Business
Aadhaar vs Passport: 10 Key Differences All Citizens Must Know
Last Updated:
While Aadhaar serves as a proof of residence and identity, a passport validates citizenship.
Aadhaar is mandatory to receive benefits on various government schemes. (Photo Credit: Instaghram)
The two most important identity proof documents in India are Aadhaar and the passport. While both are used to establish your identity, there are specific differences in their usage, purpose and legal validity.
The passport is a document of citizenship and confirms that you are an Indian citizen, also entitling you to travel abroad. On the other hand, Aadhaar is a 12-digit ID that serves as proof of identity and residence of a person.
A passport must be signed by a Regional Passport Officer on behalf of the President of India. All sovereign and fiduciary powers remain with the Ministry of External Affairs even when Passport Seva Kendras are operated by private entities.
Although many people often confuse the two crucial documents, knowing their differences will allow you to use them correctly.
- Purpose and Legal basis
Aadhaar: Issued as per the framework under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, to identify residents and support government services, financial access, subsidies and e-KYC.
Passport: Designed under Passports Act, 1967, to certify citizenship and serve as an official international travel document.
- Eligibility
Aadhaar: Any “resident” who has spent at least 182 days in India during the preceding 12 months; citizenship is not necessary.
Passport: Only Indian nationals are eligible for passports; applications from non-citizens would be denied.
- Issuing Authority
Aadhaar: UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) via a dispersed enrolling agency network.
Passport: Issued by the Ministry of External Affairs via Passport Seva Kendras.
- Nature of right
Aadhaar: Provided to qualified residents as a matter of right.
Passport: A document of sovereign citizenship.
- Foreigners’ treatment
Aadhaar: Foreigners who fulfil the residence requirements can get an Aadhaar.
Passport: Only issued to non-citizens in rare cases where the government deems it to be in the public interest.
- Police verification
Aadhaar: Not required.
Passport: Mandatory under Passport Rules, 1980.
- Sovereign control
Aadhaar: Under the statutory framework, enrolment is managed by licenced entities.
Passport: MEA alone is responsible for its issuance, verification and granting.
- Authority signature
Aadhaar: Issuing authority’s signature is not required.
Passport: Signed by a Regional Passport Officer, representing the President of India.
- Form download
Aadhaar: e-Aadhaar is available for download.
Passport: You must have a physical passport booklet.
- Validity as a proof
Aadhaar: Clearly states that it is identification evidence, not proof of citizenship, residence, location, or birthdate.
Passport: No disclaimer; certifies nationality
An Aadhaar card is valid for a lifetime. It becomes invalid unless updated. A passport, on the other hand, comes with an expiry date after a fixed tenure, generally 10 years in the case of an adult.
Indian citizens consider Aadhaar as an essential identification proof. Despite its importance, it cannot be used for travel and does not prove citizenship. On the other hand, a passport is recognised worldwide as a travel document and proof of citizenship for all Indian nationals.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google.
February 08, 2026, 14:00 IST
Read More
Business
Noida International Airport inauguration: Delhi-NCR gets new airport – all you need to know – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding aviation infrastructure.PM Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel.
Developed at an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project is expected to enhance both regional and international connectivity for the National Capital Region (NCR).The airport is being positioned as a key addition to India’s aviation network, aimed at easing pressure on existing infrastructure while supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a global aviation hub.
Second international gateway for Delhi NCR
Noida International Airport has been developed as the second international gateway for Delhi NCR, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport, which currently handles the majority of the region’s air traffic.
.
With rising passenger demand and capacity constraints at IGI Airport, the new facility is expected to play a crucial role in distributing traffic more efficiently.Together, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system, helping reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance the region’s standing among leading global aviation hubs.
Phase I capacity and future expansion plans
Phase I of the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), providing immediate relief to the region’s growing air travel demand.The project has been planned with scalability in mind, with provisions to expand capacity to 70 million passengers annually in subsequent phases. This long-term vision reflects the government’s strategy to future-proof infrastructure and accommodate sustained growth in air travel.
