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<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the <keyword id="19998949" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Unified-Payments-Interface" source="keywords">Unified Payments Interface</keyword> in the archipelago nation, which will have a "very positive" impact on its <keyword id="20260982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-sector" source="keywords">tourism sector</keyword>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives. "Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives," he said in a post on X. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their "productive discussions", Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has "revolutionised digital transactions". Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said "Today 40 per cent of the world's real-time digital payments take place in our country." "We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said. "I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism," he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange. Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past," Jaishankar said. "It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities," he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, "Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education." "Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers," he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, "India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner." He said the "enduring friendship" was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. "High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership," he said. "Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India," he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing "effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations." Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzu's proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. "This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries," he said. Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects "our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region." India's relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date. "On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights," Zameer said. In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives "are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners." "Today, we are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts," he said. In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted. India's actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper', Jaishankar said. 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India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A Dutch developer is building a sprawling, <keyword id="14256716" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="floating" source="Orion">floating</keyword> city in the <keyword id="11900669" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="maldives" source="Orion">Maldives</keyword>.</li><li>The city is slated to house 20,000 people in a web of 5,000 floating buildings.</li></ul>A Dutch architectural firm is on a mission to create a floating city located just 10 minutes away from Male.The Maldives Floating City, designed by Dutch firm Waterstudio, is an expansive mass of modular floating platforms in the pattern of a brain coral. Koen Olthuis, the founder of Waterstudio, the architectural firm behind the city, told Insider that the project is a collaboration between the Dutch Docklands, a local developer, and the local government in Male. One of its aims is to free up more room for housing on the mainland.Olthuis told Insider that building the floating city would also offer a solution to the threat of rising sea levels for generations to come. "It will be a walkable city with floating streets, utilizing boats for the transport of goods and people within the city, and to the capital city of Male," Olthuis said.He added that the cost of living in the city itself would be comparable to local land-based developments in the Maldives. "In 2027, we should have 20,000 people living in 5,000 houses," Olthius estimated.<div type="image" title="A mock-up image of the Maldives Floating City" height="864" width="1152" msid="92376838" hostid="261" sizebytes="101898"></div><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/maldives-floating-city-spc-intl/index.html">According to CNN</a>, the city will be opening up its first units for viewing this month, with prices starting at $150,000 for a studio apartment, and going up to $250,000 for a family home. The developers expect residents to begin moving into the <keyword id="11970797" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="island" source="Orion">island</keyword> in early 2024, with the whole city due to be completed by 2027. Per the developer's <a href="https://maldivesfloatingcity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210314-Press-release-MFC-ENGLISH-N.pdf">press release</a>, the city will comprise modular, hexagonal segments connected to an outer ring of barrier islands. The bottom portion of the city will be attached to stabilizers that buttress it against the waves while also keeping the buildings and structures safe against the current.The idea for the Maldives Floating City is similar to that of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/floating-city-busan-south-korea-un-oceanix-rising-sea-levels-2022-4">Oceanix</a>, a concept for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/floating-cities-history-utopia-government-2019-4">floating city</a> made up of interconnected platforms. Busan, a port city in South Korea, has agreed to host the UN-backed project, which is set to accommodate around 12,000 people. Patrick Verkooijen, the CEO of climate think-tank the Global Center on Adaptation, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/maldives-floating-city-spc-intl/index.html">CNN</a> that he thought the idea of a floating city was a good solution to rising sea levels. "The cost of not adapting to these flood risks is extraordinary," Verkooijen told the outlet. "We have a choice to make: we either delay and pay, or we plan and prosper. Floating offices and floating buildings are part of this planning against the climate of the future."

