Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, announced on Friday that the party would soon move the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning, with 128 MPs voting in favor.
In a statement on X, Ramesh reaffirmed the Congress party’s stance, stating that they would legally challenge the Bill and continue to resist what they view as the Modi government’s attack on constitutional principles. His announcement came just a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared that the DMK would also take the Bill to the Supreme Court. Stalin described the amendment as anti-Muslim and controversial, asserting that it threatens the autonomy of Waqf boards and poses a danger to the Muslim community. In protest, DMK members wore black badges as the Bill was being passed.
Several opposition leaders have strongly criticized the legislation. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi voiced his opposition by tearing up a copy of the Bill in a symbolic protest and quoting Mahatma Gandhi. He denounced the Bill as unconstitutional, accusing the BJP of using religious issues to create divisions in the country. He also urged Parliament to consider ten proposed amendments to the Bill. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also condemned the Bill, alleging that it was a land grab strategy by the BJP. He accused the ruling party of pretending to care about poor Muslims while actually working against their interests.
The Waqf Amendment Bill was first tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. It was passed after a 12-hour debate, securing 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Defending the Bill, Rijiju dismissed opposition claims and insisted that the amendment was designed to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties across India, ultimately benefiting millions of Muslims.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Amazon is set to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink by launching its first batch of 27 Project Kuiper satellites next week. The company has secured 80 launch missions, each designed to deploy multiple satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to create a competing satellite internet network. According to Amazon, it plans to begin offering high-speed, low-latency internet services by the end of this year.
The KA-01 mission, short for Kuiper Atlas 1, will lift off on April 9 aboard an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance. Once successfully deployed, Amazon intends to introduce Starlink-like devices to consumers for internet connectivity. In 2023, the company announced that its smallest dish, measuring seven inches and weighing just one pound, would support speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), positioning it as a direct competitor to Starlink Mini. Additionally, a larger dish for homes and businesses will offer speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to the region of space where satellites orbit relatively close to Earth, typically at altitudes below 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles). Unlike terrestrial networks that depend on ground-based infrastructure such as fiber optics and cellular towers, which are concentrated in populated areas, LEO satellites provide coverage from space, ensuring connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
Compared to traditional satellite networks operating in geostationary orbit, LEO satellites are positioned much closer to Earth, significantly reducing signal delays. While geostationary satellites cover a larger area with fewer units, they suffer from higher latency, making real-time communication less efficient. In contrast, LEO systems require a network of satellites to ensure continuous global coverage but provide faster and more responsive connectivity.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
When I first saw the new Hyundai Santa Fe, I had to do a double take. Its resemblance to a Land Rover is striking, though not identical. From a distance, it could easily be mistaken for one. This design choice hints at Hyundai’s intent to elevate its brand into the premium SUV market. But does the Santa Fe truly make a compelling case for itself?
The SUV’s boxy and angular design gives it a bold, rugged presence on the road. Measuring over 4.8 meters in length and 1.9 meters in width, it has an imposing stance. The test car’s Earthy Bronze color, combined with black accents, adds to its tough, assertive look. One of its unique features is the Assist Handle, subtly integrated into the C-pillars. This handle allows users to climb up to access rooftop storage, reinforcing Hyundai’s vision of the Santa Fe as an adventure-ready vehicle. While this feature might not be particularly relevant in an urban environment, it could prove useful for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like camping.
Inside, the Santa Fe continues to draw inspiration from Land Rover. The squared-off steering wheel, with its large control buttons, bears a strong resemblance to the luxury off-roader. The air conditioning panel, blending physical buttons with haptic touch controls, also feels reminiscent of Land Rover’s design. However, practicality is a strong focus in the Santa Fe’s cabin. There are two wireless smartphone chargers, a large storage compartment accessible from both front and rear, and even an ultraviolet sterilization chamber above the glovebox for small personal items.
Technology is a major highlight. A dual-screen setup, featuring two 12.3-inch displays seamlessly merged into a single curved panel, gives the dashboard a sleek and modern appearance. The Santa Fe is well-equipped with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, multiple USB charging ports, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. On the safety front, it includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, and a smart parking assist system that allows the vehicle to be maneuvered remotely into tight parking spaces.
Passenger comfort is another strong point. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, thanks to the Santa Fe’s upright design. The second-row seats can slide back and forth for added flexibility, and storage compartments are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin. While the third row is slightly more cramped, it remains adequate for average-sized passengers. In terms of cargo capacity, the Santa Fe offers 628 liters of storage with the third row folded. Folding the second-row seats expands this to an impressive 1,949 liters, making it highly practical for carrying large loads.
