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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. 

AI Meets Hospitality: Guestara Raises $500,000 to Power the Future of Guest Management

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AI Meets Hospitality: Guestara Raises $500,000 to Power the Future of Guest Management

Guestara, a young company aiming to transform the way hospitality professionals interact with and serve their guests, has secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding. 

The round was led by seasoned travel and hospitality tech entrepreneur Sanjay Ghare, alongside other prominent industry experts. This fresh infusion of capital will fuel the development of innovative AI-powered tools designed to optimize hotel operations, improve guest satisfaction, and unlock new revenue streams for properties worldwide.

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What is Guestara?

Founded by CEO Akshay Dekate and a team of three co-founders, Guestara is an AI-driven guest management platform that simplifies and enhances essential hospitality functions.

The platform offers a suite of tools, including a Unified Inbox, Contactless Mobile Check-In, Omnichannel Guest Engagement, Personalized Upselling, and Smart Checkout. These features integrate effortlessly with top Property Management Systems (PMS), streamlining workflows and eliminating operational headaches for hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.

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By centralizing guest management into a smart, automated system, Guestara enables hospitality businesses to focus on creating exceptional experiences for their guests rather than being bogged down by routine tasks.

“Hospitality isn’t just about providing a service—it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences,” says CEO Akshay Dekate. “With Guestara, we’re using AI to help hotels redefine what that experience looks like. Our technology not only boosts efficiency but also strengthens guest loyalty. Our ambition is to onboard 2 million rooms worldwide and shift the industry toward a more data-driven, guest-centric approach.”

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Snapdeal’s Strategic Moves Drive Significant Loss Reduction in FY24

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Snapdeal’s Strategic Moves Drive Significant Loss Reduction in FY24

Snapdeal has made remarkable progress in improving its financial performance, reducing net losses to ₹160.38 crore in FY24 from ₹282.20 crore in FY23—a reduction of 43%.

The company also managed to cut its EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) loss by an impressive 88%, bringing it down to ₹16 crore in FY24 from ₹144 crore in the previous year. These improvements were largely driven by a sharp decline in operating expenses.

Expense Cuts Drive Financial Turnaround

Snapdeal’s total expenditure fell to ₹540.76 crore in FY24, down from ₹687.93 crore in FY23. The biggest saving came from employee benefits, which dropped 48.5% year-on-year to ₹158.4 crore, compared to ₹307.53 crore in FY23. Advertising costs also saw a 23.5% reduction, coming down to ₹70.37 crore.

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Revenue Performance

While Snapdeal’s operating income grew modestly by 2.1%, reaching ₹379.76 crore in FY24 from ₹371.96 crore in FY23, its market services revenue—its largest segment—declined by 9.6% year-on-year to ₹252.55 crore. However, enablement services revenue increased by 14.8%, reaching ₹103.36 crore, and income from other sources skyrocketed eightfold to ₹23.85 crore in FY24.

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Strategic Stake Sales Ahead of IPO

Snapdeal also raised funds by selling stakes in Unicommerce. In May-June 2024, the company earned ₹33 crore from a secondary sale of a 3.4% stake. Later, during its August 2024 IPO, it generated ₹81 crore by selling an additional 9.2% stake as part of an offer for sale.

Through strategic cost-cutting and targeted revenue generation, Snapdeal has taken significant steps toward financial stability, showcasing its focus on efficiency and long-term growth.

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24Seven Takes Legal Action Against Godfrey Phillips Over Trademark Dispute

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24Seven Takes Legal Action Against Godfrey Phillips Over Trademark Dispute

Retail chain 24Seven has filed a lawsuit against Godfrey Phillips India Limited, claiming the company continued to use its trademark without authorization. 

Godfrey Phillips, however, has denied the allegations, stating that it ceased using the trademark after parting ways with 24Seven in July 2024. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Delhi High Court in March 2025.

Trademark Conflict and Court Battle Ahead

24Seven’s legal counsel, Sandeep Sethi, argued that despite exiting the partnership, Godfrey Phillips continued using the retail chain’s trademark. In response, Godfrey Phillips’ senior lawyer, Rajiv Nayar, challenged this claim, asserting that the company had stopped using the trademark in October 2024.

