Flipkart
Flipkart SBI Credit Card with up to 7.5% cashback; offers deals on Myntra, Zomato, Uber, PVR & more
SBI Card and Flipkart have introduced the 'Flipkart SBI Credit Card', offering cashback rewards across various e-platforms. Cardholders can earn up to 7.5% cashback on Myntra and 5% on Flipkart, Shopsy, and Cleartrip. Additional benefits include 4% cashback on Zomato, Uber, Netmeds, and PVR, plus 1% unlimited cashback on other spends.
Flipkart appoints ex-Google executive Balaji Thiagarajan as chief technology and product officer
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Thiagarajan has worked across product, platform, and technology in a diverse range of companies, from fast-paced startups to major global enterprises, Flipkart said. The position of CTPO was earlier held by Jeyandran Venugopal until May this year.
Flipkart acquires majority stake in content platform Pinkvilla to tap Gen Z shoppers
While Flipkart did not disclose details of the deal, a person close to the matter said the online retailer is likely to have picked up more than 75% in Pinkvilla valuing it at around $15 million.
Amazon, Flipkart to begin festive sales from September 23
Amazon India and Flipkart will start their festive sales on September 23. The sale begins a day after GST rate changes. Offers are available across various categories. GST cuts on footwear, apparel, and appliances are expected to boost demand. Online sales are expected to grow significantly. Amazon Prime and Flipkart Plus members get early access.
‘Coming Soon’: Flipkart teases customers with Big Billion Days 2025 announcement
Flipkart’s website shows Samsung Galaxy AI as the title sponsor for the Big Billion Days sale 2025. Intel Core Ultra is the tech sponsor, according to the banner, which also features Zebronics, Acer, Moto Book 60 and Titan. However, no details of the deals have been revealed.
The Big Billion Days: Flipkart’s annual festive season sale to kick off on Sept 23
The month-long sale goes live the same day as rival Amazon's sale, the Great Indian Festival. Both events start a day after the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates go into force.
Quick commerce to hike festive workforce by up to 60%
Quick-commerce firms in India plan to increase temporary staff by up to 60% for the festive season. Redseer estimates quick commerce deliveries will double to 10% of total e-commerce. Flipkart, Amazon, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto are preparing for Diwali. Around 80,000 to 100,000 workers will be hired. Tier 2 cities are also ramping up fast.
iPhone 16 India price gets biggest discount before iPhone 17 launch event: How to apply offers for massive deals
With the iPhone 17 series set to launch on September 9, Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup is seeing major discounts across Amazon and Flipkart. The base iPhone 16, originally priced at Rs 79,900, can be bought for under Rs 40,000 on Amazon with combined exchange and bank offers, while Flipkart is offering the model at Rs 71,399 with additional cashback and exchange deals. The iPhone 16 Pro has also dropped to its lowest price of Rs 1,05,900, with further reductions available through card and exchange offers.
Monsoon showers push e-comm orders up, raise partner payouts
E-commerce platforms in India are experiencing a surge in orders due to prolonged monsoon rains, with deliveries increasing by over 10%. Companies like BigBasket and Flipkart are seeing significant order spikes in cities like Mumbai and Delhi NCR, driven by professionals working from home.
Former Flipkart executive Ranjith Boyanapalli launches AI-powered shopping assistant
Flash.co, founded by ex-Flipkart executive Ranjith Boyanapalli, has launched Flash AI, an AI-powered shopping assistant, across over 100 countries. This tool helps online shoppers compare products from various channels, offering details, ratings, reviews, and price comparisons. Flash AI gathers data from diverse online sources to provide comprehensive summaries, aiming to assist shoppers in making informed purchasing decisions.
E-commerce marketplaces & quick commerce platforms reap gains from heavy monsoon rains
Heavy monsoon rains are boosting e-commerce in India. Online orders have increased as people stay indoors. BigBasket and Flipkart see order surges in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Delivery partners earn more with weather incentives. Logistics providers like Zippee and Celcius are expanding to meet rising demand. Companies are compensating riders for delivering in difficult conditions.
Amazon India’s Great Indian Festival sale to start from September 23
Amazon India will launch its Great Indian Festival sale on September 23. The sale starts after new GST rates take effect. Prime members get early access. Flipkart's Big Billion Days sale is also coming soon. The GST changes impact many goods and services. Many food items will see reduced taxes.
