Latest news with #Zouk
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
‘Not charming, just creepy': Woman slams behaviour of fellow Indian men in Singapore
A Reddit post titled 'Creeped out on our first international girls' trip — by fellow Indians. Please, do better' has gone viral, sparking widespread conversations about safety, consent, and the conduct of Indian men abroad. Shared on the platform's travel subreddit, the post, which has received over 900 upvotes, recounts the unsettling experiences of four Indian women during their much-anticipated trip to Singapore, a destination chosen for its reputation as one of the safest for female travellers. What started as a dream getaway quickly took a disturbing turn. On the third day of the trip, while visiting a Buddhist temple, the group encountered an Indian man in his mid-20s who began following them across every floor of the temple. He struck up a conversation with one of the women, claiming he frequently visited Singapore, felt lonely, and wanted to hang out or be their 'guide.' Though the women politely declined, the man persisted, recommending a vegan restaurant inside the temple frequented by monks. Out of curiosity, the group visited the eatery, only to realise he was still following them. Things got more uncomfortable when he tried to pay for their food and asked them to reimburse him in cash, claiming he needed change. Despite repeated attempts to distance themselves, they spotted him again at a nearby store, more than an hour later. The incident was not isolated. The next evening at popular Singapore nightclub Zouk, the group was again approached, this time by two Indian men, who hovered near them at the bar, ordered the same drinks, and forced themselves into a group toast. Later, the men followed the group onto the dance floor until the women moved closer to a group of female tourists — only then did the men finally back off. What troubled the women most, as the post puts it, was that it wasn't strangers or locals making them feel unsafe; it was fellow Indians. 'In a country known for order and respect, they felt entitled to intrude, follow, and force interactions. To the men reading this: this isn't charming, it's creepy. Learn to read the room. Respect boundaries. No means no — even if it's not shouted.' The post struck a nerve with many Reddit users, especially women, who shared similar experiences while travelling abroad. Several users expressed anger and embarrassment over the behaviour of Indian men in international spaces. A user commented, 'I sometimes wonder how they are not embarrassed by their desperate attitude and sheer lack of self-respect. It's like someone is swatting a housefly away, and yet they won't stop buzzing around you. Go away… shoooo.' 'You really should have complained to the club authorities or the MRT security at Chinatown. A taste of Singapore's law enforcement would have taken care of these obnoxious men,' another wrote on Reddit. "Indian men should be held accountable for their actions. We've been ignoring and pushing them away for a long time, which only fuels them to pull such shit. Next time, don't hesitate to involve the police,' the third suggested.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Zepto Cafe cools; Ecommerce sales pick up
Happy Wednesday! Zepto's 10-minute food delivery arm has scaled down operations due to multiple hurdles. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch. Also in the letter: ■ Indian AI startups take US flight ■ ETtech Done Deals■ Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth Zepto Cafe scales down amid sourcing, staffing hurdles Zepto Cafe, the 10-minute food delivery arm of quick commerce firm Zepto, is scaling down operations as it battles supply chain issues and a shortage of trained kitchen staff. The slowdown comes just as rivals Blinkit's Bistro and Swiggy's Snacc push deeper into key urban markets. By the numbers: Daily order volumes fell to 65,000–67,000 in May and June, down from 120,000–130,000 at their peak. Back in February, founder and CEO Aadit Palicha had claimed on LinkedIn that the service had crossed 100,000 daily orders. Zepto pulled the plug on Cafe operations at 44 of roughly 1,000 dark stores in May. Behind the scenes: The company has hit pause on several fried items as it retools its kitchen workflows. Suppliers say Zepto Cafe has cut back on order volumes and delayed pickups, with some reporting a fall in monthly order value from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 40–50 lakh. Also Read: Govt may increase scrutiny on quick commerce firms following hygiene, food safety issues What's next: As Zepto trims its cash burn and recalibrates, the company is in talks with investors, including General Catalyst and