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Chhattisgarh Waqf Board chairman backs new law; says it will empower Muslim community

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Raipur, April 11: Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman, Dr Salim Raj, has welcomed the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it a progressive step that will benefit the Muslim community a great deal. He said the new law would ensure better management of Waqf properties and promote education and development within the community.

Dr Raj stated, “This is a historic move by the BJP-led central government. Under the amended law, land belonging to mosques, dargahs, and graveyards will not be acquired by the government. Waqf properties will be redeveloped for the community’s good.”

He said that the amendment aims to introduce transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, which he claims are currently plagued by misuse and illegal occupation.

“In Chhattisgarh, nearly 85 per cent of Waqf land is under illegal possession or is being arbitrarily controlled by Maulanas and Mutawallis (caretakers). This law will put an end to such unregulated control and bring these assets under legal scrutiny.”

Dr Raj argued that Waqf properties, worth crores of rupees, are underutilised, yielding no return for the community.

“If these assets are managed properly, the revenue generated can be invested in education for Muslim children and the overall uplift of the community,” he said.

He also announced that a new team would soon survey Waqf properties across the state. “The team will assess the current condition of properties, ensure proper usage, fix market-aligned rent values, and initiate recovery of encroached lands. The goal is to use every piece of Waqf land for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Dr. Raj also took a strong stance against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to the implementation of the new law in her state.

“Is Mamata Banerjee above the Constitution? If the law has been passed by Parliament, she is bound to implement it. Refusing to do so amounts to a violation of constitutional responsibility. Her position reflects vote-bank politics and nothing else,” he remarked.

He further stated that such resistance only hinders the socio-economic progress of the Muslim community and politicises a reform meant for its betterment.

Entertainment

Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani’s Daughter’s First Photos LEAKED? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Images

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Bollywood’s much-loved couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on July 15 in Mumbai. The next day, the actors confirmed the happy news through a joint Instagram post, while also requesting privacy for their daughter.

The couple did not share any photos of their daughter and also requested paparazzi not to take her pictures or record videos. However, several a few days back, a set of pictures showing Sidharth and Kiara holding a baby surfaced on social media.

In one photo, Sidharth is seen cradling a child and looking at her affectionately, while another shows Kiara holding the little one with the couple smiling joyfully. The photos quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comment sections with congratulatory messages and blessings. Some even remarked that the baby resembled Kiara.

However, the images are fake. A section of social media users pointed out that the viral photos have been digitally altered and do not feature the actors with their newborn daughter. They also flagged the visuals as AI-generated, clarifying that the baby shown was not Sidharth and Kiara’s child.

Also, the new parents have not shared any pictures with the media or on their official social media accounts.

Sidharth and Kiara welcomed their first child — a baby girl — on July 15 in Mumbai, 2.5 years after their marriage. They had tied the knot in a dreamy ceremony in February 2023 after dating for several years.

In February 2025, they took everyone by surprise as they dropped a picture of two tiny knitted socks and announced that they were set to welcome their first child.

A day after the birth of their daughter, Sidharth and Kiara took to their social media and shared an official statement which read, “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl!”

They later also requested the paparazzi to not click their child until the family allows it.

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National News

‘Won’t Leave Mumbai Even If I Die’, Manoj Jarange-Patil Dares CM Fadnavis, Says ‘Don’t Even Think Of Lathi-Charging’

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Mumbai: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Tuesday intensified his agitation at Azad Maidan, declaring that he and his supporters would not leave Mumbai until their demands were fully met, even if it costs his life.

On the fifth day of his indefinite hunger strike, Jarange issued a sharp warning to the state government, particularly Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, insisting that cases registered against Maratha protesters across Maharashtra be withdrawn immediately. He further demanded the dismissal of police personnel who allegedly assaulted demonstrators, along with the registration of cases against them.

Addressing his supporters, Jarange said, “I tell the government and Fadnavis that we will not leave Mumbai until all our demands are implemented. Withdraw all cases, dismiss the policemen who attacked us, and file cases against them. Devendra Fadnavis should not even think of using the police for a lathi-charge against our boys. Otherwise, we will show Fadnavis what Marathas are.” His defiant statement came just hours after the Mumbai Police issued a notice to him and his core committee for violating the terms of protest permission.

The Azad Maidan Police, in their notice, directed Jarange’s group to vacate the site immediately, citing breaches of the conditions laid down by both the court and the police. They also flagged his provocative remarks to the media as part of the violations.

This police action followed stern observations from the Bombay High Court on Monday, which described the ongoing agitation as unlawful and disruptive. The court noted that while the right to protest is a fundamental one, the stir had crossed permissible boundaries and was paralysing Mumbai, particularly during the Ganeshotsav festivities.

The bench reminded the organisers that permission had been granted for only a one-day demonstration with a limit of 5,000 participants. Instead, the protest has extended for days, with crowds swelling and traffic disruptions reported across the city.

The court directed Jarange to vacate Azad Maidan by noon on Tuesday and ordered authorities to prevent further groups of protesters from entering Mumbai. However, it also underlined that humanitarian concerns must be respected. Arrangements for food and water supply to protestors were allowed and instructions were issued that Jarange must receive immediate medical attention if his health worsens.

Jarange has been on an indefinite fast since August 29, demanding 10 per cent reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, a demand that has reignited political and social tensions in the state.

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National News

Mitchell Starc Retires From T20I Format, Set To Focus On Test & ODI Career

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Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc on Tuesday announced his retirement from T20I format as he looks to lengthen his Test and 2027 ODI World Cup. The decision comes merely six months before the next edition of the marquee event in India & Sri Lanka. Starc, last played in this format, was during the last T20 World Cup in the USA & West Indies.

Starc’s retirement opens the door for fellow seamer Nathan Ellis to play a major role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The left-armer’s departure also comes as a massive boost for fringe quicks Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis and Xavier Bartlett, who are fighting for more opportunities in Australia’s white-ball teams.

Starc’s retirement, the latest in a series of high-profile white-ball exits by Australian stars, comes as a significant setback to the Mitch Marsh-led squad’s ambitions of clinching the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled for February in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking of his retirement, Starc said,”Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way.”

“Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns.

“It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament.”

Starc finishes as Australia’s second-highest wicket taker in the format, behind only Adam Zampa. In a 65-game T20I career, Starc claimed 79 wickets at an economy of 7.74. He also played five of the six T20 World Cups, missing only the 2016 edition with an injury. He was a central figure as Australia completed their trophy set by lifting the title in Dubai in 2021.

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