On the road, the Santa Fe delivers a refined but relaxed driving experience. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine, shared with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, it produces 212 hp and 366 Nm of torque. These figures are respectable for its engine size, but given the vehicle’s nearly two-ton weight, it is not particularly fast. The power delivery is smooth, and the Santa Fe builds speed in a composed manner, though the throttle response could be more immediate. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly. However, this results in a slightly floaty sensation, which some might find disconcerting. In corners, the Santa Fe’s size and weight become evident, making it more suited to relaxed cruising rather than spirited driving. Fortunately, a suite of cameras aids visibility and maneuverability, making city driving more manageable.
At $292,999 with COE as of April 2025, the Santa Fe in its top-spec Calligraphy 7-seater trim is not exactly affordable. Opting for the standard variant saves around $20,000 but comes at the expense of premium features like ventilated and heated seats, the head-up display, panoramic sunroof, C-pillar grab handles, and smart parking assist.
Rather than seeing it as an expensive Hyundai, the Santa Fe might be better viewed as a value-packed alternative to a Land Rover. It captures a similar rugged aesthetic and offers a range of luxury features typically found in far more expensive SUVs. While it doesn’t deliver the same driving dynamics, for most buyers, that may not be a crucial factor. Seen in this light, the Santa Fe emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a well-equipped, stylish, and adventure-ready SUV that balances luxury with practicality.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Ben Chia.
KHARKIV, Ukraine – In an overnight drone attack on Friday, April 4, Russia launched a barrage of strikes on Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring 35 others in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, regional officials reported. This was the fourth attack on the city within a week, with drones hitting residential areas, damaging multiple apartment buildings, and sparking several fires.
Throughout the night, rescue teams worked tirelessly, clearing debris and searching for survivors. Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated on Telegram that four people had died, with another body recovered from the rubble, and 35 others had sustained injuries. The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that prosecutors were working to identify those killed, while also reporting that three of the injured were children. Ukraine’s air defense forces and mobile drone-hunting units managed to shoot down 42 out of 78 Russian drones overnight. An additional 22 drones were diverted using electronic warfare, according to the air force.
Kharkiv has been experiencing near-nightly drone attacks over the past week. Previous strikes targeted industrial sites and key infrastructure, reflecting the city’s continued vulnerability. In the early weeks of the February 2022 invasion, Kharkiv played a crucial role in repelling Russian troops advancing toward the capital, Kyiv. As Russian forces were pushed back from Kyiv, they redirected their focus to Ukraine’s eastern regions, making Kharkiv a frequent target of aerial bombardment.
Beyond Kharkiv, several other Ukrainian regions suffered damage from drone strikes. In Dnipro, three people were injured, and an infrastructure facility, along with administrative and residential buildings, was damaged. The Dnipropetrovsk governor reported that 13 drones had been intercepted overnight. The Kyiv capital region also saw drone attacks, leaving two people injured. Meanwhile, in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, at least seven drones struck various targets, injuring one person, according to the regional governor.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Over 250 passengers on Virgin Atlantic’s London-Mumbai flight have been stranded for over 40 hours in Turkey’s Diyarbakir airport due to a medical diversion and technical failure. Facing freezing temperatures, limited food, and only one toilet, passengers expressed frustration online. Virgin Atlantic apologized, promising a resolution, while the Indian Embassy monitors the situation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Myanmar's military has announced a three-week ceasefire in its conflict with armed rebels following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday. How impactful is this temporary truce, and could it lead to a lasting peace? Susan Ng and Hairianto Diman discuss this with Prof. Christopher Lamb, Former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar & Past President of the Australia Myanmar Institute.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
In ‘Culture Club,’ Melanie Oliveiro interviews actors from WICKED the musical, currently playing at MBS’ Sands Theatre. Simon Burke discusses his role as The Wizard, revealing the character’s hidden complexities. Paul Hanlon shares insights on playing Dr. Dillamond, a talking goat and professor at Shiz University. Hanlon also serves as The Wizard’s understudy, while Burke reflects on key moments from his 51-year career in entertainment.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News.
A new playbook has been introduced to support caregivers of individuals with autism, offering a structured guide on preparing their loved ones for a future without them. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Dr. Sim Zi Lin, Psychologist and Programme Director at the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), who developed the playbook, to understand the process behind its creation. They also hear from Farah Juwita, a mother of a 12-year-old son with autism, about how this resource helps alleviate her concerns and provides clarity for long-term planning.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
At the remote orphanage where I volunteered, the environment felt like something out of a Dickens novel. The staff relied heavily on antipsychotic medication and physical punishment to maintain order.
Disclaimer:This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.
