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Delhi businesses no longer need police licences to operate hotels, restaurants, and amusement venues

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Delhi businesses no longer need police licences to operate hotels, restaurants, and amusement venues

In a move aimed at simplifying business processes in the capital, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has officially removed the Delhi Police from the task of issuing licenses for various commercial establishments. This includes businesses like hotels, motels, guest houses, restaurants, swimming pools, discotheques, and amusement parks, among others.

Licensing responsibilities for these activities will now be handled by local civic bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

This change eliminates the long-standing requirement for a police-issued no-objection certificate (NOC), a process that many business owners viewed as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle.

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From Crime Control to Core Duties

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the move, calling it a practical reform that aligns with the Centre’s broader push for “Ease of Doing Business” and “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.”

She added that the shift also reflects Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s clear stance that the police force should be focused on what it’s meant to do—maintaining law and order, tackling crime, and handling security—not administrative red tape.

“It’s time to free up our police force from chasing paper,” said Gupta. “We’re working to make Delhi not just India’s political capital, but also a benchmark for efficient governance. That’s the goal of our double-engine government.”

Policing Falls Under the Centre

The Delhi Police, which reports directly to the Union Home Ministry, has long juggled administrative responsibilities alongside law enforcement. With this change, city officials believe the police will be better positioned to respond to the growing demands of public safety and policing in one of the world’s largest urban centers.

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While the transition of licensing powers to civic agencies may not resolve every bottleneck immediately, it marks a significant shift toward reducing red tape for hospitality and entertainment businesses in the capital.

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Bengaluru Gets a Taste of Paris: PAUL Bakery Debuts at Orion Gateway with Tartines, Pizzas & 135-Year-Old Legacy

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Bengaluru Gets a Taste of Paris: PAUL Bakery Debuts at Orion Gateway with Tartines, Pizzas & 135-Year-Old Legacy

Bengaluru food lovers are in for a buttery, flaky treat. The iconic French bakery and café chain PAUL is all set to open its first outlet in the city this August at Orion Gateway Mall in Rajajinagar.

Spread across a breezy 3,850 square feet with outdoor seating by the lakeside, the new café will serve up a slice of Paris in the heart of Bengaluru. The menu? A delicious mix of French comfort food and café staples—think warm tartines, crisp salads, rich pastas, wood-fired pizzas, hearty soups, and of course, their signature viennoiseries and pastries. Whether you’re after a leisurely brunch or a coffee-and-croissant break, PAUL’s got you covered.

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For the team behind Orion Gateway, the arrival of PAUL is another feather in the cap. “We’re always looking to bring in experiences that stand out,” said Sunil Munshi, Senior VP – Retail at Brigade Group. “PAUL offers exactly that—a mix of global flair and timeless food. We expect it to strike a chord with Bengaluru’s food-savvy crowd.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, COO of PAUL India, called the Bengaluru launch a key milestone for the brand’s presence in the country. “We’ve had a warm reception in other cities, and now we’re ready to serve Bengaluru. PAUL is more than a café—it’s a little piece of French food heritage, and we’re excited to share it, one croissant at a time.”

PAUL’s story goes back over 135 years, with its roots in northern France. In India, the brand was brought in by Stellar Concept Pvt. Ltd., and is operated under its affiliate, Cogent Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. The first Indian outpost opened in 2019, and since then, PAUL has been steadily growing its footprint among lovers of artisanal baking and refined casual dining.

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With this upcoming launch, Bengaluru’s café scene is about to get a whole lot more French—and a whole lot more flavorful.

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Nykaa x Paula’s Choice: American Skincare Brand Bets on India’s Booming Beauty Market with 237 Offline Stores and Massive Online Push

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Nykaa x Paula’s Choice: American Skincare Brand Bets on India’s Booming Beauty Market with 237 Offline Stores and Massive Online Push

After quietly entering the Indian market in 2023 via its own online store, American skincare brand Paula’s Choice is now taking a bigger leap—partnering with Nykaa to reach Indian customers more widely. This marks the brand’s first major tie-up with a local retailer and its formal step into omnichannel retail in the country.

