Thu Apr 17 12:22:01 UTC 2025: **India News Roundup: Waqf Act, Airport Inauguration, and Film Controversy Dominate Headlines**

NEW DELHI, April 17, 2025 – A flurry of significant developments dominated India’s news cycle today. The Union government assured the Supreme Court that no properties previously designated as waqf will be denotified before the next hearing on May 5th. This assurance followed a hearing on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the inauguration of Amravati Airport in Maharashtra, highlighting its potential to boost commerce and connectivity in the Vidarbha region.

The film industry saw controversy erupt over the release of “Phule,” a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap criticized the CBFC and sections of the Brahmin community for their backlash against the film, questioning the basis of their offense in the context of caste.

Other significant developments include:

* **Maoist crackdown:** Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Naxalism will be eradicated by March 31, 2026, with the CAPF and CRPF playing a crucial role.
* **Robert Vadra’s ED appearance:** Businessman Robert Vadra continued his testimony before the Enforcement Directorate for a third consecutive day regarding a 2008 Haryana land deal.
* **BCCI coaching reshuffle:** The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a major reshuffle in the men’s team’s support staff.
* **West Bengal teacher relief:** The Supreme Court allowed the retention of “untainted” West Bengal teachers until a new recruitment process is completed by December 31st.
* **US conviction:** An Indian-origin doctor was convicted in the U.S. for health care fraud.
* **Vizhinjam port inauguration:** Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Vizhinjam international seaport on May 2nd.
* **Sports bodies inquiry:** The Supreme Court hinted at the possibility of an inquiry commission to investigate the affairs of sports associations.
* **Manipur audio clips:** The Centre informed the Supreme Court that a forensic report on the authenticity of leaked audio clips related to the Manipur violence is ready.
* **Article 370 controversy:** Former RAW chief Amarjit Singh Dulat refuted claims in his new book that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah supported the abrogation of Article 370.

These are just some of the major stories shaping India’s national conversation today. Further updates will follow.

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