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

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December 8, 2023

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:-

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.

Lucira Targets Rs 100 Crore Milestone as Founder Bets Big on Offline Jewellery Stores

Growth

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SnackTeam

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December 17, 2025

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Lucira is charting an ambitious growth journey as it sets its sights on becoming a Rs 100 crore brand within the next three years. The jewellery brand, which started as a digital first venture, is now placing a strong bet on physical retail as it looks to build scale, trust, and long term profitability in a competitive market.

The company plans to open between eight and ten offline stores across major Indian cities by FY26. This move reflects a clear understanding of how jewellery buying works in India, where customers still value touch, feel, and in person assurance before making a purchase. While Lucira began online, offline channels already contribute nearly 85 percent of its overall revenue, underlining the importance of brick and mortar presence for the brand.

Lucira’s strategy goes beyond just adding stores. The focus is on building an omnichannel model where online discovery and offline experience work together seamlessly. Customers may browse collections digitally, but complete their purchases in store, or vice versa. This integrated approach is helping the brand improve conversion rates while keeping customer acquisition costs under control.

To support its expansion plans, Lucira has raised Rs 45 crore in funding. The capital will be used to strengthen retail infrastructure, invest in brand building, and refine supply chain operations. With careful store selection, controlled inventory, and a sharp focus on margins, the company aims to scale without compromising profitability.

As consumer preferences evolve and organised jewellery retail continues to grow, Lucira’s shift toward a balanced online and offline presence could position it well for the next phase of growth. If executed with discipline, the brand’s Rs 100 crore goal may arrive sooner than expected.

Ranveer Singh Backed SuperYou Bags 7 Million Dollars as V3 Ventures and Zerodha’s Rainmatter Double Down on India’s Protein Boom

Growth

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December 17, 2025

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SuperYou, the protein and wellness brand co founded by actor Ranveer Singh and entrepreneur Nikunj Bansal, has raised 7 million dollars in a fresh funding round led by V3 Ventures and Rainmatter. The round marks another strong vote of confidence in the young startup that is trying to make everyday nutrition more accessible and mainstream for Indian consumers.

The funding comes about a year after SuperYou raised capital from Zerodha founders Nikhil and Nithin Kamath, a move that had already put the brand firmly on the startup radar. With this latest round, SuperYou plans to deepen its presence across categories like protein bars, shakes, and functional foods, while also expanding its distribution footprint both online and offline.

SuperYou entered the market with a clear pitch. High quality protein does not need to feel intimidating, boring, or restricted to hardcore fitness enthusiasts. The brand has focused on clean labels, familiar Indian flavours, and easy to consume formats, aiming to appeal to a wider audience that includes first time protein users.

Ranveer Singh’s involvement has helped the brand cut through clutter in a crowded nutrition space, but the company’s early traction has largely come from product adoption and repeat customers. Industry observers note that SuperYou has benefited from growing awareness around fitness, protein intake, and preventive health, especially among younger urban consumers.

The fresh capital will be used to invest in product innovation, brand building, and strengthening supply chain capabilities. As competition in the protein and wellness segment continues to intensify, SuperYou is betting on strong branding combined with credible nutrition to scale sustainably.

With backing from prominent investors and a clear consumer focused approach, SuperYou appears well positioned to build a lasting presence in India’s fast evolving health and wellness market.

Right4Paws Raises ₹14 Crore in Series A Funding, Plans EU Exports and Manufacturing Scale-Up

funding

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December 17, 2025

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Premium pet nutrition brand Right4Paws has raised ₹14 crore in a Series A funding round as it steps up investments in manufacturing, product development and international expansion. The round was backed by a group of high net worth individuals and advised by UAE based Three Pins Capital Ltd, marking one of the larger early stage raises in India’s fast growing pet care segment.

Right4Paws operates as the consumer brand of Pet Prakalp India, a Coimbatore headquartered pet care company that anchors research, innovation and manufacturing for the business. The fresh capital will be deployed to significantly scale production capacity, with the company planning to increase monthly input processing from about 30 tonnes to nearly 120 tonnes. This fourfold expansion is expected to support rising domestic demand while preparing the business for overseas markets.

Among its key priorities is entry into the European Union, which the company is targeting for 2026. To support this push, Right4Paws plans to strengthen internal capabilities, onboard specialised talent and build systems aligned with global quality and compliance standards.

The company also intends to broaden its portfolio by launching new products across functional nutrition and life stage specific categories. Distribution expansion across Indian markets is another focus area as the brand looks to improve reach and availability among urban and emerging pet owning households.

