Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Home Blog

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. 

Shubman Gill Becomes the Face of G Shock’s GBM 2100 Push as the Brand Doubles Down on Toughness

0

G Shock has rolled out a new campaign with cricketer Shubman Gill at its centre, and it stays true to what the brand has always stood for toughness earned, not claimed. The campaign spotlights the G Steel GBM 2100 series and ties its rugged design to Gill’s own journey of discipline, setbacks and quiet resilience.

Rather than leaning on flash, the campaign focuses on moments that define real grit. Gill is shown not as a larger than life celebrity but as an athlete who has built his career through consistency, long hours and mental strength. This approach fits neatly with G Shock’s long held Never Give Up philosophy, which has shaped the brand since its early days.

The G Steel GBM 2100 itself plays a key role in the narrative. Known for its shock resistance and metal exterior, the watch balances durability with a more refined look. The new colour options add a contemporary edge, making it suitable for everyday wear while still carrying the toughness G Shock is known for. It is positioned as a watch for people who push through pressure, whether on the field, at work or in daily life.

Shubman Gill’s association also reflects G Shock’s focus on a younger audience that values performance and authenticity over hype. As one of Indian cricket’s most dependable talents, Gill represents focus and perseverance rather than noise. That alignment feels natural and believable.

By pairing a performance driven product with an athlete known for calm confidence, G Shock reinforces its place as more than just a watch brand. The campaign speaks to a generation that sees toughness not as aggression, but as the ability to stay steady, keep improving and show up every day, no matter the challenge.

Advertisement

IPF Raises Rs 3.2 Crore in Seed Funding Led by Titan Capital to Scale Preloved Kids Marketplace

0

Bengaluru-based IPF, a peer-to-peer marketplace focused on preloved children’s products, has raised Rs 3.2 crore in a seed funding round to expand its platform and operations across India. The round was led by Titan Capital, the venture firm founded by Kunal Bahl, with participation from Better Capital and a group of early-stage angel investors.

The investor lineup includes Pratilipi co-founder and CEO Ranjit Pratap Singh, Grip Invest co-founders Aashish Jindal and Vivek Gulati, and NearPe Technologies co-founder Abhishek Bhayana. The capital infusion values the startup’s early traction in a segment that is beginning to see structured digital solutions.

Founded in 2024 by IIT Roorkee alumni Priyadershita Singh and Abhas Mittal, IPF was built to address a common challenge faced by young families. Children outgrow strollers, cribs, toys, and clothing quickly, leaving parents with lightly used products that often go unused or are difficult to resell. IPF enables parents to buy and sell these items directly with built-in safeguards that aim to reduce friction and risk.

The platform offers in-app payments, doorstep pickup and delivery, and buyer protection, positioning itself as a full-stack marketplace rather than a listings-only model. In March 2025, IPF rolled out its native payments feature, a move that helped standardise transactions and improve trust on the platform. Today, the company serves customers across metro and non-metro cities and reports a community of over 80,000 parents.

According to the founders, the newly raised funds will be deployed to strengthen the platform’s technology backbone, scale logistics and quality checks, and expand user acquisition in key urban clusters. Investments are also planned in verification systems and product intelligence to improve safety and reliability as transaction volumes grow.

Titan Capital said it sees strong potential in consumer-to-consumer commerce in India, particularly in categories driven by value, reuse, and trust. With rising costs of parenting and increasing awareness around sustainability, IPF is positioning itself at the intersection of affordability and responsible consumption, aiming to build a nationwide resale ecosystem for families.

Advertisement

Nithin Kamath, Vivek Anand Oberoi and Tanmay Bhatt Back Rotoris in 3 Million Dollar Bet on Indian Luxury Watchmaking

0

Indian analog watch startup Rotoris has raised 3 million dollars in a seed funding round that brings together an unusually diverse group of backers from business, entertainment and the startup ecosystem. The round was led by Zerodha co founder Nithin Kamath, actor Vivek Anand Oberoi through 100 Unicorns, and content creator Tanmay Bhatt, along with participation from over 30 founders and operators.

Among the notable names joining the cap table are Varun Alagh of Mamaearth, Gaurav Khatri of Noise, Siddharth Dungarwal of Snitch, Nitin Jain of OfBusiness, Vishesh Khurana of Shiprocket, Chirag Taneja of GoKwik, Akash Gupta of Zypp and Arjun Vaidya of Dr Vaidya’s. The breadth of investors signals strong belief in Rotoris’s ambition to build a serious Indian luxury watch brand from the ground up.

