Akshay Kumar Fronts Livguard’s Rs 1,000 Cr Power Play: New TVCs Highlight Smart Inverters and Solar Precision Ahead of Summer Surge

April 18, 2025

Image of livguard — Akshay Kumar Fronts Livguard’s Rs 1,000 Cr Power Play: New TVCs Highlight Smart Inverters and Solar Precision Ahead of Summer Surge

Livguard is making a powerful statement this IPL season with the launch of two sharply crafted television commercials featuring Akshay Kumar, aimed at spotlighting its latest offerings in solar energy and inverter-battery tech.

The campaign rides the momentum of cricket season, leveraging Akshay’s mass appeal and the high viewership window to drive home a message: dependable, intelligent power solutions aren’t a luxury anymore — they’re a must.

Solar Power Gets a Spotlight

In the first of the two films, Livguard’s solar solutions take center stage. Rather than selling a dream, the ad gets into the nitty-gritty — showing real aspects of how solar panels are designed, installed, and optimized. From precise alignment to the use of tech that ensures better energy yield, the narrative positions Livguard not just as another solar player, but as a brand with serious engineering depth.

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There’s a clear focus on trust, precision, and performance — values Akshay Kumar himself is often associated with.

Inverter-Battery Tech Gets Smarter

The second commercial pivots to Livguard’s inverter and battery systems, designed for a world where every appliance, gadget, and device demands constant uptime. The ad underlines the company’s use of AI-enhanced charging, improved load handling, and longer battery life — making a case for why modern homes need smarter backup systems.

These aren’t just stop-gap solutions for power cuts. They’re designed to meet the demands of tech-heavy, always-on lifestyles.

A Vision That Looks Ahead

Rakesh Malhotra, founder of the SAR Group (which owns Livguard), said the idea was simple: “We’re not just solving today’s power issues — we’re building solutions for tomorrow’s homes. Our tech-first approach is about making sure your devices, your comfort, and your life are never on pause.”

Marketing head Sandhya Biswas echoed the same sentiment, noting how energy needs have evolved: “From smart TVs to fully connected homes, power consumption is no longer linear. Our products are designed to meet this complexity with ease — seamless, reliable, and smart.”

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Creative Punch with a Familiar Face

The creative muscle behind the campaign comes from Lowe Lintas. Vasudha Misra, who leads the creative division, said the team wanted the ads to mirror Livguard’s obsession with detail and innovation.

“Akshay brings intensity, clarity, and purpose — the same things Livguard builds into its products,” she said. “

HUL Pulls Lakme Sunscreen Ad After Delhi HC Flags “Disparaging” Content Aimed at The Derma Co

Business

Online Desk

April 18, 2025

Image of the-Derma-Co — HUL Pulls Lakme Sunscreen Ad After Delhi HC Flags “Disparaging” Content Aimed at The Derma Co

The legal tussle between skincare heavyweight Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and rising challenger Honasa Consumer—owner of The Derma Co—has reached a resolution in the Delhi High Court, with HUL agreeing to pull back its controversial Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 campaign.

HUL informed the court on Friday that it would take down the existing advertisement, which had stirred controversy for allegedly taking indirect jabs at competing sunscreens. The company also committed to revising the content before relaunching it, ensuring that no part of the ad could be interpreted as targeting The Derma Co.

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Online versions of the ad will be removed within 24 hours, and physical hoardings will come down within 48, HUL said in its submission. As an additional step to eliminate brand confusion, the company has agreed to change the product’s color in the advertisement from orange to yellow—a move prompted by concerns that the original hue too closely resembled The Derma Co’s signature packaging.

This comes just a day after the Delhi High Court noted that the Lakme advertisement appeared “disparaging on the face of it.” The ad in question claimed that some sunscreens on the market boast SPF 50 ratings but deliver as little as SPF 20 protection. It promoted Lakme’s own formula as being backed by in-vivo testing, a globally recognized method for verifying SPF claims.

The implication didn’t sit well with Honasa, which pointed out that The Derma Co also uses in-vivo testing for its SPF 50 products. They argued that the ad misled consumers into believing that their brand was one of the culprits making false protection claims. The visual resemblance of one of the “rival” sunscreen bottles shown in the ad to The Derma Co’s product only added fuel to the fire.

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The episode highlights the escalating competition in India’s booming skincare and sunscreen segment, where up-and-coming digital-first players like The Derma Co are beginning to rattle the cages of legacy brands like HUL.

Medikabazaar Fires Co-founder Vivek Tiwari After Rs 278.7 Crore Fraud Claims and Revenue Falsification Scandal

Business

Online Desk

April 18, 2025

Image of medikabazaar — Medikabazaar Fires Co-founder Vivek Tiwari After Rs 278.7 Crore Fraud Claims and Revenue Falsification Scandal

Vivek Tiwari, co-founder and former CEO of Medikabazaar, has been officially removed from the company’s board following an internal probe that found him responsible for serious misconduct and financial wrongdoing that allegedly caused significant damage to the business.

A group of key investors—Rebright Partners, HealthQuad, Ackermans & van Haaren, and Creaegis—collectively holding 47% equity, backed a special resolution to oust Tiwari, according to a regulatory filing. The document accuses him of “malicious and fraudulent activities,” including financial mismanagement and fraud, which it claims have put the company in jeopardy.

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The investigation, conducted by advisory firms Uniqus India, Alvarez & Marsal, and the legal team at Rashmikant & Partners, pointed to major breaches of trust. Tiwari was found to have been negligent in his duties, misrepresented company finances, and diverted funds. Their conclusions were consistent with an earlier audit by PwC in July 2024, which exposed glaring issues like inflated sales figures—where over 60% of reported gross merchandise value didn’t reflect real transactions—and a string of governance red flags.

Storm Clouds Over a Once-Shining Startup

Medikabazaar, launched in 2015 as a B2B platform for medical supplies, has raised close to $190 million to date. It secured $65 million in Series D funding in 2022, led by Lighthouse India, giving the company a valuation north of $500 million.

But cracks had already begun to show. In FY2023, the company reported revenue of Rs 908 crore but ended the year with a loss of Rs 304 crore. Several Series C investors have since filed a claim for Rs 278.7 crore, citing misleading financial disclosures. The company has yet to share its financials for FY2024.

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Although Tiwari resigned from his role as CEO in July 2024, he continued to hold a board seat until his removal this week. In the wake of his departure, Medikabazaar appointed healthcare industry veteran Dinesh Lodha as Group CEO. At the time of his appointment, Lodha said the company stood at a critical juncture and expressed optimism about expanding its partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.

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

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of uber — 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.

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

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

INVESTMENTS

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of that sassy things — 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.

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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.”

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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.

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

Retail & Ecommerce

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of uniqlo — 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.

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“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.

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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.

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

Retail & Ecommerce

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of aukera — 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.

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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.”

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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.

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

Business

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of keshav biyani — 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.

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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.

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“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.”

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

Business

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of zepto — 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.

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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.

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

Retail & Ecommerce

Online Desk

April 17, 2025

Image of retail — 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.”

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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.

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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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