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.

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

Business

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SnackTeam

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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.

Rising Input Costs Hit FY25 Profits of Parle Biscuits and Mondelez India Despite Steady Demand

Business

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January 16, 2026

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India’s packaged food heavyweights ended FY25 on a softer note as inflation in key raw materials eroded profitability, underscoring the growing pressure on consumer goods companies operating across both premium and mass segments.

Parle Biscuits and Mondelez India, leaders in biscuits and chocolates respectively, reported steep drops in net profit for the year ended March 2025, even as demand for everyday packaged foods remained largely stable.

Mondelez India, which sells brands such as Cadbury, Oreo and Bournvita, saw revenue decline 9 percent to ₹12,602 crore in FY25, according to filings accessed via Tofler. Net profit, however, fell sharply to ₹11 crore, down from ₹2,021 crore in the previous year. The company’s sales slipped marginally to ₹12,503 crore from ₹12,747 crore, while total expenses surged to ₹12,549 crore, compared with ₹11,082 crore in FY24.

The sharp squeeze on margins was driven by a rise in input costs, particularly cocoa and dairy derivatives, along with higher employee expenses. Depreciation and finance costs also rose significantly during the year, reflecting increased capital expenditure and borrowing amid tighter financial conditions.

Parle Biscuits, India’s largest biscuit maker by volume, faced similar challenges. The company reported a 7 percent rise in revenue to ₹16,191 crore in FY25, supported by steady volumes across its core glucose and Marie portfolios. Despite this, net profit declined 39 percent to ₹980 crore.

Parle’s operating margins came under strain as prices of wheat, sugar and edible oils remained elevated for most of the year. Additional pressure came from higher packaging, fuel and logistics costs. Operating in one of the most price-sensitive categories in the fast-moving consumer goods market, Parle had limited room to raise prices without risking demand, unlike premium-focused peers.

Industry executives say FY25 highlighted the vulnerability of food companies to sustained commodity inflation. While consumption held up, especially in staples and affordable indulgences, the inability to fully pass on costs meant earnings bore the brunt.

With raw material prices showing mixed trends and competitive intensity remaining high, analysts expect margin recovery to be gradual, dependent on commodity softening and sharper cost controls in the coming quarters.

Imported Coffee Machines Become India’s New Luxury Statement as Affluent Buyers Spend Lakhs for Café-Style Brews at Home

Business

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January 16, 2026

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India’s premium home coffee market is quietly turning into a marker of lifestyle and status, driven by affluent, globally exposed consumers who want café-quality brews without stepping out. Imported coffee machines priced anywhere between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakh are finding space in urban kitchens and living rooms, as demand for artisanal brewing equipment gathers pace.

Industry estimates suggest around 20,000 high-end coffee machines are sold in India each year, including officially imported units. The actual number is likely higher, as many buyers source machines directly from Europe or the US during overseas travel or via cross-border e-commerce platforms. Brands such as SMEG, De’Longhi, Versuni and La Carimali are increasingly viewed not just as appliances, but as design-led centrepieces.

The broader coffee machine market in India is valued at roughly ₹250–300 crore and is growing at over 15 percent annually. Total unit sales across all price segments touched an estimated 4.2 to 4.5 lakh machines last year, more than double the volumes seen in 2019. While models priced under ₹15,000 still account for the bulk of sales, premium machines are emerging as the fastest-growing slice.

Industry executives attribute this shift to India’s expanding café culture and rising exposure to global coffee formats. Ravi Saxena, founder of Wonderchef Home Appliances, says neighbourhood cafés have trained consumers to appreciate texture, temperature and flavour, translating into higher expectations at home. Wonderchef now sells premium automatic machines priced between ₹60,000 and ₹90,000, a category that barely existed six years ago.

Retailers echo the trend. Vijay Sales reports monthly sales of 400 to 500 coffee machines, noting that premium models are gaining traction alongside entry-level options. Versuni India, which markets Philips coffee machines, has seen strong response to its pilot range priced up to ₹80,000 and is exploring local manufacturing as volumes scale.

