11, Jul 2025
Third Wave Coffee Brings New Twist to Bobbles – Introduces 9 New Variants
Mumbai, 11th July, 2025: Third Wave Coffee, India’s beloved premium coffee and beverage chain, has officially launched Bobbles – its range of Bubble Tea, marking an exciting evolution in their existing Boba inspired category. Now available across all locations, Bobbles is up for taste across nine bold and refreshing flavours, where patrons can experience both popping boba to chewy boba depending on their vibe for the day. The new launch also marks yet another milestone in the larger food and beverage innovation journey of the brand.
What began as a seasonal experiment with classic Bobbles quickly became a customer favourite, sparking demand for a more diverse offering. As millennial and Gen Z consumers increasingly seek global flavours and socially driven choices, the Bubble Tea category is expected to more than double by 2033, redefining what indulgence means. Third Wave Coffee’s entry into this space reinforces its mission to be an inclusive, beverage-first café destination celebrating variety, experience, and personal choice.
“The response has been phenomenal,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-founder of Third Wave Coffee. “While coffee is at our core, we’ve always seen ourselves as a beverage-forward brand. Our goal is to stay relevant to all kinds of consumers in our community, whether they start their day with a strong brew or prefer something playful in the evening. The same guest who walks in for their morning coffee might come back later for a different kind of indulgence. The love and enthusiasm from our community pushed us to explore this category further. With our new range, we’re introducing exciting flavours and chewy boba — adding more texture, more fun, and more indulgence to every cup. This launch is another step in our ongoing journey to innovate and craft memorable beverage experiences”
Designed to complement every palate and moment, the new range of Bobbles features two categories:
Fruit Bobbles bring bright, juicy flavours to life with vibrant citrus and berry notes. Flavours like Peach Grapefruit, Grapefruit Strawberry, Grapefruit Orange, and Orange Strawberry feature popping boba that burst with fruity goodness, making every sip a fun and refreshing experience.
Milk Bobbles offer a richer, more indulgent experience. Crafted with silky milk base and paired with chewy boba, these include Thai Bobbles, with bold tea, spices and sweet cream; Vanilla Matcha Bobbles, a smooth fusion of earthy matcha and vanilla; the Original Bobbles a classic favourite with creamy, comforting tea notes; the Vanilla Bobbles—a luscious blend of creamy tea and smooth vanilla with chewy boba and the visually striking Taro Bobbles, a sweet and creamy purple drink that brings both flavour and flair.
With this new launch, Third Wave Coffee is setting a new benchmark for bubble tea culture in India offering something for every preference, from light, fruity refreshers to bold, textured indulgences.
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- By Neel Achary
11, Jul 2025
The House of Rare Launches Largest Store in Chhattisgarh at Raipur’s Currency Tower
Raipur, India: The House of Rare, India’s leading contemporary fashion house, proudly announces the opening of its third store in Raipur, marking a significant step in the brand’s mission to democratize premium fashion across the country. Located at the iconic Currency Tower on GE VIP Road, the new store is a testament to the brand’s expansion into emerging high-potential markets and is poised to become a style destination in Chhattisgarh’s capital.
Spread across 3,200 square feet and rising two levels high, the new The House of Rare store in Current Tower is a breathtaking celebration of fashion, design, and immersive retail. The ground floor is home to Rareism, where chic, effortless womenswear takes center stage, celebrating the power of the Indian woman and Rare Ones by Rare Rabbit, a vibrant and expressive space tailored for boys aged 4 to 16. The first floor unfolds into Rare Rabbit, where progressive menswear meets timeless sophistication. Ascend to the first floor and step into the bold, street-smart world of Rare’Z by Rare Rabbit, a new-age expression of footwear and fashion for the design-forward consumer. With a massive expanse and two levels, the store offers a fully immersive experience to the customers.
This store launch signals The House of Rare’s continued commitment to aggressively grow its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, tapping into a growing base of fashion-aware consumers seeking premium yet accessible design. With a stronghold in metro markets already established, the brand is now focused on creating lifestyle-driven experiences in cities like Raipur that are seeing a rapid evolution in retail sensibilities.
