Latest news with #Zouk
India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
What siblings really want: Thoughtful rakhi gifts they'll actually love
Raksha Bandhan, traditionally celebrated with sweets, cash, and hurriedly bought gifts, is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. In 2025, the idea of gifting between siblings has shifted dramatically from the predictable to the purposeful. Modern brothers and sisters are looking for gifts that tell stories, evoke memories, and, most importantly, show they've truly thought it through.'Every sibling story is a mix of mischief, laughter, and lasting memories,' said Sumit Suneja, Co-Founder of Rabitat. 'The true essence of Rakhi gifting lies in choosing thoughtful products that bring joy today and continue to add value over time.'advertisement'Many curations are designed to evoke nostalgia while promoting better lifestyle habits like drinking more water with stylish, reusable bottles or opting for everyday essentials that are functional yet stylish. 'We believe gifting should move beyond short-lived tokens or cash, towards sustainable and well-designed products that encourage healthy habits,' Suneja added. And indeed, their hampers do just that reminding siblings of shared pranks while gifting something truly Arora, President–Apparel, Fabindia Ltd., brings a deep-rooted philosophy to Rakhi gifting—grounded in Indian aesthetics and mindful shopping.'The essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in celebrating the deep bond between siblings through gestures that are personal and heartfelt,' Arora said. 'Today, the idea of gifting is moving beyond the conventional to focus on thoughtfulness and relevance.'Arora noted a growing consumer appetite for 'artisanal clothing, handcrafted accessories, and utility-led products that carry emotional value.'When your gift is wearable art, chosen with care, it becomes more than an outfit—it becomes a Singh, Founder of Zouk, believes the best Rakhi presents should feel like a love letter in product form.'Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful celebration of the bond that siblings share; filled with nostalgia, love and moments that truly matter,' Singh said. 'That's why we've curated special Rakhi gift boxes that combine timeless design with everyday utility.'Zouk's handcrafted, 100% vegan offerings like their elegant wallets, functional slings, and sleek passport cases—cater to style-conscious siblings who value both aesthetics and ethics.'As Raksha Bandhan approaches, it's time to celebrate a bond rooted in love, laughter, and lifelong memories,' said Sachin Kharbanda, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Lakshita. 'Whether it's a cozy family lunch or a virtual gathering, the occasion calls for a touch of ethnic elegance and festive charm.''We've noticed a heartwarming shift—brothers are moving beyond traditional gifts, choosing meaningful presents that reflect their sister's style and personality,' Kharbanda the world of fragrance, no gift is ever just a bottle—it's a memory waiting to be uncorked. Hemant Varma, Co-Founder of ScentHues, understands this intimately.'Rakhi is a celebration of the bond that's built on shared childhood memories, inside jokes, and unspoken care,' Varma said. 'We've noticed that more and more siblings are moving away from generic gifts and are instead looking for something that truly reflects the depth of their relationship.'- Ends
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
FKZO Draws Over 25,000 People for a Weekend of Cultural Celebration
TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - The Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario (FKZO) was a resounding success this weekend, drawing more than 25,000 attendees thanks to its vibrant, inclusive, and exceptional programming. Over the course of three days, the festival transformed Toronto into a true hub of Afro-Caribbean culture. Thousands gathered to enjoy music, dance, food, and the arts in a series of outdoor events, concerts, workshops, and family-friendly activities. From Friday evening through Sunday, festivalgoers experienced performances by renowned Kompa, Zouk, and Gwoka artists, while also discovering local talent and emerging creators. "We are extremely proud of this year's edition. Bringing together over 25,000 people is proof of how important it is to create spaces where Franco-Caribbean culture can be fully expressed," said Marie-Jennyne Mayard, Festival Director. The festival also showcased the authentic flavors of the Caribbean, with a hugely popular culinary zone featuring traditional dishes, exotic drinks, and artisanal products. Dance workshops and children's programming made FKZO a truly intergenerational and inclusive event. The 2025 edition marks a milestone in the festival's evolution—not only due to the scale of attendance, but also through its positive impact on Toronto's cultural scene and the vitality of Afro-descendant communities. FKZO continues to strengthen its role as a platform for cultural appreciation, dialogue, and identity celebration. Buoyed by this success, the FKZO team is already inviting the public to look forward to an even more ambitious 2026 edition. About FKZO The Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario is an annual celebration of Caribbean cultures through music, art, and cuisine. Open to all, FKZO has established itself as a must-attend event on Canada's cultural calendar.
