New Delhi: India reported 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, a 16.4 per cent decrease from the number of such crimes reported in 2023 (68,994), according to the latest India crime report released by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).However, more than 80% (46,333 cases) of environmental and pollution-related crimes involved just one offense, breaching the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which prohibits advertising and regulates the trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of such products.Of the 53,682 people arrested, 42,235 were charged under COTPA. In most cases, conviction results in the imposition of fines (environmental compensation) based on breaches of different green laws.The Noise Pollution Act had the second highest number of offenses (8,639), while the Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act had the third highest number of offenses (1,425) each. In total, nearly 98% of environmental and pollution-related offenses fall into these three categories.Under the Noise Pollution Act, Rajasthan accounted for more than 95% of such cases in 2024 – data shows that the state is proactive in filing complaints related to violations related to the use of high-decibel sound systems (speakers, DJ systems, etc.) during religious functions and wedding processions/celebrations.The NCRB report showed that Tamil Nadu registered the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases (26,475) in 2024, followed by Rajasthan (10,824), Kerala (9,143), Maharashtra (6,735) and Karnataka (1,214).Incidentally, Delhi Technological University, which faces an air pollution crisis every winter due to multiple violations of different nature, has not filed a single case under the Air Pollution Control Act, 1981, while the neighboring states of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have filed one case each under the Act despite facing hundreds of cases of stubble burning causing air pollution in the winter of 2024.Overall, a total of 18 cases were reported under the Air and Water Pollution Control Act in 2024 across all states and union territories, with Tamil Nadu alone reporting 50% (9) such cases.Violations of the Environmental (Protection) Law; Wildlife Protection Law; the other three responsible persons on the list reported 754, 497 and 4 cases respectively.
$200M Divorce Battle: Iranian Heiress Accused of Hiding Family Assets to Block Husband’s California Claim
(Source: California Post)
An Iranian heiress is accused of hiding millions of dollars in assets from her husband in a $200 million divorce lawsuit, according to newly filed court documents in California.Setare “Star” Brar is the daughter of a late real estate tycoon and is said to have ties to the former Shah of Iran. She allegedly transferred control of her company, Star Pacific Properties, shortly after she separated from husband Ryan Aronin, a UCLA doctor.Court documents obtained by The California Post say Brar turned over control of the company to her brother, Sean Brar, in October 2024. Her husband said this was done to limit his access to marital assets.Ryan Aronin claims the property management company, valued at approximately $15 million, fell out of his wife’s direct control after the couple separated in March 2022. But Brar said they separated in April 2024.“Setare intentionally acted to reduce her earnings on paper and limit her access to capital,” the filing said, adding that her brother allegedly had “no ownership interest” in the company.Star Real Estate owns and operates two commercial buildings in the Los Angeles area, with tenants including Starbucks, Panda Express and 7-Eleven. These generate significant revenue every year.The dispute mainly involves the SYB Family Trust, which Aronin said is worth about $200 million and comes from Setareh Bral’s family.Aronen alleged that his estranged wife attempted to distance herself from the trust to reduce her reported income and avoid filing financial claims in the divorce.“She voluntarily relinquished her responsibility for managing the Shanghai Young Bakers Family Trust, possibly in an effort to distance herself from control of the discretionary trust distributions,” court documents said.He also claimed Brar continued to benefit from rental income associated with the trust. He cited an example in which she allegedly advertised a rental property in April 2026 for approximately $4,950 per month.According to the New York Post, social media posts showed Brar marketing a luxury two-bedroom apartment in West Los Angeles, writing: “Hello, my name is Setare and one thing you need to know is that I need a good tenant.”Court documents describe an opulent lifestyle during the marriage, including attending high-profile events in Los Angeles and living in a $6 million Beverly Hills home financed by a family trust. The couple married in 2014 and have two children.The case also includes allegations of hostile communications between the two, including one message in which Brar allegedly wrote: “People treat their dogs better than you treat me,” and surveillance footage showing her throwing her husband’s clothes off a balcony.Aronin claimed that Brar’s personal wealth was no less than $19 million, with potential annual income from trust investments in excess of $700,000.
Priyansh and Sooryavanshi are the only players in IPL history…
New Delhi: Two young batting stars – Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – have taken the IPL by storm in no time. With their fearless batting, easy sixes and staggering strike rates, the duo have become the face of a new generation of ultra-aggressive T20 batting.While Sooryavanshi has been neutralizing the bowling attack for Rajasthan Royals, Priyansh has been doing the same at full strength for Kings XI Punjab. Their explosive start on the power play shocked their opponents and excited fans throughout the game.
