Monday, December 29, 2025
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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

By
Aashi Goel
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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. 

New Year Delivery Disruptions Likely as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto Gig Workers Announce Strike

By
SnackTeam
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Food and grocery deliveries across major Indian cities could face disruptions during the New Year period as gig workers associated with leading platforms announce coordinated strike action. Delivery partners linked to Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit have called for a work stoppage from December 31, raising concerns over delays at a time when demand typically peaks.

The protest follows a series of demonstrations seen earlier this month and is being backed by worker collectives including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers. Union representatives say the strike reflects growing dissatisfaction among delivery executives over pay structures, safety conditions and the absence of formal social security.

Workers claim that earnings have not kept pace with rising order volumes or operational costs, while algorithm driven incentives and penalties have made incomes unpredictable. Many delivery partners say they are required to work long hours in adverse weather and high traffic conditions without guaranteed rest breaks, insurance cover or protective equipment. The introduction of ultra fast delivery timelines has also drawn criticism, with workers arguing that such models increase road risk without corresponding compensation.

According to union leaders, delivery executives are also facing account suspensions and penalties without transparent grievance redressal mechanisms. Random ID blocks, delayed payments and limited technical support are among the issues cited in representations submitted to authorities.

The list of demands includes a revision of payout rates, withdrawal of extreme delivery deadlines, mandatory safety gear, fair task allocation, fixed working hours, health and accident insurance, pension benefits and clearer government oversight of platform based work.

If the strike holds through the festive period, consumers may see longer wait times for food orders, grocery deliveries and essential supplies, particularly on New Year’s Eve. Industry watchers note that the disruption underscores deeper structural challenges within India’s gig economy, which employs millions but continues to operate largely outside traditional labour protections.

With order volumes expected to surge at year end, pressure is likely to build on platforms and regulators to open dialogue with worker groups and seek an interim resolution.

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DMart Bets on Aggressive Store Expansion for Long-Term Growth as JioMart and Blinkit Lead User Gains

By
SnackTeam
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India’s largest value retailer DMart is doubling down on physical expansion as it prepares for the next decade of growth, even if that means holding back near-term cash generation. According to the latest CLSA India Weekender report, the Avenue Supermarts-owned chain is firmly in an investment-heavy phase, prioritising store additions over immediate free cash flow.

The report notes that DMart plans to grow its store network by 15 to 20 percent every year, a pace that places pressure on short-term profitability but strengthens long-term fundamentals. Management currently has visibility for nearly 2,200 stores, underlining the scale of the opportunity the company sees across urban and semi-urban India. With multiple projects under execution at any given time, free cash flow is expected to remain muted or negative in the near term, a pattern commonly seen in global retail expansion cycles.

CLSA draws parallels with international retailers such as Walmart and Costco, where sustained store rollouts initially weighed on cash flows before delivering strong balance sheet gains once expansion stabilised. DMart’s leadership appears to be following a similar path, betting that scale and consistency will eventually translate into durable returns.

Alongside store growth, the retailer is sharpening its private label strategy. DMart’s in-house brands are typically priced 40 to 50 percent lower than established national labels, and in some categories cost as little as one-third of branded alternatives. These offerings are increasingly central to the chain’s value proposition and margin structure.

While quick commerce platforms continue to gain traction, CLSA estimates they will account for less than 20 percent of urban consumption even by 2035. This leaves ample room for large-format physical retailers to thrive. On the digital front, the report highlights strong weekly active user growth for JioMart and Blinkit, even as usage dipped for several other e-commerce platforms. Meesho stood out with its user base expanding to nearly 170 million.

Despite intensifying online competition, DMart’s strategy signals confidence in brick-and-mortar retail as a long-term engine for growth, profitability and market leadership.

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Swiggy Instamart Tests Offline Experiential Store in Gurugram as Quick Commerce Shifts Beyond Speed

By
SnackTeam
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Swiggy’s quick commerce arm Instamart has begun testing a new retail format with the launch of its first offline experiential store in Gurugram, marking a notable shift in how digital-first grocery platforms are rethinking consumer engagement. The pilot reflects an industry-wide reassessment of whether speed alone is enough to win loyalty in an increasingly competitive quick commerce market.

The compact store, branded under Instamart, is designed as a discovery-led space rather than a conventional point of sale. Spread across roughly 400 square feet, the outlet allows customers to physically examine a limited selection of products that are otherwise ordered through the Instamart app. Instant delivery remains the core of the business, with the offline format positioned as a complementary touchpoint.

