District by Zomato has launched the Inclusive Dining Toolkit, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help restaurants create more accessible and inclusive dining spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and others with accessibility needs.

The toolkit has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Samarthyam, and The Association of People with Disability. Its development also involved consultations with persons with disabilities, restaurant partners, and accessibility experts to ensure practical and meaningful recommendations.

The initiative aims to help restaurants identify accessibility gaps, make operational improvements, and provide diners with greater visibility into accessibility-related information before they visit. In addition to promoting inclusion, the toolkit highlights how accessible dining spaces can support business growth through increased footfall, repeat visits, and larger group gatherings.

The launch event was attended by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who participated as the Chief Guest.

In a message shared during the launch, Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said that accessible dining environments are essential for enabling persons with disabilities to participate independently and with dignity in everyday public life. He described the toolkit as a practical resource that can help the hospitality industry build more inclusive spaces.

Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda noted that the initiative reflects a broader effort to make public spaces and experiences more accessible. She highlighted that while significant progress has been made through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Accessible India Campaign, accessibility and inclusion should become a standard part of infrastructure planning and service delivery across industries.

According to the company, India is home to more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, many of whom continue to face challenges while dining out due to inaccessible infrastructure and limited information about accessibility features at restaurants.

During consultations, restaurant operators expressed a willingness to improve accessibility but also highlighted practical challenges, particularly around infrastructure changes in leased properties. The toolkit has been designed to offer actionable recommendations that restaurants can implement within such operational constraints.

Alongside the launch of the toolkit, District by Zomato has also introduced several accessibility-focused features on its platform. These include improved support for screen-reader users, accessibility filters on dining pages, and AI-powered solutions aimed at helping users make more informed dining decisions based on their accessibility requirements.

Through this initiative, District by Zomato aims to encourage greater inclusivity within the hospitality sector while helping restaurants create welcoming experiences for a wider range of guests.

India’s two largest airline groups, IndiGo and Air India, are set to reduce domestic flight operations during the June-August period as rising aviation fuel costs and a weaker rupee continue to put pressure on airline profitability.

According to aviation data analytics agency Cirium, Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express are expected to operate around 20 per cent fewer domestic flights during June and July. Meanwhile, IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, is likely to reduce its domestic flight operations by 10 to 12 per cent during the same period.

The move comes as airlines face increasing operational expenses driven by elevated global jet fuel prices and currency-related cost pressures. Despite government support measures for the aviation sector, carriers continue to deal with higher input costs that are affecting route planning and capacity deployment.

The reduction in flights is expected to have a direct impact on airfares. Together, IndiGo and Air India account for more than 90 per cent of India’s domestic aviation market. With fewer seats available across several routes, travellers could see ticket prices rise during the peak travel season.

Industry observers note that airlines are balancing demand with profitability, adjusting capacity to manage costs while maintaining operational efficiency. The coming months will be closely watched as carriers respond to fuel price movements and changing market conditions.

DS Group has announced an exclusive partnership with British dessert brand Ben’s Cookies, marking the brand’s official entry into the Indian market.

As part of the long-term master franchise agreement, DS Group plans to open up to 10 Ben’s Cookies outlets during the current financial year across Delhi and Mumbai, with the first six to seven stores expected to launch in June and July.

Founded in 1983 at Oxford’s Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies is globally known for its signature chunky and gooey cookies and freshly baked artisanal approach. Through this partnership, the brand aims to introduce its bakery-first retail concept to Indian consumers, focusing on in-store freshness and premium ingredients.

According to the company, the India expansion aligns with the growing demand for premium dessert formats, café-style experiences, and freshly prepared bakery products among urban consumers.

Sanskriti Gupta said the partnership represents an important step in DS Group’s expansion within the premium food retail segment. She added that the company plans to establish eight to ten physical stores across India during the current fiscal year as part of its broader growth strategy.

In addition to standalone retail outlets, Ben’s Cookies products will also be made available through leading food delivery and e-commerce platforms to expand accessibility across key markets.

Speaking about the collaboration, Luke Menezes shared that every Ben’s Cookies boutique in India will feature live-oven baking throughout the day to maintain the brand’s traditional freshness standards.

Alongside its signature cookies, the brand also plans to introduce cookie shakes, coffee offerings, and cookie ice cream sandwiches to the Indian market.

The partnership further reflects the growing appetite for premium dessert and café concepts in India, particularly among younger consumers seeking experiential dining and indulgent bakery offerings.

With its India debut, Ben’s Cookies is expected to strengthen the premium dessert retail landscape while expanding its international footprint through one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.