VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Indian tractor-trailer driver, using his phone, runs over 23-year-old man in Chicago who was changing tire PM’s plane was escorted by fighter jets and he was welcomed by Indonesian presidentPM’s plane was escorted by fighter jets and he was welcomed by Indonesian presidentPM’s plane was escorted by fighter jets and he was welcomed by Indonesian presidentPM’s plane was escorted by fighter jets and he was welcomed by Indonesian presidentPM’s plane was escorted by fighter jets and he was welcomed by Indonesian president12 NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday, kicking off the first leg of his three-nation tour with a ceremonial welcome that included an Indonesian Air Force fighter jet and and Indonesia president personally welcoming him at the airport. Fighter jets escorted the PM as he entered Indonesia airspace. Then he was received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta and welcomed with a traditional dance performance.PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia, from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo, is his fourth trip to the country and the first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet members of the Indian diaspora and accompany President Prabowo to the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, which he has described as a symbol of the deep civilisational links between the two countries.The visit is expected to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with defence and maritime cooperation high on the agenda. Bilateral security ties have expanded in recent years through high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, defence industry collaboration and the sale of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia.Indonesia is India’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching $24.78 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year. More than 130 Indian companies have investments across various sectors of the Indonesian economy.Critical minerals are also expected to feature prominently in bilateral discussions. Indonesia holds around 21 per cent of the world’s nickel reserves and is among the leading global producers of copper, bauxite and tin, making it a key partner for India’s supply chain and energy transition goals.The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to deepen institutional cooperation and strengthen trade and investment links in the critical minerals sector, while reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral ties.After Indonesia, Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand as part of his three-nation tour. Ahead of his arrival, members of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia expressed optimism that the visit would pave the way for greater cooperation in mining, energy, infrastructure and emerging technologies.Additionally, PM Modi said the tour would build on the strong momentum in India’s ties with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on expanding cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors.”My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.The MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) framework serves as India’s vision for promoting security, stability and inclusive growth across the maritime domain.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 MediaVideosMumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Hits Major Milestone | India’s Largest TBM Begins TunnellingArmed 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 Shop123PhotostoriesHow to remove stubborn sweat stains from white shirts: 6 Simple methods that really workOTT releases this week (July 6-July 12): ‘Ikka’, ‘I’m Not Afraid’, ‘Nothing to Lose’, ‘Balti’ and moreHanging baskets drying out too fast? Try these 7 easy fixesAnne Hathaway’s London tour look for ‘The Odyssey’ is a lesson in elevated maternity fashion with dramatic rufflesPsychology says people who eat very fast tend to have these personality traitsInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreHow princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilegeOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateRanveer 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 women123Hot 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 Jul 06, 2026, 17:46 IST NCTE issues advisory for ITEP admissions 2026-27; only NCET 2026 candidates eligible Mohanlal Declares 10 Elephant Tusks and 13 Ivory Idols to Kerala Forest Department Following HC Ruling | Snake fruit vs Litchi: How these tropical fruits differ in origin, taste, season and more | BMW accident claim: Punjab consumer panel orders Bajaj Allianz to pay Rs 20 lakh SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questions SIT probe in Ram temple donation ‘theft’ NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday alleged that a “power struggle” between the BJP’s central and Uttar Pradesh leadership was influencing the handling of the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, as he questioned the credibility of the special investigation team (SIT) probe instead of an investigation by a central agency.Addressing reporters, Yadav alleged that those accused of benefiting from temple offerings were avoiding public scrutiny because they feared public outrage.”The truth is that this gang of thieves who thrive on offerings, donations, and contributions is unable to face the public outcry. This gang is terrified of public backlash; that is why they are staying indoors…There is a power struggle…Before the Delhi faction could even formulate a plan, the Lucknow faction took everything into their own hands,” he said.”What is the SIT?… If the ED, CBI, or Income Tax were involved (in investigation), who would hold the reins of the investigation? In the SIT investigation, who is in control?