Birla Heiress Ananya Enters Beauty Market with Birla Cosmetics, Juggles Roles Across ₹5 Lakh Cr ABG Empire
Ananya Birla has quietly stepped into a new chapter, revealing that she’s now the Founder and Managing Director of Birla Cosmetics. The company currently includes two brands under its umbrella — Lovetc and Contraband. She shared the update in a recent LinkedIn post, calling it a “long-overdue announcement.”
Ananya’s plate is more than full. Alongside this new beauty venture, she holds key roles across several arms of the Aditya Birla Group. Since early 2023, she’s been a Director at Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Aditya Birla Management Corporation. She also serves as Chairperson and Director at both Chaitanya India Fin Credit and Svatantra Microfin. Outside of the group, she founded Ikai Asai, a platform celebrating Indian design, and leads the Ananya Birla Foundation.
And if that weren’t enough, she continues to pursue her music career — signed to BMG and previously associated with Universal Music Group — balancing boardrooms and recording studios with equal energy.
Reliance’s Ajio Rush Enters Fashion’s Quick Commerce Battle: 1.3 Lakh Styles, 4-Hour Delivery, and a Race Against Myntra, Snitch & Slikk
Reliance Retail Ventures has stepped into the fast-fashion delivery game with the rollout of Ajio Rush—a service that promises to get your style picks to your doorstep within just four hours. Introduced in the first quarter of FY26, the feature is already operational in six cities and offers an extensive selection of over 1.3 lakh fashion pieces. According to Reliance’s Q1 earnings report, Ajio Rush is already showing healthy numbers, thanks to higher-than-usual order values and fewer returns.
Ajio isn’t the first to try speeding up fashion deliveries. Myntra tested the waters last year with its M-Now service, offering delivery windows as tight as 30 minutes to two hours. As ETtech highlighted on June 18, 2025, other players like Nykaa Fashion, Newme, and Slikk have also been experimenting with lightning-fast drop-offs to appeal to impulse buyers—especially the Gen Z crowd that’s used to instant gratification. But not everyone has made it work. Quick fashion startup Blip folded in under a year, pointing to funding struggles and difficulties in scaling quickly.
That said, money is still pouring into this space.
On May 13, 2025, Slikk secured a $10 million investment from Nexus Venture Partners and Lightspeed to grow its one-hour delivery operation. Just weeks later, Snitch attracted a hefty $40 million round from 360 One Asset to fuel its own quick commerce ambitions. Around the same time, Gen Z-focused brand Newme raised $18 million from Accel, Fireside Ventures, and AUM Ventures to expand its footprint.
Despite the buzz, consumer behavior hasn’t changed entirely. In a June conversation with ETtech, Snitch founder Siddharth Dungarwal pointed out that most people don’t shop for clothes on a whim—unless they’ve got a last-minute event or emergency. “Essentials still rule the cart,” he said.
In a Market Dominated by Zepto and D-Mart, One 40-Year-Old Bengaluru Grocery Store Is Winning Hearts: And Going Global
As grocery apps like Zepto and Blinkit continue to dominate urban shopping habits, a Bengaluru techie’s social media post has sparked a lively debate about whether India’s neighborhood kirana stores can still hold their ground.
In a post that quickly caught fire on X (formerly Twitter), Amarnath Shivashankar shared the story of a humble grocery shop in his Bengaluru neighborhood that’s doing more than just surviving—it’s thriving. The store, which has been around for four decades, hasn’t just kept pace with the times—it’s sprinted ahead in its own way.
“This store near my place has been around for 40 years. They accept UPI, cards, cash—whatever works for you. They deliver to your doorstep. They even send groceries abroad through a courier service,” Amarnath wrote. “The quality is excellent. They’ve figured out how to make it work. That’s real innovation.”
He praised the store for keeping up with changing customer needs without losing the personal touch, even as big players like Reliance Mart, D-Mart, and lightning-fast delivery apps have taken over much of the grocery space.
While celebrating the store’s resilience, Amarnath made a pointed observation about modern shopping behavior: “This is capitalism, not socialism. People will go where they get value, convenience, and quality. That’s the bottom line.”
The post triggered hundreds of responses, with users chiming in from both sides of the fence.
