Marriott India Business Council Celebrates 11 Years of “Road to Give” with a Heartfelt Hyderabad Edition

Marriott India Business Council Celebrates 11 Years of “Road to Give” with a Heartfelt Hyderabad Edition

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2025

The Marriott India Business Council recently marked the 11th anniversary of its flagship initiative, Road to Give, with an energetic Hyderabad edition that brought together associates, partners, and local communities in a celebration of wellness and giving.

What started years ago as a fitness event has grown into a regional movement that champions empathy, inclusion, and community action across Marriott properties in South Asia. The Hyderabad leg began at Marriott Executive Apartments, where participants gathered for a group warm-up before setting off on a 5K run. The morning continued with a high-energy interval training session and concluded with breakfast at Altair banquet space.

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This year’s edition saw more than 10,000 Marriott associates across the region come together to run, walk, cycle, and move for a cause, reflecting the company’s enduring commitment to care and service. The collective effort raised over INR 1 crore, which will go towards Rising Star Outreach of India, a Chennai-based NGO that empowers individuals and families affected by leprosy through education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Reaffirming Marriott’s guiding principle of Putting People First, associates from participating hotels also organised a series of wellness and charity events that encouraged both physical fitness and social responsibility.

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Each year, Road to Give reminds us of the extraordinary power of collective purpose,” said Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, Marriott India Business Council. “As we commemorate the 11th year of this remarkable initiative, we celebrate not just the funds raised or the miles covered, but the spirit of unity and compassion our associates bring to their communities. Their efforts continue to strengthen Marriott’s legacy of care and commitment across the region.”

Over time, Road to Give has become an integral part of Marriott’s culture of giving, motivating associates to drive change through empathy and wellness. Each edition reinforces the belief that true success lies in uplifting others and contributing to lasting social progress.

The Hyderabad event was supported by leading Marriott properties, including Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Marriott Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad, Le Meridien Hyderabad, The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, and Fairfield by Marriott Hyderabad Gachibowli. Their joint participation reflected both community spirit and the city’s dynamic hospitality culture.

As the Marriott India Business Council looks toward another impactful year, it extends sincere gratitude to every participant, partner, and supporter who helped make the 2025 edition a success. Each step taken and every contribution made helps move closer to a more compassionate and inclusive future, one where the spirit of giving continues to inspire meaningful change.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc., based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, operates a global portfolio of over 9,600 properties across 30+ brands in 143 countries and territories. The company manages, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, and timeshare properties worldwide. Its award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy®, connects guests with exclusive experiences and benefits.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com or follow @MarriottIntl on Facebook, X, and Instagram.


Indian Railways Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind–Sonipat Route

Indian Railways Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind–Sonipat Route

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

 Indian Railways has introduced the country's first indigenously built hydrogen-powered passenger train, marking a significant step in its clean transportation journey. Named NaMo Green Rail, the train will operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the hydrogen-powered locomotive ahead of its maiden journey, describing the launch as an important milestone in India's vision of becoming both self-reliant and environmentally sustainable.

With the launch, India joins a select group of countries, including Germany, Japan, China and the United States, that have introduced hydrogen-powered passenger rail services. Germany was the first country to launch a commercial hydrogen-powered train fleet in 2022.

Designed, engineered and built entirely in India, NaMo Green Rail emits only heat and water vapour, making it a zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered trains. The initiative forms part of the government's broader efforts to expand hydrogen-based mobility and reduce carbon emissions across the transport sector.

The 10-coach train has a seating capacity of around 2,600 passengers and can operate at speeds of up to 75 km/h. It will run two return trips daily on the 90-kilometre route connecting Jind and Sonipat.

One of the key highlights of the new service is its affordable pricing. According to railway officials, ticket fares start at ₹5, with the highest fare capped at ₹25, depending on the distance travelled. Passengers on the inaugural service were also able to purchase tickets priced at ₹5.

Although Indian Railways has already electrified nearly all of its 70,000-kilometre rail network, hydrogen-powered trains provide a practical solution for routes where complete electrification may not be feasible.

The introduction of NaMo Green Rail aligns with the government's ambition to make Indian Railways net-zero by 2030, while supporting India's wider clean energy goals through increased adoption of hydrogen, renewable energy and other sustainable technologies.


