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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Uber: RCB Takes Uber to Delhi High Court Over ‘Royally Challenged’ Ad Featuring Travis Head

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Uber: RCB Takes Uber to Delhi High Court Over ‘Royally Challenged’ Ad Featuring Travis Head

With the IPL season heating up and advertisers scrambling to ride the wave, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken a legal swing at Uber, dragging the ride-hailing giant to the Delhi High Court. The complaint? RCB claims Uber’s latest ad—promoting its Uber Moto service—tarnishes the team’s image and exploits its trademark without permission.

According to the team’s legal representatives, Uber, a commercial sponsor of rival franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), crossed the line by parodying RCB’s name in a way that’s both unauthorized and potentially damaging.

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The spotlight ad features SRH star Travis Head, who previously played for RCB, spray-painting a match banner to read “Royally Challenged Bengaluru vs Hyderabad,” poking fun at the team. RCB’s counsel, Shwetasree Majumder, argued that this wasn’t just cheeky banter—it was an intentional swipe that undermines the team’s brand and dilutes its trademark.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee, after a detailed hearing, chose not to deliver an immediate ruling but reserved his decision on whether the ad should be temporarily blocked. While stopping short of outright criticism, the judge did note that the ad’s wide availability on YouTube could lead to unintended reputational damage, stating there appeared to be “something” that warranted adjustment.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

The courtroom now waits as both sides brace for what could be a defining call on where sports marketing ends—and trademark misuse begins.

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That Sassy Thing Raises Rs 6 Cr from IPV, Vahdam’s Bala Sarda & Lahori Zeera’s Saurabh Munjal to Redefine Women’s Sexual Wellness in India

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That Sassy Thing Raises Rs 6 Cr from IPV, Vahdam’s Bala Sarda & Lahori Zeera’s Saurabh Munjal to Redefine Women’s Sexual Wellness in India

India’s first women-centric sexual wellness brand, That Sassy Thing, has bagged Rs 6 crore in seed funding, with Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) leading the round. The brand, which is shaking up a space long dominated by outdated norms and male-focused narratives, is now gearing up for its next big leap.

Backing the bold vision are several well-known names in the startup world: Bala Sarda of Vahdam Teas, Saurabh Munjal of Lahori Zeera, and Kirti Jangra from Animall Technologies—all of whom have come on board as investors. The round also saw participation from Chandigarh Angels Network.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Co-founded in 2021 by husband-wife duo Sachee Malhotra and Himanshu Bhalla, That Sassy Thing blends over 20 years of collective experience in D2C, branding, and wellness to create products made for women—by women. Their lineup includes everything from intimate washes and aloe-based lubricants to sleek, full-body massagers designed with comfort and care in mind.

“This industry has treated women as an afterthought for far too long,” said Sachee. “We’re here to change that—whether it’s addressing vaginal health, PCOS, or menopause, we want to bring honest, stigma-free conversations and high-quality products into women’s lives. This raise helps us invest further in the team, the brand, and breakthrough solutions that women actually need.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

The brand isn’t just talking the talk. In just a short span, That Sassy Thing has grown by 200% year-on-year, reaching over 50,000 customers across India. Its products are available both on its own site and through rapid delivery platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart.

“Women’s sexual health and wellness is still one of the most underserved areas in the lifestyle and healthcare space,” said Vinay Bansal, Founder & CEO of IPV. “That Sassy Thing is tackling the problem head-on—with thoughtfully designed products and sex-positive education that’s as inclusive as it is empowering. We’re excited to help them scale this much-needed movement.”

With fresh capital in hand, the company plans to broaden its product line, sharpen its content strategy, and push deeper into newer distribution channels—continuing to normalize the conversation around women’s pleasure and wellness in a country that’s just beginning to open up.

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UNIQLO to Open 4th Mumbai Store at Inorbit Mall, Malad in May 2025: Kenji Inoue Bets Big on Nearly 9,000 sq. ft. Expansion

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UNIQLO to Open 4th Mumbai Store at Inorbit Mall, Malad in May 2025: Kenji Inoue Bets Big on Nearly 9,000 sq. ft. Expansion

Japanese clothing giant UNIQLO is all set to launch its fourth outlet in Mumbai this May, planting its flag at Inorbit Mall in Malad. The new store covers nearly 9,000 sq. ft. and will stock the brand’s signature LifeWear collection—think timeless, fuss-free fashion for men, women, kids, and even babies.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

“Since arriving in Mumbai, the response has been incredible. We’re genuinely touched by how warmly the city has welcomed us,” said Kenji Inoue, CFO and COO of UNIQLO India. “This new store in Malad is another step in our journey to bring thoughtfully made, everyday clothing to more people across the city.”

