Encalm Hospitality has announced the launch of its new International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, further expanding its airport hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its focus on delivering premium travel experiences.

The new lounge has been designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern international travellers by integrating comfort, wellness, dining, and personalised hospitality within a thoughtfully curated environment. The launch marks another milestone in Encalm's strategy of building a comprehensive airport hospitality ecosystem across India's leading aviation hubs.

Designed as a space for relaxation before departure, the lounge features state-of-the-art sleeping pods, therapeutic spa treatments, private dining facilities for families and guests seeking privacy, and a well-stocked bar. The experience has been curated to transform pre-flight waiting time into a seamless journey of comfort and rejuvenation.

Food remains a central part of the experience, with interactive live culinary stations serving freshly prepared dishes that combine regional Indian flavours with contemporary international cuisine. The curated dining programme is complemented by a refined beverage selection, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm, said the new lounge reflects the company's commitment to creating future-ready hospitality experiences driven by innovation, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. He added that Encalm aims to continue setting new benchmarks by delivering intuitive and differentiated experiences for global travellers.

Pooja Bhondekar, Business Head – Airport Hospitality, Encalm, said the expansion reflects the brand's mission of creating memorable experiences across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. She noted that every element of the lounge, from wellness facilities to curated dining and personalised service, has been carefully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and convenience.

With the addition of the Hyderabad International Lounge, Encalm continues to strengthen its integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, which includes premium lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, in-flight catering, and curated food and beverage concepts across major Indian airports.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR). The launch marks IHCL's 18th hotel in the NCR and further expands the Vivanta brand in one of India's fastest-growing business hubs.

Commenting on the opening, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, "Gurugram continues to be one of India's most dynamic commercial centres, supported by strong corporate demand and infrastructure growth. The opening of Vivanta Gurugram strengthens IHCL's presence in NCR and expands Vivanta's footprint in a high-growth market. Designed for today's discerning traveller, the hotel combines contemporary design and intuitive service."

The 154-key hotel is strategically located in Sector 95A, offering easy access to Gurugram's key business districts and commercial centres, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests can choose from a range of dining experiences, including Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant serving global and local favourites; Wink, the rooftop bar offering panoramic city views alongside signature cocktails; and Tease, a poolside lounge designed for relaxed evenings.

The hotel also features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Gurugram skyline, a fully equipped fitness centre, spacious banquet halls, and meeting rooms suitable for corporate events, conferences, weddings, and social celebrations.

Sharing her thoughts on the opening, Ashadeep Sidhu, General Manager, Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, said, "We are delighted to welcome guests to Vivanta Gurugram. Located in India's Millennium City, the hotel offers a contemporary urban oasis that reflects the city's energy while creating memorable experiences for both business and leisure travellers."

With the addition of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, IHCL continues to strengthen its footprint across key business destinations while catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.

France secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Boston on July 9, 2026, sealing a place in their third consecutive World Cup semifinal.

After a goalless first half, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele found the net in the second half to guide Les Bleus to victory. Morocco struggled to create clear opportunities against the two-time world champions, who controlled much of the contest.

Mbappe, who missed a penalty in the opening half, appeared to pick up a knock towards the closing stages of the match. France will now face the winner of the Spain vs Belgium quarter-final in the semifinal on July 14.

Away from the action on the pitch, Norway's preparations for their quarter-final clash against England were disrupted after the team was forced to change hotels in Miami.

The squad had checked into the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, but players soon raised concerns over constant traffic noise from a busy road and ongoing construction work nearby, making it difficult for them to rest.

Following an official complaint to FIFA, the entire Norwegian squad was relocated within two-and-a-half hours of reporting the issue. The team has now moved to a quieter hotel located closer to Hard Rock Stadium, where they will take on England in the quarter-finals.

The last-minute change is expected to provide the players with a more comfortable environment as they continue preparations for one of the biggest matches in the nation's football history.