VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Quote of the day by Ho Chi Minh: ‘Write in such a way that you can be understood by both the young and the old, by men as well as women’ and why simple words have the power to change the world Updated: Jul 13, 2026, 07:40 IST Chaos returns to Middle East: Oil prices jump 4% as US-Iran exchange strikes Imtiaz Ali’s daughter Ida Ali gets engaged to Krish Agrawal; Shares romantic Norway proposal video ‘We want you tomorrow’: Bangladesh official slams Sheikh Hasina’s delayed return Till death do us bark: ‘Paw-sitive’ start as pets serve as witnesses in Ecuador weddings Auto lenders bet on embedded finance Priyanka Chopra shares best shots from her London vacation: Wimbledon to family time with Nick Jonas, Malti, MIL’s birthday bash How To Help Kids With Bullying: “Just ignore them” isn’t the answer: What parents can do to prepare children if bullying happens | FIFA World Cup: Why Norwegian Air changed Instagram logo to British Airways after England defeat – Explained Jul 13, 2026, 06:56 IST Government weighs cybersecurity framework for IoT devices Quote of the day by Stan Lee: ‘I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic book writer. Then I began to realise, entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives,’ words of wisdom by the man who gave the world its greatest heroes Jupiter-Moon Conjunction: These Zodiac Signs Will Receive Divine Blessings This Week Mexico highway crash kills 9, injures 10 after truck slams into emergency response vehicles File photo NEW DELHI: The number of secondary schools with integrated science laboratories rose by about 10,000 in three years, but coverage fell to 54.6% in 2025-26, from 57.1% a year earlier and 55.9% in 2023-24, as the number of these schools expanded faster. The latest UDISE+ data shows the gap is not confined to govt schools – the situation was similar for govt-aided and private schools.The share of schools with secondary sections having integrated science laboratories stood at 54.6% in 2025-26, down from the three-year peak of 57.1% in 2024-25 and 55.9% in 2023-24.In absolute terms, the number of schools with such laboratories increased from 1.6 lakh in 2023-24 to 1.7 lakh in 2025-26. However, the number of schools offering secondary education rose faster – from around 2.9 lakh to 3.1 lakh, pulling down overall coverage.The report stresses the need for “adequate and safe infrastructure… computing devices, internet, libraries, and sports and recreational resources”. It also warns that an imbalance in the availability of schools at different levels “may pose the risk of large-scale dropout of students at the higher classes”.The management-wise trend is uneven.Govt schools saw integrated science lab coverage edge up from 50.2% in 2023-24 to 51.1% in 2025-26. In contrast, govt-aided schools declined from 63.2% to 59.9%, while private unaided schools fell from 60.7% to 57.5%.State-level data shows sharp contrasts. Bihar remained among the laggards, with only 26.9% of secondary schools having integrated science labs in 2025-26, though this improved from 23% in 2023-24.Assam rose sharply from 28.8% to 43.3%. Gujarat slipped from 46.7% to 43.8%, while Andhra Pradesh fell from 61.9% to 48.7% as secondary schooling expanded.Among the best performers, Delhi reported 99.7% coverage, followed by Chhattisgarh at 79.8% and Haryana at 77.4%. Goa, however, declined from 95.2% in 2023-24 to 79.6% in the latest report.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Jul 13, 2026, 06:29 IST Mammootty mourns veteran actor S. I. Rajasekhar; pens heartfelt tribute Pisces Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Spend time with family, and move extra money straight into savings Foreign investors return to India, equities lead revival Representative image NEW DELHI: Spot a filthy kitchen, stale food or unsafe food handling at a restaurant or food outlet? Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is asking consumers to become its “eyes” on the ground by reporting food safety violations through its Food Safety Connect platform, which allows complaints to be lodged with a photograph.The regulator has stepped up its consumer awareness campaign, “Be the Eyes of Food Safety,” encouraging citizens to report unsafe food, unhygienic kitchens and poor food handling practices.According to FSSAI, a single photograph and complaint can help authorities identify food safety violations and facilitate timely regulatory action.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Who is Laila Hasanovic? All about Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend who cheered his Wimbledon win Aquarius Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Say yes to useful gatherings, and keep your energy focused, not scattered Alpha Full Movie Collection: ‘Alpha’ box office collection day 10: Alia Bhatt’s action thriller nears Rs 90 crore worldwide | Hindi Movie News Representative image NEW DELHI: Government schools have made the sharpest gains in internet connectivity over three years, increasing coverage from 46.2% in 2023-24 to 63.1% in 2025-26 and narrowing their gap with aided and private schools from about 28 percentage points to around 16. Their share of functional smart classrooms also rose from 21.2% to 