Modern infrastructure and all-weather operations
The airport features a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, making it suitable for both domestic and international long-haul operations.
.
Equipped with advanced navigation systems such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and modern airfield lighting, the facility is designed to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations. These features ensure operational reliability even under challenging weather conditions.
Cargo hub and logistics ecosystem
In addition to passenger services, the airport includes a comprehensive cargo ecosystem aimed at strengthening logistics and trade.The Multi-Modal Cargo Hub comprises an Integrated Cargo Terminal and dedicated logistics zones, with an initial handling capacity of over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually. This capacity is expected to expand significantly to around 18 lakh metric tonnes in the future, positioning the airport as a major cargo and logistics centre in North India.
Dedicated MRO facility to enhance efficiency
A key component of the airport’s infrastructure is a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.This dedicated facility is expected to improve operational efficiency by enabling airlines to service and maintain aircraft locally, reducing turnaround times and operational costs. It also strengthens India’s capabilities in aviation maintenance services.
Sustainability and future-ready design
Noida International Airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions.The project incorporates energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices, aligning with India’s broader climate goals. The airport’s development reflects a growing emphasis on green infrastructure in large-scale projects.
Architecture inspired by Indian heritage
Blending modern infrastructure with cultural aesthetics, the airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from traditional Indian elements such as ghats and havelis.This approach aims to create a distinctive identity for the airport while offering passengers a sense of place rooted in Indian heritage.
Strategic location and multi-modal connectivity
Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, the airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub.It will feature seamless integration with road, rail, metro and regional transit systems, ensuring smooth connectivity for passengers and cargo. This connectivity is expected to significantly improve accessibility for travellers across Delhi NCR and neighbouring regions.
Boost to India’s aviation ambitions
The inauguration of Phase I of Noida International Airport is being seen as a major step in strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem.By expanding capacity, improving connectivity, and integrating modern infrastructure with sustainability, the project is expected to play a key role in positioning Delhi NCR as a major global aviation hub while supporting economic growth and regional development
Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
Source link
MUMBAI/BENGALURU: The restaurant industry is struggling to run regular operations due to the meagre supplies of LPG cylinders . With the govt’s move to hike commercial LPG allocation to up to 70%, it will take some time before the measure actually translates into sustained supply, executives said. “Supply is still hugely limited and erratic. A feeling of uncertainty looms large,” said Anurag Katriar, founder at Indigo Hospitality. The key question is how quickly this revised allocation will translate into on-ground availability, said Pradeep Shetty, vice-president at Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).A walk along Indiranagar’s 12th Main, known for its cluster of independent restaurants, reflects the strain. “It is all hand-to-mouth at this point,” said Nikhil Gupta, who runs brands including The Pizza Bakery and Paris Panini . The move doesn’t directly help the restaurant sector which is still getting 20%-30% of LPG supplies, said Sagar Daryani, co-founder & CEO at Wow! Momo Foods and president at National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). State-wise, the supply situation varies with some such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan restricting allocation for restaurants, hurting the sector , Daryani said.
Zayn Malik shares personal video message on ‘Mind of Mine’ 10th anniversary
EU Parliament, Council reach deal on major reform of Customs Code
Noida International Airport inauguration: Delhi-NCR gets new airport – all you need to know – The Times of India
-
Business1 week agoFlipkart group CFO to leave co amid IPO plans – The Times of India
-
Fashion1 week agoChina’s textile & apparel exports surge 17% to $50 bn in Jan-Feb 2026
-
Business1 week agoVideo: The Effects of High Oil Prices
-
Sports1 week agoRating Adidas’ 2026 World Cup away shirts: Argentina, Spain, Mexico and more
-
Fashion1 week agoThe hidden $1.62 war tax now embedded in every garment you source
-
Sports1 week agoAmerican Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti thanks Trump for Army-Navy game executive order
-
Tech1 week ago
The Corsair 4000D RS PC Case Keeps Your System Cool
-
Tech1 week ago‘Uncanny Valley’: Nvidia’s ‘Super Bowl of AI,’ Tesla Disappoints, and Meta’s VR Metaverse ‘Shutdown’