Karnataka launches OxyBus to aid covid patients during emergencies

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the operation of certain parts of the contentious Waqf law, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf boards and council, till the next date of hearing on May 5. The Chief Justice-led bench also said that the 'waqf by user' provision should not be denotified till then.

The Centre assured the Supreme Court that no appointments would be made to Waqf boards. The new law tweaks the composition of Waqf boards, making it compulsory to include non-Muslims as its members.

"SG (Tushar) Mehta assured that till the next date, no appointment shall take place to board and councils under the 2025 Act. He also assures that the status of waqfs, including waqf by user, already declared by notification or gazetted, shall not be changed," the court said in its order.

The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, sought 7-days' time to file a response. The court allowed the petitioners to file their rejoinder within five days after that.

Details awaited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk held a telephonic conversation on Friday, discussing the vast potential for collaboration in the fields of technology and innovation. During the call, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States in these sectors.

In a post on X, PM Modi shared, “Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington, DC, earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains.”

The two leaders had previously met in February at Blair House in Washington, DC. Their discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

They also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance. Elon Musk, who also heads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was accompanied by three of his children during the February meeting.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The Prime Minister and Mr. Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance.”

PM Modi also took to X to reflect on their earlier in-person meeting, saying, “Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about, such as space, mobility, technology, and innovation. I also spoke about India’s reform efforts and the vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’”

He added, “It was also a delight to meet Mr. @elonmusk’s family and to talk about a wide range of subjects!”

Bantwal, Apr 16: A fatal pothole on a local road has claimed the life of a young community leader, sending shockwaves through the Bantwal region. Melroy D’Sa (25), president of the Thodambila Unit of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), died in a tragic bike accident late Tuesday night.

Melroy was reportedly riding his motorcycle when he lost control after hitting a pothole. Locals who witnessed the incident rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite swift medical attention, he could not be saved.

A beloved figure in youth circles, Melroy was known for his leadership, vibrant spirit, and active involvement in community service across the Bantwal deanery. Many had seen him as a rising leader with a bright future.

The ICYM Central Council expressed profound grief over the loss, paying tribute to Melroy’s dedication to youth empowerment and his unwavering commitment to social causes. His untimely death has left a deep void in the community he passionately served.