Waqf Amendment Act comes into force:
- The Waqf Amendment Act passed by the Parliament has come into force throughout the country.
- The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a notification.
- The amendment bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on April 3 and in the Rajya Sabha on April 4. It was approved by President Droupadi Murmu on April 5.
- The Waqf Amendment Act provides for the appointment of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards.
- Only those who have been practicing Islam for at least 5 years can dedicate Waqf properties.
- The features include that Waqf bodies earning an income of more than Rs 1 lakh will be subject to audit by auditors appointed by the government.
- Based on the power conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025, this Act came into force for the first time throughout the country.
Wind, solar power generation: India ranks 3rd Place
- India has emerged as the world’s third largest producer of renewable energy, including wind and solar power generation, surpassing Germany.
- Wind and solar power generated 15% of the world’s electricity last year. Of this, India’s share is 10%.
- China and the United States are in the top two places.
Mudra scheme: Loans worth over Rs 33 lakh crore
- Under the Mudra scheme, 52 crore loans worth over Rs 33 lakh crore have been disbursed so far.
- The Mudra scheme, which provides collateral-free bank loans to small and micro entrepreneurs and industrial enterprises, was launched by Prime Minister Modi on April 8, 2015. The loan ceiling under this scheme was increased to Rs 20 lakh in 2024.
- Loans are provided under the categories of Shisu (up to Rs. 50,000), Kishore (up to Rs. 5 lakh), Tarun (up to Rs. 10 lakh), Tarun Plus (up to Rs. 20 lakh).
- The Mudra scheme is a great help in promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth of the country.
- The scheme has empowered the youth to showcase their entrepreneurial potential.
- The 10th anniversary of the Mudra scheme, one of the initiatives of the Central Government, was observed.
- Initially, the loan limit of the scheme was Rs. 5 lakh, but now it has been increased to Rs. 20 lakh.
- Tamil Nadu tops the list of states in which the highest number of loans were provided under the Mudra scheme.
“International Year of Quantum Science and Technology”:
- The year 2025 has been declared as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” (IYQ) by the United Nations.
- This year has been announced to increase public awareness about the importance of quantum science and applications and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics.
Important Facts:
- Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan is on a state visit to India.
- Tamil Nadu tops the list of states that have received the most loans under the Mudra scheme.
- Article 200 of the Constitution gives the Governor to approve, suspend, and recommend bills passed by the Legislative Assembly to the President.
- India has overtaken Germany in renewable energy production, including wind and solar power generation, to become the world’s third-largest producer.