General
India logs 12,885 Covid cases, 461 deaths

India registered 12,885 new Covid-19 cases and 461 deaths in the last 24 hrs, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.
The new fatalities increased the overall nationwide death toll to 4,59,652.
The recovery of 15,054 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,37,12,794 Consequently, India’s recovery rate has increased to 98.23 per cent, highest since March 2020, said the Ministry.
The active caseload stands at 1,48,579, which is the lowest in the last 253 days.
Active cases presently constitute 0.43 per cent of the country’s total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020.
Also in the same period, a total of 10,67,914 tests were conducted across the country.
India has so far conducted over 61.23 crore cumulative tests.
Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 1.17 per cent has remained less than 2 per cent for 41 days now.
The daily positivity rate stands at 1.21 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 31 days and less than 3 per cent for 66 consecutive days now.
With the administration of 30,90,920 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s Covid inoculation coverage has reached 107.63 crore as of Thursday morning,
This has been achieved through 1,08,50,694 sessions.
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
Is the New Waqf Bill Beneficial for the Muslim Community? Report: Qamar Ansari

The recently introduced Waqf Bill by the government has once again sparked debate within the Muslim community. The bill is being presented as a step towards better management, transparency, and protection of Waqf properties across the country. However, differing opinions have emerged over whether it truly serves the interests of the Muslim community.
The new bill includes several key provisions, such as enhancing the powers of Waqf Boards, introducing a digital registry of Waqf properties, and initiating strict action against illegal encroachments. The government claims that the bill will ensure the protection of Waqf assets and that the revenue generated from them can be effectively used for education, healthcare, and welfare projects.
However, some religious and social organizations have expressed concerns. They argue that Waqf properties are inherently linked to religious purposes, and direct government interference could compromise religious autonomy. Some fear that the bill may hinder the freedom and original purpose of Waqf properties.
On the other hand, legal experts and reformist voices believe that if implemented honestly, the bill could be a positive step for the Muslim community. With better administration of Waqf assets—many of which have been mismanaged or encroached upon—the community could benefit in significant ways.
What’s the Difference Between the Old and the New Waqf Bill?
Old Waqf Law:
The earlier Waqf law, enacted under the “Waqf Act 1995,” aimed to regulate and safeguard thousands of Waqf properties across India. Key features included:
- Establishment of State Waqf Boards.
- Responsibility for property management vested in the Boards.
- Mandatory registration of Waqf properties.
- Appointment of Mutawallis (caretakers) with board approval.
Over time, however, the law revealed weaknesses in its implementation. Problems such as illegal encroachments, corruption, and ineffective oversight continued to rise.
New Waqf Bill:
The new Waqf Bill introduces several major changes, aiming to modernize the system, enhance transparency, and incorporate technology. Key provisions include:
- Digital Registry: All Waqf properties to be registered and monitored online.
- Central Database: A national Waqf portal to provide public access to information.
- Action Against Encroachments: Legal powers to swiftly remove illegal occupants.
- Administrative Transparency: Stronger audit mechanisms and transparent functioning of Waqf Boards.
- Grievance Redressal System: A responsive complaint cell to address corruption and misuse.
Summary of Differences:
Aspect | Waqf Act 1995 (Old Law) | Waqf Bill 2025 (New Bill) |
---|---|---|
Registration | Manual registry | Digital registry with a national portal |
Oversight | State-level monitoring | Centralized oversight and national database |
Transparency | Limited | Enhanced transparency and robust auditing system |
Action Against Encroachment | Lengthy legal process | Swift legal action provision |
Public Participation | Weak grievance mechanism | Active grievance redressal system |
The use of modern technology, improved transparency, and administrative reforms in the new Waqf Bill are promising aspects. However, some scholars and religious groups worry that increasing government involvement may infringe upon religious autonomy. The actual impact of the bill will largely depend on its execution and the extent to which the Muslim community is consulted and included in the process.
For now, it remains too early to say whether the bill will prove to be entirely beneficial for the Muslim community. Its success hinges on fair implementation and inclusive governance.
Maharashtra
Thief who came from Mumbai and committed several thefts arrested

Mumbai: Police have claimed to have arrested a thief who committed theft in the limits of Milind police station, against whom several cases of theft and burglary are registered in Mumbai. Mumbai Zone 7 DCP Vijay Kant Sagare, while addressing a press conference here, said that the accused came to Mumbai by flight with the intention of stealing and broke into several 5 houses.
Theft cases are registered against him in Nehru Nagar, Milind, Alwaye, Navi Mumbai. One and a half lakh silver ornaments weighing two kg, totaling Rs 15 lakh have been seized. Cases of stalking are also registered against the criminal Rajesh in Dombivali, Vishnu Nagar, Vishai, Vitthalwadi, Manpara, Pan police stations.
The accused told that he came to Mumbai from Varanasi by plane on March 13, 2025 and robbed five houses in 15 days.
Maharashtra
Struggle Against Land Mafia in Waqf Properties: New Amended Bill Adds to the Challenges

New Delhi : In the ongoing battle to protect Waqf properties and ensure their benefits reach the deserving, land mafias, encroachers, and illegal groups were already a major hurdle. Now, the government’s newly amended bill has emerged as another significant challenge. Advocate Dr. Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi has strongly criticized this move and demanded immediate reforms. He stated that the primary objective of Waqf was to benefit the needy, but unfortunately, this objective has completely failed. On the other hand, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the largest Sikh religious organization, has been actively involved in the welfare of its community for decades. As a result, the Sikh community has nearly eradicated beggars and human rickshaw pullers.
Illegal Encroachments and Misuse of Waqf Lands Exposed :
According to Dr. Naqvi, Waqf properties have suffered the most due to unlawful encroachments by vested interest groups. The most unfortunate fact is that many Waqf lands were originally donated for the shrines (Dargahs) of Syed families, but they have been grossly misused. He revealed that a well-known individual shamelessly sold an acre of prime Waqf land on Mumbai’s Altamount Road for just 1.6 million rupees, a blatant violation of Waqf principles and laws.
Demand for a Stricter Amendment in Section 52 :
Dr. Naqvi has called on the government to take strict action against those who illegally sell Waqf properties. He has urged for an immediate amendment to Section 52 of the Waqf Act to introduce
capital punishment or life imprisonment* for unauthorized Waqf land sellers. This issue is a major setback for those fighting to safeguard Waqf properties, who are already battling corrupt elements and illegal land grabbers. It remains to be seen whether the government takes these concerns seriously and enacts effective legislation to protect Waqf lands.
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