Today, the world's largest office, the Surat diamond exchange, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, surpassing the Pentagon in size. Completed in July at a cost of ₹ 32 billion, it has a construction area of 6.7 million square feet. The US landmark has 6.5 million square feet in size and was first inaugurated in 1943.

PM Modi visits Surat, inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse and Surat International Airport

The COVID scare does not seem to go away four years since China reported its first case and new variants are still circulating globally. The Indian government has now confirmed the presence of JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 in the southern state of Kerala.

Kerala records India's first case of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19 and a surge of cases

Tamil Nadu state in South India is facing torrential rain troubles again. Large parts of the state are hit with major roads in several places underwater experts say the flood-like situation is being caused by what is called a cyclonic circulation.

Tamil Nadu: India's Met department issues cyclonic winds warning

India: Kerala records India's first case of JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19

Hindu faithful worldwide are gearing up for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir believed to be the birthplace of their deity Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The consecration ceremony is set to take place on the 22nd of January next year.

Celebrations in Washington ahead of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir inauguration

The Indian prime minister is on a visit to his parliamentary constituency in the city of Varanasi to launch a slew of development and infrastructure projects. Moments ago Prime Minister Modi spoke at a rally dedicated to India's development.

PM Modi in Varanasi: India's Prime Minister on a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed India's progress and shed light on the global crisis in a recent interview carried out by the publication Jagran. From the recent Parliament breach to the opposition India Alliance here are the top five takeaways from Prime Minister Modi's interview.

PM Modi interview: From recent Parliament breach to the opposition India Alliance

PM Modi inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse and Surat International Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the security breach incident at Parliament "unfortunate" and "worrisome" a few days after it occurred. The Prime Minister added that the incident should not be taken lightly and that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is taking the required actions with the utmost seriousness.

PM Modi on Parliament security breach: 'Incident is very concerning'

Cutting across to India's Varanasi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived on a two-day visit. The Indian prime minister is on a visit to his parliamentary constituency to launch a slew of development and infrastructure projects.

After Surat visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Varanasi

<p>Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance. As India emerges not just as a consumer but a formidable maker of whisky, global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker are facing stiff competition from local powerhouses Indri, Amrut, and Radico Khaitan's Rampur.</p>

<p>The surge in popularity of Indian single malts is reshaping the $33 billion spirits market, leaving foreign brands once cherished by the nation teary-eyed.</p>

<p>Indri, the torchbearer of this revolution, clinched the "Best in Show" title at the Whiskies of the World Awards in San Francisco, beating its Scottish and US counterparts. The $421 Diwali Collector's Edition has become a symbol of Indian excellence.</p>

<p>Emerging victorious in a fierce competition featuring over 100 brands at one of the world's largest whisky tasting events, this brand, introduced in 2021 by Piccadilly Distilleries of Haryana, has clinched numerous accolades, amassing approximately 14 global awards within its first two years.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-tycoon-jeff-bezos-commits-42-million-to-danny-hillis-visionary-10000-year-clock-670479">Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos commits $42 million to Danny Hillis' visionary 10,000-year clock</a></p>

<p>The shift is evident as India, traditionally a whisky-loving nation, witnesses established global brands fighting for shelf space alongside their Indian counterparts. The surge can be attributed to global accolades, increased affluence, and a surge in adventurous drinkers exploring new brands during the COVID-19 lockdown.</p>

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<p>In response to the growing trend, global brands are recalibrating their strategies, turning to Indian whiskies to capitalise on the booming market.</p>

<p>Pernod, a major player, recently unveiled its first made-in-India single malt, Longitude 77, priced at $48. The company plans to expand sales to Dubai and beyond, reflecting its optimism about the burgeoning category.</p>

<p>Diageo, Pernod's larger rival, is not far behind.</p>

<p>Last year, it launched its first Indian single malt, Godawan, and is selling it in five foreign markets, including the United States. Vikram Damodaran, Diageo's India chief innovation officer, notes the shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, both domestically and globally.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-nativity-scene-craft-kept-alive-in-naples-670496">Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples</a></strong></p>

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<p>The numbers also affirm this transformation.</p>

<p>Indian single malts experienced a staggering 144 per cent growth in 2021-22, outpacing Scotch whisky's 32 per cent&nbsp;growth, as per IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.</p>

<p>Projections until 2027 indicate that Indian malt consumption is set to grow at a rate of 13 per cent&nbsp;per year, compared to Scotch at 8 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance.

Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance. As India emerges not just as a consumer but a formidable maker of whisky, global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker are facing stiff competition from local powerhouses Indri, Amrut, and Radico Khaitan's Rampur. The surge in popularity of Indian single malts is reshaping the $33 billion spirits market, leaving foreign brands once cherished by the nation teary-eyed. Indri, the torchbearer of this revolution, clinched the "Best in Show" title at the Whiskies of the World Awards in San Francisco, beating its Scottish and US counterparts. The $421 Diwali Collector's Edition has become a symbol of Indian excellence. Emerging victorious in a fierce competition featuring over 100 brands at one of the world's largest whisky tasting events, this brand, introduced in 2021 by Piccadilly Distilleries of Haryana, has clinched numerous accolades, amassing approximately 14 global awards within its first two years. Also Read | Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos commits $42 million to Danny Hillis' visionary 10,000-year clock The shift is evident as India, traditionally a whisky-loving nation, witnesses established global brands fighting for shelf space alongside their Indian counterparts. The surge can be attributed to global accolades, increased affluence, and a surge in adventurous drinkers exploring new brands during the COVID-19 lockdown. Also Read | Scientists try to get molecules from extinct humans to discover new antibiotics In response to the growing trend, global brands are recalibrating their strategies, turning to Indian whiskies to capitalise on the booming market. Pernod, a major player, recently unveiled its first made-in-India single malt, Longitude 77, priced at $48. The company plans to expand sales to Dubai and beyond, reflecting its optimism about the burgeoning category. Diageo, Pernod's larger rival, is not far behind. Last year, it launched its first Indian single malt, Godawan, and is selling it in five foreign markets, including the United States. Vikram Damodaran, Diageo's India chief innovation officer, notes the shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, both domestically and globally. Watch | Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples × The numbers also affirm this transformation. Indian single malts experienced a staggering 144 per cent growth in 2021-22, outpacing Scotch whisky's 32 per cent growth, as per IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Projections until 2027 indicate that Indian malt consumption is set to grow at a rate of 13 per cent per year, compared to Scotch at 8 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Love for Indian single malt whisky grows, giants like Pernod and Diageo feel the heat

<p>Breaking his silence on the Indian Parliament security breach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview that the incident warrants "seriousness" and must not be "underestimated" as all necessary actions will be taken to investigate the intentions behind what transpired on December 13. The Indian PM urged everyone to refrain from "resistance" on the matter.</p>

<p>PM Modi made these comments while speaking with Dainik Jagran, a Hindi daily in India.&nbsp;“The seriousness of the incident that happened in Parliament should not be underestimated at all. The Speaker sir is taking necessary steps with full seriousness. The investigating agencies are investigating the matter strictly. It is important for us to go deep into the matter to understand what are the elements and intentions behind this. Solutions should also be found with one mind. Everyone should avoid debate or resistance on such topics,” the newspaper quoted PM Modi as saying.</p>

<p>Two individuals carrying smoke canisters jumped from the public gallery and entered the Lok Sabha floor on December 13, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The security breach, which shocked the nation as MPs ran to exit the lower house,&nbsp;triggered a range of reactions from various political parties. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in particular, targeted the Centre's policies and claimed that unemployment in the country is the reason for the breach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/designate-india-as-country-of-particular-concern-us-watchdog-tells-biden-administration-670429">Pannun murder plot: US watchdog tells Biden to designate India as 'country of particular concern'</a></p>

