Daily Current Affairs : 20-July-2023
In the realm of global travel, the Henley Passport Index plays a crucial role as it ranks the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa. Recently, India has achieved a significant milestone, climbing seven places on the Henley Passport Index 2023 to secure the 80th rank, an impressive jump from its previous position at 87. This essay delves into the Henley Passport Index, India’s performance, and highlights some of the global performers.
Henley Passport Index: Understanding the Ranking System
The Henley Passport Index is an influential and comprehensive ranking system that evaluates passports from across the globe. It takes into account the number of countries that passport holders can visit visa-free. The higher the ranking, the more powerful the passport, granting greater mobility and ease of travel to its holders. The index is compiled by Henley and Partners and covers 199 different passports and a staggering 227 travel destinations.
India’s Remarkable Progression
India’s journey on the Henley Passport Index has not been without its fluctuations. In 2014, India initially held the 76th rank, offering visa-free access to 52 countries. However, subsequent years saw some variations in its performance: 88th in 2015 (51 countries), 85th in 2016, 87th in 2017, 81st in 2018, and remaining steady at 82nd in 2019 and 2020, before moving up to 81st in 2021. Now, in 2023, India has surged ahead to secure the 80th rank, reflecting its growing passport power.
Global Performers: Passport Powerhouses
While India’s ascent is noteworthy, it is interesting to examine the other global performers on the Henley Passport Index 2023:
- Singapore Takes the Crown: Singapore has officially claimed the top spot as the most powerful passport in the world. Holders of the Singaporean passport can travel visa-free to an impressive number of countries.
- Japan’s Downfall: After enjoying a reign at the top for five years, Japan now finds itself in the third position. Nevertheless, it still offers visa-free access to numerous countries.
- A Tie for Second: Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second position, demonstrating their passport strength and the freedom they provide to their citizens for international travel.
- A Joint Third Place: Several countries, including Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden, join Japan in the third position, highlighting their visa-free accessibility to many nations.
- U.K. Ascends: The United Kingdom has moved up two places and now sits comfortably at the fourth spot, opening doors to numerous destinations for its passport holders.
- U.S. Decline: The United States, once a strong contender for the top spot, continues its decline, dropping two places to the eighth position. This downward trend has persisted for a decade, marking a significant shift from its previous dominance.
Important Points:
- The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of visa-free destinations they offer.
- India climbed seven places on the Henley Passport Index 2023, reaching the 80th rank, up from 87 the previous year.
- In 2014, India ranked 76 with 52 countries offering visa-free access, but its performance has fluctuated over the years.
- Global performers on the Henley Passport Index 2023 include:
- Singapore, the most powerful passport in the world.
- Japan, dropping to the third position after a five-year reign at the top.
- Germany, Italy, and Spain, sharing the second spot.
- Countries like Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden also in the third position.
- The U.K. climbed two places to occupy the fourth spot.
- The U.S. experienced a decade-long slide down the index, dropping two places to the eighth position.
- Passport power provides greater mobility and ease of travel for its holders.
- India’s rise in the Henley Passport Index reflects its growing global influence and diplomatic efforts.
- Continuous efforts to strengthen international relations are essential for improving passport power.
- Passports remain a significant determinant of global mobility and connectivity in a changing world.
Why In News
In a remarkable advancement, India has made significant strides on the Henley Passport Index 2023, leaping seven places to secure the 80th rank, a notable improvement from its 87th position last year. This impressive ascent reflects India’s ongoing efforts to enhance global mobility and highlights the increasing recognition of its citizens’ passport privileges on the international stage.
MCQs about A Leap on Henley Passport Index 2023
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What is the Henley Passport Index based on?
A. The population of each country
B. The number of visa applications received
C. The number of destinations accessible without a prior visa
D. The number of countries a passport holder has visited
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Which country claimed the top spot as the most powerful passport on the Henley Passport Index 2023?
A. Japan
B. Singapore
C. Germany
D. United Kingdom
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What does a higher ranking on the Henley Passport Index signify?
A. More visa restrictions for passport holders
B. Lower mobility and travel opportunities
C. Greater passport power and visa-free access to destinations
D. Limited international diplomatic relations
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