News

Discover an Authentic Maldivian Escape at Coco Bodu Hithi

Nestled in the turquoise expanse of the North Malé Atoll, the Coco Bodu Hithi resort offers an idyllic retreat to travellers looking for both tranquillity and adventure. Just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island sits quietly away from the noisy grip of the city, offering a tranquil tropical escape that lulls the senses with its island rhythm and makes time slow to a gentle pace. A jewel of the Coco Collection, a premier Maldivian-owned hospitality brand, the Coco Bodu Hithi reflects the island’s spirit in every dimension, showcasing the mystery of the house reef and the elegance of pristine palm-fringed beaches. It offers a gentle invitation to its guests to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and the wonders of the natural world. It truly embodies what travel should feel like: a happy, laid-back daily life within the embrace of nature while being well looked after. Breathe in the crisp ocean air. Let your toes sink into the sun-warmed sand. Swim alongside manta rays and hawksbill turtles, or marvel at the native nurse sharks. Coco Bodu Hithi doesn’t just promise an escape; it delivers a soulful reconnection with the natural world. Whether it’s a sunset cruise across crystal-clear waters or a vibrant underwater ballet among the reef’s kaleidoscopic residents, every experience here speaks of wonder and awakening.

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Tanzania proposes mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors at USD 44

In a move aimed at bolstering traveller protection and enhancing public service delivery, the Tanzanian government has proposed amendments to the Insurance Act, CAP 394, to introduce mandatory travel insurance for international visitors entering the country. The proposed cost for the coverage is set at USD 44, mirroring a similar initiative launched in Zanzibar in October 2024. Presenting the proposal before Parliament during the 2025–26 budget session, Minister for Finance Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba explained that the scheme is designed to offer comprehensive protection for tourists while easing pressure on Tanzania’s healthcare and tourism infrastructure. “This initiative will ensure that foreigners are protected during their stay in the country, while also reducing the burden on our public health system,” said Dr. Nchemba. The proposed insurance will apply to all foreign nationals, with exemptions for citizens of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. Each policy will be valid for up to 92 days per visitor. According to Dr. Nchemba, the insurance coverage will include a broad range of travel-related risks such as medical emergencies, repatriation (both medical and bodily), accidents, baggage delays, theft, and other scenarios that may require a visitor’s evacuation from the country. The programme is slated to operate under a public-private partnership model, with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) acting on behalf of the government. Private sector insurers will also participate in the delivery of services. A revenue-sharing mechanism will be established to ensure the programme’s sustainability and efficiency.

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Magnicity unveils global expansion plans, eyes new observation decks across US, Asia, and Europe

Magnicity, the parent company of 360 CHICAGO, the iconic observation deck located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Center), has announced plans to significantly expand its global footprint with new observation deck developments underway in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The company confirmed that formal announcements detailing the new cities and towers will be made by the end of 2025. Magnicity currently operates a global portfolio that includes observation decks in Chicago, Paris, Berlin, and Rotterdam, with its next opening slated for Varso Tower in Warsaw, Poland, the tallest building in the European Union—this summer. One of the most ambitious additions to the brand’s offerings is the “Spiral Tower”, a sustainable observation deck made of spiraling pods designed for modular deployment in urban environments, which is currently under active consideration in the U.S. for what could become its global launch. Alexia Vettier, CEO of Magnicity said, “Magnicity is currently expanding its global portfolio with the addition of new observation decks, including the first official launch of our exclusive and innovative Spiral Tower project. The most advanced and promising discussions to date are currently taking place in the United States. These developments represent an important step for our fast-growing global brand and a continuation of our commitment to bring elevated urban leisure experiences to new audiences while continuing to highlight the unique perspectives and stories that define each city.” This announcement comes as Magnicity expands its offerings with a new property opening in Varso Tower (the tallest building in the EU) in Warsaw, Poland this summer, the acquisition of the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center in Chicago last year, in addition to the opening of a new restaurant, Sphere by Tim Raue, in their Berlin TV Tower property in June and an additional restaurant, Celest, that opened in their De Zalmhaven property in Rotterdam at the start of the year. Sphere brings the culinary expertise of renowned Chef Tim Raue to Berlin TV Tower, showcasing the finest cuisine Berlin and Brandenburg have to offer. Celest is a concept restaurant inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall” that invites travelers, food enthusiasts and explorers to embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary and sensory journey. The 95th and 96th floors of the Hancock are currently being developed into a two-story extension of 360 CHICAGO, as well as a dedicated event space, maintaining public access to the top two floors of this iconic building.

