Latest news with #MehulChoksi
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
How Much Money You Will Spend On Visiting The World's Most Expensive Countries In 2025
There are countries in the world that you visit and not lament. These are mostly countries where life is so affordable that they don't leave you with a crater-sized hole in your pocket. Then there are countries that extract the living daylights out of you on a trip, leaving you with memories for a lifetime and a bank balance that stares at you in disbelief when you board the return flight. So, which countries are these and what does 2025 look like on the average daily budget front? What A study by Canadian financial product comparison site HelloSafe has a list of the 15 most expensive countries to visit in 2025, and quite expectedly, some of the Caribbean island countries take the top slots. Where you spend the most: While Barbados tops the chart with an average daily spend of Canadian dollars (CAD) 471 (or USD 341 or INR 29,112), at number 15 is Qatar, where visitors end up spending an average of 269 CAD (or USD 194.53 or Rs 16,628). Where you spend the least: On the other end of the spectrum is Laos, the cheapest country to visit in 2025, with an average daily spend of 22 CAD (or USD 15.91 or Rs 1,360). India ranks at number 13 in the list of cheapest countries to visit this year, with an average daily spend of CAD 50 (or USD 36 or Rs 3,091). What It Means Point to note is that the average daily spend in a country does not include flights to and from the destination. The data crunched by HelloSafe compares the cost of visiting a country based on broadly four parameters: accommodation expenses (hotel or Airbnb-type reservation), food expenses (based on local CPI indices and the cost of catering), and transport expenses within the country itself (plane, train, bus, other public transport or taxi) tourist activities on site (sightseeing, visiting places of interest, etc) Who's On The List Of Most Expensive Countries To Visit In 2025 1. Barbados Average Daily Budget: Rs 29,119 Barbados, a stunning Caribbean island known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and several historic sites, is bang on top of the list of the most expensive countries to visit in 2025. When in the island nation, expect to spend about Rs 29,000 per day on accommodation, food, and activities. 2. Antigua & Barbuda Average Daily Budget: Rs 27,388 For Indians, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda became a household name when fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi fled from the country to this island a few years ago. However, its ties with Choksi apart, Antigua and Barbuda is actually a surreal island nation that boasts of unspoilt beaches, some of the best luxury resorts in the world, and lush rainforests. An average daily spend of Rs 27,000 is necessary to visit Antigua and Barbuda. 3. Saint Kitts & Nevis Average Daily Budget: Rs 23,926 Think volcanic landscapes, natural wonders, and miles upon miles of beautiful white-sand beaches. Saint Kitts & Nevis has all of this and more, including several superb high-end luxury resorts. A trip to the island nation will set you back by Rs 24,000 per day - and that's without taking into account your round trip to and from there. 4. Maldives Average Daily Budget: Rs 23,617 The Maldives' sandbars and atolls make it a destination like no other. This gem in the Indian Ocean is an archipelago boasting of the best of luxury resorts, islands where you can forget about the world, and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. The country is reliant on tourism, and offers a visa-free entry to citizens of most countries including India. When in the Maldives, per day, you might end up spending Rs 23,500 on accommodation, meals and activities. 5. Grenada Average Daily Budget: Rs 22,813 Grenada's production of nutmeg and mace made it known across the world as the 'Island of Spice'. This Caribbean gem in the West Indies is known for its vibrant markets, waterfalls and beaches. Grand Anse Beach in the Grenada capital of St George's is often listed among the world's best beaches. The country's mainstay is tourism, and as such, draws in visitors to the many festivals that it hosts around the year. When here, expect to spend Rs 22,800 per day. 6. Switzerland Average Daily Budget: Rs 22,071 Switzerland's geography, locales, cities and sights to see make it one of the most visited countries in the world. The landlocked European country is known for its luxurious offerings and is home to some of the most expensive cities in the world, like Geneva and Zurich. Add to that its alpine lakes and fairytale locales like Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lucerne, Interlaken, St Moritz, Gstaad; and you have the perfect dream holiday. A trip to Switzerland, in the most modest of conditions, will cost you Rs 22,000 per day on accommodation, food, and internal travel expenses. 7. United States Average Daily Budget: Rs 21,886 One trip to the United States is obviously never enough, considering the vastness of it. USA is a massive country and boasts of various cities and national parks; as well as island destinations like Hawaii and Miami. Travel costs can vary greatly depending on where you are, but expect to spend a daily amount of Rs 22,000 when in the country. 8. Micronesia Average Daily Budget: Rs 21,886 While not technically a country, but a collection of about 2,000 small islands in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, Micronesia is eighth on the list of the most expensive destinations to visit in 2025. Its pristine waters, ancient ruins and a colourful culture are part of the charm of visiting the destination. Expect to spend about Rs 22,000 daily. 9. Greenland Average Daily Budget: Rs 19,475 Among the remotest of places in the world, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and Inuit culture. Greenland is also famous for being one of the very few places in the world from where you can see the Northern Lights. A trip to the destination will cost you about Rs 19,500 per day without international return airfares. 