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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

Have you ever stopped to marvel at Kiara Advani’s radiant and flawless skin? In the exquisite glamour that is Bollywood, Kiara Advani stands out not just for her acting genius but also for her luminous and healthy skin. Amidst the overwhelming myriad of options surfaced by the beauty industry, this simple yet transformative ritual is not only a fad, but the cornerstone of her radiance.

 

The secret might be simpler than you think. It’s not a gruelling workout or a 10-step skincare routine; it’s a simple cup of warm water, with a slice of lemon in it. Kiara’s morning habit of indulging in warm water infused with the zest of fresh lemons has become a conscious choice rooted in her approach to holistic well-being. The actress recommends this refreshing elixir not only for its skin-enhancing benefits but also for the multiple benefits it has in improving your overall health and vitality.  

 

Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in one of her videos on the health benefits of lemons mentioned, “Drinking one glass of lemon water every day in the morning will benefit you for a lifetime”.  Her claim can further be supported by a research published in the Journal of Science and Technology which reveals that “It is a healthy appetiser and helps to treat diseases with digestive aids. Lemon does not disclose any adverse effects, according to literature, but it is used all over the world as a traditional medicine”. Vitamin C, which is abundantly present in lemons, fights toxins and increases collagen production in the body, both of which help in treating acne as well as tightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While lemons are famously known for their Vitamin C component, not many people are aware of their Potassium-rich skin, which is an important mineral for nervous stimulation as well as maintaining blood pressure. Here are a few more benefits of adding lemon water to your everyday diet:- 

  • Immediately soothes muscle cramps
  • Peptin in lemons makes us feel fuller, thereby, helping in weight loss
  • Boosts immunity by stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body
  • Removal of kidney stones 
  • The lemon peel when infused in water for 30 minutes, activates its bioactive compounds which boost immunity and prevent our bodies from cellular damage
  • It also helps in the release of digestive enzymes which help in better absorption of nutrients

 

This simple kitchen hack has proudly made its way into the celebrity wellness circuit. Not only Kiara Advani but also Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Malaika Arora have this one drink in common at the break of dawn.

Here are 3 ways, you can incorporate the lemon water glow into your morning routine:- 

  1. Warm ginger lemon tea- Boil a glass of water with crushed ginger. When its done, squeeze a lemon into your glass and have it warm. To enjoy it in place of your morning tea, you may add a teaspoon of honey to it.

2. Ginger lemon shot – Take an inch of ginger root, and one squeezed lemon. Add enough water to blend it (3-4 tablespoons) in a blender, and have it as a morning shot.

3. Lemon-infused detox water- Cut up slices of one lemon and add it to your water bottle. Have 1-2 glasses of lemon water in the morning, and keep having the rest throughout the day. 

While lemon water offers a myriad of health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise moderation. One lemon a day is a healthy limit, and people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should be cautious about excessive lemon juice intake. As with any dietary rituals, balance is key to ensuring you enjoy the advantages without overdoing it. 

Alimento Agro Foods Raises INR 52 Crore as IvyCap Ventures Backs Its Bet on India’s Fast Growing Convenience Food Market

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Packaged food maker Alimento Agro Foods has raised INR 52 crore in a Series A funding round led by IvyCap Ventures, marking a strong vote of confidence in India’s evolving convenience food market. Founded in 2015 by Prateek and Mugdhaa Bhagchandka, the company has steadily built a portfolio that blends familiarity with modern consumption habits.

The fresh capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen its nationwide distribution network, and invest in product development across its brands. Alimento operates MOM Meal of the Moment, which focuses on instant home style meals such as dal chawal and rajma rice, aimed at urban consumers who want comfort food without the effort. Its other brand, Gimi Gimi, plays in the fast growing Korean inspired noodles segment, tapping into younger audiences influenced by global food trends.

Over the years, Alimento has positioned itself as a brand builder rather than a single product company. CEO Prateek Bhagchandka has spoken about creating a house of brands that stays rooted in cultural relevance while adapting to changing tastes. This approach has helped the company stand out in a crowded FMCG space where speed, taste, and recall matter equally.

The funding comes at a time when demand for packaged and ready to eat foods is rising across metros and smaller cities alike. With improved supply chains and increasing acceptance of premium convenience foods, startups like Alimento are finding room to scale alongside established players.

As it grows, Alimento will be competing with heavyweights such as ITC, Tata Consumer Products, MTR Foods, and iD Fresh Food. The new funding gives it the firepower to sharpen its brand presence and expand reach, as it looks to become a meaningful name in India’s packaged food landscape.

