Bengaluru wakes up to unseasonal rain; IMD predicts more showers across Karnataka
Bengaluru: Although early morning rain in Bengaluru took many by surprise, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain not just in the state capital, but also in south interior Karnataka and Malnad regions.
On its official X handle, Karnataka Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) has also issued a rain alert: “Scattered moderate rain in the southern interior, coastal and hilly districts of the state. Dry air is likely to prevail over north interior districts. There will be moderate to heavy fog over the state and scattered showers.” Areas such as MG Road, Jayanagar, Hebbal, Sultanpalya, RT Nagar and RR Nagar experienced light rain on Sunday.
According to IMD, unexpected rain in Bengaluru was part of a wider weather pattern affecting the state, attributed to a cyclone forming off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal.
This development had a ripple effect across several districts in Karnataka, including the capital, bringing rain and cooler temperatures to regions.
In its Sunday morning weather, the Meteorological Centre, Bengaluru has indicated that light rain is very likely in the next 48 hours in Bengaluru.
While on Sunday, the temperature may dip to 27 degree Celsius and 17 degree Celsius, the Met department stated that it may dip further to 26 degree Celsius and 16 degree Celsius on Monday.
The IMD has also issued a severe cold alert for Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Raichur districts.
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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.
