Thursday, February 5, 2026
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Start following Kiara Advani’s simple yet powerful morning ritual for glowing skin

Have you ever stopped to marvel at Kiara Advani’s radiant and flawless skin? In the exquisite glamour that is Bollywood, Kiara Advani stands out not just for her acting genius but also for her luminous and healthy skin. Amidst the overwhelming myriad of options surfaced by the beauty industry, this simple yet transformative ritual is not only a fad, but the cornerstone of her radiance.

 

The secret might be simpler than you think. It’s not a gruelling workout or a 10-step skincare routine; it’s a simple cup of warm water, with a slice of lemon in it. Kiara’s morning habit of indulging in warm water infused with the zest of fresh lemons has become a conscious choice rooted in her approach to holistic well-being. The actress recommends this refreshing elixir not only for its skin-enhancing benefits but also for the multiple benefits it has in improving your overall health and vitality.  

 

Hansa Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute in one of her videos on the health benefits of lemons mentioned, “Drinking one glass of lemon water every day in the morning will benefit you for a lifetime”.  Her claim can further be supported by a research published in the Journal of Science and Technology which reveals that “It is a healthy appetiser and helps to treat diseases with digestive aids. Lemon does not disclose any adverse effects, according to literature, but it is used all over the world as a traditional medicine”. Vitamin C, which is abundantly present in lemons, fights toxins and increases collagen production in the body, both of which help in treating acne as well as tightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. While lemons are famously known for their Vitamin C component, not many people are aware of their Potassium-rich skin, which is an important mineral for nervous stimulation as well as maintaining blood pressure. Here are a few more benefits of adding lemon water to your everyday diet:- 

  • Immediately soothes muscle cramps
  • Peptin in lemons makes us feel fuller, thereby, helping in weight loss
  • Boosts immunity by stimulating the production of White Blood Cells in the body
  • Removal of kidney stones 
  • The lemon peel when infused in water for 30 minutes, activates its bioactive compounds which boost immunity and prevent our bodies from cellular damage
  • It also helps in the release of digestive enzymes which help in better absorption of nutrients

 

This simple kitchen hack has proudly made its way into the celebrity wellness circuit. Not only Kiara Advani but also Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Malaika Arora have this one drink in common at the break of dawn.

Here are 3 ways, you can incorporate the lemon water glow into your morning routine:- 

  1. Warm ginger lemon tea- Boil a glass of water with crushed ginger. When its done, squeeze a lemon into your glass and have it warm. To enjoy it in place of your morning tea, you may add a teaspoon of honey to it.

2. Ginger lemon shot – Take an inch of ginger root, and one squeezed lemon. Add enough water to blend it (3-4 tablespoons) in a blender, and have it as a morning shot.

3. Lemon-infused detox water- Cut up slices of one lemon and add it to your water bottle. Have 1-2 glasses of lemon water in the morning, and keep having the rest throughout the day. 

While lemon water offers a myriad of health benefits, it’s crucial to exercise moderation. One lemon a day is a healthy limit, and people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should be cautious about excessive lemon juice intake. As with any dietary rituals, balance is key to ensuring you enjoy the advantages without overdoing it. 

Good Monk Raises ₹33 Crore Pre-Series A at ₹175 Crore Valuation to Scale Sprinkle-On Nutrition in India

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Bengaluru: Preventive nutrition startup Good Monk has secured ₹33 crore in a pre Series A funding round, valuing the company at ₹175 crore. The investment was led by RPSG Capital Ventures, with participation from Sharrp Ventures and Hyperscale Ventures, the family office of Dot and Key founder Suyash Saraf. Members of the founders’ families also joined the round, signalling continued backing from early supporters.

Good Monk operates under Superfoods Valley and was founded by Amarpreet Singh Anand and Sahiba Kaur. The brand is known for its sprinkle on nutrition format, designed to blend into everyday home cooked meals without changing taste or texture. The approach targets households seeking simple ways to add nutrients to regular diets rather than adopting separate supplement routines.