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Godfrey Phillips had ventured into the retail business in 2005 with the launch of 24Seven, a convenience store chain operating 24/7 in major cities. However, the company exited the retail space in 2024 due to financial difficulties. Reports from CNBC TV-18 revealed that The New Shop, a retail startup, was in talks to acquire 24Seven’s business.

Complicated Internal Challenges 

The exit plan from 24Seven also faced internal challenges. A family dispute over inheritance between Godfrey Phillips’ managing director, Bina Modi, and her son, Samir Modi, led to legal hurdles. Samir, who was an Executive Director, opposed the sale of the retail arm, but a Delhi court rejected his objections, allowing the company to proceed with its exit strategy. Following this, Samir was removed from the board by the company’s directors.

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For the fiscal year 2023-24, Godfrey Phillips’ retail division generated Rs 403 crore in revenue, contributing 7.6% of the company’s total income. However, it also reported a negative net worth.

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Basque by Brevé: A Café Celebrating the Art of Cheesecake and Coffee

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Basque by Brevé: A Café Celebrating the Art of Cheesecake and Coffee

Since its launch, Brevé’s San Sebastián Cheesecake has taken Mumbai by storm. With its caramelized top, creamy texture, and rustic charm, this Basque-inspired dessert has quickly become a city favourite. 

The overwhelming response led founders Usman Bhadelia, a triathlete, and Farhaz Bhadelia, a seasoned coffee roaster and barista, to open Basque by Brevé—a community-driven café in Bandra that invites guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

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Craftsmanship and Connection in Every Bite

Designed by Kavya Shah, the café features earthy tones, natural textures, and an open kitchen layout, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Soft lighting and minimalist décor complete the experience, while the open kitchen lets guests witness the artistry behind each cheesecake. Chef Mayor Sakpal ensures each visit offers something special, with curated cheesecake and coffee pairings that enhance the flavours, accompanied by storytelling that celebrates the heritage of Basque cheesecake.

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Farhaz Bhadelia shared, “At Basque by Brevé, we believe that the best moments are made over the perfect slice of cheesecake and a cup of coffee, brewed to perfection.” Usman Bhadelia added, “Our café invites people to savour life’s simple pleasures, with authenticity and craftsmanship in every bite and sip.”

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Coca-Cola and Jubilant FoodWorks Spark a New Era in Beverage Marketing

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Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL) has formalized a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola India by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase sparkling drinks and other products from the global beverage giant. 

As part of the deal, JFL will also handle marketing activities for these products.

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A Strategic Move in the Beverage Market

This collaboration follows a significant move earlier this month when JFL’s parent company, Jubilant Bhartia Group, acquired a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in India.

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A spokesperson from JFL stated, “Through this partnership, we aim to expand our product offerings while strengthening our presence in the beverage market. By aligning with Coca-Cola, we can tap into new opportunities to serve our customers with quality products and marketing expertise.” This move marks a key step in JFL’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and enhance its position within the Indian beverage industry.

Apart from being the force behind Domino’s Pizza in India, Jubilant FoodWorks (JFL) has expanded its reach in emerging markets with several prominent QSR franchises, including Popeyes and Dunkin’. The company also boasts two homegrown brands: Hong’s Kitchen, an Indo-Chinese fast-casual concept in India, and COFFY, a coffee shop brand in Turkey.

Jubilant’s operations now span across 3,130 outlets in six countries: India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

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Kevin Pietersen Teams Up with Ardent Alcobev to Shake Up India’s Whisky Scene!

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Kevin Pietersen Teams Up with Ardent Alcobev to Shake Up India’s Whisky Scene!

Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricketer, has become an investor in the whisky brand Ardent Alcobev and has taken on the role of brand ambassador, the company revealed in a statement on Friday.

In addition, Ardent Alcobev introduced its premium blended Scotch whisky, Dram Bell, in Maharashtra in November 2024.

Cofounder Comments on this Partnership 

Debashish Shyam, co-founder and director of Ardent Alcobev, shared, “Having Kevin Pietersen on board as both an investor and ambassador is a significant step for us. We believe this partnership will resonate with whisky lovers and experts. With the growing demand for premium spirits in India, we aim to revolutionize the whisky industry by offering a blend that combines international quality with local preferences, while also tapping into the expanding market of IMFL consumers.”