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Coca-Cola India FY25 Profit Jumps 46% to ₹615 Crore, Revenue Crosses ₹5,000 Crore

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Coca-Cola India delivered a strong financial performance in FY25, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as revenue growth remained steady, according to regulatory filings accessed via business intelligence platform Tofler. The Indian arm of the US-based beverage giant reported a consolidated net profit of ₹615.03 crore for the year ended March 31, 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 46.3 percent.

Revenue from operations rose 7 percent to ₹5,042.56 crore, compared with ₹4,713.38 crore in FY24. Including other income, total income for the year climbed 7.7 percent to ₹5,171.48 crore. The improvement in bottom-line performance reflects tighter cost controls and operational efficiencies, even as the company continued to invest in its core brands across the country.

India remains Coca-Cola’s fifth-largest global market, supported by a broad portfolio that includes Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Limca, Maaza and Minute Maid. During the year, the company saw moderation in certain expenditure lines. Advertising and sales promotion spending declined to ₹1,311.13 crore in FY25, down from ₹1,520.22 crore a year earlier, indicating a more calibrated approach to brand investments.

At the same time, royalty payments to parent company The Coca-Cola Company increased by 9.65 percent to ₹556.52 crore, reflecting higher brand usage and scale. Total expenses for the year rose marginally by 2.8 percent to ₹4,328.37 crore, while tax expenses increased 33 percent to ₹228.08 crore.

Coca-Cola India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Coca-Cola South Asia (India) Holdings Ltd and remains an unlisted entity. Separately, the group operates its bottling business through Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, in which The Coca-Cola Company recently divested a 40 percent stake to the Jubilant Bhartia Group.

The FY25 results underscore Coca-Cola India’s ability to expand profitability in a competitive beverage market, balancing disciplined spending with sustained demand across its flagship brands.

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Tata 1mg Crosses 200 Stores as Omnichannel Healthcare Push Fuels 22% FY25 Revenue Growth

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Tata 1mg has crossed the 200-store mark, signalling a decisive push to build a nationwide omnichannel healthcare network that blends digital scale with neighbourhood access. Backed by Tata Digital, the platform is steadily expanding its physical presence even as its online pharmacy and diagnostics businesses continue to grow, reflecting a broader shift in how Indian consumers access healthcare services.

The company’s expansion comes alongside solid financial momentum. According to Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report, Tata 1mg posted consolidated revenue of about ₹2,392 crore in FY25, a year-on-year increase of roughly 22 percent from ₹1,968 crore in the previous year. Losses also narrowed to around ₹276 crore, pointing to improved cost controls and operational efficiencies in a category known for thin margins and high competition.

Tata 1mg’s offline footprint now spans more than 200 stores across a mix of metros and fast-growing Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. These include large urban markets such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, alongside cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. The rollout follows a phased approach, strengthening presence in high-demand metro clusters before extending deeper into emerging urban centres.

The physical stores function as neighbourhood health hubs, supporting Tata 1mg’s digital services with quicker medicine fulfilment, local diagnostics collection, assisted purchases and faster last-mile delivery. In select locations, the proximity of stores has enabled deliveries within 30 minutes, tightening the link between online demand and offline fulfilment.

Founded as a digital-first health platform, Tata 1mg has built a large user base around e-pharmacy, diagnostics, consultations and health content. Its growing retail network now adds a layer of trust and immediacy, particularly for elderly customers and chronic care needs.

Operating in a crowded market that includes PharmEasy, Netmeds and Apollo 24|7, Tata 1mg is leaning on brand credibility and integrated execution to differentiate itself. With revenue nearing ₹2,400 crore and a rapidly expanding store base, the company appears well placed to capitalise on India’s evolving preference for hybrid healthcare models that combine speed, access and reliability.

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Fixderma Bets on Retail Expansion and Global Markets to Drive Profitable Growth

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Dermacosmetics player Fixderma India is entering a measured growth phase, sharpening its focus on offline retail expansion, overseas markets and long-term brand credibility as competition intensifies across India’s beauty and skincare landscape. Founder and chief executive Shaily Mehrotra said the company is prioritising steady scale and profitability over rapid, discount-driven growth.

The brand has recorded around 35 percent year-on-year growth so far this financial year, with expectations of further improvement as consumer demand stabilises. Fixderma currently derives close to 80 percent of its revenue from large online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa. Its direct-to-consumer channel contributes roughly 15 percent, while quick commerce accounts for the remaining share, reflecting early but rising adoption in instant delivery formats.