<p>This came as the family of one of the protesters, Neelam Azad, who was nabbed after releasing colour smoke from an aerosol canister on a road outside the Parliament, reportedly said, "She is highly qualified, but wasn't getting a job. She was so stressed because of this that she often used to say that I should just die as despite studying so much, I am unable to earn two meals."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arrests in Parliament breach&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi police on Saturday (Dec 16) nabbed the sixth person linked to the major security breach in Indian Parliament. Mahesh Kumawat was apprehended for allegedly aiding 'mastermind' Lalit Jha to flee from the Indian capital of Delhi.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-replaces-kamal-nath-with-jitu-patwari-as-partys-mp-unit-chief-670376">Congress replaces Kamal Nath with Jitu Patwari as party's MP unit chief</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on December 16 wrote a letter to all the members of Parliament informing them that there is no link between the security breach and the recent suspension of 13 MPs from the lower house.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-remembering-bangladesh-liberation-war-how-india-helped-its-neighbour-670358">Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour</a></strong></p>

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<p>"It is indeed unfortunate that some members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on December 13, 2023," the speaker said in his statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Breaking his silence on the Indian Parliament security breach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview that the incident warrants "seriousness" and must not be "underestimated" as all necessary actions will be taken to investigate the intentions behind what transpired on December 13.

Breaking his silence on the Indian Parliament security breach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview that the incident warrants "seriousness" and must not be "underestimated" as all necessary actions will be taken to investigate the intentions behind what transpired on December 13. The Indian PM urged everyone to refrain from "resistance" on the matter. PM Modi made these comments while speaking with Dainik Jagran, a Hindi daily in India. “The seriousness of the incident that happened in Parliament should not be underestimated at all. The Speaker sir is taking necessary steps with full seriousness. The investigating agencies are investigating the matter strictly. It is important for us to go deep into the matter to understand what are the elements and intentions behind this. Solutions should also be found with one mind. Everyone should avoid debate or resistance on such topics,” the newspaper quoted PM Modi as saying. Two individuals carrying smoke canisters jumped from the public gallery and entered the Lok Sabha floor on December 13, the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The security breach, which shocked the nation as MPs ran to exit the lower house, triggered a range of reactions from various political parties. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in particular, targeted the Centre's policies and claimed that unemployment in the country is the reason for the breach. Also Read | Pannun murder plot: US watchdog tells Biden to designate India as 'country of particular concern' This came as the family of one of the protesters, Neelam Azad, who was nabbed after releasing colour smoke from an aerosol canister on a road outside the Parliament, reportedly said, "She is highly qualified, but wasn't getting a job. She was so stressed because of this that she often used to say that I should just die as despite studying so much, I am unable to earn two meals." Arrests in Parliament breach Delhi police on Saturday (Dec 16) nabbed the sixth person linked to the major security breach in Indian Parliament. Mahesh Kumawat was apprehended for allegedly aiding 'mastermind' Lalit Jha to flee from the Indian capital of Delhi. Also Read | Congress replaces Kamal Nath with Jitu Patwari as party's MP unit chief Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on December 16 wrote a letter to all the members of Parliament informing them that there is no link between the security breach and the recent suspension of 13 MPs from the lower house. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Remembering Bangladesh Liberation War: How India helped its neighbour × "It is indeed unfortunate that some members and political parties are linking the decision of the House to suspend some members from the service of the House to the incident which occurred on December 13, 2023," the speaker said in his statement. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi breaks silence on Indian Parliament security breach, says do not ‘underestimate’ seriousness

<p>In a shocking incident in Vantamuri village,&nbsp;Belagavi district&nbsp;in the state of Karnataka in south India, a woman fell victim to a brutal assault on December 11, when she was brutally thrashed, tied&nbsp;to an electricity pole, and paraded&nbsp;partially stripped. The attack was allegedly orchestrated as retribution after her son eloped with a girl from the village on the day of her engagement, disrupting the&nbsp;scheduled rituals.</p>