32.2%, though it remains below aided schools at 41% and private unaided schools at 39.9%.The latest UDISE+ report shows 67.4% of schools had internet facilities, up from 63.5% in 2024-25 and 53.9% in 2023-24, and that all schools in Goa have internet coverage while West Bengal lags at 19.7% in 2025-26.Excluding UTs, Andhra Pradesh followed Goa at 99.2% coverage, ahead of Tamil Nadu at 99%, Gujarat at 96.8% and Kerala at 92.6%. At the bottom, Bengal was followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 36%, Meghalaya at 36.4%, Manipur at 38.8% and Tripura at 42.5%.Goa rose from 87.6% in 2023-24 to full coverage and Andhra Pradesh from 93.9% to 99.2%. Among the bottom five, Meghalaya gained nearly 12 points and Tripura over seven, while Bengal edged up from 17.5% to 19.7%.Management-wise, internet access in govt-aided schools rose from 73.3% to 79.7% and private unaided coverage from 74.3% to 79.2%.A similar gap persists in computer availability. Overall, 69.9% of schools had computers in 2025-26 – 66.9% govt, 76.6% aided and 80% private unaided schools. For computers used for teaching, the shares were lower at 59.4%, 73.7% and 74%, respectively.Smart-classroom coverage nationally rose from 24.4% in 2023-24 to 33.9% in 2025-26. Govt schools posted an 11-point gain, compared with increases from 31% to 41% in aided schools and 34.6% to 39.9% in private schools.Digital libraries remained scarce, available in only 7.1% of schools – 5.7% govt, 10.4% aided and 11.2% private unaided institutions.The report says NE envisages schools equipped with “computing devices, internet, libraries” and other infrastructure to create “a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment”.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war ‘Maa Inti Bangaaram’ OTT release CONFIRMED: When and where to watch Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s action flick Capricorn Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Use your confidence well, and show up fully where effort matters Sagittarius Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Don’t hurt any female through careless speech or rude behaviour “The image matches classical descriptions of Gayatri in the Silpasastras,” said archaeologist Ramesh Yadav BHOPAL: Wrong goddess. Wrong identity. Wrong for over 900 years. But a missing veena and a digital deep dive supplied the mantra as a silent stone goddess spoke her true name.A striking 12th-century sculpture from Dhar in southwestern Madhya Pradesh, long worshipped in scholarship as Saraswati, has now been identified as goddess Gayatri, transforming a familiar museum treasure into one of India’s rarest known images of the deity who personifies the Gayatri Mantra and Vedic wisdom.Fresh digital documentation and high-resolution 3D mapping of the red sandstone sculpture at Bhopal’s State Museum helped archaeologists decode iconographic clues that had escaped notice for centuries.What emerged was more than a corrected museum label. It restored a forgotten chapter of India’s sacred art. “The image matches classical descriptions of Gayatri in the Silpasastras,” said archaeologist Ramesh Yadav, associated with the directorate of archaeology, archives and museums.Missing veena proves sculpture is of Gayatri, not of SaraswatiArchaeologist Ramesh Yadav said, “The four-armed goddess sits in lalitasana, holding a rosary, lotus and the Vedas. A finely carved hamsa (swan) beside her symbolises sacred wisdom, while celestial garland bearers affirm her divinity. Together, these attributes identify the deity as Gayatri rather than Saraswati.”It was what the sculptor left out that became the clincher. “From the Gupta period (320–550 CE) onwards, Saraswati is almost invariably shown with a veena,” said historian and archaeologist BK Lokhande. “This image has none. Instead, she holds the Vedas and a lotus exactly as described in Srimad Devi Bhagavata Purana and the Silpasastras. Images of Gayatri are exceptionally rare. While Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati all embody knowledge, the iconography leaves little doubt that this is Gayatri.”Unearthed in Dhar, capital of the Parmar dynasty (9th to 14th century), the sculpture carries distinct Western Chalukyan influence in its graceful modelling and ornamentation while faithfully reflecting classical descriptions of Gayatri. Rigveda preserves Gayatri Mantra, Satapatha Brahmana celebrates Gayatri as the fountainhead of sacred knowledge, while later Puranas revere her as Vedamata, Mantramata, Brahmavidya and Jaganmata.The rediscovered icon is becoming the poster image for MP’s digital heritage mission. Archaeology commissioner Madan Kumar Nagargoje said authenticated 3D models and digital platforms would allow people to study one of India’s rarest Gayatri images.