Offline retail is emerging as a key pillar of the company’s strategy. Fixderma operates one exclusive brand outlet at present and plans to expand to five stores in the medium term. Beyond owned stores, the company is working towards a wider general trade presence, targeting more than 150,000 points of sale across the country. This expansion is being supported by gradual onboarding of trained beauty advisors and a stronger emphasis on secondary sales to ensure consistent sell-through.

International markets are also gaining importance. Fixderma has entered select East European countries, including Lithuania, marking its expansion into newer geographies. In the Middle East, demand is building steadily, with Qatar standing out as a strong market. The company sees growing acceptance of Indian skincare brands abroad as a positive signal for calibrated global growth.

While digital commerce continues to scale, Fixderma is cautious about rising clutter and low barriers to entry online. The brand is focusing on formulation upgrades, consumer education and trust-building rather than aggressive product launches. Quick commerce remains the fastest-growing channel, though the company is selective due to infrastructure and assortment limitations.

Looking ahead, Fixderma expects the next financial year to be pivotal as investments in retail distribution, branding and exports begin to translate into sustained, profitable growth.

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Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor Back Luxury Jewellery Startup QWEEN Ahead of 2026 Store Launch

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Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor have joined the cap table of QWEEN, a newly launched luxury jewellery startup that is positioning itself at the intersection of fine craftsmanship and experience-led retail. The investments, made for undisclosed amounts, come alongside a substantial strategic commitment of ₹1,000 crore from global diamond major Rosy Blue and Japan-based Kashikey Co. Ltd., giving the brand both financial muscle and supply chain depth.

QWEEN describes itself as India’s first fine jewellery label built around self-discovery and immersive retail rather than traditional legacy storytelling. The company plans to open its first physical stores in Bengaluru and Delhi in February 2026. Each outlet will span 5,000 to 6,000 square feet and is designed to offer a curated, experiential journey that blends design, storytelling and personalised engagement.

Founded by entrepreneur Amit Kumar, QWEEN is entering a highly competitive jewellery market that is undergoing rapid change. Organised players are increasingly focusing on younger consumers who value design originality, ethical sourcing and modern retail environments over conventional buying formats. Against this backdrop, QWEEN plans to launch more than 20 collections and over 3,000 stock keeping units across categories.

Aamir Khan said the brand’s focus on authenticity and long-term value creation resonated with his own approach to investing. He pointed to QWEEN’s emphasis on craftsmanship and responsible sourcing as key factors behind his decision. Ranbir Kapoor highlighted the brand’s relevance to contemporary consumers, noting that it aims to speak to today’s women rather than relying solely on inherited narratives of luxury.

The backing from Rosy Blue and Kashikey is expected to play a critical role in scaling operations, securing high-quality gemstones and strengthening global sourcing capabilities. Industry watchers say the scale of the ₹1,000 crore commitment signals confidence in the experiential jewellery model at a time when India’s premium jewellery market is seeing growing demand from urban, design-conscious buyers.

With celebrity investors, deep-pocketed strategic partners and ambitious retail plans, QWEEN is positioning itself as a new-age luxury brand seeking to redefine how fine jewellery is discovered and experienced in India.

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NextFoods Raises $10 Million Led by ECP Growth to Scale GoodBelly and Cheribundi Functional Nutrition Brands

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NextFoods Inc., the Boulder, Colorado based parent of functional nutrition brands GoodBelly and Cheribundi, has raised $10 million in a new funding round led by growth equity firm ECP Growth, strengthening its push in the fast expanding everyday wellness market.

Founded in 2006, NextFoods has built its business around science backed nutrition aimed at gut health, immunity and functional hydration. The fresh capital is expected to support brand building, product innovation and wider consumer reach as demand for functional foods continues to rise across the United States.

The company’s flagship brands, GoodBelly and Cheribundi, are positioned at the intersection of convenience and clinical credibility. GoodBelly is known for its probiotic drinks and shots formulated to support digestive health, while Cheribundi focuses on tart cherry based beverages linked to muscle recovery, sleep support and inflammation management. Together, the brands are distributed through more than 20,000 retail locations nationwide, alongside direct to consumer and online channels.

Industry data shows the US functional food and beverage market growing at a high single digit rate annually, driven by consumers seeking preventive health solutions that fit into daily routines. NextFoods has capitalised on this shift by offering products that are shelf stable, widely accessible and grounded in nutritional research rather than trend driven claims.