Rotoris was co founded by Aakash Anand, also known for founding Bella Vita Organic, along with serial entrepreneur Prerna Gupta and founding partners Anant Narula and Kunal Kapania. The brand positions itself as engineering driven, with a focus on craftsmanship, materials and long term collectability rather than fast fashion.

Set to launch in January 2026, Rotoris will debut five collections named Auriqua, Monarch, Astonia, Arvion and Manifesta. The watches will feature sapphire crystal, automatic and Q matic movements, and 316L surgical grade stainless steel, placing them closer to Swiss level specifications than typical Indian offerings. Each collection will also include a collector’s model designed to represent progress and ambition.

The fresh capital will be used to strengthen manufacturing and assembly, improve engineering processes, build inventory and support the launch of Rotoris’s first experience store in New Delhi. With this backing, Rotoris is making a clear statement that Indian watchmaking is ready to aim higher and compete on a global stage.

Advertisement

Bombay High Court Rules in Favor of AB InBev, Bars Jagpin Breweries from Using COX 5001

0

The Bombay High Court has ruled in favor of global brewing leader AB InBev, issuing a permanent injunction against Madhya Pradesh-based Jagpin Breweries for marketing its beer under the name “COX 5001.” The judgment concludes a legal battle that began in 2012 when AB InBev India, the local subsidiary of the world’s largest brewer, filed a trademark infringement case against the mass-market beer producer.

Justice Arif Doctor observed that the numeral “5001” is conceptually and visually similar to AB InBev’s established trademark “Haywards 5000,” a core feature of the brand. The court noted that consumers, particularly those with imperfect recollection, could be misled into believing that Jagpin’s product is associated with or endorsed by AB InBev. The ruling emphasized that such misrepresentation carries a tangible risk of damage to the goodwill and reputation of AB InBev, as the beer industry relies heavily on brand recognition and consumer trust.

AB InBev argued that its mark combines the word “Haywards” with the numeral “5000,” both of which are essential to the label’s distinct identity. Advocate Ashutosh Kane, representing AB InBev India, contended that Jagpin Breweries adopted “5001” with the sole intention of leveraging the established recognition of “Haywards 5000,” describing the move as “plainly dishonest.”

The court’s decision reinforces intellectual property protections in India’s beverage sector, sending a clear message about the importance of safeguarding trademarks from imitation that could create market confusion. The injunction prevents Jagpin from producing, advertising, or selling beer under the disputed name, securing AB InBev’s ability to protect one of its flagship products in India.

Haywards 5000 has been a leading product for AB InBev in the country, and the judgment strengthens the company’s position against imitators, highlighting the significance of brand integrity and consumer perception in the highly competitive Indian beer market.

Advertisement

Mars Completes Kellanova Acquisition, Adds Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts to Global Snack Portfolio

0

Mars, the global family-owned conglomerate renowned for its confectionery and pet care businesses, has completed the acquisition of Kellanova, the company behind iconic snack brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, and several of Kellogg’s international cereal lines. The acquisition brings together two of the world’s most recognizable snack portfolios, significantly strengthening Mars’s position in the fast-growing global snacking sector.

The transaction officially closed on December 8, 2025, following regulatory approvals, after shareholders gave the deal the green light in November 2024. Mars had initially announced its intent to acquire Kellanova in August 2024, signaling a strategic move to consolidate its global snacking operations.

Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking, welcomed Kellanova employees, highlighting the scale and potential of the combined business. With a workforce of more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the unified entity aims to accelerate product innovation, expand its international reach, and invest further in sustainability initiatives and long-term growth strategies.

Kellanova’s addition complements Mars’s existing snack lineup, which already features M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Skittles, and Extra, as well as healthier offerings like Kind bars and Nature’s Bakery products. The acquisition also strengthens Mars’s Accelerator division, bringing in brands such as RXBAR, Nutri-Grain bars, and Special K bars, broadening the company’s footprint across both indulgent and health-conscious segments.

Industry analysts suggest that this consolidation positions Mars to better compete in a crowded global market, providing access to Kellanova’s established distribution networks and brand equity. The merger is expected to create opportunities for cross-brand innovation, combining Mars’s expertise in confectionery with Kellanova’s strength in savory snacks and cereals.

As the integration proceeds, Mars plans a phased approach, focusing on maintaining brand identities, optimizing supply chains, and launching new products that reflect evolving consumer tastes. The acquisition reinforces Mars’s long-term strategy to expand in high-growth snack categories while catering to diverse global consumer preferences.

