Tuesday, January 28, 2025
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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. 

“India’s Zomato-Swiggy Moment for Lending”: Nikhil Kamath Hails ULI’s Revolutionary Potential

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India’s Zomato-Swiggy Moment for Lending": Nikhil Kamath Hails ULI’s Revolutionary Potential

In a recent LinkedIn post, Zerodha’s co-founder, Nikhil Kamath, drew attention to the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), calling it a transformative step that could redefine India’s financial ecosystem. Kamath compared ULI to the lending equivalent of Zomato and Swiggy, emphasizing its potential to democratize credit access and foster entrepreneurial growth.

ULI: A Game-Changer for India’s Lending Landscape

Kamath praised ULI for its ability to simplify and streamline lending processes, predicting it would bring about an even greater revolution than the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). “Access to credit for everyone is critical to India’s growth aspirations,” he wrote, adding that ULI promotes transparency by enabling users to compare loan offers, much like food delivery apps allow for restaurant and price comparisons.

The ULI platform addresses deep-rooted issues in India’s lending ecosystem, including high-interest informal loans, regional disparities, and socio-cultural barriers that hinder credit access. By introducing features like alternative credit scoring, real-time approvals, and personalized loan products, ULI paves the way for a more mature and equitable lending system.

Lending: A Necessary Risk

Kamath acknowledged India’s traditionally conservative mindset toward borrowing, which has often discouraged individuals from taking loans. While he cautioned against reckless borrowing, he stressed that risk is a fundamental aspect of growth. “The more I think about it, all rewards in life are a factor of risk. Debt-taking ability is also a risk,” Kamath noted. He argued that with evolving societal dynamics, India needs to adopt a more progressive approach to lending, encouraging calculated risks to drive personal and economic growth.

ULI Features That Set It Apart

Kamath highlighted key features of ULI that could revolutionize the lending space:

  1. Alternative Credit Scoring: ULI leverages non-traditional data sources such as GST records, bank transactions, and utility bills to evaluate creditworthiness, bypassing the need for conventional credit scores.
  2. Real-Time Approvals: The platform ensures instant loan approvals for purposes ranging from medical emergencies to seasonal business needs.
  3. Micro Loans: ULI facilitates micro-loans as small as ₹10,000, making credit accessible to a broader demographic.
  4. Customized Loan Products: Using AI and data analytics, ULI tailors loans to individual needs, moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach.

A Vision for Growth

Kamath’s analogy of ULI as the “Zomato-Swiggy for lending” underscores its role in fostering transparency and competition in the credit market. By simplifying the borrowing process, ULI empowers individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions, potentially unleashing a new wave of entrepreneurship in India.

With ULI, Kamath envisions a future where credit is no longer a privilege but a right accessible to all, driving India closer to its growth aspirations.

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‘Isse Achha Thela Laga Lo!’: Anupam Mittal’s Brutal Swipe at Startup Pitcher Sparks Frenzy

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‘Isse Achha Thela Laga Lo!’: Anupam Mittal’s Brutal Swipe at Startup Pitcher Sparks Frenzy

Season 4 of Shark Tank India is proving to be as fiery as ever, with gripping pitches and unfiltered reactions from the Sharks. One such moment that left viewers buzzing was Anupam Mittal’s sharp critique of a pitch by Vijay Nihalchandani, a business and finance influencer who presented his venture, Make My Payment.

Nihalchandani sought ₹30 lakh in exchange for 3% equity, valuing his company at ₹10 crore. However, his financials told a different story, with a meager monthly revenue of just ₹30,000. The glaring mismatch between ambition and execution sparked a barrage of questions from the Sharks.

Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com, didn’t hold back his frustration. Questioning the viability of the business model, he delivered a harsh yet meme-worthy reality check: “Isse achha thela laga lo” (You’d be better off running a roadside stall). His comment resonated across social media, splitting opinions between those praising his blunt honesty and others calling it unnecessarily harsh.

Nihalchandani tried defending his startup, emphasizing its long-term growth potential. However, with numbers failing to justify the valuation, none of the Sharks bit. Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, echoed Mittal’s skepticism, pointing out that lofty valuations without solid revenue streams have been a persistent issue in the startup ecosystem.

While Mittal’s critique may have been cutting, it underscores the importance of realistic valuations and a scalable business model. The moment also serves as a reminder of the brutal scrutiny startups face in the real world.

As expected, the clip went viral, with fans of the show debating whether the harshness was warranted. Some argued that such honesty is necessary to drive founders toward improvement, while others felt Mittal’s delivery could have been more constructive.