The impact of these two young men is reflected in staggering statistics. Currently, Sooryavanshi tops the list of Indian batsmen to score more than 50 runs in IPL history with 4 runs in overs 1-6, followed by Priyansh Arya with 3 runs. Priyansh added another explosive blow to his growing reputation with his 24-ball fifty against Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala during IPL 2026.Priyansh Arya’s fearless approachPriyansh took his explosive form in the Delhi Premier League to the Indian Premier League and quickly became one of Kings XI Punjab’s biggest success stories. The uncapped left-hander was bought at a base price of Rs 38 lakh and became PBKS’ third highest run-scorer in IPL 2025.He formed a dangerous opening partnership with Prabhusimran Singh and lit up the match with his fearless batting. Priyansh scored the fifth-fastest century in IPL history – a 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings – and two fifties in his debut season.In IPL 2026, Priyansh continued his astonishing rise, scoring 336 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 231.72, including 32 sixes. In two seasons in the IPL, he has amassed 811 runs in 27 games, including 57 sixes.The meteoric rise of Vaibhav SooryavanshiAt just 13 years old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever to be awarded an IPL contract, with Rajasthan Royals acquiring him for Rs 11 crore ahead of IPL 2025. A year later, he made history again when he became the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket.The teenage star smashed 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans and completed his century in just 35 balls – the second-fastest century in IPL history.In IPL 2025, Sooryavanshi scored 252 runs in seven games with a strike rate of 206.55. He has taken things to another level in IPL 2026, scoring 440 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 236.55, including 40 sixes already this season.Overall, the RR youngster smashed 692 runs in 18 IPL games at a staggering strike rate of 224.67 (2 centuries and 3 fifties).Before creating an IPL hero, Sooryavanshi had represented India U-19 team and scored a 58-ball hundred against Australia U-19 team. He also played a key role in India’s progression to the 2024 ACC Under-19 Asian Cup finals.
Heartbreaking tribute: Liverpool FC reveal first photos of plans to honor Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield
Liverpool Football Club has released images of a permanent memorial to late striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in a car crash last July. The memorial, called “Forever 20”, will be built on 97 Avenue outside Anfield, the same area where thousands of supporters gathered in the wake of the tragedy to leave flowers, scarves, banners, cards and personal tributes. Jota and Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora on July 3, 2025, as the Liverpool forward was returning to Merseyside for pre-season training. The Portugal international had married his long-term partner Lute Cardoso just days before the accident. Andre Silva, 25 years old, is a professional football player himself, playing for the Portuguese second division team Penafiel.
memorial inspired by rota’s iconic celebrations
Liverpool confirmed that the sculpture was designed to celebrate the brothers’ life and relationship, while also reflecting the emotional connection supporters developed with Jota during his time at the club. Liverpool said in an official statement that the memorial “celebrates their lives, their bonds, and the love and respect felt by their families, team-mates and supporters around the world.” At the center of the installation is a flowing heart-shaped sculpture inspired by Jota’s iconic goal celebration. The abstract design also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 from different perspectives, representing the jersey numbers worn by Jota and Andre Silva during their careers. The memorial also includes the lyrics to Jota’s famous chant, which is still sung by Liverpool fans in the 20th minute of games at Anfield. Liverpool explained: “At its center is a flowing heart-shaped sculpture commemorating Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, which when viewed from different angles also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 that adorn the back of the brothers’ jerseys.
Liverpool Football Club releases images of permanent memorials in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva/Photo: Liverpool Football Club
“It will also feature lyrics from Jota’s famous song that is so beloved by Liverpool fans and they still sing it in the 20th minute of every game.”
Tributes left by fans are permanently integrated into the sculpture
One of the most personal aspects of the memorial is the inclusion of physical tributes left by supporters outside Anfield following the brother’s death. Liverpool confirmed that many of the scarves, flowers, artwork, banners and cards left by grieving fans had been recycled and incorporated directly into the monument’s stone base.
Portuguese fans hold jerseys bearing the number of late Portuguese player Diogo Jota during the football match between Portugal and Armenia in the 2026 World Cup Group F qualifiers in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, November 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)
The sculpture itself will stand on a Granby Rockface stone base with a laser-engraved dedication from the two brothers. Liverpool said: “The club will provide further news on the timing of the official unveiling of the sculpture, but can confirm it will be located at 97 Avenue, where thousands of physical tributes including flowers, scarves, artwork, cards, banners and opposition jerseys have been placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of a team loss. “It will stand on a stone plinth in the Granby Rock face, laser-engraved with a dedication to the two brothers, and the plinth itself incorporates many of the physical tributes that remain at Anfield. “This unique recycling process ensures that the voices and emotions shared by fans at the time become a permanent and lasting part of this memorial.”