Avenir Growth, to raise $500 million ahead of a planned IPO in 2026. Also Read: Quick commerce fires up record discounts with rivals getting quicker Mid-year ecomm sales spike sets the stage for cracking festive season Ecommerce order volumes during the recent sale window rose 19% over the same time last year, well ahead of the sector's annual growth rate of 10–12% in 2024. Deep discounts helped fuel demand across various categories, including smart TVs, headphones, air conditioners, kids' essentials, and luggage. Bright ecommerce outlook: The July 11-14 sale window saw overlapping campaigns from marketplaces like Amazon India, Flipkart, and a clutch of D2C brands. Analysts say this burst of activity could boost performance in the ongoing quarter, offering a breather amid what has otherwise been a sluggish period for ecommerce. Uptick in sales: Brands such as boAt, Eume, Uppercase, Atomberg, Solara and Zouk reported a strong jump in gains. Pradeep Krishnakumar, founder of fashion brand Zouk, said, 'Typically, Prime Day is seen as a play for legacy brands and for discounts. We saw something slightly different…that Zouk as a brand actually grew more than the category.' Festive sale preparations: Several executives said this sale window effectively kicked off festive season preparations, with brands ramping up supply chains, launching new products, and pushing fresh categories. Many are now revising their Diwali forecasts upwards, looking to stock up in line with the current surge in demand. Also Read: Ecommerce platforms target tier-2 and tier-3 cities for festive sales growth in India Sponsor ETtech Top 5 & Morning Dispatch! Why it matters: ETtech Top 5 and Morning Dispatch are must-reads for India's tech and business leaders, including startup founders, investors, policy makers, industry insiders and employees. The opportunity: Reach a highly engaged audience of decision-makers. Boost your brand's visibility among the tech-savvy community. Custom sponsorship options to align with your brand's goals. What's next: Interested? Reach out to us at spotlightpartner@ to explore sponsorship opportunities. Scoring with AI not enough to crack US enterprise code Indian artificial intelligence (AI) startups heading to the US in search of growth are running into new roadblocks, founders and investors told ET. Fierce competition and slower decision-making are making it harder to close deals and run pilots. Moving timelines: Sales cycles that once lasted 6–9 months are now dragging on to 12–18, as enterprises test multiple solutions and delay fresh engagements, said Pradeep Ayyagari, cofounder of agentic platform SnowMountain AI, told ET. Venk Krishnan, founder of IT firm NuWare, added that big companies in the US now face pitches from 20 firms offering nearly identical products. Too little time: Firms don't have enough time to demo with every firm that approaches them. The market is 'equally miserable' for buyers, another founder, Vivek Khandelwal said. The field has become too noisy, confusing the buyers as well. Strategic partnerships: To cut through the clutter, startups are relying on investor networks and domain experts for warm introductions, while many founders are spending extended time in the US to stay close to customers and iterate more quickly. Keeping Count Other Top Stories By Our Reporters Shivali Goyal and Pritish Gupta, founders, Trupeer AI Trupeer AI bags $3 million: Trupeer AI, an AI video platform, has raised $3 million in seed funding from early-stage investor RTP Global, with participation from Salesforce Ventures and angel investors. Voice AI startup Navana AI raises Rs 7 crore: has developed three products: a voice AI contact centre, a speech recognition API, and the contact centre intelligence API. The company currently has more than 40 clients supporting voice bots in over 12 languages across the country. A Shux-cess: After 18 days in space, Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla felt gravity again on Tuesday. Stepping out of the Dragon capsule with a smile and the Indian flag on his shoulder, Shukla, or Shux, became the second Indian to travel to space and the first to enter the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. WeWork India's road to IPO: WeWork India Management, the country's largest premium flexible workspace operator by revenue, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to launch its initial public offering. Global Picks We Are Reading ■ Microsoft and OpenAI's AGI fight is bigger than a contract (Wired) ■ xAI says it has fixed Grok 4's problematic responses (TechCrunch) ■ How BYD caught up with Tesla in the global EV race (FT) Updated On Jul 16, 2025, 07:16 AM IST
Hindustan Times
