ITV

Tag: Mumbai

  • IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    MUMBAI: Forget layovers, Indigo’s new flights to Europe are taking off with sass, speed and a social media splash. On 1 July 2025, Indigo will launch its first-ever non-stop service from Mumbai to Manchester, followed swiftly by a Mumbai–Amsterdam route on 2 July. This bold expansion into Europe isn’t just a milestone for the airline, it’s a full-throttle rebrand as a global player, now powered by Dreamliners and digital dazzle.

    The airline’s entry into long-haul territory marks a pivotal leap from being India’s favourite low-cost carrier to a serious contender in premium international travel. Both routes will operate thrice a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with complimentary hot meals and beverages, giving flyers a taste of comfort at 35,000 feet.

    But what really took off faster than a takeoff roll? Indigo’s viral tweet:
    “We’ll be in Manchester on 1st July. Anyone wants anything?”

    That off-the-cuff one-liner triggered a runway-wide brand fest. Over 25 top Indian brands joined the banter Durex asked for “a safe trip”, India Gate Foods wanted tulips, Taco Bell craved “Manchester masala”, and Blinkit cheekily offered to deliver in 10 minutes. From masalas to masala marketing, the tweet thread became a masterclass in brand engagement, reaching millions online.

    The new routes are now open for booking on the GoIndigo site, app, and through authorised travel partners. And while the Dreamliner promises a smooth ride, it’s IndiGo’s social media chops that are landing the biggest applause.

    With over 400 aircraft in its fleet and more than 2,200 daily flights, IndiGo continues to dominate Indian skies. Now, with a growing footprint that connects over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, including two of Europe’s iconic cities, the airline is ready to go intercontinental without losing its irreverent edge.

    As IndiGo’s slogan suggests, it’s not just India by IndiGo anymore, it’s the world.

  • Pickled in action as Mumbai serves first smash of Picklebay India tour

    Pickled in action as Mumbai serves first smash of Picklebay India tour

    MUMBAI: Rackets up, Mumbai, the pickleball party is about to begin. India’s first all-in-one pickleball platform, Picklebay, is stepping onto the court with the opening leg of its India Tour, scheduled from 31 May to 1 June, 2025. From amateurs to aces, teens to the 35 plus crowd, the event promises a rally of talent across singles, doubles, mixed, and age-group categories, making it one of the country’s most inclusive sporting formats.

    This isn’t just a tournament, it’s a slice of sport, culture, and community, served with a digital edge and a side of pancakes.

    “We’re excited to launch the tour in Mumbai, a city that perfectly captures the spirit of this new-age sport,” said Picklebay founder & CEO Siddhant Jatia. “This is more than a tournament. It’s a platform for community, culture, and the future of pickleball in India.”

    The Mumbai leg is powered by a colourful squad of youth-first brands:

    ●    Yaba (equipment partner)

    ●    The Wellness Co (wellness partner)

    ●    Plum Goodness (skincare partner)

    ●    Total Sports and Fitness (retail partner)

    ●    Franklin X-40 (official match ball sponsor)

    ●    99 Pancakes (dessert partner, for post-match sweet tooth)

    But the real tech MVP is Picklebay’s digital backbone, which ensures real-time fixtures, scoring, and updates eliminating chaos and amplifying the competitive spirit. The seamless platform makes the sport more accessible and enjoyable, especially for India’s growing tribe of urban recreational athletes.

    With the pickleball wave growing louder across India’s metros, this tour could be the ace that brings the game mainstream. And as Mumbai gets ready to smash, volley, and spin its way through the weekend, one thing’s clear Picklebay is here to play.

  • Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    MUMBAI: Most people dread a legal-looking envelope but this one holds no fines, just facts. In a bold, attention-grabbing move for Menstrual Hygiene Day, femcare brand Plush has teamed up with quick commerce platform Blinkit to deliver more than just products, they’re delivering a cultural reckoning. In five Indian cities, over 25,000 homes received what appeared to be formal legal notices. But instead of summons, the sleek envelope bore a blazing message: “This is your final notice to put your comfort first.” Inside? A Plush 100 per cent rash-free pad and a mission to challenge the silence around periods.

    As part of its larger PeriodFriendlyWorld campaign, the activation brought period care straight into the spotlight (and the living room), removing the metaphorical brown bag from sanitary pads and giving menstruators permission to expect dignity, comfort and normalcy.

    The campaign ties into Plush’s wider digital movement, “Volume Up. Period.” which addresses a quiet truth: most menstruators instinctively lower their voices when talking about periods, not out of choice but conditioning. Plush is on a mission to unlearn that silence.