A floating city is being built in the Maldives. It comprises a web of residences, shops, and schools that will one day be home to 20,000 people.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword>' resorts are often considered paradise on earth.</li><li>But for staffers, who live tucked away from guests' sight in the middle of the island, <keyword id="21459" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Resort">resort</keyword> life can come with hard realities.</li><li>Pontiac Land Group is trying to change that by creating a staff campus on an island of its own.</li></ul>Kevin Willis has worked at three different Maldives resorts. Currently, he's a learning and development manager at Patina Maldives, a new luxury resort that's replete with all the usual trappings - overwater villas, a marina with 20 berths for yachts up to 80 feet long, spa center, you name it. And yet, this is the first time in five years of work that he, a staffer, has ever had a room with a sea view.While the Maldives is paradise for guests, it isn't necessarily a dream for resort staff. Many employees face hard realities - among them isolation, cultural clashes, and feeling like second-class citizens - as they work on an island in the middle of the ocean for months on end.Singapore's luxury hotel owner Pontiac Land Group wants to change that. It's launching three new resorts in a string of four islands called the Fari Islands in the Maldives' north Male atoll. All four islands are a quick water-taxi ride away from each other. Three of those islands boast Pontiac resorts - a Ritz-Carlton, a Capella, and a Patina. The fourth island, called Fari Campus, is dedicated to housing and creating a sense of community for staff members of those three resorts.Pontiac is expected to have around 1,200-plus staff members when its Fari Islands is fully operational. The Patina hotel opened in May, followed by the Ritz-Carlton in June. Capella is slated to open in the next 18 to 24 months. Currently about 750 staff from the Ritz-Carlton and Patina live in the Fari Campus, Willis among them."It provides a sense of community and life away from work," Willis told Insider of life on campus, adding that it gives staff a positive opportunity to meet new people who work at different resorts.<div type="image" title="screenshot of Maldives' map shows the Fari Islands on the north eastern side of the atoll" height="1008" width="1344" msid="84813042" hostid="261"></div><h2>Hidden from sight along with the laundry facilities</h2>Many Maldives resorts are designed to optimize the amount of beachfront space available for guests' villas. That means staffers are made as invisible to guests as possible and packed into the middle of the island along with things like generators, waste storage, water treatment installations, and laundry.So even if a developer wants to allocate more land to staff facilities, space is limited - and it often comes at the cost of staffers' wellbeing."A lot of times what happens is staff really don't have [social] engagement," said Gaurang Khemka, founder and design director of URBNarc, the Singapore-based firm that designed the Fari Campus. "They are on an island in the middle of nowhere, living in the center, which is the least prime land, and screened off as if they are something to hide."Nicholas Clayton is the CEO of Capella Hotel Group. He told Insider that at Maldives projects he has previously worked on, worker facilities were always hidden away from sight. "It sends a really wrong message that you're a second-class citizen in a way," Clayton said."Because of space limitations, there has to be a compromise between staff facilities and the equipment planned for the center. So, as much as other [developers] try, colleagues' facilities generally are somewhat landlocked and constricted, versus a blank canvas that we have to create a wholesome village," he added.The blank canvas at the Fari Campus, meanwhile, spans 12 hectares, an area that can fit 16 football fields.<div type="image" title="An ariel drone shot of Fari Campus shows staff buildings with seaviews." height="2533" width="3378" msid="84813044" hostid="261"></div><h2>Creating private spaces for workers</h2>The Kwee family, who owns Pontiac, bought Capella Hotel Group in 2017.It's a third-generation Kwee, Evan Kwee, vice chairman of Capella Hotel Group and head of design and <keyword id="29913" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="hospitality">hospitality</keyword> at Pontiac, who had the vision to build a staff island with a community of its own. At Fari Campus, staff accommodation is spread out on the island in five clusters. Each cluster comprises four three-story buildings and has a courtyard.Khemka, the design director, said it's all about creating private spaces for people."We may want to be in a courtyard to read a book, or just hang out with two staff and not 1,200," Khemka said. "Or, find a spot to make a phone call to loved ones because all the time we are always surrounded by other staff. Staff stay dorm-style, four to a room, or two to a room [for the more senior staff]."Facilities include a jogging track along the beach, the largest soccer field in soccer-crazy Maldives, basketball and volleyball courts, a communal plaza, library, clinic, beauty salon, and retail store. And of course, two other key facilities: a mosque and a staff canteen that "isn't your regular staff mess," said Khemka. It seats 450 people but was designed to create intimate sections, just as in a restaurant. <div type="image" title="Staff canteen can house 450 people but is designed with aesthetic nooks that make it feel intimate." height="1080" width="1920" msid="84813048" hostid="261"></div>"Staff can feel psychologically comfortable and create their own little communities. It's just like housing planning, the idea being to create sub-communities by having clusters of courtyards and smaller spaces," said Khemka.Mausool Abdulla is an essentialist (concierge or butler) at Patina. Patina is the seventh Maldives resort he's worked at. He told Insider he's overjoyed by the "space away from work" and the exclusivity of Fari Campus.Best of all, staff have their own beach. How often can you see an off-duty staff sun-tanning on the beach in the Maldives when guests have been promised a private beach?<h2>Trapped in more ways than one</h2>In the Maldives, staff are often trapped not just by constrained living conditions but by geography, cultural differences, and religious taboos. Fifty percent of staff, by <a href="https://edition.mv/news/1150">law</a>, must be locals - but not all locals work in resorts that are near the capital, Male, or their atoll's capital island, where staff ferries can take them home every day. Many do what their foreign colleagues do: stay at the resort, work during off-days to accumulate more leave on top of their 30-day annual leave, then go home once a year."The staff are very trapped. They have nowhere to go. A 10-minute speedboat ride can cost $100, one way," said a former hotel general manager of a resort in north Male atoll, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "Staff must stay inside their compound. They hang out at the staff jetty. There is limited space to hang out elsewhere."He said the walls are so thin that people can hear private phone conversations from two rooms away."The pressure and stress of having no escape, no privacy, can turn little conflicts between staff into big dramas. As a GM, a major part of my job in the resort was managing people's lives 24-7," he said.The isolation that comes with the job has also led to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-is-maldives-emerging-as-hub-illicit-drug-trade-28848">drug issues at some resorts</a>. On some local islands, he said, there's a black market for alcohol and drugs. The going price for a bottle of beer or a small piece of heroin is said to be $7. "If you have a gram of heroin or a bottle of beer on you, which is easier to pocket? So any staff could be sitting here with a month's supply of drugs," said the GM, noting that he experienced two or three cases in the three years he worked for the hotel.There's also the matter of cultural clashes. The GM said he oversaw a team of 15 foreign nationalities, a cultural diversity that puts to test even the most tolerant and accepting of staff working in a constrained environment.<div type="image" title="Recreation Building at Fari Campus, with a gym and library upstairs and cafeteria and games room below" height="1080" width="1920" msid="84813049" hostid="261"></div><h2>A game-changing vision</h2>Pontiac's Fari Campus stands to be a test of whether a dedicated staff island, effective design and facilities, and the right "programming" can create a harmonious and thriving community for staff. Proposed ideas on staff programs include organizing a bazaar or hosting friendly soccer matches between, say, Ritz-Carlton staff and Patina staff.While it's a step in the right direction, it's not perfect."One improvement [would be] for us to have a training facility on Patina island, as this would save teammates a lot of time in commuting to attend training," Willis, the development manager, said.It's also not the only hospitality chain paying ever more attention to the welfare of its workers."Maldives tourism has evolved over 30 years and living conditions for staff have improved with the entry of more <keyword id="6356001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="international">international</keyword> chains and the tourism ministry's regulations on staff welfare," said Ibrahim Nizam, CEO of The Grand Associates, a firm that helps investors invest in the Maldives. "A few resorts even have a pool for staff." Capella's Clayton declined to reveal the cost of developing Fari Campus but said "it's consistent with the investment to build and run a luxury resort in the Maldives." In other words, it wasn't cheap."The strategy behind the campus is about creating a healthy, productive environment for colleagues," Clayton said."But from a cold business standpoint, we are looking for a competitive advantage," Clayton said. We want our three hotels there to provide superior service over the competition." Editor's note: If you're an APAC-based freelancer who wants to write stories like this one about hospitality and tourism, email me your pitches at lbatarags@insider.com.

