NEWS 1:Supreme Court stays provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2013 concerning Collector’s powers and non-Muslim representation sparking political debate
GS-2 polity and governance
- The Supreme Court issued a judgment on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, prompting reactions from both the government and opposition.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed the court’s judgment, stating that the provisions in the Act were beneficial to the Muslim community.
- The Opposition claimed the order as a victory, asserting it vindicates their stand against the law, which they deem “blatantly unconstitutional”.
- The court stayed certain provisions, including those related to the powers of a Collector and the participation of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards.
Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025
- It’s an amendment to the Waqf Act, 1995, passed by Parliament and received presidential assent on 5 April 2025.
- Its official name is “The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025”.
Major Changes Introduced
Here are some of the important (and controversial) changes:
- Renaming / Subtitle
In section 1 of the 1995 Act, the name is changed to “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development.” - “Waqf by user” exclusion
The Act modifies how “waqf by user” is treated. Some definitions have been changed or removed which affect claims by people using property as waqf through usage (without formal registration). - Five-year practice requirement
To create a waqf, a person must have “practised Islam for at least five years,” own the property, and show that the dedication is genuine (no contrivance). - Registration & portal/database requirement
Existing waqfs (before the amendment) have to file details about themselves on a government portal/database within six months (extendable by another six months under some circumstances). Information includes boundaries of waqf properties, deeds, incomes, expenses, court cases, etc. - Government property & survey role
The law clarifies that government properties (movable or immovable) are not waqf, even if previously claimed as such. Disputed properties might need to be surveyed (often by the Collector) to ascertain whether they are government property. - Board composition & representation changes
There are provisions about representation of different Muslim sects (Sunni, Shia, Bohra, Aghakhani) and “other backward classes among Muslim communities”. There’s also a provision for including non-Muslim members in the Waqf Boards / Central Waqf Council. Also, the number of non-Muslim members is to be “not more than four” in certain bodies. - Certificate of registration & time-limits for legal proceedings
The Board must issue certificate of registration through the portal. Also, there is a time-limit: any suit or legal proceeding that is not registered per the amended scheme cannot be instituted or heard after six months from the commencement, unless sufficient cause is shown.
NEWS 2:Centre reopens PLI scheme for white goods till Oct. 14 cites market growth
GS-3 economy
Centre reopens PLI scheme for white goods, targeting increased investment and domestic manufacturing of AC and LED components.
- The Union government has reopened the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods until October 14.
- This decision is driven by market growth and increased industry confidence, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED lights and their components.
- So far, 83 applicants with committed investments of ₹10,406 crore have been selected as beneficiaries under the scheme.
- Both new and existing beneficiaries can apply for the scheme to encourage further investment.
- The Union Cabinet approved the PLI scheme for white goods in April 2021.
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is a flagship industrial policy initiative of the Government of India, launched in 2020, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting foreign investments, and reducing import dependence in key sectors.
Key Features of PLI Scheme
- Incentive-based – Manufacturers receive direct financial incentives linked to incremental sales of goods manufactured in India over a base year.
- Targeted sectors – Initially launched for 3 sectors (mobile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices) and later expanded to 14 sectors including electronics, automobiles, textiles, drones, renewable energy, specialty steel, food processing, etc.
- Time-bound – Typically for 5–7 years, encouraging rapid scaling up.
- Budgetary allocation – About ₹1.97 lakh crore allocated across sectors.
- Make in India push – Focuses on making India part of global supply chains and reducing dependence on imports.
NEWS 3: Pendency continues to plague SC as case backlog hits all-time high
GS-2 governance
Supreme Court grapples with record 88,417 pending cases despite full judge strength and efforts to expedite disposals.
- The Supreme Court’s case pendency has reached an all-time high of 88,417 cases.
- This includes 69,553 civil cases and 18,864 criminal matters.
- In August, 7,080 new cases were filed, while 5,667 cases were disposed of.
- Despite efforts to reduce the backlog, pendency has been rising steadily since the pandemic, especially since 2023.
Supreme Court of India
Introduction
- Established in 1950 under Article 124 of the Constitution.
- Apex judicial body of India and the guardian of the Constitution.
- Located in New Delhi.
- Successor to the Federal Court of India (1937–1950) and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
Composition
- Maximum strength: 34 judges (including the Chief Justice of India).
- Judges appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Collegium system (CJI + 4 senior-most judges).
- Retirement age: 65 years.
Jurisdiction (Articles 131–139A)
- Original Jurisdiction – Disputes between Centre & States, or between States (Art. 131).
- Appellate Jurisdiction – Appeals against judgments of High Courts (civil, criminal, constitutional matters).
- Advisory Jurisdiction – President can seek advisory opinion under Article 143.
- Writ Jurisdiction – Enforcement of Fundamental Rights (Art. 32: Right to Constitutional Remedies).
- Judicial Review – Can strike down laws/acts violative of the Constitution.
NEWS 4:PM inaugurates India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Assam boosting energy security and rural economy with green initiatives.
GS-3 environment
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat district, Assam.
- Foundation stone laid for a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery.
- The bioethanol plant is a “zero-waste” facility producing ethanol from green bamboo.
- The plant aims to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Five lakh tonnes of green bamboo will be sourced yearly to produce ethanol and other products.
- The plant is expected to give a ₹200-crore boost to Assam’s rural economy.
Bamboo-based Ethanol Plant
- Ethanol is a biofuel produced mainly from sugarcane, maize, and other biomass.
- To diversify feedstock and support the National Bio-Energy Mission, India has initiated bamboo-based ethanol plants.
- Bamboo is considered a 2G (second-generation) biofuel feedstock, as it does not compete with food crops.
Why bamboo?
- Grows abundantly in North-East India and central states.
- Has high cellulose and hemicellulose content, suitable for ethanol production.
- Short growth cycle (3–5 years), renewable, and climate-resilient.
- Helps utilize wastelands and provides livelihood to tribal communities.
Key Developments in India
- Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Assam
- Set up India’s first commercial bamboo-based ethanol bio-refinery in 2018 (joint venture with Finnish company Chempolis).
- Expected production: ~60 million liters of ethanol annually.
- Feedstock: ~300,000 tonnes of bamboo per year, sourced mainly from Assam & NE states.
- By-products: Furfural, acetic acid, and green chemicals.
- Policy Support
- Part of National Policy on Biofuels (2018, amended 2022).
- Linked to ethanol blending targets: India aims for 20% blending with petrol by 2025.
- Supported under SATAT initiative (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation).
MAINS MOCK QUESTION
“The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is a significant step towards enhancing India’s manufacturing competitiveness. Critically evaluate its potential in achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