Amazon completes Axio acquisition, secures access to direct lending business in India
Amazon has finalized its acquisition of Axio, an Indian non-bank lender, securing a direct lending license in India. This move allows Amazon to offer credit products directly on its platform, including checkout loans, and explore new credit solutions for customers and small businesses. Axio will operate as a separate entity under Amazon, expanding Amazon's fintech presence in India.
GST uncertainty worries ecommerce majors as festive sale season nears
Indian e-commerce sellers on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are facing GST uncertainty as the festive season approaches. Sellers worry about timely integration of new tax rates, potential invoicing discrepancies, and complications with product returns during the peak shopping phase. The transition from a 12% tax slab to either 5% or 18% poses logistical challenges for sellers.
Swiggy Instamart to launch Quick India Movement festive sale on September 19
Swiggy Instamart's 'Quick India Movement' sale, offering 50-90% discounts on over 50,000 products, will run from September 19-28, preceding Amazon and Flipkart's festive sales. The sale includes electronics, beauty, and more, featuring brands like Apple, OnePlus, and L'Oréal.
E-commerce platforms ramp up seasonal hiring ahead of festivities, create over 3.8 lakh jobs
Indian e-commerce companies prepare for increased sales. Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra create over 3.8 lakh seasonal jobs. These jobs span supply chain, logistics, and customer service. Flipkart adds delivery hubs in tier-2 and 3 cities. Amazon launches and expands fulfillment centers. Myntra generates new job opportunities through its partners. Hiring increases in tier-2 cities like Jaipur and Coimbatore.
iPhone 17 launch sets Apple discount deals: Check iPhone models getting massive price cuts
Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 series on September 9, and ahead of the event, older models have seen sharp price cuts in India. The iPhone 15, which originally launched at Rs 79,900, is now available for as low as Rs 59,900 on Amazon, with bank offers and exchange deals bringing the effective price closer to Rs 50,000. Flipkart has listed the device at Rs 64,900 with additional cashback options. Apple is also expected to discontinue the iPhone 16 Pro models and the iPhone 15 Plus, leaving room for price drops on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Warburg rejoins Kalyan gold rush; Fintechs hit insurance wall
Happy Wednesday! Warburg Pincus is in talks to invest in Kalyan Jewellers’ Candere. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Flipkart creates 2.2 lakh seasonal jobs ahead of festive season
Flipkart has created over 2.2 lakh seasonal jobs across supply chain and delivery roles ahead of the festive season. The company will also add 650 festive-only delivery hubs in tier 2 and 3 cities, with increased hiring of women and persons with disabilities. Amazon India earlier announced 1.5 lakh roles.
Analysts expect festive online sales to grow 30% after GST relief
Amazon India will start its Great Indian Festival on September 23. This follows the GST Council's rate cuts on footwear, apparel and other items. Analysts expect the tax revision to boost demand during the festive season. Electronics and appliance sales may grow significantly. Ecommerce platforms and retailers are expected to ship goods worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore.
Flipkart creates 2.2 lakh seasonal jobs ahead of festive season
Flipkart has announced the creation of over 2.2 lakh seasonal job opportunities across its supply chain, logistics, and last-mile delivery network in preparation for the festive season. The e-commerce giant is also expanding its reach with 650 new festive-only delivery hubs in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Is no-cost EMI really cost-free? Read terms and conditions carefully for hidden charges and missed discounts
Easy EMIs aid festive buys, but hidden charges and missed discounts require careful reading.
Festive season: Quick commerce to ramp up temp workforce by 40–60%
Quick-commerce platforms are gearing up for a significant surge in demand this festive season, projecting a 40-60% increase in temporary workforce. This expansion aims to manage the expected doubling of quick commerce deliveries, potentially reaching 10% of the total e-commerce market.
Ecommerce companies go big on gig hiring for festive play
E-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart are driving a three-year high in seasonal hiring this festive season, creating half a million jobs. Flipkart has doubled its job openings compared to last year, while Amazon India is increasing its gig workforce by 35-40%. Both companies are prioritizing inclusivity by hiring more women and differently-abled workers to meet the anticipated surge in demand.
ET Startup Awards 2025: What the jury members said
An elite jury chaired by Amitabh Kant, one of the most prominent supporters of India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, met in Bengaluru on August 28 to decide the winners of the 11th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards.
