Welcome to SaralStudy’s Weekly Current Affairs roundup for the week of 27th January 2025 to 2nd February 2025. This week witnessed several noteworthy events shaping the political, economic, and scientific landscapes globally and nationally. From major government announcements and international developments to achievements in sports, technology, and culture, we’ve compiled all the essential updates to help you stay informed.
Weekly Current Affairs – 27 Jan to 2 Feb
Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or just want to stay updated with the latest happenings, this comprehensive summary has got you covered. Dive in and keep yourself ahead with the key highlights of this week!
1. What is Waqf Board? Its history, functioning and powers
Waqf Board is an organization that manages the properties given by the Muslim community for religious, social and charitable purposes. Waqf properties are spread on a large scale in India and are administered under the Waqf Act, 1995. Waqf properties are mainly used for mosques, madrasas, cemeteries, orphanages and social work.
What is Waqf?
Waqf is an Islamic tradition in which a person dedicates his property for religious and welfare purposes. This property cannot then be used for any personal use and cannot be sold or transferred. Waqf properties are usually used for helping the poor, education, medical and religious works.
There are two types of Waqf properties:
- Religious Waqf – which is used for mosques, dargahs, madrasas etc.
- Charitable Waqf – which is used for social services like orphanages, schools, hospitals.
History of Waqf Board
The Waqf system in India dates back to the Mughal period, but more control was established during the British rule. After the partition of India in 1947, many Waqf properties became disputed. Following this, the government passed the Waqf Act, 1954, which was amended in 1995.
Today, there are 32 State Waqf Boards across India and these are administered by the Central Waqf Council (CWC), which comes under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
How does a Waqf Board work?
Formation of Waqf Board: A State Waqf Board is formed in each state, which manages the Waqf properties. Economically weaker sections can get more benefits from Waqf properties.
Maintenance of Waqf Properties: The board ensures that the properties are used for the right purposes.
Legal control: The Waqf Board can take legal action to protect properties from illegal occupation.
Management of revenue and rent: Rent and revenue received from Waqf properties are used for social and religious activities.
Resolution of disputes: If there is a dispute over a property, the Waqf Board can intervene.
Powers and rights of Waqf Board
- Register and monitor Waqf properties.
- Take legal action to free Waqf properties from illegal occupation.
- Control the rent, income and management of properties.
- Provide financial assistance for religious, educational and social works.
- Submit reports to the government and the court.
Status of Waqf properties in India
- The Waqf Board has more than 8 lakh properties in India.
- These properties include mosques, madrasas, graveyards, agricultural land, commercial buildings and hospitals.
- The total value of the Waqf Board’s properties is estimated in lakhs of crores of rupees.
However, many Waqf properties remain embroiled in disputes due to illegal occupation and mismanagement. The government keeps planning to make reforms from time to time to bring transparency in the management of the Waqf Board.
Recent changes and government plans related to Waqf Board
Recently, the government has planned to amend the Waqf Act, so that
- more transparency can be brought in the management of Waqf properties.
- removal of illegal occupation and commercial use of properties can be streamlined.
- economically weaker sections can get more benefits from Waqf properties.
Conclusion
The Waqf Board is an important management body of the properties and social welfare schemes of the Muslim community in India. However, it needs to be made more transparent and effective. The reforms being made by the government are expected to ensure proper use of Waqf properties and its benefits reach more and more people.
If you need information about Waqf Board properties or any other related information, you can get more information by visiting the official website of the Waqf Board of your state.
2. Budget: History and importance
The budget is a financial blueprint for any government, which details the income and expenditure of the government for a certain period (usually a year). It plays an important role in operating the economy in a balanced manner, allocating resources correctly and controlling public spending.The evolution of the budgeting process is both complicated and fascinating and as such will be analyzed further below the relevant sections.
History of Budget
Here is given complete history of budget from origination of budget to its development:
Early Origins of the Budget
Documenting government spending and revenues can be traced back to Greek and Roman civilizations as well as to ancient Egypt. However, some aspects of modern budgetary practices arose much later.
Development of the Budget System in Britain
General accounting practices evolved from French speaking countries since the word ‘budget’ originated from the French word bougette. The French word bougette means ‘small sack or bag’. It was during the 18th century in Britain that the practice of understanding the ‘allocation of public expenditure’- developing and approving budgets originated to manage the national debt.
1733 is considered a important year in the history of British public finance as it was then that Prime Minister Robert Walpole publicly presented the government’s spending and revenue estimation for the first time. Slowly after this event, the Parliament of England began formally approving the budget allowing for greater control of public expenditure.
Evolution of Budget in India
During British rule: First Indian budget was publicized on April 7, 1860 by James Wilson who served as a financial advisor to the British government.
First Budget of Independent India: After independence, the first budget of India was presented on 26 November 1947 by R.K. Shanmukham Chetty.
Merger of Railway Budget (2017): In 2017, the Railway Budget was merged with the Union Budget to make financial management more effective.
