News

UP to Host Dudhwa Festival in November, Showcasing Tharu Culture & Wildlife

Uttar Pradesh is set to host its first-ever residential cultural and wildlife festival, the Dudhwa Festival, from November 14, 2025, at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, aiming to promote eco-tourism, biodiversity, and indigenous traditions. The three-day celebration will offer visitors a vibrant immersion into the state’s rich cultural landscape and natural beauty. The event will feature performances by celebrated Indian artists such as Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher, and Ram Sampath, alongside other popular names like Kaushiki Chakraborty, Don Bhatt, Rishabh Sharma, Brodha V, Ginni Sujan, and Paresh Pahuja. The musical programming spans classical, folk, and contemporary genres, promising a diverse cultural experience. Announcing the festival, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized its role in drawing both domestic and international tourists. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to elevate Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourism destination.

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Air India Debuts Premium Economy on Delhi–London A350 with Luxe Comfort

Air India’s revamped experience delivers unmatched comfort and elegance high above the clouds. Because flying is about more than just reaching your destination. Travel today transcends simply reaching a destination. As global connectivity tightens, the journey itself—marked by airline choice, cabin comfort, and in-flight experiences—has become the centerpiece of modern travel. Luxury, convenience, and thoughtful service are no longer optional but essential for discerning passengers. Airlines that embrace these evolving traveler expectations are leading a transformation in how people experience air travel. Air India’s new A350-900 aircraft exemplifies this shift with a comprehensive focus on passenger comfort, style, and indulgence. The Business Class cabins on the A350-900 elevate the flying experience to unprecedented levels. Featuring twenty-eight private suites, the cabins prioritize spaciousness and privacy, allowing passengers to fully unwind. Each suite offers a fully flat bed capable of reclining to a complete 180 degrees, ensuring restful sleep even on long-haul overnight flights. The generous design comfortably accommodates individuals up to six feet tall with enough space to stretch, a welcome departure from cramped seats that plague many other carriers. The focus on personal space creates an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation, setting a new benchmark for comfort on routes such as New Delhi to London. Entertainment is another hallmark of the Business Class suite experience. Each private suite features a twenty-one-inch high-definition screen stocked with an extensive selection of movies and shows. Passengers can enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters, timeless Bollywood classics, and interactive games, keeping both adults and children thoroughly engaged throughout the flight. The entertainment system, paired with noise-cancelling headphones, transforms the cabin into a personal sanctuary where travelers can escape and unwind at 30,000 feet.

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IATA Launches 10-Year Global Plan to Modernize Baggage Handling

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap to modernise baggage operations. Developed with airlines, airports, and industry partners, the roadmap sets a clear path to improve both operational efficiency and traveller satisfaction. “Baggage is important for travellers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is. That is confirmed by recent IATA polling showing 81 per cent of travellers want better tracking, 74 per cent expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67 per cent are willing to switch to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travellers want,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations. The Roadmap is built around three pillars: Baggage Information Exchange and Data Standardization to align how baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and partners. For passengers, replacing legacy systems like teletype with modern messaging standards will mean faster baggage reconciliation, fewer delays due to data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise. Driving transformation towards this new API-driven baggage messaging standard will significantly reduce the airline industry’s annual spending of USD 1 billion on teletype messaging. Baggage Tracking and Automation to provide visibility throughout the journey. This includes the use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics that will enable passengers to track their bags in real time and experience smoother transfers and arrivals. Streamlining the baggage claim process, combating fraud, and enhancing the customer experience so airlines can resolve passenger’s claims faster and have better protections from baggage-related fraud. “This Roadmap will consolidate the progress of previous initiatives to modernize baggage processes and take a holistic view of where we need to be in 10 years. With the buy-in of all stakeholders we are better placed than ever to improve traveller satisfaction by delivering the digital, automated, and customer-focused service that they get in many other sectors,” said Mejstrikova. The Global Baggage Roadmap aligns with IATA’s broader efforts to modernize ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. IATA will work closely with stakeholders to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress.

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JW Marriott to Open in Ludhiana by 2029