The company reported that revenue has expanded nearly 25 times over the past 18 months. It has also turned CM3 positive, indicating improving contribution margins after marketing and distribution costs. Management said this shift reflects better control over unit economics as volumes scale and repeat purchases grow.

The fresh capital will be channelled into research and development, with a focus on expanding the product pipeline and building formulations backed by clinical validation. Good Monk plans to introduce new formats beyond its current range and invest in consumer education around preventive nutrition. A portion of the funds will also support wider distribution in tier two and tier three markets, where awareness of nutrition is rising but access to convenient formats remains limited.

Investors backing the round pointed to the brand’s habitual consumption model and focus on everyday food fortification as key strengths in a crowded wellness space. The company currently sells through its own website and major marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart. It plans to step up digital outreach and partnerships to widen reach over the coming year.

With the latest funding, Good Monk aims to build scale in India’s fast growing preventive health segment by embedding nutrition into daily eating habits rather than positioning itself as a niche supplement brand.

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Medusa Beverages Enters Draught Beer Segment, Targets 50 On-Trade Outlets in Delhi

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New Delhi: Medusa Beverages has expanded its product line with the launch of draught beer in the capital, stepping up its focus on pubs, bars and the wider HORECA channel. The move marks the company’s entry into the draught format, aimed at strengthening its presence in high footfall venues where fresh pours and consistent serving quality play a key role in consumer choice.

Delhi remains Medusa’s strongest market, and the company is using the city as the test bed for the draught rollout. The offering will be available across select hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, with plans to reach around 50 on trade locations over the next few months. The company said the initiative is part of a broader effort to deepen engagement in social drinking spaces and build recall in premium consumption settings.

To support quality control at the point of serve, Medusa has installed Lindr Naked taps sourced from the Czech Republic, a market known for its beer heritage and dispensing systems. The equipment is designed to maintain temperature and pour consistency, addressing common challenges faced in on trade service. The brand believes tighter control over the last mile of consumption can improve repeat preference and help standardise the experience across partner outlets.

Founder and chief executive officer Avneet Singh said the draught format allows the company to present Medusa in a setting where freshness and consistency matter most. He added that the push into draught is intended to strengthen partnerships with pubs and bars while improving the overall drinking experience for consumers in social settings.

The draught launch builds on Medusa’s steady expansion in one of the country’s most competitive beer markets. Industry executives say draught formats can lift brand visibility and trial rates, particularly in premium venues, while also supporting higher throughput volumes. Medusa plans to use the Delhi rollout to fine tune operations before extending the format to other cities as its on trade footprint grows.

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Epigamia’s Big International Leap – Turbo 25g Protein Shakes Land in UAE on Noon, Zero Fat, Zero Sugar, 100% Protein Power

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Epigamia, the popular Indian brand known for its Greek yogurt and protein-packed dairy goodies from Drums Food International, has just taken its first big step outside India. The company launched its Turbo 25g Protein Milkshakes in the United Arab Emirates, and they’re kicking things off exclusively on Noon, the go-to online marketplace in the region.

This move marks Epigamia’s debut in the Middle East, and it’s no small deal. Partnering with Modist Global as their expansion partner for the area, they’ve got the logistics and cold-chain delivery sorted to make sure these ready-to-drink shakes reach customers fresh. The product packs a solid 25 grams of protein into every 250ml bottle, with zero added sugar, zero fat, no preservatives, and a really good protein-to-calorie ratio. It’s built for busy, active lifestyles—perfect for post-gym recovery, quick snacks, or that mid-afternoon energy hit.

Four flavors are hitting the shelves right away: Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla Caramel, and Cookie & Cream. These were picked because they sell well back in India and should appeal to a wide crowd internationally. The UAE seemed like the perfect starting point with its young, health-focused population that’s always on the lookout for convenient, high-protein options. 

The market for functional beverages like this is growing fast there, and Epigamia wants to bring its modern dairy twist to people who care about quality, taste, and clean ingredients.

Ankur Goel, Co-Founder and COO of Epigamia, called it a major milestone. He said the Middle East values exactly what the brand stands for—health, taste, and quality—and launching on Noon gives them a strong way to reach consumers living fast-paced lives. Nikhil Agarwal from Modist Global added that the UAE rewards smart execution, and they’re set up to handle everything from approvals to last-mile delivery.

