Urban Company Turns Profitable in FY25 with Rs 240 Cr Net Profit, Revenue Surges 38% to Rs 1,144 Cr

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June 19, 2025

Image of urban company — Urban Company Turns Profitable in FY25 with Rs 240 Cr Net Profit, Revenue Surges 38% to Rs 1,144 Cr

After years of burning cash to scale, Urban Company has finally broken into the black. The Gurugram-based home services marketplace closed FY25 with a net profit of Rs 240 crore, a sharp rebound from its Rs 92.7 crore loss in FY24. This profitability milestone came on the back of a 38.2% rise in operating revenue, which touched Rs 1,144 crore for the year ending March 2025.

A big boost to the bottom line came from a Rs 211 crore deferred tax credit. But even after stripping that out, the company still reported a healthy pre-tax profit of Rs 28 crore, reflecting stronger cost discipline and operational gains.

From Pedicures to Purifiers: Business Mix That Paid Off

Urban Company clocked 6.8 million service transactions during the year, covering everything from facials and massages to pest control and appliance repair. Operating across India and international markets including Singapore, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, the platform saw its total transaction value rise to Rs 3,115 crore.

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Platform services remained the company’s bread and butter, bringing in Rs 742 crore—about 65% of its operational revenue and up 32.5% year-on-year. Its customer membership model earned Rs 98 crore, showing modest growth of 7.7%.

However, the surprise performer this year was Urban Company’s in-house product line, Native. The company’s branded water purifiers generated Rs 116 crore in revenue—nearly 4x the previous year’s Rs 29 crore. Add another Rs 188 crore from products sold to service professionals, and the commerce vertical is showing real momentum.

India Leads the Charge, But Global Is Gaining Ground

The bulk of the revenue still comes from the domestic market, which contributed Rs 997 crore to the topline. International operations, though smaller, added Rs 147 crore. An additional Rs 117 crore came from non-core earnings—interest and mutual fund returns—pushing total income for FY25 to Rs 1,261 crore, a healthy jump from Rs 928 crore in FY24.

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Urban Company’s sharp turnaround makes it one of the few consumer internet businesses in India to post a profit at scale, setting a precedent in a space where losses are often seen as the price of growth.

Sandeep Kataria Steps Down as Bata’s Global CEO After a Game-Changing Run Across Diapers, Data Packs, and Deep-Dish Pizza

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June 19, 2025

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Image of bata — Sandeep Kataria Steps Down as Bata’s Global CEO After a Game-Changing Run Across Diapers, Data Packs, and Deep-Dish Pizza

Sandeep Kataria, the man behind Bata’s transformation from a household name in India to a stronger global player, is stepping down from the corner office. As the first Indian to hold the top job at Bata Corporation worldwide, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Swiss-headquartered footwear giant.

But he’s not dashing off just yet — Kataria will stay on for another six months, helping ease the leadership transition and keeping the wheels turning smoothly while the company searches for its next captain.

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From Baby Products to Brogues: A Career Full of Pivots

Kataria didn’t take the straight path to the shoe business. His résumé reads like a crash course in consumer behavior across wildly different sectors:

Unilever: Nearly two decades spent navigating the world of baby diapers, toothpaste, and shampoos — with stints across sales, brand-building, and international roles.
Yum! Brands: He traded consumer goods for crispy chicken, heading marketing for KFC and Pizza Hut in India.
Vodafone India: Then came telecom, where he steered brand and strategy, selling not buckets or beauty products, but data plans and network promises.

From FMCG aisles to fast-food counters to mobile towers, Kataria’s career has been anything but boring — and it culminated in leading one of the most iconic footwear names on the planet.

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Razorpay Picks Up Majority Stake in POP with $30 Million Investment, Enters Consumer UPI and Rewards War

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June 18, 2025

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Image of razorpay — Razorpay Picks Up Majority Stake in POP with $30 Million Investment, Enters Consumer UPI and Rewards War

Fintech major Razorpay has made a bold move into the UPI consumer payments space by investing $30 million in Bengaluru-based startup POP, a platform known for blending digital payments with a rewards-first approach. The deal gives Razorpay a controlling stake in POP, although the latter will continue to run as an independent company.

POP, which kicked off its UPI-based services in June 2024, has seen rapid traction over the past year. It now handles over 6 lakh daily UPI transactions and has notched up more than 1 million unique monthly users, according to internal figures. Alongside its payments play, POP has also issued 40,000+ RuPay credit cards in partnership with Yes Bank, and claims to have fulfilled 2 lakh e-commerce orders via its app.