The launch is expected to help Paula’s Choice tap into Nykaa’s vast customer base and deepen its roots in a growing Indian skincare market that’s becoming increasingly ingredient-aware.

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“Nykaa gives us the reach and credibility we need in a market that’s not only buzzing with potential but also rapidly evolving,” said Viksita Singh Menon, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Paula’s Choice. “We’re here for skincare that actually does what it says—and we want to make that easily available to everyone in India who’s been asking for it.”

Some of the brand’s most talked-about products are now available on Nykaa.com, including the cult-favorite Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, the Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser, 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, and the Skin Balancing Toner—all known for being fuss-free, fragrance-free, and effective.

Nykaa, which started in 2012 as an online beauty store, has since grown into a beauty and lifestyle behemoth with 237 offline stores and over 42 million customers across India. A spokesperson from Nykaa said, “We’re always scouting for brands that offer substance, not just shine. Paula’s Choice is a name that skincare lovers already trust, and this launch adds serious depth to our skincare lineup.”

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With Indian consumers getting smarter about ingredients and demanding real results, this collaboration is a timely move for both brands—one bringing the formulas, the other bringing the audience.

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From Spices to Speedy Meals: ZOFF Foods Unveils 5-Minute Gravies and 1-Minute Marinades, Partners with Reliance for Nationwide Launch

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From Spices to Speedy Meals: ZOFF Foods Unveils 5-Minute Gravies and 1-Minute Marinades, Partners with Reliance for Nationwide Launch

ZOFF Foods, the Raipur-headquartered spice label known for its clean, high-quality masalas, is stepping into new territory. The company has officially rolled out a line of Ready-to-Cook products, betting big on the growing demand for fast, flavourful meals without the junk. And in a major retail push, ZOFF is teaming up with Reliance Retail to take this new range national.

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Branded under Quick Homestyle Food, the RTC lineup is a nod to India’s love for ghar-ka-khana—with none of the prep work.

Here’s what’s on the shelf:

  • 5-Minute Gravies (₹150): Four options—Paneer, Chicken, Mutton, and a vegetarian ‘Magic Mix’
  • 1-Minute Marinades (₹75): Available in Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Chettinad, Fish Fry, and a vegetarian Paneer Tikka

“Our homes run on recipes passed down generations. But today’s lifestyle leaves little room for slow cooking,” said Akash Agrawalla, co-founder of ZOFF. “With this range, we’re not replacing tradition—we’re just making it easier to keep it alive. And with Reliance Retail, we’re aiming to hit 400+ stores by mid-2025.”

His co-founder and brother, Ashish Agrawal, pointed to the company’s broader vision: “We started with pure spices, but this is a natural next step. We’re building a full-spectrum kitchen brand that stays honest—no additives, no shortcuts on quality.”

The entire range is free from preservatives and artificial fillers, designed for customers who want real flavour without the fuss. ZOFF plans to make the products available online—through its own site, major e-commerce platforms, and instant delivery apps—by the end of the month.

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As more Indian consumers turn to smarter meal solutions that don’t sacrifice taste, ZOFF’s foray into this category signals a bigger play: becoming a one-stop name in Indian home cooking. Clean food, real masalas, and no compromise.

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Karan Johar Becomes the Face of The Bridal Retreat: A Bold 5-Day Journey for Indian Brides Across 7 Cities in 2025

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Karan Johar Becomes the Face of The Bridal Retreat: A Bold 5-Day Journey for Indian Brides Across 7 Cities in 2025

Not every bridal event is about the colour of the lehenga or the perfect Instagram shot. Some go deeper. The Bridal Retreat, a unique five-day experience aimed at soon-to-be brides, has brought filmmaker and cultural icon Karan Johar on board—not just for his name, but for what he represents: storytelling, self-discovery, and emotion.

Johar, known for crafting India’s most iconic love stories on screen, is now stepping into a different kind of narrative—one that unfolds away from the spotlight. “Weddings are magical, but they’re also a whirlwind. What happens when the music stops and real life begins? That’s the space this retreat lives in,” said Johar. “It’s an invitation for brides to take a pause—to look inward, to reflect, to just be.”

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Created by E-Factor Experiences, an event company with over 20 years in the business of designing immersive formats, The Bridal Retreat is not another bridal fair. It’s part introspection, part preparation—and fully about the woman beneath the bridal outfit.