For now, it’s exclusive to Noon and Noon Minutes for quick commerce, but plans are in place to expand to other platforms like Amazon.ae, Careem, and Talabat later. This feels like the beginning of something bigger for Epigamia as they eye more global markets. If the response in the UAE is strong, it could open doors across the region and beyond.

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Marico to Buy 60% of Cosmix Wellness for ₹226 Crore, Steps Up Play in Premium Nutrition

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Mumbai: FMCG major Marico has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 60 percent stake in Cosmix Wellness Pvt Ltd for nearly ₹226 crore, marking a clear push into premium food and functional nutrition. The transaction values the digital-first wellness brand at an equity valuation of about ₹375 crore, according to the company’s disclosure to stock exchanges on February 4, 2026.

The acquisition is expected to be completed within 30 days, subject to customary conditions and final documentation. With this move, Marico adds a fast growing, plant focused nutrition label to its portfolio at a time when demand for clean label supplements and everyday wellness products is rising across urban India.

Cosmix Wellness operates primarily through digital channels and has built a following for its protein blends, daily nutrition mixes and women focused wellness offerings. The brand’s growth has been driven by online sales, influencer led marketing and repeat purchases from a young, health aware customer base. Marico said the deal aligns with its strategy to strengthen its presence in premium and adjacencies beyond core FMCG categories.

Commenting on the investment, Marico’s managing director and chief executive officer Saugata Gupta said the company sees strong headroom in wellness and plant based nutrition, with Cosmix showing early traction through differentiated products and consumer connect. The acquisition also adds to Marico’s growing digital first brand portfolio, which has been a focus area over the past few years.

Marico shares ended the trading session marginally lower at ₹730.10 on the NSE, with the acquisition announcement made after market hours. Over the past five years, the stock has delivered returns of over 76 percent, while the three year return stands at more than 47 percent. The company’s market capitalisation stood at about ₹94,773 crore as of February 4, 2026.

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ShopZilo Raises $15.3 Million in Series A to Scale Fashion Quick Commerce Across Indian Cities

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Mumbai: Fashion quick commerce startup ShopZilo has closed a $15.3 million Series A funding round, roughly Rs 140 crore, as it steps up efforts to build a rapid delivery platform for apparel and accessories in urban India. The round was led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Info Edge Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, Alteria Capital and Stride Ventures, the company said.

Peak XV Partners accounted for the largest cheque at $8 million, while Info Edge Ventures and Chiratae Ventures invested $2.5 million each. The round also saw backing from a group of prominent angel investors, including Groww founder and CEO Lalit Keshre, CRED founder Kunal Shah, Orginity founder Sachin Oswal, FirstClub founder Ayyappan R, Shadowfax cofounder Abhishek Bansal, Servify founder Sreevathsa Prabhakar and Preeta Sukhtankar, equity partner at Foxtale and Luma Fertility.

Founded in Mumbai, ShopZilo operates in the fast growing fashion quick commerce segment, where brands promise delivery within hours by combining curated assortments with hyperlocal fulfilment. The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand dark store capacity, strengthen last mile delivery partnerships and invest in technology that improves inventory planning and customer experience. A portion of the funds will also be deployed towards brand building to increase recall in competitive metro markets.

ShopZilo currently has a strong footprint in Mumbai and is preparing to deepen coverage across key neighbourhoods in the city. The startup is also lining up launches in additional metros as it looks to capture demand from consumers seeking instant access to trend driven fashion without the wait times associated with traditional e commerce.

With fashion accounting for a large share of discretionary online spending in India, investors see quick commerce as a way to unlock impulse purchases and higher order frequency. ShopZilo’s latest fundraise signals growing confidence in the model as competition intensifies across urban delivery platforms.

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Emami Stock Rallies 9% After Q3 Profit Rises 15% and Rs 6 Per Share Interim Dividend

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Mumbai: Shares of Emami Ltd jumped close to 9 percent in trade on Wednesday, touching an intraday high of Rs 528 on the NSE after the FMCG major posted a healthy set of numbers for the December quarter and announced an interim dividend for shareholders.