One thing’s for sure: moments like these are what make Shark Tank India a must-watch, blending drama, lessons in entrepreneurship, and a dose of entertainment.

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‘Bengaluru Crumbling, Ahmedabad Miles Ahead’: Startup CEO’s Fiery Post Sets Internet Ablaze

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Bengaluru Crumbling, Ahmedabad Miles Ahead’: Startup CEO’s Fiery Post Sets Internet Ablaze

A storm is brewing on social media after Siddharth Dialani, CEO of agri-tech startup BharatAgri, shared his unfiltered take on the urban infrastructure of two of India’s most prominent cities. In a LinkedIn post, Dialani slammed Bengaluru, often called the “Silicon Valley of India,” as being in “shambles,” while showering Ahmedabad with praise for being “at least 10 years ahead.”

The CEO cited Ahmedabad’s superior road quality, traffic management, and overall urban planning as factors that make it a model for other cities. His post, which came with a tone of disappointment over Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure, touched a nerve, igniting a fiery debate online.

“Ahmedabad’s roads are smoother, the traffic is better regulated, and the urban layout is far more functional,” Dialani wrote, contrasting it with Bengaluru, a city plagued by potholes, waterlogging, and perennial traffic jams. He questioned whether Bengaluru’s growth as India’s startup hub has come at the cost of its livability.

Divided Reactions from Netizens

The post has polarized opinions across social media. Supporters of Dialani’s observations, many of whom are entrepreneurs and professionals living in Bengaluru, echoed his concerns, describing the city as a “logistical nightmare” and urging authorities to take swift action.

“Dialani is absolutely right. Bengaluru’s infrastructure is a ticking time bomb. How can we expect innovation to thrive when employees spend hours in traffic every day?” commented one user.

On the other hand, some critics accused the CEO of being overly harsh and reductive in his comparison. They argued that Bengaluru’s rapid urbanization, fueled by its status as a global IT and startup hub, poses unique challenges that Ahmedabad has yet to face.

“Comparing Bengaluru to Ahmedabad is like comparing apples to oranges. Bengaluru’s population and economic dynamics are on an entirely different scale,” wrote another user.

The Broader Implication

Dialani’s post highlights an ongoing dilemma for India’s tech and startup capital. Despite its thriving business ecosystem, Bengaluru has struggled with infrastructure woes for years. From poor road conditions and unplanned urban sprawl to the infamous traffic chaos, the city has faced mounting criticism from residents and experts alike.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad’s proactive urban planning, robust civic management, and the influence of Gujarat’s industrial growth have put the city on a different trajectory, making it a standout example of urban development.

While the debate continues online, the key takeaway from Dialani’s post is the urgent need for Bengaluru to address its infrastructure crisis. As India’s startup ecosystem grows, the livability and functionality of its leading cities will play a critical role in sustaining this momentum.

For now, the question remains: Will Bengaluru rise to the challenge, or will cities like Ahmedabad become the new magnets for entrepreneurs and investors? Only time will tell.

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Medusa Beverages: Fueled by Funding, Poised for Future Success

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Medusa Beverages: Fueled by Funding, Poised for Future Success
Medusa Beverages: Fueled by Funding, Poised for Future Success

A Funding-Focused Success Story

Medusa Beverages, a beer manufacturer based out of Delhi NCR recently announced its Series A round of funding of INR 56 crore. This round saw lead participation by prominent investors such as Amal N Parekh, Ashwin Kedia followed by Ramesh Damani, and Nikhil Garg, Crest Opportunities as the co-investors.  

In our exclusive conversation with Avneet Singh, Founder and CEO of Medusa Beverages” This injection of capital marks a significant milestone in Medusa’s journey, fueling its plans to double revenue and expand its footprint across India’s thriving beer market. In our conversation with Avneet, he highlighted that the Company looks to expand into new markets with this round of funding including market expansion into Haryana, Assam, and Maharashtra.

He further highlighted that this round will also see development of draught beer infrastructure with investments in kegs and taps; improving availability of working capital to support scaling operations.

As per Avneet “Medusa’s diverse product lineup is designed to cater to a wide audience. Flagship variants include Medusa Premium Strong, a mass-market bestseller; Medusa Air, a mild beer for discerning consumers; and Medusa X, a premium offering created in collaboration with Warner Bros. under the ‘House of the Dragon’ label. He highlights the launch of a new semi-premium brand that fills the gap between mass-market and premium beers, targeting an untapped demographic in India.

Consistent Growth Backed by Smart Investments

As per the founder Medusa’s growth trajectory has been consistently growing over the years. Starting with sales of 220,000 cases in 2017-18, the company expanded into Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, reaching 370,000 cases by 2019-20. During COVID-19 pandemic, Medusa recorded a growth of 250% y-o-y growth in 2022-23, with record revenue of 2.5 times pre-pandemic levels.