“This isn’t a checklist of things to do before the wedding,” said Samit Garg, co-founder and MD at E-Factor. “This is about how a woman enters marriage—with clarity, strength, and a strong sense of who she is. That’s the foundation everything else stands on.”

The retreat is built around real conversations and guided sessions. Topics range from mental wellness and physical vitality to identity, communication, and modern relationships. Think of it as a soft landing pad before a big leap. Sessions are led by experts—therapists, artists, coaches, stylists—who bring both depth and relatability.

The programme has been personally designed by Manika Garg and Sonali Thakore, who wanted to reimagine bridal preparation beyond makeup trials and sangeet choreography. In 2025, The Bridal Retreat will travel to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Goa—with participant numbers intentionally kept small to maintain intimacy.

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At its heart, this isn’t just a retreat. It’s a space where women are reminded that before they promise forever to someone else, they deserve a quiet moment with themselves.

Because before “I do,” there should always be “I am.”

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Swiggy Taps Saurav Goyal to Lead Delivery Ops: Ex-Ola and Flipkart Exec to Oversee 300,000+ Gig Workers Amid IPO Momentum

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Swiggy Taps Saurav Goyal to Lead Delivery Ops: Ex-Ola and Flipkart Exec to Oversee 300,000+ Gig Workers Amid IPO Momentum

Swiggy has handed over the reins of its Driver and Delivery organisation to Saurav Goyal, a company insider with deep operational chops and close to 20 years of experience in steering large-scale businesses. This marks a significant internal move for the Bengaluru-based platform, which is in fierce competition with Zomato in the hyperlocal delivery race.

Goyal, who came aboard in June 2020, has been running Swiggy’s Business Finance division — a role in which he quietly helped shape the company’s financial playbook and sharpen its IPO preparations behind the scenes. From setting cost frameworks to aligning growth with investor expectations, he’s been one of the key architects of Swiggy’s fiscal discipline in recent years.

Now, in his new position, Goyal will turn his focus to one of Swiggy’s most critical engines: its legion of delivery partners. His task will be to design and scale programs that make life better — and more rewarding — for the thousands of people who power the platform’s daily operations across India.

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Before Swiggy, Goyal held leadership roles at Ola, Flipkart, and Tata Communications, where he worked on everything from finance transformation to long-term strategy. His shift to overseeing delivery operations signals a growing emphasis at Swiggy on building a stronger, more agile frontline workforce.

The appointment also comes at a time when gig workforce management is under greater scrutiny than ever, making this a high-stakes, high-impact role. Swiggy appears to be betting on an old hand with a sharp eye for structure — and a deep understanding of the company’s inner workings — to lead the charge.

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New Delhi to Host 186-Event Para Athletics Championship; Kangana Ranaut Roped In as Face of the Global Sporting Spectacle

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New Delhi to Host 186-Event Para Athletics Championship; Kangana Ranaut Roped In as Face of the Global Sporting Spectacle

Bollywood actor and newly elected Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has been chosen as the official brand ambassador for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, set to take place in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5. The announcement was made by the Paralympic Committee of India, and Ranaut herself shared the news on her social media, calling it a “true honour” to support India’s para-athletes and their relentless grit.

This will be the 12th edition of the prestigious event and the biggest para sport gathering India has ever hosted. With 186 medal events on the schedule—101 for men, 84 for women, and one mixed event—the New Delhi championship will feature more competitions than the previous edition in Kobe, Japan.

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Ranaut, known for her fiery screen presence in films like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu, stepped into the political spotlight in 2024 as a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh. Her appointment adds a celebrity spark to the event, but also reflects a broader push to give para-athletes the recognition they deserve.

Asia will be hosting the Championships for the fourth time, following previous editions in Doha (2015), Dubai (2019), and Kobe (2024). The event is overseen by World Para Athletics, which operates under the International Paralympic Committee.

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With India gearing up to welcome top para-athletes from around the globe, and a high-profile face like Ranaut backing the cause, the 2025 Championships aim to be a landmark moment in India’s sporting journey.