To celebrate the opening, UNIQLO is going big: shoppers can take part in the Wish Tree contest (running April 17 to May 15), get Rs. 1,000 off on purchases over Rs. 6,000 between May 1–15, and receive a special-edition tote bag on opening weekend if they spend above that amount.

UNIQLO, owned by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., is Japan’s largest fashion export and one of the biggest clothing brands globally. While the parent company runs several other labels—like Theory, GU, and Helmut Lang—UNIQLO remains its crown jewel.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

The brand stepped into the Indian market in 2019 with a flagship store in Delhi’s Ambience Mall, and has since expanded to 15 locations across cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, Faridabad, Lucknow, and more. With its clean designs, practical fabrics, and sharp pricing, UNIQLO is clearly here to stay.

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Aukera Expands to Gurugram & Noida with Two New Stores: Lisa Mukhedkar’s Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Now Boasts 10 Outlets Across India

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Aukera Expands to Gurugram & Noida with Two New Stores: Lisa Mukhedkar’s Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Now Boasts 10 Outlets Across India

Lab-grown diamond brand Aukera is stepping up its game in North India, opening the doors to two new outlets—one in Gurugram’s Good Earth Mall and the other in Noida’s Wave One Mall. The stores, spread across 1,500 sq. ft. and 2,000 sq. ft. respectively, mark the brand’s growing presence beyond its southern stronghold.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Both locations showcase an elegant spread of jewellery—from timeless solitaire rings and bridal sets to necklaces and earrings. Shoppers will also find Aukera’s signature Echoes of Choice collection, along with the newly released Infinity Diamond line for Akshaya Tritiya.

“This expansion into the NCR is a big move for us,” said founder and CEO Lisa Mukhedkar. “The region is full of people who love fashion but also value craftsmanship and modern choices. We see a real opportunity here to bring lab-grown luxury to a wider audience.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

With these launches, Aukera now runs ten stores across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the Delhi NCR—continuing its mission to redefine fine jewellery for a new generation of conscious, style-savvy buyers.

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How Keshav Biyani & Prabhu Karthikeyan’s The Good Bug Raised $3.5M to Make Gut Health Cool (with a Little Help from Hrithik Roshan)

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How Keshav Biyani & Prabhu Karthikeyan’s The Good Bug Raised $3.5M to Make Gut Health Cool (with a Little Help from Hrithik Roshan)

Back in 2022, Keshav Biyani and Prabhu Karthikeyan teamed up to launch The Good Bug, a wellness brand built around one clear goal: fixing the way we think about gut health. They didn’t want to push quick fixes or trendy supplements—instead, they focused on real science and real results.

Their lineup features cleverly designed, easy-to-use products like melt-in-your-mouth powders for both kids and adults. These aren’t just your average probiotics—they’re made with strains that have been tested and studied to actually make a difference, helping with everything from digestion to energy and overall wellness.

In 2023, The Good Bug raised $3.5 million in Series A funding, with major backing from Fireside Ventures, along with Think9 Consumer Technologies and Sharrp Ventures (which is tied to Harsh Mariwala of Marico). That funding is fueling a bigger vision: growing the product range, stepping up their marketing game, and expanding operations to keep up with rising demand.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

One standout moment for the brand came through a partnership with HRX—Hrithik Roshan’s fitness label—resulting in a special edition probiotic formula called Metabolically Lean Supercharged. It’s designed to help with weight management in a healthy, sustainable way while improving gut function. The idea? Make cutting-edge wellness feel less like medicine and more like a daily upgrade.

What’s next? The Good Bug is set on reaching more people through new sales channels, new categories, and more innovative products. One big priority is keeping customers happy—not just once, but over the long run—by improving how they discover the brand, stay engaged, and feel about their experience.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“We’re here to simplify gut health and put it in everyone’s hands,” say the founders. “It shouldn’t be confusing—it should just work.”

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Zepto Drops ‘Kiranakart’ Tag, Ropes in Bharti’s Akhil Gupta, and Raises Over $1.35 Billion Ahead of IPO

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Zepto Drops ‘Kiranakart’ Tag, Ropes in Bharti’s Akhil Gupta, and Raises Over $1.35 Billion Ahead of IPO

The company behind the 10-minute grocery delivery blitz is no longer hiding behind a clunky name. Zepto, the quick commerce startup helmed by Aadit Palicha, has officially changed its legal identity from Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to Zepto Pvt. Ltd., as revealed in regulatory filings reviewed by Moneycontrol.

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There’s no flashy press release or social media announcement yet, but the name change appears to be a strategic move, especially with Zepto preparing for its much-anticipated IPO.