Voice AI moves beyond scripts as Indian firms tap multilingual bots
AI-powered voice assistants are transforming customer interactions across India, handling queries in multiple languages with unprecedented accuracy. Companies like MakeMyTrip and Meesho are leveraging large language models to provide context-aware and personalized experiences. This shift is particularly impactful in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, where vernacular adoption is driving growth.
Former Flipkart exec’s quick comm startup FirstClub raises $23 million; valuation jumps to $120 million
The company plans to deploy the funds towards opening new dark stores in Bengaluru, rolling out formats like cafes and daily subscriptions, expanding into new categories, hiring talent, and investing in brand building.
BigBasket top brass churn; RMG ban pain manifests
Happy Tuesday! BigBasket CEO Hari Menon is expected to take a step back as part of a leadership transition. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Walmart International’s margins squeezed by Flipkart, Myntra quick commerce bets
Walmart International’s gross profit dipped in the June quarter due to rising investments in India’s quick commerce sector via Flipkart and Myntra. Kathryn McLay, CEO of Walmart International, said the company is ramping up its focus on rapid deliveries in India. This move comes as competition heats up with players like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto.
ETtech Explainer: Why food delivery, ecomm firms are hiking platform fees ahead of festive season
Swiggy, Zomato, and Myntra are increasing platform fees ahead of the festive season to offset rising operational costs and boost margins. Swiggy's fee is now Rs 15, while Zomato's is Rs 12. Myntra has increased its fee to Rs 25. These hikes are timed to coincide with peak spending periods, when customers are more likely to absorb the additional charges.
UPI spends on gaming drop 26% in August after real-money ban
UPI payments for digital goods dipped in August after a blanket ban on real-money gaming. Many companies had to shut down such services, which accounted for a substantial portion of their revenues. UPI transactions in other categories, like groceries and debt collection, remained strong. Overall, transaction volumes increased, but the total value slightly decreased compared to July.
Amazon India tweaks seller fees ahead of the festive season
This is effective from September 1 and comes ahead of the onset of the festive season. This year, festive season sales are expected to increase by 25% to reach Rs 1.2 lakh crore. The reduction in referral fees is likely to decrease the cost incurred by the sellers on Amazon India for every order they get.
Retailer and farmer groups ask India to shun Amazon's plea to ease investment rules
Groups representing Indian retailers and farmers have urged the government to reject Amazon's request to ease foreign investment rules for exports. They argue that allowing Amazon to directly procure products would harm smaller businesses due to the company's financial strength and potential for predatory pricing.
Child personal care brand Tuco Kids raises $4 million in round led by RTP Global
Tuco Kids, a Bengaluru-based personal care brand for children, raised $4 million in funding led by RTP Global. The brand plans to use the funds to build brand awareness, drive category creation, and expand its offline presence. Tuco offers skincare and haircare for children aged 3-13, tapping into a fast-growing market.
Ola Electric auditor raises alarm; Urban Company's pre-IPO deal
Ola Electric's auditor draws attention to missing internal controls at a key subsidiary. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
ET Startup Awards 2025 | Comeback Kid: Capillary Technologies weathers a raging storm
The jury’s focus was on the nominees’ persistence during their lows and execution impact during their highs. Bengaluru-based Capillary Technologies ultimately clinched the award, with the jury praising its tenacity and lauding the team for an impressive turnaround.
Realme 15T 5G launched in India: Check prices, battery life, camera, other key details
Realme has introduced the Realme 15T in India, a mid-range smartphone featuring a large 7,000mAh battery, a bright 6.57-inch AMOLED display, and a Dimensity 6400 Max 5G processor. Available in multiple configurations up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, it boasts a 50MP dual rear camera and a 50MP front camera.
Festive cheer with GST 2.0; Amazon’s $200 million NBFC bet
Happy Friday! Ecommerce is expected to win big this festive season on the back of new GST relief. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Analysts see online platforms hiring 15% more this festival season; but onboarding faces delay
Per Teamlease, the rise in festival season hiring will largely be driven by demand in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. While the proposed hiring numbers are higher than last year, platforms are exercising caution in onboarding the workers in view of last year’s sluggish demand.
Not just groceries: Blinkit, Zepto & others turn festive bazaars on your phone
Quick commerce platforms in India, including BigBasket, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, experienced a surge in sales during Raksha Bandhan and other festivals. These platforms, initially focused on grocery delivery, are expanding into electronics, apparel, and home furnishings, driven by changing consumer shopping patterns.
