Daily News - Wednesday, 14 January 2026
India Improves 5 Spots in Global Passport Index to Rank 80, Access to 55 Destinations (Business Standard)
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, India now ranks 80th globally, up five places from 85th last year, with visa‑free, visa‑on‑arrival, or eTA access to 55 destinations. India shares this rank with Algeria and Niger, placing it in the lower half of the global mobility table, far behind the global average of 100+ destinations. At the top, Singapore’s passport offers access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea (188), while Afghanistan remains the weakest with access to just 24 destinations. For Indian travellers, visa‑free access is concentrated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and island nations, but most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia still require advance visas. Comparatively, China ranks 59th with 81 destinations, Saudi Arabia 54th with 88, and South Africa 48th with 101, highlighting India’s relative lag in global mobility. Experts like Dr. Christian H. Kaelin (Henley & Partners) note that “passport privilege” reflects political stability, diplomatic credibility, and economic participation, with India’s limited access underscoring the need for stronger diplomatic outreach.
World Bank Increases India’s FY26 GDP forecast to 7.2% despite US tariffs (Business Today)
The World Bank has raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.2%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.3% in June 2025, citing robust domestic demand, tax cuts, and rising rural incomes. According to the Global Economic Prospects report, growth is expected to moderate to 6.5% in FY27 if the 50% US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration remain in place. Despite tariffs, services exports remained resilient and merchandise exports rose in November 2025, showing India’s ability to diversify trade markets. The Ministry of Finance’s first advance estimate projects GDP growth at 7.4% in FY26, slightly higher than the World Bank’s forecast. The World Bank also flagged concerns over India’s fiscal deficit, but expects gradual consolidation through government measures. In the broader South Asia Region (SAR), growth is projected to slow to 6.2% in 2026, largely due to US tariffs on India, before rebounding in 2027 with stronger services activity.
India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rises to 0.83% in December 2025 (Financial Express)
India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 0.83% in December 2025, compared to 0.71% in November, driven mainly by higher costs of manufactured goods and minerals. Manufactured products, which carry the highest weight in the WPI basket, recorded inflation of 1.82%, with the index rising from 145.0 to 145.6. The food inflation index remained flat at 0.00% year‑on‑year, though month‑on‑month food prices increased 0.51%, showing stability in food costs. The fuel and power index continued in deflation at ‑2.31%, helping contain overall wholesale inflation despite rising manufacturing costs. Primary articles registered 0.21% inflation YoY, supported by minerals and select food items, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) separately rose to 1.3% in December 2025, ahead of the Union Budget 2026 scheduled for February 1. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the WPI data, noting that January figures will be published on February 16, 2026.
