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.

CCPA Fines Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta ₹44 Lakh for Illegal Sale of Unauthorised Walkie-Talkies

Business

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SnackTeam

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January 17, 2026

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India’s consumer watchdog has cracked down on the online sale of unauthorised walkie-talkies, levying penalties totalling ₹44 lakh on leading ecommerce platforms and sellers for violations of consumer protection and telecom norms.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed fines of ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook Marketplace. Additional penalties of ₹1 lakh each were slapped on JioMart, Talk Pro, Chimiya and MaskMan Toys. The authority said some entities have already deposited the fines, while payments from others are still awaited.

The action followed a suo motu probe that uncovered widespread non-compliance in the sale of walkie-talkies online. The investigation flagged over 16,900 listings across multiple platforms that failed to meet regulatory requirements. Several more cases involving platforms such as IndiaMART, TradeIndia and others are still under examination.

According to the CCPA, ecommerce platforms allowed the sale of Personal Mobile Radios operating on restricted frequencies, without mandatory Equipment Type Approval certification and without proper disclosure of licensing conditions. Many devices were marketed as “licence-free” or “fully legal”, even though they operated on ultra-high frequency bands reserved for police, emergency response and disaster management agencies.

Under Indian rules, only devices operating strictly within the 446.0–446.2 MHz band qualify for licence exemption, and even those require prior technical clearance before sale. The watchdog held that listing such products without clear disclosures amounts to misleading advertising and unfair trade practice.

The probe revealed significant volumes sold despite gaps in compliance. Flipkart recorded tens of thousands of unit sales with missing or unclear frequency information, while Amazon, Meesho and JioMart also showed multiple instances of inadequate disclosures. Facebook Marketplace removed hundreds of listings after intervention but was found to have allowed repeated relisting.

Rejecting claims that platforms act merely as intermediaries, the CCPA said responsibility extends to marketplaces that enable discovery and promotion of regulated goods.

Citing public safety and national security concerns, the authority has also rolled out new guidelines for ecommerce platforms, mandating stricter verification, automated monitoring and regular self-audits to prevent illegal listings going forward.

Blinkit Cuts Delivery Fees in Select Cities as Quick Commerce Competition Intensifies

Quick Commerce

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January 17, 2026

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India’s quick commerce battle is entering a sharper phase, with pricing emerging as the latest lever in a rapidly intensifying race. Blinkit, the country’s largest instant delivery platform, has quietly removed delivery charges in select micro-markets across cities such as Gurgaon, Bengaluru and Mumbai, according to industry sources familiar with the development.

The move is seen as a targeted response to heightened competition from newer and aggressively expanding rivals, particularly Amazon Now and Flipkart Minutes, both of which are scaling up dark store networks and offering low or zero delivery fees in key urban pockets. Sources indicate that Blinkit’s fee rollback is not a nationwide policy change but a calibrated step aimed at defending high-value customer cohorts in strategically important locations.

Over the past three to four months, rival platforms Zepto and Swiggy Instamart had already eased cost pressures on consumers. Zepto, following its $450 million fundraise in October, eliminated handling and surge fees and lowered the minimum cart value for free delivery to ₹99. Instamart soon mirrored similar incentives. Blinkit had, until recently, held its pricing line.

Quick commerce has become a critical sales channel for packaged food and daily essentials brands, many of which credit the segment for incremental volume growth over the past two years. Industry executives note that fee waivers tend to accelerate consumer adoption, particularly when a new player enters a market. Amazon Now’s zero-delivery-fee strategy has been a notable catalyst in cities where it has launched operations.

Amazon has been expanding aggressively, adding roughly two dark stores a day in December and crossing 300 micro-fulfilment centres by the end of the year. Company leadership has said that Prime members in launch zones typically migrate to Amazon’s quick commerce service within three months of a dark store opening.

According to BofA Research, Blinkit continues to lead the segment with over half the market share. The remaining share is split among Zepto, Instamart, Tata Digital backed BigBasket, Flipkart Minutes and Amazon Now. Flipkart, owned by Walmart, is also accelerating its presence and is expected to scale its dark store network to around 800 locations.

