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.

Akul Narula exits District by Zomato after shaping its live events and ticketing push for years

Business

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SnackTeam

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January 10, 2026

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Akul Narula has stepped down from his role as Vice President Events at District by Zomato, bringing an end to a multi year association with the live events and experiences platform. His exit marks a significant leadership change for District, which has been steadily building its presence in India’s rapidly growing events and ticketing space.

During his time at District by Zomato, Narula played a central role in shaping the platform’s live events strategy. He was closely involved in expanding event formats beyond metros and scaling operations across multiple markets. Under his leadership, District strengthened its relationships with promoters, artists and venue partners, helping the platform gain credibility in an otherwise fragmented events ecosystem.

Narula was also instrumental in driving execution on ground, ensuring that live events maintained consistency in quality while reaching newer audiences. His focus on partnerships and operational depth helped District position itself as more than just a ticketing tool, but as a full stack events platform aligned with Zomato’s broader consumer ecosystem.

Before joining District by Zomato, Narula spent over three years at Insider.in as Head of New Business, where he worked on building revenue streams and partnerships in the events and experiences category. His earlier stints include roles at DLF Limited in central marketing for its shopping malls, as well as experience with White Fox India and Comic Con India, giving him deep exposure to both corporate and cultural event formats.

While Zomato has not yet announced a successor or outlined next steps for the events vertical, Narula’s departure comes at a time when competition in the live events and ticketing space is intensifying. His next move will be closely watched by industry observers.

Apparel Group Launches India’s First Levi’s Kids Store in Hyderabad

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 10, 2026

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Apparel Group has entered India’s premium kidswear space with the launch of the country’s first exclusive Levi’s Kids store, opening its doors at Lakeshore Mall in Hyderabad. The move marks the debut of the global denim brand’s children’s line in the Indian market and strengthens Apparel Group’s long-standing partnership with Levi Strauss & Co.

The new store introduces a dedicated retail format for Levi’s Kids, targeting families seeking branded, durable and stylish apparel for children. The range is designed for kids between the ages of 4 and 16 and features denim-led offerings alongside everyday casualwear. According to the company, the collection blends Levi’s classic American design language with fabrics and fits suited for active, growing children.

Hyderabad has been chosen as the launch market due to its growing base of affluent urban consumers and strong mall-led retail traffic. The outlet has been positioned as a family-friendly destination, with a modern layout that reflects Levi’s heritage while catering to the expectations of Indian parents shopping for premium kidswear.

Apparel Group said the Hyderabad store will serve as a reference model for a broader expansion strategy. The company plans to roll out Levi’s Kids stores across major metro cities and select high-growth urban centres in a phased manner over the coming months. The expansion will be supported by Apparel Group’s retail operations, local market expertise and omni-channel capabilities.

Commenting on the launch, Abhishek Bajpai, Chief Executive Officer of Apparel Group India, said the introduction of Levi’s Kids aligns with the company’s focus on bringing established global brands to fast-growing consumer categories in India. He noted that premium kidswear represents a significant growth opportunity, driven by rising disposable incomes and increasing demand for trusted international labels.

With the addition of Levi’s Kids, Apparel Group continues to deepen its presence in India’s fashion and lifestyle retail market. The company has been steadily expanding its portfolio by scaling international brands through physical stores and digital channels, positioning itself to benefit from the country’s evolving consumer preferences and organised retail growth.

Honey Mama’s Raises $4 Million in Funding Led by Bochi Investments

funding

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January 10, 2026

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Honey Mama’s, a US-based maker of refrigerated chocolate treats, has raised $4 million in a fresh funding round led by Bochi Investments, as the brand prepares to accelerate its national expansion and scale up operations.

The company plans to deploy the capital toward increasing production capacity, widening its retail presence and developing new products, according to chief executive officer Jared Schwartz. The funding comes at a time when demand for clean-label, better-for-you indulgence products continues to grow across the natural and mainstream grocery channels.

Founded in 2013 by Christy Goldsby, Honey Mama’s began as a small operation at the Portland State Farmers Market. The brand built early traction with its honey-sweetened, cacao-based products that require refrigeration and avoid refined sugar and artificial ingredients. Over the past decade, it has developed a loyal following in the natural foods segment, particularly across the US West Coast.

The new capital will support Honey Mama’s push into larger national retailers. The company is rolling out its products across Albertsons stores nationwide and is also expanding distribution with Costco, marking a significant step up from its earlier regional footprint. Scaling manufacturing has become a priority as volumes increase and supply chain complexity grows with wider distribution.