“As we enter Raipur, we do so with the belief that great fashion should be for everyone, not just the metros,” said Lavish Soni, Chief Business Officer, Retail, The House of Rare. “This store is a bridge between our design ethos and Raipur’s rising fashion appetite. It’s about creating spaces that reflect aspiration, individuality, and excellence.”
The store debuts its latest collection, anchored by breathable fabrics and bold detailing. Standouts include:
- The Ruby Collection by Rareism and Linen Men by Rare Rabbit – Both offer season-ready linen ensembles that blend structure with comfort.
- Rare’Z by Rare Rabbit introduces its open-footwear collection, crafted for comfort and elevated by contemporary styling, with suede, metallics, and graphic color blocking for a fashion-forward finish.
Designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic, the Raipur store offers a warm, serene palette of beige tones and soft lighting. Plush, carpeted trial rooms, sleek black drapery, and a signature oval mirror add touches of luxury, while the layout ensures smooth navigation across menswear, womenswear, and kidswear sections. The overall ambiance speaks to the brand’s core philosophy, where simplicity, style, and substance converge.
Strategically located in Currency Tower, a premium lifestyle and shopping destination, the store is positioned to cater to a discerning clientele seeking quality, trend-conscious fashion in a refined retail environment.
11, Jul 2025
Malaka Spice Kharadi to Host a Rib-Tickling Comedy Night
Malaka Spice, Kharadi, in collaboration with Orange Comedy Club and Teacher’s Glasses, is set to light up Friday night with an unforgettable comedy evening on 11th July 2025. The event promises a vibrant mix of laughter, delectable food, and upbeat energy, making it the perfect plan to unwind and kickstart the weekend.
Guests can look forward to an entertaining lineup of stand-up comedians delivering sharp punchlines and relatable humour in a warm, laid-back setting. With an inviting ambience and curated menu, Malaka Spice will ensure the evening is as flavourful as it is funny. Bites and beverages will be served starting 8:00 PM, followed by the opening act at 8:30 PM.
“We’re excited to host a night that brings people together over food, laughter, and shared experiences,” said Ilvika Chandawarkar, Research and Business Development, Malaka Spice. “It’s all about good vibes and great memories.”
Entry is by reservation only, and limited seating is available. So, what you waiting for reserve your seats now and head to Malaka Spice Kharadi for a fun evening.
11, Jul 2025
Creators Wanted: YouTube’s 2025 Rules Reward Originality — And Big Money
By-Anubhav Pandey, Chief Strategy Officer, Consortium Gifts
The digital landscape is transforming rapidly, and YouTube stands at the forefront as a dynamic wealth-building platform in July 2025. No longer just a video-sharing hub, YouTube has evolved into a robust ecosystem for creators and businesses to generate sustainable income. With new monetization policies and stricter guidelines emphasizing authenticity, the platform is reshaping how creators earn money while ensuring originality remains at its core. Here’s how to navigate these changes and thrive in 2025.
The Evolving YouTube Partner Program (YPP) in 2025
YouTube’s Partner Program continues to democratize monetization, making it accessible to creators at various stages while prioritizing authentic content. As of 2025, YPP offers two tiers:
- Full Monetization Access
Creators can unlock full monetization, including ad revenue from long-form videos and Shorts, by meeting one of these thresholds:- 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or
- 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- Early Access & Fan-Funding Tier
New creators can access fan-funding tools with lower requirements:- 500 subscribers,
- 3 public uploads in the past 90 days, and
- Either 3,000 valid public watch hours (long-form) or 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
This tier unlocks features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and YouTube Shopping, enabling creators to earn revenue before reaching full monetization.
