Mumbai crowned Asia’s happiest city in 2025

India’s passport ranking has improved to 80th place on the 2026 Henley Passport Index. Indian passport holders can now travel to 55 countries without getting a visa in advance. While this is progress, Indians still need visas for most major regions like Europe and North America.

Freezing rain and icy roads have caused major travel problems across central and eastern Europe. Airports in countries like Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary faced delays and temporary shutdowns. Roads and trains are also affected, and authorities are advising people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

Germany will now let Indian travellers change flights at German airports without needing a transit visa. If you’re only passing through airports like Frankfurt or Munich on your way to another country, you don’t need extra paperwork. This move is meant to make travel easier and boost India–Germany relations.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has officially opened near the Giza Pyramid Complex in Cairo, showcasing more than 50,000 artefacts, including the full collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, for the first time. The USD 1 billion project marks a major push to revamp Egypt’s tourism and cultural agenda.

Mumbai has been ranked as the happiest city in Asia for 2025 by Time Out following a survey of over 18,000 residents. An impressive 94 per cent of locals said the city brings them joy, with 89 per cent believing they’re happier in Mumbai than anywhere else.