VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Lionel Messi makes unwanted FIFA World Cup record with penalty miss against Egypt, becomes first player to … | Football News Third tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz in 24 hours as Qatar blames Iran, raising fears over global energy route IOC provisionally lifts ban on Russian Olympic Committee ahead of LA 28 Olympics – What it means | More sports News Quote of the day by Shakira: ‘I take advantage of being sensual, a woman who is in control of her feminity is a woman that is empowered,’ when the 49-year old ‘Dai Dai’ singer shared the ultimate secret to female confidence Inside the country’s costliest residential properties Massive sinkhole-like cave-in rips through Delhi-Jaipur highway near Gurgaon, traffic snarls stretch 10km; advisory issued World’s first diamond to travel to space will launch aboard India’s Vikram-1 rocket Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman. (Reuters representative image) NEW DELHI: A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier carrying four Indian crew members came under a suspected drone attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to ANI sources. The vessel was on its way to Dahej in Gujarat.Officials said all four Indian nationals on board are safe.According to ANI sources, the vessel, LNGC Al-Rekayyat, was attacked while transiting the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz.”On 07.07.2026, while transiting in the Arabian Sea, LNGC AL REKAYYAT reportedly experienced a suspected drone attack. The incident was reported to DGCOMM by the RPSL. Initial information indicates that the vessel sustained damage, and there are no casualties or environmental damaged reported. The vessel is proceeding to Dahej, India, from Ras Laffan, Qatar. Location of Incident is Gulf of Oman (near the Strait of Hormuz). There are a total of 29 seafarers on board the vessel, out of which four (04) are Indian nationals. It was informed that all the crew members are safe. The vessel’s engine room caught fire following the strike, resulting in heavy smoke,” ANI quoted sources as saying.The vessel was carrying 29 crew members, including four Indians, and was en route from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Dahej when it was attacked. While the strike caused damage to the vessel and triggered a fire in the engine room, no casualties or environmental damage have been reported so far.The incident comes amid renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas exports.Reacting to the attack, Qatar accused Iran of targeting the vessel and termed the strike a violation of international law.”The targeting of the Qatari vessel ‘Al-Rekayyat’ while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security & safety of international maritime navigation, the security of global energy supplies, & a grave & explicit violation of international law, particularly the rules guaranteeing freedom of navigation & safe passage through international waterways.We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all practices that undermine regional security or threaten the safety of international maritime navigation, & refrain from endangering global energy supplies & the resources of the countries of the region in pursuit of narrow interests.We hold it fully legally responsible for this attack & for any resulting damages & consequences,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.The attack is the latest in a series of incidents involving commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.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 MediaVideosIndia Set To Supply Two BrahMos Missile Batteries Worth $200 Million To Indonesia: ReportThree Dead, Several Missing After Massive Landslide Near Kerala Tunnel Project SiteWhy Does Mumbai Flood Every Monsoon? 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Doctor explains how it happens and why it matters5 rain-soaked destinations in India that are magical during the monsoon, and how to explore them safelyFrom SUVs to Hatchbacks: What your rental car choice says about your travel personalityHow to visit 3 countries in one trip: These unique places let travellers cross international borders on footFrom nostalgia to kitchen essentials: Foods NRIs often pack before leaving IndiaEver wondered why popcorn explodes? The science behind your favourite movie snackInside India’s oldest libraries that survived the Mughal era and the British rulePriyanka Chopra’s bold Dior look at Paris Haute Couture Week is an iconic blend of colour, couture, and confidence7 grasslands and plateaus in Maharashtra that become magical during monsoonPsychology explains reasons behind some faces that seem more attractive than others123Hot PicksArgentina vs EgyptLionel Messi vs Mahamed SalahWayanad LandslideNovak DjokovicNavodaya RegistrationWhere to Watch FIFA World CupMohamed Salah and Magi Sadeq Net WorthQuote of the Day by Saddam HusseinMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingIran-US WarMumbai FloodsBengal Rape CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultRam temple donationMumbai rainStock Market TodayMumbai Rain DeathKCET mock seat allotment Jul 07, 2026, 22:29 IST Quote of the day by Shakira: ‘I take advantage of being sensual, a woman who is in control of her feminity is a woman that is empowered,’ when the 49-year old ‘Dai Dai’ singer