According to people familiar with the setup, the store carries about 100 to 200 SKUs, a sharp contrast to Instamart’s dark stores, which typically stock 15,000 to 20,000 items across much larger footprints. The assortment focuses on categories where visual and tactile checks influence buying decisions, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses, daily essentials, select new launches and a small number of direct-to-consumer brands.

Operationally, the model differs from Swiggy’s online flow. The outlets are expected to be run by sellers, similar to dark store partners, with revenues from offline purchases flowing directly to them rather than through Swiggy’s payment systems. The emphasis is on experience and trial, not bulk shopping.

The experiment follows Swiggy’s recent ₹10,000 crore Qualified Institutional Placement, around half of which the company has earmarked for strengthening its quick commerce business. While Swiggy has not indicated whether the Gurugram pilot will be replicated elsewhere, the move signals how platforms are exploring hybrid formats to deepen engagement without abandoning a digital-first approach.

As competition intensifies, Instamart’s offline test highlights a broader shift in quick commerce, where discovery and trust are becoming as important as delivery speed. Whether this format scales or remains a limited trial will be closely tracked by the retail and FMCG sectors.

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Madhusudan Kela Backs Wow! Momo with Rs 75 Crore as Sagar Daryani Eyes 1,500 Stores Across India

By
SnackTeam
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Wow! Momo Foods has secured a fresh capital infusion of Rs 75 crore, with the round led by veteran investor Madhusudan Kela, marking a strong vote of confidence in one of India’s most recognisable QSR brands. The funding comes at a time when organised food service players are recalibrating growth plans amid rising competition and cost pressures.

Founded by Sagar Daryani, Wow! Momo has built a national footprint by turning a simple street food favourite into a scalable, modern brand. From humble beginnings in Kolkata, the company today operates close to 800 outlets across formats including Wow! Momo, Wow! China, Wow! Chicken, and Wow! Kulfi. The latest investment will be used to fuel expansion, strengthen supply chains, and back product innovation across categories.

According to the company, the target is to scale up to around 1,500 stores over the next two years. A large part of the capital will go into entering new cities, deepening presence in existing markets, and investing in backend infrastructure to support consistent quality at scale. Wow! Momo has also been pushing aggressively into FMCG through packaged momos, sauces, and ready to cook products, opening up an additional revenue stream beyond restaurants.

Madhusudan Kela’s entry as an investor is significant, given his track record of backing consumer facing businesses with long term brand potential. His involvement is expected to bring strategic guidance along with capital, especially as Wow! Momo prepares for its next phase of growth.

As India’s eating out market continues to expand, brands that combine affordability, strong recall, and operational discipline are well placed to win. With this Rs 75 crore infusion, Wow! Momo is clearly positioning itself to consolidate leadership in the momo category while building a broader food platform for the years ahead.

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Zepto’s FY25 Reality Check Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra’s Quick Commerce Bet Sees Losses Jump 177 Percent to Rs 3,367 Crore

By
SnackTeam
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Zepto’s rapid rise in India’s quick commerce space is now being matched by equally rapid losses. The Mumbai based startup reported a sharp 177 percent increase in losses for FY25, touching Rs 3,367.3 crore, even as its revenue more than doubled during the year. The numbers underline the intense cost pressures that continue to define the ultra fast delivery business.

Founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has been expanding aggressively across major Indian cities. The company has invested heavily in dark stores, rider fleets, technology, and deep discounting to win customers in a fiercely competitive market dominated by players like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart. While this expansion has helped push sales sharply higher, it has also significantly inflated operating expenses.

According to the filing, marketing spends, logistics costs, and infrastructure investments remained the biggest contributors to the widening losses. Fast delivery promises of under 10 minutes require dense networks and high fixed costs, making profitability a tough near term goal. Industry experts note that quick commerce is still in its land grab phase, where scale and customer retention are prioritised over margins.

Despite the red ink, investors continue to back the sector on the belief that long term consumption trends and urban convenience demand will eventually lead to sustainable unit economics. Zepto has previously indicated that it is working on improving contribution margins through better inventory management, private labels, and higher order values.

For now, FY25 numbers highlight the reality of building speed at scale in India. Revenue growth alone is not enough to offset the heavy burn required to stay relevant in quick commerce. How quickly Zepto can rein in costs without slowing growth will be closely watched in the coming quarters, especially as funding becomes more selective and expectations around profitability grow louder.

