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<ul><li>Most Indian couples book their honeymoon packages within 30 days of departure.</li><li>Beaches are a preferred destination for the post-marriage trips of Indian newlyweds.</li><li>Couples are ready to spend more on comfort and luxury than ever before.</li></ul>In India, weddings are more than just events—they are grand festivals that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indian-weddings-expected-to-generate-6-lakh-crore-in-two-months-cait-says/articleshow/114934657.cms">fuel business opportunities</a> across multiple industries. With the wedding season approaching, many soon-to-be-married couples have already planned their first post-wedding trip, while others are in the midst of booking their honeymoon getaways. Newlyweds aren’t just looking for a vacation; they’re seeking unique and meaningful experiences that will leave lasting memories. Additionally, they also want to spend some time getting to know each other better. This is even better in case of an arranged marriage setup. From unwinding on exotic beaches to discovering peaceful hill stations, the honeymoon preferences of Indian couples are as diverse as the regions they call home. To gain insights into Indian couples’ honeymoon preferences and planning styles, <keyword id="54613" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MakeMyTrip" source="Orion">MakeMyTrip</keyword> has analysed its booking data, releasing a report titled ‘How India Travels for Honeymoon’. The report highlights the travel trends and behaviours of couples embarking on this special journey. <h2>Beaches are a favourite for Indian couples</h2>Be it for domestic or international destinations, beaches have consistently been the top choice for newlyweds planning their first post-wedding trip, as per the report. This year’s data reflects the same trend. Internationally, <keyword id="11905404" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thailand" source="Orion">Thailand</keyword> has emerged as the leading honeymoon destination for Indian couples in 2023-24, topping honeymoon package bookings on MakeMyTrip. With a notable 5.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase, Thailand has surpassed the Maldives, last year’s favourite, which saw a 16.2% YoY decline in bookings. Meanwhile, the other top international destinations—Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam—also experienced growth in their booking shares this year. Domestically, the Andamans have overtaken Kerala as the most popular honeymoon destination, with a 6.9% year-on-year increase in honeymoon package bookings. Kashmir also rose in popularity, gaining 3.6% in bookings and moving into third place. Bookings for Goa remained steady compared to last year, while Himachal Pradesh experienced a 4% decline. Other regions, including the Northeast, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, also attracted Indian couples looking for memorable honeymoon experiences within the country. <h2>Couples going far</h2>Indian honeymooners are exploring far places increasingly drawn to new and diverse destinations. While international spots like Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have seen significant year-on-year growth in honeymoon package bookings, this trend extends beyond just short-haul destinations. Because of Easy Visa, Japan has seen the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon package booking. Other long-haul destinations that have seen maximum growth for honeymoon package bookings include Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand. <h2>Honeymooners from Metro cities going all out to create Insta-worthy memories</h2>Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are driving the demand for premium honeymoon packages, contributing to more than two-thirds of all honeymoon package bookings. However, cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also seeing a notable shift from budget to premium travel. Couples are ready to spend more on luxury and pampering during their honeymoon. The average spending per couple has gone up by 13% compared to last year. In fact, 68% of newlyweds booked 4-star or 5-star hotels for their stay. One in every five honeymoon bookings was for a 5-star property in 2023-24, showing a 10% increase from the previous year. Newlyweds are not only spending more on comfort and luxury but are also increasingly choosing to visit multiple destinations during their honeymoon. Domestically, the number of couples visiting four or more cities increased from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. Internationally, while more than half of honeymooners still prefer visiting just one city, the percentage of couples choosing to explore two or more cities grew from 32% to 47%. <h2>Personalised experiences demand all-time high</h2>Couples are seeking more personalised and romantic experiences than ever before. Honeymoon package bookings have grown by 25% compared to last year, showing that many couples want a fully planned, curated experience. Over 95% of honeymoon bookings this year included special activities. As a result, MMT saw a 56% increase in bookings for premium romantic activities like couples' photoshoots, romantic dinners, cruises (sunset, dinner, or catamaran), spa sessions, and floating breakfasts. <h2>Couples booking packages last minute</h2>The report also adds that Indian couples are booking their honeymoons closer to their travel dates. For domestic packages, 56% were booked within 30 days of departure, and 38% were booked the same way for international packages. This matches the overall trend of Indian travellers, who usually book closer to their travel dates. However, 31% of couples travelling internationally booked their honeymoon more than two months in advance, compared to just 18% for domestic trips. To gain more insights, MakeMyTrip also surveyed over 200 people who booked their honeymoon packages through the platform. The survey revealed that 70% of couples went on their honeymoon within 10 days of their wedding, 10% travelled between 10 days to a month later, and 20% waited more than a month to go.

