Fearless Girl defying Wall Steet's Charging Bull to move
New York, April 20: A statue of a defiant ponytailed girl staring down Wall Street's "Charging Bull" will move to a new, permanent location across the street from the New York Stock Exchange, a media report said.
The "Fearless Girl" statue, which was funded by a private company, was installed by surprise and without a permit on March 7, 2017, on the eve of International Women's Day.
A few days after the statue popped up, New York City authorities said that its location would be temporary, until a permanent home could be found, Efe news reported.
"We are proud to be home to the Fearless Girl. She is a potent symbol of the need for change at the highest levels of corporate America - and she will become a durable part of our city's civic life," New York City mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement on Thursday.
De Blasio said that the statue, located on crowded Broadway avenue, was being moved because of pedestrian safety concerns, as it has become a major attraction for visitors.
"This move to a new location will ensure that her message and impact will continue to be heard, as well as improve access for visitors," de Blasio said.
The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Thomas Farley, said that he "eagerly" awaited the arrival of Fearless Girl to her new home.
In a statement released by City Hall, the statue's creator, sculptor Kirsten Visbal, said that she was "thrilled 'Fearless Girl' will remain in New York".
The statue will be moved by the end of 2018.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
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.
