The Delhi government is drafting a new tourism policy aimed at transforming the capital into a global cultural hub by easing licensing procedures and encouraging large-scale cultural events. A key highlight of the policy is the proposed single-window clearance system for festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural gatherings.

Currently, organisers must obtain multiple approvals from various departments, including no-objection certificates from the local police, traffic police, fire department, and food licences from civic bodies, often leading to months of delays. Recognising these challenges, the government has assured stakeholders that the new policy will overhaul the approval process.

Tourism and culture minister Kapil Mishra said, “The new policy aims to change this by introducing a single-window clearance system, which will allow applicants to apply online, track the progress of their applications and receive approvals within a fixed timeframe.” He added that streamlining events will boost businesses and create wider economic benefits.

In addition to ease of licensing, the draft policy proposes subsidised venues for festivals that showcase Delhi’s heritage, food, performing arts, and crafts. Spaces under government jurisdiction, such as Dilli Haat (INA, Pitampura, Janakpuri), Garden of Five Senses, Thyagraj Stadium, and Chhatrasal Stadium are being considered for expanded cultural use.

Officials said the policy draws inspiration from successful global and domestic models, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, Goa’s international events, and Edinburgh’s cultural calendar. The goal is to create a year-round cultural calendar that appeals to both domestic and international tourists. To support this vision, the government will encourage corporate sponsorships, partnerships with hospitality players, and collaborations with international cultural organisations, ensuring Delhi diversifies its tourism offerings beyond monuments and seasonal attractions.

“Our objective is to create an enabling environment where organisers feel encouraged to expand the scale and quality of their events,” Mishra emphasised.

With this policy, Delhi hopes to not only cut red tape but also establish itself as a vibrant, globally recognised cultural destination.

NOESIS Capital Advisors has announced that it will host The Branded Residences Summit (TBRS) 2025, scheduled for September 26 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. This will be India’s first-ever summit dedicated exclusively to branded residences, a rapidly growing segment valued at over $10 billion.

TBRS 2025 is designed as a highly curated platform, bringing together global luxury brands, India’s top developers, investors, and family offices to shape the future of branded living in the country. For the first time, international icons such as IHCL, ITC, Hyatt, Marriott, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Accor, Radisson, YOO, Porcelanosa, Pininfarina, and Trump will share the stage with Indian developers, capital providers, and advisors to explore new collaborations.

Delegates at the summit can look forward to exclusive boardroom discussions, strategic showcases, and direct capital dialogues. The agenda will cover the psychology of luxury buyers, global-local deal structuring, design strategies, and live case studies of landmark projects. With speakers flying in from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, TBRS 2025 will combine global perspective with sharp insights into the Indian market.

What sets TBRS apart is its exclusivity, participation will be limited to just 150 hand-selected decision-makers, ensuring focused and impactful exchanges. This approach is intended to drive real partnerships and accelerate the growth of the branded residences sector, positioning the summit as more than just another industry event.

Commenting on the initiative, Nandivardhan Jain, Founder & CEO of NOESIS Capital Advisors, said:

“India is ready for its branded living revolution, and TBRS 2025 will be the catalyst. By bringing together global hospitality and lifestyle brands with Indian developers, investors, and advisors, this summit will unlock partnerships and opportunities that will redefine luxury real estate in the country.”

As India enters a new phase of luxury real estate growth, TBRS 2025 is set to become the definitive marketplace and thought leadership platform for branded residences in the country.

Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, have announced a new codeshare agreement to expand flight options and connectivity for travellers between India and Kazakhstan.

Under this partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Astana’s flights between Almaty and Delhi, and Almaty and Mumbai. This enables Air India passengers to conveniently book single tickets and enjoy through check-in for their journey to Almaty, a fast-growing hub for both tourism and business in Central Asia.

Speaking on the announcement, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, said:

“Our new codeshare partnership with Air Astana creates stronger air links to Kazakhstan, a fast-growing market with immense potential for tourism. Beyond serving leisure travel demand, our partnership will also support trade and cultural exchanges between our two countries, while bringing a new destination in Central Asia closer to our customers.”

Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, shared:

“We are delighted to have concluded a comprehensive codeshare agreement with Asia’s oldest airline. Air India is an exceptionally well-managed business, which operates a comprehensive network of flights to, from and across India, the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest growing travel markets. India is of key strategic importance to the Air Astana Group as we increase flights from Kazakhstan to Delhi, Mumbai and Goa. The codeshare will accelerate the increasingly strong business, tourist and student traffic flows between our two countries.”

The agreement builds upon an interline partnership signed earlier in 2025, under which Air India passengers already had access to destinations across Central Asia and China via Almaty, including Astana, Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe, and Urumqi. Meanwhile, Air Astana customers gained access to 18 domestic and 9 international destinations through Air India’s network.

With this codeshare step-up, passengers will benefit from greater convenience, a wider destination network, and simplified travel through a single booking and check-in process. Subject to regulatory approvals, the codeshare flights will gradually be made available for booking across Air India’s website, mobile app, and travel agents worldwide.