Category: Human Interest

Human Interest

Virat Kohli Grants Brother Vikas Power of Attorney Over ₹80 Cr Gurugram Bungalow

Tanisha Cardozo

Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has officially handed over the General Power of Attorney (GPA) for his luxury bungalow in Gurugram’s upscale DLF Phase-1 to his elder brother, Vikas Kohli. The estimated value of the property is said to be around ₹80 crore, according to a report by News18.

The legal process was reportedly completed on October 14, 2025, at the Wazirabad Tehsil office in Gurugram. Kohli, who was present at the office, signed the documents, interacted with the staff, posed for photographs, and signed autographs. The transfer of GPA allows Vikas to act on Virat’s behalf in all legal, administrative, and financial matters related to the property.

Virat Kohli, along with his wife Anushka Sharma and their two children, is now said to be residing in London. Sources suggest the decision to transfer power of attorney was made to streamline the handling of property matters in India while he lives abroad. This move is considered standard practice among Indian citizens living overseas, who often issue GPAs to trusted family members to manage their real estate assets in their absence.

Although the General Power of Attorney gives Vikas control over property management and decision-making, it does not equate to a change in ownership. A formal sale deed would still be required for that.

Amid these reports, Vikas Kohli posted a cryptic Instagram story addressing the rise in misinformation online, saying, “I am not surprised by so much misinformation and fake news going around these days… some people are so free and have lots of time to do so… good luck to you guys.” However, he did not explicitly deny or confirm the property-related news.

Kohli is expected to return to India on October 19 to participate in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The three-match series has generated considerable excitement as fans await the return of one of India’s most dynamic players.

The GPA development adds an interesting personal dimension to the star’s off-field life, underscoring how top celebrities manage their assets while balancing global commitments.

Human Interest

Is the Eiffel Tower Really Being Demolished in 2026?

Tanisha Cardozo

No, the Eiffel Tower is not going to be demolished in 2026. Despite what’s been circulating across social media, the iconic Paris landmark remains fully operational and continues to welcome tourists from across the world.

The viral rumor emerged after two unrelated events were twisted into a misleading narrative. Earlier this month, the Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed due to a nationwide strike in France, which led to some safety concerns and short-term disruptions. Around the same time, a satirical news outlet published a fictional article claiming that the Eiffel Tower would be dismantled and replaced with a giant slide—a joke that was never meant to be taken seriously.

However, several high-follower social media accounts combined the satire and the real-life strike, and falsely claimed that the tower’s operating lease was set to expire and demolition was imminent due to structural fatigue.

This is entirely false.

In reality, the Eiffel Tower remains a robust and self-sufficient monument. It generates over €117 million annually, does not depend on state funding, and is maintained by Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), which oversees the tower’s operations. Structural assessments continue to show that the tower is in safe condition, and tickets remain available for booking via its official website.

Tourists planning to visit Paris can rest assured: the Eiffel Tower stands tall and strong, just as it has for over 130 years. Let this serve as another reminder to always fact-check before sharing online content—especially when it comes to world heritage landmarks.

Human Interest

Deepika Padukone Becomes the Voice of Meta AI and India’s First Mental Health Ambassador

Tanisha Cardozo

Bollywood superstar and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has taken on two impactful roles, further expanding her influence across technology and public health. She has officially become the voice of Meta AI—marking a first for an Indian celebrity to be integrated into AI platforms across multiple countries including India, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

In a video shared on Instagram, Deepika is seen in a recording studio, lending her voice to Meta’s AI assistant. “Hi, I am Deepika Padukone. I am the new voice of Meta AI. So tap the ring and my voice will run out,” she says, announcing the launch of her collaboration with the tech giant.

In the same week, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Deepika was appointed by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador of India. The appointment recognizes her longstanding commitment to mental wellness through her NGO, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL), which she founded after personally battling depression. The ministry’s recognition is a major milestone in India’s efforts to prioritize mental health within the public health ecosystem.

Sharing her gratitude, Deepika posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking the government and the Ministry. She also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in bringing mental health to the forefront of national dialogue. “Through my own journey and the work we’ve done at @tlllfoundation over the past decade, I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India,” she wrote. She also shared a photo from her meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.

Deepika’s dual announcements reflect her growing influence beyond cinema—where her voice is not only powering conversations with AI users but also helping reshape India’s mental health narrative. Whether it’s tech innovation or national advocacy, she is using her platform to create impact in areas that matter.

On the work front, she has also begun shooting for ‘King,’ her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan, following the massive success of ‘Jawan’ directed by Atlee. With each project, Deepika continues to build a legacy that blends entertainment, empathy, and empowerment.

Human Interest

“It’s Never Too Late” — 90-Year-Old Maryette McFarland Graduates Seven Decades After Beginning Her Studies

allycaralgoa

For Maryette McFarland from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the dream of earning a university degree may have taken seventy years — but she’s finally done it.

Now 90, Maryette has graduated with a degree in English Literature, completing a journey that began in the 1960s. Back then, she had joined university in Dublin but left her studies to get married and raise a family.

Decades later, encouraged by her family and driven by her love for learning, she decided to return to education — this time, online.

“I can hardly believe it, and it’s taken me quite a long time,” Maryette said after graduating. Though studying online was challenging, she said her family — including her four children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren — were “wonderful” in supporting her.

“I’m very bad online but I had a lot of help from the family,” she laughed, sharing that her daughter-in-law even taught her how to type.

Her eldest daughter, Shauna Gailey, said proudly, “I am just so proud of her.”

Maryette’s achievement is not just a personal milestone — it’s a shining example of perseverance, passion, and the timeless power of education. Her story reminds us that dreams may rest, but they never truly fade away.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Human Interest

Monsoon Withdraws from Goa on October 13 — A Day Ahead of Schedule

allycaralgoa

Panaji, October 13, 2025: The southwest monsoon has officially withdrawn from Goa as of October 13, marking an early retreat by a day compared to its normal withdrawal date of October 14, as per data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

This year’s monsoon arrived exceptionally early on May 25, nearly 11 days ahead of the typical onset around June 5–6. The early arrival brought with it a vigorous start to the rainy season, followed by a fairly steady monsoon performance throughout the months of June to September.

Two Intense Rain Spells Mark the Season’s End

Goa experienced two heavy rainfall events in the closing phase — one on September 30, and another on October 10. Both systems brought widespread rain and localized flooding in low-lying areas, especially in North Goa. These downpours were associated with active monsoon troughs and cyclonic circulations over the Arabian Sea.

Season Overview

According to IMD’s preliminary assessment, Goa recorded near-normal rainfall this season, with a few districts witnessing slight excess. The state’s reservoirs and water bodies are reported to be comfortably filled, ensuring a strong start to the post-monsoon period.

Transition to the Dry Season

With the monsoon withdrawal, Goa now transitions into clear skies, cooler mornings, and the pleasant weather that defines its post-rain charm. The retreat also signals the beginning of the tourist season, with outdoor events, beach activities, and festivals set to resume in full swing.

Climate Trends

Meteorologists note that this year’s early onset and early withdrawal highlight the variability of India’s monsoon system, a pattern increasingly observed in recent years due to changing climate dynamics.

As the state welcomes drier days ahead, the monsoon of 2025 will be remembered for its early arrival, timely withdrawal, and brief yet intense bursts of rainfall that refreshed Goa’s green landscapes.