India’s dog food market is currently estimated at around ₹5,000 crore and is growing at nearly 20 percent annually, driven by increasing pet adoption and a shift towards packaged, nutritionally balanced food. With more than 40 million companion animals in the country, demand for premium and natural pet nutrition has been rising steadily.

Founded by Dhanu Roy and co led by Sameer Achan, Right4Paws positions itself at the intersection of whole food nutrition and modern convenience. Its formulations are developed in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists in the United Kingdom and are designed to align with the digestive systems of pets.

The company says its long term goal is to build a science led, natural pet food brand from India with relevance in global markets, starting with Europe.

Shilpa Shetty-Backed WickedGud Raises ₹20 Crore to Expand Omni-Channel Presence and Scale Noodles Portfolio

funding

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December 17, 2025

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Instant noodles and pasta brand WickedGud has raised ₹20 crore in a fresh round of funding as it looks to accelerate expansion across physical and digital retail channels and widen its product portfolio. The fundraise comes on the back of strong momentum for the brand, which has reported a threefold increase in scale over the past year.

The round saw continued backing from existing investors including Orios Venture Partners, Asiana Fund and actor entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty, alongside participation from a group of new angel investors. According to the company, the capital infusion will be directed towards strengthening its omni channel distribution, improving supply chain efficiencies and increasing investments in product development.

Founded by Bhuman Dani, WickedGud operates in India’s crowded instant food segment and positions itself as a mass, better for you brand that balances taste with affordability. The company has been steadily expanding its reach across modern trade, neighbourhood stores and online platforms, with a focus on improving availability and visibility in high consumption markets.

Over the last 12 months, WickedGud has entered more than 5,000 retail outlets nationwide and diversified into newer product formats. Its cup noodles and Korean style spicy noodle range have emerged as strong growth drivers and now account for over 42 percent of total sales volumes, reflecting shifting consumer preferences towards convenience led and flavour forward offerings.

The brand is also scaling its presence on leading e commerce and quick commerce platforms such as Amazon, Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto, which have become key channels for impulse and repeat purchases in the instant foods category.

This is WickedGud’s second fundraise in just over a year, having secured ₹20 crore in November 2024. The company plans to deploy the latest capital to expand high velocity categories, support faster replenishment cycles and build a more resilient supply chain to meet rising demand.

As competition intensifies in the noodles and pasta space, WickedGud is betting on deeper distribution, sharper product innovation and a blended online offline strategy to sustain growth and strengthen its position in the Indian packaged foods market.

“This Is Systemic Exploitation”: MP Flags Gig Economy Reality as Blinkit Rider Earns Rs 763 in 15 Hours

Business

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December 17, 2025

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A recent statement by AAP MP Raghav Chadha has reignited a serious conversation around the working conditions of gig economy delivery riders in India. Chadha called the situation “systemic exploitation” after a Blinkit delivery rider reportedly earned just Rs 763 after working close to 15 hours in a single day. The comment has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning how sustainable and humane such work models really are.

The gig economy has grown rapidly in urban India, promising flexibility and quick income. Platforms like Blinkit, which is owned by Eternal, have become essential to daily life, especially in large cities where instant delivery is now the norm. However, behind the convenience lies a workforce that often bears the cost of this speed. Long working hours, uncertain incentives, fuel expenses, and lack of social security continue to define the lives of many delivery partners.

Chadha’s criticism points to a larger structural issue rather than an isolated incident. While companies often argue that earnings vary based on demand, location, and hours logged, cases like this raise uncomfortable questions. If a rider works nearly an entire day and earns less than the minimum daily wage in many states, it highlights a gap between corporate growth and worker welfare.

Labour experts say that gig workers exist in a grey zone, classified as partners rather than employees, which limits their access to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, and minimum wage protections. As platforms scale up and report strong revenues, pressure is mounting on policymakers to step in.

This episode has once again underlined the need for clearer regulations and accountability. Convenience should not come at the cost of dignity, and growth should not be built on exhaustion. The rider’s story has become a symbol of a deeper problem that India can no longer afford to ignore.

Paragon Footwear Unveils Next-Gen Store Format, Aims to Expand Network to 250 Exclusive Stores by FY28

Retail & Ecommerce

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December 17, 2025

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Paragon Footwear, one of India’s most established rubber footwear brands, is preparing to introduce a new generation of exclusive brand stores as it marks 50 years in the domestic market. The company will debut the updated retail format with its first outlet in Ramamurthy Nagar, Bengaluru, as part of a broader push to strengthen its direct engagement with consumers and sharpen its brand positioning.

