Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

GMR Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports ecosystem, is proud to announce a landmark 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for rugby, to launch the Rugby Premier League. Set to debut in 2025, the RPL will be one of the world’s first franchise-based rugby leagues, featuring six city-based teams and showcasing elite talent from top rugby nations globally. This partnership signifies a bold step forward for GMR Sports as it extends its legacy of innovation and excellence into the realm of Rugby 7s, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sports in the world. Speaking on this transformative collaboration, Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, said: “At GMR Sports, we believe in driving the future of sports in India by creating platforms that inspire athletes and fans alike. The Rugby Premier League is not just a league—it is a movement to bring world-class rugby to India while fostering grassroots development. Partnering with Rugby India reflects our commitment to creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in every sport we touch. We are excited to be at the forefront of this exciting new chapter in Indian sports.” The Rugby Premier League promises to captivate audiences while building a strong foundation for rugby’s growth in India. By exposing young Indian talent to international players and top-tier coaching, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, emphasized the league’s transformative potential, saying: “The Rugby Premier League is a game-changer for rugby in India. With World Rugby’s support and GMR Sports’ expertise, we are set to deliver a league that showcases the finest talent and professionalism. Fans can expect nothing …

The event brought together more than 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries, including Russia, Brazil, India and China, as well as countries of the Global South. The congress became the largest Russian event for an international audience in this particular sphere. Moscow recently hosted, the second edition of Meet Global MICE Congress: BRICS Edition, which brought together over 1,300 representatives of the business tourism industry from BRICS countries — including Russia, Brazil, India, and China — as well as nations from the Global South. This congress marked the largest Russian event catering to an international audience in the MICE sector. Now in its second year, the congress saw its participation and expert presence double, firmly establishing Moscow as a pivotal hub for fostering interaction, building connections, and creating new business opportunities among representatives from 17 BRICS and Global South countries. The core theme of this year’s business program was “Global Challenges and Trends of the MICE Industry: Towards Sustainable Development through the Prism of Experience and Knowledge of BRICS Countries and the Global South”.  Participants explored the major transformations shaping the global MICE market and discussed strategies for ensuring sustainable development within the industry. The program included sessions addressing key issues relevant to both public and private sectors. Topics ranged from developing congress and exhibition infrastructure to leveraging new technological solutions like big data and artificial intelligence. With 13 business sessions featuring over 50 Russian and international experts, the congress saw high-profile contributions from figures such as Dmitry Vakhrukov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee; Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, Immediate Past Vice Chairman of the …

 India’s global travel hotspot with a Blend of History, Wildlife, and Culture  Madhya Pradesh is a Tiger State with UNESCO Heritage Gems  Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh highlighted in WSJ Showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s Allure Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025”. This accolade highlights the state’s rich heritage, unparalleled wildlife, and exceptional natural beauty. The Heart of Incredible India beckons travel enthusiasts to dive into the state, where every celebration is a thrilling escapade! Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla expressed delight saying, this global recognition solidifies Madhya Pradesh’s status as a world-class travel destination. With 14 (3 permanent and 11 tentative) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 9 Tiger Reserves, and vibrant cultural experiences, our state offers unique experiences for every traveller. WSJ’s recognition specifically highlights renowned UNESCO World Heritage site Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, celebrated for their cultural significance, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breath-taking landscapes. These destinations showcase the diverse tourism offerings of Madhya Pradesh. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is actively promoting the state on global platforms to attract international travellers.