Some hailed the post as a reminder that small businesses can survive if they’re willing to adapt. But others saw it as an exception, not the rule. One user commented, “The problem isn’t innovation or service—it’s that a few giant corporations control most of the supply chain now. That’s not a fair playing field.”
There were also voices of cautious optimism, drawing from history. “We’ve seen this before,” wrote another user. “When Ola and Uber showed up, people thought autos were done for. Then came the Metro, and people feared buses would vanish. But everything found its place eventually. The market adjusts.”
At a time when algorithms and logistics are dictating how we shop, the story of one well-run kirana shop reminds us there’s still room for trust, familiarity, and good old-fashioned service. For now, at least, the local store isn’t just surviving—it’s setting an example.
Krispy Kreme India Teams Up With Warner Bros to Launch DC Super Hero Doughnuts—Batman, Superman & Wonder Woman Now Come With a Filling
Krispy Kreme India is giving doughnuts a heroic makeover with the launch of its DC Super Hero-themed collection, created in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products. As part of a global campaign, the limited-edition lineup has now made its way to Krispy Kreme stores and online delivery platforms in major Indian cities.
This exclusive range draws inspiration from three of DC’s most legendary icons — Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman — with bold flavors and playful, comic-book-style designs. Globally, Krispy Kreme outlets have been transformed with superhero-inspired décor and packaging, and now Indian fans can get a taste of this pop-culture celebration.
Each doughnut is designed as a tribute to a hero. The Batman doughnut comes with rich dark chocolate icing, topped with black and yellow sprinkles reminiscent of Gotham’s protector. The Superman version stands out with bright red, blue, and yellow icing, paired with a creamy vanilla filling that echoes the Man of Steel’s iconic colors. The Wonder Woman doughnut, shimmering with golden glaze and the unmistakable “WW” emblem, captures the elegance and power of the Amazonian warrior.
Commenting on the launch, Ankit Nagori, CEO of Curefoods, said, “This campaign is all about merging the fun of fandom with indulgent treats. We’re thrilled to bring the excitement of the DC Universe to Indian fans, whether they’re visiting our stores or ordering from home.”
These limited-edition DC doughnuts will only be available for a short time, making them a must-try for superhero fans and dessert lovers alike.
French Bagel Giant Bagelstein Opens First India Outlet in Hyderabad, Plans 100 Stores Nationwide by 2029
French bagel chain Bagelstein has officially landed in India, opening its very first store at Nexus Mall in Hyderabad’s Kukatpally neighborhood. Known for its playful attitude and Parisian flair, the brand is kicking off what it hopes will be a country-wide bagel revolution.
The Hyderabad outlet brings a taste of Europe to the city, offering a carefully selected menu that includes fan favorites like the Halloumi Bagel and the Josephine Bagel. Alongside the food, guests can choose from a lineup of chilled teas, smoothies, and classic coffee options. Everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients, staying true to Bagelstein’s quality-first philosophy.
The space itself has been designed to reflect Bagelstein’s signature quirky-yet-chic European vibe—think vintage posters, moody lighting, and plenty of character. But there’s a local twist too, with subtle nods to Indian culture built into the décor to help the international brand feel more at home.
Thierry Veil, Bagelstein’s co-founder and CEO, sees big potential in the Indian market. “India is a dynamic space for global food culture right now,” he said. “We’re excited to bring our distinctive bagels and French personality to a whole new audience in Hyderabad.”
But this isn’t a one-off. Bagelstein has its sights set on a much bigger play. Under a master franchise agreement signed in August 2024, the company is aiming to open 100 locations across India by 2029. Target cities on the roadmap include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune.
Launched in Strasbourg in 2011, Bagelstein has grown to over 100 outlets across France and neighboring countries like Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. With Hyderabad now on the map, India becomes the latest addition to the brand’s expanding global presence.
Esha Deol Becomes Brand Ambassador for Santé Spa Cuisine, Backs India’s Growing Plant-Forward Dining Movement
Bollywood actress Esha Deol has been named the new brand ambassador for Santé Spa Cuisine, a renowned name in clean, wholesome, and mindful dining. The partnership brings together Deol’s personal philosophy of health and balance with the brand’s mission to promote nutritious, plant-forward meals made with love and sustainability in mind.