Banks, fintechs push FD-tied credit cards, slash limit to secure more users
Banks and fintechs in India are offering low-limit secured credit cards, backed by fixed deposits, to expand access to formal credit. With limits starting as low as Rs 90, these cards help users build credit scores safely, especially amid tighter lending norms and rising non-performing assets (NPAs) in unsecured credit.
ET Startup Awards 2025: Even Bengaluru traffic made way for the action unfolding
This time, as the jury of luminaries descended on the venue for deliberations for the 2025 edition of ET Startup Awards, even the infamous Bengaluru roads decided to make things a tad easier than usual.
GST 2.0 to unleash consumption, cushion India's economy from US tariff headwinds: India Inc
Industry leaders believe that GST rate rationalization will boost India's economic growth. They expect increased consumption and a cushion against global headwinds. The GST Council approved rate changes, effective September 22. Business leaders like Ashok Hinduja and Anand Mahindra support the reforms. FICCI and CII anticipate improved compliance and consumer benefits.
Online shoppers press pause button ahead of GST changes; festivities to boost sales: Analysts
Anticipation of upcoming GST reforms has led e-shoppers to delay purchases, particularly in electronics and appliances, expecting lower tax rates. Analysts say this temporary dip will reverse with festive demand. The proposed two-rate GST system is expected to boost affordability, spur consumption, and drive a strong rebound in e-commerce sales.
Govt to tap Amazon, Flipkart data directly in inflation revamp, roll out services index
India plans to revamp its inflation gauge. The nation will source price data from e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. This aims to reflect changing consumer habits. The government will also update the GDP series. A new Index of Services Production is also in the works. These changes will provide more accurate economic data.
Marriott and Flipkart launch dual loyalty integration programme
Marriott Bonvoy and Flipkart SuperCoins have launched a dual loyalty integration in India, allowing members to earn and exchange points between the two platforms. This collaboration connects Marriott's global rewards ecosystem with Flipkart's loyalty program, providing members with enhanced benefits and access to a wider range of rewards, from everyday shopping to hotel stays and travel experiences.
Bigg Boss 19 logs highest opening day video views on streaming, says JioStar
JioStar's Bigg Boss Season 19, hosted by Salman Khan, has premiered on JioHotstar. The show achieved record-breaking opening day viewership. It surpassed previous seasons in reach and watch time. Peak concurrency doubled compared to last year. The season features 11 sponsors across various categories. JioHotstar offers interactive features like live chats and polls.
FDs fuel plastic dreams; PhysicsWallah revises DRHP
Happy Monday! Banks and fintechs launch low-limit secured credit cards to grow users. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Google employee’s Bengaluru cab ride leaves her emotional: A small act of kindness sparks India vs US realisation on what we 'take for granted'
Google professional Kavleen Kaur Bakshi’s LinkedIn post about a Bengaluru cab driver’s simple act of lifting her heavy suitcases sparked a debate on culture, labour, and gratitude. After weeks in the US, where drivers offered no help beyond driving, she was struck by the contrast in India, where help came unasked and without expectation. Her reflection on Indians giving away labour easily prompted varied reactions online, highlighting differences in service, cost, and the value of appreciation.
ET Startup Awards 2025 | Urban Company brings it home, bags top honours
The 10-member jury, chaired by Amitabh Kant, India’s former G20 Sherpa, recognised Urban Company’s scale, category leadership and ability to create a trusted brand in one of India’s most unorganised and toughest sectors. Urban Company, founded by Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Varun Khaitan and Raghav Chandra in 2014, joins a list of eminent winners of the top prize, including Lenskart, Zomato, OfBusiness, Razorpay, Delhivery and Swiggy.
Zomato, Swiggy's GST woes; Amazon's $200-million Axio deal
With the overhaul of India's GST regime, food delivery companies Zomato and Swiggy stare at a new tax burden. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Urban Company IPO payday; Side effects of CBD wellness rush
Happy Thursday! Urban Company investors look at lucrative returns as the unicorn gets ready to list. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
He’s into Puma, she’s into Zara: Gender gap shows in Gen Z brand love
India's Gen Z prioritizes value, authenticity, and social impact when shopping, favoring homegrown labels and credible voices. The ET Snapchat Gen Z Index reveals a shift towards emerging brands, with 85% expressing pride in buying Indian. Nike, Adidas, and Puma lead in brand recall, while Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra dominate e-commerce.