shared the ultimate secret to female confidence 900 snakes escape from South China’s village farm after devastating floods: Residents panic as snakebites reported | Badrinath donation row: BKTC suspends employee as probe into alleged theft begins, CCTV examined | India News Candace Owens-Andrew Kolvet feud reaches boiling point over Charlie Kirk legacy fight: ‘You are a CLOWN’ Playstation 6 Price: PlayStation 6 will cost 1.3 lakh rupees? Here’s what reports say about price hike in raw materials and AI Travis Kelce’s resurfaced controversial tweets with gridiron controversies and Taylor Swift’s alleged obsession with high school What is E-2 visa? Immigration attorney says you don’t need to start a business from scratch PM Modi praises Indonesian president’s ‘Indian DNA’ remark after he admires India’s growth (Image/AP) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto for describing himself as having ‘Indian DNA’. He said that the remark had won the hearts of millions of Indians and reflected the deep trust and shared heritage between the two countries.Addressing the Indian diaspora in Jakarta during his three-day state visit to Indonesia, PM Modi also thanked President Subianto for the warm welcome extended to him and said the friendship between India and Indonesia goes far beyond diplomatic ties. His remarks came after the Indonesian President once again spoke about his admiration for India, saying he had ‘Indian DNA’, had studied and adopted several of PM Modi’s policies and considered India’s democracy a model for Indonesia. In a lighthearted note president Subianto also said, “I have Indian DNA. Every time I hear Indian music, I find my body moving.” PM Modi praises President Prabowo’s ‘Indian DNA’ remarkSpeaking at the community event, PM Modi said President Subianto’s comments had deeply resonated with people in India.”Mr President, you said it back then, and you have said it again today. You also mentioned at that time that you possess India’s DNA. I observed that it was precisely that remark which drew the loudest applause. Even today, you won the hearts of millions of Indians with that statement; that single sentence touched the hearts of the people of India.””It is a DNA forged from mutual trust. It is a DNA built upon a shared heritage,” he added.PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the Indonesian President for honouring him with Indonesia’s highest civilian award earlier in the day. He dedicated the honour to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations.Referring to the popularity of Bollywood in Indonesia, PM Modi said he had shared a light-hearted moment with President Subianto during their meeting.”I noticed that the Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just ‘kuch kuch’; it leads to ‘bahut kuch’.”Friends, this morning I had the honour of receiving Indonesia’s highest civilian award. This honour belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and to all members of the Indian community. Above all, this award is another symbol of the close friendship between India and Indonesia. From this stage, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia and the people of Indonesia,” he said.PM Modi also thanked the Indonesian people for their affection and described President Subianto as ‘a true friend of India’.”I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo for his words. Excellency, you are a true friend of India. I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to me by the people of Indonesia. Words fall short to describe it. I saw a clear reflection of love, respect and a deep sense of connection towards India on every face,” Modi said.President Prabowo reiterates admiration for India and PM ModiBefore PM Modi’s address, President Prabowo Subianto spoke to members of the Indian diaspora and highlighted the deep civilisational ties between India and Indonesia. He said Indonesia continues to learn from India’s democratic institutions and development model.Recalling his earlier remarks made during his visit to India in January 2025, the Indonesian leader again said a genome sequencing test had revealed that he had ‘Indian DNA’.”Just before my state visit to India, I had done the genome sequencing test and I found out that I had Indian DNA,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.In a lighter moment, he added, “Whenever I hear Indian music, I find my body moving. Maybe most of my ministers have Indian DNA also. Most of my ministers sing Indian songs really well.”President Subianto also openly acknowledged that he had studied Prime Minister Modi’s governance model and adapted several of his policies for Indonesia.”I am a great admirer of Narendra Modi ji. Even before I became President, I studied the policies of the Prime Minister and because there is no copyright, I copied many of his policies. Prime Minister Modi graciously allowed me to copy his policies,” he said.He further praised India’s democratic system, saying Indonesia closely studies India’s election process and peaceful transfer of power.”We are the two largest democracies in the world. We are very closely learning from the Election Commission of India. This is a remarkable achievement. I myself also study this and follow the remarkable achievements of India,” he said.President Subianto had made similar remarks during his state visit to India earlier this year, when he attended the Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. At the time, he had also spoken about his ‘Indian DNA’, praised India’s civilisational influence on Indonesia and described Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to uplift the poor as an inspiration.PM Modi is currently on a three-nation visit where during the first leg of his trip he travelled to Indonesia. He will also visit Australia and New Zealand. 