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.

Emami Stock Rallies 9% After Q3 Profit Rises 15% and Rs 6 Per Share Interim Dividend

Growth

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SnackTeam

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February 5, 2026

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Mumbai: Shares of Emami Ltd jumped close to 9 percent in trade on Wednesday, touching an intraday high of Rs 528 on the NSE after the FMCG major posted a healthy set of numbers for the December quarter and announced an interim dividend for shareholders.

For Q3 FY26, Emami reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 319 crore, marking a 15 percent increase over Rs 279 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations rose 10 percent year on year to Rs 1,152 crore, compared with Rs 1,049 crore a year ago, reflecting steady demand across key product categories.

The company’s operating performance also strengthened on a sequential basis. Profit more than doubled from Rs 148 crore in the September quarter, while revenue grew sharply from Rs 799 crore. Total expenses during the quarter stood at Rs 768 crore, up from Rs 711 crore in the year-ago period, led by higher spends on raw materials, staff costs and brand investments.

Emami’s gross margin improved to 70.6 percent, up 30 basis points year on year, supported by a favourable product mix and softer input costs. EBITDA rose 13 percent to Rs 384 crore, with margins expanding to 33.4 percent, an improvement of 110 basis points. Profit before tax, excluding exceptional items, climbed 18 percent to Rs 355 crore.

The board declared a second interim dividend of Rs 6 per equity share for FY26. The record date has been fixed as February 10, 2026, with the payout scheduled by March 6, 2026.

Management said the quarter saw a recovery from early period tax related disruptions, while a colder winter aided sales of seasonal products and health supplements. Rural markets remained steady on the back of stable farm incomes and policy support, and urban demand showed early signs of revival as inflation eased and employment conditions held firm.

1.5 Degree Raises $1 Million Pre Series A to Scale Plant Based Dairy Across India’s Foodservice Market

funding

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February 5, 2026

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New Delhi: Alternative dairy startup 1.5 Degree has raised $1 million in a Pre Series A round led by 35North Venture’s India Discovery Fund II, as it steps up its focus on supplying plant based products to large foodservice clients. The company plans to use the capital to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen partnerships with institutional buyers and enter five high demand markets including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi. These cities together account for a large share of India’s organised foodservice volumes.

Operating under Natturz Bio Kontrol Pvt Ltd, 1.5 Degree is building its business around corporate cafeterias, hotels, schools and large dining operators, rather than relying on retail adoption in the early phase. The company works with global foodservice providers such as Compass Group and Sodexo, supplying a wide portfolio that spans oat milk beverages, frozen desserts, gelatos, yogurt bowls, tofu, cooking cream and plant based milk.

India’s dairy market is valued at about Rs 18.9 trillion, but plant based options continue to face taste and price barriers. 1.5 Degree says it has developed an AI aided processing method that addresses the off flavour issue commonly associated with oat milk and other alternatives. The company also points to environmental gains from its products, citing lower water use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and zero cholesterol compared to conventional dairy.

Around 80 percent of the company’s revenue currently comes from long term institutional contracts, providing predictable volumes and repeat orders. The operating model includes volume linked pricing, integrated ordering systems and cold chain partnerships to serve clients across multiple cities.

Alongside its core B2B focus, 1.5 Degree is preparing to pilot direct to consumer formats through premium retail parlours and delivery led kitchens in select metros, listed on food delivery platforms. The company expects this channel to play a supporting role while institutions remain its main growth engine.

35North Venture’s India Discovery Fund II said the investment is aimed at backing scalable food platforms that combine sustainability goals with commercial discipline, as large organisations face growing pressure to offer healthier and lower impact food options to employees and customers.

The Whole Truth Raises $51 Million in Series D as Founder Shashank Mehta Flags IPO Readiness

funding

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February 5, 2026

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Direct to consumer food brand The Whole Truth has raised 51 million dollars, roughly INR 416 crore, in a Series D funding round, marking a major milestone in its journey toward the public markets. The round was a mix of primary and secondary transactions and was co led by Sauce.vc and Sofina, with continued backing from existing investors such as Peak XV Partners, Rainmatter Health, AYRA Ventures and Z47.

Founded by Shashank Mehta and his team, The Whole Truth has built a strong reputation in India’s crowded packaged food space by taking a clear stand on clean labels and ingredient transparency. From protein bars to peanut butter and muesli, the brand has focused on telling consumers exactly what goes into its products and what does not. This approach has helped it build trust and a loyal customer base in a category often criticised for hidden sugars and additives.

