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.

Prashant Peres Appointed GM, India as Mars Completes Kellanova Integration

Business

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January 7, 2026

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Prashant Peres has assumed charge as General Manager, India for Mars Snacking, stepping into the role at a pivotal moment for the global food major following the integration of Kellanova into Mars’ snacking business.

The leadership transition comes weeks after Mars, Incorporated formally completed its acquisition of Kellanova on December 11, 2025, bringing together two of the world’s most recognisable snacking portfolios. For India, one of the fastest growing packaged food markets globally, the consolidation significantly expands Mars’ presence across confectionery, salty snacks, cereals and nutrition-led categories.

Peres takes responsibility for the combined India operations, overseeing brands such as Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, Dove and Skittles from Mars, alongside Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and Kellogg’s cereal and snacking brands from Kellanova. The integrated portfolio positions Mars Snacking as a multi-category player spanning indulgence, breakfast and on-the-go consumption.

A seasoned FMCG leader with more than two decades of experience, Peres most recently served as Managing Director for South Asia at Kellanova. Earlier, he held senior roles at Kellogg Company, where he led the cereals and snacks business through a phase of restructuring and market repositioning. Prior to that, he spent over eight years at Mondelēz International, including leading the Cadbury chocolates business in India during a period of record growth, and later heading operations in Indonesia.

Peres began his career at Unilever, where he held leadership positions across foods, soaps and personal care portfolios in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Mars has said the Kellanova acquisition strengthens its ambition to shape the future of snacking by combining scale, innovation and category depth. Globally, Mars Snacking now employs more than 50,000 people and manages several billion-dollar brands.

In India, the combined business is expected to sharpen its focus on urban consumption, premiumisation and expanding modern trade and digital channels, while navigating price sensitivity and evolving consumer preferences. The coming phase will test how effectively the global integration translates into local growth execution in a highly competitive market.

Zepto Introduces In-App UPI Payments to Speed Up Checkout and Cut Payment Failures

Business

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January 7, 2026

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Quick commerce major Zepto has quietly introduced an in app UPI payment option, marking a significant step in how delivery platforms are reworking their checkout experience. The feature has been live for nearly six months, according to people familiar with the development, and allows customers to complete UPI payments within the Zepto app without being redirected to third party applications such as Google Pay or PhonePe.

The rollout reflects a wider industry shift, with large consumer internet platforms increasingly choosing to internalise payments as they chase faster checkouts and higher transaction success rates. Zepto has not made a formal announcement on the launch and did not respond to questions on the backend structure of the offering at the time of publication.

By adding in app UPI, Zepto joins food delivery peers Swiggy and Zomato, both of which have built proprietary UPI flows over the past year. Swiggy introduced Swiggy UPI using NPCI’s UPI plug in framework, enabling users to pay within the app after a one time setup. The company has said the move helps reduce checkout time and lowers payment failures caused by app switching.

Zomato has taken a slightly different route, launching its own UPI service in partnership with ICICI Bank. The feature allows users to generate a Zomato linked UPI ID and complete real time payments directly inside the app, giving the platform deeper control over the payment experience.

Industry executives say payments have become a key lever for delivery platforms operating at scale. Even small gains in transaction speed or success rates can translate into meaningful improvements in order completion, especially during peak demand windows. Bringing payments in house also reduces dependence on external apps and gives platforms better visibility into transaction flows.

For Zepto, which has been expanding its dark store footprint and processing a rising volume of high frequency orders, tightening the checkout layer fits into its broader focus on speed and reliability. The move highlights how payments are no longer just an infrastructure layer but a strategic priority as competition in food delivery and quick commerce intensifies.

No Tip, Just Respect Why Swiggy Delivery Partner Ajay’s Simple Request Struck a Chord Online

Business

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January 7, 2026

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What began as a routine Instamart delivery quickly turned into a moment that struck a chord with thousands online. A Swiggy delivery partner arrived with his young child seated quietly on the bike behind him, delivered the order, and then surprised the customer by politely refusing a tip. Instead, he asked for something far simpler and far more meaningful to him: a good rating.