Indian couples prefer Thailand and Andamans for honeymoon, says MakeMyTrip

Top 10 scuba diving destinations in India

As the summer sun paints the landscape with warmth and vitality, it's the perfect time to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery across the diverse terrain of India. From serene hill stations to pristine beaches and cultural wonders, the country offers a myriad of experiences to suit every traveler's taste. If you're wondering where to head this summer, here's a curated list of the top 10 places to visit in India: Leh-Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir A land of rugged beauty and surreal landscapes, Leh-Ladakh is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the breathtaking vistas of the Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Magnetic Hill, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this Himalayan region. Manali, Himachal Pradesh Nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range, Manali beckons travelers with its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance. From adventurous treks to leisurely strolls amidst apple orchards, there's something for everyone in this charming hill station. Goa Known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, Goa is the ultimate summer destination for beach lovers. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the pristine shores of Palolem or partying the night away in Baga, Goa offers an unforgettable experience. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Renowned as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and the gateway to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a haven for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Indulge in yoga and meditation retreats, embark on thrilling river rafting expeditions, and explore the tranquil beauty of this sacred town. Darjeeling, West Bengal Perched atop the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is famed for its lush tea gardens, toy train rides, and panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Savor a cup of aromatic Darjeeling tea, take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and witness breathtaking sunrise from Tiger Hill. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Escape the summer heat and retreat to the misty hills of Kodaikanal, often referred to as the "Princess of Hill Stations." Explore the tranquil lakes, verdant forests, and scenic viewpoints, and unwind amidst the pristine beauty of this charming destination. Shillong, Meghalaya Known as the "Scotland of the East," Shillong captivates visitors with its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant culture. Explore the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, trek to the sacred peak of Shillong Peak, and immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of the local music scene. Andaman and Nicobar Islands With its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a tropical paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Snorkel amidst colorful coral reefs, explore historical landmarks like Cellular Jail, and unwind on the secluded beaches of Havelock Island. Coorg, Karnataka Known as the "Scotland of India," Coorg entices visitors with its lush coffee plantations, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. Embark on nature walks through the verdant forests, savor freshly brewed coffee, and rejuvenate amidst the serene beauty of this enchanting destination. Udaipur, Rajasthan Often referred to as the "City of Lakes" and the "Venice of the East," Udaipur exudes regal charm and timeless elegance. Explore the majestic palaces, serene lakes, and intricate architecture of this romantic city, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. As you plan your summer escapade across the diverse landscapes of India, these top 10 destinations promise to offer an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, set out on an expedition of discovery, and let the magic of India's summer destinations unfold before you. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Beat the heat: 10 amazing places in India to embrace summer