Etailers prepare brands for business in GST 2.0 era
Flipkart and Amazon are in discussions with brands regarding the potential impact of the proposed GST reduction on demand. The ecommerce giants are concerned that consumers might delay purchases, especially of high-value items, anticipating lower prices. While festive sales will proceed as scheduled, platforms are preparing for a possible surge in demand later, urging brands to maintain sufficient inventory.
Online marketplaces prep brands for GST cut ahead of festive rush
Flipkart and Amazon are in discussions with brands regarding the proposed GST reduction, anticipating a potential dip in demand as consumers await price drops. Despite concerns about the impact on upcoming festive sales, both platforms plan to proceed as scheduled, advising brands to prepare for a surge in sales later in October.
Nine sponsors sign up for Bigg Boss Hindi Season 19
Bigg Boss Hindi returns for its 19th season on JioHotstar and Colors from August 24, with Salman Khan as host. The show has onboarded nine sponsors, including Vaseline, Flipkart, Appy Fizz, and Citroën. With the theme "Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar," housemates will wield decision-making power. Brands see the show as a prime platform for mass reach and cultural relevance.
Economic Times Startup Awards 2025: Jury to pick winners today
A distinguished jury, led by Amitabh Kant, will gather in Bengaluru to select winners for The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA) today. This 11th edition recognises entrepreneurial excellence amidst a global tech reset.
ET Startup Awards 2025: Nominees for Comeback Kid
This award celebrates failure and recognises those who have survived to tell the tale. It will be given to entrepreneurs who rebuilt or launched a more successful business.
PM Modi's Diwali sparkle faces tough test amid Trump’s tariff sting
PM Modi plans to lower consumption taxes for Diwali. This aims to counter potential tariff hikes from Donald Trump. Amazon and Flipkart's sales may suffer if buyers delay purchases. The auto industry wants faster tax cuts. States need clarity on revenue sharing. Investors are nervous about government bonds. Trump's tariffs could hurt Indian exporters. States may cut spending, impacting growth.
Festive fireworks ahead for ecommerce firms with season sales to rise 27%
Indian e-commerce marketplaces and online retailers anticipate a record-breaking festive season, projecting sales of Rs 1.2 lakh crore, a 27% increase from last year. Quick commerce is set to account for over Rs 14,000 crore of this estimate. This resurgence comes on the back of consumer sentiment in urban India turning positive after three years of slower growth.
Flipkart Minutes rides festive cheer; says bullish on quick-commerce uptick this season
Flipkart Minutes is optimistic about the festive season, buoyed by strong sales during recent celebrations and a 50% month-on-month growth. The quick-commerce platform, which has reached 50 million unique visitors in its first year, is doubling order volumes rapidly.
Amid shift to inventory model, Blinkit offers sellers waiver on fee for recall of unsold goods
This comes at a time when Blinkit is transitioning to an inventory-led model from a marketplace model, following its parent Eternal becoming an Indian-owned and controlled company (IOCC) in April. Rival Zepto has also been increasing its domestic shareholding.
The Economic Times Startup Awards 2025: Spotlighting disruption’s best as jury meets this week
Experience and excellence are common threads that bind the high-powered jury, captained by the redoubtable Amitabh Kant, that chooses awardees this week.
Exclusive: Former Google, Jio executive Sajith Sivanandan set to take charge as CEO of Tata Digital
Sivanandan, a former Google executive who led the tech giant’s payments and Next Billion Users initiatives in India and Asia-Pacific, will be mandated to sharpen the group’s play across ecommerce, quick commerce, and digital services, where it competes with entrenched players such as Amazon, Walmart-owned Flipkart, and Reliance.
Festive lift for etailers; Elevation’s late-stage push
Happy Friday! Online sales this festive season are expected to reverse three years of slowdown. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
ET Soonicorns Summit 2025: Meat isn’t built for 10-minute delivery, say Licious founders
At ET Soonicorns Summit 2025, Licious cofounders said quick commerce has reshaped demand but isn’t suited for perishable meat products. With 300 items and a two-day shelf life, Licious is using AI to scale 30-minute delivery sustainably. This comes amid rising competition in the quick commerce space.
