‘MV Empress' makes its way to Vizag
Marking a significant milestone in the city's advent as a premier destination for cruise tourism, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), in collaboration with the district administration, organised a grand flag-off ceremony for the vessel's onward voyage.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal virtually flagged off the cruise ship and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that Visakhapatnam would play a key role in boosting tourism and economic growth in the maritime sector.
Participating in a virtual mode, Minister of State for MoPSW Shantanu Thakur reaffirmed the Centre's commitment towards promoting cruise tourism across Indian ports. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu extended his best wishes on the occasion through a digital conference and assured complete support for the development of cruise tourism in the State.
Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh emphasised the AP government's proactive approach in developing tourist circuits and hubs. He mentioned that many more cruise liners will be introduced in Visakhapatnam in future.
Special Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Ajay Jain expressed hope for increased cruise traffic to Visakhapatnam Port and assured complete cooperation from the State government under the visionary leadership of Naidu.
Reiterating the Prime Minister's vision of promoting cruise tourism at all major ports, chairperson of VPA M Angamuthu shared the Chief Minister's idea of developing maritime hubs for every 50-km stretch, such as ship building, Maritime Skill Development and coastal or cruise tourism. He announced that the VPA would sponsor 5,000 students annually in cruise-led skill development programmes, thereby generating employment and contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of coastal regions.
The chairperson shared plans to organise an Andhra-specific cruise dialogue to further accelerate cruise tourism development in coordination with MoPSW, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
As part of the celebrations, boarding passes were symbolically handed over to the families for their journey aboard the MV Empress in the presence of
Collector MN Harendhira Prasad, Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharath, MLA Ch Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and others were present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
28 minutes ago
- Business Standard
India's Top YouTube Creator Dhruv Rathee Teams Up with YC-Backed TagMango Founders to Launch AI Fiesta; Hits $3M ARR in Just 36 Hours
PRNewswire Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 20: In a world dominated by Silicon Valley AI breakthroughs, AI Fiesta is rewriting the rules. India's first AI super-app is scaling globally faster than some of the Valley's most iconic launches. One subscription. Six top AI models. Built in India for the world. Co-founded by India's #1 creator Dhruv Rathee (30M+ subscribers) alongside YC-backed Mohammad Hasan and Divyanshu Damani, co-founders of TagMango, India's largest creator platform is on track to facilitate over ₹1000 crores in creator earnings, combining mass influence, proven start-up execution, and deep trust. Within 36 hours of launch, AI Fiesta crossed $3 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and gained 20,000+ paying users, setting a new benchmark for India's tech ecosystem. The platform unites six of the world's most powerful AI models in a single subscription, making sure users get the best of each model for whatever they want to do: writing, coding, design, analysis, and more. Priced at ₹999/month or ₹834/month annually (GST included), it delivers access to multiple premium AI tools at less than half the cost of a single subscription elsewhere. "AI Fiesta is the first global AI subscription born out of India - built on trust, affordability, and speed," said Dhruv Rathee. Speaking at the launch, Mohammad Hasan, said, "This isn't just a tech product, it's a movement. Our goal is simple: every Indian, from coders to creators, should have access to world-class AI without needing a foreign credit card or a $20/month budget. AI shouldn't be a luxury, it should be a utility, and AI Fiesta makes that possible." "Every AI model has different strengths--ChatGPT in reasoning, Gemini in images, Perplexity in search, Claude in writing, and so on. With AI Fiesta, you don't have to pick. We've brought the best of each into one subscription at a price that makes sense--so you always get the right tool for the right job, without compromise," said Divyanshu Damani. In a global first, AI Fiesta launched UPI payments, two days ahead of OpenAI, making AI seamless and accessible to millions across India's digital economy. Backed by a combined reach of 300mil+, the founding team has only just begun to unlock its full distribution power. The platform is already being seen as one of India's most significant contributions to the global AI ecosystem.