ECP Growth, the lead investor in the round, has an established track record in scaling purpose led consumer brands. Its portfolio includes names such as Aloha, Base Culture, Murphy’s Naturals and Milk + Honey, reflecting a focus on clean label, wellness oriented businesses with national expansion potential.

For NextFoods, the investment signals renewed momentum after nearly two decades in the category. With strong retail penetration, recognizable brands and increasing consumer focus on gut health and recovery nutrition, the company is positioning itself to deepen market share while broadening its product portfolio.

As competition intensifies in functional nutrition, the funding provides NextFoods with additional firepower to invest in research, marketing and operational scale, reinforcing its ambition to make science based wellness part of everyday consumption.

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Reliance Consumer Acquires Majority Stake in Udhaiyams Agro Foods to Expand Branded Staples Portfolio

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Reliance Consumer Products Limited has moved a step closer to strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing packaged staples market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Chennai-based Udhaiyams Agro Foods. The transaction value has not been disclosed, but the deal places the Mukesh Ambani-backed FMCG arm firmly into categories such as pulses, breakfast mixes, snacks and everyday staples.

The acquisition has been structured as a joint venture, with RCPL holding a controlling interest while Udhaiyams’ promoters, S Sudhakar and S Dinakar, continue as minority shareholders. Founded over three decades ago, Udhaiyams has built a strong regional footprint and brand recall, particularly in South India, backed by a diversified portfolio and deep sourcing relationships.

With this move, RCPL expands its competitive landscape, positioning itself alongside established players such as Tata Consumer Products, MTR and iD Fresh Foods. The company has been steadily assembling a broad FMCG portfolio that spans beverages, packaged foods, personal care and beauty. Its existing brands include Campa soft drinks, Spinner sports beverages, SIL jams, Lotus Chocolate, Velvette personal care and Alan’s Bugles snacks.

Industry sources indicate the deal follows Reliance’s recent pattern of mid-sized acquisitions aimed at scaling trusted Indian brands. Similar transactions in the past have included Campa Cola and Velvette, which were revived and expanded using Reliance’s distribution and retail muscle.

T Krishnakumar, Director at Reliance Consumer Products, said the partnership would deepen RCPL’s play in branded staples, a segment seeing rising demand as consumers shift from loose to packaged products. Udhaiyams’ Managing Director S Sudhakar described the alliance as an opportunity to accelerate growth by leveraging Reliance’s supply chain, retail reach and capital support.

The acquisition comes amid a broader push by Reliance to scale its consumer products business. The FMCG arm recently became a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries, signalling sharper focus on packaged goods. RCPL reported revenues of over Rs 11,000 crore in FY25 and has announced plans to invest Rs 40,000 crore in food manufacturing facilities nationwide.

Market outlook remains favourable. Industry estimates project India’s packaged foods market to grow from $121 billion last year to nearly $225 billion by 2033, driven by urbanisation, rising incomes and evolving consumption habits.

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India’s Food Delivery Platforms Generate ₹1.2 Lakh Crore Output in FY24, Employment Grows 12.3%: Report

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India’s food delivery platform ecosystem has emerged as a significant contributor to the national economy, generating an estimated Rs 1.2 lakh crore in gross output during FY24, according to a new study by NCAER and Prosus. The sector is expanding at a pace well ahead of the broader economy, underlining its growing role in output generation, employment creation and tax contribution.

The report, titled Impact of Food Delivery Platform on the Indian Economy: GDP, Employment and Taxes, highlights a sharp rise in direct employment. Workforce numbers increased to 1.37 million in 2023–24 from 1.08 million in 2021–22. While the sector continues to account for about 0.2 per cent of India’s total workforce, its employment growth rate stands out. Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, jobs in the segment grew at a compound annual rate of 12.3 per cent, significantly higher than the all-India employment growth rate of 7.9 per cent during the same period.

Beyond direct impact, the study points to strong multiplier effects. For every Rs 10 lakh worth of production generated by food delivery platforms, the wider economy benefited from output worth Rs 25 lakh in 2021–22. On the income side, each Rs 10 lakh earned within the sector translated into Rs 24.8 lakh across the economy in FY24. Tax contributions also scaled alongside growth, with every Rs 10 lakh of production yielding Rs 40,000 in indirect taxes during the year.