This round of funding will now enable Medusa to build on this momentum by unlocking new markets and investing in infrastructure.,. As per Avneet Singh, Founder and CEO of Medusa Beverages

Strategic Partnerships and Market Leadership

As per the founder “Medusa’s recent initiatives highlight its commitment to innovation and partnerships. In Chhattisgarh, a tie-up with a local brewery has helped secure a 5-6% market share, with ambitions to reach 10% in the coming year.” The company is also in discussions with a global beer brand to secure exclusive representation rights in India, further diversifying Medusa’s offerings and strengthening its market position.

Riding the Wave of Industry Growth

As per the founder India’s beer industry, valued at INR 760 million in 2023, is evolving rapidly. Medusa is capitalizing on several key trends. Beer has become a preferred choice for social gatherings, particularly among urban millennials, as cultural shifts have led to increasing social acceptance. With over 50% of India’s population under the age of 25, youthful demographics are fueling demand for premium products. Additionally, gender inclusivity is playing a pivotal role, with more women participating in the workforce and traditional social taboos around alcohol consumption being dismantled. These factors have collectively expanded the market and created a favorable environment for brands like Medusa.

Looking Ahead: Medusa’s Vision

As per Avneet, with its robust funding and strategic focus, Medusa is poised to redefine the Indian beer market. Its plans to double revenue to INR 350-370 crore in 2025 reflect a commitment to sustainable, high-growth strategies. By leveraging its strong funding base, innovative product portfolio, and strategic partnerships, Medusa Beverages is set to lead India’s AlcoBev sector into a new era.

Closing remark:

In the recent past many AlcoBev brands have been seeing capital participation from institutional and strategic investors. As per experts it is going to see a faster growth doubling the markets as Indian beer’s market size was at INR 760mn, selling over 3.1bn liters of beer in 2023. Market is expected to grow by ~7 to 8% value over FY23-28E.

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From Swiss Watches to Gourmet Bites: Audemars Piguet Opens First AP Café at Singapore’s Iconic Raffles Hotel

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From Swiss Watches to Gourmet Bites: Audemars Piguet Opens First AP Café at Singapore’s Iconic Raffles Hotel

Luxury brands making their mark in the food and beverage space are no longer a rare novelty—they’re becoming a defining trend in retail. The list of high-end labels exploring this territory is growing fast, from Coach Play and Ralph’s Coffee in 2023 to Louis Vuitton’s Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric last year. The luxury car industry is also joining in, with Audi preparing to launch a café in collaboration with Burnt Ends Bakery later this year.

Now, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet (AP) is stepping into the F&B world with a grand debut—the world’s first AP Café in Singapore. Located within the prestigious Raffles Hotel, this new café is part of a broader concept store known as AP House. With 21 AP Houses worldwide, including in global hotspots like Milan and London, the Singapore outpost is set to offer a unique experience for watch connoisseurs and food lovers alike.

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A Taste of Switzerland with a Local Twist

At AP Café, the brand stays true to its Swiss heritage, offering an array of authentic dishes such as rosti and raclette. The café’s food and dessert menus are complemented by a selection of five signature cocktails (starting at $26), artisanal teas from Antea Social, and coffee provided by local favorite Burnt Ends bakery.

For savory indulgence, guests can savor bricelets—salted Swiss wafers ($5), a hearty short rib raclette pie ($38), and snackable Caesar crudités ($18). A luxe treat is the röesti, wrapped in gold leaf and topped with caviar, priced at $25. For those with a sweet tooth, the café serves raspberry doughnuts ($8), Hazelnut Crunch ($20), and a best-seller—a Swiss roll paired with honeycomb and honey ice cream ($18).

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Adding a local flair to the menu, AP Café offers a chicken rice club sandwich ($22), inspired by Singapore’s iconic dish. Also featured are the Gula Melaka Pain Suisse ($8), a palm sugar cream-filled pastry, and the Clarified Swiss Sling ($26)—a contemporary take on the historic Singapore Sling cocktail created at the Raffles Hotel bar in 1915.