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The platform’s hook is its rewards engine — POPcoins, a universal loyalty currency that users earn with every transaction or purchase. These POPcoins can be redeemed across a wide merchant network, allowing users to get actual value in return for their everyday spending.

Razorpay’s backing will give POP the fuel it needs to grow its merchant ecosystem and beef up its loyalty tools. It’s also a strategic fit for Razorpay, which is looking to deepen its offerings for merchants by bundling payments, loyalty, and customer engagement into one platform.

This isn’t Razorpay’s first move into rewards — it acquired PoshVine in 2022 to layer loyalty into its core payment stack. But with POP, Razorpay now has a direct entry point into the consumer UPI landscape, positioning it to compete with players like PhonePe, Paytm, and the recently rebranded PostPe by BharatPe.

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POP previously raised $2.4 million in seed funding in June 2023 from India Quotient and several angel investors. With Razorpay’s capital and ecosystem muscle, it now aims to scale faster, sharpen its product offerings, and become

Blackstone Expands Indian Portfolio with ₹3,250 Crore Purchase of South City Mall, Kolkata’s Retail Crown Jewel

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June 18, 2025

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Image of blackstone. — Blackstone Expands Indian Portfolio with ₹3,250 Crore Purchase of South City Mall, Kolkata’s Retail Crown Jewel

Global investment giant Blackstone has struck a major deal by purchasing South City Mall, one of Kolkata’s most prominent shopping destinations, for a reported ₹3,250 crore. The transaction, which marks one of the largest retail real estate acquisitions in recent times, was closed with support from real estate advisory firm ANAROCK.

South City Mall, known for its prime location and high footfall, spans over a million square feet and is home to more than 150 brands, both Indian and international. With annual sales crossing ₹1,800 crore, it has consistently ranked among the top-performing malls in eastern India. Its infrastructure includes multi-level parking for over 1,250 vehicles — a critical advantage in the crowded cityscape of Kolkata.

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Commenting on the acquisition, Asheesh Mohta, Blackstone India’s Head of Real Estate Acquisitions, said the group sees long-term value in South City Mall’s strong brand equity and market position. “This is not just a retail space; it’s a cultural and commercial landmark. We plan to build on the South City Group’s efforts and push the asset to its next stage of growth, drawing on our experience and scale in India’s retail sector,” he noted.

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With this addition, Blackstone further cements its position as one of the biggest owners of retail assets in India — a market it continues to aggressively expand in. The move also reflects growing investor confidence in India’s consumer-led commercial real estate landscape.

Kajol’s Monochrome Saree Looks Are the Quiet Revolution We Didn’t Know We Needed

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June 18, 2025

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Image-of-Kajol-Devgn — Kajol’s Monochrome Saree Looks Are the Quiet Revolution We Didn’t Know We Needed

When Kajol Devgn stepped out in a white chiffon saree recently, the internet sighed—and then hit repost. The actress, who’s always known for being low-key elegant, has sparked a whole trend around monochromatic minimalism, and trust us, it’s powerful.

Her recent looks have centered around pristine whites, soft ivories, and muted beiges—draped in classic silhouettes with subtle gold or thread work borders. But it’s not about “less is more” in a lazy way. Kajol’s take on minimalism feels intentional. Every drape is crisp, every accessory is curated, and the vibe is pure grown-woman elegance.

There’s no over-styling here—no crazy hairstyles or statement bags. Just vintage-inspired drapes, statement rings, kohl-lined eyes, and a confidence that reminds you: you don’t need a thousand embellishments to own a room.

What’s incredible is how Kajol is taking this moment to highlight craftsmanship. Many of her sarees are made by artisans from Bengal and Varanasi, bringing regional craft to a global celebrity spotlight. In an age where everything screams for attention, Kajol is whispering—and still managing to captivate.

And now, monochrome saree boards on Pinterest are filling up, brands are pushing out limited-edition ivory collections, and the white-saree-as-power-move is having a full-blown renaissance.

Final Take: Kajol’s looks prove that elegance doesn’t always have to shout. Sometimes, it just has to show up with poise. In her quiet way, she’s giving Indian women permission to embrace simplicity—and reminding the fashion industry that subtle can still steal the show.

Prisha Dhatwalia’s Bridal Fashion in Meri Bhavya Life Is Bold, Beautiful—and Long Overdue

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June 18, 2025

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Image of Prisha-Dhatwalia — Prisha Dhatwalia’s Bridal Fashion in Meri Bhavya Life Is Bold, Beautiful—and Long Overdue

Indian television just gave plus-size fashion a major win. On Meri Bhavya Life, actress Prisha Dhatwalia is starring in a storyline that has her preparing for a wedding—and doing it in unapologetically stunning bridal couture, created for her curves, not despite them.

