VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Unique record! Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are the only batters in IPL history to … US stock markets today (May 11, 2026): Wall Street pauses after record rally; oil jumps as US-Iran talks stall ‘Motor City’ set for July release: Alan Ritchson leads thrilling 1970s tale of ex-con | The hidden risk of vacuuming rodent droppings at the cottage | Random Musing: Why Keir Starmer is experiencing ‘Labour pain’ $200 million divorce battle: Iranian heiress accused of shielding family assets to block husband’s claims in California – NEW DELHI: India reported 57,670 environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, showing a decline of 16.4% over the number of such crimes (68,994) reported in 2023, flags the latest Crime in India report released by home ministry’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).Over 80% (46,333 cases) of environment and pollution-related crimes, however, pertain to just one offence — violation of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) — that prohibits advertisement and regulates trade, commerce, production, supply and distribution of such products.Of 53,682 people arrested, 42,235 were charged under COTPA. In majority of the cases, conviction led to imposition of fines — environmental compensation — as specified for violating different green laws.Number of offences under Noise Pollution Act figures at second position (8,639) , while those under Forest Act and Forest Conservation Act figure at third (1,425), respectively. Nearly 98% of total environment and pollution related offences, put together, fall under these three heads.Under noise pollution law, Rajasthan contributed to more than 95% of such cases in 2024 — data shows the state’s pro-active approach towards registering complaints over violations linked to use of high-decibel sound systems (loudspeakers, DJ systems etc.) during religious events and marriage processions/celebrations.The NCRB report shows that the highest number of environment and pollution-related cases (26,475) were registered in Tamil Nadu, followed by Rajasthan (10,824), Kerala (9,143), Maharashtra (6,735) and Karnataka (1,214) in 2024.Incidentally, UT of Delhi, which faces air pollution crisis every year during winter due to multiple violations of different nature, did not file a single case under Air Pollution Control Act, 1981 whereas the neighbouring Haryana, Punjab and UP filed one case each under this head despite facing hundreds of instances of stubble burning cases that contributed to air pollution during the winter in 2024.Overall, 18 cases were reported in 2024 from all states and UTs, put together, under the air and water pollution control laws with 50% (9) of such cases being reported from Tamil Nadu alone.Violations under Environment (Protection) Act; Wildlife Protection Act; and National Green Tribunal Act are the other three heads which figured in the list with reporting 754, 497 and 4 cases, respectively.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter PM Modi’s ‘Save Oil’ Appeal, Rajnath Singh Chairs Key Energy Security Review Meeting’Deeply Shocking’: TVK Ally Questions Vijay Over Vande Mataram Priority At Oath CeremonyTVK Blames Governor’s Office As Tamil Anthem Row Explodes After Vijay’s Oath CeremonySC Asks Mamata To File Fresh Pleas Regarding Victory Margin Being Less Than SIR DeletionsCM Vijay Meets MK Stalin Amid Treasury Row, Fuels Buzz Over Tamil Nadu’s Political ResetRahul Gandhi’s Humorous Reply To BJP Supporter Mutual Fund Agent Goes Viral OnlineSuvendu Adhikari Govt Begins BSF Border Fencing Push, Rolls Out Central SchemesSuvendu Adhikari’s PA Murder Case: All 3 Accused Sent To 13 Days Of Police CustodyWhy PM Modi Wants Indians To Avoid Gold Purchases And Foreign Travel’Is That Entirely Fair And Democratic? 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Punjab Kings opener enters IPL record books Indian-origin man, Rohitbhai Patel, charged with hit-and-run in Georgia; 3-year-old killed after wandering out of apartment at midnight PM Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday once again called for collective national efforts to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s position in global supply chains, while urging citizens to avoid unnecessary spending of foreign currency during a period of global uncertainty.Speaking in Vadodara amid concerns over disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and volatility in global energy markets, the Prime Minister said India was continuously working to emerge as a major participant in international supply chains.”We are continuously working to make India a major participant in global supply chains,” PM Modi said, stressing that the country must use the present challenges as an opportunity to strengthen self-reliance and domestic manufacturing capabilities.The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to support the government’s efforts by consciously reducing import dependence and avoiding activities that involve excessive foreign exchange outflow.”We must take all efforts to reduce the use of imports and avoid personal activities that involve spending foreign currency,” he said.Drawing parallels with previous national crises, PM Modi said Indians had historically responded with unity and responsibility whenever the country faced wars or major challenges.