The redesigned stores will span about 1,000 square feet and are aimed at improving in store experience, encouraging longer customer visits and appealing to younger, urban shoppers. According to company executives, the shift reflects Paragon’s gradual move away from a trade heavy distribution model towards a more brand led retail strategy.

Founded in 1975, Paragon manufactures a wide range of footwear, including sandals, flip flops, slippers and shoes. The company operates with an in house production capacity of nearly 400,000 pairs a day and has built a strong presence across multi brand outlets and online channels nationwide.

The rollout of the new format will begin in mid December 2025 and forms part of Paragon’s premiumisation roadmap. The company expects the format to support higher per store revenues while strengthening brand recall among Gen Z and young working consumers.

The stores are being positioned as experience driven spaces rather than purely transactional outlets. By bringing multiple product categories and sub brands under one roof, the layout allows customers to explore footwear for daily wear, work, leisure and special occasions in a single visit. Clear category zoning and a contemporary store design aim to make browsing easier and decision making more informed.

Alongside Paragon’s core range, the stores will feature its sub brands Eeken, Stimulus and Carmicci. Stimulus currently contributes 28 percent of retail sales, followed by Eeken at 22 percent and Carmicci at 12 percent.

Expansion of the new format will be led largely through a franchise model, supported by shared investments and operational backing. Paragon plans to open stores across metros and Tier 1 cities initially, followed by a calibrated push into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company currently operates over 100 exclusive outlets and is targeting a network of 250 stores by FY28.

67% of Rural Consumers Prefer In-Store Shopping Despite E-Commerce Boom, Star Localmart Survey Finds

E-Commerce

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December 17, 2025

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Even as India’s e commerce market accelerates at a record pace, offline retail continues to hold its ground, especially in rural India. A recent consumer survey by Star Localmart, the country’s largest rural retail chain, highlights that physical stores remain the first choice for a majority of rural shoppers, underscoring the continued relevance of in store experiences.

India’s e commerce sector is projected to grow to $345 billion by 2030 and further expand to $550 billion by 2035, powered by deeper internet access, smartphone adoption and evolving consumer behaviour. However, this rapid digital growth has not diminished the role of brick and mortar retail. Industry estimates indicate mall vacancy rates fell to 8.1 percent in 2024, pointing to a renewed demand for physical retail spaces.

Star Localmart’s survey, conducted among 5,000 consumers across regions including Kolhapur, Pune, Mumbai, Karnataka and Delhi, found that 67 percent of respondents prefer shopping at local supermarkets. Only 35 percent said they rely entirely on online platforms for their daily needs. The findings suggest that trust and immediacy continue to outweigh the convenience of digital shopping for rural consumers.

According to the survey, 60 percent of shoppers said they are more confident about product quality when they can see items in person. Personalized assistance remains another decisive factor, with 61 percent valuing staff support and familiarity at neighbourhood stores. At the same time, challenges in online shopping persist, as 54 percent of respondents reported issues such as delayed deliveries, damaged products and difficult return processes.

Beyond transactions, local supermarkets play a broader role in rural life. Nearly 59 percent of respondents consider these stores important for supporting local employment and strengthening community ties.

Commenting on the findings, Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, said the survey reflects the enduring importance of human interaction and reliability in rural retail. He noted that while digital commerce is expanding, physical stores continue to serve as trusted community spaces.

The survey also revealed that shoppers want wider availability of local products, better in store services and flexible payment options. More than 58 percent said they would recommend supermarkets over online platforms, citing better value, satisfaction and a stronger sense of connection.

Delhi Government Plans Liquor Pre-Booking App as New Excise Policy Targets Fewer Vends in Residential Areas

Business

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December 17, 2025

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New Delhi residents may soon be able to secure their preferred liquor brands before stepping out, as the Delhi government prepares to introduce a mobile application under its upcoming excise policy. The proposed app is aimed at improving consumer convenience, increasing transparency and helping the government better track demand patterns across the city.

According to officials familiar with the process, a committee headed by Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma has drafted key elements of the new excise framework. The draft policy is expected to be placed in the public domain by January to invite feedback from citizens and stakeholders. Final notification will follow approvals from the Cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor.

At the centre of the proposal is a government-run application that will allow users to view nearby liquor stores, check real-time stock availability and pre-book specific brands. Once a booking is made, the retailer will hold the bottle for a limited period, currently proposed at one hour, after which it may be released for general sale. Whether customers will be required to pay in advance is still under consideration.