Maldives resorts are paradise for guests, but some staff say they feel like second-class citizens. One hotel giant is trying to change that.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>More Russian-owned superyachts are making their way to the Maldives amid sweeping Western <keyword id="12754126" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sanctions" source="Orion">sanctions</keyword>.</li><li>The Maldives does not have an extradition treaty with the US.</li></ul>At least five superyachts belonging to Russian <keyword id="11940268" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="billionaires" source="Orion">billionaires</keyword> are anchored or cruising around the Maldives, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-billionaires-move-superyachts-maldives-sanctions-tighten-data-shows-2022-03-02/">Reuters</a> reported, citing ship-tracking data.The vessels' arrival in the area comes as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-sanctions-ukraine-invasion-economic-damage-putin-russian-elites-banks-2022-2">sweeping sanctions</a> hit <keyword id="11894337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="russia" source="Orion">Russia</keyword> after the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-invasion-map-where-russian-troops-attacking-2022-2">invasion of Ukraine.</a> The US Justice department on Wednesday launched the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-announces-launch-task-force-kleptocapture">Task Force KleptoCapture</a> to seize assets belonging to sanctioned Russian individuals.The Maldives, an Indian Ocean island nation, does not have an extradition treaty with the US.Among the superyachts around country are the 238-foot <a href="https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/clio/">Clio,</a> according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/russia-billionaires-move-superyachts-maldives-sanctions-tighten-data-shows-2022-03-02/">Reuters,</a> citing shipping database MarineTraffic. The vessel is owned by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-billionaires-superyachts-maldives-no-extradition-ukraine-war-sanctions-2022-3">Oleg Deripaska,</a> who founded aluminum giant Rusal. It was anchored off the Maldivian capital of Male on Wednesday, per Reuters.The Nirvana <keyword id="12425898" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="superyacht" source="Orion">superyacht</keyword>, owned by <a href="https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/barbara/owner/">Vladimir Potanin,</a> is also cruising in waters off the Maldives, according to <a href="https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:385359/mmsi:319222000/imo:1011202/vessel:NIRVANA">MarineTraffic.</a>According to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-02/russian-oligarchs-yachts-head-for-maldives-as-sanctions-levied">Bloomberg analysis,</a> the four biggest luxury yachts currently in the Maldives are owned by Russians. They include the 459-foot Ocean Victory, which belongs to steel magnate Viktor Rashnikov.Russians own about 7% to 10% of all superyachts in the world, according to industry publication <a href="https://www.superyachtnews.com/business/western-sanctions-on-russias-wealthy-whats-in-store-for-the-superyacht-industry">Superyacht News</a>.The superyachts' journey to the Maldives comes as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/germany-seizes-russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanovs-mega-yacht-forbes-2022-3">Germany</a> seized a superyacht owned by <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022D0337&amp;from=EN">EU-sanctioned</a> Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov on Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/03/02/germans-seize-russian-billionaire-alisher-usmanovs-mega-yacht/?sh=2eb3435f52dd">Forbes,</a> citing three industry sources. It's the first superyacht owned by a Russian tycoon seized since Russia invaded <keyword id="11985141" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ukraine" source="Orion">Ukraine</keyword> on February 24.The Maldives government did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