The incident was shared on X by user Vineeth K, who posted that the delivery partner had come to deliver Instamart items. When Vineeth noticed the child and asked about him, the man calmly replied that it was his son. A photo shared along with the post showed the young boy sitting patiently on the bike, bundled up and waiting as his father completed the delivery.

Vineeth explained that he usually tips delivery workers directly in cash. This time, when he offered money, the delivery partner, identified as Ajay, refused without hesitation. According to the post, Ajay simply said that a positive rating would help him more. There was no complaint, no explanation, and no attempt to seek sympathy.

The post quickly gained traction, with many users praising Ajay’s honesty and work ethic. Several comments pointed out how ratings play a crucial role in determining delivery partners’ incentives, shifts, and future orders. One user wrote that most delivery workers rarely expect tips and instead focus on maintaining strong ratings to protect their livelihood.

HT.com has reached out to the original poster for additional details, and the report may be updated if more information emerges.

In a time when social media is filled with outrage and noise, this small interaction stood out for its quiet dignity. It highlighted the daily realities faced by gig workers and reminded many that respect, acknowledgment, and fairness often matter more than spare change. Sometimes, a simple five star rating carries far more weight than a folded note.

Blue Tokai FY25: Net Loss Narrows 20% to ₹50 Cr as Revenue Crosses ₹325 Cr

Business

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January 7, 2026

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Speciality coffee chain Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters reported a sharper focus on financial discipline in FY25 as its net loss narrowed by over 20 percent, even while the company continued to scale its retail and roasting footprint across India and overseas.

For the year ended March 2025, Blue Tokai posted a net loss of ₹50.2 crore, compared to ₹62.9 crore in FY24. The improvement was driven by stronger operating performance, though the bottom line remained under pressure due to a higher tax outgo of ₹11.1 crore during the year, against a tax gain of more than ₹1 crore in the previous fiscal. Loss before tax declined nearly 40 percent to ₹39.1 crore from ₹64.2 crore a year earlier.

Revenue growth remained robust. Operating income rose 1.5 times year-on-year to ₹325.4 crore in FY25 from ₹215.8 crore in FY24, reflecting steady demand across cafés, packaged coffee sales and institutional channels. Including other income of ₹7.3 crore, total income stood at ₹221.1 crore, marking a year-on-year increase of just over 50 percent.

Founded in 2013, Blue Tokai has steadily expanded its presence in India’s premium coffee market. The company currently operates four roasting facilities and more than 100 outlets across major cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Internationally, it has established operations in Tokyo and Dubai, signalling ambitions beyond the domestic market.

The company’s expansion strategy, however, came with higher costs. Total expenditure increased 35.3 percent to ₹385 crore in FY25 from ₹284.5 crore in the previous year, driven by store additions, supply chain investments and rising operating overheads.

Blue Tokai competes in a crowded speciality coffee segment alongside players such as Third Wave Coffee Roasters, SLAY Coffee, Rage Coffee and Sleepy Owl. Since inception, the brand has raised over $97 million from investors including Verlinvest, A91 Partners, Anicut Capital and 12 Flags.

While losses persist, the narrowing gap between revenue growth and cash burn suggests a gradual move toward a more sustainable operating model as India’s café culture continues to evolve.

Federal Bank Brings Vidya Balan Onboard for New Look Gallery in a Move to Strengthen Customer Connect at Scale

A&M

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January 7, 2026

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Federal Bank has introduced a refreshed chapter in its brand journey with actor Vidya Balan stepping in as its brand ambassador for the unveiling of the bank’s new look gallery. The collaboration signals a clear intent to blend legacy banking values with a modern, customer first identity.

Vidya Balan’s association with Federal Bank comes at a time when the institution is sharpening its focus on trust, inclusivity and everyday relevance. Known for her grounded public persona and strong screen presence, Balan reflects qualities that the bank has consistently stood for across its decades long presence in Indian banking. Her role goes beyond celebrity appeal and aims to strengthen emotional connect with customers across age groups.

The new look gallery represents Federal Bank’s evolving visual and experiential language. From redesigned branch interiors to updated branding elements, the initiative is part of a larger effort to make banking feel more accessible and intuitive. The bank currently operates over 1,300 branches and serves millions of customers across India, making this refresh a significant milestone in its growth story.

