JAMMU: A 21-year-old married woman from Gujarat’s Surat district was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the basement of an under-construction hotel in Jammu’s Satwari area on Monday. Police launched a probe.“The deceased, Kiran Kumari, was a native of Haldhru in Kamrej, Surat. She was found unresponsive on the basement floor of the under-construction building…
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has introduced a new Tech Package for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The package is available across all variants of the Hyryder. As part of this package, the carmaker has introduced three Toyota genuine accessories to enhance the tech offered with the SUV. Here’s a quick look at the details. Toyota Urban Cruiser…
India’s merchandise exports are likely to face intensifying pressure in the coming months as uncertainty over the proposed US-India trade deal persists and concerns grow over possible additional US levies linked to India’s crude oil purchases from Russia, ratings firm CRISIL said.In its latest assessment, CRISIL warned that near-term stress could emerge in select agri-export…
American author Robert Scoble shared a prediction on a crash coming in the stock market and why it is necessary. Titled ‘Let It Crash: How to Steer What Comes After’, the prediction is from the popular Silicon Valley venture capitalist (VC) Vijay Pande. It warns, “I’m a venture capitalist, and I’m telling you to root…
After lying dormant for nearly 10,000 years, a remote Ethiopian volcano roared back to life in a sudden, violent burst that locals likened to a “bomb of smoke and ash.” Shocked eyewitnesses watched as the sky darkened and the ground trembled, with newly surfaced videos capturing the dramatic aftermath of the rare eruption.The eruption over…
Something strange happened in Jaipur on Saturday. A 15-year-old smashed 12 sixes in 36 balls while Pat Cummins, the captain of the opposing team and one of cricket’s most respected bowlers, sat there afterwards calling him his new favourite player. Not in a patronizing, “cute kid” way. Genuinely. Like Cummins had just watched something he’d…
HYDERABAD: I-T sleuths on Sunday launched a pan-India survey of around 70 restaurants, including some in Delhi and Mumbai, to scan alleged billing software manipulation for suppression of sales and lower tax payments.The sales concealment for the 70 outlets is around Rs 700 crore, part of a wider understatement of Rs 70,000 crore linked to…
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the high voter turn out in the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections and said that this time voter are casting their votes in a “fearless atmosphere.“While inaugurating the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said that the assembly results on May 4…
The Trump administration is exploring plans for a commemorative USD 250 bill featuring President Donald Trump, a move that would require Congress to overturn a long-standing federal law barring living people from appearing on American currency.According to a report by The Washington Post, US Treasurer Brandon Beach and senior adviser Mike Brown repeatedly pushed staff…
Libra, get ready for a whirlwind of activity today! Your to-do list may feel relentless, so hone in on one task at a time. If you’re heading out for your commute, consider beating the rush by leaving early. Nourish your body with wholesome, homemade meals and drive with care. Hard work sits on your shoulders…
Japanese proverb of the day (AI-generated image) Japanese proverbs have long been admired for their simplicity, wisdom and ability to communicate profound life lessons through vivid imagery. Passed down through generations, these sayings reflect the values, experiences and observations of Japanese culture. Whether discussing patience, perseverance, humility or discipline, Japanese proverbs often provide practical guidance…
Ancient wisdom suggests prioritizing a child’s spirit of reverence over material wealth. This inner discipline, encompassing respect for people, life, and limits, fosters humility and responsibility. Unlike riches, reverence guides choices, teaches patience through failure, and builds character that truly lasts a lifetime, offering a more profound inheritance. When Plato says parents should give children…
Tamil music composer GV Prakash Kumar fell victim to an online scam on X, losing Rs. 20,000. A scammer used a fake emotional plea about a deceased mother, accompanied by an old, unrelated photo. Fans exposed the fraud, highlighting the risks of well-intentioned online aid and urging users to verify requests before sending money. Social…
![Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1783335554_photo.jpg "Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment")
Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described…
Yamaha recently launched the new FZ-Rave in India at Rs 1.17 lakh, ex-showroom, adding a budget-friendly option to the popular FZ family. The new Yamaha enters a segment already contested by several popular names including the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Here’s a clear look at how the two motorcycles compare on price, performance, and features. Yamaha…
UPSC CMS 2026 notification released at upsc.gov.in. Registration window will remain open till March 31 at upsconline.nic.in. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) 2026. Interested candidates can now apply online through the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.The registration process began on March 11, 2026, and…
An intriguing online puzzle dares participants to find a time traveler disguised among prehistoric humans within a mere five seconds. The captivating scene of ancient civilization cleverly conceals a modern intruder. Attentive observation is crucial, as our minds tend to bypass subtle hints. Brainteasers are more than just fun puzzles. They push the brain to…
Mike Vrabel net worth in 2026: Inside New England Patriots head coach’s career earnings, investments, real estate, lifestyle, and more (Image via Getty: Mike Vrabel) Mike Vrabel is a former New England Patriots linebacker and current Patriots head coach. People still search for and talk about him because he is the focus of the famous…
Former cricket administrator Lalit Modi NEW DELHI: Former IPL chairman and businessman Lalit Modi has pushed back strongly against being labelled a “fugitive”, insisting that he has “never been convicted” of any crime.He also dismissed the tag as a product of “media sensationalism” rather than legal reality.In an exclusive interview with news agency ANI, Lalit…
Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients that the body cannot produce on its own, which means they must be obtained through food. They support several key functions, including heart health, brain function, inflammation control, and overall well-being. However, many people do not meet the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA because common diets often…