“Manchester” for its vibrant textile and manufacturing industries and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. Designed to embody the brand’s signature emphasis on mindfulness, exceptional service, and sophisticated design, JW Marriott Ludhiana will be part of a mixed-use development featuring retail and residential spaces. The hotel is expected to open in January 2029. On the signing occasion, Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, commented, “The signing of JW Marriott Ludhiana marks a bold step in redefining the luxury hospitality landscape of the city. Ludhiana’s market is at the pinnacle of transformation, and the arrival of JW Marriott, with its exceptional brand promise, world-class design, and commitment to excellence, will not only fill a long-standing gap in the city’s luxury segment but will also set a new benchmark for its evolving hospitality scene”. She added, “We are confident that this hotel will become the preferred destination for discerning travelers and a catalyst for Ludhiana’s growing stature as a business and social hub. This signing is a strong testament to Marriott International’s strategic focus, tapping into the potential of high-growth markets across India.” “It gives us immense pride to collaborate with Marriott International to introduce the globally renowned JW Marriott brand to our city,” said Inder Raj Singh, Owner, Grey Group. “This project is more than just a development for us – it is a significant step to reshape Ludhiana’s urban and hospitality landscape while reinforcing our ambitions across residential and commercial real estate. JW Marriott Ludhiana will stand as a landmark of luxury and excellence, and we are excited to contribute to the city’s growth story as it emerges onto the national stage.” Ludhiana is one of Punjab’s most prominent and rapidly developing cities, recognized as a major hub for industry, trade, agriculture, and logistics. Strategically located, Ludhiana also acts as a commercial confluence for nearby towns like Patiala and Bhatinda and enjoys excellent connectivity to key regional cities, including Delhi and Amritsar. The city’s economic prospects are set to strengthen further with the opening of a new airport at Halwara. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the Ludhiana Railway Station and 2.5-hour drive from Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, and a 10 –to 15-minute drive to the city centre.

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Etihad Orders 28 Boeing Jets to Transform Fleet by 2030

Etihad Airways, the national carrier and flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates, is making a bold and decisive move in its ambitious growth journey by confirming a major order for twenty-eight wide-body Boeing aircraft. This development marks a significant milestone in the airline’s steady fleet expansion, which began in 2023 as part of a comprehensive long-term strategy to double its operational size by the year two thousand thirty. The aircraft acquisition demonstrates Etihad’s unwavering commitment to evolving its fleet in line with changing global market demands, expanding its network reach, and enhancing operational efficiency while delivering exceptional passenger experiences. The recent agreement with Boeing involves a carefully balanced mix of the latest generation Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the advanced Boeing 777X models. Both aircraft types are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, fuel efficiency, and superior passenger comfort. Powered by General Electric engines, these planes come with a full-service support package designed to optimize maintenance, reduce downtime, and ensure the highest levels of reliability for Etihad’s expanding operations. Scheduled for delivery beginning in two thousand twenty-eight, these new aircraft will play a crucial role in strengthening Etihad’s position as a leading global carrier, capable of serving growing demand in key international markets. Advertisement Etihad’s strategic vision for fleet growth extends beyond simply increasing capacity. It reflects a deep focus on sustainability, operational excellence, and future readiness. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its revolutionary aerodynamic design and lightweight composite materials, which contribute to significant reductions in fuel burn and carbon emissions. This aligns with Etihad’s broader sustainability goals, helping the airline reduce its environmental footprint while offering travelers a quieter and more comfortable flying experience. Meanwhile, the Boeing 777X, Boeing’s latest flagship wide-body aircraft, brings innovative features such as larger, more efficient engines, an extended wingspan with folding wingtips for improved aerodynamics, and spacious, modern cabins tailored for enhanced passenger comfort.

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Shangri-La Bengaluru Redefines City Escapes with Eat Play Love Experience

Shangri-La Bengaluru is redefining the concept of city escapes with its innovative Eat Play Love experience, setting a new benchmark for immersive luxury getaways. This thoughtfully crafted offering delivers a flawless blend of gourmet indulgence, exhilarating adventures, and holistic wellness, designed to satisfy the modern traveler’s desire for meaningful and multifaceted journeys. In a city known for its dynamic culture and vibrant energy, Eat Play Love invites guests to dive deeper into Bengaluru’s unique spirit—savoring exquisite local and international cuisine, exploring adventurous activities that bring the city’s lively essence to life, and nurturing their mind and body through personalized wellness experiences. This harmonious trio ensures every visitor experiences a balanced and enriching stay that goes beyond traditional hospitality. Advertisement Shangri-La Bengaluru pairs its renowned exceptional service and elegant comfort with this groundbreaking experience, creating a peaceful haven for guests to unwind amid the vibrant city energy. From curated culinary journeys led by expert chefs to guided explorations and indulgent spa treatments, Eat Play Love crafts a seamless fusion of taste, play, and soulful wellness. This offering not only elevates the guest experience but also reflects a broader shift in luxury travel toward holistic and authentic experiences that nourish both body and soul. This summer, Shangri-La Bengaluru invites travelers to discover the city beyond its usual charm, embracing it as a vibrant blend of indulgence, adventure, and genuine connection. The new experience, Eat Play Love, offers guests a chance to dive deep into Bengaluru’s spirit—one delicious bite, one refreshing brew, and one mindful moment at a time. With every overnight stay, visitors can select from three unique experiences celebrating luxury dining (Eat), thrilling activities (Play), and holistic wellness (Love).

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