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Oil companies plan expanding 10-kg LPG cylinder sales Scorpio Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Avoid unnecessary debate Liquor gangs go to war in ‘dry’ Bihar, 3 dead in 4 days The accused has been identified as Vijay Mallikarjun Kamath BENGALURU: A routine parcel delivery turned into a frightening ordeal for a 27-year-old Bengaluru food vlogger after a delivery agent allegedly forced his way into her washroom and flashed her.Based on the woman’s complaint about the episode on Saturday, police arrested the agent, identified as 22-year-old Vijay Mallikarjun Kamat, a native of Belagavi district. Kamat has told investigators he had entered her washroom as he needed to relieve himself but denied having “exposed” himself.Before filing the complaint, the woman shared a video on Instagram recounting her plight. The agent arrived at her home to deliver a parcel and then asked if he could use her washroom. “I politely refused multiple times and told him that I do not allow strangers inside my home. Even when he said it was an emergency, I suggested that he ask the male neighbours next door instead,” she posted.According to the woman, the agent removed his slippers and forcibly entered her flat. “Living alone, I feared for my safety. To protect myself, I switched on my phone camera, kept my main door open, and stood near the entrance throughout.”But what happened next left the woman “completely shaken”. “When he came out of the washroom, he exposed his private parts to me. I felt violated, humiliated, and completely unsafe in my own home,” she said, adding the video was shared to create awareness.Flipkart disclosed that it had fired Kamat. “As soon as the matter came to our attention, we terminated the engagement of the delivery partner,” Flipkart said in a statement.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war ‘To hold Iranian forces accountable’: US launches fresh strikes on Iran as tensions flare over Hormuz attacks Libra Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Quiet money grows better than noisy money How a New York construction scare exposed the challenges of converting offices into homes | File photo: Strait of Hormuz NEW DELHI: India has condemned the attack on commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, which had 11 Indian nationals on board, of whom 10 were rescued, but one remains missing.The Cyprus-flagged tanker was hit apparently by an Iranian strike for ignoring instructions to follow what it called an approved route on the Strait of Hormuz. Oman’s maritime authority said it rescued 23 crew members but one was missing.”Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation. We thank Omani authorities for their support,” said govt in a statement.Government also said that continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping were deeply worrisome. It reiterated the call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of negotiations for a diplomatic solution.‘Stop targeting commercial shipping, civilian infra’Government said, “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.”US ambassador to India highlighted a social media post by the US Central Command in which it said it had launched the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces “blatantly” attacked GFS Galaxy. “A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage,” said the CENTCOM.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war What is Ichiju-Sansai? The 500-year-old Japanese method of balanced eating for longevity Weekly Horoscope, July 13 to July 18, 2026: Read weekly astrological predictions Indian Air Force: IAF ranks 3rd-most powerful air force in world, stays ahead of China for 5th straight year: WDMMA rankings Leo Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Don’t force anything dramatic ‘Wife moved in with another man’: Depressed father electrocutes 2 kids, self in Tamil Nadu File photo: Ram Temple in Ayodhya LUCKNOW: The SIT probing the alleged theft of donations to Ayodhya’s Ram temple has identified nine critical procedural and security lapses that collectively enabled the alleged large-scale embezzlement.The findings suggest that the theft was not the consequence of a single loophole but of the near-total breakdown of the prescribed safeguards governing the handling and counting of donations.The first line of defence collapsed as the counting personnel were not frisked while entering or exiting the cash-counting hall. The investigation found that the mandatory pocketless uniforms prescribed for the counting staff were never enforced.Adding to the security breach, employees were allowed to carry personal belongings into the counting room despite explicit restrictions aimed at preventing the removal of cash or the introduction of unauthorised items. Investigators said that instead of maintaining separate accounts for each donation box, cash from various hundis was mixed before counting, making reconciliation of individual collections impossible.Compounding this, no denomination-wise inventory, vouchers, or certification records were prepared during the counting process. The absence of detailed documentation meant there was no verifiable record of how much currency of each denomination had been received, counted or deposited, making subsequent audits ineffective.The probe found that biometric attendance of the counting personnel was not effectively implemented, which undermined accountability and made it difficult to conclusively establish who was present during each counting session.The SIT found that these lapses did not operate in isolation but reinforced one another, effectively dismantling every layer of financial and physical security.