Latest news with #Krishnakumar
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Museum police probe staff for stealing money by changing QR code scanner at influencer Diya Krishnakumar's shop
Thiruvananthapuram : Museum police began a probe after three staff members of a shop owned by actor-politician Krishnakumar and his daughter Diya at Kowdiar, allegedly stole Rs 69 lakh by changing the QR code scanner at the shop. The complainants alleged that the fraud started in July 2024 and it came to light only recently during an audit conducted a few days ago. The accused allegedly removed the authentic QR code scanner at the shop and replaced it with scanners linked to their personal bank accounts for customers to make payments. "During the audit, a mismatch in stock and revenue was found. When the CCTV visuals were examined, we found that the accused used different QR code scanners for receiving payments. Soon, a complaint was filed with the police," said another staff member of the shop. Staff members Vineetha, Divya and Radhakumar are the first three accused in the case. In the complaint it was also alleged that the first accused Vineetha's husband Adarsh threatened Diya over the phone to withdraw the complaint. Following this, police added Adarsh as the fourth accused in the case. Museum police registered the case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 316 (4) for criminal breach of trust, 318 (4) for cheating and 351 (2) for criminal intimidation. "The accused also registered a complaint against Krishnakumar and his daughter for kidnapping and attacking them. The allegations are being verified by the probe team," Museum police said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zouk eyes Rs 1000 crore revenue in 4-5 years, doubles down on premium play and offline retail
New Delhi: Homegrown vegan lifestyle brand Zouk is gearing up for its next phase of growth with a target of reaching Rs 1,000 crore in revenue in the next 4-5 years and eventually hit the bourses, a company's official said. As of March 31, 2024, the company had reported an annual turnover of Rs 78.2 crore. However, it did not share the previous year's revenue figures. Having established a strong digital-first presence , Zouk is now turning its focus to exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), premium product launches, and a strategic global foray, co-founder and COO Pradeep Krishnakumar said in an interview with ETRetail. 'We've built a strong digital foundation, but we've always believed Zouk is a brand consumers want to touch and feel,' he said. 'That's where offline retail becomes critical.' The company currently operates over 10 EBOs and plans to expand to reach 20 stores by the end of this year. The brand's offline footprint has primarily focused on cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and tier 2 regions such as Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. 'Our expansion strategy includes entering more high-street locations and malls in non-metro cities, which are showing promising traction,' he shared. Talking about the brand's hero product, Krishnakumar said, "Our office bags continue to be the hero product. It's that sweet spot where style meets utility, and Indian women relate to it deeply." He added that laptop sleeves and slings have also gained traction, while backpacks, introduced recently, are being tested for scale. 'We don't expand categories for the sake of it — we evaluate data, market gaps, and customer demand,' he said. Premiumisation with purpose When asked about its premium offerings, he said, 'Premium in India can't just mean gold zips and a higher price tag. Our customers are value-conscious — they expect better materials, smarter compartments, and more thoughtful design.' The Rhea Kapoor x Zouk collection , launched earlier this year, represents this premium shift. The range has helped Zouk move into the higher price bracket while maintaining its vegan, cruelty-free promise. Zouk had raised $14.8 million in funding from investors like Stellaris Venture Partners, Titan Capital and Aavishkaar Capital. While the company isn't profitable yet, Krishnakumar said it's running a capital-efficient model. 'We are close to profitability but this is a build phase for us. We're investing in brand, retail, and team — profitability will follow,' he said. Offline retail is a big part of that build. 'We're not rushing into hundreds of stores. It's a phased rollout with a clear view on unit economics and brand visibility,' he added. Zouk is also looking beyond India. The company is exploring select global markets, starting with the US, Europe, and the Middle East. 'We've had early conversations internationally and we plan to start some work this fiscal. But for now, India remains our primary focus,' Krishnakumar said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Kerala passengers top in buying non-veg breakfast in VB
Thiruvananthapuram: People who travel by Vande Bharat in Kerala top the list in buying non-veg breakfasts compared to other Vande Bharat trains operated by Southern Railway. On May 31, 411 non-veg breakfasts were served on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod VB and 398 on the Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram VB. MGR Chennai Central-Mysuru VB comes third with 197 orders. Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat sold 173 non-veg breakfasts while Coimbatore-Chennai Central sold 77, and MGR Chennai Central-Vijayawada sold 46. Food is often selected by the passenger when booking tickets and is included in the ticket cost. The previous day, Nagercoil-Chennai topped the list with 240 non-veg breakfasts. Chennai-Vijayawada sold the least number of non-veg breakfasts at 35. The statistics show the preference for non-veg in Kerala and also on the southern route from Chennai. A non-veg breakfast is preferred over a veg breakfast because it's mostly bread toast and an omelette, which people consider to be better than idly and sambar or roti. Sources said that most people who start the trip from the originating station buy breakfast from the train because the departure is too early. Nevertheless, some people bring their food as it will help reduce the cost of the ticket. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo People depend on railway food onboard because the train has automatic doors, and it's impossible to buy food when the train halts at stations. P Krishnakumar of the Thrissur Passengers Association said that the number of breakfasts is lower when compared to the seats of the train because everyone will not travel from the originating station. "In Kerala, most of the people use the train to travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottayam, Thrissur, and Ernakulam and do not travel all the way to Kasaragod or from Mangalore to Thiruvananthapuram," he said. There is also a concern that the food given is not suitable for the Kerala palate. The recent busting of a railway contractor's central kitchen where food was being prepared in an unhygienic way caused a lot of concern among the travellers. Krishnakumar said it's unlikely that Vande Bharat passengers would try to cut back on food to save money as most of its passengers are those who previously travelled by car. Food prepared very early is loaded into the trains before departure. The staff heat the food before serving it. However, the quality of taste is still an issue Railways are struggling to deal with. With the Railways gearing up to launch Vande Bharat sleeper trains from Thiruvananthapuram to Bengaluru, passengers demad improvement in quality of food.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Uncertainty clouds future of vaping
SELANGOR is considering banning vape sales, following in the footsteps of Johor and Terengganu. While rising health risks, especially among youths, is cited as a reason for the ban, vape users and industry players fear the move could fuel a dangerous black market and leave former smokers with nowhere to turn to. L. Krishnakumar, 28, who used to be a heavy smoker, is one of those anxiously waiting for the state government's decision. Like many cigarette smokers, he switched to vaping a few years ago and has not touched a cigarette since. The transition was seamless for him, largely due to the more appealing flavours. 'When I smoked, I experienced tightness in my chest and breathing issues, which disappeared after I started vaping,' Krishnakumar said. However, he is aware that switching to vaping is not without health risks. A May 18 report in The Star quoting health experts highlighted the dangers of unregulated vapes. They noted that many of the liquids in these vapes were found to contain heavy metals, synthetic cannabinoids and harmful solvents, increasing the risk of respiratory and neurological damage, particularly among adolescents. A sign at a shop in Petaling Jaya prohibiting vaping and smoking on its premises. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star There is also growing research on the addictive nature of vaping and e-cigarettes, and their effects on the heart and lungs. Even the police are sounding the alarm. On April 17, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay pointed out the increasing link between vaping and synthetic drug abuse. He urged state governments to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes, citing public safety concerns. Following this, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state would consider studying a proposal to ban vape sales. At a Putrajaya event on May 26, he said a decision on the proposed ban would be announced 'in a few days'. Industry concerns Despite recognising the health risks associated with vaping, Krishnakumar finds himself in a bind. Alternatives like nicotine gum have not worked for him. 'Banning vape could push people to the black market or online purchases, which are not regulated,' he warned. Aiman A., who is from Johor, offers insights from his experience living in a state where vape products have been banned since 2016. 'Shops still sell vape products, often inside stores selling clothes or fashion items,' he noted while highlighting a shift towards online platforms. Joshua J, a vape shop manager in Petaling Jaya, argues that targeting legal vape businesses is unfair, as most adhere to government regulations. 'We undergo rigorous processes such as obtaining Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim) certifications, and submitting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), yet face a potential ban,' he said. (MSDS is a document that outlines the chemical properties, health hazards and safety precautions of substances used in vape liquids, required as part of product compliance). Joshua said the real issue was illegal substances being sold under the guise of vape liquids, not the regulated products. He explained that legitimate businesses, which comply with regulations, were wrongly associated with dangerous black market operators. 'We know our ingredients and suppliers. Everything in our business is traceable,' he said. Joshua noted the rise in illicit substances such as marijuana oil, methamphetamine and psilocybin being sold as vape liquids (see graphic below). Muhammad Sha'ani: The state government should prioritise enforcement of vape sales targeted at children and teenagers. 'These drugs are very potent. Just one or two drops in a refillable device can cause hallucinations or seizures,' he warned. Joshua also highlighted inconsistencies in enforcing the law across local councils. 