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Ayoh Raises $4.5M Seed Round to Turn Bold-Flavored Mayo into the Next Big Pantry Star

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Ayoh Raises $4.5M Seed Round to Turn Bold-Flavored Mayo into the Next Big Pantry Star

Your sandwich is about to get sassier. Ayoh, the unapologetically bold mayo brand, has secured $4.5 million in seed funding, led by Imaginary Ventures—the VC firm known for spotting lifestyle brands with a cult edge.

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Ayoh isn’t here to play it safe. With playful flavors and an aesthetic that pops off grocery shelves and Instagram feeds, the brand is rethinking mayo from the ground up. Born from a new-age food philosophy that prioritizes fun, flavor, and flair, Ayoh is turning the pantry staple into a personality.

Imaginary Ventures backing the brand is no accident—they’re known for betting early on brands like Glossier and SKIMS, and Ayoh seems to have that same loud-but-lovable energy.

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While some may raise a brow at the idea of “disrupting mayo,” Ayoh’s early buzz and this funding round suggest otherwise. With new capital and a clear identity, Ayoh is poised to smear its name across sandwiches (and hearts) everywhere.

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L.A. Libations Launches $30M Taste Tomorrow Fund, Picks Seth Goldman’s Just Ice Tea as First Bet

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L.A. Libations Launches $30M Taste Tomorrow Fund, Picks Seth Goldman’s Just Ice Tea as First Bet

L.A. Libations, a well-known name in beverage innovation, has officially rolled out a new $30 million venture fund titled Taste Tomorrow Ventures—with its debut investment going into none other than Just Ice Tea, the rapidly growing clean-label iced tea brand.

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Co-founded by Seth Goldman (co-founder of Honest Tea) and Spike Mendelsohn, Just Ice Tea has already made waves in the better-for-you drinks category. With a focus on low sugar, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly branding, the brand has caught the attention of consumers hunting for healthier yet flavorful alternatives to sugary drinks.

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L.A. Libations isn’t just writing cheques—they’re building a pipeline for what’s next in functional and health-forward beverages. The $30M fund will focus on early-stage companies in the beverage and snack space that are riding the wave of conscious consumption. With Just Ice Tea leading the charge, it’s a strong signal that clean-label is no longer niche—it’s the future.

For L.A. Libations, this isn’t a one-off move—it’s a full-speed plunge into the next generation of CPG. And with Seth Goldman at the helm, they’re putting their money where the movement is.

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Gurgaon Startup Pronto Raises ₹104 Crore to Deliver House Help in Just 10 Minutes — Backed by Bain Capital, General Catalyst, and Glade Brook

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Gurgaon Startup Pronto Raises ₹104 Crore to Deliver House Help in Just 10 Minutes — Backed by Bain Capital, General Catalyst, and Glade Brook

In a city where time is always running out, a Gurgaon-based startup is trying to save yours—by sending house help to your doorstep in just 10 minutes. Meet Pronto, a young startup that’s shaken up the home services space with a bold promise and an even bolder backing.

Barely two months after its launch, Pronto has raised ₹104 crore in Series A funding. The round saw participation from global heavyweights like General Catalyst, Bain Capital Ventures, and Glade Brook Capital—an unusual but significant vote of confidence for such a young player in a highly localised and operationally complex space.

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 concept is simple but ambitious: tap on the app, and within 10 minutes, a trained housekeeper shows up to assist with daily cleaning needs. The sight of Pronto’s vibrant green backpacks has already become familiar in several Gurugram neighborhoods. With neatly packed supplies and a digital booking system, the company is positioning itself as the “Swiggy for house help.”

What’s got investors excited isn’t just the speed. It’s the model—on-demand, reliable, and scalable. For working professionals, nuclear families, or just anyone who needs urgent assistance before guests arrive, the 10-minute promise could be a game changer.

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That said, questions remain. Can this model work consistently across cities with different dynamics? Will there be a tipping point in demand versus worker availability? But for now, with ₹104 crore in the bank and the early buzz looking strong, Pronto seems ready to clean up—literally and figuratively.

As the company gears up to expand operations, all eyes are on how fast and how far it can go. One thing’s certain: Gurugram’s startup scene just got a lot more interesting.

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