10. United Arab Emirates Average Daily Budget: Rs 19,413 The Mecca of Consumerism and a Tribute to High Luxury, the UAE is known for its glittery malls, world-famous architecture, and rows upon rows of eye-watering luxury hotels. From the Burj Khalifa to the Atlantis, the UAE boasts of some of the most expensive addresses in the world. The UAE is home to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as nature and adventure destinations like the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. An average daily budget of Rs 19,500 is needed to visit the UAE. 11. Bahamas Average Daily Budget: Rs 19,166 Beachfront luxury resorts with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bahamas is among the wealthiest countries in the Americas. Most of the wealth of The Bahamas is derived from tourism. About 70 per cent of tourists who go to the Bahamas are cruise visitors. Expect to spend about Rs 19,000 per day when in the country. 12. Oman Average Daily Budget: Rs 18,856 Oman's unique architecture and cities devoid of skyscrapers make it a must-visit destination in the Gulf. The country has one of the most expensive currencies in the world: the Omani Riyal, which converts to Rs 222.29. Its historic forts, traditional souks, dark-green wadis, the Al Hajar mountains and the sea see visitors from all over the world every year. From the capital of Muscat to the hilltown of Jabal Akhdar, Oman has a lot to offer. Tourists end up spending about Rs 19,000 per day when on a trip to the country. 13. Sao Tome and Principe Average Daily Budget: Rs 18,671 Off the west coast of Central Africa lies the tiny island nation of Sao Tome and Principe. Its remoteness makes it both unspoilt by excessive tourism and drives up the average daily spend. Expect to spend about Rs 18,500 per day when in the country. 14. Puerto Rico Average Daily Budget: Rs 16,754 The country of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Puerto Rico lies in the Atlantic, about a thousand kilometres from Miami in Florida, US. Per day, you end up spending about Rs 17,000 in Puerto Rico; the country whose name means 'Rich Port' in Spanish. 15. Qatar Average Daily Budget: Rs 16,630 That Qatar gifted a swanky $400 million jet to the President of the United States might give you an idea about how rich the country is. The desert country in the Gulf is known for its modern architecture and jaw-dropping luxuries, as well as rich Islamic art. Qatar is categorised as one of the fastest growing countries in tourism, with its capital, Doha becoming one of the fastest growing hospitality and hotel markets in the world. An average daily budget of Rs 16,500 is necessary to visit Qatar.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mehul Choksi gets Rs 2.1 crore Sebi notice
Mehul Choksi NEW DELHI: Sebi has sent a notice to absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi asking him to pay Rs 2.1 crore in a case of violation of insider trading rules in the shares of Gitanjali Gems and warned of attachment of assets as well as bank accounts if he fails to make the payment within 15 days. The demand notice came after Choksi failed to pay the fine imposed by Sebi in Jan 2022. Choksi, who was CMD and part of promoter group of Gitanjali Gems, is the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi . Both are facing charges of defrauding PNB of more than Rs 14,000 crore. Choksi and Modi fled India after PNB scam came to light in early 2018. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
United News of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
SEBI asks Choksi to pay Rs 2.10 cr for insider trading breach
Business Economy Mumbai, May 19 (UNI) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a notice to fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi, asking him to pay Rs 2.10 crore in fines and recovery costs. SEBI has warned that if he fails to pay within 15 days, strict action such as freezing his bank accounts, seizing his property, or even arrest may follow. The recovery notice, issued on May 15, is based on a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore imposed on Choksi in January 2022 for violations related to Gitanjali Gems Limited. With interest and other expenses, the total amount now stands at Rs 2.10 crore. Choksi, whose last known address is at Walkeshwar in South Mumbai, has been asked to make the payment through SEBI's online portal or via bank transfer. SEBI also warned that if Choksi has transferred any assets to his family members after January 31, 2022, without fair payment, those assets will still be considered his and can be taken for recovery. Mutual funds and share depositories across the country have been told to report any holdings or transactions linked to Choksi and to inform SEBI if he tries to sell or redeem any investments. The notice was signed by SEBI Deputy General Manager and Recovery Officer Pankaj Yuvarajs Shinde. UNI BDN SSP
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sebi issues Rs 2.1 cr demand notice to absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi
