National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has officially named its two newest ships in the Galápagos—National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini—in a twilight ceremony that underscored the company’s deep-rooted ties with the local community and unwavering commitment to conservation.

Held in the heart of the Galápagos at Academy Bay, the naming brought together ship captains Nathaly Alban and John Iturralde, Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy, senior leaders, and over 25 multigenerational community members. The bottle-breaking ceremony served as a tribute to nearly six decades of collaboration with Galápagos communities and the National Park.

"Having the multigenerational community join our team members and their families to help name National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina is far more than a ceremonial moment; it's a celebration of our deep and lasting connection to this extraordinary place and its people," said Leahy. "It symbolizes our shared future and reflects our ongoing commitment and gratitude to the people of Galápagos."

Lindblad Expeditions led the first non-scientific international civilian expedition to the Galápagos in 1967 and has since supported over 100 environmental and community-focused projects in the region.

The newly christened National Geographic Delfina, a sleek 98-foot luxury catamaran, accommodates just 16 guests, offering intimate exploration with spacious staterooms—half featuring private balconies—plus an observation deck, outdoor dining, and a suite of exploration gear including Zodiacs and paddleboards.

Meanwhile, the National Geographic Gemini is a purpose-built 48-guest expedition ship with 28 ocean-facing cabins, a fitness center, spa, al fresco café, and a whirlpool hot tub. It comes fully equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks, and snorkeling gear, ensuring guests enjoy immersive adventures guided by a dedicated Ecuadorian and Galapagueño crew.

Both ships are the latest addition to Lindblad Expeditions’ growing Galápagos fleet, designed to offer authentic, small-group journeys through one of the world’s most breathtaking ecosystems.

For more details on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages to the Galápagos, visit www.expeditions.com/destinations/galapagos.

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.