    “Periods have been tiptoed around for too long inside homes, offices, and even marketing boardrooms,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “This campaign isn’t just about delivering pads, it’s about speaking up. To expect better. To demand comfort. To turn the Volume Up. Period. We’re proud to do it in partnership with Blinkit, who help us take this message straight into the homes where it matters most.”

    Blinkit Senior vice president for revenue Anish Shrivastava added, “This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re proud to collaborate with a femcare brand like Plush to support a cause that underscores the need for period care to be seen, respected, and prioritised. It’s about making room for honest conversations, and ensuring that something so fundamental is never out of reach.”

    The campaign ran across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai on May 27 and 28, making a case for how direct-to-home marketing can become a megaphone for cultural change. And while the pads were soft, the message was loud and clear: periods aren’t taboo, they’re part of life and they deserve to be treated that way.

    Because building a PeriodFriendlyWorld doesn’t start with a billboard, it starts at your doorstep.

  • Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    MUMBAI: What do you get when Chhota Bheem, Tom & Jerry, Ben 10, and Mr. Bean walk into a mall? No, it’s not a joke setup, it’s Warner Bros. Discovery’s summer tour turning shopping centres into cartoon chaos with the mother of all toon takeovers.

    With Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids uniting for a high-energy, 10-city mall activation, Indian kids are in for a summer that’s equal parts action, laughter, dance-offs, selfies, and superhero hugs. The blockbuster bonanza kicked off this May and continues through June, transforming malls in metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru and even non-metro hubs like Aurangabad, Kottayam and Ahmednagar into playgrounds of pure animated madness.

    Themed zones will see POGO’s India Ke Superheroes (featuring Little Singham, Chhota Bheem and Chhutki) rubbing shoulders with Cartoon Network’s Jhatpat Action Khatpat Comedy icons (Ben 10, Teen Titans Go, Tom & Jerry, and Powerpuff Girls) while Discovery Kids’ Katti Batti Dosti Pakki springs to life with Titoo and Mr. Bean’s wacky camaraderie.

    But it’s not just for the ‘Gram although there are selfie spots aplenty. Think interactive games, creative art corners, dance battles, and themed installations that pull kids right into the worlds they usually only binge-watch. The energy isn’t just reserved for the malls either. Online extensions include digital challenges, UGC contests, and highlights from the on-ground madness keeping the FOMO real.

    Warner Bros. Discovery marketing head of South Asia Janhavi Vyas said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we’re passionate about crafting joyful, immersive experiences that unite families and ignite young imaginations. Through these summer activations, we’re transforming malls into vibrant hubs of creativity and entertainment, bringing fans close to their beloved characters,while delivering blockbuster fun that complements our exciting summer slate and creating lasting memories for our audiences.”

    And just in case parents were wondering how to get their kids off screens post-visit, WBD’s summer programming plans ensure they don’t have to. The slate boasts nearly 200 half-hours of fresh content across the three channels, including 22 new Chhota Bheem episodes, the premiere of Chhota Bheem in Samay Chakra, superhero specials like Leo! Rise of Super Singham, and Singhamverse Kaalverse 2.

    Chhota Bheem also turns 17 this May, and WBD isn’t letting that go unnoticed cue crossover events, Maha Blockbuster films, and weekly stunts. Add in strong brand partnerships and multiple language options, and you’ve got a summer lineup designed to keep India’s kids happily glued whether on-ground or online.

    In short, if your child disappears this May and June, don’t panic. Just follow the sound of cartoon catchphrases, dance floor beats and raucous laughter. Chances are, they’re at the mall, tooning out in the best way possible.

  • 7 Iconic reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End

    7 Iconic reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End

    Taj Lands End has been very strategically located in the upscale neighbourhood of Bandra in Mumbai and stands as one of the iconic and luxurious five-star hotels in the city. This place is beautifully overlooking the Arabian Sea and the historic Bandra Fort which makes it a perfect place to enjoy elegance, comfort and world-class hospitality. So, whether you are travelling the city of Mumbai for business purposes, leisure purposes or a special celebration, Taj Lands’ End will always provide you with an unmatched experienceand following are the most important reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End Mumbai:

    1. Breath-taking view of the Arabian Sea: One of the biggest possible benefits of booking your room in the Taj Lands End is this stunning view of the sea because the majority of the rooms over here will provide you with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, Bandra Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai skyline. Over here you will be waking up to the sight of the waves that will be gently rolling against the shore and further, you can easily enjoy the mesmerising sunset right from the comfort of your room. The beautiful views of this particular place will definitely provide you with a very peaceful contrast to the hassle of the city and for anybody who is interested in enjoying nature in blending with urban energy, the view will be the best possible reason to plan your stay over here.