…There is a power struggle,” he added.Moreover, the Ram temple trust held a meeting amid allegations of widespread irregularities in the management of donations made at the Ram temple.The issue came into the spotlight after Akhilesh Yadav raised it earlier this month, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute an SIT. The probe later led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight individuals.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 MediaVideosMumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Hits Major Milestone | India’s Largest TBM Begins TunnellingArmed 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 Shop123PhotostoriesSundar Pichai’s leadership style: Why Google’s CEO is known for calm decision-makingHow to remove stubborn sweat stains from white shirts: 6 Simple methods that really workOTT releases this week (July 6-July 12): ‘Ikka’, ‘I’m Not Afraid’, ‘Nothing to Lose’, ‘Balti’ and moreHanging baskets drying out too fast? Try these 7 easy fixesAnne Hathaway’s London tour look for ‘The Odyssey’ is a lesson in elevated maternity fashion with dramatic rufflesPsychology says people who eat very fast tend to have these personality traitsInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreHow princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilegeOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time123Hot 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 ‘Alia entrusted me with her home’: ‘Dhurandhar’ designer Rupin Suchak reveals how Alia Bhatt transformed his interior design career after noticing his design skills at R Balki’s office Parenting lesson from an IIT Bombay graduate: Why a parent’s faith and attitude can matter more than early judgments ‘Fresh Paneer’ to ‘100% organic’: FSSAI issues notices to multiple brands over misleading food claims ‘Text your boss you’re not coming’: England fans flood social media with ‘no work’ memes after epic World Cup win over Mexico How close is Joe Root to Sachin Tendulkar’s Test record? A numbers breakdown ICAI dismisses claims of data breach, says members’ and students’ records remain secure ‘It will always be Salman Khan’s song for me’: Mamta Sharma recalls Salman Khan ‘holding her hand and spinning’ while recreating ‘Chatni’ in ‘Dhamaal 4’ The surprising story of how Baku got its name: Exploring the origins of Azerbaijan’s capital | ‘Strategically aligned’: Singapore, Indonesia pledge to keep Strait of Malacca open and free Archaeologists find another 190-year-old cannonball from the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, may have been used by Texan forces Jul 06, 2026, 17:00 IST BBOSE Class 10, 12 June 2026 exam datesheet released at bbose.org; check theory and practical exam schedule ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ box office collection Day 11 [LIVE]: Akshay Kumar starrer eyes Rs 120 crore domestic net on second Monday Psychology says people who eat very fast tend to have these personality traits 6 Mysterious Temples in India That Continue to Fascinate Devotees Indian Navy set to commission sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate Mahendragiri on July 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and others attend the funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Khamenei (Image/PTI) NEW DELHI: The Embassy of Iran in India expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for participating in the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, saying the gesture reflected the ‘deep historical, cultural and human bonds’ between the two countries.In a post on X, the embassy thanked the official Indian delegation, political leaders and citizens who attended the ceremonies and paid tribute to Khamenei. Watch EMOTIONAL: Khamenei’s 3 Sons Break Down In Tears, But No Sign Of Mojtaba At Final Farewell”The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of India extends its heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the friendly Government and people of India, especially the official delegation that attended on behalf of the Government and people of India, for participating in the funeral ceremonies and paying tribute to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” the embassy said.The embassy said the presence of Indian political leaders, Members of Parliament, scholars, intellectuals and representatives of different faiths highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.”The esteemed presence of political leaders, Members of Parliament, eminent scholars, intellectuals, and leaders of India’s diverse faiths and religious communities at these solemn ceremonies reflected the deep historical, cultural, and human bonds between our two nations. It also stood as a powerful expression of mutual respect and sincere solidarity with the people of Iran during this time of national mourning,” it said.Expressing appreciation for India’s participation, the embassy said the gesture would not be forgotten by the Iranian people.”The people of Iran will never forget this gesture of friendship, compassion, and heartfelt respect. They regard it as a precious testament to the enduring ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, and as a valuable foundation for further strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two countries,” the post added.The embassy also thanked Indian officials, public figures and citizens who expressed sympathy following Khamenei’s death.”The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India once again conveys its sincere appreciation to all Indian officials, distinguished personalities, and the noble people of India who stood with the people of Iran and expressed their sympathy during this period of grief,” it said.The message came after an Indian delegation travelled to Tehran to attend the state funeral ceremonies, which were attended by foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries. External affairs state minister Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the government at the ceremony.The delegation also included senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who paid tribute to Khamenei during the ceremonies.According to Iranian state media, the funeral ceremonies began at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran before continuing across several cities in Iran and Iraq. Authorities mounted extensive security arrangements for the six-day mourning period.Following Khamenei’s death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Iranian media reported that he would not attend the funeral ceremonies because of security concerns amid continued regional tensions.