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.

Gig Workers’ Strike Rekindles Debate Over 10-Minute Delivery Model in India

Business

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SnackTeam

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January 3, 2026

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India’s fast-growing quick commerce industry is facing renewed scrutiny after a nationwide strike by gig workers on December 31 reignited debate around ultra-fast delivery promises and working conditions. More than 2 lakh delivery partners associated with platforms including Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart, Zepto, Amazon and Flipkart temporarily logged off, demanding higher pay, social security cover and safer working environments.

The strike, timed on one of the busiest days of the year, drew attention to the 10-minute delivery model that underpins much of quick commerce growth. Worker unions argue that tight timelines increase physical risk, mental stress and road accidents, while offering limited income security. Platforms, however, have pushed back against allegations of exploitation.

Deepinder Goyal, founder and chief executive of Eternal, which operates Zomato and Blinkit, defended the model, saying public perception often overlooks how the system is designed. In posts on X, Goyal said delivery speed is driven by dense store networks rather than riders being pressured to move faster. He also shared earnings data, stating that Zomato delivery partners earn an average of ₹102 per hour excluding tips. According to him, a partner working 10 hours a day for 26 days could earn about ₹26,500 a month before expenses, or roughly ₹21,000 after accounting for fuel and maintenance.

Despite the protest, Zomato and Blinkit together delivered about 7.5 million orders on December 31, underlining the scale at which quick commerce has become embedded in urban consumption. Labour experts say this contrast highlights a deeper structural tension. Government think tank Niti Aayog estimates India has over 12.7 million gig workers today, a number projected to rise to 23.5 million by 2030.

Economists point out that while gig platforms have created large-scale employment in a short span, incomes have not kept pace with rising living costs over the past five years. The strike has also coincided with the government notifying draft rules under the new Labour Codes, which propose formal recognition and expanded social security for gig and platform workers.

As political leaders and labour experts weigh in, the episode has triggered a broader national conversation on whether speed-led convenience can continue without rethinking worker welfare, pay structures and regulation in India’s platform economy.

Avenue Supermarts Q3 Update: DMart Revenue Rises 13% YoY to Rs 17,613 Crore

Growth

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SnackTeam

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January 3, 2026

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Avenue Supermarts, the company behind the DMart retail chain, reported steady topline growth in the December quarter, supported by store expansion and consistent consumer demand across its network. In a provisional business update for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the retailer said its standalone revenue from operations rose 13 percent year on year to Rs 17,613 crore, compared with Rs 15,565 crore in the same period last year.

The Mumbai based company, promoted by investor Radhakishan Damani, ended the quarter with a total of 442 stores, underlining its continued focus on physical expansion even as competition intensifies across India’s organised retail sector. The company clarified that the revenue numbers shared are provisional and subject to revision when detailed quarterly results are announced.

While revenue momentum remained healthy, Avenue Supermarts’ stock performance has lagged broader market benchmarks. Over the past year, the shares have gained about 4 percent and are currently trading below both their 50 day and 200 day simple moving averages, reflecting investor caution around margins and near term profitability trends.

In the preceding September quarter, the retailer had reported revenue from operations of Rs 16,676 crore, marking a 15 percent increase from the year ago period. Net profit for that quarter rose 4 percent year on year to Rs 685 crore, though it declined sequentially from Rs 773 crore posted in the June quarter. On a standalone basis, total revenue in the September quarter grew 15.4 percent year on year to Rs 16,219 crore, while net profit increased 5 percent to Rs 747 crore.

Operating performance also showed improvement, with EBITDA for the September quarter rising 11.3 percent year on year to Rs 1,230 crore. The company had added eight new stores during that period.

The latest quarterly update indicates that Avenue Supermarts continues to deliver predictable revenue growth driven by scale and expansion. However, margin trends and cost pressures will remain key areas to watch when the company releases its full earnings report.