29-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Luggage bags for women: Top 8 picks curated for women to help them travel in style
Travelling feels so much better with luggage bags that blend style and function. The best luggage bags for women are more than just storage on wheels. They reflect your personality and bring a sense of ease to every trip. From sleek carry-ons to roomy spinners, these luggage bags for women make packing feel effortless. Chic luggage bags for women are lined up to inspire your next trip with the best luggage for women in lovely colours.(AI genarated) We've pulled together the top eight picks loved for their smart compartments, smooth wheels and pretty designs. This collection of the best luggage for women proves you don't have to trade charm for practicality. So if you're planning your next holiday or a quick work trip, these luggage bags for women will help you stay organised and travel with a bit more flair. Top 8 picks for luggage bags for women Loading Suggestions... This stylish luggage bag blends comfort and function perfectly for women on the move. A padded shoulder strap and soft-grip handles make carrying easy. The quick-access front pocket keeps essentials handy. A sleek, fashionable design ensures you travel in style with a versatile luggage bag model you'll enjoy using for weekend breaks or gym visits. Specifications Capacity 33 litres Material Polyester outer and inner Carry options Padded adjustable shoulder strap + soft-grip handles Warranty International 60‑month coverage Click Here to Buy VIP Endura Duffle (E) Brown Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag blends style and practicality for women who love short getaways. Crafted from premium tapestry fabric, it feels sturdy yet refined. Padded handles and a detachable shoulder strap make carrying comfortable. An inner zip pocket keeps small items safe. The best luggage bags for women always mix charm and function, and this one does exactly that. Specifications Capacity 42 litres Material Tapestry fabric Carry Options Padded handles and adjustable shoulder strap Warranty One year for manufacturing defects Click Here to Buy The Clownfish Tapestry Fabric 42 Litre Cabin Luggage Travel Duffle Bag (Blue) Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag brings together smart organisation and eye-catching design for women who enjoy stylish getaways. The roomy main compartment holds clothes, gadgets and more. A separate shoe section keeps everything fresh. With a trolley sleeve, foldable shape and vegan leather, it's one of the best luggage bags for women who prefer practical features without giving up flair. Specifications Capacity Spacious main compartment with mesh pockets Material Vegan leather and fabric (water-resistant) Carry Options Adjustable padded shoulder strap and double handles Special Feature Trolley sleeve and dedicated shoe compartment Click Here to Buy Zouk Weekender Duffle Bag | Travel Bag with Shoe Compartment & Trolley Sleeve | Spacious, Foldable, Lightweight Duffel for Men & Women | Water-Resistant | Nawabi Couture Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag for women is crafted in durable leatherette that feels smooth yet tough. The clean design and antique metal zippers create a polished look perfect for any trip. It's lightweight and simple to maintain, making it one of the best luggage bags for women who like their travel gear to look refined yet practical every day. Specifications Material Leatherette with sturdy stitching Closure Strong two-way zip with antique metal pullers Carry Options Top handles and cross-body strap Special Feature Lightweight and easy to clean Click Here to Buy Nautica Duffle Bag for Travel | Stylish Leatherette Luggage | Compact and Comfortable for Travelling |Hand Duffel Bag |Suitable for Men and Women, Navy Blue Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag for women is crafted in bright pink nylon that feels both sporty and fresh. It includes a wet pocket for damp clothes, space for essentials and handy card slots inside. Light to carry and completely waterproof, this is one of the best luggage bags for women who prefer something small yet practical for quick getaways. Specifications Capacity 22.6 litres Material Oxford nylon (waterproof) Compartments Main compartment, wet pocket, mobile and card slots Carry Options Two short handles and a detachable shoulder strap Click Here to Buy Storite Nylon 47 Cm Travel Duffle Bag, Sports Shoulder Bag for Women with Wet Pocket Weekender Overnight Luggage Bag - (Pink, 47 x 16 x 30 Cm) Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag for women brings a polished touch to any trip. Crafted in durable faux leather, it feels lightweight yet sturdy. The smooth zip closure and antique metal pullers create a refined finish. With a roomy interior, this