New YPP Guidelines: Authenticity Takes Center Stage
Starting this 15th July, 2025, YouTube is rolling out some significant updates to its Partner Program (YPP) guidelines, and let’s be real, they’re putting authenticity front and center. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a big shift designed to ensure that the content you’re pouring your heart into truly stands out and gets rewarded.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters to You
YouTube is cracking down on mass-produced, low-effort content that lacks originality. Channels relying heavily on AI-generated narrations, repetitive compilations, or generic formats without a personal or creative touch will no longer qualify for monetization. Instead, the platform now demands genuine value, whether that’s through insightful commentary, educational transformation of third-party material, or uniquely creative storytelling. The review process is also becoming more rigorous, with a hybrid system of AI and human evaluators, making authenticity a key requirement to retain YouTube Partner Program (YPP) eligibility.
While the new rules raise the bar, they also create exciting opportunities for creators who prioritize quality and originality. By focusing on authentic content, creators can build stronger relationships with their audience and attract more premium partnerships. Smaller creators benefit too, with earlier access to fan-funding and shopping tools, easing reliance on ad revenue. These updates signal a clear push for innovation, encouraging creators to carve out unique voices and formats in a more level and rewarding creator economy.
Diversified Monetization Strategies for 2025
To maximize revenue in 2025, creators should focus on authentic brand partnerships that align with your niche and values, using YouTube Analytics to showcase audience insights and engagement potential. They should embrace affiliate marketing by promoting genuinely used products, embedding links in tutorials or reviews, and targeting high-commission digital offerings. They need to build deeper audience connections by selling their own products and services, including digital products, coaching, or via YouTube Shopping. They need to leverage YouTube Shorts monetization with its 45% ad revenue share by creating engaging, bite-sized content that boosts reach and funnels traffic to long-form videos, products, or memberships.
Strategic Pillars for Success in 2025
To succeed under YouTube’s new guidelines, creators should sharpen their niche focus to attract loyal viewers and premium brand deals, prioritize quality over quantity with polished, consistent content, make data-driven decisions using YouTube Analytics to tailor videos to audience preferences, leverage AI for scripting, editing, SEO, and thumbnails to boost efficiency without losing originality, and expand their cross-platform presence on Instagram, X, or personal websites to maximize reach and revenue.
The Future: Authenticity Fuels Wealth
YouTube’s 2025 monetization landscape rewards creators who prioritize originality, engagement, and diversification. The stricter guidelines eliminate low-effort content, paving the way for authentic creators to shine. By mastering the expanded YPP, building genuine audience connections, securing strategic partnerships, and creating their own products, creators can transform their channels into sustainable digital businesses. The potential for wealth-building is limitless for those who innovate, stay true to their voice, and treat YouTube as a multifaceted platform for growth.
11, Jul 2025
Vegas Mall Strengthens Premium Brand Portfolio with the Launch of Adidas Originals Store
Delhi, 11th July 2025: Vegas Mall, one of Delhi-NCR’s most celebrated lifestyle and shopping destinations, continues to elevate its premium brand portfolio with the launch of the globally renowned streetwear label Adidas Originals. Strategically located in the heart of Dwarka, Vegas Mall has become a preferred hub for luxury, fashion, and experiential retail, attracting trend-conscious consumers and redefining urban shopping experiences.
In line with its expansion strategy and commitment to bringing global lifestyle brands closer to the Indian consumer, Adidas Originals has now opened its doors on the Ground Floor of Vegas Mall. Spanning 1500 sq. ft. of carpet area, the newly launched store embodies the brand’s heritage of creativity, individuality, and bold expression, offering its iconic range of sneakers, streetwear, apparel, and accessories for the new generation of style-forward shoppers.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Adidas Originals to the Vegas Mall family. As a brand that resonates with youth culture and global fashion trends, its presence further strengthens our commitment to offering the best of international retail to our patrons. This launch reaffirms our positioning as a dynamic destination that combines lifestyle, luxury, and everyday convenience under one roof.”
With this addition, Vegas Mall continues to build on its vision of curating a diverse and aspirational brand mix, offering shoppers not just a product, but a complete cultural and fashion experience.