Dream11 won’t fight RMG ban; Tata Digital’s next CEO
CEO Harsh Jain said Dream11 will not challenge the ban on real money gaming that wiped 95% of its revenue. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
The Golden Thumb Rule: Valuations Are Like Gravity—Timeless Investing Principles Still Hold: Ambit’s Nitin Bhasin
India’s market is being reshaped by AI, IPOs, and new-age businesses, yet Nitin Bhasin of Ambit Capital stresses that valuations remain the timeless anchor. He highlights risk appetite, management quality, and fundamentals as guiding principles for sustainable investing.
Navi plans to push ahead with credit on UPI: CEO Rajiv Naresh
Navi aims to leverage credit on UPI for growth in a saturated market. The company processes millions of UPI payments monthly. Navi wants to scale up its credit line on UPI, launched with Karnataka Bank. It also focuses on expanding its home loan business and direct-to-consumer insurance strategy. Navi plans to increase its assets under management through passive mutual funds.
Etailers intensify festive hiring; Indian GenAI’s talent crisis
Ecommerce companies are hiring more than they did in the past two years as the busy festive season shapes up. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
The ET Startup Awards 2025: elite jury to pick winners on August 28
Happy Tuesday! The ETtech team has been neck-deep preparing for the past few months to bring you the 11th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA). Today, we are unveiling the elite jury and nominees for two more categories — Woman Ahead and Social Enterprise.
The ET Startup Awards 2025: Nominees for ‘Startup of the Year’ are here
Happy Wednesday! We at ETtech have been hard at work to bring you the 11th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA).
RBI’s AI reset; ETSA ‘Startup of the Year’ nominees
The central bank’s new AI framework will send banks back to the drawing board. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
OpenAI says Namaste India; ET Startup Awards are back
OpenAI is hiring in India as it prepares to open an office in the national capital. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Crypto futures overtake spot deal; Eternal's tax woes
Indian crypto traders are shifting to futures trading for higher leverage and tax benefits. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Filling in the spaces: How this Pune firm is providing on-demand storage space for your luggage and cars
A largely unorganised market, the warehousing and storage industry in India had almost never operated in the peer-to-peer space—until Airattix came along.
Quick commerce platforms go all-in on festive discounts
A fierce price war is erupting in the quick-commerce sector as platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart offer substantial discounts, up to 70% on select items, to attract customers during the festive season. Newer rivals such as Flipkart Minutes and JioMart are also aggressively participating, leading to increased competition and higher discounts on daily essentials and festive-specific products.
Karnataka to consider extending Yellow Line to Attibele, says DK Shivakumar
The Karnataka government plans to extend the Namma Metro Yellow Line. It will go beyond Bommasandra towards Attibele. RV Associates will prepare a detailed project report. Many residents requested the extension. The extension will improve connectivity to Jigani and Attibele. A 90,000-seat stadium is planned near Attibele.
Eyeing leadership in quick commerce; won't hold back investments: Samir Kumar, Amazon India chief
Amazon aims to lead India's e-commerce and quick commerce sectors. The company plans significant investments to achieve scale in quick commerce. Amazon will focus on selection, value, and supply chain depth. Recent sales events show strong demand, especially from smaller towns. The company sees potential in reaching the next 200 million customers beyond top cities.
Blinkit offers parental controls, hides ‘sensitive items’ on app
Using a 6-digit PIN, parents can hide certain product categories, like sexual wellness and nicotine products, among others, from children. With this, Blinkit has become the first quick commerce app in India to introduce parental controls.
Kitchen appliances startup Beyond Appliances raises $4 million in a funding round led by Fireside Ventures
Beyond Appliances plans to expand its manufacturing capacity, strengthen research and development and invest in brand building, said cofounder and chief executive Eshwar K Vikas.
EY India appoints former Udaan executive Gaurav Bhalotia as CTO
EY India has appointed Gaurav Bhalotia as its new CTO to lead its innovation and technology strategy amid a push to scale AI, data, and digital transformation capabilities. With prior leadership roles at Udaan and Flipkart, Bhalotia brings over 20 years of experience. EY aims to build intelligent, scalable tech platforms to power its next phase of growth.
Reliance Jio, NSE IPOs coming soon? Sebi clears roadblock for mega multi-billion dollar listings
India's IPO market may witness mega listings soon, as SEBI considers easing norms for large companies. Reliance Jio and NSE could benefit from reduced public offer requirements, potentially easing market absorption concerns. The proposed changes also extend timelines for meeting minimum public shareholding, addressing potential share oversupply.