    2. Very strategic location: Taj Lands End is very strategically located in the Bandra area of Mumbai and is very well famous by the name of Queen of the Suburbs. This place will offer you easy accessibility to the airport, BKC and South Mumbai because this is one of the best possible options for exploring the culture and nightlife of the city. The entire place is also known by the name of Cafes, Art galleries, shopping and historical landmarks which is the main reason that planning your stay over here will be worth it. Best of the tourist attractions including the Mount Mary Church, bandstand Promenade and the Bandra Fort are only a stroll away from this place. All of these points will make the entire place very much ideal for business and leisure travellers who are interested in enjoying a central and scenic base to explore the city without any problem. 

    3. Very luxurious rooms: Taj Lands End will be coming with very spacious and beautifully designed rooms that will reflect sophistication as well as comfort because every room over here has been equipped with the best-in-class bedding, elegant decoration, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV and marble bathrooms. Sea-view rooms and the Taj club rooms will be offering you with additional element of luxury along with exclusive services and the Presidential suite over here will be the epitome of indulgence that will be providing you with the best of space and private service. So, whether you are planning to stay over here for a night or for a week every room will definitely promise you elegance, peace and relaxation without any doubt.

    4. World-class dining facilities and options: Taj Lands End is basically a very important culinary destination itself because it will be offering you multiple award-winning restaurants which are known for Indian cuisine created by the best of the expert chefs. Chinese Fine favourite dishes will also be made available over here and you will also be able to enjoy easy access to the innovative cocktails and other beverages. 24 x 7 International restaurants with Lavish Buffet are also made available over here because each of the dining will be offering you gastronomic flair as well as warm hospitality without any problem. Also, such aspects will make the overall meal a very memorable experience without any problem at any point in time. 

    5. Top-level facilities and services: Taj Lands End will be offering you a significant range of premium facilities that have been designed with the motive of catering to your every need and state of the art fitness centre over here will be providing you with easy accessibility to the best-in-class services. Additionally, you can enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa for rejuvenating treatment and concierge services that will be uplifting your overall stay experience over here. Further, if you are planning to have a business stay then you can easily enjoy accessibility to the high-end meeting rooms, board rooms and the business centre which makes sure that whether you are working or travelling or relaxing every need will be very well taken care of without any doubt.

    6. Exceptional hospitality from the iconic Taj group: The Taj group is very much famous for its legendary service in Taj Lands End will also offer you with personalised element of care that will make sure that every guest will be feeling like at home. Staff members will always go the extra mile to arrange a surprise for you whether it is a specific occasion or attending to the last-minute preferences which makes sure that your overall experience will be definitely worth it. The guests are frequently praising the warmth, efficiency and professionalism of the hotel team and the commitment to the highest standard of hospitality very well justifies it. The attention to detail and the heartfelt service over here will make sure that your overall day will be truly unforgettable without any problem and eventually, you can enjoy the exceptional hospitality very successfully.

    7. The perfect venue for the events and celebrations: With the grand ballroom, lawns and elegant banquet services, Taj Lands End will be a very premium destination for weddings, receptions and custom theme-based catering events. Corporate events and conferences will be coming with full tech support and private parties including the social gatherings will be perfectly arranged over here. Every celebration will be becoming extra special with the ambience of the hotel and the impeccable element of service.

    Hence, choosing Taj Lands End will be not only about accommodation but it will be an elevated lifestyle experience that will be providing you with every moment wrapped in luxury, comfort and unforgettable charm of the Mumbai city.  

  • Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    MUMBAI: Who needs a fairy godmother when your new kurta shows up in 10 minutes flat? In a move that fuses style with speed, Libas has become one of India’s first fashion brands to leap into the world of quick commerce by launching on Zepto. Now live across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Libas’ best-selling kurta sets, co-ords, and everyday chic essentials can reach your doorstep faster than your pani puri cravings.

    This snappy partnership marks a major milestone for the ultra-fast fashion brand and the 10-minute delivery app known for grocery speed. Together, they’ve turned wardrobe malfunctions and last-minute outfit panics into just another tap on your screen.