Markets regulator Sebi has sent a notice to absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi asking him to pay Rs 2.1 crore in a case of violation of insider trading rules in the shares of Gitanjali Gems Ltd and warned of attachment of assets as well as bank accounts if he fails to make the payment within 15 days. The demand notice came after Choksi failed to pay the fine imposed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in January 2022. Choksi, who was the chairman and managing director as well as part of promoter group of Gitanjali Gems, is the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi . Both are facing charges of defrauding state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) of more than Rs 14,000 crore. Choksi and Modi fled India after the PNB scam came to light in early 2018. Last month, Choksi was arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies. He was located in Belgium last year when he went there on the grounds of getting medical treatment. He had been staying in Antigua since 2018 after leaving India. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kuching: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo Modi was arrested by the Scotland Yard Police in March 2019 and is currently lodged in jail in that country. In a fresh recovery notice dated May 15, the Securities and Exchanges Board of India (Sebi) directed Choksi to pay Rs 2.1 crore within 15 days. This included a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore and an interest of Rs 60 lakh. In the event of non-payment of dues, the market regulator said it will recover the amount by attaching and selling his moveable and immovable properties. Besides, Choksi faces attachment of his bank accounts and arrest. Live Events In its order passed in January 2022, the regulator imposed a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore on Choksi and restrained him from the securities market for one year. Sebi had found that Choksi communicated UPSI to one Rakesh Girdharlal Gajera, who sold his entire shareholding of 5.75 per cent in Gitanjali Gems in December 2017 with the intention of avoiding loss ahead of any event which may lead to disclosure of fraudulent issuance of LoUs (letter of undertaking)to Gitanjali Group and its magnitude in public domain. It was noted that fraudulent LOUs were issued on behalf of entities belonging to the Gitanjali Group, including GGL. "Noticee no. 1 (Choksi) was found to have communicated UPSI (unpublished price sensitive information) to Noticee no. 2 (Gajera) without any underlying legal obligation or any legitimate purpose," Sebi had said in its final order. Through such activities, the two persons had violated the provisions of PIT (Prohibition of Insider Trading) rules. In May 2023, Sebi had sent a notice to Choksi directing him to pay Rs 5.35 crore in a case pertaining to fraudulent trading in the shares of Gitanjali Gems.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Mehul Choksi to stay in Antwerp jail till June 13 as court defers trial
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi will remain in a prison in Antwerp for another month as a court there, after hearing arguments on extradition proceedings from the Indian government and his legal team, adjourned the matter for June 13, people familiar with the development said. Choksi, officials quoted above said, didn't press for bail at the hearing on Friday. Accused in the Punjab National Bank fraud and five similar cases, Choksi was arrested on April 11 by the Antwerp police based on an extradition request sent by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last year. He has been lodged in a prison there since then. While rejecting his plea for bail on April 22, a court of appeal in Antwerp said the fears about him fleeing from Belgian authorities are legitimate. Also Read | CBI sends fresh proof before Mehul Choksi's hearing 'There were arguments today on the validity of India's extradition request during which both sides (Belgian prosecutors on behalf of India and Choksi's legal team) made their submissions. They (Choksi's legal team) didn't insist on bail,' said one of the officers cited above and familiar with the court proceedings that took place on Friday. During the hearing, this officer said, Indian officials submitted a stack of documentary evidence before the Antwerp court. HT reported on Friday that CBI sent fresh warrants and evidence in four more fraud cases to the Belgian prosecutors to strengthen New Delhi's extradition request. The federal agency, a second officer said, is also set to send its team to Belgium to brief the Belgian prosecutors and hire a legal team before the next hearing on June 13. Challenging the extradition's legality, Choksi's lawyers argued on Friday that India sent its request in Hindi and Belgian languages even though the charge sheets and all court documents in India are in English, said the second officer. Also Read | CBI applies for non-bailable warrant against Choksi in ₹55 cr bank fraud case Choksi's lawyers also argued that India didn't inform Belgium authorities that Interpol, in 2022, withdrew a red notice issued against him, said the second officer. This decision of Interpol has already been challenged by the CBI in the global police body and a decision is pending. A second officer involved in the probe said on Friday that 'it is important that Mehul Choksi remain in prison for another month.' 'We have strong evidence and grounds to convince the Belgian courts that he is a habitual offender and jumps extradition proceedings as seen in the US and Antigua and Barbuda. So, when the matter comes up for hearing on June 13, we will vehemently oppose his release,' this officer said. CBI filed six bank fraud cases against Choksi and his companies between 2018 and 2022 involving amounts totaling nearly ₹13,000 crore. Choksi was tracked by the CBI to Belgium in July last year after which it approached the Belgian government with a formal extradition request. The extradition was sought under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections – 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 201 (destruction of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 477A (falsification of accounts), and sections 7 and 13 (bribery) of the prevention of corruption act. Besides, CBI also invoked the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in its extradition request. The Belgium government examined India's request at various levels and approved initiating action in the matter after it was convinced about the 'dual criminality' clause in the 1901 extradition treaty between two countries. Choksi has evaded the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) -- which is conducting a parallel money laundering probe -- since 2018. After fleeing from India in January 2018, he acquired the citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda.