At least 5 superyachts belonging to Russian billionaires are anchored or cruising around the Maldives amid sweeping sanctions: report

Male, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> on Sunday reiterated its commitment to the <keyword id="6354908" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives">Maldives</keyword>' security and signed a $50 million defense Line of <keyword id="598290" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-agreement">Credit agreement</keyword> with it to boost the maritime capabilities of the strategic island nation. The USD 50 million credit line agreement for defense projects was signed between the Finance Ministry of Maldives and the Export Import <keyword id="6355303" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bank-of-india">Bank of India</keyword>. The signing of the agreement took place after <keyword id="43920" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="External-affairs">External Affairs</keyword> Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of <keyword id="10801437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-development-fayyaz-ismail">Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail</keyword> and Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam. Jaishnakar, who is here on a two-day visit, held a "cordial meeting" with the Defense Minister. "Useful exchange on our defense cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives," Jaishankar tweeted. "Glad to sign with Defense Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) efforts. Partners in development, partners in security," he said. Didi said it was a great pleasure to welcome Jaishankar. "From time immemorial Defense Cooperation has been a key element of the sisterly relationship that exists between India and the Maldives. The Coast Guard Harbour &amp; Dockyard at SIFAVARU will mark another significant milestone," she tweeted. Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of a project execution contract for the construction of roads in Addu, the second-largest urban area in the Maldives in terms of population. "Underscores the importance of connectivity in our Maldives partnership," he tweeted. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/nurecas-100-crore-ipo-heres-how-to-check-share-allotment-status/articleshow/81135236.cms">Nureca’s ₹100 crore IPO: Here’s how to check share allotment status</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/article/exploring-the-unreal-beauty-of-the-andaman-islands/articleshow/81126293.cms">Exploring the unreal beauty of the Andaman Islands</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-may-require-twitter-facebook-and-others-to-remove-unlawful-content-within-36-hours/articleshow/81104740.cms">India may require Twitter, Facebook and others to remove unlawful content within 36 hours</a>

India signs $50 million defense LoC agreement to boost maritime capabilities of Maldives

Male, Apr 30 (AP) Maldives has reported its first death to the new coronavirus with the total number of positive cases standing at 280.Health Minister Abdulla Ameen said Thursday that the victim was an 83-year-old woman from the capital Male'.First cases of COVID-19 were reported at tourist resorts in this Indian Ocean archipelago state and authorities for sometime kept it from spilling over into the community. However, there is now a sudden spike in the number of patients in the capital island as well as far off islands with no traceable source of infection. (AP) AMSAMS

