India’s First Smart Knit Factory Launches in Mohali—Zero Waste, AI, and Future of Fashion Manufacturing

Fashion

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July 9, 2025

Image of India’s First Smart Knit Factory — India’s First Smart Knit Factory Launches in Mohali—Zero Waste, AI, and Future of Fashion Manufacturing

Mohali just flipped the garment game. Active Clothing Co., in partnership with China’s Cixing, is launching India’s first fully automated knit-to-shape factory—a zero-waste, AI-enabled marvel geared for demand-based production.

The textile world has long struggled with overproduction and fabric waste. This smart knit factory tackles both. Using 3D seamless knitting machinery, AI tech, and precision engineering, the setup cuts waste, stitches designs on demand, and removes the need for traditional cutting/sewing.

While initially focused on sweaters and outerwear, this sets a template: scalability, sustainability, and style functionality. This aligns with ‘Make in India’ ethos and global supply chain evolution.

The ripple effect? It repositions India from low-cost labour to high-tech origin hub. Textile students can learn smart manufacturing; local mills can upgrade; and global buyers get traceable, high-quality output.

Final Take: As Mohali leads in smart knitwear, Indian fashion manufacturing steps into the future. Sustainability and tech are no longer niche—they’re the new normal. The real revolution? Turning clothes into code—and code into craft.

Will Connaught Place Turn Into Times Square? Delhi Govt’s 24×7 Shops Plan Faces Cost and Safety Concerns

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July 9, 2025

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Image-of-Connaught-Place — Will Connaught Place Turn Into Times Square? Delhi Govt’s 24x7 Shops Plan Faces Cost and Safety Concerns

As the Delhi government considers allowing shops and markets across the capital to operate 24×7, reactions from local business owners and trade associations remain mixed. While the idea of a round-the-clock retail economy sounds promising on paper, many believe the benefits might be more symbolic than substantial.

Several trader associations welcomed the proposal but tempered their optimism by noting that footfall during late-night hours may remain low, especially for traditional retail businesses. “It may help boost overall revenue slightly, but the operational costs of keeping stores open all night—electricity, staff salaries, security—may not justify the returns,” said a Lajpat Nagar trader.

Restaurant and café owners, however, see a bigger upside. Many believe late-night operations could drive dine-in traffic, especially from younger crowds who currently rely on food delivery apps after midnight. “People want to go out late, especially on weekends. A 24×7 policy could help us double our night revenue,” said the owner of a popular Connaught Place restaurant.

However, concerns about safety remain at the forefront. Both traders and restaurateurs urged the government to deploy more police personnel and ensure CCTV coverage in market areas to protect both customers and staff after dark.

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The Delhi government is yet to announce a final decision, but sources indicate that the proposal is under serious consideration. If implemented, Delhi could join Mumbai and Bengaluru in embracing a 24-hour economy—though its success will depend on footfall, infrastructure, and the city’s readiness to stay awake.

FSSAI Gets Tough: Over 70 E-Commerce Giants Summoned, CEO Orders Mandatory Training and Hygiene Checks

E-Commerce

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July 9, 2025

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Image of FSSAI — FSSAI Gets Tough: Over 70 E-Commerce Giants Summoned, CEO Orders Mandatory Training and Hygiene Checks

In a major push to enhance food safety standards in India’s booming e-commerce sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued strict new directives for online platforms dealing in food products. During a high-level meeting held on July 8, 2025, at FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, CEO of FSSAI emphasized that any lapses in food safety protocols would lead to severe consequences.

Over 70 representatives from major e-commerce companies were present at the meeting, where the CEO stressed the urgent need for compliance across the food supply chain—from warehouses to last-mile delivery. All platforms have now been directed to display their FSSAI License or Registration numbers clearly on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo issued to consumers. They must also ensure visibility of the Food Safety Connect App on consumer-facing documents.

Additionally, platforms are required to upload detailed information about their warehouses and storage facilities—including photographs—on the FoSCoS portal. Importantly, the possibility of including “Date of Expiry/Use By” information on food products at the consumer interface was discussed to improve transparency.

