ITC enters international market with ultra-luxury Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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ITC Ratnadipa has 352 guest rooms, suites, and service apartments, each boasting private balconies offering stunning waterfront views.
Colombo’s skyline welcomed a new landmark today as ITC Hotels unveiled ITC Ratnadipa, marking the hospitality giant’s foray into the international market. Situated in the prestigious Gale Face area, the twin towers of ITC Ratnadipa, reminiscent of iconic structures seen in Singapore and Malaysia. As Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, said at the inauguration ceremony- “The skyline of Colombo has a new gem.”
This is not just ITC’s first hotel outside of India, this also marks the biggest investment made by an Indian company in Srilanka so far. The inauguration ceremony was graced by His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, and attended by esteemed dignitaries including Hon’ble Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.
Sanjeev Puri, Chairman, ITC group said that ITC Ratnadipa is a step towards strengthening tourism ties between India and Srilanka in the direction that PM Narendra Modi called- neighbors first.
Beyond hospitality, ITC Ratnadipa aims to boost MICE tourism in Sri Lanka with its modern banqueting facilities spread over 40,000 square feet, ideal for hosting corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. Additionally, the project introduces Sky Mansions to South Asia with the Sapphire Residences, offering luxurious apartments and penthouses with panoramic ocean views.
Santosh Jha, Indian High commissioner in Srilanka, stressed on India’s commitment towards Srilanka and said that India has always stood by its neighbor through thick and thin including the Covid pandemic and the financial crisis in the island country. “Launch of UPI, connectivity corridors and now ITC luxury property show India’s support to Srilankd,” said Jha.
Keeping it local, the hotel’s architecture and design is inspired by the national flower of Sri Lanka, the floating water lily. ITC Ratnadipa has 352 guest rooms, suites, and service apartments, each boasting private balconies offering stunning waterfront views. The hotel is strategically positioned between the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, comprises two towers connected by the state-of-the-art ‘Ahasa’ sky bridge, an architectural marvel soaring 100 meters above ground.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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This limited-edition collection, under AJIO’s House of Ethnics, offers over 250 styles of shararas, kurta suit sets, lehengas, sarees and is priced between ₹4,000 and ₹1,50,000. The ethnic outfits are inspired by the upcoming webseries “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar”.
AJIO announced the exclusive launch of a limited edition ethnic collection on Wednesday (April 24), inspired by Netflix and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. This limited-edition collection, under AJIO’s House of Ethnics, offers over 250 styles of ethnic outfits inspired by the series. It will be available for purchase starting April 25.
The collection draws inspiration from the colors, silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments used in “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.” It features fabrics like pure silk, tissues, georgettes, and brocades, showcasing traditional dabka hand embroidery, Parsi embroidery, beadwork, and digital prints inspired by the series.
Items include shararas, kurta suit sets, lehengas, and saris, priced between ₹4,000 and ₹1,50,000. Vineeth Nair, CEO of AJIO, expressed the importance of fashion in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s creations, stating, “Fashion plays a very important role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s creations that often explore themes rooted in Indian culture, tradition, and heritage.”
He added that AJIO’s House of Ethnics provided the perfect platform for the collection. “When we thought of this collaboration with Netflix for Heeramandi, it made a lot of sense. AJIO’s House of Ethnics was the perfect launchpad for this limited-edition collection, enabling access to the fashion that customers adore and helping them create that dreamy Bollywood-inspired look,” Nair added.
“Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” marks the series debut of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, set in pre-independent India against a backdrop of a freedom movement.
Shilpa Singh, Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships, APAC at Netflix, highlighted the significance of costumes in Bhansali’s stories, calling the collaboration an opportunity for fans to own the exquisite designs worn by the leading ladies in the show. “Costumes in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s stories are characters in their own right, adding depth to the storyline,” Singh added.
AJIO House of Ethnics offers top ethnic brands like BIBA, Indie Picks, Nyrika, Aarke by Ritu Kumar, Satya Paul, Ri-wah, Global desi, Gulmohar Jaipur, Soch, and Fabindia. With over 3 lakh styles, it has become India’s preferred destination for ethnic fashion.
“Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” will start streaming on Netflix from May 1.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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Culinary platform TasteAtlas, recently unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 10 best rice puddings from around the globe, showcasing the delectable flavours of rice desserts, which are a rave in India. What makes this compilation more special is the inclusion of three iconic Indian desserts, highlighting the rich culinary heritage and nuanced flavours of the country. Take a look at the top-10 rice puddings in the world and check which three Indian desserts rank on the list. (Image: Shutterstock)No. 10 | Dish: Arroz doce | Popular in: Portugal | This Portuguese rice pudding can leave food aficionados enchanted with its creamy texture and subtle hints of citrus and cinnamon. It is mostly enjoyed warm or chilled as a comforting dessert. (Image: Shutterstock)No 9. Dish: Sakkarai Pongal | Popular in: India | A Southern Indian sweet dish, Sakkarai Pongal, combines rice, jaggery, and lentils, cooked to a velvety consistency and flavored with ghee, cardamom, and cashews, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. (Image: Shutterstock)No 8. Dish: Zerde | Popular in: Turkiye | A Turkish saffron-infused rice pudding, Zerde captivates with its striking yellow color and delicate floral aroma, traditionally served during special occasions and festivities. (Image: Shutterstock)No 7. Dish: Risalamande | Popular in: Norway | A Norwegian variation of rice pudding, Risalmande, is infused with almonds and served chilled, offering a creamy and nutty indulgence, often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations. (Image: Shutterstock)No 6. Dish: Risengrod | Popular in: Denmark | A Danish rice pudding, Risengrod delights with its comforting simplicity, often enjoyed during the festive season, served cold and adorned with cinnamon and a dollop of fruit compote. RisengrodNo 5. Dish: Kheer | Popular in: India | Another iconic Indian dessert, Kheer enchants with its rich, milky base simmered with fragrant rice, nuts, and spices, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.No 4. Dish: Phirni | Popular in: India | A classic Indian rice pudding, Phirni charms with its smooth and creamy consistency, enriched with cardamom and garnished with pistachios, almonds, or saffron strands. (Image: Shutterstock)No 3. Dish: Sholeh Zard | Popular in: Iran | A Persian saffron-infused rice pudding, Sholeh Zard captivates with its vibrant yellow hue and delicate floral aroma, symbolizing joy and celebration. (Image: Shutterstock)No 2. Dish: Khao Niao Mamuang | Popular in: Thailand | A Turkish rice pudding delicacy, Firin Sutlac entices with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, baked to golden perfection. (Image: Shutterstock)No 1. Dish: Firin Sutlac | Popular in: Turkiye | A Turkish rice pudding delicacy, Firin Sutlac entices with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, baked to golden perfection. (Image: Shutterstock)
SBI Card launches its first core travel credit card: Check features, annual fees, variants
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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The variants are SBI Card MILES ELITE, SBI Card MILES PRIME, and SBI Card MILES. The card is available on both Mastercard and RuPay networks.
SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, has launched three variants of its first travel-focused core credit card, SBI Card MILES. The variants are SBI Card MILES ELITE, SBI Card MILES PRIME, and SBI Card MILES.
Each variant comes with benefits that cater to the needs of modern-day travelers, SBI Card said.
With these credit card variants, users can accumulate travel credits with every expenditure, earning up to six travel credits for every ₹200 spent on travel bookings across airlines and hotels.
Another feature of SBI Card MILES series is the flexibility it offers in redeeming travel credits.
Cardholders can convert these credits into air miles or hotel points. Alternatively, they can utilise the credits directly through SBI Card’s exclusive travel aggregator for booking flights and accommodations, the credit card issuer said.
The flagship variant, SBI Card MILES ELITE, offers milestone benefits, including up to 5,000 travel credits upon reaching a spend milestone of ₹1 lakh within 60 days of enrolment.
Further, milestones such as spends of ₹12 lakh and ₹15 lakh unlock travel credits and fee reversals.
SBI Card MILES ELITE also offers Priority Pass membership.
Cardholders can get up to eight complimentary domestic lounge visits and six international lounge visits annually.
Additionally, the card rewards users with additional domestic lounge access vouchers based on cumulative spending milestones.