DSM Fresh Foods Acquires 51% Stake in Avyom Foodtech to Enter RTE and RTC Segment

Growth

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SnackTeam

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January 3, 2026

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DSM Fresh Foods has taken a decisive step into India’s fast-expanding ready food market by approving the acquisition of a controlling stake in Avyom Foodtech Private Limited, signalling a strategic shift beyond its core fresh foods business. The board of the listed company, which operates under the ZappFresh brand, has cleared the purchase of 51 percent equity in Avyom Foodtech through a cash investment of about Rs 7.5 crore, marking its entry into ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook categories.

The move positions DSM Fresh Foods to tap into rising demand for convenience-led food solutions, driven by urban consumption patterns and higher penetration of frozen and processed foods. The structure of the transaction allows for future participation by strategic investors in Avyom Foodtech, subject to board approval, a step aimed at strengthening capital support while keeping operating leadership closely aligned with long-term growth plans.

As part of the wider transaction framework, Avyom Foodtech has signed a binding agreement to acquire the operating food processing business of Ambrozia Frozen Foods on a slump-sale basis. This acquisition brings with it around five acres of land, a fully functional processing plant, and installed machinery, along with related liabilities such as bank loans and trade payables. The assets are expected to give DSM immediate manufacturing capability without the delays and costs typically associated with building a facility from scratch.

According to disclosures, the acquired processing business has previously recorded peak annual revenues of about Rs 16 crore, offering proof of commercial viability. The facility operates under FSSAI approvals and is equipped for export-oriented production, providing DSM with a platform to explore overseas markets alongside domestic expansion.

Managing Director Deepanshu Manchanda said the acquisition marks a turning point for DSM Fresh Foods as it evolves into a broader food solutions company. By integrating processed foods with its existing strengths in sourcing, cold-chain management and distribution, the company aims to improve unit economics and build a scalable value-added foods vertical. The investment is expected to be rolled out in phases, aligning capital deployment with operational scale-up and demand growth.

After 75 Lakh New Year’s Eve Orders, Zomato’s 10-Minute Delivery Model Faces Fresh Scrutiny

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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A public exchange between two senior industry voices has brought India’s ultra fast delivery model under renewed scrutiny, as concerns over rider safety and working conditions intersect with record order volumes.

Former Jet Airways chief executive Sanjiv Kapoor questioned the necessity of 10 minute deliveries in Indian cities after Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal said his platforms continued operating at full scale on New Year’s Eve despite strike calls by sections of gig workers. Kapoor’s comments came in response to Goyal’s social media post highlighting operational performance on December 31.

According to Goyal, Zomato and Blinkit together fulfilled more than 75 lakh orders for over 63 lakh customers in a single day, supported by around 4.5 lakh delivery partners. He noted that the platforms maintained normal service levels and said law enforcement support helped prevent disruptions. The companies also said deliveries were completed without offering incentives beyond what is typically paid on New Year’s Eve.

Kapoor did not contest the data but shifted the focus to delivery timelines. He questioned whether such speed was essential outside of medical needs, asking if extending delivery windows to 30 minutes or an hour would meaningfully harm consumers while easing pressure on riders. His remarks echoed long standing complaints from delivery partners who argue that tight timelines increase stress and elevate accident risks in already congested urban environments.

Goyal, in an earlier post, defended the gig economy model, stating that systems which consistently attract and retain large numbers of workers cannot be described as fundamentally unfair. He also framed the sector as a major source of organised employment with long term social impact.

The exchange unfolded amid coordinated protests by gig workers on December 25 and December 31. Unions including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union and the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers claimed that between 1.7 and 2 lakh workers logged off apps nationwide. Their demands included an end to ultra fast delivery targets, restoration of earlier payout structures, safeguards against sudden account blocks, insurance coverage, and mandated rest breaks.

As quick commerce continues to expand rapidly, the debate highlights a growing tension between consumer convenience, platform growth, and the sustainability of work conditions on the ground.

