What’s in Today’s Article?

• Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Latest News
• Introduction
• Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
• Controversies and Criticisms
• Conclusion
• Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 FAQs

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 Latest News

• After a marathon debate of 12 hours, the Lok Sabha has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Introduction

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has reignited debate over the regulation of Waqf properties in India. 
• The Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, with sweeping changes aimed at increasing transparency, addressing title disputes, and incorporating judicial oversight. 
• However, the proposed provisions have drawn strong criticism from opposition parties and Muslim bodies who claim it threatens the community's constitutional autonomy in managing religious endowments.

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025

• Judicial Oversight on Waqf Tribunal Orders
  • The amended Bill introduces a provision allowing High Court appeals against Waqf Tribunal orders. 
  • This rectifies a long-standing gap in judicial review under the 1995 Act, which previously made Tribunal decisions final and unchallengeable. 
  • The new mechanism strengthens legal accountability and provides a higher forum for redressal.
• Clarification on ‘Waqf by User’
  • The controversial proposal to eliminate the Islamic legal concept of “waqf by user” has been revised. 
  • The updated Bill now retains the status of such properties, like mosques and graveyards, if they were registered before the new law’s enactment, unless contested. 
  • However, future recognition of waqf status requires documentary proof or declaration from a practicing Muslim of at least five years, raising concerns over the exclusion of recent converts or informal practices.
• Empowering Government Officials in Property Disputes
  • One of the most significant changes is the shift in adjudication power. 
  • The Bill empowers senior government officers (above District Collector rank) to settle disputes over whether a property is waqf or government land, replacing the Waqf Tribunal’s exclusive authority under the 1995 Act. 
  • Until the officer submits a report, disputed properties will be treated as government property.
• Centralised Digital Registration of Waqf Properties
  • The Bill mandates the creation of a digital portal for registering and updating waqf properties. 
  • All information must be uploaded within six months of the law’s commencement, streamlining data management and curbing misappropriation. 
  • The Tribunal, however, may allow an extension in justified cases.
• Application of Limitation Act to Waqf Properties
  • Another critical change is the removal of Section 107 of the Waqf Act, which had excluded waqf properties from the Limitation Act, 1963. 
  • With this deletion, the standard 12-year limitation for reclaiming encroached property will now apply to waqf land. 
  • This opens the possibility for encroachers to claim ownership via adverse possession.
• Altered Composition of Waqf Boards and Tribunals
  • The amended Bill allows the inclusion of non-Muslim members, including Chief Executive Officers, in State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. 
  • Additionally, Waqf Tribunals will now have three members instead of two, a district judge, a joint secretary-level state officer, and an expert in Muslim law. 
  • This restructuring is intended to promote expertise and inclusivity without undermining community representation.

Controversies and Criticisms

• Allegations of Government Overreach
  • Opposition argues that empowering government officials to decide the status of waqf properties significantly curtails community autonomy. 
  • The new framework grants the government de facto control over disputed land, undermining the Waqf Board’s authority and traditional Islamic jurisprudence.
• Marginalisation of Muslim Community in Governance
  • While the government asserts that the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies fosters transparency, opposition parties and Muslim organisations see this as a violation of their constitutionally guaranteed right to manage religious affairs. 
  • The representation is perceived as tokenistic and politically motivated.
• Retrospective Implementation Concerns
  • Though the revised Bill protects already registered “waqf by user” properties, it introduces ambiguity for those not formally documented. 
  • This may endanger numerous religious and charitable assets informally managed by local communities for decades.
• Politicisation and Suppression of Dissent
  • Opposition leaders, including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, have accused the government of bulldozing the Bill through parliamentary processes. 
  • Dissent notes submitted by opposition MPs were reportedly removed from the Joint Committee's final report, raising concerns about legislative transparency.
• Legal and Social Ramifications
  • The combined impact of repealing Section 107 and centralising authority may lead to increased litigation, displacement, and unrest within the community. 
  • Many view these changes as targeting Muslim institutions at a time when communal sensitivities are high.

Conclusion

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces pivotal changes to the management and regulation of waqf properties in India. 
• While the government emphasizes transparency, accountability, and judicial oversight, opposition sees the Bill as an encroachment on religious freedoms and community rights.

Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 about?

Ans. It proposes changes to the 1995 Waqf Act to improve governance, transparency, and dispute resolution regarding waqf properties.

Q2. What changes does the Bill make to property dispute resolution?

Ans. It authorizes senior government officers to adjudicate waqf property disputes, replacing the role of Waqf Tribunals.

Q3. How does the Bill affect judicial review?

Ans. It introduces a provision allowing High Court appeals against Waqf Tribunal orders within 90 days.

Q4. What is the controversy over “waqf by user”?

Ans. The Bill initially sought to remove this doctrine but now allows registered waqf-by-use properties to retain their status unless contested.

Q5. Why is the deletion of Section 107 significant?

Ans. It allows encroachers to claim ownership of waqf property after 12 years under the Limitation Act, which was earlier inapplicable.

