The Indian passport has seen a significant improvement in its global ranking in 2026. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, India’s ranking has risen five places to 80th. India shares this ranking with Algeria and Niger. Indian passport holders will now be able to travel to a total of 55 countries without a visa, via visa-on-arrival (VoA), or via eTA. Singapore topped the index, with its citizens able to travel visa-free to 192 countries. Japan followed with 188, and South Korea followed with a similar number. This suggests a strong correlation between a country’s economic strength and international travel…
Author: India Aware
Voting for the 2026 Municipal Corporation Elections in Maharashtra began on Thursday. Several film and music celebrities cast their votes at polling stations, encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Citing issues like safety, cleanliness, pollution, road improvements, and development as important, they urged people to choose the right candidates. Actress Divya Dutta, after casting her vote, said that voting is the biggest responsibility in a democracy. She said that people should come out of their homes and vote and make their voices heard by politicians. According to Divya Dutta, pollution is the biggest issue facing the city right…
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the enthusiasm for bathing in the Ganges River in Haridwar , Uttarakhand, remained high for the second day. A large crowd of devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri from early morning . Despite the bitter cold and dense fog, there was no lack of faith in the people. Devotees arrived at the ghats in traditional attire and took a dip in the sacred Ganga to gain spiritual merit. The chants of ” Har Har Gange ” at the bathing ghat filled the entire atmosphere with devotion. In view of the increasing number of…
New Zealand put up a commanding performance in the second ODI against India at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, winning the match by 7 wickets. With this victory, the visiting team has leveled the three-match series 1-1. The series decider will now be played in Indore on January 18th. India, batting first after losing the toss, made 284 for 7 in 50 overs. India got off to a good start, with Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill adding 70 runs for the first wicket in 12.2 overs. Rohit was dismissed for 24 off 38 balls, including four fours. Shubman Gill then…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the “Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026,” said that the journey that began with “Next Generation Reforms” has now become the “Reform Express,” with the country’s youth power at its center . PM Modi urged young people to break free from the “slave mentality” and advance their heritage and ideas to make India developed and self-reliant. The Prime Minister shared a video of his speech on the social media platform X on Tuesday, writing that the past 11 years have opened new doors of opportunity in every sector of the country. Citing the content…
US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have publicly congratulated Sergio Gor , who has formally assumed his position as the new US Ambassador to India . These congratulations are being seen as a sign of stability and momentum in India-US relations under President Donald Trump . “Many congratulations, Ambassador. You’ll do a great job,” Vice President JD Vance wrote in response to Sergio Gor’s post on the social media platform X , in which Gor shared details about his first day at the US Embassy in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in India on a two-day visit. On the first day, he attended several events in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, India and Germany agreed to advance cooperation in 27 key areas, including semiconductors, AI, defense, energy, and investment. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the two countries have declared a joint intent to strengthen bilateral defense industrial cooperation. Also taking a major decision on the economic front, it was agreed to establish a CEO Forum and to work under the India-Germany Economic and…
Anti-government protests have been ongoing in Iran for more than two weeks. People have taken to the streets to oppose the government led by Supreme Leader Khamenei. The situation is so tense that even after more than 84 hours of the nationwide lockdown, internet services remain down, and in many areas, people are unable to communicate even by phone. Meanwhile, reports from American media and rights groups have further escalated the situation. It has been claimed that 544 people have died in these protests so far. Earlier reports put the death toll at around 115 and the number of arrests…
Aditya Dhar’s directorial venture, Dhurandhar, is currently the center of attention both domestically and internationally. This 2025 spy-action thriller has performed exceptionally well at the box office and is garnering praise from both audiences and the film industry. Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has openly praised the film. After returning to India after nearly two months abroad, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri first watched “Dhurandhar” and shared his reaction in a lengthy post on social media. He wrote that he felt proud after watching the film and that it clearly shows that a film like this doesn’t just happen. It requires a strong…
In light of the deteriorating situation in Iran, the Indian government has issued a new travel advisory for its citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that Indian citizens should avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice. The advisory was issued on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs has urged Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin living in Iran to exercise utmost vigilance. The advisory specifically cautions against any demonstrations, protests, or crowded areas and to constantly monitor local conditions. It also urges regular adherence to information posted on the Indian Embassy in Tehran ‘s website…