From left: Real Madrid’s Dean Huizen, head coach Xabi Alonso, head of public relations Emilio Butragueno and Trent Alexander-Arnold pay tribute at the Diogo Jota monument outside Anfield in Liverpool, England, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Peter Byrne/PA via Associated Press)
Includes personal references outside of football career
Liverpool also revealed that the memorial also includes some smaller personal references relating to Jota’s life away from football. These details include a game controller located on the base, which reflects Jota’s love of gaming and esports outside of his professional career. The club added: “It will also include personal references reflecting Diogo’s life outside of football, including game controller details on the base, and will serve as a lasting symbol of love, unity and remembrance, as well as a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.” Liverpool are yet to confirm an official unveiling date for the monument, but say more details will be announced in the future.
Jota’s legacy at Liverpool is still keenly felt
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 games for the club. During his time on Merseyside, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups. Tributes to the Portuguese striker have continued throughout the season since his death, with supporters, players and visiting fans often stopping to pay their respects outside Anfield before games.
U.S. national tests positive for hantavirus, another develops mild symptoms after leaving cruise ship
One of 17 Americans evacuated from cruise ship Hantavirus The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed late Sunday that one person had tested positive for the virus, while another person was showing “mild symptoms.”
While at least six Americans are currently being monitored for cruise-related illnesses, this marks the first confirmed case Hantavirus These include those evacuated from the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius this weekend.
First confirmed case of hantavirus found among Americans evacuated from MV Hondius
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, all U.S. citizens and one British citizen living in the U.S. will be flown back to the U.S., and the two symptomatic passengers will be moved to the plane’s biocontainment unit.
The second passenger who developed symptoms has not yet been confirmed to have the virus. The plane was scheduled to arrive in Omaha, nebraskaearly Monday.
“One passenger is currently experiencing mild symptoms and another passenger has a mildly positive Andes virus PCR test,” they said.
These Americans will first be taken to the University of Nebraska, which has a federally funded quarantine facility, to evaluate whether they have been in close contact with anyone with symptoms and to determine their level of risk for spreading the virus.
What’s next for the two passengers?
Nebraska Medicine further states that those who test positive will receive another test upon arrival.
Each of the 17 Americans will receive clinical evaluation and care specific to their condition, HHS said.
“One passenger will be sent to the Nebraska Biocontainment Center upon arrival, and the other passengers will go to the State Quarantine Center for evaluation and monitoring,” said Kayla Thomas, spokesperson for the Nebraska Medical Center. “The passenger who went to the biocontainment center tested positive for the virus but was asymptomatic.”
“We are confident in the quality of care these individuals will receive and the protocols in place to ensure the safety of health care workers,” said Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing Jr.
Hantavirus outbreak: here’s what we know
Authorities set up a medical tent to accommodate passengers and health officials donned full-body protective gear. Residents of Tenerife expressed opposition to the ship’s docking and expressed concern that hantavirus could spread beyond the Hondius’ crew and guests. However, these concerns were dismissed by the Spanish national government in Madrid.
In a video posted Monday morning, Hondez captain Jan Dobrogowski expressed his gratitude to passengers and crew while acknowledging the challenging weeks they had endured on board.
Human infections with hantaviruses are uncommon and have never been documented on cruise ships before.
The World Health Organization is currently conducting an investigation to determine the origin of the outbreak, focusing specifically on a bird-watching trip in southern Argentina that the first passenger to die from the disease took before boarding the cruise ship.
Throughout this outbreak, U.S. and international health officials have emphasized that the risk to the public remains low and that transmission is limited to close contact.
Other countries are taking steps to evacuate, monitor and quarantine the Hondius’ former passengers. As of Monday morning, 54 people were still on board, 32 of whom were scheduled to fly to the Netherlands.