A Perfect Spot to Lounge and Savor

The café, which seats about 12 indoors, also boasts an alfresco seating area by Raffles Hotel’s iconic blue fountain—ideal for a relaxed afternoon, especially when the sun is less intense. Whether you’re a watch aficionado, a foodie, or just someone looking for an elegant yet cozy spot to unwind, AP Café offers a luxurious experience that reflects both Swiss tradition and the

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Shark Tank India Season 4 Sinks Without Ashneer Grover: Sky-High Ad Rates, Rampant Piracy, and OTT-Only Gamble Turn It into a Hard Sell

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Shark Tank India Season 4 Sinks Without Ashneer Grover: Sky-High Ad Rates, Rampant Piracy, and OTT-Only Gamble Turn It into a Hard Sell

SonyLIV’s flagship show, Shark Tank India, is struggling to attract advertisers, reportedly due to its high ad rates and a decline in reach. Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) decision to make this season exclusively available on its OTT platform has sparked criticism, with many questioning the move and its impact on the show’s visibility and appeal.

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This season, which began streaming on January 6, has drawn sponsorship from Acko, PokerBaazi, and Swiggy Instamart as co-presenting sponsors, alongside Adani and Jaquar as co-powered-by sponsors. Partner sponsors include Rayzon Solar, ICICI Direct, Lenskart, and Sofy. While SonyLIV claims to have achieved a 40% rise in Connected TV (CTV) viewership and a 22% increase in users compared to the previous season, industry experts believe the decision to bypass television has hurt the show’s mass appeal.

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Ahmed Aftab Naqvi, CEO and co-founder of Gozoop, remarked, “Restricting Shark Tank India to OTT was a misstep. The show has broad appeal and could have reached a significantly larger audience via Sony’s television network. While OTT platforms offer convenience, they face challenges like intrusive ads and limited content libraries, which restrict their reach in India. Removing popular YouTube clips from earlier seasons further stifled the show’s organic growth and engagement.”

Naqvi also highlighted piracy concerns, which are impacting both viewership and advertiser confidence. He pointed out, “India’s entertainment industry lost ₹22,400 crore to piracy in 2023, with 51% of consumers relying on pirated content. Streaming platforms are the largest contributors to this trend, accounting for 63% of piracy. While piracy is less common in metro cities, it’s rampant in tier-two and tier-three markets, driven by the sheer number of OTT options and a perceived lack of quality content.”

Meanwhile, marketers argue that SonyLIV’s high advertising rates are deterring many brands. With a ₹600 Cost Per Mille (CPM) for a 10-second ad on mobile and ₹1,200 for the same on Connected TV, experts feel the pricing is steep, especially given the show’s limited exposure on OTT. Without the broad reach that television offers, Shark Tank India is struggling to maintain its position as a marquee property for SPNI.

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WH Smith Could Vanish from UK High Streets as £1.9bn Company Eyes Sale of 500 Stores

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WH Smith Could Vanish from UK High Streets as £1.9bn Company Eyes Sale of 500 Stores

WH Smith, the iconic high street retailer, may soon vanish from the UK’s shopping streets after its parent company announced plans to sell its 500 UK-based stores. This move casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of its 5,000 employees and leaves the 232-year-old brand’s presence in flux.

Over the weekend, the publicly listed company confirmed it was actively seeking a buyer for its high street business, a significant shake-up that would allow the company to refocus on its thriving travel retail arm, which has expanded globally with locations in airports and train stations. The sale process, which began late last year, is still in its early stages, with several interested bidders in the mix.

However, the sale is not just about selling physical stores. There are discussions around whether the WH Smith brand itself will continue to be used in the high street market. This means the brand could vanish from the UK’s town centers, continuing only within the more profitable travel sector, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of the company’s £1.9 billion revenue. With 1,300 travel outlets worldwide, the travel segment has been the company’s shining star, making up the lion’s share of its financial success.

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Alteri, a restructuring firm, is reportedly one of the interested parties in bidding for the high street business, though the prospect of this being a turnaround venture raises concerns about job losses and store closures. With approximately 5,000 employees in the high street division, and no union representation, there is a real possibility that staff cuts could be an outcome.

Industry experts, such as Kien Tan, a senior retail adviser at PwC, suggest that WH Smith’s formula for success in airports and train stations may not be viable on the high street anymore. While the high street stores could survive, they would likely need a significant overhaul, introducing new products or services like hospitality to attract customers. Tan speculates that the WH Smith brand may no longer be a good fit for the high street and could be replaced with a completely new name and customer experience.

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This is not the first time WH Smith has attempted to sell off its business. Back in 2004, it nearly struck a deal with private equity firm Permira, but the negotiations fell apart due to an unresolved £250 million pension fund deficit. The current sale efforts signal that WH Smith, once a pillar of the UK high street, may be evolving into something far different from its past.

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Reliance Consumer’s Masterstroke: Acquisition of SIL Food to Take On FMCG Titans HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica

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Reliance Consumer’s Masterstroke: Acquisition of SIL Food to Take On FMCG Titans HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica

Reliance Consumer Products (RCPL) has made a significant move in the packaged foods space by acquiring SIL Food India, a brand known for its range of products such as cooking pastes, jams, mayonnaise, baked beans, and Chinese sauces.

