Latest news with #PassportSeva
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Man arrested for forging documents to get passport
Panaji: Goa police on Saturday arrested a person for allegedly trying to obtain a passport based on forged documents. North Goa SP Rahul Gupta said that they registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by passport officer Nijo Varghese. Gupta said that Pankaj Choure, a resident of Khorlim, Mapusa, forged his birth certificate, PAN card, and Aadhaar card and used them to apply for a passport on the Passport Seva portal. The complaint stated that when the accused was questioned by the passport officer about his documents, he realised that he was exposed, said Gupta, adding that he then escaped from the passport office and went underground. 'The address given by Choure on the Aadhaar card was verified and found to be fake. Police then began his search and located him in Chennai. With the help of Chennai police, he was apprehended by a Panaji police team at Chennai,' Gupta added.
India Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
India's new-age travellers going abroad are not from Delhi or Mumbai but...
The idea of travel has evolved with time, and from what you all know by now, it is beyond family holidays. International travel used to be something that was seen as a luxury that only the urban elite could afford. The posh society of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other Tier 1 cities used to be the not any is a shift happening, and it is not coming just from the metros. A fresh surge of Indian tourists hailing from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is reshaping the global travel landscape. Thanks to the convenience of digital visa applications and increasing disposable incomes, cities like Chandigarh, Surat, Pune, Lucknow, and Jaipur are breaking into the international travel market. There is a rise in visa applications in India (Photo: Unsplash) Increase in visa applications New-age travellers aspire to indulge in experiential travel - concerts, sports tourism, chasing the northern lights, etc. In 2025, #wanderlust is driving minimoons in Bali, a bachelorette in Phuket, a solo trip to Vietnam, a blingy getaway to Dubai, and so much per data from Atlys, a digital visa processing firm, there's been a notable 32 per cent spike in international visa applications from first-time travellers within the past year. Interestingly, over 56 per cent of this increase is credited to people from smaller cities (as mentioned above), marking a shift in travel dynamics outside India's larger metro hubs. Dubai skyline (Pexels) "Travel is no longer seen as a luxury, it's become an essential part of life," says Mohak Nahta, founder & CEO of Atlys. "We're witnessing annual growth in first-time international travellers. This trend is propelled by cost-effective international flights, straightforward digital visa procedures, and rising income levels. Nations that streamline entry and approval processes stand to gain the most in this forthcoming wave of Indian outbound tourism."Who are these new-age travellers? Young adults below 35, newlyweds, and families are at the helm of this travel surge, as per the where exactly are they heading?The UAE and Southeast Asia are leading the pack. Dubai remains a popular choice, but there is a growing trend of Southeast nations,Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, becoming the new backyards for Indian travellers, thanks to their engaging experiences, affordability, and simplified visa procedures. Boat ride in Thailand (Photo: Pexels) Facilitating this travel boom is a more accessible passport system, with over 10.09 crores passports issued from 2014 to 2023, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. The number of Passport Seva Kendras has expanded from 153 in 2014 to 523 in 2023, thus enhancing accessibility for those eager to journey despite such expansion, only 8.71 per cent of India's population currently possesses an active passport, hinting at a substantial potential market for future first-time newfound travel ease signifies more than just a trend; it's a fundamental social shift, as residents from smaller Indian cities embrace international travel as a tangible step in their personal and cultural journeys. Furthermore, the role of social media is pivotal, significantly influencing these new travellers. From Instagrammable cafes to hidden gems, the internet is practically helping them curate cities where international dreams were a myth, are now stepping up with the world. Slowly and steadily and on their own terms.- EndsTune InTrending Reel
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Passport Seva 2.0 Explained: What Is An E-Passport, How To Apply, What Are The Benefits?
