Woman notices strange gold symbol on new Indian passport, internet rushes to explain: ‘My old passport never had this’ | Today’s news
A seemingly ordinary detail on a renewed Indian passport has become the subject of online debate after a social media user shared the photo and asked other users to help solve the mystery.
The post was shared by a user named Pooja who noticed a small golden rectangle like symbol on the bottom of her passport cover. Even though the mark seemed inconspicuous, it was enough to make her wonder if it served a greater purpose.
A small detail that raised big questions
Pooja shared her observation online, writing: “Just got my passport renewed and noticed this weird little rectangle on the bottom. Funny thing is my old passport never had it. I stared at it for a while wondering what it was. Is it a new security feature? Some hidden tracking code? Or something to do with passport verification and identification? It looks simple here but you know it instantly. what for does this rectangle actually serve at the bottom of the waist?
The question quickly resonated with other social media users, many of whom were equally intrigued by the unfamiliar symbol appearing on the newer Indian passports.
Soon the comments section was flooded with explanations from users who claimed to know exactly what the symbol represented.
Users point to the introduction of the Indian electronic passport
One user explained that the brand is related to India’s e-passport initiative.
“That dot (or small golden rectangle/symbol) on the cover of your new Indian passport identifies it as an e-passport with an embedded RFID chip.
It is a standard international biometric symbol (a rectangle with a circle in the middle) printed in gold on the bottom of the front cover. Your old passport didn’t have it because it was the traditional non-electronic version.
You’re right.. It’s a built-in chip…”
The response generated considerable attention, with many users agreeing that the symbol is commonly seen on biometric passports issued around the world.
Why the symbol matters
Several commentators have pointed out that while this symbol may seem insignificant, it indicates the presence of technology designed to support identity verification and travel documentation.
One user commented: “It’s amazing how a small detail on a waist can have such an important function behind the scenes.”
Another pointed out that the symbol is not unique to India.
“Most western passports have the same symbol. No need to worry. Its E-passport,” the user wrote.
The discussion soon developed into a wider conversation about the growing use of biometric travel documents around the world and how countries are moving towards digitally enhanced passport systems.
The Internet explains the global standard
As the post gained traction, more users joined in with similar explanations.
“It’s an e-passport equipped with a biometric chip. Such passports are routinely issued by many countries around the world,” wrote another commenter.
A fifth user added that electronic passports could become more common in the coming years.
“It’s an E-Passport. This is an international standard. Very few Indians have it. Older passports will be phased out in the next 1-2 years. E-passport will soon be mandatory for travel to most countries,” a user commented.