<p>The tumultuous events began on the night of December 10 when the young couple, 24-year-old Ashok and 18-year-old Priyanka, vanished, prompting concerned relatives to storm the boy's house. In a fit of rage, they ransacked the premises and subjected the boy's mother to a vicious beating.</p>

<p>The woman was subsequently tied to an electricity pole in front of her house, partially stripped and paraded around.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-breach-all-accused-wanted-to-create-anarchy-in-country-police-tell-court-670164">Parliament breach: All accused wanted to create ‘anarchy’ in country, police tell court</a></p>

<p>Local authorities were alerted by a vigilant villager, leading officers from the Kakati police station to intervene promptly.</p>

<p>The police successfully rescued the victim and arrested eight individuals. The accused include Gangavva, Sangeeta, and Kempanna. In the aftermath of the brutal crime, a case has now been registered against the accused people. The police authorities are still looking for eight more individuals for their involvement in the case.</p>

<h2><strong>Victim in hospital&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Expressing deep concern over the incident, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar visited the victim, currently in the district hospital.</p>

<p>The distressing scene at the hospital saw the victim's relatives falling at the minister's feet, beseeching justice for the traumatised woman.</p>

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<p>The victim's husband, Lagamanna, a truck driver who was away on duty when she was attacked, emphasised the need for stringent punishment for the accused.</p>

<p>Seeking justice, he stated, "The trial should be conducted in a fair manner, and the accused should get a life sentence."</p>

<p>Lagamanna said he was not aware of his son's relationship with the girl, asserting that had they known, they would have attempted to resolve the matter amicably.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-to-take-on-multiple-missions-isro-to-put-a-space-station-in-orbit-by-2028-670180">ISRO to take on multiple missions, ISRO to put a space station in orbit by 2028</a></strong></p>

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<p>Home Minister G. Parameshwara has directed the Belagavi police commissioner to take severe action against the perpetrators. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced his condemnation on social media, vowing justice for the victim and her family.</p>

<h2><strong>Union minister hits at Congress govt in Karnataka</strong></h2>

<p>Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the Congress government in Karnataka, citing the incident as another instance of atrocities against the downtrodden.</p>

<p>She took to X&nbsp;social media platform, stating, there is no justice "for the SCs and STs. The recent incident in Belgavi, Karnataka falls in the same category as those repeated atrocities against the Dalits seen till recently in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. For Congress, the downtrodden are just a vote bank."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka High Court chastised state police and state government for failing to avoid the tragedy. It also directed the state government to submit an additional status report on whether proper counseling was provided to the victim, and the reason why other accused people have not yet been nabbed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking incident in Vantamuri village, Belagavi district in the state of Karnataka in south India, a woman fell victim to a brutal assault on December 11, when she was brutally thrashed, tied to an electricity pole, and paraded partially stripped.