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.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 Proposal123PhotostoriesInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreHow princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilegeOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateRanveer 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 root123Hot 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 Rohit Sharma hits the nets ahead of England ODI series – WATCH Nagaland University opens FYUGP BSc Honours admissions 2026; CUET UG scores mandatory, July 15 application deadline ‘Ted Lasso’ star Hannah Waddingham talks ‘Ride or Die’ and the future of James Bond: ‘A woman doesn’t need to play James Bond…’ | “I ate a raw, still-pumping snake heart”: This hidden snake village near Hanoi offers one of Vietnam’s wildest travel experiences | Masik Janmashtami July 7: Do This ‘Rina-Mukti’ Ritual to Clear Debts OFFSIDE: Mighty Viking Erling Haaland slays Brazil as England survive Mexican shootout at Azteca NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday staged a protest at LNJP Hospital, alleging a Rs 650 crore scam in the Delhi government’s health department.AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned chief minister Rekha Gupta over why the main accused was allegedly allowed to flee to Germany.”There was a health scam worth Rs 650 crore in Delhi. The main accused was not arrested by the ACB for a month, and he was allowed to flee to Germany. We kept saying it and kept holding press conferences, demanding the arrest of Rajiv Rangeela. They did not arrest him. Why not? Because they do not want to investigate,” Bharadwaj told PTI Videos.Several party workers, including MLAs Sanjeev Jha and Kuldeep Kumar, also joined the protest, demanding answers from the government.”A massive medicine procurement scam has taken place in Delhi’s health sector. The ACB says the scam is worth Rs 650 crore. People are saying that the contractor fled Delhi and left the country. He was allowed to escape in the same way Vijay Mallya was allowed to flee and Nirav Modi was allowed to flee,” Jha said.According to Bharadwaj, the ruling government has alleged that Dr Vatsala Agrawal committed a Rs 650 crore scam in the Directorate General of Health Services. He, however, claimed that “it was the Rekha Gupta government that appointed Agrawal by bypassing all the rules.””It bypassed those who were senior to her. It appointed her despite a vigilance inquiry,” he added.AAP has, for the past few days, been raising the issue, which is currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB).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 Proposal123PhotostoriesRanveer 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 homeHow to enhance your self worth; based on your birth dateAnshula Kapoor’s mint green chooda look is the fresh Punjabi bridal trend every 2026 bride will bookmark123Hot 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 Growth, not gloom: Morgan Stanley keeps bullish stance on Indian equities Odisha schools closed in multiple districts as heavy rain continues, IMD issues orange alert Tabu to play powerful villain opposite Nagarjuna in ‘King100’ as duo reunites after 28 years – Reports How princes and princesses were raised in ancient India: A childhood shaped by duty, not privilege One motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth date Earth could have over 20 million insect species, leaving most still unknown to science 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 Beyond internships: IIT Gandhinagar lets BTech students earn credits through a full semester in industry and startups ‘Anyone who doesn’t know Bhai well finds him intimidating’: Ali Abbas Zafar recalls how Salman Khan was the ‘only choice’ and said ‘YES’ in just 15 minutes as Anushka Sharma starrer ‘Sultan’ clocks a decade | Hindi Movie News IIT Advanced: How Gunjan Kumar’s mother helped him crack IIT- Delhi when he was bed ridden with a lung disease just days before the exam | ‘Our objective was never to … ‘: Prashant Kishor explains why he chose to contest from BJP stronghold Bankipur over ‘safe’ seat | India News ‘Kill them both like dogs’: Khamenei funeral mourners offer land for Trump and Netanyahu’s heads ‘Don’t politicise matter’: Ram Mandir trust chief amid donation ‘theft’ row | India News Updated: Jul 06, 2026, 15:48 IST HPBOSE DElEd CET answer key 2026 released at hpbose.org: Direct link to download, objection details here Quote of the day by Heath Ledger: ‘If you make decisions based upon people’s reactions or judgments, then you make really boring choices,’ when ‘The Dark Knight’ actor dropped timeless wisdom on breaking free from people’s expectations Why this simple shopping video of South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung is giving couples major relationship goals Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh’s Birthday: Inside his luxury car garage