Dubai: The Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UAE Chapter has announced the “Beary Shark Think”, a pioneering startup pitch event designed to empower and inspire entrepreneurs from the Beary community.

According to a release from the organisation, the event is scheduled to take place on 9th February 2025 at the Beary Mela-2025, at the prestigious Etisalat Academy, Dubai. The flagship ‘Beary Shark Think’ initiative is a centerpiece of the highly anticipated Beary Mela 2025.

The organisation promises 'Beary SharkThink' to be a unique platform for students, young entrepreneurs, and women entrepreneurs to present their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. The organisers aim the event to be a landmark event in the entrepreneurial journey of the Beary community, providing a launchpad for the next generation of innovators and leaders.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to receive constructive feedback, make strategic connections, and potentially secure investment to bring their concepts to fruition. Submissions are open until January 25, 2025, and aspiring innovators can send their proposals in MS Word or PPT format to bearystartup@gmail.com.

Speaking about the event, Hidayath Addoor, President of Bearys Chamber, UAE Chapter, said, “Beary Shark Tank is more than just a startup pitch event; it’s a movement to inspire innovation and create opportunities for our community. We are committed to nurturing young talent and providing a platform for their ideas to flourish.”

Echoing his sentiments, Bashir Kinningar, Vice President of Bearys Chamber, UAE Chapter and Program Director, added, saying, “This initiative welcomes students, young entrepreneurs, and women entrepreneurs to take center stage. We aim to empower everyone with a vision, encouraging them to dream big and make their mark on the business world.”

The event is a prominent highlight of Beary Mela 2025, an annual celebration of the Beary community’s achievements in business and culture. In addition to the startup pitch program, the event will feature business networking opportunities, the Beary Business Awards to honor excellence, a vibrant family and food mela, and cultural activities that showcase the rich heritage of the community.

The Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UAE Chapter has invited sponsors, partners, and collaborators to participate in the transformative initiative, gaining visibility while contributing to the growth of entrepreneurship among the Beary community.

For more details, information and queries the organisers have urged people to contact these numbers : +971 56 413 1544, +971 55 111 8555. 

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New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.

In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.

In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.

Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.

"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.

He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.

Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.

"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.

He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.

"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.

According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.

As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.

A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.

The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.

It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.

The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.

It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.