bag easily carries all your essentials, making it one of the best luggage bags for women who value style. Specifications Dimensions 52 x 24 x 28 centimetres Material Faux leather with strong stitching Closure Two-way zip with antique metal pullers Carry Options Top handles and adjustable shoulder strap Click Here to Buy Kenneth Cole Faux Leather Duffle Bag for Travel|Compact and Comfortable for Travelling|Suitable for Mens and Womens|Cabin Luggage Bag, 52 x 24 x 28 Centimeters, Beige Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag for women mixes style and convenience in one bright design. Crafted from durable polyester, it offers a spacious main compartment for all your essentials. Back wheels make it simple to pull along busy platforms. With padded handles and a smooth shape, it's among the best luggage bags for women who enjoy effortless packing. Specifications Dimensions 62 x 30 cm Material Polyester Carry Options Padded handles and rolling wheels Special Feature Spacious compartment with stylish red design Click Here to Buy Aristocrat Spark 62Cm Polyester Medium Red Duffle Bag, 30 Cm Loading Suggestions... This luggage bag for women is perfect for longer trips without feeling bulky. The roomy interior packs everything you need, while sturdy wheels and a retractable trolley keep movement smooth. A front zip pocket offers easy access to travel essentials. Among the best luggage bags for women, it balances generous space with a sleek, water-repellent build. Specifications Dimensions 53 x 29 x 29.5 cm Capacity 55 litres Material Water-repellent polyester with premium zips Warranty 2 years Click Here to Buy Lavie Sport Lino Wheel Duffel Bag | 2 Wheel Duffle Bag | Built to Last Wheels and Trolley Similar articles for you Get vacation-ready! Up to 80% off on top picks for trolley bags Travel smarter, not harder: Your guide to affordable trolley bags under ₹2500 Duffles and backpacks at up to 60% off on Amazon; Top picks to buy now! Beyond basics: Fun and fashionable backpacks for girls; Top 8 picks Luggage bags for women: FAQs What size luggage bags for women work best for weekend trips? For a short break, the best luggage bags for women are medium duffle bags or compact spinners. They fit clothes, shoes and a few extras without feeling heavy. Look for something around 40 to 50 litres so you have room, but don't end up overpacking. Are there luggage bags for women with separate shoe compartments? Yes, many of the best luggage for women now includes dedicated shoe sections. This keeps your clothes fresh and helps organise everything neatly. The Zouk Weekender and similar duffles have clever compartments that make packing a lot simpler. How do I clean my luggage bags for women? Most luggage bags for women can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If yours is fabric, use a mild soap solution on any marks. For faux leather or nylon, a quick wipe keeps it looking fresh. Always dry it fully before storing. What features make the best luggage bags for women? The best luggage for women usually combines sturdy wheels, strong zips and smart compartments. A trolley sleeve, water-resistant fabric and padded handles all help. It's worth choosing something that feels comfortable to carry and has enough pockets to keep you organised. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pack loud, sip chic, nap cute: The quirkiest travel accessories you need
A family going for vacation (AI image for representational purposes) Travelling isn't just about where you're going — it's about how you're getting there and what you're bringing along for the ride. This season, it's time to swap boring basics for watermelon-shaped neck pillows, pastel water bottles that double as accessories, and wearable fans that keep you cool and cute. Whether you're glamping in the hills or chasing sunsets by the sea, the right travel gear should be equal parts functional, fashionable, and fun. Neck fans are the new cool Handheld fans are passé. This season, it's all about neck fans that look like headphones but work like a portable AC. Lightweight and USB-rechargeable, these are perfect for sweaty airport lines, hot hikes, or sun-drenched city strolls. Extra cool points if yours lights up or comes in neon pastels. Bags with a twist Goodbye boring black luggage. Hello squishy totes, quirky slings, and jelly bags in baguette prints. 'This year, travel isn't just about where you're headed; it's also about how you express yourself along the way,' says Disha Singh, founder of Zouk. 'Travellers today are choosing bold, quirky designs that reflect their individuality and culture. It's not just about carrying your essentials — it's about carrying a part of your story. ' Quirky totes (Image Source: Instagram/ @the_madras_kadai) Suitcase, but make it sassy Custom luggage covers are having a moment. From retro cartoon prints to cheeky quotes and even pet portraits, your suitcase can now double as your personality on wheels. 