Maldives reports first COVID-19 death

(Eds: Updating with more inputs) Male, May 8 () A total of 698 Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the COVID-19 linked international travel restrictions were evacuated on Friday from the scenic island nation on an Indian Navy warship."Op #SamudraSetu. #INSJalashwa set sail from #Male, #Maldives tonight bringing back 698 of our citizens," the spokesperson of the Indian Navy tweeted."Bon Voyage! #INSJalashwa departs from Male port for Kochi with 698 Indian nationals on board," the Indian High Commission in Maldives tweeted.India's High Commissioner in the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir earlier expressed his deep gratitude to the Indian Navy, the Government of Maldives and its agencies for extending complete cooperation for the success of the massive evacuation of Indian nationals.An Indian Navy spokesman said there were a number of pregnant women and children among the evacuees who will travel to Kochi in Kerala.The INS Jalashwa, the Navy's amphibious warship, reached Male on Thursday to undertake the massive repatriation mission named 'Operation Samudra Setu'. Sudhir said a second Navy ship INS Magar will leave for Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu on Sunday with 200 Indians. He said the exercise will be repeated next week by the Indian Navy warships. The first Naval ship from Male is expected to arrive at the Cochin Port on May 10, Port Trust officials in Kochi said.The INS Jalashwa is part of the repatriation mission launched by the Indian Navy to bring Indian citizens home from foreign shores, the Indian Navy said in a statement. Immigration procedures of the passengers were carried out in the Hulhumale' Ferry Terminal in Male City. "Fantastic job by the entire team of @VelanaAirport for the safe repatriation of Indian nationals!" the high commission tweeted. The massive evacuation exercise is testimony to Maldives-India friendship, it said in another tweet. Several Indians who are travelling by the warship lauded the evacuation plan launched by the government."It is a very great thing that the High Commission did for us and we did not have any issues till now. We got everything with proper guidelines, all the things done by the High Commission," Pradeep, who hails from Palakkad, said. He works in a resort in Male."Jamsheed from Kerala thanks Govt of India, Govt of Kerala &amp; @indiannavy for this historic Operation to repatriate #Indian nationals from the #Maldives," the High Commission of India in Maldives tweeted.The INS Jalashwa is properly equipped with relief materials, COVID-19 protection gear along with medical and administrative support staff, it noted.Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, India is conducting its biggest ever repatriation exercise named Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, including from the US, the UAE and the UK.The High Commission in Male on its Facebook page said, MVR 600 or an equivalent amount of USD 40 will be charged as the Evacuation Services Charge from each person listed for repatriation by INS Jalashwa."This amount would be collected at the service fee collection counter after completion of the Immigration process at the Velana International Airport. Kindly carry exact change to avoid delay/ inconvenience," the post said.Meanwhile, all arrangements as per government guidelines are in place at Cochin Port to facilitate the arrival of those who are evacuated from Maldives via the sea route, officials in Kochi said.Before arrival at Cochin, on board the vessel, the Navy will get the self e-declaration data filled by all passengers and also identify the passengers symptomatic of COVID-19.The symptomatic passengers will be disembarked first, followed by other passengers (district wise) in batches of 50 persons, the Port Trust said.Separate zone has been earmarked for the symptomatic patients.The passengers disembarked will undergo further statutory verifications for clearances inside the Samudrika Cruise Terminal where Port Health Organisation will verify the self declaration forms, the Port Trust said.All passengers on arrival in India will be medically screened and would have to download and register on the Aarogya Setu app.On Monday, the Indian government announced plans to begin a phased repatriation of its citizens stranded abroad from May 7.On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, left for Kerala as India began its biggest ever repatriation exercise to bring back its citizens stranded abroad. AMS TGB AKJ AKJ

COVID-19: 698 Indians stranded in Maldives sail back home under 'Operation Samudra Setu'