Advertisement

Scarters Plans Concept Experience Stores to Boost Offline Presence, Targets 25% Year-on-Year Growth

0

Pune-based travel and lifestyle label Scarters is preparing to step beyond its digital roots as it plans a calibrated offline foray through concept-driven exclusive brand outlets, aiming for 20 to 25 percent year-on-year growth.

Founded in 2017 by Darshan Shah, Scarters was built to address a gap the founder encountered personally. High-quality accessories for working professionals were scarce in India, often forcing customers to shop overseas. What began as a small bootstrapped venture with an initial investment of around ₹10 lakh has since grown into a profitable business valued at over $1 million.

Scarters positions itself between mass-market and luxury, targeting professionals who seek refined design, durability, and functionality without entering ultra-premium pricing. Its product portfolio spans three focused categories. Small accessories such as wallets, tech organisers, and passport holders are priced between ₹4,000 and ₹9,000. Bags and travel gear including backpacks, duffels, and laptop bags form the core revenue segment, retailing between ₹9,000 and ₹18,000. The brand’s newest vertical, cabin luggage, is priced from ₹25,000 onwards.

Rather than expanding aggressively across hundreds of SKUs, the company maintains a tight assortment of roughly 50 to 60 variants built around 25 core designs. The strategy prioritises clarity, consistency, and brand recall.

Currently operating as a digital-first brand through its own website and major marketplaces, Scarters is now evaluating offline formats that align with its customer profile. Airports are emerging as a priority, given the brand’s concentration of frequent flyers aged 25 to 50, largely based in Tier I and select Tier II cities. Compact experience zones, pop-up concepts, and curated installations at premium locations such as business hotels and cafés are also under consideration.

The offline rollout will begin with pilot formats over the next year, after which the brand plans a measured scale-up. Profitability and pricing power remain central to Scarters’ growth strategy, with the company continuing to invest in product innovation, design-led differentiation, and intellectual property creation.

As Indian consumers increasingly seek lifestyle upgrades over impulse purchases, Scarters is positioning itself to build deeper engagement through physical experiences while maintaining disciplined, sustainable growth.

Advertisement

Kidbea Moves Beyond D2C, Eyes 100 Physical Stores with ₹60 Crore Expansion Plan

0

Direct-to-consumer kidswear brand Kidbea is stepping up its offline ambitions with a planned investment of ₹50 to ₹60 crore over the next two years, as it looks to build a nationwide physical retail footprint. The company intends to open 100 exclusive brand outlets within the next 12 to 24 months, marking a decisive shift from its digital-first roots to an omnichannel growth model.

The expansion comes close on the heels of Kidbea’s first physical store launch at C21 Mall in Indore, which the company describes as a pilot for its larger offline strategy. The upcoming rollout will follow a mix of company-owned and franchise-led stores, allowing the brand to scale faster while managing capital efficiency.

Founded in 2021 by Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, Ankita Rani, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea focuses on bamboo-based apparel and accessories for infants and young children. Its product range is positioned around organic fabrics, antibacterial properties, and spill-resistant designs, catering to parents seeking safer and more sustainable clothing options.

As part of its store expansion, Kidbea is planning clustered launches across North and West India, while also preparing for a strong push into southern markets such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai. In parallel, the brand aims to strengthen distribution through more than 200 multi-brand outlets, with a focus on Tier I, II, and III cities.

The company estimates that the offline push will create between 500 and 700 jobs across retail operations, logistics, and regional manufacturing support. Kidbea currently operates a small in-house production facility and works with over 25 partner units across states including Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and West Bengal.

Backed by Venture Catalysts, Agility Ventures, BestVantage Investments, and angel investors such as Nitish Mittersain, Ritesh Malik, and Hiro Mizushima, Kidbea reported revenue of ₹42 crore in FY25 while remaining EBITDA-positive. The company has set a long-term target of scaling annual revenue to ₹500 crore and positioning itself for a public listing by the end of the decade.

Advertisement

Paladin Buys 25 Percent of Morgan Beverages to Chase India’s Wine Growth Story

0

Paladin has taken a significant step in strengthening its presence in India’s growing premium wine market by acquiring a 25 percent stake in Morgan Beverages. The move signals Paladin’s intent to deepen its footprint in the country while tapping into rising demand beyond metro cities.

India’s alco beverage landscape is currently seeing a clear shift in consumer behaviour. While global markets remain sluggish, Indian consumers are becoming more informed, experimental, and willing to pay for quality. Wine, once limited to niche circles, is now finding a place at everyday dining tables, social gatherings, and lifestyle occasions. This cultural shift has created room for premium imported labels to grow steadily.