Every episode feels like a rejection of outdated bridal rules. Gone are the tight bustiers and restrictive lehengas. Instead, Prisha’s looks are designed for her body type—flowy kalidars with detailed mirror work, shararas that highlight movement, and dupattas that drape with elegance, not constraint. And it’s not just a costume. It’s emotionally aligned styling—empowering and personal.

She’s also speaking up about it off-screen. In a recent interview, Prisha said, “The outfit should fit you—you shouldn’t have to fit into it.” That statement, though simple, hit hard. Social media has exploded with support. Brides-to-be are tagging designers, stylists are resharing, and bridalwear labels are (finally) listening.

What’s even more powerful is how viewers are connecting to her confidence. Her walk, her smile, the way she owns every frame—it’s rewriting the narrative that beauty is about fitting in. Instead, it’s about fitting out, unapologetically.

Final Take: Prisha’s character may be fictional, but her fashion impact is very real. Her bridal looks aren’t just pretty—they’re political. And hopefully, they mark the start of a more inclusive era in Indian bridal couture where every bride gets to feel seen, styled, and celebrated.

Rashmika Mandanna Is Turning Every Promotional Appearance into a Cultural Fashion Parade – Here’s Why It Works

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June 18, 2025

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Image of Rashmika Mandana — Rashmika Mandanna Is Turning Every Promotional Appearance into a Cultural Fashion Parade – Here’s Why It Works

If there’s one actress who’s using her promotional wardrobe as a cultural canvas right now, it’s Rashmika Mandanna. While promoting her latest film Kuberaa, Rashmika has been serving major looks that are deeply rooted in Indian tradition—think timeless sarees, regal anarkalis, and structured kurta sets with a hint of modern drama.

But it’s more than styling—it’s strategy. Rashmika is blending the glamour of red-carpet-ready fashion with India’s rich textile heritage. From intricately embroidered raw silk sarees to jewel-toned chikankari sets, each look carries an intentional nod to regional craft. And she’s not doing it alone—behind every outfit is a team of young Indian designers and stylists eager to reintroduce handloom, Banarasi, and Zardozi to Gen Z through someone as widely loved as Rashmika.

What makes her looks really click is the accessibility. They feel wearable, yet aspirational. Social media is buzzing with breakdowns of her outfits, and designers are being tagged left, right, and center. This is not fast fashion—it’s fashion that connects.

She’s reminding us that Indian wear isn’t limited to Diwali or weddings. It can be part of daily glam, public appearances, and even street style. Her ‘Srivalli’ essence—graceful, earthy, yet powerful—is showing up in every drape, tuck, and jhumka.

Final Take: Rashmika isn’t just promoting Kuberaa—she’s promoting culture, designers, and India’s deep design vocabulary. This is celebrity styling done right. With every lehenga twirl, she’s putting the spotlight back on local design houses and heritage crafts—proving that tradition and trend can absolutely walk the red carpet together.

Rapido, Uber Booked for Illegal Bike Taxi Ops in Mumbai After RTO Sting; Face Action Under BNS and Motor Vehicles Act

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June 18, 2025

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Image of rapido — Rapido, Uber Booked for Illegal Bike Taxi Ops in Mumbai After RTO Sting; Face Action Under BNS and Motor Vehicles Act

Mumbai’s transport crackdown just escalated. On Tuesday, city police registered FIRs against app-based bike taxi operators Rapido and Uber, accusing them of running passenger transport services without the required government approvals.

The complaints came after officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) posed as customers, booking test rides through both platforms. Their findings triggered formal police complaints at the Azad Maidan police station, alleging that both companies are operating in clear violation of existing transport rules.

According to officials, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner had earlier directed enforcement teams to take strict action against aggregators offering unauthorized services. “The instructions were clear — these companies can’t continue to transport passengers unless they’re properly licensed,” said a senior RTO official familiar with the matter.

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Back in April, Rapido had already received a notice from the RTO warning them about similar violations. But despite the warning, operations appear to have continued, prompting officials to finally escalate the issue to the police.

The complaint outlines that neither Uber nor Rapido has obtained the necessary approvals from the state government or the RTO, yet they continue to run app-based bike taxi services openly. As a result, both companies now face charges under Section 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and multiple provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

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Police confirmed that an investigation is underway.

So far, there has been no official response from either company. Meanwhile, the case adds fuel to an ongoing debate over the legal status of bike taxis in India — a regulatory limbo that’s raising concern for both commuters and policymakers.