To promote tourism in <keyword id="73024" type="General" weightage="90" keywordseo="andaman" source="Orion">Andaman</keyword> and Nicobar Islands the union territory administration has decided to open uninhabited <keyword id="7353441" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aves-Island" source="Orion">Aves Island</keyword> in North and Middle Andaman district for travellers, officials said. The Aves is a small and beautiful island, also known as Coconut Island for its lush green coconut plantation. Presently, Aves is not open to tourists. It is an uninhabited Island with no accommodation facilities. The administration has proposed a five-star eco-tourism resort in Aves Island on public-private partnership mode. Aves Island is very close to Mayabunder town. The presence of various natural features (live and dead coral flat beds, coconut plantation, forest) and the pristine beach at Aves Island with a coastline of 2 km, makes it an ideal destination for campers, they said. Trekking within the island through the coconut plantations and small jungle trail takes the tourists to the lighthouse on the southern point. A land parcel of 2.75 hectares is owned by the local administration, which will be handover to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) on a lease basis for the development of the project under Public-Private Partnership mode and on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis, they said. With an investment of nearly Rs 36 core, the five-star eco-tourism resort at Aves Island will have 50 rooms where the concessionaire can undertake various activities like a shopping area for local souvenirs, scuba diving, game fishing, forest trekking, nature camping, wellness centre, etc. ANIIDCO Managing Director Nandini Paliwal told PTI that, "The Investor Conference organised by ANIIDCO in Delhi, on December 4 for tourism and hospitality projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has received a very encouraging response from leading hospitality players. "We are confident that with the active collaboration of the private sector, the projects proposed to be implemented in PPP mode will succeed in bringing world-class sustainable tourism infrastructure and put Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism circuit. It will contribute to the socio-economic development of the islands and its people." To bring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourist map, the administration has also prepared a Project Information Memorandum (PIM), under the banner of "Development of Eco Tourism Projects in Andaman Islands - 2023 for the holistic development of 14 more tourist places, which includes Lalaji Bay beach at Long Island, Ross-Smith Island, Shaheed Dweep spread across North Andaman, Middle Andaman and South Andaman. To lure investors, ANIIDCO organised an event in Delhi on December 4 to obtain feedback and suggestions from potential investors for making the initiative for the "Development of Eco-Tourism Projects in the Andaman Islands". Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral D K Joshi (Retd), and Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra were present at the event. The chief secretary highlighted various initiatives taken by the administration for strengthening the infrastructure related to connectivity, power, water supply, etc. which will provide impetus to the development of tourism in the Islands. The main objective of the projects is to provide world-class and sustainable tourism infrastructure with low environmental impact and provision for the socio-economic involvement of the local population. "We are optimistic that such an investor's meet will surely make this beautiful Island the most sought-after destination for travellers and business leaders," Surendra Prahladka, President of Andaman Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry (ACCI), who was also present at the event, told PTI.

Andaman to open uninhabited Aves Island for travellers in bid to attract tourism

Heavy rains are predicted to lash <keyword id="20154" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="tamil-nadu" source="Orion">Tamil Nadu</keyword> and <keyword id="6354306" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="puducherry" source="Orion">Puducherry</keyword> from December 7-9 due to low pressure over the southern part of the Andaman Sea and adjoining areas under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over the <keyword id="527734" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="south-andaman-sea" source="Orion">South Andaman Sea</keyword> and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean-Strait of Malacca, the <keyword id="272880" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-met-department" source="Orion">Indian Met Department</keyword> said on Monday. The IMD in its bulletin today said that the cyclonic circulation extends upto mid-tropospheric levels is likely to move north-west and concentrate into a great depression over south-east Bay of Bengal, by Tuesday evening. Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on December 5along with isolated heavy rainfall on Wednesday, December 6. Also, enhanced rainfall is expected to commence over the north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from December 7 mid-night. It is expected to turn from heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy at some places of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 8, Thursday. Some places of Tamil Nadu may also receive very heavy rainfall on Friday, December 9. The depression is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm and reach <keyword id="6364822" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="south" source="Orion">South</keyword>-west Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry and the adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the morning of December 8, when it is expected to have its landfall. The wind speed will be reaching upto 90 kmph over the south-west Bay of Bengal on Thursday. It will gradually decrease thereafter. Wind speed gusting upto 60 kmph is likely to commence along Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, South Andhra Pradesh and north Sri Lankan coasts from Thursday morning, gusting at a speed of 80 kmph till Friday morning. The wind speed would gradually decrease to 45-55 kmph to 65 kmph by Friday evening. The sea condition is expected to be very during this period and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea until the storm subsides. Fishermen have been advised to not venture into the sea along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh Coast and <keyword id="75771" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gulf-of-mannar" source="Orion">Gulf of Mannar</keyword>