For buyers, the appeal goes beyond caffeine. From sourcing exotic beans to recreating European café rituals, the premium coffee machine has become a statement of taste, travel and aspiration in India’s evolving urban homes.

Ghodawat Consumer Limited Enters Plant Protein Market with STAR Soya Chunks Launch

Business

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January 15, 2026

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Ghodawat Consumer Limited has entered India’s fast-expanding plant protein category with the launch of soya chunks under its STAR brand, signaling a sharper push into everyday nutrition-led staples. The move comes as protein awareness spreads beyond niche fitness consumers to mainstream Indian households across urban and smaller markets.

The FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group is positioning the new product as an affordable, high-protein alternative aimed at vegetarian families, working professionals and value-conscious consumers looking to improve daily nutrition without raising food budgets. Soya chunks add a new layer to STAR’s staples portfolio, which has been steadily widening to include health-forward food and beverage offerings.

According to the company, STAR Soya Chunks are manufactured at FSSAI-approved and ISO-certified facilities using extrusion technology that transforms defatted soy flour into textured vegetable protein. The process is designed to deliver consistent texture, high protein retention and reliable rehydration, while maintaining hygiene and food safety standards at scale. Each batch undergoes quality checks before being packed in moisture-resistant food-grade packaging to ensure shelf stability and freshness.

The product follows a clean-label approach, with no preservatives, additives or artificial flavours. Made from defatted soy flour, it offers a dense protein profile and a fibrous structure that absorbs spices well, making it suitable for a wide range of Indian recipes. The company believes this versatility will help drive adoption among households experimenting with plant-based meals or looking to reduce meat consumption.

To support distribution, Ghodawat Consumer Limited is rolling out the product across general trade, modern retail, e-commerce and quick commerce platforms. Smaller pack sizes are being introduced to encourage trial, while bulk formats are being targeted at institutional buyers and the HoReCa segment.

Marketing efforts will focus on digital channels and in-store engagement, with recipe-led content, influencer partnerships and sampling aimed at driving awareness and repeat usage. With STAR’s strong presence in both rural and semi-urban markets, the company expects soya chunks to become a steady growth contributor over the next few years as protein consumption becomes a daily priority for Indian consumers.

BRAVee Names Simran Balar Jain as Brand Ambassador, Tapping a 30 Million Strong Indian Women’s Intimate Wear Market

Business

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January 15, 2026

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BRAVee, a women focused support solutions brand under the House of Beauty India portfolio, has announced Bengaluru based influencer Simran Balar Jain as its new brand ambassador. The association marks a strategic move for the brand as it looks to deepen its connection with modern Indian women and bring conversations around comfort, confidence and body awareness into the mainstream.

Simran Balar Jain has built a strong digital presence through her honest and relatable content around fashion, lifestyle and self acceptance. Known for speaking openly about real body experiences and everyday challenges, she aligns closely with BRAVee’s core philosophy of creating solutions that make women feel supported, both physically and emotionally. The brand believes her voice will help normalise discussions around intimate wear and self care without discomfort or stigma.

As part of the collaboration, Simran will work with BRAVee to highlight its product range while engaging audiences on topics such as confidence, body image and daily comfort. The partnership is expected to focus on storytelling driven content that reflects real life usage rather than idealised portrayals, something that resonates strongly with today’s digital consumers.

BRAVee operates as a sub brand within House of Beauty India, a portfolio known for addressing niche yet important needs within the personal care and beauty space. With this appointment, BRAVee aims to strengthen its positioning as a supportive companion for women across different body types and life stages.

The collaboration also reflects a broader shift in brand ambassador choices, where authenticity and relatability are valued as much as reach. By choosing Simran Balar Jain, BRAVee signals its intent to build trust led narratives and foster a community that prioritises comfort, confidence and honest conversations around women’s wellbeing.

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