Known for her commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle and holistic wellness, Esha Deol is more than just a celebrity face — she lives the values that Santé Spa Cuisine stands for. From yoga and clean eating to mindful living, Deol has consistently promoted habits that align with the restaurant’s focus on conscious consumption, eco-friendly practices, and seasonal ingredients.
Speaking about the collaboration, Esha said, “I’ve always believed that food is one of the purest forms of self-care. Santé Spa Cuisine creates meals that are both nourishing and delicious, without compromising on ethics or quality. It’s a partnership that feels completely natural to me.”
Santé Spa Cuisine, which has expanded its footprint across major Indian cities, offers a wide array of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dishes, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their clean label promise and commitment to sustainability have made them a go-to for health-conscious diners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
With Esha Deol coming on board, the brand aims to amplify its message of guilt-free indulgence and inspire more people to rethink what healthy eating looks and tastes like.
This collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between wellness and lifestyle — proving that nutritious can indeed be glamorous.
ISOPURE® Signs Rashmika Mandanna as First-Ever Indian Brand Ambassador, Launches Bold ‘Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t’ Campaign
ISOPURE®—the global protein brand known for its ultra-clean, zero-carb supplements—is stepping into the Indian spotlight with a bold new face: Rashmika Mandanna. For the first time in the country, the brand has signed on a brand ambassador, and they’ve chosen someone who walks the talk.
Whether she’s on set, on the move, or off-duty, Rashmika is known for staying grounded in her habits and honest in her approach to wellness. That’s exactly what ISOPURE® stands for: no fluff, no fillers—just high-quality protein for people who care about what goes into their bodies.
The partnership kicks off with the brand’s newest campaign, “EVERYTHING YOU NEED, NOTHING YOU DON’T,” which highlights ISOPURE®’s promise of clean, straightforward nutrition. At a time when ingredient lists are getting longer and more confusing, ISOPURE® is sticking to the essentials—pure whey protein isolate, zero carbs, no sugar, and no artificial extras.
“Fitness isn’t about punishing routines or extremes,” Rashmika shares. “For me, it’s about showing up for myself every day—even when I’m short on time or in the middle of a hectic shoot schedule. I’ve learned that what I consume has to support my lifestyle, not complicate it. That’s why ISOPURE® makes sense to me—it’s simple, clean, and effective.”
Sumit Mathur, General Manager for South Asia at Glanbia Performance Nutrition, adds, “We’ve always believed in keeping things honest—both in our products and in our purpose. Rashmika is someone who lives with intention, and that makes her the perfect fit for ISOPURE®. This partnership is about more than protein—it’s about setting a new standard for what wellness looks like.”
To mark the collaboration, ISOPURE® is launching the #PurityChallenge, including two interactive product tests—ISOMIX and ISOFOAM—that allow people to see the difference for themselves. No gimmicks, just science-backed clarity.
And here’s the bottom line: ISOPURE® isn’t trying to be for everyone. It’s for those who read the labels, who ask questions, and who refuse to compromise. Whether you’re chasing gains or just trying to stay consistent, ISOPURE® helps you focus on the stuff that actually matters—one scoop at a time.
CBSE Launches ‘Oil Boards’ Campaign in Schools After NFHS Data Reveals 1 in 5 Urban Indians Are Overweight
In a bid to make students more mindful of what’s on their plates, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a new advisory that encourages all its affiliated schools to install “Oil Boards” — eye-catching posters or digital displays warning against the overuse of unhealthy fats and oils.
This circular, issued on July 15, 2025, builds on the earlier “Sugar Boards” campaign and continues CBSE’s push to get schools more actively involved in everyday health awareness. The idea is simple: place bold reminders in cafeterias, corridors, and common areas that spark conversations about eating better.
Behind this move is a troubling trend. Obesity rates in India — especially among kids and teens — are climbing steadily. The National Family Health Survey (2019–21) showed that 1 in 5 adults in urban areas is now overweight or obese. And according to The Lancet, that number is expected to more than double by 2050. What’s more, problems like poor diet and lack of exercise, once limited to adults, are now showing up earlier — in school years.