Crucially, every individual involved in the food supply process, including delivery personnel and warehouse handlers, must undergo mandatory FoSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training. E-commerce companies must share training plans and timelines with FSSAI to ensure timely compliance.

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FSSAI underscored that food safety is a shared responsibility, and even tech-driven food delivery services are not exempt from accountability. All warehouses associated with e-commerce must be registered or licensed under the FSS Act.

With this move, FSSAI is not just tightening the reins on compliance—it is signaling a broader intent to protect Indian consumers from food safety risks in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Billionaire Nikhil Kamath Bets ₹5 Crore on Rameshwaram Café’s Challenger, Café Amudham

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July 9, 2025

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Image-of-Nikhil-Kamath. — Billionaire Nikhil Kamath Bets ₹5 Crore on Rameshwaram Café’s Challenger, Café Amudham

In a move that’s already stirring the waters of South India’s bustling food scene, Zerodha co-founder and billionaire Nikhil Kamath has made a strategic ₹5 crore investment in Café Amudham, a direct competitor to the viral sensation The Rameshwaram Café.

While Rameshwaram Café has become a household name thanks to its fast-paced expansion, long queues, and a cleverly executed brand strategy built around nostalgia and authentic South Indian tiffins, Café Amudham has quietly been building a loyal following of its own. With this fresh capital infusion, Café Amudham seems poised to shift gears and go head-to-head with its more famous rival.

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Kamath’s bet on Amudham isn’t just about idlis and dosas—it signals a growing appetite among serious investors to tap into the massive, and often underrated, quick service restaurant (QSR) segment built on regional cuisines. The ₹5 crore isn’t just pocket change; it’s fuel for a scale-up war that could see Café Amudham expand its footprint aggressively in metro cities and tech hubs where demand for authentic, fast, and affordable Indian meals is exploding.

While Rameshwaram Café has leaned into strong branding and celebrity-like popularity, Café Amudham is expected to take a slightly different route: focusing more on tech-led operations, efficiency, and consistent taste—a likely reason why someone like Kamath, who’s known for spotting scalable business models, came on board.

It’s a spicy showdown in the South Indian café space, and with money, strategy, and ego in the mix, things are only heating up. What started as a race to serve the best filter coffee and ghee podi idlis might soon become one of India’s most exciting QSR rivalries to watch.

Realme Ropes in Bollywood Star Vicky Kaushal to Front Its Next Big Smartphone Push: Fans Say It’s a Perfect Match

A&M

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July 8, 2025

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Image of realme. — Realme Ropes in Bollywood Star Vicky Kaushal to Front Its Next Big Smartphone Push: Fans Say It’s a Perfect Match

Realme just added some serious star power to its roster—Vicky Kaushal has officially joined the brand as its new face, and fans are here for it. The actor, known for his versatile performances and sharp screen presence, will now be front and center in Realme’s upcoming campaigns.

The timing feels right. Realme, which has built a strong following among young smartphone users in India, seems to be aiming for something more than just specs and prices—it’s chasing personality. And Vicky, who’s earned both critical acclaim and mainstream love through films like Masaan, Uri, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, brings just the right mix of ambition, relatability, and cool.

To kick things off, Kaushal is headlining the promotion for Realme’s newest launch, a device that’s expected to lean heavily into AI-driven performance and sleek design. If the teaser visuals are anything to go by, this campaign is going to be a visual treat, packed with high energy and urban flair.

Realme’s team says the collaboration isn’t just about a celebrity endorsement. “Vicky’s journey mirrors what we stand for—pushing boundaries, owning your identity, and constantly leveling up,” said a senior marketing exec from the company.

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This partnership also signals Realme’s intent to grow beyond its ‘budget smartphone’ image and build a lifestyle brand that speaks to the country’s fast-evolving tech-savvy generation.

In a market overflowing with celebrity endorsements, this one already feels like a tighter fit than most. Vicky’s got the spark, Realme’s got the platform—and together, they might just be on to something big.