Yes Madam Launches Instant Salon and Spa Services, Records 30,000 Bookings in First Month

Yes Madam Launches Instant Salon and Spa Services, Records 30,000 Bookings in First Month

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Yes Madam, India's leading at-home salon and wellness platform, has launched instant salon and spa services, bringing trained beauty and wellness professionals to customers' homes within minutes. The technology-driven initiative aims to redefine convenience in the beauty and wellness sector by offering on-demand services similar to the instant access models adopted across food delivery, mobility, grocery, and home services.

The company has recorded more than 30,000 instant service bookings within the first month of launch, highlighting strong consumer demand for faster and more accessible beauty and wellness experiences.

Currently, instant spa services are available across all cities where Yes Madam operates, while instant salon services have been introduced in select metro cities, with plans for a phased expansion across additional markets. The average fulfilment time for instant services is currently under 30 minutes, with the company continuing to enhance its operational capabilities to further reduce waiting times.

The launch builds on the growing demand for flexible and convenient personal care solutions. Yes Madam identified an opportunity to bring professional salon and wellness services to customers whenever they need them, whether for last-minute events, professional commitments, festive occasions, or personal relaxation.

The instant services model also creates new opportunities for service professionals by enabling them to fulfil more bookings efficiently. The initiative is designed to deliver value for both customers seeking convenience and service partners looking to increase their earning potential.

Yes Madam currently fulfils more than 3.5 lakh monthly bookings across its platform. Popular services including waxing, facials, massages, and grooming treatments continue to see strong demand, with instant fulfilment making these offerings more accessible for customers with busy lifestyles.

To support the new service model, Yes Madam has strengthened its technology platform to match customer requests with nearby professionals based on location, availability, and expertise. The technology-led approach enables faster service delivery while maintaining quality standards and ensuring a smooth experience for both customers and service partners.

Commenting on the launch, Aditya Arya, Co-Founder and CEO, Yes Madam, said, "Yes Madam has consistently been a disruptor in the at-home beauty and wellness industry. We introduced mono-dose kits to improve hygiene and brought greater pricing transparency by separating product and service costs at a time when no one else in the industry was doing so. We are once again redefining the industry by becoming the only at-home beauty and wellness platform offering instant salon and spa services at this scale. We believe convenience is becoming a vital expectation across different services, and beauty and wellness should be no different."

With instant services gaining early traction, Yes Madam continues to strengthen its position in India's evolving at-home beauty and wellness market. The launch reflects the company's focus on technology, operational innovation, and creating seamless customer experiences.


Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on July 17, 2026

World St. at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi has welcomed Starbucks Reserve, bringing the premium coffee brand’s elevated café experience to one of the capital’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destinations.

The opening strengthens World St.’s vision of creating a globally inspired urban destination featuring celebrated brands, immersive experiences, and curated food and beverage offerings. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” World St. is designed as a walkable F&B and lifestyle hub within Delhi’s prominent business district, offering guests a blend of dining, leisure, and social experiences.

The launch marks the fourth Starbucks Reserve store in India and the third Starbucks Reserve destination in Delhi NCR, further expanding Starbucks’ premium coffee footprint in the country. Built around Starbucks’ philosophy of creating a welcoming “third place” between home and work, Starbucks Reserve offers guests an enhanced coffeehouse experience focused on connection, discovery, and community.

The café showcases the craftsmanship behind specialty coffee through a selection of rare and premium coffees, signature espresso creations, handcrafted beverages, and curated food offerings. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s bake-in menu, designed to complement the premium beverage experience.

A key highlight of the store is the Black Eagle espresso machine, an advanced brewing system that enables Coffee Masters to achieve greater precision in extraction and preparation. The technology further enhances the artistry and expertise behind every cup served at Starbucks Reserve.

The arrival of Starbucks Reserve adds to World St.’s expanding portfolio of globally recognised dining and lifestyle brands. Spread across approximately half a kilometre through Worldmark 4, 5, and 6, World St. covers nearly 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area and has been developed as a pedestrian-friendly destination featuring global cuisine, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and contemporary street furniture.

Connecting three iconic Worldmark developments, World St. brings together work, leisure, and culture through a diverse mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars. The destination has established itself as one of Delhi-NCR’s prominent food and lifestyle destinations, featuring brands such as India’s first Olive Garden, P.F. Chang’s, and Magnolia Bakery.

With the addition of Starbucks Reserve, World St. continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination for premium experiences, attracting visitors seeking international brands, culinary discovery, and vibrant social spaces.

Starbucks Reserve at World St., Worldmark, Delhi will be open to customers from 15 July 2026, operating from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

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