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPathikrit ChakrabortyWhen not covering crime, he reads fiction, roams around the dark alleys of the city in the dead of night. An MA (English Litt) from University of Lucknow, Pathikrit loves to speak French, well at least a smattering of it. He did his graduation in French language. A recipient of the Road Safety Fellowship of the United Nations, Pathikrit drives cautiously and advises others to do that too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Virgo Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: Let affection show through ordinary kindness ‘Victims had life jackets on but were trapped under boat’: Vietnam tragedy eyewitnesses claim crew negligence, treatment delays Gemini Horoscope Today, July 13, 2026: This is a strong day for business people ‘Asked mom for Rs 6,000 before their last conversation’: Mystery shrouds Hyderabad student’s death in Finland The report shows ‘girdawari’ was completed on time in less than half of India NEW DELHI: With deficit monsoon causing worry among policymakers over kharif sowing, the latest report by the statistics ministry has revealed severe gaps in the agriculture data collection system tracking crop acreage and food production.The grassroots field data is used by Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) to calculate production costs and shape national advance estimates, which govt uses to decide critical food security interventions, such as imposing export bans, adjusting import duties or releasing emergency buffer stocks to curb inflation.At the national level, the report shows that “girdawari”, which is the foundational block of crop statistics and refers to official crop enumeration inspections conducted by village revenue officers, was completed on time in less than half of the country.Instances of non-completion of “girdawari” in 2023-24 in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were “alarmingly high”, resulting in timely completion in only 43% sample villages during early kharif, 46% during late kharif, 48% during rabi and 33% during summer, the report said.”Suitable action needs to be taken by the respective state authorities to ensure timely completion of ‘girdawari’ in all the states,” said the report titled Review of Crop Statistics System released last week.Besides, it noted that 63% of village maps, which are essential to trace altered plots and land-use boundaries are 20 years old, indicating they may not accurately represent the changes that would have taken place due to construction and urbanisation. “Use of outdated maps leads to problems of identification of survey numbers… regular updation of maps is essential,” said the report.In West Bengal and Puducherry, all villages had maps that were last updated more than two decades ago, while it was 99% in Odisha, 98% in Uttarakhand, 94% in Assam, 93% each in Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. In contrast, merely 5% villages in Gujarat had maps updated more than 20 years old.The report also found that the crop-cutting experiments (CCEs), which are the scientific foundation used to evaluate average yields and calculate final food output, were being conducted by untrained staff, who were assigned this task by the revenue officers. The overall number of CCE was estimated at around 1.2 million in 2023-24As much as 40% CCEs in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh were carried out by untrained personnel, while in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal more than 10% CCEs were conducted by junior staff, the report said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war Hormuz crisis: Iran hit triggers fears of fuel supply disruption An excavator undertakes the filling of Harahi pond in Darbhanga Supreme Court has agreed to intervene in a case of alleged encroachment of three iconic water bodies in the Bihar town following a petition by a civil society groupDarbhanga sits at the heart of Mithilanchal, the mythic land of Sita that forms part of Bihar’s northeast. It is a region rich in lore and timeless rituals. And central to those rituals are lakes and ponds, by whose banks people mark and commemorate every landmark from birth to death. Central as the water bodies are to its community life, many of them are facing a slow death. The plight of three such lakes has now prompted an intervention by the Supreme Court itself.The apex court usually refrains from entertaining matters related to local issues and asks petitioners to approach high courts. But it agreed to examine the case in which the petitioners have accused the govt itself of posing a threat to the three water bodies – Ganga Sagar, Digghi, and Harahi, which were built by three local kings and have been around for nearly a millennium – by launching a ‘beautification’ project under the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO).A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has sought an explanation from Bihar govt over the BUIDCO plan. Locals say the govt’s plan to fill parts of the ponds to construct kiosks, restaurants, and pavements is nothing but encroachment in the guise of “beautification”. Eklavya Prasad, who has worked extensively on the conservation of water bodies said “the govt is causing irreversible damage to the ponds in the name of beautification”.Deciding