Importantly, SBI Card MILES ELITE comes with a low foreign transaction mark-up of 1.99% and comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
The card is available on both Mastercard and RuPay networks.
With an annual fee of ₹4,999 plus applicable taxes, SBI Card MILES ELITE delivers premium travel experiences, SBI Card said.
The SBI Card MILES PRIME and SBI Card MILES variants come with annual fees of ₹2,999 and ₹1,499 plus applicable taxes, respectively.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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This route is synonymous with motorheads, especially adventure seekers, who travel through the mountainous region to soak in its vast landscape that’s postcard perfect. Here are 10 reasons, why you should not miss travelling on this route this summer season. (Image: Shutterstock)No 1. Spectacular scenery: The Leh-Manali Highway offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, with snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and meandering rivers along the route.No 2. Adventure of a lifetime: Driving on the Leh-Manali Highway is an adventure in itself, offering thrilling experiences such as crossing high-altitude passes, navigating through winding roads, and encountering diverse landscapes. (Image: Indian Army)No 3. Experience the unique culture: Along the journey, travelers have the opportunity to visit remote villages and interact with local communities, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.No 4. Every view is postcard perfect: With its stunning landscapes and ever-changing vistas, the Leh-Manali Highway offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture awe-inspiring shots of nature’s beauty. (Image: Shutterstock)No 5. Wildlife encounters: The highway passes through several wildlife reserves and protected areas, offering the chance to spot rare species such as snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and Tibetan wolves in their natural habitat.No 6. Historical significance: The Leh-Manali Highway has a rich history dating back to ancient times, serving as a crucial trade route between India and Central Asia, and passing by historical landmarks such as monasteries, forts, and ancient trading posts.No 7. Remote destinations: Traveling on this highway allows adventurers to explore remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are inaccessible by other means, providing a sense of freedom and exploration.No 8. Test of endurance: Driving through the Leh-Manali Highway presents challenges such as high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and rugged terrain, making it a test of endurance and skill for drivers and their vehicles. (Image: Shutterstock)No 9. Spiritual retreats: The highway passes through numerous Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and other religious sites, offering travellers the opportunity for spiritual reflection and tranquility amidst the majestic Himalayas. (Image: Shutterstock)No 10. Unforgettable memories: The unique local culture, unending scenic sights and the lack of luxury facilities make a trip on the Leh-Manali Highway an unforgettable experience, which culminate in lifelong memories of adventure, discovery, and natural beauty. (Image: Shweta Mungre)
New speed limits set for Mumbai-Pune Expressway; all you need to know
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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The new speed limits for vehicular movement on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway are based on a survey conducted by a team of experts.
A new set of speed limits has been set up for vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway. A notice to this effect was recently issued by Sukhwinder Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Maharashtra.
As per the latest development, the speed limit for vehicles that fall under the M-1 category has been increased to 100 km per hour in flat areas and 60 kmph in ghat areas. M-2 and M-3 category vehicles in which more than nine passengers travel, the new speed limit is set at 80 kmph in flat areas and 40 kmph in ghat areas.
The new speed limits for vehicular movement are based on a survey conducted by a team of experts. The speed limits will differ on the ghat stretch and the rest of the 94-kilometre fast lane, Pune Mirror reported.
Meanwhile, for vehicles carrying goods (all N categories), the speed limit will be 80 kmph in flat areas and 40 kmph in ghat areas.
The decision comes after the survey was conducted by the State Highway officials, which include Pune division, Raigad zone, Panvel and local police on the expressway limit, along with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and IRB Infra Development, a senior official told the publication.
As per the official notification, the speed of vehicles in the ghats is very low, making it difficult for light vehicle drivers to reduce the speed all of a sudden. Hence, the changes have been made in speed limits.
Moreover, the police will be applying stringent enforcement with the help of cameras installed at multiple locations on the expressway.
Based on this survey, a joint meeting was held on April 15 in which a decision regarding the new speed limits was taken.
Officials said that the survey was carried out for 15 days. It was discussed during the process that even low speeds of vehicles can result in accidents. Looking at the expert discussions, a decision in this regard was taken later.
The new speed limits are aimed at reducing accidents across the route.