Farmley Nears Rs 400 Crore Revenue in FY25 as Healthy Snacking Demand Accelerates

Growth

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Noida-based healthy snacking company Farmley closed FY25 on a stronger financial footing, riding a sharp rise in demand for better-for-you food options across India. The company’s operating revenue climbed to nearly Rs 400 crore in the year ended March 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of about 71 percent, according to filings with the Registrar of Companies. In comparison, Farmley had reported operating revenue of roughly Rs 230 crore in FY24.

The growth was powered by wider adoption of Farmley’s core product categories, including makhana-based snacks, roasted nuts and seeds, and date-centric offerings. These categories have gained traction as Indian consumers increasingly shift away from traditional fried snacks toward products positioned around health, convenience and clean ingredients. The company’s expanding presence across online marketplaces, quick commerce platforms and modern retail channels also contributed to higher volumes.

While expenses rose in line with scale-up efforts, Farmley succeeded in tightening losses during the year. Net loss narrowed by around 15 percent to Rs 22.5 crore in FY25, compared with Rs 26.5 crore in the previous fiscal. The improvement indicates better cost controls and improving contribution margins, even as the brand continued to invest in marketing, supply chain and product development.

Key profitability indicators showed incremental improvement, although they remained in the red. Return on capital employed stood at minus 51.56 percent, while EBITDA margin improved to minus 3.68 percent. Industry observers view these trends as early signs of healthier unit economics, particularly for a direct-to-consumer brand operating in a competitive packaged food market.

Farmley’s FY25 performance highlights the momentum building in India’s organised healthy snacking segment. Rising health awareness, changing lifestyles and higher willingness to pay for perceived nutrition are reshaping consumer baskets across urban and semi-urban markets. For Farmley, the combination of strong revenue growth and a narrowing loss base signals progress toward long-term sustainability, even as competition intensifies and brands race to balance scale with profitability.

India’s New Year’s Eve Food Frenzy: Swiggy Logs Record Biryani, Pizza and Burger Orders Nationwide

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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India rang in 2026 with an unmistakable marker of celebration: food, ordered in record volumes across cities big and small. Data released by Swiggy shows that New Year’s Eve turned into one of the busiest food ordering days of the year, with demand peaking well before midnight as households, parties and large groups planned ahead.

Biryani once again dominated the national menu. Orders surged sharply through the evening, crossing 2.18 lakh portions before 7.30 pm alone. At its peak, just before 8 pm, Swiggy logged an astonishing 1,336 biryani orders every minute, reinforcing the dish’s status as India’s most preferred party staple. The scale of celebration was evident in outlier orders too, including a single 16 kg biryani order placed by a customer in Bhubaneswar.

Pizzas and burgers followed closely, reflecting urban comfort food preferences. By 8.30 pm, more than 2.18 lakh pizzas and over 2.16 lakh burgers had been delivered nationwide. Bengaluru featured prominently, with one user placing an order for 100 burgers in a single transaction. Goa and Gurugram also saw unusually large orders, ranging from dozens of kebabs and tikkas to bulk dessert boxes.

Emerging cities played a significant role in the evening’s momentum. Places such as Patna, Surat, Vadodara, Jaipur, Nagpur, Pune and Indore recorded an early spike in orders, particularly for cakes, pizzas and biryani, indicating that celebrations were no longer limited to late night metro crowds.

As the night progressed, traditional Indian desserts took centre stage. Rasmalai, gajar halwa and gulab jamun ranked among the most ordered sweets after 10.30 pm, while pizza emerged as the most popular choice to usher in the new year.

Dining out remained equally strong. Bengaluru and Hyderabad led restaurant bookings on Swiggy Dineout, while cities like Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Jaipur posted sharp growth. Group celebrations were notable in Vadodara and Chandigarh, and Mumbai saw individual dining bills climb as high as ₹94,251.