Shubman Gill’s Nike Moment Goes Viral During Edgbaston Test, Leaving Adidas Red-Faced Despite Official Sponsorship

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July 8, 2025

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Image-of-nike-adidas — Shubman Gill’s Nike Moment Goes Viral During Edgbaston Test, Leaving Adidas Red-Faced Despite Official Sponsorship

India’s commanding Test win at Edgbaston, led by newly appointed captain Shubman Gill, was expected to dominate the headlines — but it wasn’t just the on-field triumph that got people talking. What sparked a mini storm online was something far more subtle: the Nike compression vest Gill wore while declaring the innings.

On Day 4 of the second Test against England, as India pulled the plug on their innings with a lead of over 600 runs, Gill appeared on the players’ balcony to call in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. But while fans celebrated the strategic timing, it was his black Nike vest — clearly visible beneath the team’s Adidas-sponsored kit — that grabbed unexpected attention.

The image spread like wildfire on social media. For the casual viewer, it was just a vest. But for branding hawks and cricket marketing observers, it was a clever marketing moment — or a sponsorship headache, depending on which side you were on.

While Adidas officially took over as Team India’s kit sponsor in 2023, replacing Nike after a long run that began in 2006, Nike continues to back individual athletes, Gill included. So even though Adidas holds exclusive team rights, Gill’s personal tie to Nike brought the swoosh back into the spotlight — and without spending a rupee on team sponsorship.

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Social media, of course, had a field day.

One user posted: “Adidas paid crores for team sponsorship, but Gill’s Nike vest stole the show — for free.”

Another joked: “When Adidas is the team sponsor but Gill just refuses to let go of his Nike era.”

And one summed it up sharply: “Nike hijacked Shubman Gill’s biggest day in Test cricket without even trying.”

Intentional or not, it was a textbook lesson in brand visibility — and a moment that marketing execs on both sides are unlikely to forget anytime soon.

Mumbai’s Farm-to-Fork Brand Khetika Pulls in $18 Million to Supercharge SuperZop, Add RTE Line, and Expand Retail Footprint

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July 8, 2025

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Image of khetika — Mumbai’s Farm-to-Fork Brand Khetika Pulls in $18 Million to Supercharge SuperZop, Add RTE Line, and Expand Retail Footprint

Mumbai-based food brand Khetika has bagged $18 million in a fresh round of Series B funding, with Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office and Anicut Capital leading the charge. The round also included backing from existing supporters like Incofin India Progress Fund, Rajasthan Gum, and Shree Ram India Gums, while offering a partial exit to SIDBI Venture Capital and a group of early angel investors.

Started back in 2017 by Prithwi Singh, Darshan Krishnamurthy, and Raghuveer Allada, Khetika has built a reputation for selling everyday essentials—think batters, chutneys, spices, millets, dry fruits, and rice—without a trace of preservatives or additives. The company sources directly from a wide network of 25,000+ farmers spread across 14 Indian states, powered by its supply chain engine, SuperZop.

Now, with new funds in hand, Khetika is ready to widen its offering and modernize its backend. The team is gearing up to launch a new lineup of ready-to-eat meals and region-specific staples, crafted using age-old Indian recipes and minimal processing. A big chunk of the capital will go into automated production units, with a goal to triple output within the next 18 months. The company recently rolled out a batter facility in Delhi and a spice processing plant in Unjha, Gujarat, with more infrastructure planned.

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Tech-wise, Khetika is doubling down on transparency. SuperZop will soon feature real-time quality checks and consumer-facing traceability tools, including QR codes that let buyers track exactly when and where their food was grown and packed.

Khetika’s products are sold via large retail chains, over 15,000 kirana stores, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, and Blinkit. Interestingly, quick commerce now accounts for 25% of its sales—and it’s growing faster than any other channel.

“We’re building for scale, but not at the cost of quality,” said co-founder Singh. “This round helps us stay true to our clean-label ethos while reaching more homes across India.”

$1M Boost for AMAMA: Mistry Ventures Joins She Capital in Backing India’s Fast-Rising Jewellery Label

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July 8, 2025

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Image of amama. — $1M Boost for AMAMA: Mistry Ventures Joins She Capital in Backing India’s Fast-Rising Jewellery Label

Jewellery label AMAMA, known for turning bold ideas into handcrafted fashion statements, has just closed a fresh funding round of $1 million, led by Mistry Ventures. This marks the second major investment for the brand, which earlier saw support from She Capital Trust.