On Sunday, a sub-inspector of the Mumbai Police lost his life in an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway when he was driving to his Navi Mumbai home in a car after attending a relative’s funeral in Raigad district. The incident took place at around 3 am.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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How’s innovation helping Indian single malts break barriers
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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In the whisky market, non-age statements are now gaining more acceptance, especially for aficionados who understand the world of single malts — knowing that it is not just numbers that deliver a rich sensorial experience, but rather the complex and holistic nature of whisky making that does, writes Diageo India’s Chief Innovation Officer Vikram Damodaran.
The Indian single malt landscape is on an upward trend — poised alongside global counterparts. As the global whisky landscape evolves, India’s single malts are transcending conventional boundaries and setting new standards of excellence — take, for instance, the intricacies of liquid profiles striking a delicately harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. Essentially, the signifying factors of the Indian liquid profile comes down to the technicalities of the distiller, the impact of Indian terroir, and of course, the no-age claims.
The Power of the Distiller
Single malts stand out for their distinct characteristics, deeply rooted in the unique configurations of the distillery’s pot stills, encompassing factors such as shape, form, and the angle of the gooseneck. The expertise of the distiller comes into play here, guiding the extraction of the finest qualities from each pot. In the context of India, marked by diverse geography, ingredients, and terroir, this knowledge becomes especially crucial in order to deliver a distillate which is at its optimum best.
Take for example, Nashik, home to one of India’s largest distilleries — it underscores the significance of this expertise — a distillery that operates on an industrial scale where mastering the intricacies of pot still operation is paramount. This industrial scale poses distinct challenges, where parameters and controls are not solely in the distiller’s hands, and requires innovation to harmonise multiple variables—ingredients, terroir, environmental conditions, and pot still variations. Thus, the essence of a distillery is intricately linked to the skill of its distillers, shaping the quality and character of India’s single malts.
The Terroir Factor
The impact of terroir on spirits, particularly single malt whiskies, is akin to its influence on wine. Terroir refers to the environmental factors such as climate, soil composition, and geographic location that contribute to the unique characteristics of agricultural products. In the case of spirits, terroir manifests in various ways, especially when considering maturation processes, where the choice of casks plays a crucial role.
Take, for instance, the emergence of terroir-driven single malts, which are increasingly being compared to wines in terms of their regional distinctiveness. Consider the example of Rajasthan, a region not initially associated with whiskey production. However, its extreme temperatures and climatic conditions have unexpectedly proven ideal for crafting unique spirits. Similarly, Nashik which has established itself as India’s wine capital despite differing from traditional wine regions like Spain, the Napa Valley or France, offers its own unique character.
When you bring the influence of terroir on wine and whisky together, the harmonious marriage becomes particularly evident when distilleries utilise wine casks for ageing, as the remnants of the wine’s character within the wood impart nuanced flavours to the spirit.
This showcases, but one example, of the diversity of India’s offerings and underscores the importance of recognising regional characteristics in spirit production.
Despite disparities in climates and altitudes between wine and whisky regions, each factor contributes to the maturation process. A distillery’s distinctive character, combined with environmental influences, culminates in a liquid that reflects the signature style of its origin. This diversity distinguishes India as a hub for innovation in spirit production, with different regions contributing their unique flavours and profiles to the global market.
No Age Statements
The status of age statements in the world of Indian single malts is undergoing a significant shift, challenging the traditional notion that age equates to premium quality. The fundamental weight behind context comes down to the fact that people have always found an intrinsic ladder in premium offerings through a number, and for Single Malts, that number happens to be the age for which the spirit has matured. As the spirit spends time in the wooden cradle, at lower temperatures, the wooden barrel transfers beautiful character to the spirit. And therefore, the number of years then becomes a marker of high value and expensive taste.
Unlike Scotch or Japanese whiskies, where age serves as a hallmark of distinction and value, India’s diverse environmental conditions allow for the maturation of exceptional spirits in much shorter timeframes. The sheer difference in temperature, relative humidity and environmental conditions allow for a much more differentiated, pronounced and accelerated kinetics of all the chemical reactions between the spirit and the wood. The right amount of ageing time is determined again by the master distiller and the blender who craft the perfect unison between time and the elements in order to deliver a liquid that belies the conditions and surprises the strongest of critics.