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Chique enters Bengaluru with first South India store, targets 25 outlets and 50% revenue growth in 2026

By
SnackTeam
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Premium Indo western womenswear label Chique has strengthened its offline presence with the launch of its first store in Bengaluru, marking the brand’s entry into the South Indian market. The new outlet, located at Phoenix Mall, spans 800 square feet and signals a sharper push towards brick and mortar retail as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.

Founded with a focus on contemporary silhouettes rooted in Indian aesthetics, Chique has built a largely urban consumer base across metros in North and West India. The Bengaluru opening is part of a wider strategy to tap into high spending fashion markets, where demand for versatile occasion wear and everyday premium clothing continues to rise.

Looking ahead to 2026, the company has outlined an ambitious expansion roadmap. Chique plans to open 25 company owned stores over the next year, taking its physical footprint deeper into key cities. The brand is targeting a 50 percent year on year jump in revenue, with annual recurring revenue expected to grow from ₹100 crore in 2025 to ₹150 crore by the end of 2026.

To support this growth, Chique has committed an investment of ₹20 crore. Around ₹15 crore will be directed towards setting up new stores and strengthening its retail network, while the remaining ₹5 crore will be used to scale marketing efforts and improve brand visibility across platforms.

Founder and partner Siddhant Gupta said that consumer preferences are shifting towards clothing that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles, blurring the lines between occasion wear and daily fashion. While offline retail continues to contribute the bulk of sales, digital channels remain an important support pillar. The brand sells through its own website as well as curated fashion marketplaces such as Myntra and Pernia’s Pop Up Shop.

Beyond India, Chique has already established a foothold in the UAE and is preparing to enter select European markets. Over the next three years, it aims to build a network of more than 150 stores across domestic and international locations. The company is also integrating artificial intelligence across design, finance, logistics and store operations to improve efficiency as it scales.

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India’s Water Crisis Puts Global Beverage Giants Under Pressure in Rajasthan

By
SnackTeam
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Global beverage makers operating in India are confronting an intensifying challenge that goes well beyond regulatory complexity or taxation. In water-stressed Rajasthan, companies such as Heineken, Carlsberg and Diageo are being forced to rethink how they produce and operate amid shrinking groundwater reserves, tighter government oversight and growing unease among nearby communities.

Nearly two thirds of Rajasthan lies within the Thar Desert, making water availability a constant concern for its 85 million residents. Government data shows groundwater extraction in several districts far exceeds natural recharge rates, largely due to irrigation demands and rising urban consumption. Yet liquor laws that restrict interstate movement of alcohol compel beverage firms to maintain production units in each state, including some of the most water-scarce regions.

Rajasthan’s industrial hub of Alwar illustrates the strain. While industry accounts for just about two percent of the state’s total water use, companies extracting groundwater are required to install rainwater harvesting and recharge systems. In zones classified as over exploited, firms must also adopt advanced water-saving technologies. Brewers say they are complying. Heineken, Carlsberg and Diageo report efforts to reduce water intensity, recycle wastewater and replenish every litre drawn from the ground through recharge projects.

At Diageo’s Alwar facility, the company says it is targeting a 40 percent reduction in water consumption by switching to techniques such as air-based bottle rinsing and recycling all wastewater. Collectively, global brewers have permits allowing them to draw up to 4.6 million litres of groundwater daily in the district, with multinational firms accounting for roughly two thirds of that volume.

For nearby villages like Salpur, where piped water may arrive only once a week, these numbers fuel frustration. Residents describe long waits, rising costs and falling water tables. Although court-appointed inspections have found factories compliant, environmental authorities have been directed to strictly monitor groundwater extraction and halt new permits in over exploited areas.

The situation reflects a broader national issue. India supports 17 percent of the world’s population with only 4 percent of its freshwater. As industrial activity expands, competition for water is intensifying. Sustainability experts acknowledge that corporate initiatives have helped improve local water tables in pockets of Rajasthan, but argue that larger, coordinated infrastructure solutions are essential. For India’s beverage industry, managing growth without deepening the water crisis is becoming a defining test.

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Jos Alukkas Appoints Dulquer Salmaan as Brand Ambassador to Reach a Younger Pan India Audience Across Multiple Languages

By
SnackTeam
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Jos Alukkas has appointed actor Dulquer Salmaan as its new brand ambassador, bringing together one of India’s most recognisable jewellery houses and a star known for his wide cultural reach. The association signals a clear shift in how the brand wants to speak to today’s jewellery buyer, one who values personal meaning as much as tradition.