(Eds: Updating with more details) Male, May 8 () A total of 698 Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the COVID-19 linked international travel restrictions were evacuated on Friday from the scenic island nation on an Indian Navy warship.India's High Commissioner in the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir expressed his deep gratitude to the Indian Navy, the Government of Maldives and its agencies for extending complete cooperation for the success of the massive evacuation of Indian nationals.An Indian Navy spokesman said there were a number of pregnant women and children among the evacuees who will travel to Kochi in Kerala.The INS Jalashwa, the Navy's amphibious warship, reached Male on Thursday to undertake the massive repatriation mission named 'Operation Samudra Setu'. Sudhir said a second Navy ship INS Magar will leave for Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu on Sunday with 200 Indians. He said the exercise will be repeated next week by the Indian Navy warships. The first Naval ship from Male is expected to arrive at the Cochin Port on May 10, Port Trust officials in Kochi said.The INS Jalashwa is part of the repatriation mission launched by the Indian Navy to bring Indian citizens home from foreign shores, the Indian Navy said in a statement. Immigration procedures of the passengers were carried out in the Hulhumale' Ferry Terminal in Male City. "Fantastic job by the entire team of @VelanaAirport for the safe repatriation of Indian nationals!" the high commission tweeted. The massive evacuation exercise is testimony to Maldives-India friendship, it said in another tweet. Several Indians who are travelling by the warship lauded the evacuation plan launched by the government."It is a very great thing that the High Commission did for us and we did not have any issues till now. We got everything with proper guidelines, all the things done by the High Commission," Pradeep, who hails from Palakkad, said. He works in a resort in Male."Jamsheed from Kerala thanks Govt of India, Govt of Kerala &amp; @indiannavy for this historic Operation to repatriate #Indian nationals from the #Maldives," the High Commission of India in Maldives tweeted.The INS Jalashwa is properly equipped with relief materials, COVID-19 protection gear along with medical and administrative support staff, it noted.Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, India is conducting its biggest ever repatriation exercise named Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, including from the US, the UAE and the UK.The High Commission in Male on its Facebook page said, MVR 600 or an equivalent amount of USD 40 will be charged as the Evacuation Services Charge from each person listed for repatriation by INS Jalashwa."This amount would be collected at the service fee collection counter after completion of the Immigration process at the Velana International Airport. Kindly carry exact change to avoid delay/ inconvenience," the post said.Meanwhile, all arrangements as per government guidelines are in place at Cochin Port to facilitate the arrival of those who are evacuated from Maldives via the sea route, officials in Kochi said.Before arrival at Cochin, on board the vessel, the Navy will get the self e-declaration data filled by all passengers and also identify the passengers symptomatic of COVID-19.The symptomatic passengers will be disembarked first, followed by other passengers (district wise) in batches of 50 persons, the Port Trust said.Separate zone has been earmarked for the symptomatic patients.The passengers disembarked will undergo further statutory verifications for clearances inside the Samudrika Cruise Terminal where Port Health Organisation will verify the self declaration forms, the Port Trust said.All passengers on arrival in India will be medically screened and would have to download and register on the Aarogya Setu app.On Monday, the Indian government announced plans to begin a phased repatriation of its citizens stranded abroad from May 7.On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, left for Kerala as India began its biggest ever repatriation exercise to bring back its citizens stranded abroad. AMS TGB AKJ AKJ

COVID-19: 698 Indians stranded in Maldives sail back home under Operation Samudra Setu

Male, May 8 () India on Friday began evacuating over 700 of its citizens by sea from the Maldives who were stranded in the scenic island due to the COVID-19 linked international travel restrictions.The INS Jalashwa, the Indian Navy's amphibious warship, reached Male on Thursday to undertake the massive repatriation mission named 'Operation Samudra Setu', the High Commission of India in Maldives said.The first Naval ship from Male is expected to arrive at the Cochin Port on May 10, Port Trust officials in Kochi said.The INS Jalashwa is part of the repatriation mission launched by the Indian Navy to bring Indian citizens home from foreign shores, the Indian Navy said in a statement."It is a very great thing that the High Commission did for us and we did not have any issues till now. We got everything with proper guidelines, all the things done by the High Commission," Pradeep, who hails from Palakkad, said. He works in a resort in Male."Jamsheed from Kerala thanks Govt of India, Govt of Kerala &amp; @indiannavy for this historic Operation to repatriate #Indian nationals from the #Maldives," the High Commission of India in Maldives tweeted. The INS Jalashwa is properly equipped with relief materials, COVID-19 protection gear along with medical and administrative support staff, it noted.The INS Magar, an amphibious warfare vessel of the Indian Navy, will also join the repatriation mission in Male as part of the efforts to bring back around 1,000 stranded Indian nationals to the Kochi port in Kerala over the next few days. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, India is conducting its biggest ever repatriation exercise named Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, including from the US, the UAE, the UK.The High Commission in Male on its Facebook page said, MVR 600 or an equivalent amount of USD 40 will be charged as the Evacuation Services Charge from each person listed for repatriation by INS Jalashwa."This amount would be collected at the service fee collection counter after completion of the Immigration process at the Velana International Airport. Kindly carry exact change to avoid delay/ inconvenience," the post said.Meanwhile, all arrangements as per government guidelines are in place at Cochin Port to facilitate the arrival of those who are evacuated from Maldives via the sea route, officials in Kochi said.Before arrival at Cochin, on board the vessel, the Navy will get the self e-declaration data filled by all passengers and also identify the passengers symptomatic of COVID-19.The symptomatic passengers will be disembarked first, followed by other passengers (district wise) in batches of 50 persons, the Port Trust said.Separate zone has been earmarked for the symptomatic patients.The passengers disembarked will undergo further statutory verifications for clearances inside the Samudrika Cruise Terminal where Port Health Organisation will verify the self declaration forms, the trust said.All passengers on arrival in India will be medically screened and would have to download and register on the Aarogya Setu app.The passengers, once cleared by all statutory organisations, will be transported to different districts in buses (30 per bus) arranged by the Regional Transport Officer.On Monday, the Indian government announced plans to begin a phased repatriation of its citizens stranded abroad from May 7.On Thursday, two special flights from the UAE carrying a total of 363 Indian nationals, including nine infants, left for Kerala as India began its biggest ever repatriation exercise to bring back its citizens stranded abroad. AMS TGB AKJ AMS