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 MediaVideosThree Dead, Several Missing After Massive Landslide Near Kerala Tunnel Project SiteWhy Does Mumbai Flood Every Monsoon? 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But a domain-wise reading of the union education ministry’s latest Performance Grading Index 2.0 report released Tuesday shows the recent rise was driven mainly by governance processes, infrastructure and teacher training, while the 240-point learning outcomes domain (the ultimate goal) remained unchanged because the index retained PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 scores for 2025-26.The Performance Grading Index 2.0 evaluates States and UTs by placing them in grade bands rather than assigning ranks. It is built on 70 indicators across two categories — outcomes and governance, and management — and six domains: learning outcomes and quality, access, infrastructure and facilities, equity, governance processes, and teacher education and training.The 2025-26 edition marks a clear shift. Chandigarh became the first State/ UT in the PGI 2.0 series to enter the Uttam range, scoring 766 out of 1,000 in 2025-26 and placing in Uttam-3, the lowest of the three Uttam bands. No State/UT reached Uttam-2, Uttam-1 or Utkarsh. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Punjab, Kerala and Delhi were in Prachesta-1, followed by five in Prachesta-2, 13 in Prachesta-3 and 13 in Akanshi-1. For the first time in the latest three-year comparison, none was in the lowest bands (Akanshi-2 or Akanshi-3). The PGI 2.0 band hierarchy, from highest to lowest, is Utkarsh, followed by Uttam (1-3), Prachesta (1-3), and Akanshi (1-3), one being the top.The climb is also visible at the bottom. Meghalaya, the lowest performer, moved from 448 in 2024-25 to 525.7 in 2025-26, exiting Akanshi-3. The gap between the highest and lowest scores narrowed to 240.3 points, or 31.4%, from 51% in 2017-18. The report notes that Meghalaya scored 53%, while all other States/ UTs were above 50%.A TOI analysis of the State-wise annexures shows 32 of 36 States/ UTs improved over 2024-25. The average gain was 26.4 points, led by governance processes, which contributed 13.6 points on average, followed by infrastructure and facilities at 6.3 points and teacher education and training at 4.7 points. Learning outcomes showed no movement.Governance was the main engine. Meghalaya gained 45.1 points in this domain, Lakshadweep 36.6, Bihar 34.9, Karnataka 33.2, Tamil Nadu 32.5, Goa 32.1 and Andhra Pradesh 32.0. Chandigarh’s own 26.9-point overall rise rested heavily on governance, where it moved from 83.2 to 106, becoming the only State/UT in Uttam-1 in the domain.The same domain explains the reversals. Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttarakhand were the only four to decline overall, with each losing ground mainly on governance. Puducherry improved overall but slipped to 39.2 in governance, the only Akanshi-1 score in that domain.Infrastructure was the second driver. Gujarat added 22.5 points, Lakshadweep 17.9, Meghalaya 15.7 and Delhi 15.2. Chandigarh, DNH&DD, Delhi and Lakshadweep reached Uttam-2 in infrastructure. In equity, Chandigarh, Delhi and Tamil Nadu were in Utkarsh; in teacher education and training, Kerala and Lakshadweep reached Utkarsh.The caveat is learning. Punjab remained the national leader and the only State/UT in Uttam-3 in learning outcomes, while Meghalaya stayed last in Akanshi-2. The report calls learning outcomes the “ultimate goal” of the index, but says PRS 2024-based scores were retained for 2025-26.At the district level, PGI-D shows wider but uneven improvement: 462 districts improved in outcomes and 50 moved up a grade, while 19 districts reached Uttam-2. But no district reached Utkarsh, underlining the same message as the State index: systems are moving, but the classroom test is still ahead.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 MediaVideosThree Dead, Several Missing After Massive Landslide Near Kerala Tunnel Project SiteWhy Does Mumbai Flood Every Monsoon? 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Space force stages orbital war game between two spacecraft El Nino impact: India’s hydropower generation sees steepest drop since Feb 2024; piles pressure on grid France’s Marine Le Pen sentenced to house arrest, 2027 presidential bid remains uncertain Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invoked the popularity of Bollywood film ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ in Indonesia to describe the warmth between the two countries, saying India-Indonesia ties could go far beyond ‘kuch kuch’ and lead to ‘bahut kuch’.Addressing the Indian diaspora during his three-day visit to Indonesia, PM Modi said he had noticed the popularity of the Bollywood song in the country and had mentioned it to President Prabowo Subianto.”I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo for his words. Excellency, you are a true friend of