Together, the numbers painted a clear picture of how India welcomed 2026: by feasting early, ordering big and celebrating everywhere.

Devyani–Sapphire Merger Creates India’s Largest QSR Chain With 3,000+ Outlets Across KFC and Pizza Hut

QSR & Cloud Kitchen

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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India’s quick service restaurant landscape is set for a major consolidation as Devyani International and Sapphire Foods India move to merge their operations, creating the country’s largest single QSR platform by store count. The transaction, disclosed through stock exchange filings, is expected to take effect from April 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Once completed, the combined entity will operate more than 3,000 restaurants across India and select international markets, significantly strengthening its scale in the highly competitive fast food segment. Both companies are key franchise partners of Yum! Brands, operating KFC and Pizza Hut outlets across the region.

Under the proposed share swap arrangement, Devyani International will issue 177 of its shares for every 100 shares held in Sapphire Foods. The merger is expected to unlock annual cost and operating synergies of around ₹210 to ₹225 crore by the second full year after integration, driven by efficiencies in procurement, supply chain, marketing and shared services.

Devyani International, controlled by RJ Corp chairman Ravi Jaipuria, is already Yum! Brands’ largest franchisee in India, with more than 2,000 outlets across India, Thailand, Nigeria and Nepal. Beyond KFC and Pizza Hut, its portfolio includes Costa Coffee, Vaango, Biryani By Kilo, Goila Butter Chicken and other emerging food brands.

Sapphire Foods, backed by Samara Capital, operates over 1,000 restaurants across India and Sri Lanka, adding a strong presence in the island nation to Devyani’s existing international footprint. Post-merger, Devyani will hold unified franchise rights for KFC and Pizza Hut across the Indian market, simplifying brand management and expansion planning.

The companies have indicated that full operational integration is likely to be completed within 15 to 18 months. As part of the broader transaction, Devyani will also take over 19 KFC restaurants currently operated by Yum! India in Hyderabad and make a one-time payment towards licence and approval fees.

Management said the merged platform will prioritise faster KFC expansion, a turnaround strategy for Pizza Hut, and scaled investment behind newer homegrown brands, positioning the group for sustained growth in India’s evolving QSR market.

Zomato, Blinkit Hit Record 75 Lakh Orders on New Year’s Eve Despite Gig Worker Strike Call

Quick Commerce

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Food delivery major Zomato and quick commerce platform Blinkit closed 2025 on a historic high, clocking a combined 75 lakh orders on New Year’s Eve, even as sections of gig workers went ahead with a nationwide strike call. The milestone was confirmed by Deepinder Goyal, founder of Eternal, the parent company of both platforms.

In a post shared on social media, Goyal said more than 4.5 lakh delivery partners were active across Zomato and Blinkit on December 31, serving over 63 lakh customers in a single day. According to him, coordination with local law enforcement helped prevent disruptions, allowing operations to continue smoothly despite calls for work stoppages.

New Year’s Eve is traditionally the busiest day of the year for food delivery and quick commerce companies, and this year proved no different. Zomato offered delivery partners payouts of roughly Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order, in line with incentives offered during previous New Year periods. Goyal clarified that no extraordinary incentives were rolled out beyond the usual festive-day structure.

Labour unions, however, presented a contrasting picture. Worker groups including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union claimed that around 2.1 lakh gig workers participated in strikes on December 25 and December 31. Their demands centred on higher pay, improved safety conditions, social security benefits, and an end to ultra-fast delivery timelines, which they argue increase accident risks.

Despite the protests, companies had prepared extensively for the year-end surge. Industry executives said internal war rooms were set up to manage order spikes, logistics load, and customer support, continuing a trend seen over the past two years as New Year’s Eve order volumes hit fresh records annually.

Commenting on the broader debate, Goyal said the scale and consistency of participation from delivery partners reflected confidence in the platform model. He described the gig economy as one of India’s largest organised job creators, adding that its long-term impact would be felt as stable incomes enable better education and opportunities for workers’ families.

