· Air India and THAI sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore greater collaboration
· Codeshare partnership in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals
Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Thai Airways International (THAI), Thailand’s national carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) building on their existing interline agreement, to explore a deeper partnership aimed at boosting connectivity between Thailand, India, and destinations beyond, leveraging each other’s global network strengths.
The MoU was signed on 07 June 2026 on the sidelines of the ongoing IATA AGM in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil.
Air India and THAI intend to enter into a codeshare agreement in 2026, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, designed to expand travel options for travellers between India and Thailand and deliver enhanced customer value across their respective networks.
The two Star Alliance member carriers intend to place their respective designator codes (‘AI’ for Air India and ‘TG’ for THAI) on each other’s flights between India and Thailand as well as on select international routes from the two countries, providing their customers with convenient access to several destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe. The specific terms governing the proposed codeshare agreement will be announced in due course.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India and Thailand are connected by longstanding cultural ties, growing economic engagement, and strong flows of tourism and business travel. As Asia reinforces its position at the centre of global growth, deeper collaboration between leading airlines will be key to enabling that growth by making travel more seamless and accessible. This MoU with Thai Airways brings together two carriers with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to service excellence. It also supports Air India’s broader ambition to strengthen India’s connectivity with the world, offering our customers more choice and greater value.”
Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer, THAI, stated: “The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen the regional connectivity and better serve to passengers traveling between Thailand, India and destination beyond. It also reflects the shared commitment of both airlines to supporting economic growth, promoting people-to-people exchanges, while contributing to broader cooperation between the two countries.”
About Air India Group
The Air India Group – comprising full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries travellers to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations across five continents.
Returning to Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft. In addition to taking new aircraft deliveries, Air India is progressively retrofitting all its legacy aircraft.
The Air India Group operates South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in Gurugram, India. The construction of a new flying school and a greenfield maintenance base is in progress.
With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.
For more news on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom
About Thai Airways (THAI)
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) is Thailand’s national carrier, operating from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Established in 1960, THAI has built a strong heritage of Thai hospitality and service excellence under its “Smooth as Silk” brand promise. Today, THAI connects Thailand to 62 destinations in 29 countries worldwide. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Thai Airways offers passengers an extensive global network, seamless connectivity, and a premium travel experience across international routes.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Godrej Professional Launches The Vybe Collection In Bangalore, To Upskill 1000+ Hair Stylists Across The Country
The new hair colour collection brings together three distinct trend-led looks. First one being ‘Chaos Mode’ which stands out with cool-toned beige blondes designed for bold, fearless personalities. Second look is called ‘Soft Launch’ which reimagines quiet luxury through rich, dimensional brunette blends. Third look called ‘Main Character’ makes a statement with warm auburn browns for those who walk into every room and own it.
With the unveiling of new hair colour collection, Godrej Professional is set to upskill 1000+ salon professionals across the country through technique seminars around Vybe. Kick-starting the launch, the first upskilling event was organised in Bangalore where over 200+ hairstylists, salon professionals and salon owners participated.
Commenting on the launch of Vybe, Bhoomika Goyal, Business Head, Godrej Professional said, “The Vybe Collection reflects where the future of hair colour is headed, towards bolder, more expressive and trend-led looks. Powered by Godrej Professional’s Colour Play range, Vybe is designed to give salons globally inspired colour trends tailored for globally influenced consumers. Through this launch, we are taking Vybe across multiple cities to upskill over 1000 salon professionals, because future of the category growth comes from empowering the hairstyling community alongside us. With trendsetting collections like Vybe, our focus is to deepen salon engagement by equipping stylists with the latest techniques and celebrate the creative professionals who bring every colour story to life for their clients.”
The launch event featured immersive training session and a high-energy hair show led by Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head, Godrej Professional, showcasing the collection's directional colour looks and the advanced colouring techniques defining the next wave of global hair aesthetics. The session focused on equipping salon professionals with the expertise to translate global colour trends into personalised, mood-led hair transformations, elevating both the client experience and their own creative practice. Post the technique building session, the Vybe Collection came alive on a high-fashion ramp, a bold, visual showcase before the city's most influential salon professionals.
Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head, Godrej Professional said, "Vybe was built around a single truth, a vibe is the emotional energy you carry and your hair colour should carry it with you. Chaos Mode oozes positive and cool toned beige blonde tones that are luminous, multidimensional, alive with movement. Soft Launch is a calm blend of brunettes, effortlessly luxurious. Main Character is bold and powerful draped in auburn brown that commands a room. Each look is brought to life through techniques inspired by the world around us, from Japanese Kintsugi art to a turtle's shell. Global beauty is moving fast towards identity-led expression and Godrej Professional is actively shaping the future of how India wears colour."
Inspired by today’s generation where identity is all about moods, not rules, the Vybe Collection transforms hair colour into a form of self-expression. Built around the philosophy "Hair colour is an expression of —feel your shade, wear your vybe," the collection celebrates individuality through Chaos Mode, Soft Launch, and Main Character.
Complementing the Vybe Collection, Godrej Professional also showcased Botosmooth, an advanced hair Botox treatment formulated without formaldehyde and enriched with nourishing oils. Designed to restore, smoothen and reduce frizz, Botosmooth delivers softer, shinier and more manageable hair with lasting results. The Vybe Collection and Botosmooth treatment are available at leading salons across Bangalore and across the country.
ABOUT GODREJ CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company, driven by the purpose of bringing the goodness of health and beauty to consumers in emerging markets. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy of over 125 years, built on the strong values of trust, integrity, and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.
Today, we enjoy the patronage of 1.4 billion consumers globally. We rank among the largest Household Insecticide and Hair Care players in emerging markets. In Household Insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the Hair Care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in Hair Colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in Soaps in India and are the number one player in Air Fresheners and Wet Tissues in Indonesia.
We believe that we are only as good as what we do next. So, we strive to continuously improve how we do business, and how we live in the world, shaping a more sustainable and responsible future by placing our planet and people alongside profit. Through Godrej Good & Green, we are helping create a more inclusive and greener planet, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the needs of local communities. At the Godrej DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) Lab, we work on empowering inclusion, help build DEI ecosystems across corporate India and aim to bring ideas and innovation related to DEI to the mainstream.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Mysuru Airport Being Revamped To Handle International Airlines
* The UDAN scheme focuses on both Greenfield (new) and Brownfield (upgraded) airport development. It expands airport facilities, such as terminal capacity, runways, and air traffic control, to accommodate regular scheduled and includes international flights
Mysore (Mysuru) also known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’ is famous for its grand palaces, lush gardens, and rich cuisine that attracts millions of tourists each year.To promote this vibrant city further, the government has modified the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme to revamp the Mysuru (Mandakalli) Airport and elevate it into an international airport facility.
Events like Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) summit strengthen partnerships, promote sustainable tourism and create new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs and local communities. The event was jointly organised by the Mysuru Travels Association (MTA) and the Karnataka Tourism Department.
Addressing the gathering at the Mysore Travel Mart (MTM-2026) at Jagannatha Centre for Art & Culture (JCAC) in Vijayanagar, Mr Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Cabinet Minister of Culture and Tourism for the Government of India said, “Karnataka could significantly enhance its tourism potential by adopting the national tourism policy and creating a more investment-friendly environment for the hospitality industry.”
India has very large domestic tourism as well as foreign tourism. Air travel and spending have increased exponentially and cities like Mysuru need to jump on this bandwagon, he said.
Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar urged for a close inter-departmental coordination among the officials to ensure that the land acquired for the Mysuru Airport expansion is encumbrance free, so that the project can be completed at the earliest. He advocated for the development of Mysuru Airport to international standards.
At a parallel discussion on Mysore Airport - 'Connect Mysore to the World,' P.V. Ushakumari, Director, Mysore Airport, highlighted gaps in tourism infrastructure, particularly the absence of a dedicated travel desk at the Airport. She said that the lack of basic guidance is leaving visitors without reliable information about accommodation and tourist facilities and in some cases, exposing them to fraud.
Utsav Agarwal, Director · Bhoruka Fabcons Private Limited urged the state government to prioritize the issue and get a help desk installed. He says, “Mysore needs great air, road and rail connectivity to attract major industries similar to the way Bangalore has developed. Look at the way all around development happening today in Vizak and in Guwahati, Assam, they are getting full support from both the central and state governments.”
“In fact, several foreign businesses have cancelled their plans to set up industries in Mysuru citing lack of proper infrastructure including air connectivity,” he remarks.