Low pressure mounts over Andaman Sea, heavy rain expected to lash TN

<ul><li>Despite having zero Covid-19 cases, people here continue to take precautions like wearing masks.</li><li><keyword id="1802935" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Havelock-Island">Havelock Island</keyword> not only offers some stunning beaches, but it also has some of the top diving destinations in the country.</li><li>If you are hankering for some serious digital detox there is no better place than Havelock - there is limited to zero connectivity on the island.</li></ul> Earlier this month, Dr. Niveditha Vasireddy, a psychiatrist from Visakhapatnam, travelled to the <keyword id="54020" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands">Andaman and Nicobar Islands</keyword>. The archipelago, of around 300 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a Union Territory of India, which if you look at the map seems closer to Thailand and Myanmar than to India. She tells Business Insider, not able to control her excitement, how she has never imagined experiencing such clean and untouched white sandy beaches in India. "I mean, you can expect such an experience in countries like the Philippines, but in India... my mind was blown,” she says. <div type="image" title="Elephant beach, Havelock" msid="81127084" hostid="261"></div> The picturesque white sandy beaches of the <keyword id="162996" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andaman-Islands">Andaman Islands</keyword> are not considered by most as an option for a beach vacation. And perhaps it is for the best, because as is the case with most popular tourist destinations, the more touristy they become, the more we expose the location to environmental risks. But if responsible tourism is your jam, and you do not mind paying a little more money for a truly magical experience, then the Andaman Islands is the place to visit. Dr. Vasireddy, along with a few friends, decided to ditch the idea of vacationing in Goa and chose a place where they can get away from it all — plus, there was the added advantage of the location being COVID-free. In fact, it was the first place in India with zero<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-first-to-be-covid-free/articleshow/80657352.cms"> active cases</a> as of 03 February 2021. Regardless of the fact, she was pleasantly surprised that people on the Island continue to take safety very seriously and said all the locals were wearing face masks. In case you forget to wear yours, they will politely inform you that if you don't, you will get 'challand’ (a challan). Please note that it is mandatory to present an RTPCR Covid negative test at <keyword id="107932" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PORT-BLAIR">Port Blair</keyword>. The authorities validate the test against the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) website. Only once the validity is confirmed do the officials stamp the document, and without this stamped paper, you will not be allowed to take the ferry to any of the Islands. Flights from all major cities of the country, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi, land at the capital Port Blair. <div type="image" title="Havelock Island" msid="81128095" hostid="261"></div> HAVELOCK ISLAND The island not only offers some stunning beaches, but it also has some of the top diving destinations in the country. It is an excellent place to learn deep-sea diving so that you can explore the underwater marvels. Havelock Island is one of the few places where inexperienced divers can try out a single dive instead of signing up for a full course. The water is teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays and much more. It also has a healthy population of colourful live corals. The best part is that you don't need to be a swimmer to try scuba diving. The crystal blue waters are so clear that you can always opt for snorkelling if you want to skip scuba diving. There is also an excellent night kayaking expedition that takes you through the mangroves. The unreal experience of watching the water bioluminescence below and the sky filled stars above cannot be paralleled. <div type="image" title="scuba diving, Havelock" msid="81126940" hostid="261"></div> There is so much to see in Havelock that it is best to hire a bike or cycle. But we must warn you that while happily cruising on well-made tar roads you may land up literally nowhere. "Some (roads) took us to beaches and others just abruptly ended by fields or the forest," Dr. Vasireddy tells us. <div type="image" title="Roads leading to nowhere, Havelock" msid="81127015" hostid="261"></div> Beaches <keyword id="1578932" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Radhanagar-beach">Radhanagar Beach</keyword> (Beach No.7), Elephant Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No.5) are some of the most well-known beaches in Havelock. Radhanagar beach is flanked by the ocean on one side and lush rainforest on the other. This west-facing beach is ideal for catching the sunset. You can also walk down to Neil's Cove, a secluded spot perfect for sunbathing and a spot for swimming in shallow water. <div type="image" title="Sunset at Havelock" msid="81127095" hostid="261"></div> Elephant beach may not be easy to get to, but the beauty of the place more than makes up for the effort. The beach features some bleached driftwood and logs that provide an excellent backdrop for a photo-op. This is also an ideal place to go snorkelling. Vijaynagar beach is where the buzz is. This is where most of the restaurants, hotels and snorkelling centres are situated. The beach faces east and is, therefore, a great place