Interestingly, Zepto isn’t the only food and grocery player cleaning up its paperwork. Swiggy, which began life as Bundl Technologies, also recently made the leap to Swiggy Limited—a subtle but sharp nod to its public listing plans and brand recognition strategy.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Adding fuel to the fire, Zepto recently brought Akhil Gupta, the vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, onto its board. His presence signals the company’s intent to tighten governance and boost credibility before hitting the markets. Gupta’s connections and experience may also prove critical in steering Zepto through the IPO maze.

A Name Worth Billions?

It’s not just about cosmetics. In today’s hyper-competitive consumer internet space, aligning your corporate name with your storefront identity isn’t just smart—it’s essential. For a company like Zepto, which is still in its growth phase, this alignment could help simplify stakeholder communication and leave a stronger impression on investors, regulators, and customers alike. It also makes the upcoming red herring prospectus easier to digest—not to mention, easier to remember.

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Delhi-NCR’s Retail Scene Heats Up: Fashion & F&B Brands Fuel 57% Surge in Store Leasing in Q1 2025

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Delhi-NCR’s Retail Scene Heats Up: Fashion & F&B Brands Fuel 57% Surge in Store Leasing in Q1 2025

The retail real estate market in Delhi and its surrounding cities is buzzing again—but this time, it’s not just a bounce-back from the past. According to a report from Cushman & Wakefield, leasing activity across malls and high streets in the Delhi-NCR region shot up by a sharp 57% year-on-year in Q1 2025, touching 4.08 lakh square feet. And the usual suspects—fashion and food—are the ones driving the momentum.

“This is no short-term recovery; we’re witnessing a deeper pivot in how brands are thinking,” says Jatin Goel, Executive Director at Omaxe Group. “Retailers, especially in apparel and F&B, are now anchoring their growth strategies on premium high-street spaces that give them visibility and immediate access to foot traffic.”

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Goel points to rising activity in Dwarka, Faridabad, and Greater Noida, which were once considered fringe markets but are now pulling in serious brand attention. With improved infrastructure, rising local incomes, and dense residential pockets, these areas have matured into viable hotspots for big-league retail development.

As per the latest data, high-street properties now account for a dominant 61% of total leasing, proving that brands are leaning toward eye-level exposure rather than mall interiors. And while multiple sub-markets are growing, Gurugram has emerged as the undisputed front-runner, claiming over half (52%) of all leasing activity this quarter. Noida and Delhi proper followed in second and third place.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

But the real shift is happening in how satellite cities like Gurugram are now playing on equal footing with central Delhi when it comes to commercial pull.

Take Galleria Market in Gurugram, for example—rents have surged 20%, now ranging between Rs. 1,150 to Rs. 1,250 per sq. ft., mirroring what elite zones in Delhi command. Meanwhile, Sector 29, a go-to for diners and cafés, saw a 13% jump. Even Noida’s Sector 18—a long-standing retail hub—held steady at Rs. 200–225 per sq. ft., suggesting a stable and growing demand.

“This isn’t happening in isolation,” explains Uddhav Poddar, CMD of Bhumika Group. “Gurugram’s well-designed infrastructure—from expressways to commercial zones—has made it a magnet for brands and real estate investors. Even with rising competition from areas near the upcoming Jewar Airport, Gurugram’s luxury neighborhoods and well-placed high streets are keeping it ahead of the curve.”

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Panasonic India Crosses Rs 11,500 Cr Mark in FY25, Net Profit Soars 41% — Manish Sharma Targets Double-Digit Growth in FY26

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Panasonic India Crosses Rs 11,500 Cr Mark in FY25, Net Profit Soars 41% — Manish Sharma Targets Double-Digit Growth in FY26

Panasonic Life Solutions India, the local arm of Japan’s electronics giant, has wrapped up the financial year with impressive numbers and ambitious plans. Revenue for FY25 came close to the Rs 11,500 crore mark, while net profit surged over Rs 1,100 crore, reflecting a 41% jump from the previous year.

Chairman and Managing Director Manish Sharma confirmed the figures, noting that while the final numbers are still being firmed up, the company has clearly crossed a significant financial milestone.

At the heart of this strong performance were categories like air conditioners, electrical devices, and smart factory solutions — all of which Sharma described as “growth engines” for the business. In fact, Panasonic’s B2B vertical accounted for 50% of total revenue, while consumer products made up 30%, showing a balanced approach to both ends of the market.

Looking ahead to FY26, Sharma says the company is targeting double-digit growth once again, and plans to stick to what’s worked — while dialing up investment in both tech innovation and product expansion.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

“We’ll continue building around room air conditioners, smart factory offerings, and devices,” said Sharma. “But we’re also seeing growing momentum in industrial-grade compressors, electromechanical products, and automation tools — especially in the B2B space.”