Moreover, ageing for long periods in India can lead to higher amounts of angel’s share, which unfortunately, is a high price to pay for the beautiful sensorial experiences the spirit offers. In order to move away from the age-centric approach, there needs to be an understanding that achieving optimal sensory performance does not necessarily mean prolonged maturation. India’s environmental conditions can allow for the crafting of a spirit with an outstanding sensory performance in a third of the time as compared to the conditions of Scotland or Japan.
Therefore, many Indian single malts steer clear of age claims. While some exceptions exist, most Indian distilleries prioritise the essence of their spirits over numerical labels, even believing that putting a number can belittle what the spirit stands for. We’re also witnessing this trend on a global level. There are hardly any bourbons from the United States that parade age labels. Similarly, there is an increasing number of Scotch whisky producers releasing expressions without age indications to stay in sync with consumer preferences.
Non-age statements are now gaining more acceptance, especially for aficionados who understand the world of single malts — knowing that it is not just numbers that deliver a rich sensorial experience, but rather the complex and holistic nature of whisky making that does.
The dynamic landscape of Indian single malt whisky is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various entities within the industry. From longstanding smaller companies, innovative startups, niche high-end artisanal offerings, and behemoth brands, each contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of Indian single malts.
It’s clear that building a robust and consistent platform for high-quality Indian single malts requires collective expertise and dedication of diverse players in the field. This collaborative spirit not only elevates the quality and diversity of Indian single malts but also accelerates India’s position on the global single malt stage. As these groups continue to work together, we can expect to witness further innovation and excellence, solidifying India’s reputation as a single malt powerhouse.
—The author, Vikram Damodaran, is Chief Innovation Officer at Diageo India. The views expressed are personal.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
65% online shoppers from non-metro cities; Bengaluru emerges as Gen Z capital: Myntra
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Myntra’s monthly active users touched the 60 million mark, with 6 million customers making 30 visits to the platform each month on average, according to the fashion and beauty e-retailer’s trend report.
E-commerce fashion major Myntra has witnessed nearly 75 million users join the platform in the last 12 months, of whom 65% came from non-metro cities.
According to the fashion and beauty e-retailer’s trend report, monthly active users on the platform touched the 60 million mark, with 6 million customers making 30 visits to the platform each month on average. Additionally, 2 million monthly users engaged with Myntra’s features: MyFashionGPT, MyStylist and Maya.
Shedding light on fashion preferences, the report highlighted that premiumisation is on the rise. Indian wear on Runway Icons (Myntra’s one-stop destination for premium Indian wear) witnessed the doubling of demand, while the premium luggage category grew at 55% year-on-year (YoY). The demand for Luxe selection clocked an impressive 150% YoY increase, according to the report.
In the premium range, brands like Forever New, Calvin Klein Jeans, Trendyol, and Gant emerged as the customer favourites. According to a report by Bain & Company, India’s luxury market could expand to 3.5 times its current size by 2030.
In fact, traditional attire with monochromatic lehengas and metallic sarees gained traction alongside Bollywood-inspired looks, with a whopping 12x surge in demand for ombre sarees during the festive season.
The menswear market also experienced robust growth, driven by factors such as changing societal norms, increased fashion consciousness among men, and a growing emphasis on individual expression. Myntra witnessed that men experimented with crochet shirts and bold graphic tees. The platform witnessed a 3x rise in demand for oversized t-shirts and baggy cargos. As per a Statista report, in 2024, the revenue in the men’s apparel market in India amounts to $31.10 billion and it is projected that the market will experience an annual growth rate of 3.93% (CAGR 2024–2028).
In terms of colours, men opted for shades like white, grey, teal, and olive, while women shoppers gravitated towards pastel hues of beige, peach, and lavender. However, classics, black and blue, continued to maintain their steadfast reign across various cohorts.
According to a report by Bain and Company, India’s online shopper base is estimated to increase to 400–450 million by 2027 and a third of online shoppers are Gen Z. The race to woo the next generation of shoppers is on, with Myntra actively investing in the Gen Z cohort with the launch of FWD.