to catch the sunrise. However, because the water is shallow and strewn with rocks, swimming here is not the easiest. <div type="image" title="Red snapper grilled in lemon pepper sauce with rice and roasted potatoes" msid="81127169" hostid="261"></div> Food The local food, if idyllic surroundings are not enough, is usually a combination of Indian and continental cuisine that is absolutely delicious. Dr. Vasireddy recommends - Fat Martin's Cafe in Vijaynagar that serves south Indian food including a delicious Nutella dosa; Anju Coco that strangely enough serves the "best biriyani”; Something Different serves excellent continental seafood pizza and amazing desserts; Moonlight Cafe is great for seafood. The restaurants here are a seafood lovers paradise, serving up a fantastic variety of fresh red snappers, calamari, prawns, and so much more. That being said, there are plenty of vegetarian options too. Accommodation There are plenty of hotels to choose from high-end Taj Hotels to more affordable options like Wild Orchid, SilverSand Beach Resort, Munjoh Ocean Resort and Symphony Palms Beach Resort. The hotels are clean, and most are environmentally conscious. Most hotels and restaurants on the Island provide only RO water and not plastic bottles, as is sadly the norm elsewhere. And if you choose to buy water, the local stores have nothing smaller than 2-litre bottles to reduce the amount of plastic used. <div type="image" title="Bambooka, the government ferry" msid="81127801" hostid="261"></div> How to get there From Port Blair, the best way to get to Havelock is by ferry. The government ferry from Port Blair to Havelock takes around 2.5 hours but please note that the outside deck area has no seating, so you will have to bring something to place on the floor to sit on. The booking process is slightly cumbersome, but you can get a travel agent to take care of everything, which will still be cheaper than private options. MV Makruzz and Coastal Cruise are the private companies that ferry people across to the Island. They take around 1.5 hours to get to Havelock. Connectivity If you are hankering for some serious digital detox there is no better place than Havelock. There is limited to no connectivity on the island. BSNL is the only cellular service that works but the network is patchy. Hotels usually provide wi-fi access, but most are limited to the lobby area. <div type="image" title="Port Blair" msid="81127917" hostid="261"></div> PORT BLAIR While Andaman and Nicobar Islands' capital may not seem all that appealing as a tourism destination, there are plenty of places you can visit while here. There is a high probability of you spending the night there since the ferries to the islands do not operate at night. So depending on your flight timing, chances are, one way or the other you will have to stay in Port Blair. If you opt to stay in Port Blair, <keyword id="10800405" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chidiya-Tapu">Chidiya Tapu</keyword> (Bird Island) is an excellent place to explore. The area offers some fabulous diving spots, including Mundapahad, ideal for beginners and the old shipwreck, a site for advanced divers and home to clownfish, schooling snapper, resting ray and lots of colourful corals. If you want to give the water a break, the place is an excellent spot for birdwatching. The mangroves and rainforests here play host to a bunch of migratory birds and flowers. You can also hike to Mundapahad lighthouse. ReefWatch Marine Conservation, in collaboration with Lacadives, offers an informative mangrove walk (when the tide is out) and informs you about the surrounding ecosystem. <div type="image" title="The view from Mt. Harriet" msid="81127981" hostid="261"></div> Dr. Vasireddy decided to stay at the relatively new Big Tree Resort featuring only eight cabins, an in-house restaurant and a supremely friendly dog called Momo. Momo insists all guests should play with him and will bring you a coconut husk that you need to pry out of his mouth and throw so that he can fetch it, thus providing an excellent way to drive away the blues. <div type="image" title="Cellular Jail" msid="81128022" hostid="261"></div> Another site that may be worth a visit, especially if you are a history buff, is the colonial prison called Cellular Jail (Kālā Pānī) that is where most freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were shipped off to before independence. There is an informative light show in the evening and the tour of the jail itself is quite fascinating. <div type="image" title="Limestone Caves" msid="81128047" hostid="261"></div> BARATANG MANGROVE FOREST AND LIMESTONE CAVES To experience the fascinating limestone caves and mangrove forests in <keyword id="5041058" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Baratang-Island">Baratang Island</keyword>, you will have to head to the Jirkatang check post (a little over an hour-long-drive from Port Plair), which marks the beginning of the area where the Jarawa tribes of Andaman Islands live. After the clearance is done, you can drive through Jarawa reserve forest, but note that taking photos is strictly not prohibited. Once you reach the other end, you have to take a ferry to cross the water and arrive at Baratang. Here you can take a permit and board a speedboat to ride through the mangroves and arrive at a trekking spot from where you have to walk for 1.2 km through villages to reach the spectacular limestone caves. The journey may sound daunting, but this is one of the unforgettable experiences you wouldn't want to miss. However, respecting the people's privacy and regulations, particularly of the tribals, is of paramount importance.

