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Indian passport climbs 8 spots to rank 77, visa-free access to 59 nations
Last year, India had dropped five spots, but it has regained ground by adding just two more destinations to its list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries.
According to the report, Singapore holds the distinction of being the world's most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations out of 227 globally.
The third place is occupied by seven European Union passports — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain — with visa-free entry to 189 countries.
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden jointly hold fourth place, with 188 destinations on their list.
The fifth position is held by New Zealand, along with Greece and Switzerland.
Henley & Partners' Chief Executive Officer Dr Juerg Steffen said the passport has become a measure of a country's diplomatic influence.
'Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,' he said.
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The Print
3 hours ago
- The Print
Maratha forts, Khudiram Bose & Shubhanshu Shukla—highlights of PM Modi's latest ‘Mann ki Baat'
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The UNESCO recognition, which came at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, made the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' the country's 44th property to receive such global recognition. The twelve forts included in the UNESCO listing are Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg—all in Maharashtra—and Gingee in Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Modi encouraged citizens to visit the historic forts and learn more about India's rich past. 'These forts are not just bricks and stones; they are symbols of our rich heritage. Values and self-respect still echo from the high walls of these forts. I urge the citizens to visit them, learn about their history, and take pride in it,' he added. Month of revolution Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming month in India's freedom struggle in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded listeners that August is a month of sacrifice and revolution, leading to Independence. Modi highlighted freedom fighters, such as Khudiram Bose and the countless unnamed heroes, who laid down their lives for the nation. Paying tribute to Khudiram Bose—in particular—the Prime Minister said, 'Let us not merely remember them in textbooks, but live by their ideals.' Khudiram Bose was sentenced to death at the age of 18 during British rule over the Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case—an attempted assassination of a British judge The Prime Minister also called on citizens to keep the legacy of Indian revolutionaries alive through acts of service, civic responsibility, and unwavering patriotism. 'When Khudiram Bose walked towards the gallows, there was a smile on his face,' he recalled during his 'Mann ki Baat' address. 'After such countless sacrifices, after centuries of penance, we attained Independence. The country's die-hard patriots nurtured the freedom movement with their blood.' Prime Minister Modi also reminded listeners of 7 August, the day the Swadeshi Movement began in 1905, breathing new life into the Indian handloom industry. Now celebrated as the 'National Handloom Day', 7 August inspired success stories in the handloom sector from Maharashtra to Bihar and Odisha, the Prime Minister stated. 'Just like Khadi strengthened the freedom movement, today our textile sector is a pillar of progress,' he added. Also Read: 'Mann Ki Baat' is the 'Mann Ki Baat' of millions of Indians: PM Modi in 100th episode Homecoming of Shubhanshu Shukla The 124th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' started with Prime Minister Modi's celebration of the return of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla—a proud moment for the nation as Shukla became the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to go to space and the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS). Prime Minister Modi recalled how the country came together to honour the historic achievement, marking a significant milestone in the Indian space journey. He also recalled the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, calling it another defining moment, which will inspire the youth and ignite a passion for space and science across the country.'The recent years have witnessed a surge in interest towards space, science, and innovation,' the Prime Minister added. 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India.com
3 hours ago
- India.com
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A couple of hours away from Nagpur lies the Pench National park, which is popular due to Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book.' Different types of exciting safaris allow visitors to view tigers, leopards, deer, and numerous birds, especially in the winter. Another nearby treasure is the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which is one of the oldest and largest tiger reserves in India. For all nature and adventure enthusiasts, these trips provide a one of a kind experience with the true wilderness of India. 4. Exquisite Local Cuisine Food caps off the experience of travel and Nagpur is no different when it comes to delights relating to food. The street food of the city is famous for its spices such as Tarri poha, spicy Misal Pav, and vada pav, a local favorite which is often called the Indian burger. Nagpur being the Orange City means that fresh orange juice and jams are also related goodies to try. Many restaurants put up to target the budget travelers, which means that great food is certainly within reach without breaking the bank. 5. Nearby Picturesque Sites Of Nature Nagpur is not only about the city but also gives you the amazing combination of the breathtaking nature and its good urban infrastructure. Located only six kilometers from the main city is Futala Lake which is famous for picnics, evening walks, and boating. In the same category is the Ambazari Lake and Garden which is an excellent break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Satpura Range in the vicinity of Nagpur serves as a fantastic site for hiking for all nature lovers as the area is filled with dense forests, moderate hills and scenic trails. These natural places are what makes Nagpur ideal for backpackers who wish to enjoy the city and nature at the same time. 6. 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Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
American YouTuber says he fell sick in India despite eating only in 5-star hotels: ‘It is not racist'
American YouTuber Tyler Oliveira has waded into a growing online debate about whether pointing out India's hygiene and infrastructure problems amounts to racism. The 25-year-old content creator claimed that he fell seriously ill during his visit to India, despite sticking to food from five-star hotels throughout his stay. Tyler Oliveira says he fell sick in India despite eating only at 5-star hotels. Oliveira was responding to a viral video by an Indian woman who criticised foreign travellers – particularly white visitors – for allegedly slumming it in India to reinforce negative stereotypes. In the video, she said that 'white people' often travel on tight budgets, live in poor conditions 'worse than the way underprivileged people in India live', and visit unhygienic locations – only to return and complain about how 'pathetic' India is. Falling sick in India Countering this claim, Oliveira said that even luxury travel in India is not immune to the country's sanitation challenges. 'Only ate in 5 star hotels and still contracted 4 types of Salmonella,' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the illness was likely caused by 'the hotel sourcing eggs from a filthy chicken farm right next to a literal mountain of trash.' 'There are serious hygiene issues that must be addressed in India,' wrote Oliveira. 'It is NOT racist to address the poor quality of life most Indians are subjected to while the upper caste insulates themselves from reality.' For naysayers who refused to believe him, the YouTuber attached proof in the form of his medical reports. His post was flooded with angry comments from Indians who slammed him for 'defaming' the country. 'The 5 star hotels were about $100 a night. It was budget travel relative to American standards. Ambani has a billion dollar tower overlooking the slums. Your anger is misplaced,' he wrote in response to one angry comment.