The sector’s influence on job creation extends beyond its own workforce. For every Rs 10 lakh of output, three additional jobs were supported across the broader economy in FY24, while consumption-driven spillovers added Rs 7 lakh in economic activity.

NCAER Professor Bornali Bhandari noted that the sector’s rising contribution reflects a deeper structural shift. Restaurants operating on platforms are gaining wider market access, improving compliance and strengthening operational capabilities. A companion study found that 59 per cent of restaurant owners reported access to new customers, over half expanded menus, and platform-led revenues rose from 22 per cent to 29 per cent between 2019 and 2023, reinforcing the sector’s growing economic footprint.

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Swiss Beauty Unveils ‘We Got You, Girl!’ Campaign with Taapsee Pannu to Champion Self-Expression and Modern Beauty

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Swiss Beauty has rolled out a new brand film as part of its “We Got You, Girl!” campaign, reinforcing its push to connect with young, modern consumers through a message centred on self expression and emotional relevance. The film features actor and brand ambassador Taapsee Pannu and positions the brand as an ally to women navigating multiple roles, moods and identities in their everyday lives.

The campaign draws from the realities of today’s young women, who often move seamlessly between professional ambition, personal expression and spontaneous moments. Rather than prescribing a single definition of beauty, the film highlights choice and flexibility, showing how makeup can adapt to an individual’s personality rather than shape it. Lipsticks play a central role in the narrative, presented as tools that allow women to express confidence, playfulness or simplicity without explanation.

For Swiss Beauty, the campaign marks a deliberate shift away from perfection led beauty messaging towards a more inclusive and relatable tone. The brand’s lipstick portfolio, spanning multiple shades and finishes, is positioned as a reflection of this philosophy, supporting varied looks that fit into real life rather than curated moments.

Company executives say the campaign reflects changing expectations among young beauty consumers, who increasingly value authenticity and freedom over rigid beauty standards. By anchoring the message in everyday situations, Swiss Beauty aims to strengthen its emotional connect with a generation that sees makeup as an extension of identity.

Taapsee Pannu’s presence adds credibility to the narrative, given her reputation for independent roles and outspoken views. The brand believes her persona mirrors the confidence and individuality the campaign seeks to highlight.

The film is being amplified across digital platforms through short format edits, creator collaborations and interactive content designed to drive engagement among beauty enthusiasts. These efforts are focused on building conversation around experimentation and self confidence, rather than spotlighting a single product or look.

With “We Got You, Girl!”, Swiss Beauty is seeking to position itself as a contemporary beauty brand that understands the evolving lives of young women and supports how they choose to show up, every day.

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Tata Sons Infuses ₹1,500 Crore More into Tata Electronics to Expand iPhone and Semiconductor Manufacturing

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Tata Sons has infused an additional ₹1,500 crore into Tata Electronics, underlining the group’s growing commitment to electronics manufacturing and its expanding role in Apple’s global supply chain. Regulatory filings show that the fresh equity investment, made in October, takes Tata Sons’ total capital support to ₹4,500 crore over the past year.

The funding comes as Tata Electronics scales up iPhone manufacturing in India, where it has emerged as one of Apple’s largest contract producers. A significant share of its output is exported to markets such as the United States and Europe, reflecting India’s rising importance in Apple’s production strategy. Industry estimates indicate that over 70 percent of iPhones sold in the US are now made in India, with Tata Electronics playing a central role alongside Foxconn.

The filings also reveal that Tata Electronics has doubled its authorised share capital to ₹20,000 crore, signalling room for further capital infusion. While the company has not detailed the purpose of the latest investment, it has indicated that additional long term funding will be required to support ongoing business activities.

At ₹62 per share, the latest equity issuance is expected to fund capital expenditure across electronics manufacturing and the company’s semiconductor ambitions. Tata Electronics reported consolidated operating income of ₹66,206 crore in FY25, a sharp rise from ₹3,752 crore in the previous year. Despite the surge in revenue, the company remains loss making, although net losses narrowed to ₹69 crore from ₹825 crore a year earlier, reflecting heavy spending on capacity expansion and integration.

Beyond smartphones, Tata Electronics is making a decisive push into semiconductors. The company has committed close to $14 billion towards building a chip fabrication plant in Gujarat and an assembly and testing facility in Assam. Earlier this month, Tata Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel to explore manufacturing, packaging and advanced chip solutions at these upcoming facilities.

The sustained investment highlights the Tata Group’s long term bet on advanced electronics and semiconductors, positioning India as a critical hub in global technology supply chains.

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