Exploring the unreal beauty of the Andaman Islands

<ul><li>Over ten members of the tribe have tested positive for coronavirus and have been moved to the hospital. </li><li>The news of the virus reaching the <keyword id="9835182" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="great-andamanese-tribe">Great Andamanese tribe</keyword> has raised concerns around the Jarawa and Sentinelese people – some of the most isolated tribes in the world. </li><li>The <keyword id="54020" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andaman-and-Nicobar-Islands">Andaman and Nicobar islands</keyword> have been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with over 2000 cases and 42 reported deaths.</li></ul>The Great <keyword id="73024" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andaman">Andaman</keyword>ese tribe has lived through centuries in the archipelago of Andaman. They have seen their numbers dwindle as they faced the British, diseases, and the growing threat from the development around them. And now another test awaits the final 50 odd members of the tribe – the COVID-19 pandemic has reached their lands. Over <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/aug/27/coronavirus-hits-isolated-great-andamanese-tribe-10-infected-2189097.html">ten members</a> of the tribe have tested positive for coronavirus and have been moved to the hospital. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have been fighting the coronavirus pandemic with over 2000 cases, and 42 deaths were reported. The islands have been implementing weekend lockdowns and partial lockdowns during the week to control the virus in the union territory, which has a population of just 4 lakh. Growing calls for ‘Save the tribe’ The news of the virus reaching the Great Andamanese tribe has also raised concerns regarding the Jarawa and Sentinelese people – some of the most isolated tribes in the world. While experts say that some of them could have contracted the virus during their visits to the main island, this has sparked fears over the survival of Andaman’s oldest tribes now. "The Andaman authorities must act urgently to prevent the virus reaching more Great Andamanese and to prevent infection in the other tribes," said Sophie Grig, a senior researcher with the <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/great-andamanese-tribe-coronavirus-10-members-of-andamans-isolated-tribe-test-positive-for-coronavirus-2286256">London-based Survival</a>. The tribe is known to be overprotective of their territories, warding off foreigners who visit their island. In 2018, the Sentinelese tribe had <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/american-tourist-allegedly-killed-by-a-remote-indigenous-tribe-on-indias-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-that-had-little-contact-with-the-outside-world/articleshow/66733605.cms">made news</a> as a 26-year old missionary was allegedly killed by the people on his visit to the sentinel island. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-likely-to-introduce-a-second-defence-import-embargo-list-by-the-end-of-year-as-it-chases-down-5-billion-in-exports/articleshow/77797223.cms">India likely to introduce a second defence ‘import embargo’ list by the end of year as it chases down $5 billion in exports</a>