As platforms race to lock in users through pricing and proximity, the next phase of quick commerce growth is likely to be shaped as much by operational discipline as by how long companies can afford to keep deliveries free.

KitKat Partners with Formula 1, Unveils F1 Car-Shaped Chocolate Ahead of 2026 Season

Business

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January 17, 2026

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KitKat has signed a global partnership with Formula 1, becoming the sport’s official chocolate bar from the 2026 season, as the Nestlé-owned brand looks to tap into motorsport’s rapidly expanding international audience. The collaboration will be marked by the launch of a limited-edition Formula 1 car shaped chocolate, scheduled to debut in January 2026, ahead of the new racing calendar.

The partnership places KitKat within Formula 1’s worldwide ecosystem at a time when the sport is seeing strong growth across younger demographics and new markets. Formula 1’s global fanbase has crossed 750 million, with digital engagement and entertainment-led formats driving renewed interest beyond traditional race followers. KitKat’s entry into the sport reflects a broader strategy to align with high-energy, culturally relevant platforms while reinforcing its long-standing “take a break” positioning.

At the centre of the launch is a newly designed chocolate product moulded in the shape of a Formula 1 car. The confection features a milk chocolate exterior, a smooth cream filling, and crisp cereal inclusions, offering a texture-led experience that mirrors KitKat’s core product identity. The chocolate has been developed at Nestlé’s confectionery research and development centre in York, United Kingdom, which supports innovation across the company’s global chocolate portfolio.

The Formula 1 chocolate car will initially be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in mid-January 2026. It will be available in a 29-gram single bar and a multipack format comprising five smaller units, allowing both impulse and sharing occasions. Wider market rollouts are expected to follow as the season progresses.

Beyond product innovation, the partnership includes a comprehensive marketing and fan engagement plan. KitKat will activate across retail, digital platforms, and select Formula 1 events, with promotions, exclusive merchandise, and interactive campaigns designed to deepen consumer participation. The brand also plans targeted visibility around Formula 1 content consumed by younger audiences, including entertainment-led programming.

For Nestlé, the collaboration strengthens KitKat’s global relevance by blending sport, entertainment, and everyday indulgence. As Formula 1 continues to broaden its cultural footprint, the partnership positions KitKat to connect with fans during moments of excitement while reinforcing its presence in a competitive global confectionery market.

India Set to Become Coca-Cola’s Third Largest Market as Sales, Profits and Investments Accelerate

Business

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January 17, 2026

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India is steadily moving toward becoming one of Coca-Cola’s most critical global markets, with the country expected to rank among the company’s top three by volume in the coming years, according to John Murphy, President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company.

During a recent visit to India, Murphy said the market’s growth trajectory remains strong, supported by favourable demographics, rising consumption, and policy-driven economic momentum. India currently sits within Coca-Cola’s top five markets globally, driven by brands such as Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza, Dasani, and Honest Tea.

Financial performance reflects this momentum. Coca-Cola India reported a 46 percent jump in consolidated net profit to ₹615 crore in FY25, while revenue from operations rose 7 percent to ₹5,042.6 crore, as per filings accessed via Tofler. The company has benefited from improving affordability, expanded distribution, and increased demand across urban and semi-urban markets.

Murphy pointed to government-led investments in infrastructure, electrification, and digital payments as key enablers of consumption growth. He noted that digitisation in particular is reshaping retail and supply chains, creating opportunities for faster reach and improved execution.

Coca-Cola continues to deepen its long-term commitment through its bottling ecosystem, which includes its in-house arm Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages and franchise partners such as Moon Beverages. These partners are expanding capacity across bottling, retail execution, and digital capabilities. Industry executives said investments are being made ahead of demand to support future scale.

The company is also open to selective acquisitions in India as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its presence across beverage categories. Globally, Coca-Cola’s past acquisitions include Maaza, Thums Up, Limca, Costa Coffee, Fairlife, BodyArmor, and Vitaminwater.

