&w=3840&q=100)
Maldives names Katrina Kaif its global brand ambassador for tourism
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been appointed as the Maldives' new global brand ambassador for tourism. In addition to making this statement, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has started its summer sale campaign, which intends to draw tourists to this stunning archipelago globally. Since Katrina is not just a successful actress but also an inspirational businesswoman, there is a lot of excitement surrounding her new role.
The move coincides with improving relations between India and the Maldives, which had worsened at the start of the last year, and also comes one month before Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the country. The CEO and MD of Visit Maldives, Ibrahim Shiuree, stated that the nation was "thrilled" to have Katrina serve as its global brand ambassador.
Visit Maldives Unveils Katrina Kaif as Global Brand Ambassador for the Sunny Side of Life. https://t.co/WHVfuTQFV8
— Visit Maldives (@visitmaldives) June 10, 2025
What did Katrina Kaif say on becoming Maldives' global brand ambassador?
The actress stated, 'The Maldives represents the pinnacle of luxury and natural beauty — a place where elegance meets tranquility. I'm honoured to be chosen as the face of the Sunny Side of Life. This collaboration is about bringing the finest travel experiences to global audiences, and I'm excited to help people around the world discover the unique charm and world-class offerings of this extraordinary destination.'
Since the Indian subcontinent continues to be a major source of tourists for the island nation, Kaif's appointment comes at a critical time. With its pristine waters, opulent resorts, and serene beaches, the Maldives has long been a popular tourist destination for Indians. With her enormous fan base both domestically and internationally, Kaif is anticipated to play a key role in raising the Maldives' status as a travel destination.
Maldives' post on Summer sale offers
Details regarding this can be found on the official 'Visit Maldives' X account. A post about Katrina Kaif states that the goal of the 'Visit Maldives' campaign is to allow everyone to experience the natural beauty of the Maldives closely, particularly as they embark on a new chapter.
Exclusive deals on boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and family-friendly Maldivian vacations are being offered as part of this summer sale campaign. Major markets including India, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Spain, Poland, as well as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, are actively pursuing this strategy. It seeks to further enhance the Maldives' international reputation and encourage reservations for the summer 2025.
India and Maldives relations
The timing of the announcement is also significant because it coincides with PM Modi's pre-scheduled trip to the Maldives, which New Delhi and Male are hoping will restore ties that have deteriorated since Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived as pro-Chinese, was elected following an "India Out" campaign.
When PM Modi shared a number of images on social media last year, the situation deteriorated. Notably, in January 2024, a number of Maldivian ministers made offensive comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which sparked the #BoycottMaldives social media movement. Many Indian travellers canceled their trips to the Maldives as a result, and the incident had significantly impacted the country's reputation and economy.
Finally, it appeared like the two countries were repairing their relationship when Muizzu traveled to India in October 2024. Reiterating its "Neighbourhood First" policy, India has offered a $50 million treasury-bill rollover interest-free to support the Maldives with its debt difficulties and fiscal reforms. Since then, relations have greatly improved between the two nations. As of June 7, 2025, the Maldives welcomed one million tourists, the nation's tourism department posted on X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
23 minutes ago
- Hans India
Smash Deals on Mobiles + A Chance to Meet KL Rahul – Are You Ready? #KLRahulSeMilo
New Delhi [India], June 12: Imagine buying one of the latest mobile phones, settling your electricity bill, or setting up an automatic EMI payment and, in doing so, getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet KL Rahul! Bajaj Finserv turns that idea into reality with the 'KL Rahul Se Milo' campaign. From 1st June to 30th June 2025, every time you use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to pay for daily essentials or new gadgets, you collect points. Finish in the top eleven, and you will shake hands with the cricket star in an exclusive meet-and-greet! Purchase a new smartphone on Easy EMIs You don't have to empty your savings account to buy the latest mobile phone . Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, choose a repayment tenure between 1 and 60 months, and purchase the smartphone. The Easy EMI options will help you spread the cost into small, affordable instalments. The digital card works at over 1.5 lakh partner outlets, so you can visit your nearest partner store to purchase the latest Apple phone or Samsung smartphone. Every transaction, including on mobile phone purchases, unlocks points that move you closer to KL Rahul! Get your hands on the latest Apple phones Many Indians opt for Apple phones due to their smooth performance and extended software support. The steep price, however, can make it difficult to own a top-tier iPhone. With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you pick the latest model—say the iPhone 15, select an Easy EMI plan that fits your budget, and leave the store in minutes. No hefty down payment that can interfere with your monthly expenses. Better still, every purchase of Apple phones earns campaign points, bringing you closer to the top eleven. Buy an Apple phone for yourself, your parents, or as a thoughtful wedding gift, and earn those points faster. Every transaction counts Shop for mobile phones: Choose any brand you love: Samsung, OnePlus, or Apple phones. Pay using your Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card in Easy EMIs and earn points instantly. Settle utility bills on BBPS: Use the Bajaj Finserv BBPS Platform to pay for electricity, gas, water, or broadband. Each bill payment adds more points to your tally. Turn on auto-debit for EMIs: Schedule your next EMI to auto-pay. The system credits points without you lifting a finger. Explore Pocket Insurance and other products on Hamara Mall: Activate low-cost covers or browse accessories such as cases for Apple phones. More transactions equal more points. Complete various other activities: Additional activities include: Enabling notifications for the Bajaj Finserv App Completing your Credit Pass Report (CPR) Activating or renewing your Bajaj Prime membership during the campaign period Getting a new loan or topping up your existing loan from Bajaj Finserv, and Updating the Bajaj Finserv App Once you complete these activities, you must comment '#KLRahulSeMilo' on the Facebook and Instagram posts of Bajaj Finserv to become eligible. Quick steps to participate in the campaign Shop – Visit any partner store and select from a wide range of mobile phones. – Visit any partner store and select from a wide range of mobile phones. Pay – Choose the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, pick the Easy EMI plan, and complete payment. – Choose the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, pick the Easy EMI plan, and complete payment. Upload proof – Fill the short entry form on the Bajaj Finserv website and attach a screenshot of your social media hashtag comment, #KLRahulSeMilo. – Fill the short entry form on the Bajaj Finserv website and attach a screenshot of your social media hashtag comment, #KLRahulSeMilo. Repeat – Pay bills, buy accessories, or even choose more Apple phones for family members. Every repeated action stacks more points. Transparent scoring, clear timelines Bajaj Finserv records every qualifying transaction, validates entries, and updates your score. On 20th July 2025, after careful review, Bajaj Finserv will announce the eleven highest scorers. Those names are added straight to the guest list to meet KL Rahul! Why 5G Apple phones make life easier Upgrading to Apple phones that support 5G boosts nearly everything you do online. Video calls stay crisp, movies download in minutes, and the Bajaj Finserv App refreshes your dashboard without lag. A quicker connection means faster bill payments, instant transaction alerts, and immediate point updates. Your new mobile phone pays you back with convenience long after the campaign ends. How can you earn points through everyday purchases? You can improve your chances of meeting the stylish Indian batsman by executing simple, everyday tasks: Use the Bajaj Finserv BBPS Platform to pay the broadband or gas bill. Set up an auto-debit mandate through the Bajaj Finserv App. Turn on notifications while using the Bajaj Finserv App. You did not change your routine; you just channelled everyday spending through the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. The leaderboard moves in your favour while you live life as usual. Make every transaction count You already plan to upgrade your handset, clear monthly bills, and maybe treat yourself to accessories. By using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, each rupee gains a second purpose: bringing you closer to a personal meeting with KL Rahul! The campaign window is short, so start now. Shop for the latest mobile phones, especially those sleek Apple phones you have been eyeing. Turn to the Bajaj Finserv BBPS facility for your utility bill payments. Set your EMIs on auto-debit. Let every transaction push you up the leaderboard. Act now and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity A cutting-edge mobile phone, super-fast 5G speeds, stress-free EMIs, and the thrill of greeting KL Rahul await you, but only until 30th June 2025! Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to purchase a new mobile phone and make all your routine payments. Watch the points stack up, check your rank, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime selfie with India's favourite opener. Start shopping, start scoring, and claim your spot next to KL Rahul with Bajaj Finserv!