11, Jul 2025
Pearson Enhances PTE Academic to Strengthen Role in India’s English Testing Landscape
Pearson announces global enhancements to PTE Academic, reinforcing its role in India’s evolving English assessment landscape
India, 11th July, 2025: Pearson , the world’s lifelong learning company, today announced key enhancements to Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, strengthening its value for Indian students pursuing international education and migration opportunities. These updates reinforce Pearson’s commitment to providing secure, AI-powered English proficiency assessments that reflect the real-world communication skills needed for academic and professional success globally.
Starting in August 2025, PTE Academic will include two new speaking tasks, namely, “Respond to a Situation” and “Summarize a Group Discussion”. These tasks will evaluate test takers’ ability to communicate in real-world academic and professional scenarios. Simultaneously, Pearson is enhancing its AI-driven scoring system to better detect copied or unoriginal responses, ensuring fairer and more accurate assessments for all test takers.
Pearson is also providing updated preparation materials, including scored practice tests, expert-designed courseware, webinars, and instructional videos to support Indian candidates with these changes, while maintaining the test’s core strengths of speed, security, and global recognition.
Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning at Pearson India, said:
“The enhancements to PTE Academic are designed to align with the changing needs of today’s learners in India, while ensuring that institutions and governments can continue to rely on it for fair and effective assessment. By introducing real-world speaking tasks and improving scoring safeguards, the test aims to support better preparation while maintaining the trust of decision-makers.”
In line with global expansion, Pearson’s secure test centre network has grown to over 500 locations worldwide, with new centres launched across South East Asia this year to improve access and testing capacity in key cities.
The core strengths of PTE Academic remain unchanged. It continues to be a fully computer-based test, primarily AI-scored, with results typically delivered within 48 hours. PTE is recognised by more than 3,500 institutions globally and accepted by the governments of Australia, Canada, the UK and New Zealand. It remains one of the most trusted English tests among Indian aspirants pursuing international study and work opportunities.
11, Jul 2025
She Matters 2.0: OFSI and Katradi Empower Marginalized Women Through Arts-Based Leadership
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 11 July 2025: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in association with Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India), successfully concluded She Matters 2.0, a Radical Immersion Leadership Camp that brought together women from marginalised communities at Mannmuqi Village. Using immersive traditional arts such as storytelling, theatre, dance, and other forms of creative expression as powerful tools for self-discovery, the three-day programme helped participants develop sensitivity towards caste and gender-based barriers, build financial literacy, and reclaim their voices as grassroots leaders.
This year, 50 participants were trained as leaders equipped to initiate conversations and facilitate workshops on gender-based violence, gender stereotypes, reproductive health, and basic financial literacy, including managing income and expenses. Each woman is also prepared to mentor others, ensuring a ripple effect of community-led change. This cohort marks a powerful shift where women who are not just finding their voice, but empowering by example like leading, uplifting, and transforming their communities from within.
Speaking about the initiative, Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO, OFSI said, “True empowerment begins when women rediscover their strength and lead with purpose. She Matters 2.0 reflects our belief that leadership is not reserved for a few, but must be nurtured at the grassroots, especially among women who have long been denied space, voice, and opportunity.By creating immersive experiences rooted in empathy, we’re not just building individual confidence but also investing in sustainable, community-led change that grows stronger with each woman who dares to lead.”
The camp organised storytelling, theatre, and traditional dance as a creative expression of collective empowerment. Through various activities the participants engaged in confronting and dismantling deeply ingrained societal barriers tied to caste, patriarchy, and class. Additionally, the camp served as a platform for participants to come together and confront gender-based violence, break free from stereotypes, embrace the importance of financial independence, and reclaim leadership through shared stories, joy, movement, and deep connection.
Sangeeta Isvaran, Founding Trustee, Katradi, added, “The arts give us the empathy and courage to question generational injustice. In She Matters 2.0, we saw how creativity becomes a tool for truth-telling, connection, and collective healing. These women were not just taught leadership skills but also trained to execute it at grassroot level. Through shared stories, movement, and reflection, they broke silences carried for generations. At Katradi, we believe transformation begins not with answers, but with the freedom to ask difficult questions and that is what this camp gave them.”