‘Whenever India faces war or…’: PM Modi urges citizens to fulfill responsibilities amid Middle East crisis
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi A collective national effort was called for on Monday to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s position in global supply chains, while citizens were urged to avoid unnecessary foreign exchange expenditures at a time of global uncertainty.Amid concerns over disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and volatility in global energy markets, the Prime Minister, speaking in Vadodara, said India is constantly striving to become a major player in international supply chains.Prime Minister Modi said: “We are constantly working to make India a major player in the global supply chain.” He emphasized that India must use the current challenges as an opportunity to strengthen self-reliance and domestic manufacturing capabilities.The Prime Minister also called on citizens to support the government’s efforts to consciously reduce import dependence and avoid activities involving excessive outflows of foreign exchange.“We must make every effort to reduce the use of imports and avoid personal activities that involve spending foreign currency,” he said.Prime Minister Modi said that compared to previous national crises, Indians have historically responded with unity and responsibility when the country faced war or major challenges.“Whenever India faces war or any major crisis, citizens fulfill their responsibilities as per the government’s call. We need to do the same now,” the Prime Minister said.“Even in the past few decades, whenever the country went through war or any other major crisis, every citizen responded to the government’s call in the same way and fulfilled their responsibilities. Today, too, we all need to come together to fulfill our responsibilities and reduce the burden on the country’s resources.” India spends billions of rupees in foreign exchange to import many products from abroad. At the same time, prices for imported goods have soared and global supply chains have been severely disrupted. Just as every drop of water fills a pot, every effort, big or small, counts. We must reduce the use of products from abroad, avoid unnecessary reliance on imported goods in our daily lives, and avoid such personal activities involving foreign exchange. ” Prime Minister Modi said.He also reiterated calls to reduce fuel consumption and switch to public transportation or electric vehicles, while once again urging people to delay buying gold.The comments come as the government closely monitors the impact of conflict in the Middle East on global oil prices, shipping routes and supply chains.
Trump asks random people “JD or Marco?”; he wants them to be on the same ticket in 2028
Trump has yet to decide on J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio as his successors and is asking random people for their opinions.
President Donald Trump has been conducting random polls of his Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to decide who would be the better choice for the 2028 presidential election, although insiders believe it is just a fun diversion for him and not something he is seriously considering. Trump also sometimes shared a unique idea with aides: that J.D. and Rubio should run together on the same ticket, the New York Times reported.With both J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio engaged in fierce firefighting campaigns for the administration, they are heading toward a mutual electoral battle. But Rubio has said he will not run against the vice president and will instead support J.D. Vance.“If J.D. Vance ran for president, he would be our nominee and I would be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in an interview with Vanity Fair last year.J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio appear to be friends on both a personal and professional level. They are often seen laughing together at White House events. They talk about sports and family and know the memes about them. Whenever Marco Rubio takes on a new role or the internet gives him a new one, he even shows off some memes to his colleagues. Most recently, he took questions from reporters at official White House press briefings, taking over for Caroline Leavitte.
JD Vance or Marco Rubio : Who is more popular?
Marco Rubio is more popular for his ruthless memes, but J.D. Vance is a more recognizable figure to American voters.According to the Pew Research Center, 75% of Republican voters have a favorable opinion of Vance, while 64% have a favorable opinion of Rubio. 19% of Republican voters have never heard of the secretary of state.
Who is Anil Kochhar? 5 things you need to know as Indian-American philanthropist pays off loans for 176 NCSU graduates, video goes viral
Indian origin Philanthropist Anil Kochhar has sparked excitement with his wife Marilyn Kochhar’s pledge to pay off all final-year student loans for the class of 2026. North Carolina Wilson College of Textiles, State University.
Anil Kochhar: 5 things you need to know about the Indian-origin philanthropist’s moves
- At a ceremony in Raleigh on May 8, Kochhar announced the move as a tribute to his father, Prakash Chand Kochhar. “I am honored to announce today that in memory of my father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, Marilyn and I will provide a graduation gift that will be used to pay for all final-year educational loans incurred by Wilson School graduates during the 2025-26 academic year,” Kochhar said.
- The audience burst into applause after the announcement, and Kochha said he hoped the donation would allow students to progress without financial pressure. “Marilyn and I hope that all of you will leave Reynolds Gym today not only with a degree, but with greater freedom to pursue your goals, take risks and build the lives you have worked so hard to achieve,” he said.
- “Eighty years ago, a young man traveled thousands of miles from India to Raleigh with nothing but hope and determination,” Kochha said, recalling his father’s journey from India to the United States nearly 80 years ago. “He could not have known where the journey would lead. He could not have imagined the life it would create.”
- He mentioned that Prakash Chand Kochhar moved to Raleigh in 1946 to study textile manufacturing at the school. North Carolina University. He noted that he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1950 and a master’s degree in 1952 before starting his career at Industrial Rayon in New York City as a sales service coordinator. The Kochha family subsequently settled in the United States. “He came to a country far away from home, in a very different time than today, but he was welcomed with open arms,” he said, adding, “They said, Prakash, we’re glad you’re here.”