With more than six million retail outlets and three billion-dollar brands in India, Coca-Cola is also increasing focus on low- and no-sugar options to match evolving consumer preferences. Despite intensifying competition from regional and new-age brands, Murphy said the Indian beverage market remains underpenetrated, offering significant headroom for growth.

As Coca-Cola sharpens its focus on Asia through recent organisational changes, India is emerging as a central pillar in the company’s global growth strategy.

OneVeda Enters India’s Wellness Market with Science-Validated Modern Ayurvedic Products

Business

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January 16, 2026

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India’s wellness market has a new entrant with the launch of OneVeda, a modern Ayurvedic brand that aims to blend classical Indian healing systems with contemporary scientific validation. Founded by entrepreneur Sahil Sonigara, the brand enters a crowded wellness landscape with a clear positioning around credibility, traceability and research-led formulations.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, OneVeda says its core objective is to address growing consumer scepticism around Ayurvedic products by reintroducing rigour into how traditional remedies are developed and presented. The company works closely with experienced Ayurvedic physicians and research professionals to formulate products that remain rooted in classical texts while being assessed through modern quality and safety benchmarks.

All raw materials used by OneVeda are sourced from certified farms and suppliers, with a focus on ethical procurement and consistency. According to the company, every ingredient is tested for potency, purity and contamination before it enters the production cycle, a step it believes is essential for building long-term trust in the category.

The brand has launched with a focused portfolio spanning wellness supplements, therapeutic oils and skin and body care products. These offerings target common health priorities such as immunity support, energy, stress management and daily rejuvenation. The formulations are designed for regular use, positioning Ayurveda as a practical part of everyday life rather than an occasional intervention.

Sonigara said the idea for OneVeda emerged from observing a disconnect between the promise of many wellness products and the outcomes consumers actually experience. The brand’s approach, he said, is centred on restoring authenticity by combining time-tested formulations with scientific validation and transparent communication.

Looking ahead, OneVeda plans to expand its range with clinically supported Ayurvedic nutraceuticals. The company is also developing a digital wellness platform that will offer personalised guidance based on Ayurvedic principles, signalling a move toward more customised health solutions.

As India’s wellness industry continues to grow, driven by rising health awareness and demand for natural solutions, OneVeda is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional knowledge and evidence-led modern consumption.

KASS Enters Indian Market as Science-Backed Bio-Intelligent Skincare Brand Focused on Long-Term Skin Health

Skincare

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January 16, 2026

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Bengaluru: Luxury skincare label KASS has entered the Indian market with a clear focus on science-led, long-term skin health, positioning itself as the country’s first bio-intelligent skincare brand built specifically for Indian skin types and conditions.

Founded by Deepti Kulkarni, a trained skincare formulator and certified esthetician, KASS has been developed around a research-driven philosophy that looks beyond quick fixes and hero ingredients. Instead of targeting surface-level concerns, the brand’s formulations are designed to address the biological processes that influence skin behaviour over time. Each product uses layered combinations of bio-mimetic actives that work across multiple skin pathways, supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair, regenerate and maintain balance.

Product development for KASS has been carried out in collaboration with international bio-laboratories, with a strong emphasis on ingredient stability, absorption and compatibility. Several of the actives used are clinically validated and, in select cases, patented, underscoring the brand’s focus on measurable outcomes rather than cosmetic claims. The formulations blend advanced skin science with nature-derived components, aiming to suit India’s diverse climate conditions and increasingly urban lifestyles.

Kulkarni said the brand was shaped by a gap she observed in the domestic skincare landscape. Despite India’s long tradition of ingredient knowledge and ritual-based care, she noted that few homegrown brands were investing deeply in intelligent, globally benchmarked formulation science. KASS, she said, was created to bring a more thoughtful and root-cause-driven approach to skincare, one that prioritises skin health over short-term results.