Digital Budget (2021): For the first time in 2021, a fully digital budget was presented in India, increasing transparency and accessibility.
Importance of Budget
Budget plays an important role from maintaining finances of the state, expenditure of government to economic growth and development.
Economic Growth and Prosperity
The budget is a tool that gives direction to the country’s economy. It ensures the right allocation of resources for industrial, agricultural and infrastructure development.
Management of Revenue and Expenditure
The government earns revenue from taxes, fees and other sources. The budget helps in the proper use of these funds, thereby providing funds for essential services like health, education, defence and social welfare.
Financial discipline and stability
The budget controls government expenditure and prevents unnecessary borrowing. It helps in controlling inflation and removing economic imbalances.
Social welfare and public services
Through the budget, the government runs various schemes for the poor, farmers, women and youth, which improves the standard of living.
Policy making and good governance
The government implements new policies through the budget and runs the existing schemes effectively. It also ensures transparency and accountability of the government.
Promotion of investment and business
The budget promotes private investment, startups and entrepreneurship through tax incentives, subsidies and other schemes. This also creates new employment opportunities.
Conclusion
The history of the budget shows how important it is for the economy and social structure of any country. It plays an important role in maintaining financial balance, accelerating social and economic development and running government functions smoothly. Over time, the budget system undergoes changes to cope with changing circumstances and new challenges.
3. Udanti and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuary
Maoists attack in Chhattisgarh: 12 Maoists killed in the encounter inside Udanti and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuaries in Gariaband District of Chhattisgarh. The Gariaband District Police, CRPF, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and Odisha’s Special Operation Group (SOG), which is renowned for its expertise in anti-Naxal operations, were all engaged in the operation.
Important facts about Udanti and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuaries one should know:
- The sanctuary covers a total area of 237.27 km2 (91.61 sq mi).
- It was declared a protected area in 1983.
- The Udanti and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuaries include the Udanti Sitanadi tiger reserve along with the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The sanctuary is situated in the Gariaband District of Chhattisgarh.
- The Udanti and Sitanadi wildlife sanctuary is named after the rivers Udanti and Sitanadi, which flow through these sanctuaries.
- The vegetation in Udanti and Sitanadi tiger reserve is a mixture of moist and dry tropical deciduous forests.
- The fauna of the Udanti and Sitanadi tiger reserve includes Gaur, Bengal tiger, Indian wild buffalo, Leopard, Sambar, Nilgai and Hyena. The reserve is also a habitat of reptiles like Monitor lizards and Pythons. Birds like pintails, rollers and herons can be seen in the reserve.
4. Nagoba Jatra
Nagoba Jatra 2025, one of the most important festivals of the tribal community in Telangana, has started. It is considered to be the second largest tribal festival in the state, in which thousands of devotees and tourists participate. Nagoba Jatra has cultural significance as well as traditional importance. The traditions and beliefs of the tribal peoples are symbolized in this festival.
Description of Nagoba Jatra
It is a very old tribal festival also enjoyed with much gusto by the Gond people. It is celebrated at the Nagoba temple in Keslapur village (Indarveli Mandal, Telangana). Nagoba Jatra is celebrated as a worship of the snake deity (Naag Devta), and traditional customs, worship and cultural programs are organized in it.
Key Features of Nagoba Jatra 2025
Location: Nagoba Temple, Keslapur, Inderveli Mandal, Telangana
Duration of the event: 31 January to 4 February
Objective of the festival: To preserve the worship of the snake deity and cultural traditions of the Gond tribe
Participating communities: Gond, Rajgond and other tribal groups
Main rituals: Holy water consecration, grand procession and traditional dances
Religious and cultural significance of Nagoba Jatra
Nagoba Jatra is not just a religious event but it also symbolizes the cultural identity and community unity of the Gond tribe. The main rituals include:
- “Beti Koram” ritual: Where the tribal youth seek blessings from the elders of the community.
- Jal Abhishek: Water brought from the holy Godavari river of Maharashtra is offered to the Nagoba deity.
- Cultural programs: Traditional Gondi dances, folk songs and theatrical performances take place.
- Social dialogue: On this occasion, the tribal community discusses their socio-economic problems and development work.
History of Nagoba Jatra
Nagoba followers have been worshiping him through this celebration for many centuries now. The Gondi people, like many other tribes in the region, have in the past worshiped snakes. This ritual is thought to bestow leverage and guard the community.
In recent years, however, this celebration has gained official recognition and so it is gaining more and more popularity.
Impact of Nagoba Jatra in modern times
Today, this celebration is drawing not only the attention of the tribal people but also tourists and scholars.By participating in this festival:
- One gets a chance to understand the traditions of the tribal community An opportunity is provided.
- Local handicrafts and culture get a boost.
- It helps in promoting tourism.
Nagoba Jatra 2025 is an important celebration of tribal faith and traditions not only for Telangana but the entire country. This festival serves to preserve the cultural heritage of the Gond community and pass it on to future generations.The state government and local administration make special arrangements every year to maintain the grandeur of the festival and provide facilities to the devotees.
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