Speaking through this partnership, Federal Bank underlines its belief that banking today is not just about transactions but about relationships built on confidence and clarity. Vidya Balan’s presence at the unveiling added warmth and familiarity to the occasion, reinforcing the message of reliability with a contemporary touch.

As competition intensifies in the financial services space, Federal Bank’s move highlights how traditional institutions are rethinking brand engagement. By pairing a refreshed visual identity with a trusted face, the bank aims to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market while holding on to the values that have defined it for generations.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Warns of AI Driven Refund Fraud Costing Food Delivery Platforms Crores Every Year

Business

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January 7, 2026

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Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has raised a serious red flag about a growing problem quietly eating into the margins of food delivery platforms: refund fraud powered by artificial intelligence. According to Goyal, customers are increasingly using AI tools to doctor images of food orders, making perfectly fine meals appear damaged, contaminated, or mishandled.

The most common tricks include digitally added insects, cracked containers, spilled gravies, and even smashed birthday cakes. These edited images are then submitted as proof to claim refunds or replacements. What makes the issue harder to tackle is how realistic these AI generated images have become, often passing basic visual checks with ease.

Industry insiders say refund abuse has always existed, but the scale has changed dramatically over the past year. With generative AI tools becoming cheap and accessible, even first time users can manipulate photos in minutes. For platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and others, this has translated into higher losses and increased pressure on restaurant partners who are often penalized for issues that never occurred.

Goyal pointed out that such misuse forces companies to rethink trust based systems. Refunds that were once processed quickly are now being subjected to tighter verification, longer resolution times, and advanced fraud detection models. While this protects businesses, it also risks frustrating genuine customers with real complaints.

E commerce players are now investing heavily in image forensics, metadata checks, and behavioral analysis to separate real issues from manufactured ones. Some platforms are also quietly tracking repeat refund patterns to flag suspicious accounts.

The episode highlights an uncomfortable reality. As AI tools become more powerful, they are not just improving productivity but also creating new avenues for everyday fraud. For consumer tech companies, the challenge is no longer just growth, but defending trust in an era where seeing is no longer believing.

Locked Out at 3 AM in Pune How Mihir Gahukar and Friends Turned to a Blinkit Delivery Agent for a Midnight Rescue

Business

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January 7, 2026

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A late night situation in Pune has taken the internet by surprise after a group of friends found themselves locked out on their own balcony at 3 am. With no way to enter the house and everyone inside asleep, the group turned to an unexpected source for help: a Blinkit delivery agent.

The incident was shared on Instagram by Mihir Gahukar, whose video quickly went viral. In the clip, one of the friends is seen calmly speaking to a Blinkit delivery partner on the phone, explaining that they were stranded outside while the parents of one of them slept inside the locked house. Ringing the bell and calling out had failed, and the night kept getting colder.

With limited options left, the group requested the delivery agent to come over and help wake the family. The Blinkit agent arrived, knocked on the door repeatedly, and managed to alert the parents, eventually helping the friends get back inside safely.

What made the video resonate was its mix of panic, calm thinking, and an oddly wholesome outcome. Viewers flooded the comments with jokes and personal stories. One user joked about how awkward it would be for parents to wake up and see a delivery agent inside their home. Another praised the agent for removing his shoes before entering, calling it a small but respectful gesture.

Blinkit also joined the conversation, commenting that such things could only happen in Pune, which added to the humour around the situation.

Beyond the laughs, the incident highlighted how delivery workers often go beyond their job descriptions in real life situations. What started as a stressful moment turned into a reminder of human kindness, presence of mind, and how modern city life can throw up the most unexpected solutions at the strangest hours.

DS Group Exits Läderach India Partnership After Strategic Review

Business

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January 7, 2026

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FMCG major Dharampal Satyapal Group has formally exited its exclusive India partnership with Swiss premium chocolate maker Läderach, bringing an end to a collaboration that began less than two years ago. The decision follows an internal strategic review and reflects a reassessment of the alignment between the two companies’ long-term priorities, the group said.

In a statement confirming the development, DS Group said the partnership no longer fits with its core values and broader vision. The company added that it remains committed to building associations that are consistent with its principles and strategic direction as it sharpens focus across its consumer-facing portfolio.