COVID-19 strikes ten of the 50 surviving members of the Great Andamanese tribe

<keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> on Monday inaugurated a submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai and Port Blair, which will enable delivery of faster and more reliable mobile and landline telecommunication services to the islands, on par with other parts of India. "This optical fibre cable project is a gift for the people of Andaman before the Independence Day. This is a symbol of our commitment towards ease of living. Be it online classes, tourism, banking, shopping, or telemedicine, thousands of families in Andaman and Nicobar will now get access," Modi said. The <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> said that tourists will also reap huge benefits from this facility as better net connectivity is the first priority of any tourist destination. "The problem of mobile and <keyword id="735633" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-connectivity">Internet connectivity</keyword> has now been resolved. Apart from this, physical connectivity through road, air, and water is also being strengthened." He pointed out that the project will lead to high-speed broadband connectivity, fast and reliable mobile and landline telecom services, which in turn will give a big boost to the local economy and delivery of e-governance, telemedicine, and tele-education services. The project is funded by the government of India through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. About 2,300-km long cable has been laid at a cost of about Rs 1,224 crore. The submarine cable will also connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island, and Rangat. The foundation stone of this project was laid by the Prime Minister on December 30, 2018 at Port Blair. The submarine OFC link will deliver a bandwidth of 2x200 Gigabits per second between Chennai and Port Blair, and 2x100 Gbps between Port Blair and other islands. Provision of reliable, robust, and high-speed telecom and broadband facilities in these islands will be a landmark achievement from the viewpoint of consumers, as well as for strategic and governance reasons. The 4G mobile services, which were constrained due to limited backhaul bandwidth provided via satellite, will also see a major improvement. Enhanced telecom and broadband connectivity will boost tourism and employment generation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and also give an impetus to the economy and thus raise the standards of living of the populace. Better connectivity will also facilitate delivery of e-governance services such as telemedicine and tele-education. Small enterprises will benefit from the opportunities in e-commerce, while educational institutions will utilise the enhanced availability of bandwidth for e-learning and knowledge-sharing. Business Process Outsourcing services and other medium and large enterprises will also reap the benefits of better connectivity. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/former-president-of-india-pranab-mukherjee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/articleshow/77459256.cms">Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee tests positive for COVID-19</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/list-of-weapons-that-india-can-make-at-home-and-the-ones-it-cannot/slidelist/77459796.cms">List of weapons that India can make at home — and the ones it cannot</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/markets/news/share-prices-of-bhel-lt-hal-bharat-forge-bharat-dynamic-and-others-are-rallying-in-the-stock-market-today/articleshow/77455503.cms">HAL’s share price jumps by over 8% as defence stocks rally after India announces import ban</a>

Andaman and Nicobar islands' fast-speed internet will depend on a 2,300 kilometre-long fibre optic cable