    “AtLibas, we’re constantly reimagining how fashion fits into the lives of modern Indian women. Our launch on Zepto is more than just fast delivery, it’s about empowering our customers with instant access to style,no matter the occasion. We’re excited to be among the first fashion brands in India to embrace quick commerce at this scale,” said Libas founder & CEO, Sidhant Keshwani.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel shared, “Our mission has always been to make lives easier, this time, we’re bringing that promise to your wardrobe. Fast fashion isn’t just a trend, it’s now a timeline and we are glad to have Libas trust Zepto to reach their customers.”

    To drive home the point, the brands have rolled out a cheeky brand film capturing the familiar chaos of last-minute wardrobe dilemmas. The message? Forgot about that puja invite? Suddenly have a sangeet to slay at? Don’t sweat it Libas and Zepto have your back. And your outfit.

    From planned looks to panic orders, this collab captures the pulse of today’s hyper-spontaneous generation. Because who says fashionably late is the only way to arrive?

     

  • Fasten your card belts Niyo delivers travel banking at jet speed

    Fasten your card belts Niyo delivers travel banking at jet speed

    MUMBAI: Passport? Check. Luggage? Check. Forex card… still stuck in the mail? Not anymore. India’s travel fintech disruptor Niyo has just rolled out Niyo Express, a 24-hour doorstep delivery service for its international debit card and it’s aimed squarely at last-minute jet-setters. For those who treat travel plans like pop quizzes, this might just be the perfect lifeline.

    Available across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Niyo Express promises to swoop in and save the day getting a Niyo DCB Debit Card into travellers’ hands within 24 hours, complete with doorstep KYC, account setup, and card activation. And for now, it’s completely free.

    This rapid-response rollout isn’t random. Niyo dug deep into shifting travel behaviours and found that 48 per cent of flight bookings in 2024 were made just 0–7 days before departure, with over 41 per cent of international travellers leaning toward visa-free destinations to accommodate spontaneous trips. So, in a world of impulsive getaways, delayed cards and sky-high forex rates were becoming all-too-familiar travel tantrums.

    Leisure getaways account for nearly 40 per cent of last-minute trips, while work travel and family emergencies make up a significant chunk too, according to Niyo’s pre-launch survey. The result? Travellers often end up paying steep forex rates or relying on patchy currency fixes from local agents or WhatsApp groups.

    Niyo Co-founder and CEO Vinay Bagri said, “As international travel continues to rise, particularly among first-time travellers, and with the growing accessibility of visa-free destinations, impromptu travel plans have become more common than ever. Coupled with India’s thriving quick-commerce culture, it’s clear that the needs of today’s travellers are evolving rapidly. With Niyo Express, we are redefining travel banking by offering fast, seamless solutions that cater to these changing demands, ensuring our customers have access to the financial tools they need, when they need them.”

    By merging fintech agility with the urgency of travel, Niyo Express is giving travellers one less thing to panic about now you can pack late and swipe early. The brand plans to expand the service beyond its current metros, meaning last-minute might just become the new first-class.
     

  • Mumbai’s new reel estate: BMC to allow temporary film sets under DCPR 2034

    Mumbai’s new reel estate: BMC to allow temporary film sets under DCPR 2034

    Mumbai: In a cinematic twist, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp (BMC) has proposed a crucial amendment to its Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, officially permitting the construction of temporary sets for films, TV serials, and advertisements. The move aims to turn Mumbai’s open plots into a regulated playground for the entertainment industry, ensuring compliance while boosting civic revenue.

    The amendment, initiated under Section 37 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, will introduce a fresh category under regulation 57, allowing temporary studios with prior approval from the BMC. Citizens have a month to share their views with the BMC’s chief engineer (development plan) or the deputy director of town planning.

    BMC’s latest move comes just weeks after the city hosted the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (Waves), positioning Mumbai as a media powerhouse. It also aligns with the state government’s plan to establish a massive creative economy hub in Malad.

    This decision traces back to a 2019 BMC circular that allowed temporary filming structures on open plots. But what started as a filmmaker’s delight turned into an environmental nightmare, with unauthorized setups mushrooming even in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ). A subsequent inquiry in 2022 saw the BMC demolish 11 illegal studios in Madh, Marve, and Erangal.

    The new amendment seeks to end this chaos by setting clear boundaries—temporary sets can now be constructed only with proper permissions, capped at six months at a time and a maximum of three years in total. “Permissions will also generate revenue for the BMC,” a civic official confirmed.

    The revised rules will also help the civic body track how many production houses are using the designated plots for shoots, ensuring accountability.

