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BJP Defends Jamia VC Mazhar Asif’s ‘Mahadev DNA’ Remark, Cites Azad and Iqbal on Shared Heritage

BJP Defends Jamia VC Mazhar Asif’s ‘Mahadev DNA’ Remark, Cites Azad and Iqbal on ‘Shared Heritage’

By The Observer Post
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On April 30, 2026
Bareilly Police to take legal action after family alleges assault in cleric death case.

Bareilly Police Say Bihar Cleric Tousif Raza Mazhari’s Death Near Railway Tracks Was Accidental; Family Alleges Assault on Train

By The Observer Post
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On April 30, 2026
Himanta Biswa Sarma Says 'Illegal Immigrants Pushed Back’ Into Bangladesh; Dhaka Lodges Protest

Supreme Court Refuses Fresh Directions on Hate Speech, Flags “Gaps in Implementation”

By The Observer Post
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On April 30, 2026
The Hajj Committee of India has asked all pilgrims travelling for Hajj 2026 to deposit an additional ₹10,000 due to a rise in airfare costs. In an official circular issued on April 28, the committee said the increase comes after a one-time fare revision approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The hike includes an additional $100 (around ₹10,000) per pilgrim and will apply to all embarkation points across the country. Officials said the decision was taken after airlines cited a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Airlines Had Sought Higher Increase According to officials, airlines had initially demanded a fare hike of over $400 per passenger due to rising operational costs. However, after discussions, authorities approved only a partial increase, passing on a smaller burden to pilgrims. All selected pilgrims have been directed to deposit the additional amount by May 15, 2026. Payments can be made through the official Hajj portal, the Hajj Suvidha app, or through designated bank branches such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. State Hajj Committees have been instructed to inform pilgrims and ensure compliance within the deadline. Over 1.75 Lakh Pilgrims to Travel This Year This year, around 1,75,025 pilgrims from India are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. With the additional ₹10,000 charge, the total financial impact on pilgrims is estimated to be nearly ₹175 crore. The pilgrimage process has already begun, with the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departing from Srinagar on April 18. Owaisi Criticises Move, Calls It “Exploitation” Reacting to the decision, Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the additional charge and demanded that the circular be withdrawn. “The Haj Committee is demanding an additional ₹10,000 from Haj pilgrims as ‘differential airfare’. This is despite collecting ₹90,844 per pilgrim earlier from Mumbai embarkation point. This is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travellers,” he said. Owaisi questioned whether pilgrims were being penalised for choosing the official route. “Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to go for Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. This is just exploitation and nothing else,” he added, urging authorities to refund the extra amount.

Hajj Committee of India Asks Pilgrims to Pay ₹10,000 Extra for Hajj 2026 Amid Airfare Hike

By The Observer Post
|
On April 30, 2026
Bareilly Police to take legal action after family alleges assault in cleric death case.

Bihar Cleric Tousif Raza Mazhari Killed After Being ‘Assaulted and Thrown’ From Moving Train Near Bareilly, Family Says “He Was Targeted and Pushed Out”

By Meer Faisal
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On April 30, 2026
51 landslide-affected families move into new homes in Kerala under Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)-led rehabilitation project.

“Real Kerala Story”: Indian Union Muslim League Hands Over New Homes to 51 Wayanad Landslide Survivors

By The Observer Post
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On April 29, 2026
Calling Someone by Caste Not an Offence Without Intent to Humiliate: Allahabad High Court

“No Action in Lynching Cases”: Split View in Allahabad High Court After Judge Flags Inaction on Lynching Cases Involving Muslims

By The Observer Post
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On April 29, 2026
West Bengal Assembly Elections phase 2 polling sees high turnout amid violence and EVM row.

High Voter Turnout, Clashes Mar West Bengal Assembly Elections Final Phase; EVM Complaints Surface

By The Observer Post
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On April 29, 2026
Dalit Youth Found Dead in Tamil Nadu, Family Alleges Caste-Based Killing

Dalit Youth Found Dead in Tamil Nadu, Family Alleges Caste-Based Killing

By The Observer Post
|
On April 29, 2026
Madrasa students in Kerala’s Perambra allege assault and communal abuse after dispute over putting up posters.

Allahabad High Court Raps National Human Rights Commission Over Probe Into 558 UP Madrasas, Questions Jurisdiction

By The Observer Post
|
On April 29, 2026
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