The company said the latest funding marks the formal beginning of its IPO journey. Fresh capital will be used to expand in house manufacturing, strengthen working capital and invest in systems and processes needed to meet public market standards. A portion of the funds will also go toward launching new products and entering adjacent food categories over the next few years.

The Whole Truth is also looking to deepen its direct relationship with consumers while forming a small number of long term partnerships with vendors and collaborators who share its philosophy. The brand plans to stay selective rather than chase rapid but unfocused expansion.

With this round, The Whole Truth joins a growing list of Indian D2C brands preparing for life beyond private funding. Its focus on profitability, manufacturing control and brand trust suggests a more measured path to scale, one that could appeal to public market investors looking for sustainable consumer businesses rather than quick growth stories.

Sonam Kapoor Joins Lancôme: A Strategic Move to Win Over India’s New Age Beauty Consumer

A&M

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February 5, 2026

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Lancôme has announced Indian actor and style icon Sonam Kapoor as its new brand ambassador for India, marking a significant move in the luxury beauty brand’s strategy for the country. The association reflects Lancôme’s intent to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest growing beauty markets while staying rooted in its French heritage.

Known for her strong fashion sensibility and global outlook, Kapoor brings a distinct voice that resonates with modern Indian consumers. Over the years, she has built a reputation not just as an actor but also as a cultural tastemaker who blends international trends with Indian aesthetics. This alignment makes her a natural fit for a brand that balances science driven innovation with elegance and artistry.

Through this partnership, Lancôme aims to engage a new generation of beauty users who value both performance and storytelling. The brand has consistently highlighted its focus on advanced research, skin science and high quality formulations, and Kapoor’s association is expected to amplify this message across platforms. Her influence spans cinema, fashion weeks and digital spaces, allowing Lancôme to connect with audiences in a more personal and contemporary way.

The collaboration also signals a broader shift in how global luxury brands are approaching India. Rather than treating the market as an extension of global campaigns, companies are investing in locally relevant ambassadors who understand cultural nuance and evolving consumer preferences. Kapoor’s international exposure and Indian roots place her at the center of this approach.

With this announcement, Lancôme strengthens its commitment to India while reinforcing its identity as a brand that celebrates individuality, confidence and timeless beauty. The partnership sets the stage for campaigns that speak to aspiration while remaining grounded in authenticity and craft.

CCI Clears L Catterton’s Investment in Haldiram Snacks Food, Paving Way for Strategic Stake Buy

INVESTMENTS

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February 4, 2026

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India’s competition regulator has approved L Catterton India Fund’s proposed investment in Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the global private equity firm’s entry into one of the country’s largest packaged food businesses. The Competition Commission of India confirmed that the transaction involves the purchase of a minority shareholding on a fully diluted basis in Haldiram Snacks Food.

L Catterton India Fund operates under the L Catterton India Trust, a Sebi registered alternative investment fund that backs consumer and lifestyle companies in the domestic market. The clearance allows the firm to move ahead with its strategic partnership with Haldiram, which was announced in December 2025.

Haldiram Snacks Food is the unified entity formed in April 2025 after the merger of the Delhi based Haldiram Snacks and Nagpur based Haldiram Foods International. The company has built a wide footprint across packaged savouries, traditional sweets, ready to eat meals, dairy products, bakery items, chocolates and non carbonated beverages. Its distribution spans general trade, modern retail and growing online channels, giving the brand a national presence.

Over the past year, Haldiram has brought in multiple long term investors as part of its capital strategy. In 2025, the company sold stakes to Temasek, Alpha Wave Global and International Holding Company, signalling strong interest from global funds in India’s branded foods space. L Catterton’s entry adds another marquee name to that list.

In India, L Catterton is led by Sanjiv Mehta, former CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, and has a track record of building consumer brands in food and beverages across markets. The firm is expected to support Haldiram’s next phase of growth, including portfolio expansion, stronger distribution and brand development.

Regulatory approval was required as the transaction crossed the thresholds set under competition law. With the clearance in place, the partnership brings fresh capital and operating expertise into a homegrown brand that continues to scale beyond snacks into a broader packaged food platform.