Morgan Beverages, founded by Rohan Nihalani, has built a strong reputation in the imported wine segment through careful portfolio curation and market education. With Paladin coming on board, the partnership aims to scale faster and reach Tier II and Tier III cities where interest in wine is rising but access remains limited. Improved distribution and localized engagement are expected to be key focus areas.

According to Nihalani, social drinking in India is growing at nearly 25 percent annually, and wine is increasingly seen as a lifestyle choice rather than an occasional indulgence. Paladin’s goal is to secure a meaningful leadership position in the premium imported wine category over the next few years.

The collaboration also reflects growing investor confidence in India’s evolving alcohol market, particularly in categories that emphasize experience and sophistication. As regulatory barriers ease gradually and consumer awareness continues to improve, the Indian wine market appears poised for long term expansion. Paladin’s investment in Morgan Beverages positions both companies to benefit from this momentum and shape how premium wine is consumed across the country.

Advertisement

Specialty Coffee Startup Toffee Coffee Roasters Plans 10x Growth with ₹5 Crore Pre-Series A Round

0

Mumbai-based direct-to-consumer coffee brand Toffee Coffee Roasters (TCR) has raised ₹5 crore in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), the company announced. The round also saw participation from 66 bridge partners, along with Abhijit Vemuganti and Invesst. This capital injection is aimed at supporting the brand’s expanding operations, backend roastery upgrades, and new product development initiatives.

Toffee Coffee Roasters, which gained national attention following its appearance on Shark Tank India, currently ranks among the top five coffee websites in India based on online traction and commands an estimated 1–2% share of the domestic coffee market. The company’s founders, Rishabh Nigam and Nandini Shrivastava, lead a team of experienced professionals from IITs and companies including Zomato and Starbucks, ensuring operational excellence and product consistency.

Approximately 60% of the fresh capital will be allocated to working capital to fuel rapid operational growth. Around 10–15% will go toward enhancing roastery infrastructure, while 10% will be used to improve packaging and presentation. Another 10–15% has been earmarked for new product launches and portfolio expansion, reflecting a balanced focus on efficiency and innovation.

TCR currently produces over five tonnes of coffee per month, translating to nearly 3–4 lakh cups consumed across India monthly. With the new funding, the company plans to scale production to 50 tonnes per month, aiming for ₹8–10 crore in annualized revenue and reaching 8–10 lakh consumers. The brand emphasizes sourcing, roasting, and blending premium coffee in-house, with top Q Graders and master blenders ensuring quality and consistency.

As demand for specialty and at-home coffee rises in India, Toffee Coffee Roasters is poised to deepen its presence in the market, leveraging operational scale, in-house innovation, and an expanding customer base to drive sustainable growth in the coming years.

Advertisement

Wonderchef Turns Profitable: Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchenware Brand Posts ₹4.4 Crore Profit, Targets ₹1,000 Crore by 2026

0
Image of Wonderchef.
Wonderchef Turns Profitable: Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchenware Brand Posts ₹4.4 Crore Profit, Targets ₹1,000 Crore by 2026

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s kitchenware brand Wonderchef is quietly turning into one of India’s most credible consumer success stories. In FY25, the company reported revenue of ₹421 crore and a profit of ₹4.4 crore, a sharp improvement in a category known for thin margins and brutal competition. What makes this growth noteworthy is not just the number itself, but the timing. The Indian home and kitchen market has been crowded with global giants, D2C startups, and deep discounting for years. Yet Wonderchef has managed to grow without losing its premium positioning.

Founded in 2009 by Sanjeev Kapoor and Ravi Saxena, Wonderchef built its early momentum on trust. Kapoor’s reputation as India’s most recognisable chef gave the brand instant credibility, but it was product consistency and pricing discipline that helped it scale. Today, Wonderchef operates across cookware, small appliances, bakeware and drinkware, with a strong presence on ecommerce platforms and its own direct channels.

The company’s FY25 performance signals that its strategy is paying off. While revenue crossed ₹400 crore, profitability returned at a time when many consumer brands are still burning cash. Management has now set an ambitious target of ₹1,000 crore in revenue by 2026, backed by deeper distribution, faster product launches and sharper focus on premium categories like air fryers, mixer grinders and smart kitchen appliances.

Another key driver has been brand recall. Unlike influencer driven flash brands, Wonderchef has played the long game with consistent messaging around healthy cooking and durability. As Indian consumers upgrade kitchens post pandemic, this positioning has worked in its favour.

If the current trajectory holds, Wonderchef could soon sit alongside the country’s most respected homegrown consumer brands, proving that patience, credibility and profits can still coexist in modern Indian retail.

Advertisement