IndiGo has taken a strategic leap into the startup space with its first ever venture capital investment. IndiGo Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture arm, announced the first close of its inaugural ₹600 crore fund at ₹450 crore and revealed its maiden investment in Hyderabad-based Jeh Aerospace.

Jeh Aerospace, founded by Vishal Sanghavi and Venkatesh Mudragalla—both former leaders in Tata’s aerospace joint ventures—specialises in precision aerospace and defence manufacturing. The company has quickly grown to a 100-member engineering team and delivered over 100,000 flight-critical aeroengine components and tools compliant with AS9100 standards. Jeh Aerospace has also secured long-term contracts worth $100 million from global aerospace majors, reinforcing India’s growing footprint in the global supply chain.

This undisclosed investment marks IndiGo’s intent to back early-stage companies aligned with its innovation-led growth vision. IndiGo Ventures will deploy its fund across startups from pre-Series A to Series B, focusing on aviation and related sectors that strengthen India’s position as a global aviation hub.

Commenting on the partnership, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said, “At IndiGo, we are driven by a vision of connecting India to the world and making it a global aviation hub. Through IndiGo Ventures, we are excited to partner with Jeh Aerospace, a homegrown brand that shares our vision and spirit of strengthening the Indian aviation ecosystem.”

Jeh Aerospace plans to use the new capital to expand its AI-powered production platforms and enhance its digital manufacturing capabilities. “This investment empowers us to scale production capacity to meet growing demand from our global customers. Venky and I are thrilled to collaborate with IndiGo, a global aviation leader, and are honoured to shape the future of aerospace together,” said Vishal Sanghavi, Co-founder & CEO of Jeh Aerospace.

As IndiGo Ventures ramps up its fund deployment, the move highlights not just a financial partnership but also a strategic alignment aimed at boosting domestic aerospace manufacturing and fostering stronger India–US collaboration in the sector.

Tirupati has secured the second spot in Agoda’s latest list of Asia’s most affordable summer getaways, standing out for its blend of spiritual depth and budget-friendly travel. According to Agoda, the temple town records an average nightly room rate of just ₹3,211, making it an attractive choice for travellers who want cultural richness without hefty expenses.

The Agoda report, which compares average room rates across popular destinations in nine Asian countries, places Tirupati right after Surabaya in Indonesia and ahead of cities like Hat Yai in Thailand and Dalat in Vietnam. The temple city’s affordability is further highlighted when compared to places such as Nagoya in Japan and Daejeon in South Korea, where average room rates exceed ₹7,800.

“Tirupati stands out as a destination that blends spiritual significance with affordability,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director – India, Sri Lanka & Nepal at Agoda.“Travellers today are looking for value without compromising on cultural depth or ease of travel. Many cities on this list offer exactly that — with good connectivity, simple visa processes, and rich local experiences. At Agoda, we remain committed to making such meaningful journeys easier and more accessible for everyone.”

Home to the renowned Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati is not just a centre of devotion but also a showcase of Andhra Pradesh’s vibrant festivals and traditional cuisine. Its appeal lies in offering visitors a profound cultural and spiritual journey at prices that don’t strain the wallet.

The study also reflects a broader trend across the region: tourists are increasingly drawn to destinations that deliver authentic experiences and spiritual enrichment alongside affordability. Cities like Kuching in Malaysia, Iloilo in the Philippines, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan further illustrate this growing preference for meaningful, yet wallet-friendly travel.

With Agoda listing over 5 million properties and 300,000+ travel activities globally, travellers have ample options to explore destinations like Tirupati, making their journeys as enriching as they are economical.

Tourism New Zealand has launched its latest brand campaign, #BeyondTheFilter, starring popular Indian actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa. The initiative urges Indian travellers to go beyond chasing ‘Instagram-worthy’ shots and instead seek out genuine, emotionally rich experiences across New Zealand’s stunning North Island.

Shot across breathtaking landscapes from the ancient Sanctuary Mountain to Māori cultural hubs like The Haka Shop, the campaign captures the couple’s journey as they immerse themselves in everything from Auckland’s vibrant waters to thrilling adventures in Taupō’s skies. It’s a story of connection — with each other, with local communities, and with nature.

“Travel for us has always been about connection — with each other, with nature, and with people we meet along the way. New Zealand gave us that and so much more, making our time together truly unforgettable,” shared Rajkummar Rao.

Patralekhaa added, “In a world where we're constantly curating our lives for social media, New Zealand gave us permission to just be present. The experiences were so beautiful and genuine, we found ourselves putting our phones down and simply living in the moment.”

The campaign speaks directly to today’s Indian travellers who increasingly crave deeper, more personal journeys — free from the pressures of social media perfection. Gregg Wafelbakker, Regional Director Asia, Tourism New Zealand, noted, “We’re seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability.”

The #BeyondTheFilter mini-series will roll out in phases on newzealand.com/in and across various digital platforms. It’s an open invitation for travellers to discover moments so genuine they don’t need a screen to be remembered.