Interestingly, Bengaluru emerged as Gen Z’s influence on fashion, with varsity jackets, bling dresses, and oversized blazers that captured the imagination of this trendsetting cohort, according to Myntra’s report. In terms of colour choices, Gen Z preferences showcase a penchant for bold and metallic tones, reflecting their influence on contemporary style.
India’s beauty and personal care market is projected to touch $30 billion by 2027, accounting for about 5% of the global market, according to a report launched by Redseer Strategy Consultants along with Peak XV.
Myntra’s Trend Index report also showed that the beauty and grooming landscape witnessed a surge in demand for science-backed skincare and meticulous hair care routines. As per the report, Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink was seen stealing hearts, with 75% of Myntra’s women shoppers diving headfirst into the world of beauty products already. Men’s grooming is also having a moment of its own, with acne and pimple care solutions, ingredient-led serums, and hair removal sprays making their way into carts.
Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer, Myntra said, “The findings of the report strongly suggest that the country is on the journey of premiumisation and there is a marked rise in adoption of trends across cohorts. When it comes to fashion, the country has become experimental in its choices while also adopting self-care and personal grooming in a big way.”
“These trends mirror India’s lifestyle choices and underscore our role as an enabler to make the latest from the world of fashion and beauty available to millions of our customers, on the back of cutting-edge technology and differentiated service,” said Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer, Myntra,” he added.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
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How Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal, 70, does an hour’s swim, light weight training and meditation
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Anil Agarwal said that he has followed a routine that helped his mind and body equally.
As youngsters grow more and more fitness-conscious, Anil Agarwal, the Vedanta Chairman, said that apart from external appearance, it is “equally important to exercise your mind and better yourself from within”.
Agarwal, 70, shared on X his daily routine, which includes an hour-long swimming, besides dedicating half an hour each to lightweight training and meditation. He said these two hours are the ‘most important’ part of his day, allowing him to function “10x better”.
“Youth are much more conscious about fitness and good health today. Lekin, I always tell my children and all youngsters – as much importance you give to your external appearance, it is equally important to exercise your mind and better yourself from within, such as your attitude and behaviour towards life,” Agarwal wrote.
He said that he has followed a routine that helped his mind and body equally.
“Over time, I have formed my routine which has helped my mind and body equally. I have a long way to go, but every day there’s a small improvement. My daily routine involves an hour’s swim, 30 minutes light weight training and 30 minutes of meditation. These two hours are the most important of my day. I feel I can function 10x better with this,” he added.
Youth are much more conscious about fitness and good health today.
Lekin I always tell my children and all youngsters – as much importance you give to your external appearance, it is equally important to exercise your mind and better yourself from within, such as your attitude… pic.twitter.com/HUECqU0ZZn
Agarwal later went on to introduce his followers to his wife Kiran Agarwal’s “secret green juice recipe”.
While sharing a photograph of himself with a glass of it, he wrote, “Today, I will also introduce you all to my wife’s secret green juice recipe. She has made it a part of my diet for years and even though I didn’t enjoy it much before – now I’m sure this has helped me tremendously in life.”
Decoding the ingredients used in this secret recipe, he shared, “Asked her the recipe and sharing with all of you: Lauki, karela, spinach, aloe vera, amla, lemon juice, celery and ginger.”
The billionaire urged his followers and well-wishers to try the recipe for a week and share its results with him. He also asked them about their “daily dose of health”.
“Ek week try karke bataiye! Let me know how you feel. Also, what’s your daily dose of health?” he asked.
In the comments section, X users were quick to share some of their healthy recipes.
“Sir, I take a blend of meethi, kala jeera, ajwain (carom seeds) and haldi powder every morning with a glass of warm water. Pranam,” one user wrote.
Another one added, “Sir Thanks, This Green Juice is also part of my daily Lunch Menu.”
A few days ago, Agarwal shared a photograph of himself carrying a cricket bat in hand and said that he is “thoroughly enjoying” the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
“Main meeting ke beech mein bhi thoda time chura ke score check karta rehta hoon. Mujhe hassi aati hain kyonki saamne baithe log bhi toh aankhein chura kar har 2 min mein score check karte rehte hain,” he wrote.