- After Prakash Chand Kochhar’s death in 1985, his wife Christine Hayes Kochhar, whom he met at a university in North Carolina, established the Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship in 1986 at the university.
According to Axios Raleigh, the graduating class includes 176 students earning bachelor’s degrees and 26 students earning master’s degrees.
Here’s what NCSU officials say
University representatives said the Kochhars worked closely with school leadership and the financial aid office in advance of the announcement.
“I am deeply grateful to Anil and Marilyn for their extraordinary investment in our newest Wilson Life alumni,” Wilson College Dean David Hinks said in a university statement.
“One of our main goals is to get wilson Make college affordable for all, and Anil and Marilyn are helping us make it happen. “
The Internet Reacts to Kochhas’ ‘Wonderful Gift’
The video of the ceremony caused a sensation, with over a million views and an overwhelming response from netizens.
“Only a very few can do this. Anil Kochhar is one of them. Humanity has prevailed. The joy on the students’ faces tells the story,” said one.
“This is what civilized values look like in practice, not just accumulating wealth but circulating it with a grateful heart. His dad would be so proud,” commented another.
“A great gift… that will make most people’s lives easier and inspire them to pursue their ambitions unhindered,” another responded.
Suvendu government appoints Bengal’s top poll official Manoj Kumar Agarwal as chief secretary
New Delhi: The West Bengal government on Monday appointed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the senior official responsible for monitoring and conducting elections in the state and principal secretary in the Suvendu-led government.The Chief Secretary is the top bureaucrat in the state government and the top IAS officer responsible for coordinating all departments and advising the Chief Minister.This is a developing story…
A 5,000-year-old man-made island discovered underwater in Scotland may be older than Stonehenge World News
A historic building deep in Loch Borgastail provides information about human existence more than 5,000 years ago. It now appears that this building is just a stone island, formerly a wooden structure carefully built by Neolithic people. The age of this ancient structure makes it older than other famous landmarks such as Stonehenge. This structure challenges traditional views of early social engineering techniques and settlements.From the outside, there is nothing special about the structure. Yet beneath its surface lies evidence of the meticulousness of its construction, its diverse uses throughout history, and its transformation throughout prehistory. Archaeologists say the structure is one of the best examples of ancient humans’ ability to shape their environment.
Scientists discover a lost Scottish island built by humans more than 5,000 years ago
This particular site belongs to a type called a “crannog,” which can be described as a man-made island in a lake. Crannog’s past is primarily associated with the Iron Age and subsequent periods. However, recent discoveries suggest that there may have been some cracks that appeared in earlier times.According to research conducted by experts from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, this particular crannog was built around 3800 to 3300 BC. This means that its construction dates back to the Neolithic Age, before Stonehenge was built.Preliminary analysis shows that Crannog originally consisted of a circular wooden platform about 23 meters in diameter. Its construction involved layers of timber, shrubbery, and stone that anchored the island’s foundations. Later, the island was expanded and improved. Evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age architecture has been discovered.
Pottery fragments reveal Neolithic activity at the lake
Archaeological surveys have uncovered numerous Neolithic pottery fragments around the site. Some of these containers contained traces of food residue, suggestive of cooking or food preparation activities.This detail changes the way the website is interpreted. It may not be purely symbolic or defensive. Instead, it may be a gathering place for people to meet, share meals, and conduct public activities. Experts say it could have practical and social importance.The idea of people building and using timber islands in the middle of a lake feels unusual today. In the Neolithic world, however, such spaces may have given a sense of separation from everyday terrestrial life. Water boundaries often had meaning in ancient cultures, possibly marking transitions between different social or ritual spaces.Still, much of it remains speculative. The evidence provides clues but not complete answers.
How scientists discovered the hidden route to Clenog
One of the most interesting finds is an underground stone dike connecting the island to the mainland. These suggest that there may have been some easier, possibly even manageable, access to the island initially.During thousands of years of fluctuating water levels, parts of the building must have been submerged, dividing the previously continuous landscape.Surveying such landscapes presents its own challenges, one of which stems from the fact that the area between dryland and deep water is inaccessible to traditional land-based surveys, and underwater methods are not efficient enough.To solve this problem, scientists combined underwater photography, drone photogrammetry and GPS surveys to compensate for the shortcomings of individual technologies and produce an accurate 3D reconstruction of the area, including both land and underwater parts.
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