The acquisition process has been successfully completed, and Reliance Consumer aims to expand SIL’s presence beyond its core markets in the West and South of India, targeting national distribution. This strategy positions Reliance to directly compete with established FMCG giants like HUL, Tata Consumer, and Cremica, further solidifying its foothold in the competitive FMCG sector, a senior company executive shared with ET.

The acquisition involves the purchase of SIL’s product brands from its current owner, Food Service India. SIL operates manufacturing facilities in Pune and Bengaluru.

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SIL Food, which traces its origins back 75 years to its founding as James Smith & Co., has undergone several changes in ownership. In 1993, it was acquired by Marico Industries, only to be sold later to Scandic Food India, a subsidiary of Denmark’s Good Food Group. In 2021, Food Service India, known for its supply of seasonings, spices, and condiments to the hospitality industry, acquired SIL Foods.

With this acquisition, Reliance Consumer plans to leverage its ongoing strategy of offering competitively priced products, providing higher trade margins to retailers, and revitalizing legacy brands. It’s worth noting that RCPL is acquiring only SIL’s product brands, not its manufacturing facilities or the company itself.

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This acquisition adds to Reliance’s growing portfolio, which includes recent purchases like Ravalgaon and Toffeeman confectionery, Campa soft drinks, Raskik beverages, Sosyo carbonated drinks, and Lotus chocolates.

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Govt’s Bold Move to Safeguard Gig Workers: Zomato, Uber, and Ola to Face New Social Security Mandates

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Govt’s Bold Move to Safeguard Gig Workers: Zomato, Uber, and Ola to Face New Social Security Mandates

The government is gearing up to introduce a social security scheme specifically designed for gig workers in platform-based jobs. This new initiative will focus on safeguarding the rights of workers in the rapidly growing gig economy, while also imposing obligations on companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, and Uber that rely heavily on such workers.

Under the proposed scheme, these platforms, which currently classify workers as “partners” rather than employees, will be required to deduct a certain percentage from workers’ earnings and contribute it to a pension fund. The labour ministry has reportedly stated that the financial framework is being finalized and implementation is expected soon.

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In addition to the contributions from platforms, the government may also add its own contribution of 3-4% to the workers’ pension pots, further enhancing the security for gig workers.

The scheme is part of a broader effort to include gig workers from diverse sectors, including tech and freelancing, in social security schemes. This would extend benefits like health insurance and retirement savings to workers in the gig economy, addressing long-standing concerns about their lack of protection.

Despite previous attempts to regulate gig workers through the labour codes enacted a few years ago, many states have yet to fully implement these reforms. The new legislation is expected to require platforms to register gig workers, offer a 14-day notice period for termination with valid reasons, and hold platforms accountable for fair treatment.

This initiative follows a historic digital strike in November 2024 by women gig workers across India, who united to draw attention to exploitative working conditions. Their actions brought to light the fact that discounts offered by platforms during festive seasons often came at the expense of workers’ earnings, further exacerbating their financial struggles.

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Studies have consistently highlighted the difficulties faced by gig workers, with surveys showing that many, particularly cab drivers, work long hours for wages that do not cover their basic expenses. A recent app-based survey revealed that nearly 68% of respondents reported their costs outpacing their earnings.

This step by the government signals a crucial shift towards greater protection for gig economy workers, aiming to ensure fair wages and social security as the sector continues to grow.

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Ola and Uber Deny ‘Pricey’ Allegations: Are Apple Users Being Charged More for Rides?

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Ola and Uber Deny ‘Pricey’ Allegations: Are Apple Users Being Charged More for Rides?

On Friday, ride-hailing giants Ola and Uber rejected claims that they have been charging different prices for rides depending on whether customers use Android or Apple smartphones in India.

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The companies were responding to notices issued by the government after allegations surfaced that Apple users were being charged more for rides of the same distance simply because they own higher-end smartphones, which are presumed to have greater purchasing power.

Ola responded by stating that they had already addressed the issue with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and expressed their intention to cooperate further with the agency to clear up any confusion. An Ola spokesperson emphasized, “We maintain a uniform pricing model for all customers and do not distinguish based on the operating system of a user’s phone for identical trips.”

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Similarly, an Uber representative assured that their pricing is not influenced by the manufacturer of the rider’s phone. “We look forward to resolving any misunderstandings with the CCPA,” the Uber spokesperson stated.

As of now, neither Google nor Apple have provided any comments regarding the matter.

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