Source: TH | IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Extended heatwaves in India Latest News
• IMD’s Heatwave Forecast for 2024
• Expected Heatwave Days
• Economic and Social Impact of Extreme Heat
• Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in India
• Extended Heatwaves in India FAQs

Extended heatwaves in India Latest News

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an above-normal number of heatwave days this summer, aligning with the trend of increasing heat intensity and frequency. 
• This poses health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, and causes economic losses. While heatwaves can be managed through timely action, the implementation of heat action plans in many states and cities has been inadequate.

IMD’s Heatwave Forecast for 2024

• The IMD predicts an “above-normal” number of heatwave days across northern, central, and eastern India from April to June. 
• Only the extreme south, the northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh might be spared from extreme heat.
• It predicted above-normal temperatures for 10-11 days in central and eastern states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. 
• Night temperatures are also expected to be higher than usual, except in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions. 
  • Some parts of Gujarat, Odisha, and Vidarbha have already experienced 3-5 heatwave days in March.

Expected Heatwave Days

• The number of heatwave days varies by region. 
• In Rajasthan, for instance, western areas could face 12–18 heatwave days, while eastern Rajasthan may experience 10–15 days, exceeding the usual count of over eight days.

2024: A Record-Breaking Year for Heat

• Every Indian state, except Kerala, witnessed a heatwave in 2024, including Karnataka, which rarely experiences such conditions. 
• Kerala has also seen rising heat stress over the last 15 years.

Heatwaves vs. Annual Temperature Trends

• Although 2024 was India's warmest recorded year, there is no direct correlation between heatwave days and average annual temperature. 
  • The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) State of the Global Climate 2024 report confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year in 175 years, with a global temperature rise of 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Heatwaves are concentrated periods of extreme heat above 40°C, which may not significantly affect yearly temperature averages.

Historical Heatwave Data

• The highest recorded heatwave days in India were in 2010 (578 days), followed by 2024. 
• However, 2014 saw only 188 heatwave days, while the severe 2022 heatwave recorded 467 days.

Economic and Social Impact of Extreme Heat

• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Department of Economic and Policy Research warns that climate change could lead to a 2.8% GDP loss and 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses.
• Urban heat island effects could warm cities by 4°C by 2100, creating severe health challenges.
• Extreme heat is linked to increased mortality, school closures, water shortages, power outages, and food insecurity.

Heat Action Plans (HAPs) in India

• Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have become India’s key strategy for heatwave management. India’s first city-level HAP emerged in 1999 after Odisha’s devastating 1998 heatwave.
• At least 23 states and many districts have formulated heat action plans to minimize heatwave disruptions and prevent heat-related deaths. 
• These plans outline measures such as creating shaded areas, ensuring water availability, and adjusting school and office timings.

Challenges in Implementation

• Despite improved forecasts and well-designed plans, implementation remains weak. 
• Studies show that authorities often prioritize short-term emergency responses—like providing drinking water and cooling rooms—over long-term strategies to address extreme heat exposure.

Other Shortcomings

• Inadequate planning for vulnerable groups like children and elderly
• Weak long-term planning and mitigation strategies
• Unlike air pollution control (which has a legally mandated Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi-NCR), no automatic heat mitigation system exists. 
• IMD issues heat alerts, but delayed impacts make timely interventions challenging.

Need for Stronger Coordination

• A study by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative found that most local administrations lacked clear responsibilities and an empowered organization to lead the effort. 
• Effective implementation requires a well-coordinated, government-backed mechanism to adapt to climate change.

Future Recommendations

• Naming heatwaves (like hurricanes) to improve public awareness, as seen with "Zoe" in Seville, Spain (2022).
• WHO recommends the health sector take a lead role in strengthening governance, preparedness, and response to protect high-risk populations.

Extended Heatwaves in India FAQs

Q1. What causes extended heatwaves in India?

Ans. Rising greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation increase temperatures, leading to prolonged heatwaves in India.

Q2. How do heatwaves impact public health?

Ans. Heatwaves cause dehydration, heatstroke, and cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting the elderly and outdoor workers.

Q3. What role does climate change play in India's heatwaves?

Ans. Climate change intensifies heatwaves by increasing global temperatures and altering weather patterns.

Q4. How does India prepare for heatwaves?

Ans. India implements heat action plans, early warning systems, and urban cooling initiatives to mitigate heatwave impacts.

Q5. What are the economic effects of prolonged heatwaves?

Ans. Heatwaves reduce agricultural yields, disrupt labor productivity, and increase electricity demand, straining economic resources.

Source: FE | TI

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India 10-Year Bond Yields Latest News
• Indian Bond Market: An Overview
• Impact of US Bond Yields on Indian Markets
• Improved Liquidity in Indian Banking Sector
• India 10-Year Bond Yields FAQs

India 10-Year Bond Yields Latest News

• Ahead of the RBI’s monetary policy review on April 9 and US tariff policy changes, India’s 10-year bond yields fell by nine basis points to 6.49% after the central bank announced a ₹80,000 crore bond purchase for April. 
• A drop in bond yields raises bond prices and signals market expectations of lower future interest rates, though it doesn’t guarantee an immediate rate cut.

