Mangaluru’s Mohammed Aashiq becomes first South Indian to win MasterChef India
In a remarkable achievement, Mohammed Aashiq, a 24-year-old chef from Mangaluru, has claimed victory in the latest season of MasterChef India. The popular reality show, known for showcasing exceptional culinary talents, premiered on Sony Liv from October 16, featuring home cooks from across the country.
Aashiq's triumph not only fulfills his personal dreams but also marks a milestone as the first winner of the competition from South India.
Despite initial aspirations of building a career in hotel management, financial constraints within Aashiq's family redirected his path. Undeterred by challenges, he entered the entrepreneurial world by launching a juice shop named ‘Kulki Hub’ in Mangaluru, demonstrating creativity in crafting unique recipes.
Having faced disqualification in the previous season, Aashiq returned this season with renewed determination, eager to overcome setbacks and display his skills on a national platform.
"This season, I return with newfound determination, ready to overcome past setbacks and make my mark. I am here not just to win but to stand for every dreamer who has dared to defy the odds," Aashiq was earlier quoted as saying by Outlook.
MasterChef India Season 8, exclusively streaming on Sony Liv, featured a panel of judges, including celebrity chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra. The show aired new episodes from Monday to Friday at 8 p.m.
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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.