CHINI KUM Raises Rs 1 Crore Pre Seed, Debuts Zero Sugar Prebiotic Drinks on Swiggy Instamart

Growth

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February 4, 2026

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Better for you beverage startup CHINI KUM has entered the Indian market with a Rs 1 crore pre seed round from a group of angel investors and founder capital, marking its first push into the fast growing low sugar drinks segment. The brand has rolled out its initial range through its direct to consumer website and has secured an exclusive quick commerce launch on Swiggy Instamart across major metro cities.

CHINI KUM is starting with carbonated and still beverages in lemon and mango variants. The drinks are sweetened using stevia and monk fruit extract and are fortified with prebiotic fibre. The company claims the formulations deliver about 7 calories per 100 ml, a sharp reduction compared to conventional sugar based soft drinks that dominate store shelves. The products are positioned for daily consumption, with entry pricing starting at Rs 30 for a 160 ml pack.

The funding round drew participation from a mix of consumer and digital operators, including Shobhit Gupta of One8 Commune Restaurants, Varun Sachdeva from boAt, Eiti Singhal of Eiti Ventures, along with other strategic angels. The company plans to deploy the capital towards flavour development, new formats and a wider rollout across urban markets.

Founder Priyank Jain said the brand is responding to a shift in food and drink choices as more consumers track sugar intake and link it to lifestyle disorders. He added that the market remains crowded with high sugar and synthetic options, leaving room for a clean label alternative that can be consumed more frequently.

The launch strategy combines rapid distribution with controlled expansion. Along with quick commerce, CHINI KUM is building its own digital channel to capture repeat buyers and feedback. The roadmap includes expanding beyond metros into Tier one cities, introducing additional flavours and formats, and investing in consumer education around low sugar choices.

With India’s beverage category seeing steady growth and heightened scrutiny on sugar content, CHINI KUM is positioning itself in the emerging space where wellness meets convenience, betting that demand for low calorie everyday drinks will move beyond niche health stores into mainstream consumption.

Loop AI Secures $14 Million Series A to Scale AI Tools for Restaurants and Retail Chains

funding

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February 4, 2026

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Bengaluru based enterprise AI startup Loop has raised $14 million, about Rs 126 crore, in a Series A round led by Nyca Partners, marking a fresh push to deepen its presence in the global food service technology market. As part of the transaction, Nyca Partners’ investment partner Osama Bedier will join the company’s board, adding operating and fintech experience to the startup’s leadership table.

The funding round also drew backing from a mix of venture funds and well known angel investors, including Gokul Rajaram, Base10, Afore Capital, Converge, Alumni Ventures, Data Tech Fund, John Pepper, 9Yards Capital and Operators Studio. The company said the capital will be used to widen its product portfolio and step up hiring across engineering, product and customer success teams.

Founded in 2022 by Anand Tumuluru, Sundar Annamalai and Vinod Pachipulusu, Loop builds AI driven tools that handle back office work for restaurant and retail brands. Its software is designed around AI agents that track delivery patterns, study customer behaviour and convert that data into operational and pricing insights. The aim is to help operators improve margins at a time when online ordering and delivery are reshaping how restaurants do business.

The company’s main market is the United States, where it works with large chains and regional players. Loop says its customer base includes more than 3,000 restaurants and franchise locations, counting brands such as McDonald’s, Whataburger, Koyo Ramen and Cowboy Chicken among users. Since launch, the startup claims to have grown six times and has expanded to more than 300 restaurant partners across global markets.

The raise comes as enterprise focused AI continues to attract most of the capital flowing into India’s AI sector, especially platforms building application level and agent based solutions. For Loop, the new funding is expected to accelerate product development and support its ambition to become a core operating layer for modern restaurant businesses.

Ajmal Group Bets Big on India, Plans 80 New Perfume Stores in 2026 as Fragrance Market Picks Up

Business

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February 3, 2026

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Ajmal Group is stepping up its India play, placing the country at the heart of its next growth phase as the domestic fragrance market shows strong momentum. The Middle East headquartered perfume house plans to open 80 new exclusive brand outlets in India this year, taking its total store count from about 105 to more than 170 by the end of 2026. The company is targeting over 225 exclusive stores by 2027, alongside a sharp expansion in multi brand outlets.

The brand currently sells through around 1,200 multi brand stores across chains such as Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Parcos and Westside. This footprint is expected to more than double to over 2,500 outlets by 2026 and reach 3,500 by 2027. Each new Ajmal store, typically spread across 400 square feet, requires an investment of Rs 10 to 15 lakh, translating into a planned capital outlay of roughly Rs 12 to 18 crore this year.

