India
Indian Passport Falls Five Places in 2025 Henley Passport Index; Japan Tops Again
India’s passport slipped five places in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, now ranked 89th, as global mobility faces growing geopolitical challenges. Japan retains its top position, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. The dip reflects changes in visa policies worldwide and underscores the complexity of international travel post-pandemic, affecting Indian travelers’ ability to access certain countries without prior clearance.
Offbeat
“Cancer Won, Guys”: 21-Year-Old’s Heartbreaking Post About Last Diwali
A 21-year-old colorectal cancer patient, diagnosed with Stage 4 in 2023, opened up on Reddit about facing what might be his last Diwali. Despite months of chemotherapy, doctors have exhausted all treatment options. His moving post expressed grief over missed celebrations and unrealized dreams like traveling and starting a venture. The heartfelt message touched thousands online, emphasizing the fragility of life and inspiring hope.
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Opts Out of India Trip for Al-Nassr vs FC Goa Match
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided not to travel to India for Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League 2 clash against FC Goa, despite repeated requests from the Indian club. This decision has disappointed fans who were eager to see the football star in action.
India
Andhra IT Minister Meets Corporate Leaders In Australia For Tech Partnerships
Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister travelled to Australia to meet corporate leaders and academics, aiming to forge partnerships in emerging technology, education and investment. The delegation visit reflects the state’s ambition to position itself as a digital-innovation hub and strengthen international collaboration.
India
Andhra Bus Blaze Horror: Cops Say Driver Ran Away When Fire Emerged
In a shocking incident near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, a bus traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad was engulfed in flames, with reports stating the driver abandoned the vehicle as the fire spread, leaving panicked passengers to their own devices. Many struggled to escape, suffering injuries as chaos erupted. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, treating the wounded and starting a probe into alleged negligence. The event raised urgent questions about bus safety rules statewide, as authorities reviewed protocols and forensic teams gathered evidence to determine the tragedy’s cause.
Entertainment
Charan-Janhvi Set Out on Pune-to-Sri Lanka Trip in Peddi
Peddi Charan and Janhvi light up the screen in a new adventure film that follows their memorable journey from Pune to Sri Lanka. The movie promises emotional gearing, culture clash, and vivid landscapes, captivating South Indian audiences. Fans are eager for more plot details as early promos tease a mix of humor, romance, and life-changing road encounters with a focus on self-discovery, challenges, and surprises along the way. The production’s choice of real locations adds authenticity, while industry buzz centers on the chemistry between the leads and dynamic supporting cast yet to be revealed.
Offbeat
Viral Train Toilet Makeover: Man’s Bedroom Stunt in Coach Sparks Hygiene Outcry
A viral video from India shows a man astonishing viewers by transforming a train toilet into a makeshift bedroom, igniting a firestorm of commentary around public hygiene, safety, and digital creativity. Netizens are divided about whether the bold act is harmless fun or an alarming disregard for travel norms. Rail officials issued reminders on proper use of amenities, while the video quickly racked up millions of views and inspired copycats. This episode highlights both the power and pitfalls of viral content in today’s interconnected age and prompts calls for better travel awareness.
India
IRCTC Website Crashes Again Amid Chhath Puja Rush
The IRCTC website faced yet another outage on Saturday as lakhs of travelers attempted to book tickets ahead of Chhath Puja. This marked the second major disruption in a week, leaving passengers stranded during high-demand hours. Officials said the server overload stemmed from unprecedented user traffic. Engineers are working on system upgrades, while the Railways assured users of restored service within hours.
Lifestyle
Kerala’s Culinary Culture Ranks Among World's Best Travel Experiences For 2026
Kerala’s distinctive cuisine, built around ancient spice routes and regional diversity, has been recognised among the world’s best travel experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet. The state’s culinary traditions combine centuries of Arab, Portuguese, and local influences, reflecting its coastal geography and cultural mix. This global honour is expected to boost food tourism and reaffirm Kerala’s status as a must-visit destination for authentic culinary experiences.
Business
First Vande Bharat Sleeper to Connect Guwahati and Howrah
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will run between Guwahati and Howrah. This semi-high-speed train features 16 luxury coaches, including AC 3-Tier, 2-Tier, and First Class, seating 823. Amenities include automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, and the 'Kavach' safety system. This launch marks a massive upgrade for connectivity in Northeast India, offering air-travel-like comfort on rails.