To tackle this, CBSE wants schools to treat students as active players in their own health. Here’s what that looks like:
Set up ‘Oil Boards’ in places students pass by every day — not to lecture, but to nudge.
Print small reminders on notebooks, folders, or school diaries that encourage kids to rethink their food choices and get moving.
Rework canteen menus to add more fruits, veggies, and low-fat options while pulling back on packaged, sugary, or deep-fried snacks.
Make movement a habit — through stretch breaks between classes, walkable school layouts, or simply making stairs the fun option again.
CBSE’s message is clear: good habits start young, and schools have a real shot at shaping them without being preachy. Just a few smart nudges in the right places can go a long way.
Lululemon to Enter India in 2026 With Tata CLiQ Luxury Tapping Into the Country’s $1.8 Billion Fitness and Athleisure Market
Lululemon, the Canadian athleisure giant known for its cult-like following and premium activewear, is officially entering the Indian market in 2026. The launch will be in collaboration with Tata CLiQ Luxury, and will roll out via both e-commerce and a brick-and-mortar store.
This debut feels well-timed. India’s fitness scene has evolved far beyond traditional gym workouts. While only 0.2% of Indians hold gym memberships, there’s a sharp uptick in boutique wellness trends—Pilates studios have long waitlists, wellness retreats are booming, and luxury gyms now focus more on “movement therapy” than dumbbells and treadmills. Green juice bars are on the rise, tennis clubs are thriving, and unconventional fitness formats like Hyrox and pickleball are gaining popularity.
Lululemon’s arrival taps into this exact cultural shift. No longer just functional, activewear is now a lifestyle statement for India’s new-age wellness consumer. Yoga pants are worn for everything from brunch to boardrooms. For many, fitness is not just about health—it’s about status, community, and self-expression.
Known for its sleek design, technical innovation, and premium price tags, Lululemon already enjoys global cult status. Its India entry signals more than just a retail expansion—it’s a nod to India’s changing priorities, where mental wellness, movement, and aesthetics are deeply intertwined.
By tying up with Tata CLiQ Luxury, Lululemon is also positioning itself firmly within the upper-tier of the Indian fashion and lifestyle space—appealing to the same audience that shops for Louis Vuitton bags and SoulCycle vibes. With the athleisure market heating up, Lululemon’s entry could just redefine India’s fitness fashion future.
Jewellery at Your Door in 24 Hours: GIVA Debuts ‘GIVA Go’ in 4 Cities
Jewellery shopping just got a serious upgrade. GIVA, the fast-growing direct-to-consumer jewellery brand, has rolled out a new express delivery service—GIVA Go—starting in four major cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
The new service promises to get select pieces of fine jewellery into customers’ hands within just 24 hours of placing an order. Depending on the time of purchase, some shoppers could even receive their items the same day.
“Jewellery is often tied to moments—gifting, celebrating, even last-minute surprises,” said Anirudh Kudva, Chief Revenue Officer at GIVA. “With GIVA Go, we’re closing the gap between decision and delivery. You shouldn’t have to wait days to experience something special.”
The one-day delivery promise is powered by GIVA’s network of city-based fulfilment hubs—dark stores stocked with the brand’s best-selling collections—and a tight logistics system that ensures quick dispatch. Orders placed between 12 PM and 1 PM are eligible for same-day delivery, while those made by 3 PM get fulfilled within hours in certain localities.
Eligible products are marked with a GIVA Go badge across the company’s website and app, making it easy for shoppers to know what’s available for fast shipping.
GIVA, which started out in 2019 with a sharp focus on silver jewellery, has rapidly grown its offerings to include gold and lab-grown diamonds. What began as an online-first venture now spans dozens of retail stores across India, starting with its first offline location in Bengaluru in 2022.
With over 2 million Indian customers and counting, GIVA’s business has seen robust growth. In FY 2023–24, it clocked ₹273.6 crore in operational revenue—a 66% jump from the previous year. The company is eyeing a milestone ₹500 crore in total revenue soon, as it continues building on both its digital and offline presence.
Plans are already in motion to expand GIVA Go to more cities in the coming months. For shoppers who want a dose of sparkle without the wait, this might just be a game-changer.
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