Founded in 2019 by Nikita Gupta, AMAMA began as a passion project rooted in her personal love for jewellery. Over the years, it has evolved into a platform that showcases expressive, hand-done accessories sourced and designed with a global outlook, while staying grounded in Indian craftsmanship.

With the new capital infusion, AMAMA plans to ramp up its retail and digital presence. The brand is preparing to open four new stores—one each in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and two in the Delhi NCR region, strengthening its physical footprint in key markets. Behind the scenes, it aims to invest in its supply chain, tech infrastructure, and expand its design and product teams.

But AMAMA’s sights aren’t just set on India. The brand is also exploring travel retail, international exhibitions, and tie-ups with multi-brand stores abroad to take its vision of wearable Indian art global.

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“This isn’t just about expansion,” said founder Nikita Gupta. “It’s about telling deeper stories through design, honouring our artisans, and taking rooted Indian expression to the world in a language they haven’t seen before.”

Dior Faces Backlash for $200,000 Coat Using Indian Mukaish Embroidery Without Credit: Jonathan Anderson’s Debut Sparks Outrage

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July 8, 2025

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Image of dior — Dior Faces Backlash for $200,000 Coat Using Indian Mukaish Embroidery Without Credit: Jonathan Anderson’s Debut Sparks Outrage

Just days after Prada drew criticism for its questionable take on India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals, Dior has landed in hot water over something strikingly similar—this time, for overlooking credit to India’s rich embroidery legacy.

At the heart of the controversy is a gleaming gold-and-ivory houndstooth coat from Dior’s latest collection, the first to be designed entirely by Jonathan Anderson since he took over as the brand’s creative head for both men’s and women’s lines. The show, held in Paris on June 27, drew heavy buzz—not just for the clothes but also for the glittering guest list, which included Rihanna, Robert Pattinson, and Daniel Craig.

But it wasn’t a celebrity that sparked the conversation online. It was fashion analyst and creator Hanan Besnovic, who posted a detailed video zooming in on the intricate metal-thread embroidery on that standout coat. Besnovic pointed out that the embroidery style is unmistakably “mukaish”—a delicate and historic hand-embroidery technique from Lucknow, India, known for weaving fine metallic strands into fabric.

“This isn’t just any coat. It’s part of a major debut collection, and the technique used is incredibly meticulous. That shimmer? It’s the result of hours of mukaish work—an art that’s been around for centuries in India,” he explains.

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What’s ruffled feathers is that nowhere in the official communication did Dior mention the technique’s Indian roots or acknowledge the artisans behind it. One Instagram user summed up the sentiment best: “Indian craftsmen deserve the same recognition as European ateliers like Lesage. Say what you will about Maria Grazia, but at least she highlighted the Indian hands behind her designs.”

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s “Revenge Dress” Reinvention Sparks Fashion Talk—Healing, Style & Statement

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July 8, 2025

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Image of Samantha — Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s “Revenge Dress” Reinvention Sparks Fashion Talk—Healing, Style & Statement

From heartbreak red carpet to transformation power-play, Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s black “revenge dress” is making waves—and starting conversations. Originally her wedding outfit, designer Kresha Bajaj reimagined it into a bold black gown. Samantha and Kresha explain it wasn’t about erasing memories—it was reclaiming agency, resilience, and a new narrative.

This isn’t just a dress—it’s a symbol. A powerful step from a personal journey redefined through design. Feminist stylists, mental health advocates, and social media eyes are calling it haute therapy: fashion as healing, couture as courage.

The styling is sleek. Stark black silhouettes, empowered femme lines, and a narrative built into the seams. This is wellness-focused wardrobe: clothes that articulate emotion while uplifting spirit. And the response? Support poured in—from fans praising it as a “cloak of confidence” to mental health voices citing its deeper ripples.

Final Take: Samantha’s transformation isn’t trend—it’s therapy. And it’s art. When fashion becomes a vessel for healing, it goes beyond style—it becomes story, and stays long after the spotlight fades.

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