National
IND vs SL, CWC 2023: ‘No Fireworks At Wankhede & Delhi Stadiums,’ Says BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Addressing Air Pollution Woes

In a proactive effort to address the escalating air pollution crisis in Mumbai and Delhi, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step to mitigate environmental concerns. BCCI’s Honorary Secretary, Jay Shah, expressed the cricket body’s deep concern about the city’s deteriorating air quality and made a noteworthy announcement. For the upcoming ICC World Cup match between India and Sri Lanka scheduled on Thursday, there will be no fireworks display in Mumbai as well as in the future matches in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Shah, the Honorary Secretary of BCCI, formally addressed the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC), emphasizing the urgent need to avoid activities that could further escalate the city’s pollution levels. He affirmed BCCI’s dedication to combating environmental challenges and emphasized their commitment to prioritising the well-being of fans and stakeholders.
Rohit Sharma’s Shares Concern Over Rising Air Pollution
India’s cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, raised concerns about Mumbai’s air quality upon arriving in the city on October 31st. Sharing his concerns, Sharma posted an image on his official Instagram handle, depicting the alarming levels of air pollution.
His action highlighted the gravity of the situation and echoed the sentiments of many residents and visitors experiencing the city’s deteriorating air quality. Notably, international cricketers, including England’s Joe Root, have criticised Mumbai’s pollution levels, comparing the experience to ‘eating air’.
Mumbai’s Ongoing Struggle With Air Quality
Mumbai has been under scrutiny in recent months due to its consistently poor air quality. As of November 1st, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 132, indicating hazardous air conditions. The atmosphere continues to be shrouded in haze, adversely affecting the health and well-being of its residents.
Delhi’s Falling Air Quality
Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday (November 1) with an AQI of 372 while the minimum temperature was recorded at 16.4 degrees Celsius.
BCCI’s decision to abstain from fireworks during the India-Sri Lanka match not only serves as a responsible gesture but also highlights the urgent need for collective action to combat air pollution in urban areas.
National
Muslim community upset over LoP’s silence on Waqf Bill, says Mayawati

Lucknow, April 12: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has launched a broadside on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his silence during the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Drawing parallels with the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), she alleged that LoP Gandhi’s silence has triggered resentment among the Muslim community.
Taking to X on Saturday, Mayawati questioned the Congress MP’s inaction.
“Is it appropriate for the Leader of Opposition to remain silent during the lengthy debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha? Especially when the Opposition has flagged it as a violation of constitutional provisions — just like the CAA? The Muslim community’s anger over this silence is only natural. This has also created discomfort within the INDIA bloc,” she wrote.
The BSP leader further accused both the Congress and the BJP of betraying the interests of marginalised communities.
“Parties like the Congress and BJP are equally responsible for undermining the rights of Bahujans by rendering their reservations ineffective — both in government employment and in education. Religious minorities should also be cautious of their hollow promises,” she said.
The former UP Chief Minister further added that such policies have worsened the condition of Bahujans in Uttar Pradesh.
“Bahujans are facing distress in every sector while BJP workers act with impunity. The growing privatisation of electricity and other public sectors is adding to the problems. The government must uphold its constitutional duty to ensure public welfare,” she said.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was passed by both Houses of Parliament and received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, has now become law.
However, the legislation has sparked opposition from Congress, AIMIM, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). They have all filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutional validity.
Meanwhile, protests against the new law have erupted in various parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, the police remain on alert amid heightened tensions.
Religious leaders have urged the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid any form of violent demonstration. Several Opposition parties have also expressed their support for the ongoing protests.
National
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claims house arrest amid Waqf Act row

Srinagar, April 11: Senior separatist and religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday, alleged that authorities had placed him under house arrest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, thereby preventing him from delivering his weekly sermon and offering prayers at the Jamia Masjid.
Mirwaiz Umar said on X, “Yet again, this Friday put under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at Jama Masjid. It’s is both heartbreaking and outrageous that authorities continue to trample on my basic religious rights – at their will. The resolution formulated by MMU -the meeting of which was also not allowed, against the Waqf Amendment Act will be read out today in mosques, shrines, and Imambaras across J&K”.
Two days ago, the authorities had disallowed the meeting of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) — an amalgamation of religious organisations in the Valley headed by Mirwaiz — convened at the residence of his residence. The meeting was called to discuss the fallout of the Waqf Amendment Act.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) headed by Mirwaiz Umar for five years. The MHA order said that the AAC was a secessionist organisation indulging in anti-national activities and encouraging youths to resort to violence.
The ACC was formed in 1963 by the late Mirwaiz Maulana Mohammad Farooq during the Holy Relic agitation.
After the elder Mirwaiz was assassinated by terrorists in 1990 in his uptown Nigeen residence in Srinagar city, the ACC came to be headed by his son, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
In another order, the MHA also banned for five years the Ittihadul Muslimeen headed by Maulvi Masroor Abbas. The organisation was banned for its activities against the state and for acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the country.
The organisation was part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference and was headed by Maulvi Abbas Ansari, the senior Shia Muslim leader. After the death of Maulvi Abbas, his son, Maulvi Masoor Ansari, headed the Ittihadul Muslimeen.
The Mirwaiz is head of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, which was formed in 2003 when the Hurriyat Conference split into two groups — the hardline group headed by late Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the moderate group headed by Mirwaiz Umar. However, several of its associate outfits are distancing themselves and are pledging loyalty to the constitution of India.
National
Congress anti-Dalit, wronged Ambedkar, insulted Kharge: Pralhad Joshi

Bengaluru, April 11: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi on Friday launched a blistering attack on Congress, saying the grand old party was not only “anti-Hindu” but also against Dalits.
Talking to the media at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Union Minister said: We have organised the ‘Bheem Hejje’ rally today to commemorate 100 years of B. R. Ambedkar’s visit to Nippani town in Belagavi district.
Union Minister Joshi said: “Despite our MLA Shashikala Jolle bringing it to the government’s attention that it has been 100 years since Babasaheb Ambedkar visited Nippani town, it didn’t organise a programme. Congress commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Belagavi. But why didn’t it commemorate the 100th year of Ambedkar’s visit?”
“Had the government organised it, we wouldn’t have done it ourselves. This event reflects our commitment,” he clarified.
“The Congress denied him a seat in the Constituent Assembly by ceding Hindu-majority regions to Pakistan. They made him lose elections twice and prevented him from being part of the interim government,” he charged.
The Union Minister claimed that the BJP will tell people how late Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had “opposed reservations for Dalits”.
“The Congress insulted AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and we will inform people about that too,” Union Minister Joshi stressed.
The BJP Karnataka unit said a garland-laying ceremony will be held at Babasaheb’s statue in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, following which the rally will depart from the grounds near BIC Exhibition Centre.
During the journey to Nippani, the party also planned to offer floral tributes at every statue of Ambedkar in taluk centres and villages along the route.
The BJP’s SC Morcha, ST Morcha, and all party workers are taking part in the rally, and a massive convention will be held in Nippani on April 15.
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