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The company is keen to cater to India’s changing tastes, offering ‘bottled-in-origin’ products crafted to meet global standards.

Former Top Cricketer Makes Fascinating Comments 

Kevin Pietersen commented on his involvement, saying, “I’m thrilled to invest in Ardent Alcobev. Their dedication to top-tier quality and craftsmanship aligns with my values, both in cricket and life.”

He also emphasized the importance of responsible drinking, adding, “We want people to enjoy whisky in moderation, ensuring it’s a pleasurable experience rather than something excessive.”

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Ardent Alcobev announced that its new whisky, Dram Bell, is currently available at select retail and on-premise locations, with plans to expand its presence in key markets across North and South India.

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Ikea India Sees Modest Growth Amid Challenges and Expanding Losses

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Ikea India has experienced a modest 5% growth in revenue, reaching Rs 1,852 crore for the financial year 2023-24. However, this marks the slowest expansion since the Swedish furniture giant opened its first store in India in 2018. The company also reported a widening net loss of Rs 1,303 crore, an increase of 15% from the previous year. 

These losses are largely attributed to investments in infrastructure, new stores, and supply chain development. The total losses in India now stand at Rs 5,550 crore.

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Challenges and Expansion Plans Amid Global Struggles

Despite the economic hurdles and restrained consumer spending, Ikea India has responded by reducing prices on several products by 20%, taking advantage of lower raw material costs. Looking ahead, the company plans to strengthen its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR), with new stores planned for Gurugram and Noida as part of a larger Rs 10,500-crore investment plan. 

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Globally, Ikea faced a 5.3% drop in revenue, amounting to 45.1 billion euros in FY24, as lower prices contributed to the decline. Despite this, the company continued to expand its retail network, opening 56 new stores across various markets.

CEO Jesper Brodin expressed optimism about India’s potential, emphasizing that scaling operations will be key to achieving long-term success. He believes that a strategic expansion of 8-10 stores will allow the company to reach the necessary economies of scale.

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HairOriginals Aims to Capture $1 Billion Indian Market; Plans 100 Stores Globally

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HairOriginals Aims to Capture $1 Billion Indian Market; Plans 100 Stores Globally

HairOriginals, India’s first luxury direct-to-consumer (D2C) hair extensions brand, is on an aggressive expansion spree. The company plans to open 40 new stores in the next 16 months across India and globally, with a vision to establish a total of 100 outlets, including in Canada and the United States.

The global hair extensions and wigs industry, valued at $14 billion in 2023 and growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%, presents a significant opportunity for the Indian market, says Jitendra Sharma, Founder & CEO of HairOriginals. While the US market accounts for $5 billion of this, India remains in its nascent stage, with the potential to become a $1 billion market.

“This category is the only instant and non-surgical solution for hair-related aspirations and necessities, whether it’s desired hair length, color, style, or addressing hair loss,” Sharma shared. “The industry in India is unorganized, primarily focused on raw material exports to markets like China and Europe, where value addition happens. We aim to reverse this by establishing India as a global hub for high-quality hair extensions and products.”

Growth and Business Model

Currently, 90% of HairOriginals’ ₹2 crore monthly revenue comes from Indian consumers through marketplaces, its website, and an omnichannel approach that includes 11 physical stores. These stores allow customers to explore and try the products, ensuring trust in this new category.

“Inspired by Lenskart’s model, we are building a similar go-to-market (GTM) strategy for hair extensions. By removing middlemen and controlling the entire value chain—from sourcing to manufacturing and direct sales—we offer superior products at better price points,” Sharma said.

Globally, HairOriginals is leveraging e-commerce platforms like Amazon and expanding its offline presence in international markets. “Close to $1 billion worth of hair extensions are sold annually on Amazon US alone. We are tapping into this massive opportunity while carefully navigating the nuances of these markets,” Sharma explained.

Market Segmentation and Product Line

The demand for hair extensions spans across genders and age groups, with women being the primary audience. HairOriginals offers products addressing both aspirations (fashion-oriented styles) and necessities (hair loss solutions).

“Extensions for volume and style, alongside toppers and wigs, form 50% each of our sales. Interestingly, many necessity-based products are now dual-purpose, such as toppers with highlighted colors used for both hair loss and fashion,” Sharma noted.