Last Updated: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme 2.0 Passport Seva 2.0: The Government of India has officially launched the nationwide rollout of e-passports as part of the revamped Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. The initiative, announced by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, aims to enhance passport services with high-end digital infrastructure, improve security, and enable faster immigration clearance. 'We have rolled out PSP V2.0 across the country, leveraging advanced and high-end technologies to deliver citizen-centric services," Dr. Jaishankar said, highlighting the move as a milestone in India's Digital Public Infrastructure journey. What is an E-Passport? An e-passport is an electronic version of the traditional passport, embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip in its cover. This chip securely stores biometric data, including the passport holder's photograph, fingerprints, and other personal information. The cover of the e-passport features a gold-colored symbol at the bottom — a global indicator that it complies with international e-passport standards. How to Apply for an E-Passport Visit the official Passport Seva website. Register as a new user or log in to your existing account. Fill in the e-passport application form. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the required fee online. Visit the selected centre on the appointment date for document verification and biometric data capture. Key Benefits of E-Passports The introduction of e-passports is part of India's broader strategy to modernise citizen services, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency across government functions. While currently available for new applicants, upgrades for existing passport holders may be offered in later phases. First Published:
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Passport Seva 2.0: How to apply for e-Passport in India
On the occasion of the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced major advancements in the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) and the nationwide rollout of e-Passports. Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 has already been rolled out across the country, bringing in high-end, emerging technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. The pilot testing of the Global PSP V2.0 is also underway and will be implemented in phases in all Indian embassies and consulates. What is the new e-Passport initiative? The e-Passport initiative is a major milestone, easing travel and expediting immigration clearances with its contactless chip-based data reading. The new initiative is aimed at creating a digital platform that would be 'transparent, more accessible and reliable' and that it would be backed by a trained workforce. Under this initiative, the new and renewed passports will be fitted with a microchip that will hold all biometric information regarding the applicants. How to apply for an e-passport? An individual can apply for an e-passport through the official Passport Seva website and follow the steps mentioned below: 1. Go to the official Passport Seva website. 2. New users are required to create an account, while existing users may log in with their credentials. 3. Fill in the e-passport application by providing the required details. 4. Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) according to your convenience. 5. Pay the e-passport fee. 6. Take an appointment by selecting a date and time slot for the chosen service centre. 7. Visit the PSK or POPSK at the scheduled time for biometric capture and document verification.
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Safer, Smarter, Faster: All You Need To Know About India's New E-Passport
Last Updated: Under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0, India has now launched the e-Passport. This electronic passport is embedded with an chip that stores biometric and personal data. In a major step towards modernising travel documentation and improving citizen services, Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently announced the nationwide launch of e-passports under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Initially introduced as a pilot in select cities, the initiative is now being rolled out across the country as part of the government's broader Digital India mission. Taking to his X (formerly known as Twitter), Dr S Jaishankar shared this news on Passport Seva Divas, i.e. June 24, 2025. He wrote, 'Another important milestone is the ongoing rollout of the e-Passport. The contactless reading of data stored in the chip facilitates the ease of travel for Indian citizens and their smoother interface with Immigration Authorities. The launch of mPassport Police App has substantially brought down the Police Verification time to 5-7 days in 25 States/UTs where mPassport Police App has been implemented." The announcement underscores the ministry's vision of combining digital infrastructure with global mobility, ensuring Indian citizens can travel more securely and seamlessly around the world. What Is An e-Passport? An e-passport, also known as an electronic passport, is an enhanced version of the traditional passport. While it looks similar on the outside, it comes embedded with a secure RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip that stores critical information such as the holder's name, date of birth, passport number, and biometric data like fingerprints and a digital photograph. A small gold symbol on the front cover helps identify it as an electronic passport. How Does An e-Passport Work? The e-passport enables contactless authentication at immigration counters. The chip inside the passport is scanned by an electronic reader, enabling faster verification and reducing wait times at airports. Key features include: How to Apply for an e-Passport? 1. Visit the official Passport Seva website. 2. Register or log in to your existing account. 3. Fill in the online application form, selecting the e-passport option. 4. Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). 5. Pay the applicable fees through the online portal. 6. Visit the Kendra for biometric verification and document submission on the scheduled date. What Are The Benefits Of e-Passports? Stronger Security: The chip securely stores your personal and biometric data, reducing the chances of data theft, misuse, or forgery. Faster Immigration Processing: Contactless chip-reading speeds up verification at border checks. Global Compatibility: e-Passports follow global standards, simplifying international travel and entry into visa-on-arrival countries. Fraud Prevention: Advanced encryption makes duplication or tampering with passport data significantly harder. Smart Identity Management: Seamlessly integrates with digital systems at embassies, consulates, and airports for improved citizen service delivery.