Airport Revamp To Handle Airbus And Boeing Aircrafts
The blueprint includes a state-of-the-art integrated Domestic and International Terminal, plus a dedicated Cargo Terminal to facilitate local agricultural and industrial exports.
The expansion aims to facilitate operations of narrow-body jet aircraft (such as Airbus A-320s and Boeing 737s) and lays the groundwork for future international status. The runway is being extended from its current 1,740 meters to 2,300 meters to accommodate heavier aircraft.
Land Acquisition & Layouts: Out of the 240 acres required for the project, most land has been acquired by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).Encumbrance-free handover of the few remaining plots—such as layout land on the Mandakalli side—is actively being fast-tracked by local authorities.
NH-766 Diversion: The diversion of National Highway 766 has received approval, with a revised plan featuring a 3.5-km diversion and a 520-meter underground tunnel.
New Airline Push: Local backing and private investments are growing. Skanjet Aviation has proposed a new base in Mysuru, aiming to use ATR-72 aircraft to connect the city directly to Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Kochi, Chennai, and Hyderabad under regional connectivity initiatives.
At a parallel discussion on Mysore Airport - 'Connect Mysore to the World,' P.V. Ushakumari, Director, Mysore Airport, highlighted gaps in tourism infrastructure, particularly the absence of a dedicated travel desk at the Airport. She said that the lack of basic guidance is leaving visitors without reliable information about accommodation and tourist facilities and in some cases, exposing them to fraud.
Utsav Agarwal, Director · Bhoruka Fabcons Private Limited urged the state government to prioritize the issue and get a help desk installed. He says, “Mysore needs great air, road and rail connectivity to attract major industries similar to the way Bangalore has developed. Look at the way all around development happening today in Vizak and in Guwahati, Assam, they are getting full support from both the central and state governments.”
“In fact, several foreign businesses have cancelled their plans to set up industries in Mysuru citing lack of proper infrastructure including air connectivity,” he remarks.
Airport Revamp To Handle Airbus And Boeing Aircrafts
The blueprint includes a state-of-the-art integrated Domestic and International Terminal, plus a dedicated Cargo Terminal to facilitate local agricultural and industrial exports.
The expansion aims to facilitate operations of narrow-body jet aircraft (such as Airbus A-320s and Boeing 737s) and lays the groundwork for future international status. The runway is being extended from its current 1,740 meters to 2,300 meters to accommodate heavier aircraft.
Land Acquisition & Layouts: Out of the 240 acres required for the project, most land has been acquired by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).Encumbrance-free handover of the few remaining plots—such as layout land on the Mandakalli side—is actively being fast-tracked by local authorities.
NH-766 Diversion: The diversion of National Highway 766 has received approval, with a revised plan featuring a 3.5-km diversion and a 520-meter underground tunnel.
New Airline Push: Local backing and private investments are growing. Skanjet Aviation has proposed a new base in Mysuru, aiming to use ATR-72 aircraft to connect the city directly to Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru, Kochi, Chennai, and Hyderabad under regional connectivity initiatives.
Marriott International Signs Agreement With MS Group To Debut JW Marriott In Nepal
Marriott International, Inc. today announced a signing agreement with MS Group, expected to bring the first JW Marriott brand to the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal in Kathmandu. Anticipated to open in early 2031, the newly built, JW Marriott Hotel Kathmandu Valley will introduce the brand’s signature expression of mindful luxury to the city, a destination celebrated for its adventurous spirit, sacred traditions, and profound sense of place.
On the signing occasion, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International commented, “This signing marks a significant milestone in the growth of our luxury portfolio in South Asia. We are thrilled to introduce the JW Marriott brand in Kathmandu. The city is an amalgamation of timeless traditions, spiritual richness, vibrant energy and growing global appeal, making it an exceptional fit for JW Marriott. As demand for transformative luxury experiences continues to grow across the region, this signing reflects our commitment to expanding thoughtfully in gateway destinations that offer deep cultural resonance. JW Marriott Hotel Kathmandu Valley is envisioned to be a sanctuary of calm and connection, blending the brand’s philosophy of mindfulness and well-being with the soul and character of Nepal.”