IHCL announces the opening of Taj Puri Resort & Spa, a luxurious beachfront resort in Odisha. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, it marks IHCL’s foray into one of India’s most revered coastal destinations. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “By introducing iconic locations like Puri to the global luxury stage, we honour India’s rich heritage while pioneering new markets. Going beyond our multi-brand presence in the state’s capital, IHCL is extending its footprint to its prominent cultural and leisure destination. He added, “Offering a spiritual circuit on the east coast of India, from Chennai, Tirupati, Bhubaneshwar to now Puri, this new opening will unlock the tourism potential of the region.” A short walk from Puri Beach, the 90-key Taj Puri Resort & Spa offers panoramic views of the ocean and the serene, landscaped gardens. Designed with inspiration from the region’s Kalinga architecture, the interiors showcase traditional Khondalite and laterite stonework, complemented by intricate Pattachitra art, Ikat weaves, and terracotta accents, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Guests can embark on a culinary adventure at Vista, our all-day dining restaurant; Jaatra, a specialty restaurant serving a fusion of Odia and Indonesian cuisine alongside South East Asian cuisine; and Jaatra Bar, where you can savor classic and innovative cocktails all complemented by stunning views of the Bay. For events and celebrations, the 14,000 sq. ft. lawn is ideal for weddings and large gatherings, alongside indoor banquet facilities. Guests can rejuvenate at the J Wellness Circle, offering wellness therapies inspired by ancient traditions and explore the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Ankit Tandon, General Manager, Taj Puri Resort & Spa, Odisha, said “We are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Puri Resort & …

Addressing the issue of banks not proving loans for big cars or imported cars during the Indian Tourist Transporters Association convention, Union Culture & Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said, “I will engage with the banking sector to ask about their apprehensions and understand why this happens and what can be done to resolve this. We will discuss these issues and work together to find a solution.”

India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant has said that India must position itself as a global hub for MICE. He added, “The MICE market is vast and largely untapped in our country. With the development of state-of-the-art facilities like Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam, India now has the potential to capitalise on this. We must ensure, much like Germany has done with its leading venues, that we attract the world’s largest and most prestigious meetings to our shores. Yashobhoomi, designed to be the largest and most advanced convention center globally, surpasses any comparable facility, including those in China. With these world-class facilities, India can and should draw the biggest MICE events from across the globe.”

As per the latest statistics from ForwardKeys, India’s urban air travel market is experiencing a strong recovery, reflecting the evolving dynamics and opportunities across various regions. As the market continues to rebound, total seat capacity in 2024 is expected to reach 45.7 million, marking a 12% increase compared to 2023 and a 15% growth from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Launching the new Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, said, “We are launching the new guidelines for the film production – an area which I am very, very keen to promote again. There are so many programmes that the state government is running today to support the youth, and we want you to take advantage of that. The Film Grant Booklet is our commitment to support filmmakers in their endeavours providing a necessary framework for financial assistance and ensuring that creative minds have the resources to bring their visions to life.”

GRNconnect, in collaboration with DTORR, successfully conducted several student training sessions in November and December 2025, aimed at empowering students pursuing careers in travel and hospitality. These sessions, trained over 100 students and were held across esteemed educational institutions, are a testament to GRNconnect’s commitment to fostering the next generation of travel specialists, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Training Details: ITM University, Raipur Dates: 21st & 22nd November 2025 Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak Dates: 26th & 27th November 2025 Department of Travel & Tourism, Government Polytechnic Nagpur, Maharashtra Dates: 21st & 23rd December 2025 These training programmes focused on providing practical knowledge and industry insights, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive travel and hospitality industry. Deepak Narula, Managing Director, GRNconnect said, “At GRNconnect, we firmly believe in the power of education and hands-on training to shape the future of the travel industry. By collaborating with DTORR, we aim to inspire and equip students with the tools they need to succeed as professionals and entrepreneurs. This initiative is our way of giving back to the travel fraternity and nurturing talent for a brighter tomorrow.” Vikas Tembhare, Director, DTORR said, “DTORR specialises in making students job-ready by providing practical and impactful training. Partnering with GRNconnect has been a remarkable experience, and together, we are bridging the gap between academia and the dynamic demands of the travel industry. These training programmes are a significant step towards preparing students for successful careers.” This collaboration underscores the shared vision of GRNconnect and DTORR to invest in the future of the travel and hospitality sectors by fostering a culture of learning and innovation among aspiring professionals. Together, they …

FHRAI suggested Ministry of Tourism to establish a central portal by NCHMCT to address the ongoing human resource shortages and skill gaps faced by the hospitality industry. It also suggested updating curriculums every 3-5 years as per industry trends, and balancing the allocation of seats for both managerial and frontline roles.