Delhi currently has over 700 liquor outlets operated by four government corporations, including DSIIDC and DTTDC. Under the new policy, all these stores will be digitally mapped and mandated to update their inventories regularly. Officials say the data generated through customer searches will help identify high-demand brands and gaps in supply, allowing the system to respond more efficiently.

The policy also seeks to address long-standing concerns around the clustering of liquor vends. There are no plans to increase the total number of outlets. Instead, the government intends to gradually move shops away from residential neighbourhoods and areas close to schools, while enforcing a minimum distance of 350 metres between vends.

Additional features under consideration include a grievance redressal mechanism for consumers and measures to curb brand pushing at retail counters.

The move comes as the government continues to operate under an extended version of the old excise policy, which has been in place since September 2022. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has earlier stated that the new excise policy will be designed to be transparent, revenue-focused and aligned with best practices followed in other states.

Coca-Cola Replaces Plastic Shrink Wrap with Paper Bottle Carriers in European Trial

Business

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December 17, 2025

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Coca-Cola has begun piloting a redesigned packaging format in Europe that could significantly reduce its use of single-use plastic, starting with a live market test in Austria. The initiative replaces traditional plastic shrink wrap on soft drink multipacks with a recyclable paper-based carrier, a move that could eliminate nearly 200 tonnes of plastic annually if scaled.

The pilot is being led by Coca-Cola HBC Austria and covers popular brands including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Mezzo Mix. Developed in collaboration with packaging specialist DS Smith and bottling equipment company Krones, the new solution uses corrugated paper and cardboard instead of plastic film to hold bottles together.

At the centre of the test is DS Smith’s Lift Up design, currently being used for six-packs of 1.5-litre PET bottles. The carrier combines a paper band wrapped around the bottles with a soft-grip cardboard handle, allowing consumers to carry multipacks comfortably while avoiding plastic altogether. The structure has been engineered to use minimal material and is fully recyclable through existing paper waste streams.

According to the companies involved, the design was developed using circular design principles, with a focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising shelf appeal or functionality. The carrier is adaptable and could be extended to other bottle sizes and formats if the pilot proves successful.

Packaging sustainability has become a growing priority for global beverage companies as regulators, retailers and consumers push for alternatives to plastic. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that global plastic production could triple by 2060 if current trends continue, intensifying pressure on brands to rethink packaging choices.

While the test is currently limited to Austria, the results are being closely watched across Coca-Cola’s global system. A wider rollout in other European markets is possible, though timelines have not been disclosed. Whether and when the paper-based carrier reaches markets such as the United States will likely depend on consumer response, supply chain readiness and regulatory considerations.

For now, the pilot marks a visible step in Coca-Cola’s broader effort to reduce packaging waste while maintaining convenience for everyday shoppers.

Reliance Consumer Products Revives SIL as Flagship Brand for Packaged Foods Expansion

Food

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December 16, 2025

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Reliance Consumer Products Limited has formally stepped into India’s packaged foods segment with the relaunch of SIL, a legacy brand that traces its roots back more than seven decades. The move marks the company’s first full-scale entry into packaged foods and positions SIL as the anchor brand for its long-term ambitions in the category.

The revived SIL portfolio has been redesigned for contemporary Indian households while retaining flavours and formats associated with its heritage. The brand’s initial rollout spans everyday food categories including instant noodles, jams, ketchups, sauces and spreads, placing it squarely in the mass consumption space.

As part of the relaunch, SIL has introduced four noodle variants covering Masala, Atta with Veggies, Korean K-Fire and Chow-Chow flavours, with entry prices starting at ₹5. The ketchup range is made using real tomatoes and excludes artificial colours and synthetic ingredients, with packs priced from ₹1. The mixed fruit jam offering contains eight fruits and carries a higher fruit content compared to standard market offerings, available in multiple pack sizes beginning at ₹22.

Reliance Consumer Products said the refreshed range has been developed following extensive consumer research, focusing on natural ingredients, familiar taste profiles and affordability. The company aims to build scale by targeting frequent-use categories that have strong demand across urban and rural markets.

SIL has historically enjoyed strong recall in Indian kitchens, and its return under the Reliance umbrella is expected to benefit from the group’s distribution strength and retail reach. The company plans to expand the brand’s footprint nationally as it builds out a wider packaged foods portfolio.

With this relaunch, Reliance Consumer Products signals its intent to become a significant player in India’s fast-growing packaged foods market, blending legacy branding with modern formats to compete in high-volume everyday food categories.

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