For Q3 FY26, Emami reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 319 crore, marking a 15 percent increase over Rs 279 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations rose 10 percent year on year to Rs 1,152 crore, compared with Rs 1,049 crore a year ago, reflecting steady demand across key product categories.

The company’s operating performance also strengthened on a sequential basis. Profit more than doubled from Rs 148 crore in the September quarter, while revenue grew sharply from Rs 799 crore. Total expenses during the quarter stood at Rs 768 crore, up from Rs 711 crore in the year-ago period, led by higher spends on raw materials, staff costs and brand investments.

Emami’s gross margin improved to 70.6 percent, up 30 basis points year on year, supported by a favourable product mix and softer input costs. EBITDA rose 13 percent to Rs 384 crore, with margins expanding to 33.4 percent, an improvement of 110 basis points. Profit before tax, excluding exceptional items, climbed 18 percent to Rs 355 crore.

The board declared a second interim dividend of Rs 6 per equity share for FY26. The record date has been fixed as February 10, 2026, with the payout scheduled by March 6, 2026.

Management said the quarter saw a recovery from early period tax related disruptions, while a colder winter aided sales of seasonal products and health supplements. Rural markets remained steady on the back of stable farm incomes and policy support, and urban demand showed early signs of revival as inflation eased and employment conditions held firm.

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1.5 Degree Raises $1 Million Pre Series A to Scale Plant Based Dairy Across India’s Foodservice Market

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New Delhi: Alternative dairy startup 1.5 Degree has raised $1 million in a Pre Series A round led by 35North Venture’s India Discovery Fund II, as it steps up its focus on supplying plant based products to large foodservice clients. The company plans to use the capital to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen partnerships with institutional buyers and enter five high demand markets including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi. These cities together account for a large share of India’s organised foodservice volumes.

Operating under Natturz Bio Kontrol Pvt Ltd, 1.5 Degree is building its business around corporate cafeterias, hotels, schools and large dining operators, rather than relying on retail adoption in the early phase. The company works with global foodservice providers such as Compass Group and Sodexo, supplying a wide portfolio that spans oat milk beverages, frozen desserts, gelatos, yogurt bowls, tofu, cooking cream and plant based milk.

India’s dairy market is valued at about Rs 18.9 trillion, but plant based options continue to face taste and price barriers. 1.5 Degree says it has developed an AI aided processing method that addresses the off flavour issue commonly associated with oat milk and other alternatives. The company also points to environmental gains from its products, citing lower water use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and zero cholesterol compared to conventional dairy.

Around 80 percent of the company’s revenue currently comes from long term institutional contracts, providing predictable volumes and repeat orders. The operating model includes volume linked pricing, integrated ordering systems and cold chain partnerships to serve clients across multiple cities.

Alongside its core B2B focus, 1.5 Degree is preparing to pilot direct to consumer formats through premium retail parlours and delivery led kitchens in select metros, listed on food delivery platforms. The company expects this channel to play a supporting role while institutions remain its main growth engine.

35North Venture’s India Discovery Fund II said the investment is aimed at backing scalable food platforms that combine sustainability goals with commercial discipline, as large organisations face growing pressure to offer healthier and lower impact food options to employees and customers.

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The Whole Truth Raises $51 Million in Series D as Founder Shashank Mehta Flags IPO Readiness

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Direct to consumer food brand The Whole Truth has raised 51 million dollars, roughly INR 416 crore, in a Series D funding round, marking a major milestone in its journey toward the public markets. The round was a mix of primary and secondary transactions and was co led by Sauce.vc and Sofina, with continued backing from existing investors such as Peak XV Partners, Rainmatter Health, AYRA Ventures and Z47.

Founded by Shashank Mehta and his team, The Whole Truth has built a strong reputation in India’s crowded packaged food space by taking a clear stand on clean labels and ingredient transparency. From protein bars to peanut butter and muesli, the brand has focused on telling consumers exactly what goes into its products and what does not. This approach has helped it build trust and a loyal customer base in a category often criticised for hidden sugars and additives.