In a shocking incident in Vantamuri village, Belagavi district in the state of Karnataka in south India, a woman fell victim to a brutal assault on December 11, when she was brutally thrashed, tied to an electricity pole, and paraded partially stripped. The attack was allegedly orchestrated as retribution after her son eloped with a girl from the village on the day of her engagement, disrupting the scheduled rituals. The tumultuous events began on the night of December 10 when the young couple, 24-year-old Ashok and 18-year-old Priyanka, vanished, prompting concerned relatives to storm the boy's house. In a fit of rage, they ransacked the premises and subjected the boy's mother to a vicious beating. The woman was subsequently tied to an electricity pole in front of her house, partially stripped and paraded around. Also Read | Parliament breach: All accused wanted to create ‘anarchy’ in country, police tell court Local authorities were alerted by a vigilant villager, leading officers from the Kakati police station to intervene promptly. The police successfully rescued the victim and arrested eight individuals. The accused include Gangavva, Sangeeta, and Kempanna. In the aftermath of the brutal crime, a case has now been registered against the accused people. The police authorities are still looking for eight more individuals for their involvement in the case. Victim in hospital Expressing deep concern over the incident, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar visited the victim, currently in the district hospital. The distressing scene at the hospital saw the victim's relatives falling at the minister's feet, beseeching justice for the traumatised woman. Also Read | ‘Investigate Pannun plot or…’, USA's 'Samosa Caucas' issues warning to India The victim's husband, Lagamanna, a truck driver who was away on duty when she was attacked, emphasised the need for stringent punishment for the accused. Seeking justice, he stated, "The trial should be conducted in a fair manner, and the accused should get a life sentence." Lagamanna said he was not aware of his son's relationship with the girl, asserting that had they known, they would have attempted to resolve the matter amicably. Watch | ISRO to take on multiple missions, ISRO to put a space station in orbit by 2028 × Home Minister G. Parameshwara has directed the Belagavi police commissioner to take severe action against the perpetrators. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced his condemnation on social media, vowing justice for the victim and her family. Union minister hits at Congress govt in Karnataka Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the Congress government in Karnataka, citing the incident as another instance of atrocities against the downtrodden. She took to X social media platform, stating, there is no justice "for the SCs and STs. The recent incident in Belgavi, Karnataka falls in the same category as those repeated atrocities against the Dalits seen till recently in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. For Congress, the downtrodden are just a vote bank." Karnataka High Court chastised state police and state government for failing to avoid the tragedy. It also directed the state government to submit an additional status report on whether proper counseling was provided to the victim, and the reason why other accused people have not yet been nabbed. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Belagavi assault case: Woman paraded naked as son elopes with girl disrupting her engagement

How have foreign countries responded to the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir? Foreign affairs expert, C Rajamohan explains on The India Story

When world will see peace in J&K, then they'll accept new ruling: C Rajamohan, Foreign affair expert

Article 370: 'We need to make political compact right for Jammu & Kashmir'

Earlier, this week, the reworked criminal law bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha, just a few days after the government withdrew them. What are the key changes in the bills? Vikram Chandra analyses key aspects of the bills with Sujeet Kumar, MP, BJD & Member of Standing Committee on Home Affairs, Pinky Anand, Former Additional Solicitor General of India, and Dr M R Madhavan, President, PRS Legislative Research.

Major security breach in Parliament | Major changes in Criminal Reform Bill

On his first visit to India as the top leader, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.

Oman Sultan visit | Indian foreign secretary: A possibility of rupee trade with Oman

<p>In a major boost to Indian passport's strength, the list of visa-free countries for Indian citizens has just extended.&nbsp;This week, both Kenya and Iran abolished visa requirements for Indian passport holders.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kenya's visa free travel for Indians: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Kenya's&nbsp;Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular tourist destination among Indians.</p>

<p>It is one of the most coveted wildlife destinations in Kenya and Africa, and a premier conservation area. It is also one of the few places on earth where wild animals and their ecosystem exist in a highly protected environment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-proposes-visa-free-arrivals-for-20-countries-including-india-668158">Indonesia proposes visa-free arrivals for 20 countries, including India</a> &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A visa-free travel to Kenya may set the ball rolling for more number of Indian tourists in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's visa free travel for Indians: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>About 15 per cent of all Muslims in India belong to the Shiite sect, and a visa free travel to&nbsp;Iran would&nbsp;boost the prospect of religious tourism into the West Asian country from India. Iran also holds significance as the birthplace of Zoroastrian faith.</p>

<p>While the number of Indians owing allegiance to this faith are&nbsp;few,&nbsp;a visa-free travel to Iran means easy access to&nbsp;the most important holy places in Iran for Zoroastrians&nbsp;in Yazd province.</p>

<h2><strong>Visa free travel for Indians: Where all can Indians travel without visa?</strong></h2>

<p>This news follows recent announcements from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, which have also granted visa-free entry to Indian passport holders.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China visa-free initiative: China's visa-waiver sparks surge in European tourist numbers | WION</strong></p>

