitate the Mutual Fund industry’s customer onboarding process, Department of Posts (DoP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nippon India Mutual Fund to provide door-to-door KYC verification services for their investors. This partnership aims to streamline the KYC process, ensuring convenience, security, and compliance for investors across India.

The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Business Development Directorate, Department of Post, and Mr. Sundeep Sikka Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd.

Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal and Mr. Sundeep Sikka

India Post’s unparalleled reach, with a presence in even the remotest corners of the country, sets it apart as an ideal partner for mutual fund companies seeking to expand their investor base. After successfully handling more than 5 lakh KYC verifications for UTI and SUUTI in a short period, India Post has proven its capability to manage large-scale operations efficiently and securely.

The door-to-door KYC service will offer investors the convenience of completing the process from home, a crucial benefit for the investors especially the elderly. This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s emphasis on Jan Nivesh, the initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion for the common masses.

By offering door-to-door KYC services, India Post is providing easy access to financial products for individuals who may otherwise face barriers due to mobility issues or lack of access to financial institutions. This initiative ensures that a broader segment of the population, including those in rural and underserved areas, can participate in the growing mutual fund market, thus empowering them to make informed investment decisions and secure their financial future.

This collaboration marks a key milestone in India Post’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic development. With its trusted network, India Post aims to continue forging new partnerships and expanding its presence in the financial services sector.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2118397) Visitor Counter : 25

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on both the statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) based forecasting system. The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model. The MMCFS and MME forecasts are updated every month. This was to satisfy the demands from different users and Government authorities for the forecasts of the spatial distribution of monthly and seasonal rainfall along with the regionally averaged rainfall forecasts for better regional planning of activities.

Since introducing the Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS) in 2007 and implementing the MME approach in 2021 for seasonal forecasting, IMD operational forecast for the monsoon rainfall has shown noticeable improvement. For example, the average absolute forecast error in the forecasting of all India’s seasonal rainfall has reduced by about 21% during the recent 18 years (2007-2024) compared to the same number of  previous years (1989-2006), which indicates a highly successful forecast in recent years compared to previous years. The anomaly correlation between the observed and forecast ISMR during 2007-2023 was 0.55 compared to -0.21 during 1989-2006. It may be noted that IMD was able to correctly forecast the twin deficient monsoon years of 2014-2015, as well as the below-normal rainfall in 2023 and above-normal rainfall in 2024. These clearly indicate improvement made in the operational forecast system in the recent 18 years period compared to the earlier 18 years period. For 2025, the MME approach will continue to be used as this method introduced in 2021 has shown good skill in forecasting both the area-averaged rainfall at various geographical regions and spatial distribution of rainfall across the country at monthly as well as seasonal scales.

To strengthen weather and climate services for the agriculture sector, the MoES has launched the Mission Mausam, which is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services. The Mission is launched to make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation with the aim that no weather will go undetected and early warning for all. It will help monsoon-dependent agricultural regions, citizens, and last-mile users to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change in a better way.

Further, the Mission’s focus includes improving the observations by augmenting various observational networks throughout the country to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, capacity building, and awareness generation. Apart from physics-based numerical models, the Ministry is developing new methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for weather, climate, and ocean forecasting systems. And the formulation of collaborative research projects with academic institutions to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for weather forecasting and climate modeling capabilities. Local user communities such as farmers/agricultural authorities, aviation authorities, power generation & distribution agencies, industries, health agencies, etc., are constantly involved/engaged, and periodic familiarization is imparted through user meet/stakeholder meet awareness programs, etc. The feedback is taken from the communities for the improvement of all-weather & climate services. Extensive use of local languages in forecast dissemination and regularly organizing workshops and awareness programs for community outreach is being undertaken.

By strengthening the observational network will also help to observe the changes in long-term weather patterns compared to past years to assess the changes in the climate and take measures towards climate resilience.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using satellite technology extensively for weather monitoring and forecasting. This started with the use of photographs from Television Infrared Observation Satellites (TIROS-1) launched by the United States of America (USA) in April 1960. These photographs provided new information on cloud systems, including spiral formations associated with large storms, immediately proving their value to operational meteorologists. Over the years, IMD has embraced new developments in satellites and their applications, boosted through global coordination and support, such as geostationary satellites in 1974 and polar-orbiting satellites. With the advent of Indian National Satellites (INSAT) developed by the Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites in 1982, IMD has augmented satellite applications utilizing image and data products in collaboration with the ISRO. Currently, IMD is utilizing available international satellites, including European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and INSAT-3DR/3DS, as well as polar-orbiting satellites, including Oceansat-3 and Metop-B/C. The utilization of satellite data and products has improved nowcasting and severe weather along with timely detection of large-scale systems like monsoon circulation, cyclones, western disturbances, thunderstorms, etc. Above 90% of the data in the numerical models run by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is satellite-based. The assimilation of satellite data in the models has improved the accuracy in short to medium range forecasting by about 20% to 30%. Algorithms/tools developed by IMD/ISRO and other international institutes, such as EUMETSAT, like nowcast tools, RAPID, Dvorak technique, etc., have improved decision-making and forecasting. These data and products are proven to be useful for disaster preparedness. However, there are still gaps in detecting small-scale weather events, such as cloudbursts, thunderstorms, localized heavy rainfall, squalls, hail storms, etc., due to a lack of high-resolution data, products, and satellite-based tools. Considering this, IMD and ISRO are working together for the development of the INSAT-4 series with better sensors and resolution.

This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2118393) Visitor Counter : 30