Tag: Zomato

National

Blinkit, Zepto Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Amid Concerns Over Gig Worker Stress

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Quick commerce companies such as Blinkit and Zepto have voluntarily scrapped their 10-minute delivery promises after concerns were raised by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya regarding the growing pressure and stressful working conditions faced by gig workers.

According to reports, the move followed a meeting between government representatives and leading delivery platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy, where delivery timelines and worker welfare were discussed in detail. The discussions focused on the impact of ultra-fast delivery expectations on rider safety, mental stress, and overall work conditions.

The 10-minute delivery model, while popular among consumers, has long drawn criticism for pushing delivery partners to meet unrealistic timelines, often at the cost of safety and well-being. Labour authorities expressed concerns that such aggressive delivery targets could encourage risky behaviour on roads and increase physical and psychological strain on gig workers.

Following the deliberations, quick commerce firms reportedly agreed to reassess delivery commitments, opting for more flexible timelines that balance customer convenience with worker welfare. The decision marks a significant shift in how the gig economy platforms approach operational efficiency and social responsibility.

The development highlights the government’s growing engagement with the gig economy sector and reflects an effort to create a more sustainable ecosystem for delivery partners, who form the backbone of India’s rapidly expanding quick commerce industry

Business

Ragini Das: From Setback to Google Leadership – A Full-Circle Journey

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In a story that proves patience, perseverance, and purpose always pay off, Ragini Das, co-founder of Leap.club, has been appointed Head of Google for Startups, India.

What makes this journey particularly inspiring is that 12 years ago, Ragini didn’t clear Google’s final interview. Instead, she joined Zomato, where she learned and grew, eventually co-founding Leap.club, a women-focused professional network that empowered thousands of women to connect and excel in their careers.

After Leap.club paused operations in June 2025, Ragini took time off to rest, travel, and rediscover herself. Soon after, she discovered a role at Google perfectly aligned with her experience and passion for supporting founders. She describes it as a “full-circle moment”, the same company that once rejected her now welcoming her as a leader.

Ragini’s story is a reminder that rejection isn’t the end; it can be a redirection to something bigger. Her journey from setback to success underscores the power of resilience, learning, and staying true to one’s purpose.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Business

Zomato Founder Deepinder Goyal to Venture into Aviation with LAT Aerospace

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New Delhi, July 2025 — In a bold new leap, Deepinder Goyal, founder and CEO of food-tech giant Zomato, has announced his foray into the aviation industry with the launch of LAT Aerospace, a venture that signals his growing interest in India’s expanding mobility and infrastructure sectors.

Known for revolutionizing food delivery and restaurant discovery in India, Goyal now sets his sights on the skies—diversifying into a domain far removed from his digital roots but no less ambitious. LAT Aerospace is expected to focus on next-generation aviation technologies, with early indications pointing toward regional connectivity, air logistics, and aviation infrastructure innovation.

While detailed plans remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest that LAT Aerospace may target tier-2 and tier-3 city aviation solutions, a segment that aligns with India’s push for regional air mobility under the UDAN scheme. The venture is also rumored to be exploring unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tech-driven solutions for cargo transport and air navigation support.

A Visionary’s Next Frontier

Deepinder Goyal’s track record speaks volumes. Having built Zomato into a household name and taken it public in 2021, his strategic mindset and tech-first approach have consistently disrupted traditional industries. LAT Aerospace seems to be an extension of this mindset—tapping into an underserved, high-potential market with a fresh perspective.

“India’s aviation sector is at an inflection point,” Goyal reportedly shared in a closed-door investor interaction. “There’s a massive opportunity to improve connectivity, logistics, and safety through innovation and smart infrastructure. LAT Aerospace is our attempt to do just that.”

The move also reflects a growing trend of Indian tech entrepreneurs stepping into infrastructure-heavy sectors, leveraging digital expertise to solve problems in traditional industries—from mobility to energy.

LAT Aerospace: What We Know So Far

  • Founder: Deepinder Goyal
  • Industry Focus: Aviation, regional air mobility, aerospace tech
  • Stage: Early development
  • Headquarters: Likely to be based in Delhi-NCR or Bengaluru
  • Backers: Yet to be disclosed, though Goyal is expected to fund the initial phase personally

What This Means for India’s Startup Ecosystem

Goyal’s pivot into aerospace is emblematic of the second wave of Indian entrepreneurship—where unicorn founders are branching into deeper, more complex problems with national significance. LAT Aerospace joins a small but growing cohort of startups focused on aviation tech, drone logistics, and air infrastructure, including companies like Asteria, Garuda Aerospace, and IdeaForge.

As India aspires to become a global aviation hub, LAT Aerospace could emerge as a key player in building the backbone of that vision, especially if it brings Goyal’s hallmark traits—tech-enabled execution, user-centric design, and operational scalability—into the fold.

Human Interest

Chennai Leads the Way: India’s First AC Rest Stops for Delivery Partners Unveiled

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In a pioneering move that sets a national precedent, Chennai has opened India’s first air-conditioned rest stops exclusively for delivery partners. This much-needed initiative offers comfort, safety, and dignity to the gig workers who form the backbone of India’s booming on-demand economy.

The scorching heat and long hours on the road have long been a silent struggle for thousands of food and parcel delivery riders across India. Recognizing this challenge, the Greater Chennai Corporation, in collaboration with leading delivery platforms and NGOs, has set up air-conditioned rest hubs in key locations across the city.

These rest stops are thoughtfully designed to provide:

  • ❄️ Air-conditioned interiors to escape the heat
  • 🪑 Comfortable seating and resting areas
  • 💧 Drinking water and charging stations
  • 🚻 Clean washrooms
  • 📶 Free Wi-Fi access

This project is the result of public-private partnership, with several delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo, and Zepto reportedly participating in the planning and funding. NGOs working on labor rights have also contributed to ensuring the rest stops meet the needs of delivery workers.

The first set of rest stops has been strategically located near high-demand zones such as T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, and Guindy, making them easily accessible during delivery downtime.

Many delivery workers who have used the rest hubs are calling them a “lifesaver.”

“In this heat, it’s hard to keep going for 10–12 hours. A place to cool down and recharge—even for 15 minutes—makes a big difference,” says Karthik, a 27-year-old food delivery partner in Chennai.

This initiative is more than just infrastructure—it’s a statement of respect. It acknowledges the role delivery partners play in keeping modern cities moving. With Chennai taking the lead, other cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are already exploring similar projects

As India’s gig economy continues to grow, initiatives like these highlight the importance of worker welfare in urban planning. Air-conditioned rest stops for delivery partners may be a small change, but they reflect a big shift in how cities value and support their essential workforce.

Chennai’s message is clear: comfort and dignity should not be privileges, but basic rights—even on two wheels.

Human Interest

Rapido Enters Food Delivery Market with Disruptive Pricing Strategy

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Rapido, the ride-hailing platform, is set to challenge the established food delivery market by offering restaurant partnerships at commission rates nearly 50% lower than those charged by industry leaders Swiggy and Zomato .

This strategic move positions Rapido as a disruptive force in the sector, aiming to attract more restaurants by offering better margins. The significantly reduced commission charges could lead to increased competition and possibly lower costs for consumers while enabling restaurants to retain a larger share of their revenue.

Rapido’s entry is expected to intensify market dynamics and may prompt existing players to reevaluate their pricing and partnership strategies.