The company said the latest funding marks the formal beginning of its IPO journey. Fresh capital will be used to expand in house manufacturing, strengthen working capital and invest in systems and processes needed to meet public market standards. A portion of the funds will also go toward launching new products and entering adjacent food categories over the next few years.

The Whole Truth is also looking to deepen its direct relationship with consumers while forming a small number of long term partnerships with vendors and collaborators who share its philosophy. The brand plans to stay selective rather than chase rapid but unfocused expansion.

With this round, The Whole Truth joins a growing list of Indian D2C brands preparing for life beyond private funding. Its focus on profitability, manufacturing control and brand trust suggests a more measured path to scale, one that could appeal to public market investors looking for sustainable consumer businesses rather than quick growth stories.

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Sonam Kapoor Joins Lancôme: A Strategic Move to Win Over India’s New Age Beauty Consumer

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Lancôme has announced Indian actor and style icon Sonam Kapoor as its new brand ambassador for India, marking a significant move in the luxury beauty brand’s strategy for the country. The association reflects Lancôme’s intent to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest growing beauty markets while staying rooted in its French heritage.

Known for her strong fashion sensibility and global outlook, Kapoor brings a distinct voice that resonates with modern Indian consumers. Over the years, she has built a reputation not just as an actor but also as a cultural tastemaker who blends international trends with Indian aesthetics. This alignment makes her a natural fit for a brand that balances science driven innovation with elegance and artistry.

Through this partnership, Lancôme aims to engage a new generation of beauty users who value both performance and storytelling. The brand has consistently highlighted its focus on advanced research, skin science and high quality formulations, and Kapoor’s association is expected to amplify this message across platforms. Her influence spans cinema, fashion weeks and digital spaces, allowing Lancôme to connect with audiences in a more personal and contemporary way.

The collaboration also signals a broader shift in how global luxury brands are approaching India. Rather than treating the market as an extension of global campaigns, companies are investing in locally relevant ambassadors who understand cultural nuance and evolving consumer preferences. Kapoor’s international exposure and Indian roots place her at the center of this approach.

With this announcement, Lancôme strengthens its commitment to India while reinforcing its identity as a brand that celebrates individuality, confidence and timeless beauty. The partnership sets the stage for campaigns that speak to aspiration while remaining grounded in authenticity and craft.

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CCI Clears L Catterton’s Investment in Haldiram Snacks Food, Paving Way for Strategic Stake Buy

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India’s competition regulator has approved L Catterton India Fund’s proposed investment in Haldiram Snacks Food Private Limited, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the global private equity firm’s entry into one of the country’s largest packaged food businesses. The Competition Commission of India confirmed that the transaction involves the purchase of a minority shareholding on a fully diluted basis in Haldiram Snacks Food.

L Catterton India Fund operates under the L Catterton India Trust, a Sebi registered alternative investment fund that backs consumer and lifestyle companies in the domestic market. The clearance allows the firm to move ahead with its strategic partnership with Haldiram, which was announced in December 2025.

Haldiram Snacks Food is the unified entity formed in April 2025 after the merger of the Delhi based Haldiram Snacks and Nagpur based Haldiram Foods International. The company has built a wide footprint across packaged savouries, traditional sweets, ready to eat meals, dairy products, bakery items, chocolates and non carbonated beverages. Its distribution spans general trade, modern retail and growing online channels, giving the brand a national presence.

Over the past year, Haldiram has brought in multiple long term investors as part of its capital strategy. In 2025, the company sold stakes to Temasek, Alpha Wave Global and International Holding Company, signalling strong interest from global funds in India’s branded foods space. L Catterton’s entry adds another marquee name to that list.

In India, L Catterton is led by Sanjiv Mehta, former CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, and has a track record of building consumer brands in food and beverages across markets. The firm is expected to support Haldiram’s next phase of growth, including portfolio expansion, stronger distribution and brand development.

Regulatory approval was required as the transaction crossed the thresholds set under competition law. With the clearance in place, the partnership brings fresh capital and operating expertise into a homegrown brand that continues to scale beyond snacks into a broader packaged food platform.

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