AP Ustad, Shabana, Aamir, Owaisi, Premji, AR Rahman among world's 500 influential Muslims

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October 13, 2015

New Delhi, Oct 13: Music composer A R Rahman, Sunni cleric AP Ustad, industrialist Azim Premji, actors Shabana Azmi and Aamir Khan have made it to the list of 500 Most Influential Muslims In The World this year.

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AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi also made it to the list. Other Indians who have made it to the list include religious scholars and spiritual leaders.

Though India has world's second largest Muslim population, only 22 could enter the list of “The Muslim 500: The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims” this year.

Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Raza Khan Qadiri Al-Azhari and Maulana Mahmood Madani are the only two Indians among the top 50.

The names of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and B S Abdur Rahman have been mentioned under Obituaries. They were in the list of world's 500 most influential Muslims last year.

The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC) in Amman, Jordan has named the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.

The report is compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Amman, Jordan, in cooperation with Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University in the United States.

The list consists of a top 50 section and the remaining 450 are divided into political, scholarly, administration of religious affairs etc.

This year's list is out and here is how the Indian Muslims have fared:

Indians in the Top 50 influential Muslims list:

1) Mufi Muhammad Akhtar Raza Khan Qaadiri Al-Azhari, leader of the Indian Barelwis and considered by his followers as the Grand Mufi of India.

2) Maulana Mahmood Madani, Leader and Executive Member of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.

Most influential Scholars from India:

1) Allamah Zia Al-Mustafa, Islamic scholar of the Barelwi movement in India.

2) Wahiduddin Khan, co-founder of Goodword, publisher of children's books.

3) Rabey Hasani Nadvi, president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

4) Bahauddeen Muhammed Jamaluddeen Nadwi, founding fathers of Darul Huda Islamic University.

Most influential politicians from India:

1) Dr Mohammad Umar Farooq, chairman and founder of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Most influential in terms of Administration of Religious Affairs from India:

1) Sheikh Aboobackar Ahmad, also known as AP Aboobackar Musliyar and AP Ustad, the General Secretary of the All India Muslim Scholars Association.

2) Sayyid Ibrahimul Khaleel Al-Bukhari, founder of Ma'din Islamic Academy.

3) Maulana Shakir Ali Noorie, President of Sunni Dawate Islami (a non-political religious organization).

4) MP Janab Asaduddin Owaisi, President of All India Majlis-eIttehadul Muslimeen.

Most influential preachers & spiritual guides from India:

1) H. Hazrat Allama Maulana Qamaruzzaman Azmi, founder of Al-Jame-atul-Islamia.

2) Arsad Madani, President of the 86-year old Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

3) Professor Sayid Ameen Mian Quadri, leader of the Indian Barelwis and a sajjada nashin, or Suf disciple, of the Barkatiya Suf tradition.

4) Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, spiritual leader of 2-5 million people living in 100 countries.

5) Sheikh Dr Taika Shuaib, head of the Arusiyya branch of the Qadiri Suf order.

Most influential in terms of Philanthropy, Charity & Development from India:

1) Azim Premji, Indian business tycoon and philanthropist who is the chairman of Wipro Limited.

2) Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, prominent businessman in India who runs the Ajmal Group of Companies

Most influential in terms of Art and Culture from India:

1) Shabana Azmi, winner of the National Film Award for Best Actress five times.

2) Aamir Khan, UNICEF brand ambassador, promoting child nutrition.

3) Allah Rakha Rahman, composer, record producer, and musician.

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News Network
December 7,2025

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Mangaluru, Dec 7: A rare bamboo shrimp has been rediscovered on mainland India more than 70 years after it was last reported, confirming for the first time the presence of Atyopsis spinipes in the country. The find was made by researchers from the Centre for Climate Change Studies at Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, during surveys in Karnataka and Odisha.

The team — shrimp expert Dr S Prakash, PhD scholar K Kunjulakshmi, and Mangaluru-based researcher Maclean Antony Santos — combined field surveys, ecological assessments and DNA analysis to identify the elusive species. Their findings, published in Zootaxa, resolve decades of taxonomic confusion stemming from a 1951 report that misidentified the species as Atyopsis moluccensis without strong evidence.

The shrimp has now been confirmed at two locations: the Mulki–Pavanje estuary near Mangaluru and the Kuakhai River in Bhubaneswar. Historical specimens from the Andaman Islands, previously labelled as A. moluccensis, were also found to be misidentified and actually belong to A. spinipes.

The rediscovery began after an aquarium hobbyist in Odisha spotted a shrimp in 2022, prompting systematic surveys across Udupi, Karwar and Mangaluru. Four female specimens were collected in Mulki and one in Odisha, all genetically matching.

Researchers warn the species may exist in very small, vulnerable populations as freshwater habitats face increasing pressure from pollution, sand mining and infrastructure development. All verified specimens have been deposited with the Zoological Survey of India for future reference.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district. 

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

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Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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