The partnership was announced in August 2023, marking Läderach’s official entry into the Indian market. As part of the agreement, DS Group had taken on the responsibility of importing, repackaging and distributing the Swiss brand’s products locally. The collaboration led to the launch of Läderach’s first exclusive retail store in India at DLF Emporio in New Delhi, positioning the brand in the country’s premium chocolate segment.

At the time, the move was seen as part of DS Group’s push to strengthen its presence in high-end food and confectionery categories, complementing its established businesses spanning tobacco alternatives, packaged foods, beverages, mouth fresheners and hospitality.

Läderach, founded in 1962, is a family-owned chocolate company headquartered in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Known for its vertically integrated model, the brand controls the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa sourcing to finished products, with manufacturing carried out exclusively in Switzerland. The company employs more than 1,700 people across over 50 nationalities and operates boutiques in several international markets.

While neither company disclosed commercial details related to the exit, the development highlights the evolving strategies of Indian conglomerates as they reassess international partnerships amid changing market dynamics and consumer expectations in the premium food space.

Shyam Steel Names Harmanpreet Kaur as Brand Ambassador to Strengthen Its Connect With Modern Indian Homebuilders

A&M

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January 7, 2026

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Shyam Steel has announced Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its new brand ambassador, marking a clear shift in how the company wants to speak to modern Indian households. The association reflects the growing role women play in decisions related to home building, safety and long term financial planning.

Known for her leadership on and off the field, Harmanpreet Kaur represents resilience, consistency and trust, qualities that align closely with Shyam Steel’s positioning in the construction and infrastructure space. The company has built its reputation around quality steel products that are designed to last, and the choice of ambassador strengthens that narrative.

The partnership is expected to play a key role in Shyam Steel’s upcoming communication strategy, especially as the brand looks to connect with families beyond traditional decision makers. With more women actively involved in selecting materials for homes and investments, the company aims to highlight safety, reliability and informed choice as core values.

Shyam Steel has also linked this collaboration to its broader initiatives that support homeowners and encourage responsible construction practices. By associating with a sportsperson who has broken barriers and led from the front, the brand hopes to inspire confidence among consumers who view home construction as one of life’s most important investments.

Speaking through this association, Shyam Steel reinforces the idea that strength is not only about materials but also about mindset. Harmanpreet Kaur’s journey, defined by discipline and determination, mirrors the brand’s own focus on steady growth and long term commitment. The partnership signals a thoughtful step forward in how legacy manufacturing brands are evolving their stories for a changing India.

Nestlé Recalls Infant Formula Across Europe Over Potential Food Safety Risk

Food Safety

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January 7, 2026

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Global food major Nestlé has initiated a voluntary recall of select batches of its infant and follow-on formula products across several European markets after identifying a potential food safety risk linked to bacterial contamination.

The recall covers specific batches of SMA, BEBA and NAN infant formula products sold in countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Finland. According to Nestlé and Britain’s Food Standards Agency, the affected products may contain cereulide, a toxin associated with certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus.

Cereulide is known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, often with rapid onset. Food safety authorities cautioned that the toxin is resistant to heat and cannot be neutralised through boiling water or cooking, making standard preparation methods ineffective in reducing the risk.

Nestlé stated that no confirmed cases of illness have been reported in connection with the recalled batches so far. The company said the decision to recall the products was taken as a precautionary measure, in line with its internal quality and safety standards.

Health authorities in Austria said the recall could affect more than 800 products originating from over 10 Nestlé manufacturing facilities, potentially making it one of the company’s largest recalls to date. Nestlé said it could not independently verify those figures but confirmed that the issue was traced back to a potential risk identified at one of its factories in the Netherlands.

Nestlé has published detailed batch numbers for the affected products and advised consumers not to use the listed items. Customers have been asked to contact Nestlé’s consumer carelines for guidance, refunds or replacements.

The company said it is working closely with regulators to manage the recall and minimise supply disruptions, while reinforcing monitoring and quality control processes across its manufacturing network.

The incident comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny around infant nutrition products, where safety standards are among the most stringent in the food industry.

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