  • Gems that keep on giving as Maharashtra shines bright

    Gems that keep on giving as Maharashtra shines bright

    MUMBAI: They say diamonds are forever and at ET Now Swadesh’s first-ever ‘Gems of Maharashtra’ event, it wasn’t just jewels that dazzled. From green steel to gourmet kitchens, education to EVs, the event lit up Mumbai with stories of grit, growth and game-changing ideas.

    Held in Mumbai and graced by chief guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha, minister of skills, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, the event celebrated Maharashtra’s meteoric rise across sectors like real estate, technology, wellness, hospitality, and manufacturing. But beyond the applause and awards, it delivered a powerful message Maharashtra is not just moving forward, it’s charging ahead with purpose.

    Speaking at ET Now Swadesh’s ‘Gems of Maharashtra’ event government of Maharashtra minister of skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation chief guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha,  said, “India was once known as the ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ the Golden Bird not because of external wealth, but because of the unstoppable spirit of our people. Today, with over a billion citizens, having just around one lakh people engaged in startups is not enough to reclaim that title. Every Indian must embrace entrepreneurship, it’s not optional, it’s essential. Maharashtra is standing at the edge of a transformation. In the next 15 days, we will unveil a revolutionary Innovation Policy. Alongside it, a 100-acre Innovation City is being developed with 14 buildings, each dedicated to a key sector like AI, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.”

    He further added, “We are also launching a startup education programme to train 1 lakh students by March 2026. Our goal is not just to talk about startups we want them to thrive. We will be providing 1,000 days of handholding, low interest working capital loans, and strong support from industry leaders. Our mission is to foster 27,000 startups not just in cities, but in every corner of Maharashtra, right down to the villages. For women entrepreneurs, we’ve introduced the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana and are building dedicated Industrial Training Institutes. Additionally, our New Innovation Policy which is yet to be launched, will definitely include focused support for women in startups.”

    He also outlined a comprehensive startup support roadmap including 1,000 days of government-backed handholding, low-interest loans, and a new education programme to train one lakh students by March 2026. Special provisions for women founders under the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana added further weight to his vision of inclusive progress.

    The evening spotlighted 31 stellar achievers the real ‘gems’ whose work is reshaping the state’s socioeconomic fabric. From Manoj and Poonam Jha (Kamakhya Jewels) for jewellery manufacturing to Yashraj Peety (SRJ Peety Steels) for green steel innovation, the awards cut across domains and demographics. Notable honourees also included Gopal Dash Baghel for sports leadership, Bhaskar Tare and Parag Dhurke for digital PR, and Annamrita Foundation for nutrition-based social impact.

    The event concluded with Lodha unveiling a commemorative coffee table book, capping off an evening where inspiration sparkled as brightly as the trophies.

    With this, ET Now Swadesh has firmly planted its flag as not just a chronicler of economic change but a celebrator of the changemakers who fuel it.

  • Brewing love and blooms as FNP and Starbucks toast to mums with meaning

    Brewing love and blooms as FNP and Starbucks toast to mums with meaning

    MUMBAI: There’s no Wi-Fi strong enough to match a mother’s connection and this Mother’s Day, FNP and Tata Starbucks are making sure that love gets a cosy seat at your coffee table. From 9–11 May, select Starbucks outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will become mini sanctuaries of sentiment, where every coffee ordered comes with a little something extra, a delicate dried flower bouquet and a heartfelt keepsake, courtesy of India’s favourite gifting brand, FNP.

    It’s not about the grandeur, it’s about that quiet “you matter” between sips. Whether it’s a mum-and-me catch-up or a solo breather for the woman who wears a hundred hats, the initiative wraps affection in fragrance and warmth, turning a caffeine fix into a celebration of care.

    FNP chief marketing officer Avi Kumar said, “At FNP, we’ve always believed that the simplest gestures carry the deepest meaning. This collaboration with Starbucks is our way of honouring those everyday expressions of love that mothers gift us, often without a word. A flower, a warm coffee, a shared smile – sometimes that’s all it takes to say what matters most. As India’s most loved gifting brand, we’re delighted to make those moments even more personal and memorable.”

    Tata Starbucks head of product and marketing Mitali Maheshwari said, “This year, for Mother’s Day at TATA Starbucks, we wanted every mom to feel even more special with something that could be remembered, and taken home. Our partnership with FNP brings that intention to life through simple, thoughtful tokens of love and appreciation. Just like our stores are built for connection over a cup of coffee, this collaboration is a quiet celebration of the little things that make the mother-child bond so meaningful.”

    In a world that rarely pauses, FNP and Starbucks are inviting customers to do just that: slow down, sip, and share a quiet moment of gratitude with the woman who made it all possible.