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<p>According to the 2023 Passport Index by Henley and Partners, Indians can now travel to 57 countries without visa hassles, encompassing destinations with visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival facilities, and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).</p>

<p>The expanded list reflects a positive trend in facilitating global travel for Indian citizens.</p>

<h2><strong>Full list of countries with visa free/on arrival for Indian passport holders</strong></h2>

<p>Full list of countries that either offer visa free or visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders is as following:</p>

<p>Albania, Barbados, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Grenada, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Macao (SAR China), Micronesia, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, &nbsp;Senegal, Somalia, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Togo, Tuvalu, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major boost to Indian passport's strength, the list of visa-free countries for Indian citizens has just extended. This week, both Kenya and Iran abolished visa requirements for Indian passport holders.

In a major boost to Indian passport's strength, the list of visa-free countries for Indian citizens has just extended. This week, both Kenya and Iran abolished visa requirements for Indian passport holders. Kenya's visa free travel for Indians: What does it mean? Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve is a popular tourist destination among Indians. It is one of the most coveted wildlife destinations in Kenya and Africa, and a premier conservation area. It is also one of the few places on earth where wild animals and their ecosystem exist in a highly protected environment. Also read | Indonesia proposes visa-free arrivals for 20 countries, including India A visa-free travel to Kenya may set the ball rolling for more number of Indian tourists in the country. Iran's visa free travel for Indians: What does it mean? About 15 per cent of all Muslims in India belong to the Shiite sect, and a visa free travel to Iran would boost the prospect of religious tourism into the West Asian country from India. Iran also holds significance as the birthplace of Zoroastrian faith. While the number of Indians owing allegiance to this faith are few, a visa-free travel to Iran means easy access to the most important holy places in Iran for Zoroastrians in Yazd province. Visa free travel for Indians: Where all can Indians travel without visa? This news follows recent announcements from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, which have also granted visa-free entry to Indian passport holders. Also watch | China visa-free initiative: China's visa-waiver sparks surge in European tourist numbers | WION × According to the 2023 Passport Index by Henley and Partners, Indians can now travel to 57 countries without visa hassles, encompassing destinations with visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival facilities, and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The expanded list reflects a positive trend in facilitating global travel for Indian citizens. Full list of countries with visa free/on arrival for Indian passport holders Full list of countries that either offer visa free or visa on arrival facility for Indian passport holders is as following: Albania, Barbados, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Grenada, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Macao (SAR China), Micronesia, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, Saint Lucia, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Togo, Tuvalu, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. (With inputs from agencies)

With 'visa-free' travel, Indians can now add Kenya's Maasai Mara to their bucket list

We delve into the heart of the world's diamond industry as g7 countries announce a ban on russian gems. India, home to 90% of the global diamond cutting and polishing sector, expects little disruption. That’s because it predominantly processes smaller russian diamonds, cushioning the blow of the upcoming restrictions.

India's diamond dominance eases blow from G7 restrictions on Russia| World Business Watch

52 years ago on December 16, India witnessed its greatest military triumph after it crushed Pakistan. Bangladesh was liberated. What was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw widely known as Sam Bahadur's Gameplan? How did The 1971 war change the geopolitical landscape of South Asia? Revisit some key moments of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

1971 War: How India crushed Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh

Vish Dhamija is a British Indian crime-fiction writer. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Samarpita Das, the author shares with us, how he started his journey as an author and why he feels India's capital Delhi is more developed than London.

Vish Dhamija shares how Delhi is more developed than London

President Murmu and PM Modi give ceremonial welcome to Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik

The Red Fort in Delhi hosted the inaugural India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB). "The invisible edges between reality and fiction, memory and design, and past and present" are acknowledged here. The public can access IAADB, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, from December 9 to December 15. In addition to an art mart, the event will feature speeches by architects and designers from India and beyond, panel discussions, and workshops.

Inside the inaugural Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arrival at Hyderabad House.

Indian President and Prime Minister welcome Omani leader

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