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India and China review bilateral ties, move to expedite resumption of direct air services

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with H.E. Sun Weidong, Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, during the latter’s two-day official visit to India from June 12 to 13, 2025. The meeting served as a continuation of diplomatic efforts to stabilise and rebuild India-China relations. The two sides reviewed the developments in bilateral relations since their previous engagement in Beijing on January 27, 2025. Emphasising the importance of people-centric engagement, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing constructive dialogue and cooperation. Foreign Secretary Misri expressed appreciation for the Chinese government’s cooperation in facilitating the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025. He also highlighted discussions held in the April 2025 meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers, particularly on the resumption of hydrological data sharing and related cooperative efforts, expressing hope for further progress. Both sides agreed to expedite efforts to resume direct air connectivity between India and China. Foreign Secretary Misri underlined the importance of concluding an updated Air Services Agreement at the earliest. Additionally, both parties agreed to implement practical measures to ease visa processes and encourage exchanges between media organisations and think tanks. The delegations also took a positive view of the activities planned as part of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China and agreed to support their successful execution. Further, both sides concurred on the need to hold functional dialogues, particularly in economic and trade sectors, to address and resolve specific bilateral issues.

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Jammu and Kashmir tourist spots to be reopened in phased manner

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the parks at tourist places, which were closed in view of security considerations after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, are being reopened in a phased manner to allow tourists to visit the destinations. “Some places were closed after April 22 (attack) in view of security considerations. The divisional commissioners and IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu have taken reports from every district, and it has been decided to reopen some destinations in a phased manner,” Sinha said. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking to reporters after visiting the Nunwan Base Camp of the annual Amarnath Yatra in Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Sinha said the destinations that have been decided to be reopened for tourists in the first phase include Beetab Valley and parks near Pahalgam market in the famous tourist destination of Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag, and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district. In Srinagar, Badamwari Park, Duck Park near Nigeen, and Taqdeer Park near Hazratbal will also be reopened in the first phase. These eight places are being reopened and tourists can visit these, he added. The Lieutenant Governor also said that eight destinations would be reopened in the Jammu region as well. “Eight places are being reopened in the first phase. In the next phase, some other destinations will be re-opened,” he said.

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Ladakh delegations meet Finance Minister Sitharaman, demand special relief for tourism sector

Grappling with a sharp decline in tourist arrivals in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, various delegations, including tourism stakeholders, met visiting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Leh and advocated for special relief measures for the tourism and allied sectors in the Union Territory of Ladakh, an official said on Sunday. The delegations also demanded the restoration of budget allocations for the financial year 2025–26 and requested that Budget Estimates and Revised Estimates be finalised based on expenditure up to December, rather than September–October, to better reflect the region’s actual spending capacity. Sitharaman arrived in Leh on Saturday for a four-day official visit. During her trip, she attended the light and sound show at Leh Palace, visited Shanti Stupa, and met with various delegations led by the Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Tashi Gyalson, the official said. The delegation also included key stakeholders from the All Ladakh Travel and Trade Alliance, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALGHA), All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), All Ladakh Transport Association (ALTA), Merchant Associations, Biker Associations, Taxi Unions, and other tourism-related bodies. The collective representation highlighted the widespread impact of the current situation on all segments of Ladakh’s economy, which remains heavily dependent on tourism. Submitting a memorandum to the Finance Minister, Gyalson, who led the high-level delegation of LAHDC Leh, requested a special relief package for the tourism and allied sectors. This includes the rescheduling of existing bank loans, extension of moratorium periods, and recognition of tourism as a distressed sector, the official said. The memorandum also urged the minister to restore Ladakh’s budget for FY 2025–26 and reiterated the request that budget estimates and revised estimates be based on expenditure up to December. This would reflect the region’s true financial needs, given its short working season due to extreme geographical and climatic conditions. Expressing appreciation for the Centre’s continued support to Ladakh through various budgetary allocations and centrally sponsored schemes, the delegation acknowledged the positive impact of flagship programmes such as the Vibrant Villages Programme, which has significantly contributed to the upliftment of remote border areas in the Union Territory. The delegation also requested enhancement of the financial powers of the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Leh, allowing them to approve administrative sanctions up to ₹10 crore—at par with Chief Engineers. They sought the Finance Ministry’s intervention to expedite the apportionment of J&K Grameen Bank’s assets and staff between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. They also proposed the creation of a dedicated Regional Rural Bank for Ladakh to improve financial inclusion. Additionally, the delegation proposed the establishment of a Ladakh Development Finance Corporation (LDFC) to support region-specific industries, along with setting up an RBI office in Leh to enhance banking supervision, address public grievances, and promote financial literacy. The representatives from various tourism and trade sectors of Ladakh expressed growing concern over the significant decline in tourist footfall following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. Another delegation comprising councillors submitted a separate memorandum highlighting key financial and developmental concerns of the region. A major request was the restoration of Ladakh’s budget allocation for FY 2025–26 to ensure uninterrupted execution of ongoing and proposed developmental projects crucial to the socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. The Finance Minister assured the delegations that the issues raised would be examined for suitable consideration.

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