Air India has been given a hard deadline of July 31st to finally meet the entry requirements for Star Alliance, something the Mumbai-based airline has been trying to do since they got an invitation to join Star in 2007. The airline needs to standardize its operations and computers with the rest of the alliance, so that happy alliancey things like code sharing, seat upgrading, and reward traveling can start happening.

Integration has proven to be something of a problem, and Air India has already requested and received three deadline extensions. We're guessing that a fourth extension won't be forthcoming, given Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht's subtle hint that "we will not extend this deadline anymore."]]> Omri 2011-05-11T14:32:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/5/145256/3098

From this picture gallery and a couple Google searches, we learn that the MTV Travel Gear launch in Mumbai was attended by MTV VJs Bani, Ranvijay, and Ayushmann and by Bollywood beauty Jacqueline Fernandez. Other insights we gleaned, in no particular order, helpfully summarized for you in bullet point form:

· MTV has a line of travel gear. We're pretty sure it's only available in India. And maybe only at Wildcraft Stores.

· Fernandez is present as the travel gear's new brand ambassador. Sources have told Oneindia Entertainment that she was selected based on her free-spirit nature and the light hearted roles that she has done. That's a quote.

* Fernandez was Miss Sri Lanka at the Miss Universe competition in 2006. That might also have had something to do with the selection.]]> Omri 2010-08-05T16:01:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/12/4/32335/4900

Money is tight around the holidays and the several months afterward, when you're paying off your credit card bill from Black Friday. So it's probably better to start looking to the spring for your next big trip. Head to India for an eight-day spring break that will cost you $999.

You'll have a hard time finding frat guys and kegs on this kind of spring break, though. The Travelzoo package includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a daily breakfast buffet, a farewell dinner, ground transportation in India, sightseeing tours, and entrance fees to the sights. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2009-12-04T10:19:38-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/1/25/34833/9880

Who knew that bullfighting was popular in India? Well, we didn't, but we do now know that after a few alcohol problems (drunk bullfighters and drunk bulls, too), authorities started breathalyzing both before fights, and injuries decreased rapidly. Just how you persuade a bull to blow in the bag is a mystery to us, but it seems to be working.

But what these Indian bullfighters could try is a new product from the Netherlands: beer brewed especially for dogs. The part that fixes our Indian problem is that it's non-alcholic. Kwispelbier is also fit for human consumption, but save it for the dogs or the bulls--it costs four times as much as a Heineken.

[Photo: Goody.]

Related Stories:
· Festival Bulls Breathalysed [news.com.au]
· Pet Shop Owner Creates Beer [ABC News]]]> amandak 2007-01-25T10:15:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/11/20/152519/32
After extended time in Pune, India, with the whole clan in tow, Brangelina has left town. Apparently, filming of A Mighty Heart in the country has wrapped (or at least the part's Angelina's in), and the whole fam split for home in Los Angeles early on Sunday morning.

As you've heard, the last few weeks of filming were marred by various "situations," including a run-in with the law after the couple's bodyguards allegedly manhandled waiting parents at a school while filming was in progress. The family did, however, manage to get in some quality time too. From relaxing at Le Meridien Pune to sneaking off to Mumbai by private jet for a boat tour and retiring to a suite at the Taj in Colaba, it wasn't all work.

No word yet on whether producer-dad Brad will return to India, but something tells us they'll all be back....

[Photo: The Bosh]

Related Stories:
· Jolie, Pitt leave for home [DNA Mumbai]]]> sedona 2006-11-21T08:54:28-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/10/23/104252/91

There are all kinds of ways for governments to handle growing crime rates, rebel attacks and social unrest. The most common ways seem to be beefing up the police and military forces. But instead, a town in India has decided to paint every building in the town pink.

Aurangabad, India, is a town in trouble, and not only for its lack of tourists. Maoist rebel activity and a high crime rate have made it a less than pleasant place to live, but things are changing. Currently every public building and 80 percent of private buildings are painted pink--with most of the remaining 20 percent due to be pink before the week is out. An Aurangabad council worker said:

What better colour than pink which symbolises good mood, soothing sight and good feelings. Pink also fosters communal amity and harmony

It's also a totally hot and sexy color. So watch out, when we're in the mood for some extra good mood and good feelings we'll be painting the Jaunted pages pink too.

Related Stories:
· In the Pink [BBC] ]]> amandak 2006-10-24T09:20:04-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/10/22/23640/074 Click Here To Go Straight To Chasing Racers Map

Chasing Racers is back, with a brand new Amazing Race 10 mashup. This map will update the morning after every new episode. Send along tips, rumors, gossip, locations and spoilers to our map editors, become a member and comment on the stories below, and add to the Jaunted-Flickr photo pool to get in on the fray. Enjoy.

A reality show is always fertile ground for politics and backstabbing, but damn, this week's episode had back-room bargaining galore, didn't it? Here's how it's playing out: The alliance between the Barbies and Creepy Petey and Sarah collapsed last week. The other race cabal is going strong. The Karma Chameleons of Lyn, Karlyn, Dave, Mary and the Cho brothers are working together for everyone's benefit. (Who's not secretly rooting for the Cho Brothers? Seriously, integrity and reality television are an unusual mix.) Dave and Mary have to come in first this week because of a new rule twist. And Creepy Petey and Sarah seem to have chit-chatted and worked on their wacky relationship. They're eager to get on the road, says Petey: "Even on our worst day, we're better than some of the teams in the back." Jump away, race fans, to find out if this, and so many more ridiculous predictions, come true.
]]> pbb 2006-10-23T09:25:53-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/