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with Marriott International once again to introduce another landmark luxury property in Nepal. As our new government advances its commitment to enhancing tourism and showcasing Nepal on the global stage, we are honored to play an important part in that journey. Our goal is simple: to offer guests an experience that blends the genuine warmth of Nepali hospitality with the highest standards of luxury, design, and service.” said Gaurav Agarwal, Owner and Managing Director of Capital Hotels and Hospitality Ltd
Located approximately 20 minutes from Tribhuvan International Airport on the Kathmandu–Bhaktapur route, JW Marriott Hotel Kathmandu Valley is expected to offer seamless access via the ring road and highway, allowing convenient connectivity. The hotel will also offer proximity to Bhaktapur’s centuries-old temples, artisan culture, and UNESCO-listed landmarks, positioning it well to attract both leisure and business travellers.
Kathmandu continues to emerge as a compelling gateway for international and regional travelers, supported by increasing connectivity, growing infrastructure, natural landscapes, and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. The signing of JW Marriott Hotel Kathmandu Valley underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to expanding its luxury footprint across South Asia.
JW Marriott Hotel Kathmandu Valley is expected to form a part of a mixed-use development featuring retail and entertainment offerings, including a casino operated independently of the hotel. Envisioned as a serene urban retreat, the hotel will embody the brand’s philosophy of mindful luxury, where intuitive hospitality and purposeful design come together to create an environment that encourages guests to pause, reconnect, and be fully present. Expected to feature 221 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, the hotel is slated to offer a refined luxury experience inspired by the destination’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual depth. Culinary experiences are expected to span multiple distinct venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, multiple specialty restaurants, a Lobby Lounge, Signature Bar, and JW Market, the brand’s contemporary café concept offering artisanal pastries, handcrafted beverages, and fresh seasonal offerings.
Further enriching the guest journey, design plans for the hotel also include multiple tranquil spaces, such as the brand’s signature JW Garden. Supporting a holistic approach to well-being, leisure and recreation facilities are expected to include the signature Spa by JW, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. The hotel is also slated to feature more than 1,600 square meters of flexible meeting and event spaces designed to host a range of gatherings, from intimate celebrations and weddings to large-scale social occasions and corporate events.
Godrej Properties Sells Homes Worth Over INR 2,000 Crore At The Launch Of Godrej Vanantara In Bengaluru
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Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL) (BSE scrip ID: GODREJPROP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, announced that it has sold homes worth over INR 2,000 crore in its project, Godrej Vanantara, located off Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru.
Godrej Vanantara is among GPL’s largest residential developments in South India, with a developable potential of ~3.53 million sq. ft. and an estimated revenue potential of ~INR 3,700 crore. Launched in the 1st week of June 2026, Godrej Vanantara has emerged as one of the most successful launches in the South Bengaluru micro-market, with well over 1,000 homes sold in the launch week.
Spanning 36 acres, the development is defined by expansive open spaces, landscaped greens, a 65,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, low-density planning, and over 50 curated lifestyle amenities designed to deliver a distinctive, high-quality living experience in one of Bengaluru’s key growth corridors. Bannerghatta Road is fast emerging as a high-potential residential corridor in South Bengaluru, driven by upcoming metro access, proximity to key employment hubs, and increasing preference for well-planned communities that offer a balance of urban convenience and natural surroundings.
Commenting on the development, Gaurav Pandey, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, “The response to Godrej Vanantara reflects a clear evolution in customer priorities in South Bengaluru towards homes that deliver better design, liveability, and everyday experience. At Godrej Properties, we are focused on understanding these shifts and building communities that respond meaningfully to them. The strong traction we’ve seen reinforces our belief that a customer-first approach, backed by thoughtful planning and execution, will continue to shape the future of residential development.”
About Godrej Properties Limited:
At Godrej Properties, we are driven by a singular purpose: crafting joy. Over 100,000 families have found a home with us, making us India’s largest residential developer by both the value and volume of homes sold. As part of the Godrej Industries Group, we combine a 129-year legacy of trust and excellence with a forward-looking vision to shape the future of urban India.
Our approach is anchored in thoughtful design, sustainability, thriving communities, and uncompromising quality. As of December 2025, we were ranked the number one real estate company worldwide on both the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Sustainability Indices and the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.
Fidelity Investments Promotes Sustainable Action Through Fidelity Cares In India
Fidelity Investments India has a continued focus on sustainability measures through its Fidelity Cares community relations program. Fidelity Cares provides associates with opportunities to make an impact among the communities where they live and work, including a strong focus on sustainable action. On World Environment Day, Fidelity Cares has highlighted some of the ways by which it promotes sustainable action through dedicated efforts.