The launch comes as India’s skincare market continues to expand rapidly. Industry estimates suggest the segment is growing at a compounded annual rate of 13 to 15 percent, driven by higher awareness, increased spending on personal care and growing trust in science-backed products. With consumers becoming more ingredient-conscious and outcome-focused, brands that combine credibility with performance are gaining traction.

KASS plans to build its presence gradually, positioning itself in the premium skincare space while focusing on education, transparency and long-term efficacy. By treating skin as a living, responsive organ rather than a cosmetic surface, the brand aims to carve out a distinct place in India’s evolving beauty market.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Ten X You Debuts on Myntra, Expands Play-First Sportswear Reach in India

Business

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January 16, 2026

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Sachin Tendulkar’s sports and athleisure venture, Ten X You, has made its formal entry into India’s mainstream online retail ecosystem with a launch on Myntra, marking a significant step in the brand’s national expansion. The move brings the former cricketer’s vision of encouraging everyday physical activity closer to a wider base of Indian consumers through one of the country’s largest fashion-led e-commerce platforms.

Positioned as a brand for recreational players and fitness-first beginners, Ten X You is built around accessibility rather than elite performance alone. The label targets consumers who want sports and movement to blend naturally into daily routines, whether through structured play, casual workouts or comfort-focused everyday wear.

The debut range on Myntra is sizeable, featuring more than 90 products across footwear and apparel. Footwear forms a core part of the offering, with options spanning cricket-specific shoes, multi-sport designs suited for indoor and outdoor courts, walking and running recovery footwear, and casual silhouettes intended for daily use. A key focus during development was adapting designs to Indian foot anatomy, which is generally wider than global averages, to improve fit, stability and long-term comfort.

On the apparel side, the collection includes performance t-shirts, vests and shorts made using premium nylon-based fabrics. These are engineered for breathability, sweat management and ease of movement, while also being styled for wear beyond sporting environments. The aim is to bridge the gap between functional sportswear and relaxed lifestyle clothing.

Ten X You’s design philosophy draws on Tendulkar’s decades-long exposure to professional sport, combined with insights from athletes across disciplines and everyday users. According to the company, the emphasis is on durability, comfort and versatility rather than trend-driven fashion.

The launch also aligns with broader shifts in consumer behaviour. Activewear and athleisure continue to be among the fastest-growing lifestyle categories in India, driven by rising fitness awareness, hybrid work culture and a preference for comfort-led dressing. Myntra has reported strong repeat buying in its sportswear segment, highlighting sustained demand.

With its marketplace debut, Ten X You is now positioned to scale reach across metros and smaller cities alike, tapping into India’s growing appetite for accessible, play-focused sportswear.

Subway Hits 1,000 Stores in India, Underscoring Rapid Expansion in the QSR Market

Business

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January 16, 2026

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Global sandwich chain Subway has crossed a significant expansion milestone in India with the opening of its 1,000th restaurant, underscoring the country’s growing role in the brand’s international growth strategy. The latest outlet, located at Paras Florett in Gurugram, reflects the brand’s steady and sustained scale-up in one of the world’s most competitive foodservice markets.

Subway’s India operations are managed by EverBrands, part of the Everstone Group. Since entering a new growth phase following the partnership in 2021, the brand has expanded rapidly from a base of about 700 stores. Over the past three years alone, Subway has added close to two outlets every week, taking its footprint to more than 165 cities and generating employment for over 3,500 people across its network.

Unlike many quick service brands that rely heavily on malls or destination formats, Subway’s expansion strategy in India has focused on accessibility. A large share of new outlets are located in neighbourhood high streets, mixed-use developments, office clusters, and residential catchments, positioning the brand as a frequent, everyday dining option rather than an occasional indulgence. This approach has helped drive repeat consumption across meals such as workday lunches and convenient dinners.

The brand has also built a selective presence in airports, transit hubs, educational institutions, and corporate campuses, where consistent footfall and defined demand patterns support operational efficiency. Menu localisation and pricing flexibility have further aided growth, allowing Subway to cater to diverse regional tastes while maintaining its global positioning around freshness and customisation.