He further stated that IPL, which he feels is at the standard of the UK’s Premier leagues or US NBA, has transformed India and is a “shining example of Indian entrepreneurship.”
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
How big is Taylor Swift in India — ask the small businesses
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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From scented candles to journals, these businesses bridge the gap for fans unable to access official merchandise, fostering a vibrant community united by their love for Taylor Swift.
Taylor Swift is more than just a singer-songwriter. She is a global phenomenon, a living legend, especially since she set her record-breaking The Eras Tour in motion. She is the true story of a writer’s billion-dollar success — a success that came from being relatable and aspirational, at the same time.
Her latest album The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) scored 313 million streams on Spotify, while simultaneously selling over a million copies — all in a single day. This is something that no other artist in history has been able to achieve and everyone is vying for a piece of this pie, regardless of whether they’re a fan or not.
But things haven’t always been the way they are now. As little girls growing up in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Swift was our best-kept secret back in 2008. Passing hand-written lyrics of Love Story in between classes to painting our nails sky blue just like her in the Our Song music video or writing 13 on the back of our hands because that’s what she does — our friends and we would hop on to every chance to feel close to her.
Cut to 2023 and almost everyone is a Swiftie — what the fanbase likes to call itself. This woman who started her music career 17 years ago isn’t just relevant today but is also constantly making headlines and how! There has never been a better time to be a Swiftie, especially in a country like India.
When Swift announced the international leg of The Eras Tour — a three-and-a-half-hour concert where she performs various numbers from her career — in June 2023, Indian Swifties were seemingly upset finding no mention of the country in the list. The closest was Singapore and fans left no stone unturned to find a seat in the National Stadium, Singapore where Swift performed six shows in March 2024.
We got to play 6 shows in Singapore for the most wonderful crowds – just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who traveled and put so much effort into being at our shows. What an unforgettable way to end this leg of the tour!! See you in May when we get… pic.twitter.com/CpFhBhHg1F
It was her only stop in Southeast Asia and getting the tickets was not a walk in the park. Fans had to wait hours in a virtual queue just to be able to grab a spot to book the tickets — ranging from 88 SGD (₹5,456) to 1,228 SGD (₹76,136).
According to a March 2024 report by The Hindu, Sanjana Shankar, a Chennai-based law student, spent ₹15,000 on tickets and ₹50,000 for a five-day stay in the country with her friends.
Agasthya Shah, a 21-year-old content creator, also attended the concert with his girlfriend with 13 painted on the back of their hands and friendship bracelets to exchange. He said that they met about 25 other Indians at the stadium on the night.
(Image: Twitter)
“Being a Taylor Swift fan is an experience. The first song I ever heard of hers was Blank Space (Swift’s single from her album 1989) and became a fan when Midnights came out. She brings out the emotions in her songs, and that’s what makes her relatable. Nobody does it like she does,” Shah told CNBC-TV18.
The fans who could not attend the concert were delighted when Swift announced that Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film would be coming to Indian theatres and like Swift said in Long Live “the crowds went wild.”
“The musical, a passionate tapestry of her journey and experimentation with music complete with Swift’s connection with her audience and her saga resonated with audiences all over the country. We spanned an impressive 75 cities, selling a total of 3 lakh tickets. While Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata locked the top spots, who could have guessed that fans from emerging markets like Nashik, Kota, Siliguri, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Salem, Guntur, Rourkela, Ranchi, and Srinagar would drive the sales to astounding new heights,” Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX told CNBC-TV18.
Swifties were absolutely ecstatic as they got to experience the magic of Taylor Swift’s live performance on the big screen at PVR! 🎬🎵
Swifties went all out for the film, donning merch, era-inspired outfits, and chanting lyrics — it was an experience of its own, even on weekday afternoons.
However, getting their hands on official Taylor Swift merchandise remains a pricey affair. As a result, many turn to small businesses selling ‘unofficial’ but more affordable and diverse options. Despite not being official, these products still offer good quality, allowing fans to express their love for Swift without emptying their wallets.