Aditya Ramprasad, Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments India, said: “Through Fidelity Cares, our associates gain awareness of sustainability issues and contribute to programs aimed at protecting the environment and ecology we live in, for the benefit of future generations to follow.”
Here are some of the initiatives and impacts that Fidelity Cares has made over the past two years:
Planting program using the Miyawaki method
In collaboration with one of our non-profit organizations, Fidelity has contributed to planting over 180,000 saplings across Bangalore and Chennai using the Miyawaki method, creating 20 urban mini forests in the last eight years. This initiative has contributed to a significant enhancement of biodiversity and strengthening of urban green infrastructure.
Lake restoration
Along with a non-profit organization, Fidelity has supported two lake rejuvenation initiatives in Bengaluru in 2025 and 2026. The projects have focused on reinforcing hydrological resilience, restoring the ecological balance, and creating accessible and safe public spaces.
Percolation recharge wells
To enhance the depleting groundwater levels, Fidelity Cares, in association with a non-profit organization, has contributed to constructing over 300 percolation recharge wells in Bengaluru and Chennai over the last two years. This initiative aims to enhance ground water levels and address water security, to enable sustainable communities.
Plog runs
Our associates participated in plog runs organized by Fidelity Cares in association with one of our associate business resource groups, the Associate Sustainability Network (ASN), during Plastic Free July last year. They removed non-biodegradable waste from beaches and lakes in our cities. It reflected our ongoing work alongside the larger community to drive meaningful environmental impact.
All of these are some of the ways by which Fidelity Investments India showcases and promotes sustainable action among the communities where we live and work.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s goal is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $17.9 trillion, including managed assets of $7.0 trillion as of March 31, 2026, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 80 years, Fidelity employs more than 80,000 associates across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
Fidelity Investments India began operations as a global capability center of the company in 2003 and currently has around 7,000 employees located across Bangalore and Chennai. We deliver solutions across all lines of the global business in the areas of technology, operations, analytics, research, and data science. For more information, visit https://jobs.fidelity.com/in/.
Dr. Rajashekhar Brings Advanced Robotic Hip And Knee Replacement Expertise To Davangere
Dr. Rajashekhar holds an MBBS, M.S. in Orthopaedics, an M.Ch., and a Ranawat Fellowship in Joint Replacement Surgery. He has conducted over 7,000 joint replacement surgeries, including more than 1,000 hip and knee procedures performed with robotic assistance. A recipient of multiple Best Paper Presentation Awards at the Ranawat Orthopaedic Conference, he brings more than 24 years of clinical experience and has performed thousands of joint replacement procedures. As Lead Consultant for Orthopaedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, he explained that robotic-assisted procedures pair computer-guided planning with a robotic instrument to ensure precise bone cuts and optimal implant positioning.
“Robotic hip and knee replacement surgeries are transforming orthopaedic care by delivering greater precision, less invasive techniques and faster recovery,” Dr. Rajashekhar said. “These systems augment the surgeon’s expertise; the robot assists while the surgeon remains in control of every step. The technology benefits a wide range of patients, including older adults with severe arthritis, working-age individuals with chronic joint pain and those who require complex or revision joint surgeries.”
Patients who benefited from robotic joint replacement were present at the conference to share their stories and testimonials, followed by a case-study presentation and a lively, interactive question-and-answer session with Dr. Rajashekhar that explored the procedures and outcomes in detail.
“I had lost hope of living a pain-free life, but the surgery gave me a new lease on life,” said 36‑year‑old Madhukumari, who received a left hip replacement. “Dr. Rajashekhar’s expertise and care were exceptional, and I’m deeply grateful for his dedication and skill.”
Noted Kannada writer Sankamma Sankannavar, 69 years old, who had a right knee replacement, described how the procedure restored her mobility and creative work. “As a writer, I feared pain would silence my words. The operation restored my ability to work and participate in community life. I’m very grateful to Dr. Rajashekhar for giving me my life back.”
Dr. Rajashekhar K. T., a native of Davangere who has received state-level awards, will hold outpatient consultations at Anugraha Hospital during the second week of every month as a way of giving back to the people of his hometown. Local patients can receive basic health checks and initial assessments; those who require surgery will be referred to Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, for definitive robotic hip or knee replacement care.
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