Indian Bond Market: An Overview

• The Indian bond market is a key segment of the financial system where entities (government, corporations, and financial institutions) raise funds by issuing bonds. 
• Investors lend money to issuers in exchange for periodic interest payments and principal repayment at maturity. 

Structure of the Indian Bond market

• Primary Bond Market - In the primary market, bonds are issued for the first time by the government, corporations, or financial institutions to raise funds.
  • Government Securities (G-Secs): Issued by the central and state governments, including Treasury Bills (short-term) and Government Bonds (long-term).
  • Corporate Bonds: Issued by companies to raise capital; rated based on creditworthiness.
  • Municipal Bonds: Issued by local governments for public infrastructure projects.
  • Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bonds: Issued by government-owned companies.
  • Green Bonds: Used to finance environmentally sustainable projects.
  • Masala Bonds: Rupee-denominated bonds issued in foreign markets.
• Secondary Bond Market (Trading Market) - In the secondary market, previously issued bonds are bought and sold among investors.
  • E.g., T-Bills; Commercial Papers (CPs); Certificates of Deposit (CDs) etc.

Size of Indian Bond Market

• The Indian bond market is valued at US$2.69 trillion as of December 2024. 
• G-Secs dominate the domestic bond market, constituting over 60% of the market capitalization, while corporate bonds hold a significant share of the remaining segment.

Challenges in the Indian Bond Market

• Limited Retail Participation: Retail investors prefer bank deposits over bonds due to lack of awareness and accessibility.
• Liquidity Constraints: Corporate bonds have lower trading volumes, making it difficult for investors to buy/sell easily.
• Credit Risk Concerns: Defaults by some issuers reduce investor confidence.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Multiple regulators (RBI, SEBI) create complexity in market operations.
• Interest Rate Volatility: Changes in RBI’s monetary policy impact bond yields and prices.

Impact of US Bond Yields on Indian Markets

• Indian bond yields have closely tracked US bond yields, falling 24 bps since March following the RBI’s 25 bps repo rate cut in February. 
• In FY 2024-25, the 10-year yield has dropped 62 bps—the steepest decline in five years.

US Treasury Yields Decline

• Driven by investors shifting to safer assets ahead of Trump’s expected tariff announcement, the yield on 10-year US Treasury notes also fell to the lowest since December 6, 2024.

Improved Liquidity in Indian Banking Sector

• The comfortable liquidity situation as seen by a slight deficit last week has ensured that India’s bond yields have come down. 
  • There was only a small shortage of money in the banking system last week, which helped bring down bond yields (or the interest rate on government bonds). 
  • When liquidity is good (meaning there is enough money flowing in the system), borrowing costs tend to stay low, making it easier for the government and businesses to raise funds.

Key Liquidity Factors and RBI’s Measures

• Upcoming Repayments (VRRs Maturing):
  • Banks had borrowed about ₹1.81 lakh crore from the RBI through Variable Rate Repo (VRR), and this money needs to be repaid by April 7.
    • VRR is a monetary policy tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity in the banking system. 
    • Unlike the fixed repo rate, which is predetermined by the RBI, the VRR is decided through market-based auctions. 
    • This means banks bid for funds, and the rate is determined based on demand and supply.
  • This repayment could reduce liquidity (the amount of money available in the banking system).
• Counterbalance Through SDF:
  • However, a lot of money is already parked in the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)—a tool where banks keep excess funds with the RBI.
  • This means the impact of VRR repayments on liquidity will be limited.
• RBI’s Preparedness:
  • The RBI has planned four Open Market Operations (OMOs) of ₹20,000 crore each, meaning it will buy government bonds to inject liquidity.
  • The VRR auction recently saw fewer bids than expected, meaning banks may not need as much liquidity support.
• The RBI is managing liquidity carefully by balancing money going out (VRR repayments) and money coming in (OMOs and SDF balances). This should prevent any major disruption in the financial system.

India 10-Year Bond Yields FAQs

Q1. Why did India’s 10-year bond yields drop?

Ans. Yields fell due to RBI’s bond purchase, improved liquidity, and expectations of lower interest rates.

Q2. How does RBI’s policy impact bond yields?

Ans. RBI’s monetary policy, including interest rate changes and liquidity measures, directly affects bond yields.

Q3. What is the role of US bond yields in India’s market?

Ans. Indian bond yields often track US yields, as global investors adjust portfolios based on US economic policies.

Q4. How does improved banking liquidity affect bond yields?

Ans. Higher liquidity reduces borrowing costs, leading to lower bond yields and easier access to credit.

Q5. What are the challenges in India’s bond market?

Ans. Low retail participation, liquidity constraints, and regulatory complexities limit market growth and efficiency.

Source: IE | Vested