'Vape shop owners face regular enforcement from the local authorities due to the unclear legal status of this business.' He claimed enforcement officers from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) visit his shop frequently to issue compounds. It is understood that vaping devices are allowed to be sold in commercial premises in Petaling Jaya but not vape liquid nicotine. Public health and safety Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control secretary-general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said the vape industry should not be defended due to the impact vaping had on the young. He said synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, ketamine and liquid cannabis could easily be consumed through vaping devices. In the case of Selangor, Muhammad Sha'ani said the state government could start by ordering the local authorities to stop approving or renewing the licences of businesses selling vape. Saravanan says if Selangor moves forward with a ban, it will send a strong message nationally and may encourage more states to follow suit. However, he said a 'transition period' would be needed for the implementation. 'In this period, the state government should prioritise enforcement against vape sales targeted at children and teenagers,' he said. He suggested engraving buyer identities on devices for accountability. Education and awareness should also be promoted among children and teenagers as well as their parents, so that they know the dangers of synthetic drugs and vaping. Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr Saravanan Thambirajah stressed the need for Selangor to act as a leader by implementing a ban with clear local laws. 'If Selangor moves forward with a ban, it will send a strong message nationally and may encourage more states to follow suit,' said Saravanan. 'However, the ban must be implemented through clear and enforceable local laws under the jurisdictions of local councils.' He also called for vape-free zones in youth activity spaces such as schools, tuition centres and playgrounds. 'Schools should also implement strict anti-vaping rules and offer nicotine cessation support for addicted students,' he added. 'Engagement with religious leaders, non-governmental organisations and parent-teacher associations will also help in reaching wider audiences and building a community-driven response on the issue of vaping.' On vape infused with synthetic drugs, Saravanan said these drugs were often odourless and masked with flavours, making them hard to detect. 'Vapers often do not realise what they are inhaling. 'The covert nature of these drugs, combined with the appeal of vaping devices, has created an easy channel for synthetic drug abuse among youths,' he said. To combat this, he suggested strengthening surveillance of vape sales and testing capabilities to detect drugs in vape content. 'Random product testing at retail outlets, supported by state health and forensic labs, can help identify illegal substances early,' he said. Advertising crackdown State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin announced last month that all local authorities in Selangor had been instructed to seize and confiscate advertisements related to electronic cigarette products in the state. She said this action was in line with the provisions of the Control of Tobacco Product for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which explicitly prohibits any form of advertising, promotion and sponsorship related to cigarettes and electronic smoking products.' Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said tackling vape advertising was a crucial step in addressing the issue. 'Many sellers operate without a licence and promote products online,' he told StarMetro. Ng said notices would first be issued to sellers, requesting them to remove the advertisements. 'If they do not comply by the stipulated date, local authorities will take action and fines will be imposed,' he stated. Currently, the Health Ministry has not implemented a ban on vaping, but instead regulates the substances contained in vape liquids through Act 852. Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said that states were empowered by local regulations to control the sale of vape devices within their jurisdictions. From April 1, Act 852 came into force in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang, prohibiting point-of-sale display of smoking products at eateries and retail stores. It also bans the display of all tobacco and vape products in retail stores.
India.com
26-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to disrupt another market, target 600000000 people, Reliance to enter in…, another hit after Campa-cola?
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) Director T. Krishnakumar stated that the company is targeting 600 million customers. It is planning to collaborate with local stores and give them better margins by introducing affordable products in the FMCG sector. Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is planning to reach every corner of the country. To achieve this, the company is focusing on the rapidly growing FMCG sector and targeting the common households. According to an Economic Times report, Reliance may introduce affordable products in the FMCG competitors like HUL, ITC, Nestle, and Dabur are also focusing on premium products to maximize profits. Reliance will work closely with nearby shops and give them good profit margins. In an interview, Krishnakumar said that India's population is approximately 1.4 billion out of which majority of them are middle class. The company will develop high-quality products for this segment. Another Hit Like 'Campa'? Reliance started consumer business in 2022 as a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures. It has acquired over 15 brands like Campa soft drinks, which was purchased from Pure Drinks Limited in 2022 for Rs 22 crore. In FY25, RCPL reported a total revenue of Rs 11,500 crore out of which 60% came from general trade. The company kept a sales target of Rs 1,000 crore each for Campa and Independence brands and a goal to reach 1 million stores. Krishnakumar added that by the end of last year, the company held a market share of around 20% in beverages and staples. Reliance wants to increase this to 60–70% by March 2026. As Reliance increased Camp cola shares day by day in last year, on a similar note the company is planning to enter the FMCG market.