With a legacy that spans several decades, Jos Alukkas has built strong equity in South India and among Indian families worldwide. The brand has long been associated with weddings, festivals and milestone purchases. By bringing Dulquer Salmaan on board, it is now aiming to connect with a younger and more contemporary audience without losing its core identity.

Dulquer’s appeal lies in his versatility. From Malayalam cinema to Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films, he has carved out a following that cuts across regions and age groups. His image of understated style and emotional depth aligns well with the idea of jewellery as a form of personal expression rather than just a ceremonial purchase. According to the brand, Salmaan will feature in upcoming campaigns that focus on individuality, modern relationships and evolving traditions.

The move also reflects a broader trend in the jewellery industry, where brands are moving away from purely product led messaging towards storytelling driven by faces consumers relate to. Celebrity associations are no longer just about visibility but about shared values and long term recall.

For Jos Alukkas, this partnership marks an important step in staying relevant in a crowded market while continuing to lean on its heritage of trust and craftsmanship. For Dulquer Salmaan, it adds another dimension to his growing portfolio of brand associations rooted in authenticity and emotional connect.

As the new campaigns roll out, the collaboration is expected to strengthen the brand’s presence across media platforms and reinforce its position as a jewellery label that understands both tradition and change.

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Bisk Farm Taps Shraddha Kapoor for Nationwide Campaign as the Brand Enters Its Third Decade in the Indian Biscuit Market

By
SnackTeam
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Bisk Farm has signed actor Shraddha Kapoor as its new brand ambassador, marking an important moment for the homegrown biscuit brand as it crosses more than two decades in the market. The association comes alongside the launch of a fresh nationwide campaign that will run across television, digital platforms, print and social media.

Known for its strong presence in eastern India and steady expansion across the country, Bisk Farm has built its reputation on affordable pricing and a wide range of everyday biscuits and baked products. By bringing Shraddha Kapoor on board, the company is clearly aiming to strengthen its connect with younger consumers while also reinforcing its family friendly image.

Shraddha Kapoor’s popularity cuts across age groups, helped by her relatable on screen persona and a strong following on social media. Her association with the brand is expected to add warmth and familiarity to Bisk Farm’s communication, especially in a category where trust and nostalgia often drive buying decisions. The new campaign reportedly focuses on simple everyday moments, positioning Bisk Farm as a part of daily life rather than just an occasional treat.

For Bisk Farm, this move signals a more aggressive push into brand building at a national level. While the company has enjoyed strong regional loyalty, celebrity endorsement at this scale indicates ambition to compete more directly with larger national players in the biscuit segment.

The timing also aligns well with changing consumption patterns, as packaged food brands increasingly rely on emotional storytelling and recognizable faces to stand out in a crowded market. With Shraddha Kapoor as the face of the brand, Bisk Farm appears ready to refresh its image while staying rooted in the values that helped it grow over the past twenty years.

The coming months will show how this partnership translates into consumer recall and market share, but the intent is clear. Bisk Farm wants to be seen, remembered and chosen across Indian households.

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Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit Face December 31 Shutdown Threat as Gig Workers Call Nationwide Strike Over Pay and Safety

By
SnackTeam
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0

India’s gig economy could see major disruption on December 31 as delivery workers across foodtech and ecommerce platforms have called for a nationwide strike. The call has been issued by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, urging riders and drivers associated with companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Amazon and Flipkart to stay off the road on one of the busiest days of the year.

The protest is aimed at drawing attention to what workers describe as steadily worsening conditions in the platform economy. According to the union, delivery partners face unsafe working environments, unpredictable pay structures and growing pressure to meet aggressive delivery timelines. Many workers say incentive based earnings have become harder to achieve, while penalties and account blocks are imposed without clear explanations or due process.

A major point of contention is the rise of ultra fast delivery promises, including ten minute deliveries, which workers argue put their safety at risk. The union is demanding the immediate withdrawal of such models, along with the introduction of transparent wage calculations, mandatory rest breaks and basic social security benefits.

Gig workers are also protesting the lack of grievance redressal systems. Several riders claim their IDs are blocked arbitrarily, cutting off their only source of income overnight. The absence of insurance coverage and income protection has further intensified dissatisfaction within the workforce.

If participation is widespread, customers may experience delays or unavailability of delivery services on December 31. While platforms have not officially responded to the strike call yet, the protest highlights a growing tension between rapid growth expectations and the realities faced by the people powering these apps on the ground.

As India’s gig economy continues to expand, the strike underscores the urgent need for fairer policies that balance convenience with worker welfare.

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