The record-breaking New Year performance underlines both the growing dependence on app-based delivery and the unresolved tensions shaping the future of gig work in India.

India to Hike Excise Duty on Cigarettes, Tobacco from February 1; Prices Likely to Rise

Business

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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The Union government has announced a fresh round of excise duties on cigarettes and other tobacco products, a move that will take effect from February 1, 2026 and is expected to push retail prices higher across categories. The revised levy is part of a broader overhaul of tobacco taxation and will directly impact both consumers and manufacturers.

The Finance Ministry has notified the Chewing Tobacco, Jarda Scented Tobacco and Gutkha Packing Machines Rules, 2026, which lay down a new excise framework linked to production capacity and product specifications. Under the revised structure, cigarettes will attract an excise duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on their length and category. This will be levied over and above the existing Goods and Services Tax, raising the total tax outgo on cigarettes and allied products.

The announcement had an immediate effect on equity markets. Shares of ITC, the country’s largest cigarette maker, fell nearly 2 percent, while Godfrey Phillips India declined over 4 percent in early trade. The broader FMCG index also edged lower, reflecting investor concerns around margin pressure and potential demand moderation following the price increase.

From February 2026, cigarettes and pan masala will continue to attract 40 percent GST, in addition to the newly introduced excise duty. Bidis will remain under a lower 18 percent GST slab, with duties applied as per existing norms. Other tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, gul and gutkha will be taxed at 40 percent GST along with excise duty and a Health and National Security Cess. The new cess will replace the current compensation cess, which will be withdrawn once the revised regime comes into force.

The legislative backing for the new taxes was cleared by Parliament in December through two reform bills. Officials say the changes are aimed at curbing tobacco consumption, improving revenue collections and streamlining the indirect tax structure. With prices set to rise, industry watchers expect shifts in buying behaviour, particularly in premium segments, even as companies reassess pricing and volume strategies in a tighter regulatory environment.

Kapil Sharma Launches Kap’s Cafe in Dubai, Marks Middle East Debut on New Year’s Eve

Hospitality

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SnackTeam

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January 2, 2026

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Indian comedian and television personality Kapil Sharma is closing out 2025 with an overseas business milestone, announcing the opening of Kap’s Cafe in Dubai on December 31. The launch marks the brand’s debut in the Middle East and its second international location after Surrey, Canada, signalling a broader push to build Kap’s Cafe into a global hospitality label.

The Dubai outlet was unveiled through a short promotional video shared on social media, featuring Sharma welcoming guests inside the new space. The visuals highlight a relaxed, contemporary café set against the city’s skyline, positioning the brand as a casual destination rather than a high-energy nightlife venue.

Kap’s Cafe has been designed as a lifestyle-led café, blending comfort dining with visual appeal. The interiors draw inspiration from the familiar aesthetic of The Kapil Sharma Show, using soft greens and pastel pinks to create a warm, Instagram-friendly environment. Early images suggest an intimate setting aimed at families, tourists, and café-goers looking for a quiet place to unwind.

The café will open to the public on December 31, operating from 4 pm to midnight. By choosing limited hours on New Year’s Eve, the brand appears to be targeting guests seeking a calmer alternative to large celebrations, with an emphasis on conversation, coffee, and comfort food.

While the Dubai menu has not yet been officially announced, the offerings are expected to mirror the brand’s Canada outlet. The Surrey café serves a mix of Indian street-style snacks such as vada pav alongside café staples including sandwiches, pasta, and a range of hot and cold beverages, from classic coffees to teas and matcha-based drinks. A similar blend of Indian and Western comfort fare is likely in Dubai.

Earlier this year, Kap’s Cafe in Canada faced temporary disruption following an incident that damaged part of the property. With the Dubai launch moving ahead as planned, Sharma’s latest venture underlines his intent to grow the café brand beyond entertainment and into an international food and lifestyle business.

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