Schwartz said the funding will allow the company to invest in infrastructure while maintaining the quality standards that have defined the brand since its early days. Product development is also a key focus, with Honey Mama’s planning to introduce new flavours and formats aimed at attracting a broader consumer base without straying from its core positioning.

Bochi Investments’ involvement adds another high-profile consumer investor to the company’s cap table. The firm has backed a number of fast-growing food and beverage brands, including Mid-Day Squares, Ancient Crunch, GNGR Labs, Ketone-IQ and Purely Elizabeth. Its investment underscores continued investor interest in brands that sit at the intersection of indulgence and health, even as funding conditions remain selective across the consumer sector.

Unilever Sells SariWangi to Djarum Group for IDR 1.5 Trillion, Exits Indonesia Tea Market

Business

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January 9, 2026

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Unilever Indonesia has agreed to sell its entire tea business, including the widely recognised SariWangi brand, to Djarum Group in a transaction valued at IDR 1.5 trillion, marking the company’s exit from Indonesia’s packaged tea market.

The deal will see PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa, a subsidiary of Djarum Group, acquire the SariWangi brand and related operations from PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk. The agreement was signed in early January and is expected to be completed by March 2, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The transaction values the business at roughly USD 89 million.

SariWangi has been a household name in Indonesia for decades and played a key role in introducing tea bags to a market long dominated by loose-leaf tea. Founded in 1973, the brand was acquired by Unilever in 1989 and subsequently scaled into one of the country’s most familiar tea labels with nationwide distribution.

Unilever’s decision to divest the business reflects a broader strategic shift. The tea segment accounted for less than 3 percent of Unilever Indonesia’s total revenue and net profit, according to company disclosures. With growth in packaged tea slowing, the category no longer aligned with the company’s focus on higher-margin and faster-growing segments such as beauty, personal care, home care, health and wellbeing.

This is the second major portfolio move by Unilever Indonesia in recent months. In late 2025, the company exited the ice cream category following the sale of its Wall’s business, signalling a deliberate move away from food and refreshment categories in the country.

For Djarum Group, the acquisition strengthens its presence in consumer staples. By taking over SariWangi, the group gains immediate scale in the tea bag segment, a brand with more than five decades of consumer recognition, and an established distribution network across Indonesia.

Industry observers view the valuation as in line with a mature category. The deal underscores a wider trend in Southeast Asia, where multinational FMCG companies are narrowing their portfolios, while local conglomerates step in to take ownership of legacy brands with stable cash flows.

L Catterton to Acquire Cottage Cheese Brand Good Culture in $500 Million-Plus Deal

funding

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January 9, 2026

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Private equity firm L Catterton has agreed to acquire a majority stake in US-based dairy brand Good Culture in a deal valued at more than $500 million, marking one of the largest transactions in the fast-growing cultured dairy segment.

The acquisition comes as cottage cheese, once a niche product, has staged a strong comeback in the US food market. Good Culture’s sales have grown nearly fourfold over the past three years, outpacing broader dairy growth. Over the same period, the cottage cheese category expanded by almost 60 percent, supported by rising consumer interest in high-protein, minimally processed foods.

Founded in Austin, Texas, Good Culture has built its reputation around clean-label dairy products and a modern brand identity that appeals to health-conscious consumers. While best known for cottage cheese, the company has also expanded into adjacent categories such as sour cream and cream cheese. The brand is widely distributed across major grocery chains in the US and has gained traction through consistent product innovation and marketing.

As part of the transaction, existing investor Manna Tree will reinvest in the business, signalling continued confidence in the brand’s growth trajectory. L Catterton will provide capital and strategic support to accelerate Good Culture’s next phase of expansion. This will include increasing manufacturing capacity, strengthening national distribution and developing new products to deepen its presence in the cultured dairy aisle.

Andrew Taub, managing partner of L Catterton’s Flagship Fund, said Good Culture has helped reinvent cottage cheese, turning it into a mainstream and versatile food choice after years of limited consumer interest. He added that the firm sees significant headroom for growth as eating habits continue to shift toward protein-rich and functional foods.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Backed by luxury group LVMH, L Catterton manages about $37 billion in assets and invests globally in consumer-focused businesses. Its portfolio includes brands across food, wellness and fitness, reflecting its strategy of backing companies aligned with changing consumer preferences.