Hosted amid the serene paddy fields of Mannmuqi Village, the retreat provided space for reflection and connection. Participants, many of whom had never travelled alone, worn a watch, or spoken publicly were left equipped to mentor peers on gender-based violence, reproductive health, and economic independence, creating a ripple effect of community-led change.
Sujatha Natarajan, Co-promoter of Mannmuqi Village, shared, “The program aligned deeply with our belief in creating spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These women spend their lives caring for others, often without access to rest or reflection. It was a privilege to offer them a space where they could feel safe, seen, and supported. Through quiet surroundings, wholesome food, and shared connection, we hoped to help them reconnect with themselves—and we look forward to continuing to hold space for journeys like these.”
The ‘She Matters 2.0’ camp is a testament to the meaningful collaboration between the Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI) and Katradi. OFSI has a long-standing commitment to uplifting underserved communities through integrated healthcare, education, and livelihood development initiatives. Katradi leverages the transformative power of the arts to foster empathy and address critical social issues, including gender-based violence and mental wellness, across over 35 countries.
11, Jul 2025
Kult Introduces ‘Kult Kash’—A Powerful New Loyalty Program
Gurgaon, 11th July 2025 — Kult, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty platforms, has launched Kult Kash, a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that promises to transform the way users shop for beauty and skincare products. With Kult Kash, the brand is introducing an entirely new approach to customer rewards—one that begins even before the first purchase.
Unlike conventional loyalty programs where points are earned only after spending, Kult Kash offers ₹1000 worth of instant credit to every new user at signup. This unique feature gives users a sense of walking into Kult’s store with a full wallet from day one.
Direct, Transparent, and Rewarding Kult Kash is designed to offer simplicity and real value: – One Kult Kash equals one rupee, offering clear and straightforward benefits. – Users can pay up to 20% of their cart value using Kult Kash. – Post-purchase, Kult further rewards shoppers with Kult Kash equivalent to 20% of their cart value.
With this structure, Kult positions Kult Kash not just as a discount mechanism, but as a dependable companion that consistently contributes to users’ beauty shopping.
Seamless Engagement with the Kult Widget
To further elevate user experience and engagement, Kult has launched an innovative home screen widget. By simply adding this widget, users are instantly credited with ₹300 Kult Kash. The widget provides daily beauty and skincare content, and users can earn up to ₹50 Kult Kash every day by interacting with it.
Unlike many apps that rely on frequent push notifications—often leading to user fatigue and uninstalls—Kult’s widget offers a seamless, non-intrusive engagement channel.
A Strategic Move for Growth
Kult Kash is expected to significantly improve user retention while reducing marketing spends. By creating a rewarding ecosystem that keeps users coming back, Kult is positioning itself as a frontrunner in customer-centric innovation in the beauty and skincare industry.
“With Kult Kash, we wanted our users to feel like they’re shopping with a wallet that’s already full,” said Karishma Singh, CEO of Kult. “It’s not just a loyalty program—it’s a simple, rewarding way to make beauty shopping more exciting.”
As Kult continues to expand its offerings, Kult Kash is set to become a key differentiator, setting new benchmarks for customer engagement and loyalty in India’s booming beauty market.
10, Jul 2025
Hyperpigmentation, Who? Nykaa’s Top Picked Serums Are All About Brightening Things Up
Five hard-hitters that fade marks, even tone, and bring back your skin’s bounce
Mumbai, July 2025: Dark spots that just won’t budge? Acne scars overstaying their welcome? Uneven skin tone killing your glow vibe? You’re not imagining it, hyperpigmentation is one of the most stubborn skin concerns. But good news: Nykaa’s lineup of serums is designed to take it head-on, with science-backed actives and skin-loving textures that actually deliver.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle K-beauty formula or a derm-grade vitamin C powerhouse, here are five game-changing serums for your targeted concerns:
1. Anua Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum (Exclusively at Nykaa)
Gentle. Effective. Glass skin, incoming.