Business Standard
28 minutes ago
- Business Standard
How Go4Explore Is Powering the Gen Z Travel Revolution in India
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 20: Travel has become more than a leisure activity for India's youth--it has become a lifestyle, a statement, and a path to self-discovery. Riding this wave of change, Go4Explore has emerged as one of the most dynamic youth-centric travel platforms, inspiring Gen Z to explore the world in ways that are adventurous, meaningful, and community-driven. Founded with the vision of making authentic travel experiences accessible to all, Go4Explore is bridging the gap between traditional travel agencies and the new-age demands of young travelers. From budget-friendly backpacking adventures to immersive cultural experiences and curated group trips, the platform is enabling Indian youth to embrace the freedom of exploration without the constraints of conventional travel. Transforming the Travel Culture for Gen Z Unlike older generations who prioritized luxury or convenience, Gen Z seeks authenticity, connections, and memorable stories. Go4Explore has tapped into this cultural shift by: * Curating Offbeat Journeys - From hidden Himalayan villages to unexplored coastal escapes, the company takes travelers beyond the usual tourist map. * Fostering a Vibrant Community - Through group expeditions, treks, and digital communities, Go4Explore connects like-minded travelers, transforming solo journeys into lifelong friendships. * Balancing Affordability with Experience - Understanding that Gen Z values smart spending, the platform offers cost-effective packages without compromising on adventure or safety. * Promoting Sustainability - By encouraging eco-conscious practices, local collaborations, and responsible tourism, Go4Explore is building a travel culture that respects both nature and communities. Building India's Youth Travel Movement Go4Explore has grown from being just a travel brand into a youth movement. Today, thousands of young Indians choose Go4Explore not just for its trips, but for the sense of belonging it creates. Be it solo backpackers discovering themselves, students looking for quick getaways, or professionals seeking to break away from urban chaos, the platform caters to diverse travel aspirations. A spokesperson from Go4Explore shared, "Travel is no longer about ticking destinations off a list--it's about experiences that shape identity, relationships, and perspectives. Gen Z is at the heart of this shift, and Go4Explore is proud to be their trusted partner in making every journey count." Looking Ahead With India witnessing a surge in experiential and youth-led travel, Go4Explore is scaling rapidly. The company is expanding its itineraries across India and international destinations, offering flexible travel plans and strengthening its digital presence. Its community-first approach ensures that every trip becomes more than a journey--it becomes a story worth sharing. As the travel industry evolves, Go4Explore's focus on authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability positions it as a trailblazer for India's Gen Z travelers. By redefining the meaning of exploration, the brand is not just organizing trips--it is powering a generational revolution in travel. About Go4Explore Go4Explore is India's ultimate youth travel partner, specializing in adventurous, offbeat, and community-driven travel experiences. With a mission to inspire Gen Z to explore the world on their own terms, the platform blends affordability, safety, and unforgettable memories. From backpacking across India to global expeditions, Go4Explore is creating a movement that celebrates freedom, exploration, and community.
India.com
31 minutes ago
- India.com
‘Sudarshan Chakra, You Mean?': Russian Envoy's Hindi Twist On S-400 Question Stuns Everyone
New Delhi: A press briefing at the Russian Embassy turned lively on Wednesday (August 20) when Roman Babushkin, Charge d'Affairs of Moscow to New Delhi, chose a uniquely Indian term for Russia's most advanced air defence system. The question came from a journalist on whether India might consider air defence systems like Israel's Iron Dome. Babushkin smiled, leaned forward and asked in return, 'You mean Sudarshan Chakra?' He did not stop there. With an amused expression, he added, 'Next time ask in Hindi, I can answer better!' India has already purchased the S-400 missile system from Russia. In Indian defence circles, the system carries the tag of 'Sudarshan Chakra'. It came into the spotlight during the four-day clash with Pakistan in May, when the system intercepted enemy missiles and proved its battlefield effectiveness. The comment arrives at a time when the term Sudarshan Chakra has been freshly associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech. He spoke about Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious national project to build a homegrown air defence shield. The goal is to protect both civilian centres and strategic assets from aerial threats. Babushkin opened the briefing with a warm gesture toward his hosts. In clear Hindi, he declared, 'Shuruat karengey… Shree Ganesh Karengey!' The hall responded with laughter and applause. Throughout the interaction, the deputy chief of mission spoke warmly about India-Russia relations. He also turned sharply critical of American trade policy. Tariffs on India from Washington, he said, show 'a lack of trust and disrespect for national sovereignty'. He stressed that Moscow will remain open for Indian goods. If tariffs in the United States create obstacles, he said, Russia would 'welcome' Indian exports.