Myntra Introduces Zero-Commission Model to Boost Emerging D2C Fashion Brands

Quick Commerce

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January 9, 2026

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Myntra has unveiled a zero-commission selling model aimed at accelerating the growth of emerging Indian fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, as competition intensifies among ecommerce platforms to onboard promising direct-to-consumer labels early in their journey.

The new structure has been introduced under Myntra’s Rising Stars programme and allows eligible homegrown D2C brands to list and sell on the marketplace without paying any commission during their initial phase of growth. The initiative is designed to help young brands move beyond limited reach on their own websites and social media platforms and access a nationwide customer base from the outset.

Brands joining the programme will gain exposure to Myntra’s more than 75 million monthly active users, along with the platform’s discovery tools, data-led merchandising support and delivery network that services 98 percent of India’s pin codes. By removing commission costs at the entry stage, Myntra said brands can deploy more capital toward marketing, product development and customer acquisition, areas that often strain early-stage businesses.

For many D2C labels, scaling beyond Instagram-led marketing and influencer partnerships remains a challenge due to high acquisition costs and fragmented logistics. Myntra’s model seeks to address this gap by offering built-in demand drivers such as platform-led visibility, targeted promotions, bank offers and access to its fulfilment infrastructure, enabling brands to focus on building consumer loyalty and consistent demand.

The Rising Stars programme currently hosts over 2,000 brands across fashion, beauty and lifestyle categories and has emerged as a key pipeline for new labels on the platform. Myntra said the zero-commission approach follows a pilot conducted during the 2025 festive season in the women’s ethnic wear segment. More than 200 new brands were onboarded during the trial, several of which achieved scale and wider customer reach within four months.

Myntra executives said the initiative reflects a broader push to support Made-in-India brands with technology, insights and visibility that can help them build sustainable businesses. As the D2C ecosystem matures, marketplace-led support models such as this are expected to play a larger role in shaping the next generation of Indian consumer brands.

D2C Home Appliances Startup Nuuk Sees Revenue Surge to INR 16 Cr in FY25

Growth

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January 9, 2026

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Nuuk, a direct-to-consumer home appliances startup, reported a sharp jump in operating revenue in its first full year of operations, underscoring rising consumer interest in digitally native appliance brands focused on design-led offerings.

According to filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Gurugram-based company recorded operating revenue of INR 16 crore in FY25, a significant increase from INR 31.8 lakh in FY24. The previous fiscal largely reflected partial operations, as FY25 marked the first complete year of business for the startup.

Founded in 2023 by Gazal Kalra and Shalabh Gupta, Nuuk operates in the increasingly competitive home and kitchen appliances segment, where D2C brands are targeting urban consumers with products positioned around aesthetics, functionality and price accessibility. The company’s rapid topline growth in FY25 highlights early traction in this crowded category, particularly through online channels.

However, the revenue surge was accompanied by higher costs. Nuuk’s net loss widened to INR 39 lakh during FY25, compared with a loss of INR 7 lakh in the previous year. The rise in losses was primarily driven by increased operating expenses as the company scaled manufacturing, marketing and distribution to support a wider product range and growing order volumes.

Nuuk’s portfolio spans both home and kitchen appliances. It sells products such as room heaters, fans and steam irons, along with kitchen appliances including air fryers and juicers. Vacuum cleaners form its largest category, with 14 variants currently on offer. The company says its vacuum range has been designed keeping Indian household requirements and climatic conditions in mind, a positioning that has gained relevance as demand for convenient cleaning solutions grows in urban markets.

The Indian appliances market has seen a steady influx of D2C brands over the past few years, as consumers increasingly shift to online discovery and purchase. While profitability remains a challenge for many early-stage players, Nuuk’s FY25 performance reflects how scale and brand visibility can build quickly in the digital-first ecosystem, even as companies continue to invest heavily in growth.

Vichy Appoints Emily DiDonato as Global Brand Ambassador to Lead Its Shift Toward Integrative Skin and Hair Health

A&M

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January 9, 2026

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Vichy has named model and wellness advocate Emily DiDonato as its global brand ambassador, marking a clear shift in how the French dermocosmetics brand wants to be seen going forward. In her new role, DiDonato will feature across Vichy’s upcoming skin and hair care campaigns and act as the brand’s voice on social media, helping shape conversations around long term skin health rather than quick fixes.

The appointment comes as Vichy sharpens its focus on integrative health, an approach that links dermatology, lifestyle and overall wellbeing. According to Vincent Chauvière, global brand president of Vichy Laboratoires, DiDonato stood out for how naturally she reflects these values. He said she brings together credibility, warmth and influence, while also being widely trusted in the beauty and wellness space to guide people toward healthier skin and hair from the inside out.