One of K-beauty’s best-kept secrets is out and flying off shelves. This lightweight formula pairs 10% niacinamide with 4% tranexamic acid to fade dark spots, calm redness, and lift dullness. The result? Brighter, balanced, and super-smooth skin that glows from within.
2. Uriage Depiderm Anti-Dark Spot Intensive Cream
French pharmacy magic meets pigment control.
If your skin craves hydration and repair while you fade pigmentation, this multitasker delivers. With 20% vitamin C complex, niacinamide, and Uriage’s own Mela Technology, it targets everything from post-acne marks to sun spots and it’s gentle enough for everyday use.
3. Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
Brighten. Resurface. Repeat.
This clinical-grade pick combines gold-stabilized vitamin C with glycolic acid for real results you can see (and feel). It exfoliates dead skin cells while supercharging your skin’s radiance. Two weeks in, and your glow-up is very visible.
4. Obagi Professional-C Serum
Luxury skincare that works overtime.
This serum is a must for anyone serious about results. Loaded with potent Vitamin C Serum with L-Ascorbic Acid, it penetrates deeply to reduce pigmentation, even tone, and strengthen skin’s antioxidant defenses, while improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Yes, it’s an investment but your skin will thank you.
5. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Serum
Calm skin. Bright tone. Happy you.
Ideal for sensitive skin types, this serum brings together soothing Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, and brightening capsules that seep deep into the skin. It’s feather-light, hydrating, and makes your skin tone look more even with every drop.
Hyperpigmentation doesn’t stand a chance! not when you’ve got the right formulas in your corner. Add one (or two!) to your AM or PM routine and let your skin do the talking.
10, Jul 2025
Swiggy’s Bolt, Subway Team Up for 10-Minute Sub Deliveries
July 10, 2025: Swiggy , India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has announced a strategic partnership between Bolt by Swiggy, its quick food delivery service, and Subway, the globally loved quick-service restaurant brand known for its fresh and customizable subs. Customers across the country can now enjoy Subway’s complete menu, including all signature products like Hot and Cheesy Subs, Sub Cravers value range, Breakfast Specials, delivered in 10 minutes through Swiggy Bolt’s seamless ordering experience. The partnership is live across 125 cities in the country.
The partnership covers majority of Subway outlets across India. With this integration, customers have access to Subway’s popular offerings, ranging from signature subs, salads, wraps to sides and beverages, delivered in 10 minutes. Customers can explore the full range of Subway items by visiting the Bolt-Subway page within the Swiggy app.
Subway features prominently within the Bolt section of the app, with a dedicated Bolt tag inside the menu, allowing customers to easily browse and order their favorites with minimal wait time. With a focus on ready-to-pack and low-preparation-time items, Bolt ensures a hassle-free checkout, real-time tracking, and reliable speed, making it the ideal platform for quick-service partners like Subway. It helps in catering to the consumer’s needs as per their requirement from early morning breakfast to meals, snacks and late night cravings.
Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer, Swiggy Food Marketplace, said: “Bolt on Swiggy continues to redefine food delivery with speed and convenience at its core. We are thrilled to welcome Subway to the Bolt family, enabling customers across India to enjoy their favorite subs fresh, delivered to their doorstep in 10 minutes. This collaboration underscores our ongoing efforts to partner with iconic brands and enhance customer experience through innovation and operational excellence.”
Tarun Bhasin, CEO, Culinary Brands, said: “As a QSR brand committed to freshness and taste, the emergence of quick commerce has been both timely and transformative. With Bolt, we’re now able to deliver on our core promise of fresh & delicious subs made just the way customers like it, with the added benefit of speed. This partnership with Swiggy has helped us not only improve delivery timelines but also helped in raising the bar on freshness and customer satisfaction. At Subway, we remain committed to delighting customers with innovative products and exceptional experiences.
Bolt on Swiggy features a diverse mix of fast-moving cuisine types like snacks, burgers, bakery items, ice creams, sweets, breakfast staples, and biryani.