Ajmal is positioning itself in the mid premium perfume segment, with price points largely between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000. The company sees this as a wide gap in the Indian market, sitting between mass brands priced under Rs 1,000 and global luxury labels that start above Rs 10,000. India currently contributes about three percent to Ajmal’s global turnover, and the company aims to raise this to at least five percent over the next three years.

E commerce accounts for nearly half of Ajmal’s India sales, though offline retail remains central to brand building in a category driven by trial and experience. The company bottles and packs products locally for the Indian market, which helps deliver an estimated 32 percent cost saving to consumers. Ajmal follows a 30 day maceration process to ensure fragrance consistency, a practice it says improves product quality.

With operations across 60 countries, Ajmal is targeting faster growth from 2027 onwards, led by India and the US.

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Q3 Results: Profit Jumps 66%, Revenue Crosses Rs 2,300 Crore on Strong Retail Push

Growth

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February 3, 2026

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Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd delivered a robust performance in the December quarter, reporting steady top line growth alongside a sharp improvement in profitability, backed by traction across physical retail, online sales and wholesale channels.

For Q3 FY26, the company’s revenue rose 10 percent year on year to Rs 2,343 crore, up from Rs 2,138 crore in the same quarter last year. Operating performance strengthened meaningfully, with EBITDA increasing 21 percent to Rs 431 crore. This translated into an EBITDA margin of 18.4 percent, an expansion of 180 basis points, as better operating leverage and cost discipline kicked in. Normalised profit after tax jumped 66 percent to Rs 100 crore, while reported PAT stood at Rs 69 crore.

The company recorded its sixth consecutive quarter of positive like to like growth in retail, with comparable store sales rising 6 percent across a network of more than 3,000 outlets. Online and wholesale businesses also posted double digit growth, adding further depth to overall revenue momentum. Emerging labels continued to grow faster than the core portfolio.

Within the portfolio, established lifestyle brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England together posted 9 percent revenue growth to Rs 2,002 crore. EBITDA margins in this segment improved to 20.6 percent, supported by better sell through and a richer product mix. The emerging brands business grew 13 percent year on year, helped by strong traction in American Eagle, Reebok and the innerwear category, with margins expanding sharply.

During the quarter, the company added more than 90 new stores, taking its retail network to 3,315 stores covering nearly 4.8 million square feet. Management indicated that demand trends remain stable, with growth expected to be supported by new launches, premium offerings and faster store expansion in the coming quarters.

Protein Gummies Brand More/Less Launches With 10g Protein Per Serve, Backed by Global Creators and Pro Athletes

Business

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SnackTeam

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February 3, 2026

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More/Less, a new entrant in the functional nutrition space, has entered the market with a protein-first gummy format designed for consumers seeking convenient, portion-controlled nutrition on the move. The brand is founded by bestselling author and NBA performance coach David Nurse, who is known for his work with professional athletes and teams on mental conditioning and lifestyle habits.

The product is positioned as a macro-friendly alternative to traditional protein bars and shakes. Each serving of More/Less gummies delivers 10 grams of protein with zero sugar and 50 calories, targeting consumers who want high protein intake without excess sweetness or heavy formulations. The company says the format is built for everyday use, aimed at busy professionals, gym goers and athletes who want quick, clean nutrition without mixing powders or carrying bulky snacks.

More/Less has secured early backing from a mix of media entrepreneurs and professional athletes. The investor group includes John Durant, Max Lugavere, Jordan Harbinger, former MLB All Star Matt Holliday and NBA player Kelly Olynyk, among others. The company believes this blend of operators, creators and sports professionals brings both distribution reach and performance credibility to the brand at an early stage.

At launch, More/Less is rolling out three flavours, Strawberry Lemon, Orange Cream and Mixed Berry. The flavour lineup is designed to mirror mainstream confectionery tastes while keeping the nutritional profile aligned with protein-forward diets. The company is positioning the gummies for use across fitness routines, travel, office snacking and post-workout recovery.

The protein snacking category has seen growing demand as consumers shift toward high protein, low sugar formats across bars, beverages and supplements. More/Less is betting on gummies as a more approachable entry point for consumers who want functional nutrition without the taste fatigue often linked to traditional protein products.

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