COVID-19: Over 700 Indians stranded in Maldives set to sail back home under 'Operation Samudra Setu'

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">AP Photo/ Mohamed SharuhaanMaldives defence soldiers patrol on the main street of Male, Maldives, Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.</div></div></div>The Maldives has entered a state of emergency.President Abdulla Yameen made that declaration in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time, and in the hours since, two Supreme Court judges - of a total of four - have been arrested along with former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maldives-politics/maldives-declares-state-of-emergency-as-yameen-tightens-grip-on-power-idUSKBN1FP0ZS">Reuters</a>, the situation in the Indian Ocean nation began when the Supreme Court ordered the release of nine opposition leaders, but Yameen refused to comply.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has <a href="https://twitter.com/MDVForeign/status/960620559850618880">confirmed</a> that, despite the declaration, there will be no curfew and that services and business "will not be affected."There are also no restrictions on traveling to or from the popular holiday destination, and all transportation remains operational.This is a developing story, click <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/maldives-declares-state-of-emergency-2018-2">here</a> for updates. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/president-trump-theresa-may-davos-false-rumour-2018-1">President Trump tells Theresa May not to believe the 'false rumour' that he doesn't 'have great respect for everything you're doing'</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Maldives declares state of emergency, arrests 2 Supreme court  judges and former president

India and <keyword id="826007" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-Maldives">the Maldives</keyword> today decided to deepen bilateral ties, especially in the critical sector of defence and security. Visiting Maldivian Defence and National Security Minister Adam Shareef met his Indian counterpart <keyword id="6363133" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Manohar-Parrikar">Manohar Parrikar</keyword> here this evening and held delegation-level talks during which it was decided that the two nations should deepen and broaden their defence cooperation, official sources said. 

	The development comes at a time when the Chinese are increasing their footprint in the archipelago nation.
 China is <keyword id="6357455" type="EVENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Funding">funding</keyword> several infrastructure projects across the Maldives. The governments electoral pledges, like building a bridge between capital Male and the airport island of Hulhule and development of its main international airport, also hinges on soft loans being considered by Beijing. 

	Chinese businesses, mostly state-owned corporations, have recently forayed into the Maldives with investments in areas such as the upmarket luxury tourism industry.
 

	The Maldives also held its second investment forum in the Chinese capital last November.
 External Affairs Minister <keyword id="6355111" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sushma-Swaraj">Sushma Swaraj</keyword>, during her visit to Maldives in October 2015, had said that India will always be the net security provider to the <keyword id="12350" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword> archipelago. 

	She, however, had stressed that it was important to insulate both nations from trends towards radicalisation and terrorism. 
	 
	(Image credits: PIB)