“Every time I browse the store on Taylor Swift’s website, I quickly close it because of how expensive the merchandise is. But thanks to small businesses on Instagram, it’s not inaccessible. My best friend and I love to collect customised stickers for our laptops and phone cases, and accessories like the snake ring from Reputation because it helps us feel closer to Taylor,” Sathvika T, a 26-year-old graphic designer from Hyderabad told CNBC-TV18.
One such business is The Umbrella Store, run by Delhi-based Davneet Kaur since 2019. Kaur’s journey with Taylor Swift-related merchandise when she and her team noticed the enthusiasm of Swifties all across India during The Eras Tour.
“Their unwavering love for Taylor Swift and her music inspired us to create a platform where they could celebrate their fandom through high-quality merchandise. I remember when 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was announced during The Eras Tour and the hype it caused over the internet. Being a Swiftie, I could not resist myself from creating something out of it,” she said.
On The Umbrella Store’s website, under Taylor Swift merch, you will mostly find scented candles and journals, ranging from ₹399 to ₹999. For context, currently, users can only find The Tortured Poets Department merchandise on Swift’s official website — ranging from $25 (₹2,083) to $95 (₹7,917) and primarily consisting of clothing and jewellery. This would most likely be the case till the Europe leg of her tour begins in early May.
(Image: The Umbrella Store)
“All our Taylor Swift-themed candles and journals are a big hit amongst Swifties. This year we launched a limited-edition desk calendar that was Taylor Swift-themed and it received so much love from the fandom. We are hoping to come up with another one next year,” Kaur added saying that she has seen “exponential growth, both in terms of sales and engagement” since launching the merch.
“We have been inundated with messages of appreciation, expressions of joy, and heartfelt testimonials from fans across the country. [Swifties’] passion for Taylor Swift’s music and the sense of community they find in our merchandise has been truly inspiring and humbling.”
Tanisha Agarwal, a 22-year-old software engineering intern shared with us how she stumbled upon the cardigan from Swift’s single Cardigan and bought it, something that she had been obsessing over. The cardigan was listed on Swift’s official website when her album folklore was released in July 2020. She wore a similar one in the music video for the single and it sold like hotcakes at around $65, with additional shipping costs for international orders. If Agarwal and I got it from the same place, she paid only half of that.
“Being an Indian Swiftie isn’t easy since we don’t get to watch her live and the stuff that we might order takes days to reach us. A simple solution to this is buying merchandise from local businesses,” she added. “Even though it’s not the official merch, it still reminds me of Taylor every time I see it in my closet.”
Shah also shared that he had bought Taylor Swift-themed clothing from local businesses before and their quality is quite good. “They are decent in quality with unique designs and affordable. It’s great what they are doing and it is making a lot of people very happy,” he said.
Above Minimum is another such store that has a variety of things to choose from — totes, notebooks, t-shirts, hoodies and more. Yash Dixit, an engineer by education, was trying to get into the D2C business in late 2023 when Swifties found him.
“We were figuring out how to enter the market. We tried multiple things — selling plain t-shirts and hoodies and cricket merch as the World Cup was around. We also started doing custom designs and the most asked customisations came to us from Swifties. We gradually started getting traction from the fans and then we rolled out our website with some designs on hoodies and tote bags,” he said adding that the most demand for clothing was during those times.
(Image: Above Minimum)
According to Dixit, the fans love Above Minimum because of its quality and affordability (ranging from ₹349 to ₹1,099). “We’ve been loved by them because we helped them get an outfit they could wear to The Eras Tour — movie premier and the actual event in Singapore” he added.
While he is not a Swiftie himself, his friend, Saumya, who came up with a lot of the designs has been one since 2013. “I’m eager to purchase Taylor Swift merch, provided there are options that match my vibe and preferences. I’m quite selective, so I don’t like everything, but for the things I do like, I’m ready to buy them without hesitation,” she said. She also used to design items herself and get custom-printed because of a lack of options and thus became a part of Above Minimum when Dixit asked her.
The Swiftie community is essentially about turning passion into art and that, into a business. It might not be worth a billion dollars but it is a gesture of how Taylor Swift has managed to sweep us off our feet over time. We loved her in 2008 when we could only see her on our computer and TV screens, and we love her now when she’s everywhere and everything — all at once.
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