Preserving India's Rich Heritage: ASI's 'Adopt a Heritage 2.0' Program

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Published on September 4, 2023

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India's cultural heritage is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture, beautifully preserved in thousands of monuments across the country. To ensure these gems continue to shine, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is launching the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program on September 4, 2023. This initiative aims to enhance the amenities at these historical sites by inviting corporate partners to contribute through their CSR funds.

The ASI safeguards 3696 monuments nationwide, each reflecting India's diverse and rich cultural heritage. These monuments not only symbolize our history but also stimulate economic growth by attracting tourists.

Under this revamped program, ASI provides a platform for corporate stakeholders to adopt specific monuments or amenities within these monuments. This collaboration aligns with the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. Interested stakeholders can apply through a dedicated web portal (www.indianheritage.gov.in), which outlines the monuments available for adoption, includes gap analyses, and estimates financial requirements.

Union Minister of Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, Shri G Kishan Reddy, emphasizes the significance of preserving these living testaments of India's past. He notes that heritage sites are not merely structures; they are the essence of our history, art, and architecture. The "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program aims to collaborate with corporate partners to preserve these sites for future generations. Selections will be made following due diligence, discussions with stakeholders, and assessments of the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.

The selected stakeholders will be responsible for developing, providing, and maintaining amenities in the categories of hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge dissemination. Their active participation will grant them recognition as responsible and heritage-friendly entities. Initially, the appointment term will be five years, with the possibility of extension for another five years.

In addition to this program, ASI is launching the "Indian Heritage" mobile app. This user-friendly app will serve as a showcase for India's heritage monuments. It will feature state-wise details of these monuments, complete with photographs, lists of available public amenities, geo-tagged locations, and a feedback mechanism for citizens. The app's launch will occur in phases, beginning with ticketed monuments in Phase I and followed by the remaining ones.

Furthermore, an e-permission portal (www.asipermissionportal.gov.in) will be introduced. This portal will streamline the process for obtaining permissions related to photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments, addressing operational and logistical challenges.

Through the "Adopt a Heritage 2.0" program, India takes another step towards preserving its cultural heritage for generations to come. This collaborative effort between the government and corporate partners promises to enhance the experience for visitors and promote responsible tourism while safeguarding the country's historical legacy.

Top 4 Private Luxury Charter Companies in India to Elevate Your Dream Destination Wedding

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 3, 2025

Weddings in India have always been grand, but now, they’re literally taking off. For couples dreaming of a sky-high celebration or a dramatic bridal entry that sets Instagram ablaze, private jet charters have become the newest way to elevate wedding festivities.

From flying your family in sheer luxury to transforming an aircraft into a mid-air mehendi venue, these private charter companies are helping couples create unforgettable, cloud-kissed memories. Here are four luxury private jet companies in India making destination weddings more opulent—and airborne—than ever before.

KlasJet: European Elegance Meets Indian Wedding Flair

If you want to blend European sophistication with big-fat-Indian-wedding spirit, KlasJet is a name to remember. Led by CEO Justinas Bulka, KlasJet has already made its mark across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., and is now quickly soaring into Asia. Backed by the global aviation powerhouse Avia Solutions Group, this boutique private charter airline is renowned for its ultra-luxe interiors, bespoke services, and exclusive in-flight experiences.

For KlasJet, it’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about turning the journey itself into part of your celebration. Picture a bridal party enjoying cocktails mid-air or a romantic post-wedding getaway complete with champagne at 30,000 feet. With experience serving royalty, celebrities, and business elites, KlasJet is now perfectly positioned to tap into India’s booming destination wedding market.

Taj Air: Heritage Hospitality, Now Above the Clouds

For over two decades, Taj Air has brought the elegance and meticulous detail the Taj brand is known for—this time, at 40,000 feet. Taj Air delivers seamless, stylish travel for wedding couples, families, and VIP guests, flying them privately between top Indian destinations. From gourmet Taj-catered meals served on board to discreet check-ins and luxurious ground transfers, every touchpoint reflects India’s finest hospitality traditions.

It’s the ideal choice for couples seeking trusted luxury, flawless logistics, and the comfort of a brand with deep Indian roots that understands how to make weddings truly memorable.

JetSetGo: The ‘Uber of the Skies’ for India’s Elite

JetSetGo, founded by Kanika Tekriwal, has transformed the concept of luxury air travel in India. Dubbed the ‘Uber of the skies,’ it’s become synonymous with flying high-net-worth individuals, from Bollywood stars and business tycoons to international wedding parties. Its expansive fleet includes private jets, helicopters, and even air ambulances, with everything tailored—from in-flight gourmet experiences to interiors styled to match your wedding theme.

Whether it’s ferrying your entire bridal squad from Delhi to Udaipur or orchestrating a surprise sky-high proposal en route to the Maldives, JetSetGo combines luxury, efficiency, and personalisation like no other. Their round-the-clock concierge service and elite partnerships also make them a favourite with wedding planners who want that extra “wow” factor.

BookMyCharters: Where Tech Meets Tiaras

If you need speed alongside luxury, BookMyCharters is the answer. Their tech-driven platform provides real-time availability and instant bookings across a fleet of over 25 aircraft. From flying your bridal party from Mumbai to Jaipur to whisking the couple off to a secluded island honeymoon, BookMyCharters makes the process seamless.

Each flight comes with concierge support, gourmet catering, and experiences curated for celebrations. This blend of modern tech convenience with classic luxury makes them perfect for time-sensitive, high-budget wedding logistics—bridging the gap between traditional aviation and contemporary demands.

Whether it’s a mehendi in the clouds, a post-wedding escape, or simply flying your nearest and dearest in ultimate comfort, these private charter companies are turning destination weddings in India into something truly sky-high.

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Saudia’s Brand Value Soars to $1.1 Billion, Ranks 32nd Globally

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 23, 2025

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has reached a brand valuation milestone of $1.1 billion, marking an impressive 34% year-on-year growth, as revealed in the 2025 airline brand rankings by Brand Finance. This remarkable surge underscores the airline's strategic evolution and rising stature in global aviation.

Saudia now ranks 32nd globally in brand value among airlines, a notable leap since its debut in the Top 50 list in 2021 with a valuation of $506 million. In just four years, the brand has more than doubled in value, thanks to focused efforts in fleet enhancement, guest experience, and innovative initiatives.

The airline’s recent order of 105 Airbus aircraft highlighted its commitment to fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. At home, Saudia grabbed attention with BLVD Runway, a creative aviation-meets-entertainment concept aimed at engaging domestic travellers.

Globally, Skytrax honoured Saudia as the 'World’s Most Improved Airline' in 2024, a nod to its operational excellence and growing global presence. The airline has also maintained strong On-Time Performance (OTP) and received accolades for enhancing passenger experiences.

Commenting on this achievement, Khaled Tash, Chief Marketing Officer, Saudia Group, said:

“Achieving a brand value of $1 billion is a testament to our strategic initiatives and operational excellence, as well as the unwavering trust and loyalty of our guests. At Saudia, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation, ensuring that every journey with us is a step towards excellence.”

With this milestone, Saudia continues to strengthen its global positioning and reaffirm its role as a key player in the Kingdom’s ambitious aviation growth story.