Ahead of Budget, India-Maldives to deepen defence, security ties

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a>Daraius Dubash and Emily Jablon of Million Mile Secrets.</div></div></div>The <keyword id="79969" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="insider">INSIDER</keyword> Summary:• Daraius Dubash and Emily Jablon write about travel hacking on Million Mile Secrets. • They used airline miles and hotel points to take a $27,000 trip for about $4,300. • They were able to take their parents along, too. Daraius Dubash and Emily Jablon are experts at finding ways to take luxury vacations without the luxury price tag. On <a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Million Mile Secrets</a>, they share the best ways to earn enough airline miles, hotel points, and rewards to travel around the world.Using their skillset they recently took a trip to the Maldives with their families, flying first class and staying in luxurious beachfront resorts for a fraction of the actual cost.Here's how they paid about $4,300 for a $27,000 trip.<h2>Flights to the Maldives</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div>Dubash and Jablon booked two one-way business class tickets from Austin to India on Lufthansa. They used 60,000 United Airlines miles, so what would have cost $9,756 for the two of them only cost $137 out of pocket in taxes and fees.Jablon's mother and stepfather came along on the trip, as did Dubash's father (though they paid for their own flights).They then spent an additional $194 per person to fly one way from Bombay to Male, Maldives - it wasn't worth it to use miles on such an inexpensive flight.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div>Seaplane tickets to the Conrad Rangali Island cost $540 per person and weren't eligible for miles or rewards.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div><h2>Accommodations</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div>Five nights at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in a King Beach Villa would normally cost $6,500. With 195,000 of their Hilton Points, they stayed for free.They accumulated all of those Hilton points by transferring their Hawaiian miles from the <a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/go/BarclaysHawaiianAir/" target="_blank">Barclaycard Hawaiian Airlines card</a>.<h2>Activities</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div>Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboating were all offered for free.For meals, they ate at the Rangali Bar.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.millionmilesecrets.com/">Courtesy Million Mile Secrets</a></div></div></div>Meals started at around $30, and were some of the cheapest on the luxurious island. Dubash and Jablon recommend eating a big breakfast to spend less on lunches and dinners.<h2>Flights home</h2>Their flights home were covered by 15,000 British Airways Avios Points and a fare sale - only $10 in taxes and fees.<h2>Total savings</h2>At full price, their vacation in the Maldives would have cost around $27,014 for two people. They spent $4,298.That's $22,716 worth of savings! <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beach-covered-in-sea-glass-2016-10">A beach in California is covered in sea glass instead of sand</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="k5eDFqNjE6JUHUCIucu06zfbb5nKOcY6" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Here's how travel hackers spent $4,300 on a luxury trip to the Maldives - and saved $22,000

Infrastructure giant <keyword id="50726" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="GMR-Infrastructure">GMR Infrastructure</keyword> Limited made a damage claim worth Rs 4,987 crore ($803 million) against the government of Maldives (GoM) and Male Airports Company Limited (<keyword id="1458312" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="MACL">MACL</keyword>). The conglomerate made this claim through its subsidiary GMR Male International Airport Private Limited (<keyword id="1472903" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="GMIAL">GMIAL</keyword>). 
	 
	“We have submitted a damage claim against the government of Maldives for wrongful repudiation of the Concession Agreement for Maldives International Airport,” said a senior official from the company. 
	 
	He added that the company has also made a disclosure of the same to Indian bourses on November 21, 2014. “The said concession agreement was repudiated by GoM and MACL and on 29th November 2012. The arbitration proceedings were initiated by GoM and MACL themselves seeking a declaration that the Concession Agreement was void ab initio. The Arbitral Tribunal, by its award dated 18th June 2014, ruled that the said Concession Agreement was valid and binding and that GoM and MACL were jointly and severally liable in damages to GMIAL for loss caused by their wrongful repudiation of the Concession Agreement,” stated the letter dated November 21, 2014 sent to <keyword id="53581" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="NATIONAL-STOCK-EXCHANGE">National Stock Exchange</keyword>. 
	 
	The company has also made a plea for further damages for loss of reputation caused to GMR because of the cancellation of the agreement. “In addition, a plea for award of further damages for loss of reputation caused to GMR as a consequence of wrongful repudiation of the Concession Agreement has also been made to the Arbitral Tribunal, the quantification of which is subject to expert evidence,” added the letter. 
	 
	Image: GMR Group 
	It should be noted that the company had entered into a 25 year concession agreement with the government of Maldives for the purpose of modernizing and operating the airport through its subsidiary GMIAL in 2010.

You Searched For "Maldives Male" and got 13 results

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Maldives reports first COVID-19 death

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COVID-19: 698 Indians stranded in Maldives sail back home under 'Operation Samudra Setu'

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COVID-19: 698 Indians stranded in Maldives sail back home under Operation Samudra Setu

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COVID-19: Over 700 Indians stranded in Maldives set to sail back home under 'Operation Samudra Setu'

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Maldives declares state of emergency, arrests 2 Supreme court judges and former president

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Ahead of Budget, India-Maldives to deepen defence, security ties

Here's how travel hackers spent $4,300 on a luxury trip to the Maldives - and saved $22,000

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