Government Halts 10-Minute Delivery Promise Following Worker Protests
The Indian government has instructed food delivery platforms to abandon their 10-minute delivery guarantees. This decision comes after widespread protests by gig workers who highlighted unsafe working conditions and excessive stress.
Blinkit has already removed the 10-minute promise from its branding following discussions with Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Swiggy is also taking steps to eliminate the timeline according to industry sources.
The Human Cost of Quick Commerce
A recent investigation reveals the harsh reality behind India's convenience economy. One journalist worked as a delivery person for Zomato, Blinkit and Swinkgy for a day. He completed 23 deliveries and earned just Rs 782.
The experience exposed punishing work hours for precarious earnings. Delivery workers face constant pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines while navigating chaotic city traffic.
Mumbai Prepares for Crucial BMC Elections
Mumbai votes tomorrow in elections for Asia's richest municipal corporation. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation manages a massive budget of approximately Rs 75,000 crore.
Despite this financial power, the Mithi river flowing through Mumbai remains severely polluted. An Indian Express investigation using RTI data shows alarming contamination levels.
Pollution Crisis in Mumbai's Lifeline
Faecal coliform levels in the Mithi river measure 127 times above permissible limits. This indicates severe sewage contamination. Over Rs 6,300 crore allocated for river rejuvenation remains unspent.
Successive governments have failed to address this environmental crisis. The pollution underscores accountability issues within the civic administration.
Complex Voting System for Maharashtra Cities
Voters in 28 cities including Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune face a unique challenge. They must cast three or four separate votes in one polling booth visit.
This multi-corporator system aims to ensure adequate representation. However, it complicates the voting process for ordinary citizens.
India-Germany Relations Signal New Strategic Geography
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent India visit has strengthened bilateral ties. Both nations are navigating changing global realities according to analyst C Raja Mohan.
Europe is reconsidering dependencies on Russian oil and Chinese supply chains. India faces American tariffs and disrupted trade patterns. This convergence could create what Mohan terms "the Indo-Europe" - a fresh strategic geography.
Limited Impact Expected from Iran Sanctions
US President Donald Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran. This move primarily targets China, Iran's largest trading partner.
For India, experts predict minimal impact due to low trade volumes. India's economic engagement with Iran remains limited despite historical ties.
Electoral Roll Scrutiny in West Bengal
The Election Commission is sending notices to voters in West Bengal during special revision of electoral rolls. Notices go to individuals listing the same parent as six other people.
These notices flag "suspicion of possible wrong connections" and require hearings. A Trinamool Congress minister has accused authorities of harassing voters through this process.
Elephant Rampage Claims Lives on State Border
A bull elephant has killed approximately 20 people including four children on the Jharkhand-Odisha border. The tribal-dominated area has experienced man-animal conflicts before.
However, recent killings display unprecedented brutality according to local reports. Many residents have fled their homes while others have built protective machans.
Authorities have launched a massive hunt for the aggressive elephant. Locating the animal has proven difficult in the dense forest terrain.
Railways Discontinue Bandhgala Uniform
Indian Railways has removed the bandhgala from official uniforms, calling it a "colonial relic." This decision overlooks the garment's rich Indian heritage.
The bandhgala originated from Mughal ceremonial codes and Rajput warrior aesthetics. It represents one of India's earliest fashion statements to gain global recognition.
Marwari tailoring traditions refined the garment over centuries. Its removal from railway uniforms severs a connection to India's sartorial history.