“Whenever India faced war or any major crisis, citizens fulfilled their responsibility on the government’s appeal. We need to do the same now,” the Prime Minister said.”Even in the earlier decades, whenever the country has gone through war or any other major crisis, every citizen has fulfilled their responsibility in the same way in response to the government’s appeal. Today, too, there is a need for all of us to come together and fulfil our responsibility to reduce the burden on the country’s resources. India spends lakhs of crores of rupees in foreign exchange to import many products from abroad. At the same time, the prices of imported goods are soaring, and global supply chains have also been severely disrupted. Just as every drop fills a pot, every small and big effort matters. We must reduce the use of products that come from abroad and avoid unnecessary dependence on imported goods in our daily lives, and also avoid such personal activities that involve spending foreign exchange,” PM Modi said.He also repeated his appeal for reduced fuel consumption and switch to public transport or electric vehicles while once again urging people to defer gold buying.The remarks come at a time when the government is closely monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on global oil prices, shipping routes and supply chains. About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter PM Modi’s ‘Save Oil’ Appeal, Rajnath Singh Chairs Key Energy Security Review Meeting’Deeply Shocking’: TVK Ally Questions Vijay Over Vande Mataram Priority At Oath CeremonyTVK Blames Governor’s Office As Tamil Anthem Row Explodes After Vijay’s Oath CeremonySC Asks Mamata To File Fresh Pleas Regarding Victory Margin Being Less Than SIR DeletionsCM Vijay Meets MK Stalin Amid Treasury Row, Fuels Buzz Over Tamil Nadu’s Political ResetRahul Gandhi’s Humorous Reply To BJP Supporter Mutual Fund Agent Goes Viral OnlineSuvendu Adhikari Govt Begins BSF Border Fencing Push, Rolls Out Central SchemesSuvendu Adhikari’s PA Murder Case: All 3 Accused Sent To 13 Days Of Police CustodyWhy PM Modi Wants Indians To Avoid Gold Purchases And Foreign Travel’Is That Entirely Fair And Democratic? Shashi Tharoor Questions SIR’s Role In BJP’s Massive Victory123Photostories7 shocking facts about lions that prove they are far more dangerous than most people think5 summer dinner sabzis you can make with just 2 tbsp of mustard oil10 things to do with your parents before it’s too late — Moments you’ll never regret5 elegant dog breeds that were part of royal families5 brutal questions every couple should ask each otherNot just weight gain: Doctor explains the hidden metabolic crisis damaging millions of Indians every day5 brilliant ways you should be using rose water right nowObsessed with the ‘Nancy Guthrie case’? 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The BJP had announced the scheme as a key election promise ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls.The scheme is aimed at providing financial support to women from low and middle-income households. Under the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, women from the general category received Rs1,500 per month, while women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households received Rs1,700 per month.The announcement came alongside a series of administrative and policy decisions taken by the new government after the BJP formed its first government in West Bengal.The meeting, chaired by Adhikari and attended by the five newly sworn-in ministers and senior bureaucrats, also discussed border fencing, implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and measures relating to illegal immigration.Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Adhikari said West Bengal would now be brought under the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme along with other flagship programmes. These include Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance, PM SHRI Schools, and PM Vishwakarma aimed at supporting artisans and craftspeople.The state government also announced the rollout of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 3.0 for subsidised cooking gas connections.The chief minister also said land would be transferred to the Border Security Force for border fencing work and added that the issue of illegal immigrants would be resolved “in a few days”.The announcement comes days after Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s ninth chief minister on Saturday, becoming the first BJP leader to head the state government after ending the All India Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAfter PM Modi’s ‘Save Oil’ Appeal, Rajnath Singh Chairs Key Energy Security Review Meeting’Deeply Shocking’: TVK Ally Questions Vijay Over Vande Mataram Priority At Oath CeremonyTVK Blames Governor’s Office As Tamil Anthem Row Explodes After Vijay’s Oath CeremonySC Asks Mamata To File Fresh Pleas Regarding Victory Margin Being Less Than SIR DeletionsCM Vijay Meets MK Stalin Amid Treasury Row, Fuels Buzz Over Tamil Nadu’s Political ResetRahul Gandhi’s Humorous Reply To BJP Supporter Mutual Fund Agent Goes Viral OnlineSuvendu Adhikari Govt Begins BSF Border Fencing Push, Rolls Out Central SchemesSuvendu Adhikari’s PA Murder Case: All 3 Accused Sent To 13 Days Of Police CustodyWhy PM Modi Wants Indians To Avoid Gold Purchases And Foreign Travel’Is That Entirely Fair And Democratic? Shashi Tharoor Questions SIR’s Role In BJP’s Massive Victory123Photostories10 things to do with your parents before it’s too late — Moments you’ll never regret5 elegant dog breeds that were part of royal families5 brutal questions every couple should ask each otherNot just weight gain: Doctor explains the hidden metabolic crisis damaging millions of Indians every day5 brilliant ways you should be using rose water right nowObsessed with the ‘Nancy Guthrie case’? Top 5 true-crime abduction shows to watch on OTTNicole Kidman’s most transformative on-screen looks: From prosthetics to punk cutsSnakes in the dating pool: Spotting 10 red flags early on in a relationshipCan you cut a neighbour’s tree branches hanging into your garden? 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The fast-bowling all-rounder Delhi Capitals picked for must-win Punjab Kings clash | Cricket News Delhi Education Directorate issues show cause notice to school over alleged molestation case and safety lapses Amitabh Bachchan tells his security staff to behave well with fans: ‘Unka jaise vyavhaar hoga, janta samajhti hai mera bhi swabhaav waisa hoga’ 5 elegant dog breeds that were part of royal families West Bengal Cabinet: Suvendu Adhikari allocates key portfolios to 5 ministers – check list From sleeping in a car to Ivy League: California teen earns admission to 65 elite colleges with 4.4 GPA | World News Manoj Kumar Agarwal NEW DELHI: West Bengal government on Monday appointed chief electoral officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who was top official in a the state responsible for overseeing and conducting elections, chief secreatary of the Suvendu-led dispensation.The chief secretary is the top bureaucrat of a state government and the senior-most IAS officer, responsible for coordinating all departments and advising the chief minister.This is a developing story…About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Deeply Shocking’: TVK Ally Questions Vijay Over Vande Mataram Priority At Oath CeremonyTVK Blames Governor’s Office As Tamil Anthem Row Explodes After Vijay’s Oath CeremonySC Asks Mamata To File Fresh Pleas Regarding Victory Margin Being Less Than SIR DeletionsCM Vijay Meets MK Stalin Amid Treasury Row, Fuels Buzz Over Tamil Nadu’s Political ResetRahul Gandhi’s Humorous Reply To BJP Supporter Mutual Fund Agent Goes Viral OnlineSuvendu Adhikari Govt Begins BSF Border Fencing Push, Rolls Out Central SchemesSuvendu Adhikari’s PA Murder Case: All 3 Accused Sent To 13 Days Of Police CustodyWhy PM Modi Wants Indians To Avoid Gold Purchases And Foreign Travel’Is That Entirely Fair And Democratic? Shashi Tharoor Questions SIR’s Role In BJP’s Massive VictoryNEET ‘Guess Paper’ Probe: Rajasthan Police Investigate Claims Of 140 Questions Matching Exam Paper123Photostories10 things to do with your parents before it’s too late — Moments you’ll never regret5 elegant dog breeds that were part of royal families5 brutal questions every couple should ask each otherNot just weight gain: Doctor explains the hidden metabolic crisis damaging millions of Indians every day5 brilliant ways you should be using rose water right nowObsessed with the ‘Nancy Guthrie case’? Top 5 true-crime abduction shows to watch on OTTNicole Kidman’s most transformative on-screen looks: From prosthetics to punk cutsSnakes in the dating pool: Spotting 10 red flags early on in a relationshipCan you cut a neighbour’s tree branches hanging into your garden? 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