To cater to younger audiences experimenting with styles, HairOriginals has introduced affordable entry-level products starting at ₹399. “From Gen Zs to millennials, the 18–38 age group is driving this market. They experiment with instant gratification products, like clip-on bangs or color streaks, which offer reversible styling options without damage,” Sharma elaborated.

Vision for the Future

HairOriginals is positioned as an instant hair fashion brand catering to both style and necessity. Sharma envisions rapid growth for the Indian market, aiming to reach ₹100 crore in annual revenue within 24 months.

“Currently, we generate approximately ₹2 crore in monthly revenue from the Indian market, and this figure is growing rapidly every month. We are confident that achieving the ₹100 crore milestone from the Indian market alone is well within reach within the next 24 months. With our proven go-to-market strategy, leveraging both our retail stores and home trials, we are aggressively scaling to accelerate this growth trajectory.” He said.

Globally, the company plans to scale cautiously, focusing on brand building in evolved markets like the US.

“Our mission is to build a global brand from India, leveraging our high-quality raw materials and advanced technology. This is just the beginning; there is immense potential waiting to be unlocked,” Sharma concluded.

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Jewelbox Expands Footprint with New Store in Gurugram

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Jewelbox Expands Footprint with New Store in Gurugram

Lab-grown diamond brand Jewelbox has opened its newest retail outlet in Gurugram, marking another milestone in its ongoing expansion. This follows recent launches in cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The company aims to open 25 more stores across tier-1 cities by the end of FY 2025-26, with a goal of achieving ₹150 crore in revenue during this period.

Cofounder Opines on this Inauguration 

“Our presence in Gurugram is more than just adding another location,” said Vidita Kochar Jain, co-founder of Jewelbox. “It’s about offering a space where customers can explore luxury that aligns with their values. Lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the future of jewellery, and we’re proud to help consumers make sustainable choices without compromising on quality or style. This store reflects our dedication to timeless designs and exceptional experiences.”

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The Gurugram store showcases Jewelbox’s diverse range of products, including engagement rings and everyday jewellery, catering to both traditional and modern tastes.

Omnichannel Growth Strategy

Jewelbox is not just focusing on expanding its physical presence but is also strengthening its online channels. The brand is targeting 30% of its revenue to come from digital sales, supported by investments in technology and customer experience.

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By combining online and offline strategies, Jewelbox aims to deliver a seamless shopping experience. Whether customers visit a retail store or browse the website, they can expect innovative designs and top-notch service. As lab-grown diamonds continue gaining popularity, Jewelbox positions itself as a pioneer in offering sustainable and stylish jewellery options, cementing its role as a leader in the evolving luxury market.

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Indian Liquor Makers Seek Exclusive Standards for Single Malt Whisky

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Indian Liquor Makers Seek Exclusive Standards for Single Malt Whisky

India’s liquor industry is pushing for a distinct regulatory standard for Indian single malt whisky, aiming to safeguard its reputation and promote its growing global presence. With exports reaching 60 countries and multiple prestigious international awards to their credit, domestic producers are in talks to approach the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for dedicated guidelines, according to the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC).

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The move comes amid rising sales of Indian single malts, driven by the premiumisation trend in the world’s largest whisky market. A dedicated standard would not only preserve the integrity of Indian single malts but also address concerns about smaller brands entering the market without adhering to authentic practices.

Geographical Indication and Industry Challenges

Indian distillers are also pursuing a geographical indication (GI) tag for single malt whisky, which would elevate its credibility and protect its identity. CIABC Director General Anant S. Iyer highlighted the current gap in FSSAI definitions, noting that while the regulator mandates whisky to be malt-based, it does not define “single malt.” This lack of clarity allows some producers to claim the title without adhering to essential criteria, such as being produced entirely in a single distillery.

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“FSSAI should introduce a separate standard for Indian single malt whisky to ensure only authentic producers can use the designation,” Iyer said. “This will help preserve its sanctity and reputation.”

Leading brands like Amrut, Paul John, Rampur, Indri, Gianchand, Crazy Cock, and Doaab have emerged as significant players in a segment traditionally dominated by imported Scotch whisky. However, as Indian single malts gain popularity both domestically and internationally, industry leaders are keen to ensure that quality and authenticity remain uncompromised.

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