Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi making efforts to win over Muslim voters in Lakshadweep, the NDA candidate for the Lok Sabha seat only received 201 votes, a decrease from their 2019 total of 125. Congress candidate Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed won the seat with most votes, with a lead of 2,647 votes over former MP Mohammed Faizal of the NCP (SP). This defeat comes after recent controversial reforms in Lakshadweep, which sparked a 'Save Lakshadweep' campaign on social media. The BJP's attempts to present themselves as a viable option for the tourism-driven region did not translate to votes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for strong winds and rough weather conditions in the southern Kerala coast and Lakshadweep region on June 1. The advisory also mentions possible strong winds in other areas such as the Karnataka coast, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Sri Lankan coast, and the Gulf of Mannar. This warning is likely to impact fishermen and coastal areas, as fishing activities have been prohibited in the affected areas.
On Monday evening, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake was felt in the Arabian Sea, 270 kilometres from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep. The National Center for Seismology reported that the earthquake originated at a depth of 10km at 8.56pm. Luckily, there have been no reports of damages so far. Stay updated with Manorama Online App, the leading Malayalam news source for breaking news on your mobile and tablet.
Over a hundred tourists from Kerala have been left stranded at Agatti airport in Lakshadweep after Alliance Air cancelled all its flights from the island. These tourists, including elderly persons and families with infants, are without accommodation, food, and medicines for more than two days. The airline staff has been accused of negligence and non-cooperation by the stranded passengers, who are left with no other option but to stay at the homes of locals. Despite requests, Alliance Air has refused to provide any help and has suggested the passengers go to court.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Interim Budget 2024 that the government plans to improve tourism infrastructure and amenities on India's islands, including Lakshadweep, with the aim of promoting domestic tourism. This move is expected to not only attract tourists but also generate employment opportunities. The success of organizing G20 meetings in sixty locations has highlighted India's diversity to the world.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra highlights the archipelago's unique advantages as a tourist destination in the Indian Ocean Region, amidst ongoing tensions with the Maldives over comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Chandra mentions initiatives such as access to uninhabited islands and extended beach hours as measures to attract more tourists to the area.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep has ignited a diplomatic row between India and the Maldives after Maldivian officials made disparaging remarks about the trip. The incident has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally and has led to a verbal spat between the two nations. The Maldives government has since distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers and has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain amicable relations with India.
The remote island of Lakshadweep in India's Union Territory has gained attention due to an online campaign promoting the archipelago as an alternative to the Maldives, following derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Modi. However, the island's limited transportation options, including only one daily flight and three ships that often reschedule their trips, make it difficult for tourists to visit. As the tourism industry booms, locals express concern about the impact on their daily lives.
With PM Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep bringing attention to the beauty of the island, here are 5 other lesser-known Indian islands to add to your travel list. From crystal-clear lagoons to architectural marvels, each of these islands offers unique experiences such as snorkelling and birdwatching at the Pitti Bird Sanctuary. Experience the serenity and pristine beaches of these hidden gems in 2024.
EaseMyTrip, one of the leading travel companies in India, has decided to suspend all flight bookings to the Maldives after derogatory remarks were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by suspended ministers. In a show of solidarity with the nation, the headquarters of EaseMyTrip in New Delhi announced the decision on their official X account. This action was taken after Prashant Pitti, one of the company's co-founders, made a social media post in support of PM Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.