Welspun One acquires 107-acre in Bengaluru, to invest Rs 2,150 cr across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Welspun One Logistics Parks is significantly expanding its presence in South India with a Rs 2,150 crore investment in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The acquisition of two land parcels in Hoskote and Devanahalli will unlock over 6 million sq. ft. of development potential.
Heavy rains, flooding disrupt delivery businesses in Mumbai
Food delivery and quick commerce platforms had suspended operations for several hours in areas experiencing severe waterlogging. High-velocity winds and flooding have scared delivery partners, who are demanding an increase in the rain fee from Rs 20 to Rs 40.
Credit on UPI; Amazon rushes into quick commerce
Banks are finally looking to disburse loans via UPI, with initial trials in progress. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
ET Soonicorns Summit 2025: Karnataka Deputy CM to unveil report on soonicorns and minicorns across priority sectors
DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, is set to unveil the Economic Times Top Soonicorns and Minicorns of Karnataka 2025 report, based on data from January 1, 2020, to June 9, 2025, revealing 31 unicorns, 85 soonicorns, and emerging innovation clusters across five urban hubs.
Amazon opens up over 1.5 lakh temporary jobs in run-up to festival season
Included in these are direct and indirect job opportunities to meet the needs at the ecommerce giant’s fulfilment centres, sort centres, and last-mile delivery stations across the country.
Eight steps for exporters, especially MSMEs, to take to cope against Trump tariffs
India faces challenges from US tariffs and Chinese export curbs. To counter this, the article suggests strengthening India's industrial base. It also suggests reforming government procedures. Lowering import duties and supporting nascent tech sectors are important. Unleashing the corporate debt market and promoting prompt payments are crucial. Investing in technology and reducing reliance on rare earth magnets are also needed.
Flipkart Minutes adds gourmet range to attract buyers seeking premium products
Flipkart Minutes’ gourmet offerings are now live in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Going forward, it will be expanded to more cities. Interestingly, consumers in tier-2 markets are also showing a liking for these gourmet products.
Qcomm platforms boost promotions with curated offerings for Independence Day, Janmashtami
For Independence Day, rapid-delivery platforms are offering a range of tricolour-themed products, including decorative items, the Indian flag and apparel in the colours of the national flag. Similarly, for Janmashtami, companies have introduced offerings such as clothes for Krishna idols, peacock feathers, and other pooja-related products.
Companies shift to human and AI approach for customer service
Ecommerce platforms are increasingly using AI chatbots for customer service, but many customers prefer human interaction, especially for complex issues. Companies are now experimenting with generative AI and AI-savvy customer care executives to improve customer experience. Hiring is picking up again, focusing on digitally skilled agents who can work alongside AI tools to manage complex queries.
Ahead of festive season, Myntra introduces zero-commission model for women's ethnic wear brands
The initiative, a part of the Myntra Rising Stars programme, is available for brands that are currently selling through their own D2C platforms or social commerce channels. Under the initiative, brands will receive support from Myntra, including strategic account management, on a service-fee basis. They will also get onboarding support, quicker payment cycles and access to the M-Express delivery network, which allows brands to deliver orders in a day or two.
Realme P4 5G & P4 Pro 5G Launch in India: Price, specs, features & everything you need to know
Realme is set to launch its P4 series in India on August 20, 2025, featuring the P4 5G and P4 Pro 5G, both available on Flipkart and Realme's website. The P4 5G boasts a Dimensity 7400 Ultra processor and a 4,500-nit display, while the P4 Pro 5G features a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset and a brighter 6,500-nit curved display.
Cognizant raises staff pay; Wipro, Warburg eye Harman's biz
IT major Cognizant announced pay hikes for 80% of its staff. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Quick commerce platforms see festive sales rise for Raksha Bandhan
As the festival season kicks in, quick commerce players are stepping up their efforts to increase their business. While Blinkit, the market leader in this category, has started accepting international orders, Swiggy has seen a 3.5x surge in orders for rakhis compared to last year, and Flipkart Minutes noted an increase in demand for gift packs and hampers.
Blinkit founder Albinder Dhindsa leads Rs 419-crore Eternal Esop exercise
More than 30 Eternal executives converted options to more than Rs 1 crore of company shares. The Esop exercise comes as Eternal's stock hits a seven-month high, driven by Blinkit's impressive growth in the June quarter. The stock option exercise reflects confidence in the company's long-term prospects and aligns executive interests with shareholder value creation.