AsiaOne
03-08-2025
- AsiaOne
Concealed in waistbands, pockets and more: Young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — It was a Friday, and a snaking queue of young people had formed outside Drip Singapore in Orchard Road. At the entrance, a prominent sign made it clear — no vaping is allowed on the premises. After paying the cover charge, which can cost up to $30 each, partygoers were allowed in. Despite bag checks, The Straits Times saw patrons sneaking puffs on the dance floor and sending out plumes of smoke with distinctive aromas. They had managed to conceal their e-vaporisers, which have been banned in Singapore since 2018. ST visited Drip Singapore, which is located in Concorde Shopping Mall, on July 16 and 18. Despite the larger crowd on a Friday at Singapore's largest underground club, patrons did not appear to be bothered by the vaping activity around them. ST saw a man in his 20s using his phone to take photographs of partygoers as he casually puffed on his vape. Caleb (not his real name) said some partygoers take it outside, where they vape at designated smoking areas. '[The bouncers] don't really look into our bags. 'They usually poke a stick in or shine a torchlight inside our bags to make sure we are not bringing drinks in, and they just wave us through,' said Caleb, who clubs regularly at Drip Singapore and Zouk. But some e-vaporisers are small enough to be hidden, and they can also be made to look like everyday items. In Malaysia, the authorities have seized vapes made to look like a tube of glue or a stationery highlighter. A spokesperson for the building management at Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall told ST that it strictly adheres to the Government's rules on vaping and smoking. The same scene played out at Zouk, a club in Clarke Quay, despite clear signs at the entrance warning against smoking and vaping. Three people were spotted vaping outside the club on July 18. It appeared little had changed when ST returned on Aug 1 to the establishment, one of Singapore's longest-running clubs, and saw patrons vaping inside. After taking a puff, two women stashed their vapes away in their waistbands, while others slipped their devices into their pockets. There was also a vape on the floor inside the club. ST saw a Zouk staff member confiscate a vape from a male patron after he was caught taking a puff inside the club. This was despite the Government announcing on July 20 more enforcement action and harsher penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act for vapes laced with etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic. David Long, senior director of operations at Zouk, told ST that all customers are screened for prohibited items before they enter the venue. 'These inspections are performed by our trained security personnel, who are authorised to refuse entry if vaping devices or prohibited products are found,' he said, adding that clubgoers found to be carrying vapes will be removed from the venue. 'Cases involving repeat offenders are progressively escalated, including formal banishment from the outlet, if and when necessary.' When asked about clubgoers who were spotted vaping inside the club, Long said: 'There is a limitation to how invasive searches can be, (but) if someone inside is vaping, it gets addressed right away, and that means asking the customer to get rid of the vape before coming back.' A spokesperson for CQ @ Clarke Quay told ST that security personnel conduct regular patrols across common areas to deter errant smoking and vaping. 'We are working closely with the authorities to monitor the situation and maintain a safe environment for all visitors,' said the spokesperson. ST also witnessed young people vaping in the Prinsep Street area on July 18, where a string of smaller bars and clubs are located. When ST returned to the same area on Aug 1, there were a handful of people vaping outside the bars. The owner of Club FML — a bar along Prinsep Street — who wanted to be known only as Sam, told ST that vapes are prohibited inside his bar. Said the 35-year-old: 'We check every single customer before they enter, and my staff patrol the premises to ensure no one vapes inside.' Regular clubgoer S. Subhraaj claimed that vaping is rampant in clubs. He said the young find it more convenient than smoking. 'You don't have to go outside to vape, whereas for cigarettes, you have to go out [of the club] to smoke. 'It is popular because people want that nicotine kick to accompany the alcohol, and instead of walking all the way out, they can just do it on the spot,' said the 29-year-old content creator. But it is not only about the nicotine fix. Subhraaj, who has been warning about the dangers of Kpods on his TikTok channel, said he has seen people using Kpods inside Thai discos in Singapore. Kpods are vapes usually mixed with etomidate, an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. The drug is controlled under the Poisons Act. 'On one occasion, I saw a man standing outside a Thai disco trembling, like he had lost control of his body,' said Subhraaj. [[nid:720909]] He was moved to campaign on TikTok against Kpod use after his close friend Sheryl Soh died in September 2024. He claimed that Soh, 23, was a Kpod user. In the same month, 19-year-old Shermaine Tay was found dead at the foot of a Housing Board block in Tanjong Pagar, where she lived. Her father, Delfard Tay, told ST he believes her death is linked to her Kpod use. Patrick (not his real name), who works at a local club, said he has seen clubgoers who appeared to be in a daze while vaping. 'It is scary because it shows how accessible it is,' he said. 