'Luggage is no longer just about utility—it's a style statement,' says Naina Parekh, CEO of Eume. 'People are choosing vibrant colours, smart compartments, and ergonomic designs. It's about travelling proud — and organised.' Mesh sliders, fancy sandals and quirky flip-flops Mesh sliders, strappy sandals and foam flip-flops topped with oversized fruit charms are the season's unofficial uniform. 'For Indian weather, footwear needs to do more than just look good,' says Prateek Singhal, co-founder of Yoho. 'Mesh uppers allow air circulation and help prevent irritation or odour from sweat.' And as Natasha Dua, founder of Lino Perros, puts it: 'Style should never feel like a costume — it should feel like you, on your most confident day. ' Box: Sip in style Hydration has had a glow-up. Collapsible silicone bottles, pastel sippers, unique tumblers, and fruit-infuser flasks are being matched with outfits. 'We're seeing tumblers become the unexpected style statement of the season,' says Ackshay Jain, CEO of Culture Circle. 'Travellers are treating them like sneakers — picking colourways for different occasions.' Unique tumblers (Image Source Instagram/@fortheloveofpixiedust) Box: Grooming, but make it cute Travel grooming kits no longer need to look like first-aid boxes. Think cute mini perfume bottles, pastel soap cases, and chic sanitiser sprays. Also, don't forget the essentials: 'Precision razors, non-chromium nail clippers and skin-friendly tools are key to staying well-groomed on the move,' says Hitesh Singla, head of marketing at Kai India. Unique sanitizer cases (Image Source: Instagram @tumblrarrchive) Box: Snooze in style Catch those Zzz's on the go with eye masks that say 'Do Not Disturb', 'Nap Queen' or even have eyes painted open. Match them with plush earmuffs for in-flight snoozing in style. Watermelon shaped neck pillow (Image Source: Instagram/@yunicorner1)
AsiaOne
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
New French restaurant concept by Zouk Group to open in Bugis, Lifestyle News
Whether you're a French food connoisseur or just a foodie in general, you'll be glad to hear that there's going to be another option to choose from. Zouk Group announced that it will be launching its first-ever French restaurant concept The Plump Frenchman in Bugis on the week of June 16, the group said in a press release on Thursday (June 5). According to Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, the restaurant's launch is something that he has always envisioned doing. "As a longtime French food enthusiast myself, I've always dreamed of creating a place that blends all the things I love about French cuisine and brasserie culture with the energy of our Zouk brand. It's wholesome, playful and full of personality," he stated. The 70-seater brasserie will focus on serving classic French comfort food. The menu is conceptualised by Zouk Group's Chief Culinary Officer Lorenz Hoja — who was the executive chef at French gourmet restaurant L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Singapore. During his time there, he had helped to secure two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017. "French cuisine doesn't have to be rigid or overly refined, it should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting. At The Plump Frenchman, we're bringing back the joy of slow meals, shared plates, and dishes made with real heart," the chef stated. Some examples of items on the menu include the Demi Poulet Rotisserie ($17++), a slow roasted chicken dish, and Chipirons ($16++), a baby squid dish stuffed with chorizo, parsley and garlic in olive oil and lemon. For dessert, there's the Tiramisu au Citron ($11++), a classic Italian dessert with an innovative touch — swapping traditional coffee for lemon as the main flavour. From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant will offer Menu de Canut, a curated selection of set menus. The selection will include a two-course set (one main and one dessert) at $25++, three-course set (one starter, one main and one dessert) at $35++, and four-course set (two starters, one main and one dessert) at $47++ and is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm. The new restaurant's interior is inspired by retro French aesthetics. Zouk Group is also behind the launch of artisanal sandwich and donut shop Korio and the Five Guys franchises across Singapore and Malaysia. Address: Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-20, Singapore 188107 Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Mon to Sat), 11.30am to 3pm (Sun) [[nid:716572]]