DiDonato began her modelling career at 17 and quickly rose to international prominence, fronting campaigns for major fashion and beauty houses and appearing in publications such as Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Over time, she has built a parallel identity beyond fashion. Through social media and personal projects, she has focused on wellness, mental balance and nutrition, earning certifications as both a nutrition coach and a yoga instructor.

For DiDonato, the partnership feels personal. She said she has long admired how Vichy connects science backed skincare with health driven routines. She described the brand as an iconic French dermo name that encourages people to become the healthiest version of themselves, not just visually but holistically.

With this appointment, Vichy is signaling a broader evolution. By aligning with a figure who bridges beauty, science and wellness, the brand is positioning itself for a future where skincare is part of a larger conversation about how people live, eat, move and care for themselves every day.

AI Skincare Brand NXTFACE Taps Cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues to Win Over Gen Z Consumers

Skincare

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January 9, 2026

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AI driven skincare brand NXTFACE has announced Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as its national brand ambassador, marking a strategic push to deepen its connection with younger consumers. The association comes ahead of the upcoming Women’s Premier League season, a period when interest in women’s cricket and athlete led endorsements tends to peak.

NXTFACE positions itself at the intersection of technology and personal care, using artificial intelligence to recommend skincare routines tailored to individual needs. By bringing Rodrigues on board, the brand is leaning into authenticity rather than aspiration alone. Known for her candid personality and outspoken views on confidence and self belief, Rodrigues has built a following that extends beyond cricket fans, especially among Gen Z audiences.

According to the company, the partnership will be rolled out through an integrated marketing campaign spanning digital platforms, social media and on ground activations. The messaging will centre on self acceptance and personal transformation, themes that align closely with both the athlete’s public image and the brand’s philosophy. Rather than promising instant perfection, the campaign aims to encourage users to understand and care for their skin on their own terms.

For NXTFACE, the timing is deliberate. The Women’s Premier League has emerged as a powerful cultural moment, offering brands a chance to associate with ambition, discipline and modern Indian womanhood. Associating with a young, high performing sportsperson allows the brand to stay culturally relevant while standing apart in a crowded skincare market.

Rodrigues, who has often spoken about navigating pressure and expectations in professional sport, said the collaboration felt natural because it focused on confidence rather than correction. Her involvement is expected to bring relatability and credibility to the brand’s conversations around skin health.

As competition intensifies in the beauty and personal care space, endorsements alone are no longer enough. With this partnership, NXTFACE is betting that technology backed personalisation and a familiar, grounded face can help it cut through the noise and build lasting trust with India’s next generation of consumers.

Fabpad Raises Seed Funding Led by Inflection Point Ventures to Scale Menstrual Hygiene Access Across India

funding

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January 9, 2026

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Fabpad, an Indian menstrual hygiene brand, has raised fresh seed funding to strengthen its distribution network and expand its presence across multiple sales channels. The round was led by Gurugram based Inflection Point Ventures, though the company did not disclose the amount raised. The funding marks an important step for the brand as it looks to scale access to menstrual care products across urban and non urban markets.

Founded by Shripriya Dhelia, with Dipesh Dhelia serving as chief executive officer, Fabpad operates across both reusable and disposable menstrual hygiene categories. The company follows an asset light model and caters to consumer, institutional and private label segments. Over the years, it has supplied products at scale to NGOs, institutions and large buyers while steadily building a pan India footprint.

According to the company, the newly raised capital will be used to expand distribution across direct to consumer platforms, online marketplaces, quick commerce channels and offline retail. A portion of the funds will also go towards brand building, customer acquisition and strengthening senior leadership across growth and operations. Working capital support is another focus area as the company looks to maintain a stable and transparent order pipeline across its different business lines.

Fabpad’s approach reflects a broader shift in India’s menstrual hygiene space, where brands are increasingly balancing affordability, scale and operational efficiency. While awareness around menstrual health has improved in recent years, access and consistency remain uneven, especially outside major cities. Brands operating with institutional partnerships and retail reach are playing a key role in closing that gap.

Inflection Point Ventures, which has backed several early stage consumer and health focused startups, said it sees long term potential in companies addressing essential needs with scalable models. For Fabpad, the funding provides momentum to deepen its market presence while continuing to serve both impact driven and commercial segments.

As competition intensifies in the menstrual care market, Fabpad’s next phase will likely be defined by how effectively it converts expanded reach into sustained trust and repeat adoption across India.

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