Port Blair, Jun 30 () The Andaman and Nicobar Islands has recently seen a spurt in cornavirus cases with the infection tally mounting to 97 on Tuesday, a health official said. The archipelago had managed well the first wave of infections triggered by the arrival of nine returnees from Tablighi Jamaat's event in Delhi mid-March, with all 33 COVID-19 positive persons getting cured and returning home by May 10. Rigorous lockdown restrictions helped the islands stay coronavirus-free before the infection knocked the doors of the islands on June 10, when two persons, who flew back home from outside tested positive. Since then there has been a steady spike in coronavirus cases with flights landing here from different destinations. A total of 97 confirmed cases have been reported so far in the Union territory, out of which 45 have been cured, leaving it with 52 active cases, Director of health service of Andaman and Nicobar and nodal officer for coronavirus Avijeet Roy told . "Most cases have been detected among flight passengers arriving here from Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata," he said. Recently, a girl who flew back from Chennai after getting treatment for some other disease tested positive for coronavirus, the nodal officer said, adding seven of her family members contracted the infection from her. There are 18 Army jawans among those found infected and they are undergoing treatment, Roy said. According to sources, 104 Army jawans had gone to Nashik in Maharashtra for training and returned back here on June 20 by a special plane, and 18 among them tested positive for the highly contagious disease. They are residents of localities like Bathubastu Naushad colony and Broksbad. Some of their kin got infected after coming into their contact. Roy said the local ICMR laboratory is testing over 400 samples daily. Concerned over the rapid spread of the virus here, former MP Vishupad Rai urged the Union government to cut down the frequency of flights to the islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands had managed well the initial spell of the contagion when nine persons, who had returned from Tablighi Jamaat event in Nizamuddin in the national capital, were found to have contracted the disease in late March. They were immediately segregated and taken to hospitals from the airport itself. A male passenger flying back home from Chennai on June 7 later tested positive, while a woman, wife of a defence staff posted here, returning from Delhi on the same date was subsequently found positive. She had got stuck in the national capital during lockdown and flew back to Port Blair on June 7 by an Indigo flight. The Chennai returnee, a resident of Prathapur colony, subsequently infected some of the family members and also neighbours. Of the 572 islands in Andaman and Nicobar, 37 are inhabited. CORR SNS SRY

Coronavirus: 97 confirmed cases in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

New Delhi, Oct 9 () A low-pressure area formed over north Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a depression and move towards the east coast, bringing <keyword id="69024" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="heavy-rainfall">heavy rainfall</keyword> from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and Telangana on Sunday and Monday, the <keyword id="6366970" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="imd">IMD</keyword> has warned. It said the low-pressure area formed this morning and is likely to turn into a depression in the next 24 hours. A low-pressure area is the first stage of any cyclone but it is not necessary that every low-pressure area intensifies into a cyclone. However, cyclones usually form in the Bay of Bengal and batter the east coast in October. Under the influence of this low-pressure area and the resultant cyclonic circulation, light-to-moderate rainfall is likely at most places with heavy (6.5-12 cm) falls at isolated places over Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands on Friday and Saturday. From Saturday, rainfall will also lash Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka and Marathwada. It will intensify in the areas except for Rayalaseema on Sunday and Monday, the <keyword id="6355166" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-meteorological-department">India Meteorological Department</keyword> said. The sea is also expected to be rough. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea and east-central Bay of Bengal on October 9-10, along and off Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts and over Gulf of Mannar from early Sunday till Monday forenoon. "Fishermen out at sea in the Bay of Bengal are advised to return to the coast," the IMD said in a statement. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/what-was-the-harshad-mehta-scam-1992-checkout-this-story-on-sonyliv/articleshow/78571540.cms">Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story is streaming on SonyLIV— Here's what the infamous scam was all about</a><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/what-was-the-harshad-mehta-scam-1992-checkout-this-story-on-sonyliv/articleshow/78571540.cms"></a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/supreme-court-refuses-to-cancel-clat-or-stay-the-counselling-process/articleshow/78571183.cms">Supreme Court refuses to cancel CLAT or stay the counselling process</a>

Heavy rainfall likely in parts of east coast, Karnataka and Telangana on October 11 and 12, says IMD

Port Blair, Oct 4 () The COVID-19 tally of Andaman and Nicobar Islands rose to 3,868 on Sunday as 10 more people tested positive for the infection, a health official said. Eight new patients were detected during contact tracing, while two have travel history, he said. Eleven more people were cured of the disease, the official said. The Union territory now has 173 active coronavirus cases, while 3,642 people have been cured of the disease and 53 patients have succumbed to the infection so far, he said. The administration had till Saturday sent 61,231 samples for COVID-19 tests, of which 22 reports were awaited, the official added. COR RG RG

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