India. Thank you for being here. I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to me by the people of Indonesia; words fall short to describe it… I saw a clear reflection of love, respect, and a deep sense of connection towards India on every face,” PM Modi said.”I noticed that the Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just ‘kuch kuch’; it leads to ‘bahut kuch’…,” he added.PM Modi, in his speech, also spoke about Indonesia’s passion for football, linking his visits to the country with FIFA World Cup years.”Football fever is sweeping the world these days. Here in Indonesia, too, the passion for football is immense, and it is evident that you have all brought that same energy and enthusiasm with you here,” PM Modi said.He recalled that his earlier visits in Indonesia had also coincided with World Cup years.Indonesia President Subianto, who also addressed the diaspora, struck a light-hearted note while speaking about his own connection with India.He said that before his state visit to India, he had undergone a genome sequencing test and found that he had Indian DNA.”Just before my state visit to India, I had done the genome sequencing test and I found out that I had Indian DNA,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.”So whenever I hear Indian music, I find my body moving… Today at the state banquet, I cannot help; my ministers and generals they all like to dance and sing. Maybe most of them have Indian DNA also… It’s true. Most of my ministers sing Indian songs really well,” he added.During the visit, Subianto conferred the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ Medal of Honour on Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening India-Indonesia friendship.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 MediaVideosWhy Does Mumbai Flood Every Monsoon? The Real Reasons Explained’New Species Of Girgit’: Yogi Adityanath Slams SP, Congress Over Ram Temple Donation Theft CaseWho Was Jaswant Singh Khalra? 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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday put the spotlight on the number eight during his address to the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, using a series of numerical references to underline his friendship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the close ties between the two countries.Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “Friends, India celebrated its Republic Day with great enthusiasm on January 26 last year. Twenty-six… 2 plus 6 equals 8, and my friend the President’s birthday is on the 17th, 1 plus 7 also equals 8. President Prabowo attended the Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. During that visit, we had detailed discussions on many issues. But one particular remark from that visit remains special to me. Mr President, you had then said, and you repeated it again today, that you have India’s DNA. That one statement won the hearts of millions of Indians, and even today, it received the loudest applause. It truly touched the hearts of the people of India.”The reference drew attention because the number eight carries special significance in Indonesia. Influenced by Chinese cultural traditions and Feng Shui, the number is widely regarded as a symbol of prosperity, success and good fortune. In Mandarin, the pronunciation of the number eight, “ba”, closely resembles the word “fa”, which means wealth or prosperity, making it one of the most auspicious numbers in many Asian societies.President Prabowo Subianto was born on October 17, 1951. PM Modi’s reference to his birth date, where 1 plus 7 equals 8, followed another numerical connection to India’s Republic Day on January 26, where the digits two and six also add up to eight.The symbolism extended beyond birthdays. Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17 every year, commemorating its declaration of independence in 1945. Once again, the date 17 reduces to eight, reinforcing the cultural importance of the number.PM Modi’s speech blended symbolism with references to the growing India-Indonesia partnership. Calling Prabowo “a true friend of India”, he thanked the Indonesian people for their warm welcome and highlighted the deep civilisational ties between the two countries.The Prime Minister also used a Bollywood reference to connect with the audience, saying, “I noticed that the Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just ‘kuch kuch’; it leads to ‘bahut kuch’…”During the event, PM Modi described India-Indonesia relations as “civilisational”, said India’s economy is playing a major role in driving global growth, and stressed that both countries share the common goal of development.His visit to Indonesia saw the two nations sign 20 agreements across defence, maritime security, education, digital technology and critical minerals. PM Modi also addressed the Indonesian Parliament, received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, and announced that India would help conserve the 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of the two countries’ shared cultural heritage.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 MediaVideosWhy Does Mumbai Flood Every Monsoon? The Real Reasons Explained’New Species Of Girgit’: Yogi Adityanath Slams SP, Congress Over Ram Temple Donation Theft CaseWho Was Jaswant Singh Khalra? 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