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Startups raise funds but valuations shrink
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only BENGALURU: Over the past two years, an increasing number of Indian startups raised capital at significantly lower valuations, reflecting a sustained reset in the late-stage venture funding market. According to data from Tracxn, at least 55 companies across sectors like fintech, SaaS, and consumer internet experienced valuation declines since January 2023. Notable markdowns include Cred, which raised $75 million in May at a valuation of approximately $3.5 billion-down nearly 45% from its 2022 peak of $6.4 billion. Meesho secured $275 million last year at a $3.9 billion valuation, reduced from $4.9 billion previously. Oyo raised $175 million in 2023 at an implied valuation of about $2.5 billion, a steep drop from its earlier high near $10 billion. Swiggy also lowered its valuation targets while preparing for its IPO, raising $46 million in 2023. Beyond these well-known names, valuation markdowns affected a wide range of companies, including Flipkart, Pratilipi, Shiprocket, MobiKwik, GreyHR, Zolo, Lendingkart, Udaan, PayMate, Pepperfry, OfBusiness, Fisdom, and others. These adjustments spanned both primary and secondary transactions, with several companies recalibrating their private valuations in preparation for upcoming public listings. Venture investors point to a combination of inflated valuations during the 2021-2022 boom cycle and a subsequent recalibration of revenue multiples. "The fundamental problem is not with the companies themselves. Many of these companies continue to grow. The markdowns are largely a reset from highly inflated multiples that investors were willing to pay during 2021 and 2022," said Mohan Kumar, founder and managing partner at Avataar Venture Partners. He said that SaaS companies, which saw revenue multiples of 30-100 times during the peak funding period, largely reverted to historical norms. "For late-stage SaaS companies today, if you are growing at 30% and profitable, you may command around 10 times revenue. For others, the multiple is more in the 7-8 times range. The pandemic era was an aberration where free capital distorted pricing," Kumar added. In enterprise software, which saw some of the steepest pandemic-driven valuation spikes, multiple compression drove significant markdowns. Postman, for instance, saw secondary transactions at valuation levels 30-40% below its earlier $5.6 billion peak. Investors now broadly expect valuations to remain tied closely to profitability and revenue growth metrics. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nothing Phone (3) will be company's first-ever flagship to be manufactured in India
Nothing has confirmed that its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Phone (3), will be manufactured in India . The Phone (3) will be the company's first-ever flagship phone to be produced at Nothing's existing manufacturing facility in Chennai. This facility currently employs over 500 people, with 95% of the workforce being women. This decision is part of the London-based phone maker's strategy to boost its presence in the Indian market. The company wants to use India's position as a developing hub for manufacturing and technological innovation. This move also signifies a stronger focus on local production as Nothing expands its manufacturing capabilities in the producing key products locally, Nothing intends to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and respond more quickly to market demand. What Nothing said about making Phone (3) in India Commenting on the development, Akis Evangelidis , co-founder and India President of Nothing, said, 'India has been an important market for us ever since the very beginning of Nothing. Every one of our smartphones has been manufactured here — and Phone (3) proudly joins that list. As we accelerate our growth here, we're doubling down on our investment in local manufacturing , talent, and innovation — fully aligned with the Make in India vision. Phone (3) marks a major milestone: our first true flagship, delivering the very best of Nothing. We can't wait for our Indian users to experience it.' Apart from this, Nothing is also expanding its post-sales support in India. The company now runs five exclusive service centers in Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, plus 20 priority desks (with 10 more on the way) and over 330 authorized service centers nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo With these efforts, the company plans to improve customer experience and provide timely support across regions. Meanwhile, Nothing's retail footprint has grown from 2,000 stores at the start of last year to 10,000 at present, that can help the company to boost its postion in India's smartphone market.