The consumer segment, however, could play a larger role in the coming year, driven largely by India’s rising demand for cooling products as summer temperatures climb and the middle class looks for more energy-efficient options.

Smart factory solutions, too, are expected to see tailwinds, as Indian manufacturing ramps up automation to stay globally competitive.

India now sits among Panasonic’s top three markets globally, and Sharma says the company is actively working on a broader portfolio of high-tech, India-relevant solutions, including those not yet launched.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

He credits the shift in strategy to the changing behavior of Indian buyers. “Today’s Indian consumer is sharp, aware, and expects more,” he said. “This is not the same market as it was ten years ago. We’re undergoing a transformation — and the consumer is at the heart of it.”

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Sunscreen War Erupts: Honasa Accuses HUL’s Lakme of Misleading Ads Targeting Derma Co in ₹18,000 Cr Skincare Market

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Sunscreen War Erupts: Honasa Accuses HUL’s Lakme of Misleading Ads Targeting Derma Co in ₹18,000 Cr Skincare Market

A simmering rivalry between two major personal care players—Honasa Consumer (the company behind Mamaearth and The Derma Co) and Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL)—has turned into a full-blown legal faceoff, with both companies dragging each other to court over a controversial sunscreen ad campaign.

The dispute kicked off after Honasa took issue with a recent Lakme ad by HUL titled the “SPF Lie Detector Test.” The campaign claims that several popular sunscreens marketed as SPF 50 actually provide far less protection, some closer to SPF 20. While the ad doesn’t directly name brands, the visuals appear to mimic the packaging of certain products—something Honasa believes targets The Derma Co’s sunscreen unfairly.

Calling the ad misleading and damaging to its reputation, Honasa approached the Delhi High Court, which has since issued notice to HUL and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

HUL, for its part, has fired back by filing its own legal case against Honasa in the Bombay High Court. According to sources, both courts are expected to address the issue on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The tension spilled into the public sphere when Honasa co-founder Ghazal Alagh posted on LinkedIn, criticizing what she described as a long-standing lack of healthy competition in the FMCG sector. She suggested that legacy brands had grown complacent, indirectly pointing to HUL’s dominance.

In defense of its campaign, Lakme released a statement on social media claiming that some top-selling online sunscreens, despite claiming to be “in vivo” tested, fail to live up to their SPF 50 label, delivering closer to SPF 20 under clinical conditions.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

“In vivo” refers to testing done on living organisms—often considered the gold standard for assessing product performance on human skin.

What started as a marketing jab has now escalated into a courtroom showdown, highlighting how fierce the battle for shelf space (and skin protection claims) has become in India’s booming skincare market.

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India’s Retail Scene Set for a Premium Makeover: 20 Upscale Malls Coming by 2026

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India’s Retail Scene Set for a Premium Makeover: 20 Upscale Malls Coming by 2026

India’s big cities are gearing up for a wave of high-end mall openings, with nearly 20 new premium shopping centers expected to go live by the end of 2026, according to a new report by Cushman & Wakefield.

Spread across eight key urban markets—Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Ahmedabad—these new retail developments will add roughly 123 lakh square feet of fresh space to the market. And this isn’t just about size—it’s about stepping up the quality.

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

Out of the upcoming supply, around 86 lakh square feet will fall into the “Superior Grade” category. That means top-tier construction, better tenant curation, and enhanced experiences for shoppers. These aren’t your average malls; they’re sleek, highly serviced spaces built by trusted developers or backed by institutional money, often enjoying occupancy rates north of 85%.

From Function to Flair

India already boasts around 615 lakh sq. ft. of Grade A mall space as of 2024, and nearly two-thirds of that belongs to the upper tier. The report points to a retail market that’s no longer just about filling up space—it’s about making the experience count.

What’s changing inside the malls is just as telling. The once-dominant anchors—like hypermarkets and cinemas—are slowly taking a backseat. In their place, categories like fashion, beauty, wellness, athleisure, and F&B are becoming the real magnets for foot traffic.

Beauty and wellness outlets, in particular, are punching well above their weight, pulling in Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per sq. ft. per month, while restaurants and cafes have emerged as the new-age anchors, often doing better than traditional department stores. There’s also a visible uptick in interest around jewellery and consumer electronics.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Shoppers Want More Than Just Stores

According to Saurabh Shatdal, Executive Managing Director – Capital Markets and Head of Retail India at Cushman & Wakefield, today’s malls are evolving beyond retail hubs. “It’s no longer about how big a mall is—it’s about how good it feels,” he said. “People want beautifully designed spaces, curated environments, and meaningful brand experiences. That’s where Superior Grade malls are hitting the mark.”

In short, India’s malls are trading mass appeal for immersive, high-quality experiences—and developers are racing to meet that demand.

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