'I have seen my clients' friends shaking, and slurring their words and moving very slowly.' The authorities have raided clubs to combat the vaping scourge. On May 15, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) visited a nightclub in Coleman Street and uncovered an alleged vape distribution network led by its manager. During the operation, five people were found to be in possession of vapes and their components. Zouk's Long said he has not encountered any clubgoers using Kpods within its premises. Drip Singapore did not respond to ST's queries despite repeated attempts to contact its management. A spokesperson for HSA told ST that it is in discussion with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association on anti-vape initiatives, such as promoting awareness of the vaping ban and reporting vaping incidents across nightlife venues. More details will be given at a later time, added the authority. Several deaths On July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that a third of more than 100 vapes seized during enforcement operations and tested at random were found to contain etomidate. He also confirmed that several deaths here have been linked to etomidate abuse. [[nid:720786]] Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in a few weeks' time. This means that abusers and traffickers of Kpods may be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. HSA has also extended the operating hours of its vaping reporting hotline, and launched a new online platform for the reporting of vaping activities. On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam announced that the ministry will second its officers to HSA to assist with enforcement efforts, including the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers. Members of the public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch by calling 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) ALSO READ: Tan Kiat How 'heartened' as vape disposal bin in Bedok half-filled in just 4 days This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
New Paper
03-08-2025
- New Paper
Young partygoers continue to vape in clubs in Singapore
It was a Friday, and a snaking queue of young people had formed outside Drip Singapore in Orchard Road. At the entrance, a prominent sign made it clear - no vaping is allowed on the premises. After paying the cover charge, which can cost up to $30 each, partygoers were allowed in. Despite bag checks, The Straits Times saw patrons sneaking puffs on the dance floor and sending out plumes of smoke with distinctive aromas. They had managed to conceal their e-vaporisers, which have been banned in Singapore since 2018. ST visited Drip Singapore, which is located in Concorde Shopping Mall, on July 16 and 18. Despite the larger crowd on a Friday at Singapore's largest underground club, patrons did not appear to be bothered by the vaping activity around them. ST saw a man in his 20s using his phone to take photographs of partygoers as he casually puffed on his vape. Caleb (not his real name) said some partygoers take it outside, where they vape at designated smoking areas. "(The bouncers) don't really look into our bags. "They usually poke a stick in or shine a torchlight inside our bags to make sure we are not bringing drinks in, and they just wave us through," said Caleb, who clubs regularly at Drip Singapore and Zouk. A vape user near Drip, a nightclub along Kramat Lane, on July 17. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI But some e-vaporisers are small enough to be hidden, and they can also be made to look like everyday items. In Malaysia, the authorities have seized vapes made to look like a tube of glue or a stationery highlighter. A spokesperson for the building management at Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall told ST that it strictly adheres to the Government's rules on vaping and smoking. The same scene played out at Zouk, a club in Clarke Quay, despite clear signs at the entrance warning against smoking and vaping. Three people were spotted vaping outside the club on July 18. It appeared little had changed when ST returned on Aug 1 to the establishment, one of Singapore's longest-running clubs, and saw patrons vaping inside. After taking a puff, two women stashed their vapes away in their waistbands, while others slipped their devices into their pockets. There was also a vape on the floor inside the club. Youths vaping near Prinsep Street, on Aug 1. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST saw a Zouk staff member confiscate a vape from a male patron after he was caught taking a puff inside the club. This was despite the Government announcing on July 20 more enforcement action and harsher penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act for vapes laced with etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic. Mr David Long, senior director of operations at Zouk, told ST that all customers are screened for prohibited items before they enter the venue. "These inspections are performed by our trained security personnel, who are authorised to refuse entry if vaping devices or prohibited products are found," he said, adding that clubgoers found to be carrying vapes will be removed from the venue. "Cases involving repeat offenders are progressively escalated, including formal banishment from the outlet, if and when necessary." Police and security patrolling outside Zouk in Clarke Quay on July 19. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO When asked about clubgoers who were spotted vaping inside the club, Mr Long said: "There is a limitation to how invasive searches can be, (but) if someone inside is vaping, it gets addressed right away, and that means asking the customer to get rid of the vape before coming back." A spokesperson for CQ @ Clarke Quay told ST that security personnel conduct regular patrols across common areas to deter errant smoking and vaping. "We are working closely with the authorities to monitor the situation and maintain a safe environment for all visitors," said the spokesperson. ST also witnessed young people vaping in the Prinsep Street area on July 18, where a string of smaller bars and clubs are located. When ST returned to the same area on Aug 1, there were a handful of people vaping outside the bars. The owner of Club FML - a bar along Prinsep Street - who wanted to be known only as Sam, told ST that vapes are prohibited inside his bar. Said the 35-year-old: "We check every single customer before they enter, and my staff patrol the premises to ensure no one vapes inside." Regular clubgoer S. Subhraaj claimed that vaping is rampant in clubs. He said the young find it more convenient than smoking. "You don't have to go outside to vape, whereas for cigarettes, you have to go out (of the club) to smoke. "It is popular because people want that nicotine kick to accompany the alcohol, and instead of walking all the way out, they can just do it on the spot," said the 29-year-old content creator. But it is not only about the nicotine fix. Mr Subhraaj, who has been warning about the dangers of Kpods on his TikTok channel, said he has seen people using Kpods inside Thai discos in Singapore. Kpods are vapes usually mixed with etomidate, an anaesthetic agent used in clinical practice to induce sedation. The drug is controlled under the Poisons Act. "On one occasion, I saw a man standing outside a Thai disco trembling, like he had lost control of his body," said Mr Subhraaj. He was moved to campaign on TikTok against Kpod use after his close friend Sheryl Soh died in September 2024. He claimed that Miss Soh, 23, was a Kpod user. In the same month, 19-year-old Shermaine Tay was found dead at the foot of a Housing Board block in Tanjong Pagar, where she lived. Her father, Mr Delfard Tay, told ST he believes her death is linked to her Kpod use. Patrick (not his real name), who works at a local club, said he has seen clubgoers who appeared to be in a daze while vaping. "It is scary because it shows how accessible it is," he said. "I have seen my clients' friends shaking, and slurring their words and moving very slowly." The authorities have raided clubs to combat the vaping scourge. On May 15, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) visited a nightclub in Coleman Street and uncovered an alleged vape distribution network led by its manager. During the operation, five people were found to be in possession of vapes and their components. Zouk's Mr Long said he has not encountered any clubgoers using Kpods within its premises. Drip Singapore did not respond to ST's queries despite repeated attempts to contact its management. A spokesperson for HSA told ST that it is in discussion with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association on anti-vape initiatives, such as promoting awareness of the vaping ban and reporting vaping incidents across nightlife venues. More details will be given at a later time, added the authority. Several deaths On July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that a third of more than 100 vapes seized during enforcement operations and tested at random were found to contain etomidate. He also confirmed that several deaths here have been linked to etomidate abuse. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act in a few weeks' time. This means that abusers and traffickers of Kpods may be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam, also known as Erimin-5, with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. HSA has also extended the operating hours of its vaping reporting hotline, and launched a new online platform for the reporting of vaping activities. On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam announced that the ministry will second its officers to HSA to assist with enforcement efforts, including the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers. Members of the public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch by calling 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. If you need help to quit vaping, you can join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@ Additional reporting by Emerald Lo Helplines Mental well-being National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Shan You Counselling Centre: 6741-9293 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This Rakhi, Zouk captures the shared ‘baggage' between siblings
This Rakshabandhan, Zouk, the Indian and cruelty-free lifestyle brand, has unveiled a brand film that captures the evolving bond between siblings. At the emotional core of the campaign lies a simple, shared moment. Every man has held a bag for a woman in his life- a sister, a mother, a partner. It may have felt awkward, even joked about. But it's something we've all seen- or been in. This small, everyday act forms the emotional heart of Zouk's Rakshabandhan campaign. The film reimagines how brothers today show support- not by standing in front of their sisters to protect them, but by standing beside them. Sometimes, that just means holding her bag- not that she steps ahead to chase bigger things. Disha Singh, founder of Zouk, shared, 'This campaign is a simple, yet powerful reminder that even small gestures, like holding her bag, can say: 'I've got your back'.' In addition to the film, Zouk has also introduced a delightful range of curated festive gift boxes perfect for Rakhi and beyond. With this campaign and product expansion, Zouk continues to celebrate modern Indian stories, while staying rooted in its values, offering thoughtfully designed, functional products that carry meaning, pride and purpose. Watch the video here:
