Fashion

The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, proposes significant changes to the 118-year-old Indian Ports Act. It mandates all ports to report incidents threatening pollution and defines 23 violations as criminal offences, including non-payment of port fees, and safety violations. It also introduces significant penalties and requires data integration with central systems.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray raised concerns over the cleanliness of the Ganga river, questioning the water quality during the Maha Kumbh. Despite its sacred status, recent CPCB reports showed significant variability in Ganga’s water quality, with some locations unfit for bathing due to high levels of contamination.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav announced provisions for capital punishment for those involved in religious conversions. Congress leader Arif Masood demanded clarity on what constitutes forced conversion and criticized the CM for inadequate action on missing girls’ cases. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, criminalizes unlawful religious conversions with strict penalties.

Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy revealed that robotic technology is being utilized in the SLBC tunnel rescue to navigate the dangerous final stretch. The BJP criticised the state government’s crisis management, demanding accountability and a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Bajrang Dal protested at Rishikul Ayurvedic College in Haridwar against an Iftar party organized by Muslim students, alleging it to be part of an ‘Islamic Jihad’ conspiracy in the religious city. The college administration is investigating the incident, with the Bajrang Dal demanding action within three days or threatening to escalate the protest.