India has become increasingly important for Subway as some mature markets have seen store rationalisation. Strong franchise interest, rising urbanisation, and a young consumer base continue to support expansion. Looking ahead, Subway plans to nearly double its India footprint over the next five to six years, with a continued focus on emerging cities and neighbourhood-led formats.

The 1,000-store milestone signals not an endpoint, but a transition into the brand’s next phase of growth in India’s fast-evolving foodservice landscape.

IHCL Acquires 51% Stake in Brij Hotels for ₹193 Crore to Strengthen Boutique Hospitality Portfolio

Growth

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January 16, 2026

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Indian Hotels Company Limited has taken a decisive step to strengthen its presence in boutique and experiential hospitality by acquiring a 51 percent stake in Brij Hospitality for ₹193 crore. The transaction brings the Brij Hotels brand under IHCL’s control while retaining the founding promoters as long-term partners to drive expansion.

The move reflects IHCL’s broader strategy to tap into the fast-growing demand for experience-led leisure travel, particularly among domestic travellers seeking culturally immersive stays beyond conventional luxury hotels. Boutique properties focused on heritage, nature, spirituality and regional narratives have seen strong traction since travel recovered post-pandemic.

Brij Hospitality operates a portfolio of 22 hotels across destinations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hill regions, the North East and Goa. The brand has built a niche around personalised service and locally rooted experiences. Eleven additional properties are already under development, indicating a steady pipeline even before the IHCL investment.

With the acquisition, IHCL’s overall hotel portfolio has expanded to 610 properties, including 253 hotels under development. The company continues to follow an asset-light growth model, while selectively investing in brands that add depth to its offering across price points and travel occasions. The Brij deal fits into this approach by strengthening IHCL’s footprint in premium boutique stays without overlapping its existing Taj, SeleQtions or Vivanta brands.

Brij’s founders have also outlined plans to take the brand beyond India. An experiential property in Pokhara, Nepal is in the works, and the company is evaluating opportunities in Sri Lanka, signalling a measured international expansion focused on destination-led storytelling rather than scale alone.

For IHCL, the investment provides access to a differentiated hospitality platform aligned with evolving traveller preferences. For Brij, the partnership offers capital, operational backing and access to IHCL’s distribution and loyalty ecosystem. Together, the deal positions both companies to benefit from the continued rise of experiential tourism in India and select overseas markets.

Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay to Step Down After Two Years, Transition Planned Through Q1

Business

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January 16, 2026

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Walmart has announced a leadership change at the top of its international business, with Kathryn McLay set to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Walmart International at the end of January 2026. The company said McLay will formally exit the role on January 31 and will stay on through the first quarter to support continuity and handover arrangements.

McLay’s departure comes at a time of broader leadership transition at the Bentonville headquartered retailer. Just two months ago, Walmart disclosed that long serving CEO Doug McMillon would step aside after a 12 year tenure, with US business head John Furner named as his successor. Walmart has not yet disclosed who will take over the international division, stating that an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

An Australian national, McLay joined Walmart in 2015 and steadily rose through the ranks. She was appointed CEO of Walmart International in August 2023, taking charge of a business that generates more than $100 billion in annual revenue and spans 18 countries. Before that, she led Sam’s Club during the pandemic years, overseeing a period of strong execution that resulted in 12 consecutive quarters of double digit sales growth for the warehouse club chain.

People familiar with the matter said McLay’s exit is not linked to any internal disagreement. Walmart has also not indicated whether the leadership change signals a shift in its international strategy. The company’s overseas operations include key growth markets such as China and India, which have played an increasingly important role in its global expansion.

In its most recent quarterly results, Walmart International reported net sales of $33.5 billion, marking a year on year increase of 10.8 percent, underlining the scale and momentum of the division McLay led.

Commenting on her time at the company, McLay said Walmart had given her the opportunity to create meaningful impact and expressed gratitude for her journey with the organisation. As Walmart prepares to name her successor, attention will remain on how the retailer steers its international portfolio amid leadership changes at the top.

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