to act on their concerns, a group of retired academics, environmentalists, and citizens under the banner of Talab Bachao Abhiyan (TBA) said in their plea that the filling of ponds violates orders passed by National Green Tribunal (NGT), high court, and Supreme Court itself. The petitioners want the removal of all encroachments around the ponds, and their restoration “to their original position as depicted in the maps of the years 1868 and 1960”.Narayan Chaudhary, who heads TBA and has spent decades fighting legal battles to save water bodies, said the crisis of the Darnbhanga ponds has been unfolding for years, but authorities did not recognise it. “Per the District Gazetteer of 1964, Darbhanga – once called the ‘city of ponds’ – had 350 ponds. The Darbhanga Nagar Nigam now puts the figure at less than 100. That means around 250 ponds have disappeared in 60 years. Now, the govt itself is filling historic ponds in violation of Wetland Rules and judicial orders. Per official records, the three ponds spread over 253 bighas, but more than 25% of the area is under encroachment,” he said.Slamming the BUIDCO project, retired professor of botany Vidya Nath Jha said it would lead to the death of the ponds. “Filling parts of the water bodies will destroy biodiversity and the self-cleaning capacity maintained by insects and aquatic life,” he told TOI.Mithilanchal has a long tradition of constructing ponds as a water management system suited to its flood-prone, riverine landscape. Districts like Madhubani had over 10,000 ponds and Darbhanga around 9,000. These ponds serve as vital rainwater harvesting structures and recharge groundwater, mitigate floods by storing excess water, and provide water during droughts.Sayed Shamim Ahmad, who came to the city as a student in 1964 and retired as a professor, talks of the larger loss that occurs when a pond is filled. “During my PhD research in 1980, I had mapped 108 wetlands where 88 types of birds, including migratory ones, used to come. More than 60% of the wetlands have now vanished. Ponds have gone, groundwater is depleting, and a water crisis is looming. It is high time the govt gave priority to the preservation of water bodies,” he said.The concerns of experts and members of civil society speak to a larger phenomenon visible across Bihar. Per the 2025 water bodies census, the total number of water bodies in Bihar is 36,856, a 19% drop from the 2019 census.As Darbhanga waits on SC to save its water bodies, environmentalist Prasad underlined the issue at stake. “The govt needs to know that revival and preservation is not just about physical structures – it requires maintaining the entire ecosystem, water quality, biodiversity, and making people connect with the ponds. Filling ponds for commercial activity may draw crowds, but will ultimately damage them. Community involvement in preservation is essential to prevent flooding and sustain groundwater levels,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Magic, Cow Urine’: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader’s Daughter-In-Law Makes Shocking Allegations’I Lock Up Religion When…’: Annamalai Confirms ‘We The Leaders’ Will Become Political PartyWatch: Assam CM Himanta Sarma Drives Road Roller, Destroys Seized Drugs’1 Indian Missing’: MEA Condemns Attack On Vessel Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman Coast’Do I Have To Ask Trump?’: Omar Abdullah Launches Attack At Modi Govt Over Jammu-Kashmir StatehoodBJP Rejects Omar Abdullah’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Allegation, Demands Proof Or Public ApologyHapur Woman Critical After Allegedly Drinking Acid From Sealed Water Bottle; Police Launch ProbeElection Commission Updates Form 6 With New SIR DeclarationIndian Army Plans To Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket LaunchersDelhi To Get Its First Solar Tree At Secretariat; Pilot Project May Expand Across The City123PhotostoriesThese 4 signs are said to have the highest IQWomen over 30, especially mothers, face these 5 common health problems: Doctor says early prevention can make all the differenceTrying for a baby? This one dental habit could make a difference”Scrambled egg mein crush…aur phir”: Raj Thackeray shares his unique Egg recipe loved by his father and Bal ThackerayForget crash diets and health hacks: Cardiologist reveals 5 simple daily habits that can transform your health, one day at a timeTop 3 eggs in the world and the right way to consume themnside Sudesh Lehri’s luxurious 4-BHK Mumbai home: A private studio, home theatre and moreWhy seemingly healthy young Indians are collapsing without warning: Doctors explain how AEDS can mean the difference between life and deathKate Middleton ditched soft neutrals for a show-stopping red look at Wimbledon 20265 late-night drinks that help support healthy blood sugar, according to dietitians123Hot PicksAgniveer result 2026DU UG Admissions 2026Vietnam boat accidentSonam Wangchuk Hunger strikeIslam makhachevKarnataka Bus newsBengaluru delivery boyKolkata Mosque prayersHamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniTop TrendingUFC 329 HighlightsNHL Player InjuryErling Haaland FatherFIFA World Cup 2026Chhattisgarh Student MurderTS EAMCET Phase 1 seat allotmentRamesh MhatreDelhi NCR rainGurgaon EncounterIran war