Devyani International to Bring Warren Buffett’s Favourite Dairy Queen to India Amid ₹14.7 Cr Loss and ₹420 Cr Biryani Bet

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June 18, 2025

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Image of dairy queen — Devyani International to Bring Warren Buffett’s Favourite Dairy Queen to India Amid ₹14.7 Cr Loss and ₹420 Cr Biryani Bet

Devyani International, the company behind your neighborhood KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee outlets, is now quietly working to bring another global favorite to Indian cities—Dairy Queen. According to insiders who spoke to Digital Street Post, discussions are underway to introduce the American chain as part of Devyani’s push to win over more burger-and-dessert-loving Indian consumers.

For those unfamiliar, Dairy Queen isn’t just another fast-food joint. It’s a name etched in American pop culture, with a fan club that includes none other than Warren Buffett. The billionaire investor bought the brand through Berkshire Hathaway back in 1997, shelling out $585 million in a mixed cash-and-stock transaction. Since then, he’s been an unofficial ambassador for the chain, often treating guests in Omaha to DQ’s soft serve and his favorite: the banana split.

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His fondness isn’t limited to business partners—Buffett and his late wife Susan were longtime regulars. With Dairy Queen now eyeing India, dessert fans might soon get to try his go-to treats without flying across the globe.

Devyani International, meanwhile, declined to comment when reached out for confirmation.

Turning Around the Menu and the Numbers

This potential tie-up comes at a crucial time for the company. Devyani International has been aggressively tweaking its strategy as it struggles with losses. In the quarter ending March 2025, the company posted a loss of ₹14.7 crore, nearly double from the ₹7.5 crore reported in the same quarter last year. Still, revenues grew to ₹1,213 crore—up 16% year-on-year from ₹1,047 crore.

The firm has been signaling its intent to shake things up. It recently sealed partnerships with international names like Tealive, Sanook Kitchen, and New York Fries. Top executives hinted earlier this year that more such brand tie-ups were on the horizon.

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Just weeks ago, Devyani made another bold move: acquiring a majority stake in Biryani By Kilo for ₹420 crore. The deal is part of a larger play to strengthen its hold across multiple food categories—beyond fried chicken and coffee.

If the Dairy Queen deal is finalized, it could mark a high-profile entry into India’s ever-growing quick-service restaurant market—and a dessert war might just be on the horizon.

Fake ‘Jio Eat’ Website Dupes Users with ₹500 Meal Offer for ₹99, Steals Big via OTP Scam: Over 2.4 Million Cases of Digital Fraud in FY25

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June 18, 2025

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Image of jio eat — Fake ‘Jio Eat’ Website Dupes Users with ₹500 Meal Offer for ₹99, Steals Big via OTP Scam: Over 2.4 Million Cases of Digital Fraud in FY25

A new online scam disguised as a food delivery platform called Jio Eat is targeting consumers across India, using fake branding and deceptive offers to steal money, according to a report by AngleOne. The fraudulent website misuses the Reliance Jio logo and falsely claims affiliation with Reliance Retail, despite no such association existing.

The fake platform lists 15 major Indian cities as serviceable locations and tempts users with a hard-to-resist offer—any meal worth up to ₹500 for just ₹99 with free delivery and no hidden charges. It even includes fabricated privacy policies and terms to appear authentic.

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The Scam Mechanism: A Familiar Trap with a New Mask

As reported by AngleOne, the fraud unfolds during the payment stage. The site only allows credit or debit card payments. Once a customer initiates a transaction, an OTP is sent—but the amount tied to the OTP is far higher than expected. Victims, unaware of the discrepancy, often enter the OTP and unknowingly authorize a large withdrawal.

YouTube Ads Push Fake Platform into Public Eye

Adding to its reach, the scam is being aggressively promoted through paid YouTube ads. Several users have shared experiences online, reporting significant amounts being deducted from their accounts without authorization. Reliance Retail has categorically denied launching any food delivery business, making this scam even more misleading.

Wider Context: Alarming Rise in India’s Cyber Frauds

According to AngleOne, this case highlights the broader crisis of rising cybercrime in the country. Data from the Finance Ministry shows over 2.4 million incidents of digital fraud were reported in the first 10 months of FY25, leading to financial damages exceeding ₹4,245 crore. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has called on financial institutions to ramp up cybersecurity and vigilance across digital platforms.

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Consumers are advised to verify the authenticity of any platform before sharing sensitive payment information, no matter how credible the branding may appear.

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